In the CR test labs: New HTIB systems
With their relatively simple set-up and all-inclusive designs, home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) systems have a lot to recommend them. Many now include integrated Blu-ray drives, although systems with standard DVD players remain popular. Most HTIBs are now either 5.1- or 7.1-channel systems that come with either five or seven sonically matched speakers, plus a powered subwoofer. As an added convenience, some models include—or have an option for adding—wireless rear speakers, and many have iPod docks that let you play songs or videos through your entertainment system.
Prices for these systems can vary wildly, from very basic DVD units that start under $100, to powerful 7.1-channel Blu-ray models with lots of bells and whistles and prices that can hit $800 or more. Another option: systems that don’t include a disc drive, but which have all the connections needed for you to use a current DVD player now, then add a Blu-ray player at a later date. All DVD models in our tests play DVDs and CDs, and all models with Blu-ray players can play Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and CDs.
We’re now in the midst of testing more than a dozen new models, including some with Blu-ray drives, some with DVD drives, and several that don’t have any disc player at all. Here’s a list of the HTIB systems currently being tested in our labs:
Blu-ray models
LG LHB953: A 5.1-channel BD-Live Blu-ray system with LG’s NetCast Internet service for access to streaming Netflix instant movies and Pandora’s Internet radio service. It can decode Dolby TrueHD lossless audio, and has an iPod dock.
LG LHB977: Like its sibling, this pricier 5.1-channel HTIB system has an integrated BD-Live Blu-ray player and LG’s NetCast service for access to streaming Netflix instant movies and Pandora Internet radio, plus Dolby TrueHD decoding and an iPod dock. However, it includes stylized, full-size left and right front speakers rather than the smaller satellites found on its brandmate.
Panasonic SC-BT200: A 7.1-channel Blu-ray system with a BD-Live Blu-ray player, integrated universal iPod dock, wireless-ready rear speakers, and access to Panasonic’s Viera Cast Internet service.
Panasonic SC-BT300: Similar to the BT200, above, but with a bit more power, this is a 7.1-channel BD-Live Blu-ray system with an integrated iPod dock, wireless-ready rear speakers, and access to the Viera Cast Internet service.
Samsung HT-BD1250: A 5.1-channel system with an integrated BD-Live Blu-ray player. Has access to streaming Netflix instant movies and Pandora’s Internet radio service. This model is Wi-Fi-ready to wirelessly connect to a home network, and comes with wireless rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer.
Samsung HT-BD7200: Designed for those with space constraints, this sleek-looking 2.1-channel system has an integrated BD-Live Blu-ray player, plus access to streaming Netflix instant movies and Pandora’s Internet radio service. It also has an integrated iPod dock. It’s Wi-Fi-ready, so it can use an optional Wi-Fi adapter for wireless connection to a home network.
DVD models
Coby DVD938: An inexpensive 5.1-channel system with an integrated DVD/CD player. It can play digital media files from a USB flash drive or SD/MMC card, and two mic inputs let you get your karaoke groove on.
JVC TH-G41: A 5.1-channel system with an integrated DVD/CD player. Comes with an iPod dock, and one HDMI input and one HDMI output.
Panasonic SC-PT770: A 5.1-channel system with an integrated DVD/CD player. The system includes a wireless kit for the rear speakers (something that’s an option on the cheaper SC-PT670 system) and an integrated iPod dock.
RCA RTD615i: An inexpensive 5.1-channel system with an integrated DVD/CD player and iPod dock.
Sony DAV-HDX587WC: A 5.1-channel system with a five-disc DVD/CD changer. Includes Sony’s S-AIR system for wirelessly sending music to another room, plus an iPod dock.
Models with no disc player
Onkyo HT-S5200: A 5.1-channel system with an iPod dock, Audyssey’s auto-calibration system, and four HDMI inputs, plus an HDMI cable. It’s also “Sirius-ready,” so it can receive satellite radio broadcasts if used with an optional Sirius tuner.
Samsung HT-AS730ST: A 5.1-channel system with three HDMI inputs for adding a Blu-ray or DVD player, an integrated iPod dock with iPhone support, and an auto-calibration system.
Sony HT-SS360: A 5.1-channel system with three HDMI inputs for connecting a Blu-ray or DVD player, but no analog video connections (so, for example, you couldn’t connect a Nintendo Wii game console, or an older DVD player without HDMI). It comes with an auto-calibration system and a microphone for set-up.
Yamaha YHT-391: An entry-level 5.1-channel HTIB system with four preset “scene” modes (for watching DVDs, listening to CDs, watching TV, or listening to the radio). It’s “iPod ready,” so it will work with an optional Yamaha iPod dock.
Yamaha YHT-591: Really designed for use with a Blu-ray player, this 5.1-channel system has four HDMI inputs, plus internal decoding of both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master lossless audio formats. It’s both Bluetooth- and iPod-ready, so it will work with the former when using an optional receiver, and the latter when paired with an optional Yamaha iPod dock.
Keep checking our blog for word on when the latest HTIB Ratings (available to subscribers) have been posted. —James K. Willcox