htib
Latest
Hands-on with the Philips Ambisound HTS6100
We got a chance to tackle and photograph the new bar of 5.1 sound that Philips is delivering, and while we can't attest to great sound quality (it wasn't on), we can say that it's got a unified design that is pretty sweet, and the integrated DVD player coupled with a slew of ports will probably please even the most discerning home theater fan -- though this clearly isn't aimed at the high-end folks. Check the gallery and experience the long-view sound system yourself.%Gallery-12784%
Samsung goes wild with bevy of new HTIB systems
It was but a few days ago that Harman Kardon brought a trio of new Home Theater in a Box systems to the table, but Samsung's out to make that offering look like child's play. There's a lot to digest in this one, so we'll wait no more -- first off, let's pore over the April-bound HT-X810 ($699): 2.1-channel self-contained home theater speaker system Wall-mountable home theater sound bar with piano black design Integrated progressive-scan, 1080p upconverting DVD player 280-watt, 2.1-channel simulated surround sound with wireless subwoofer HDMI-CEC USB 2.0 port for connecting cameras, PMPs, etc. Bluetooth 2.1 for wireless integration with BT-enabled devices Trust us, you haven't even seen the half of this one. Click on through for lots, lots more.
Harman Kardon intros CP 65, CP 60 and CP 55 HTIB systems
Got a hankering for a new home theater system? Too pressed to go out and piece together one yourself? Harman Kardon feels your pain, and it's offering up a trio of new HTIB systems to make things easier for you. Up first in the new CP series is the CP 55, which includes an AVR 146 receiver and the DVD 38 DVD-Audio / Video player, which includes 1080i upscaling. Moving on, we see the CP 60, which bundles the AVR 247 with the 1080p upconverting DVD 48 universal DVD player. Lastly, the CP 65 utilizes the same DCDi-enhanced player as the CP 60 but throws in the AVR 347 receiver. Catch the trifecta right now for $1,199, $1,399 and $1,899, respectively.
LG & Mark Levinson launching two home theater systems at CES
We didn't have to wait long to hear more about Mark Levinson's partnership with LG, resulting in two new home theater systems to launch at CES 2008. No longer limited to audiophiles searching eBay auctions for discontinued equipment, the AP3133 and LHT888 promise a high end AV experience at "astonishing" -- albeit TBA -- prices. The AP3133 HTIB puts LG's Super Blu BH200 dual-format player at the heart of a 7.1-channel system with 150 watts x 7 ICEpower output, multi-input HDMI switching, Burr-Brown PCM and Audessey Auto Room Multi EQ adjustment. The LHT888 fulfills our needs for a champagne-glass styled HT system, with each speaker in a tapered, integrated pedestal, to math the 1080p upscaling, DivX / MP3 / JPEG / DVD playing 700W 5.1-channel receiver. Prices (and pics) are due at LG's press conference January 6th.
KEF unveils new Instant Theater systems
Like most companies rooted in hi-fi, KEF still has its high end speakers. But it's aiming for more mass market appeal with the Instant Theater series. There are eight HTIB systems in the lineup, so something in there is sure to cover your needs. All of the models use KEF's Uni-Q coaxial drivers, a powered subwoofer and a (naturally) matching HDMI-equipped DVD/CD player. HTIB doesn't always mean cheap, though; these setups range from £1,200 - £2,500 ($2,500 - $5,000). On the low end, you've got the NXT-equipped, 2.1 channel "virtual surround" kit120 (pictured), and there's a continuous rollout of features moving up the range to the 5.1-speaker kit550. And if speaker cable isn't your thing, look for the upcoming kit 570w and kit580w, featuring wireless rear channels (prices unannounced). [Thanks, sk]
Onkyo intros the HT-SP908 and HT-SP904 do-it-all home theater systems
Have you ever been sitting at home at night, looking at your 19-inch CRT television and listening to your Victrola phonograph and thought, "Shazam! This setup stinks!"? Well, perhaps you're in dire need of an introduction to Onkyo's HT-SP908, a home theater in a box which does everything... and we mean everything. The progressive-scannin', multi-format-playin', 7.1 system offers 90-watts per channel, an iPod dock, XM and SIRIUS radio compatibility, 720p / 1080i / 1080p upscaling, 1080i and 1080p HDMI in / out, component in / out, optical and coaxial audio in / out, plus playback of DVD Video, Video CS, CD, CD-R/RW, DVD+/-R/RW, MP3, WMA, WMV, MPEG 4-AAC, DivX, and JPEG formats. If that's not enough, it also makes lunch, breaks up with annoying girlfriends, and organizes your t-shirts by color. The HT-SP908 is available now for $1099, a slimmed-down, 5.1 version called the HT-SP904 is also currently on shelves for $899.Read -- HT-SP908Read -- HT-SP904
LG unveils HT972TR HTIB, favors Chocolate
If you thought LG had milked the Chocolate for all it was worth, you've got another thing comin'. That thing would be the HT972TR HTIB, which includes five satellite speakers, a 225-watt subwoofer, 1,000 total watts of amplification and a DVD player that handles 1080p upscaling as well as DivX. Moreover, the system boasts HDMI, DTS support, an AM / FM tuner and a USB port for loading up portable media. Not a lot of details beyond that just yet, but do yourself a favor and check out two more delicious shots waiting after the jump. [Via Electronista, images courtesy of Le Journal du Geek]
Denon offers up Smart S-302 / S-102 systems
Denon has loosed a pair of new semi-HTIBs on the world, with the compact (and admittedly stylish) 2.1 systems catching most of our attention. These additions to the S-series both tout DVD playback (sorry, no Blu-ray action here) and 1080p upscaling via HDMI, but the higher-end S-302 adds WiFi for streaming audio and a slightly more powerful amplifier. Reportedly, the DVD player within is the same drive found in the firm's DVD-2930 player, and while both units reserve 100-watts for the subwoofer, the S-102 pushes 35-watts to its satellites while the S-302 cranks out 50. Both sets are scheduled to land soon for $1,699 (S-302) and $999 (S-102).[Via Pocket-Lint]
Panasonic unveils upscaling SC-PTX5 home cinema system
Regrettably, Panasonic's SC-PTX5 won't play either high-definition disc format, but for those still basking in the glory of plain ole DVD, it's not a half bad setup. The system consists of an upscaling DVD player that takes your DVDs to 1080p over HDMI as well as a 2.1 sound system with 140-watts of total power. The DVD player also plays nice with WMA, MP3, JPEG, MPEG4, and DivX files, touts a built-in DTS decoder and VIERA Link, and boasts a slew of ports including component, optical digital audio in / out, optional iPod connectivity, and a USB socket to boot. Per usual, there's no official deets on pricing, availability, or whether we Americans will ever see this package make its way to our side of the drink, but word on the street has it at €649.99 ($888).[Via Pocket-Lint]
Sony unveils Blu-ray equipped HTP-BD2RSF HTIB system
It was only a matter of time until Blu-ray hit the home theater in a box systems. Sony is taking their HT-SF2000 HTIB, adding the BDP-S300, and throwing in the BD Spider-Man trilogy for kicks. The system is built for HDMI, as the receiver has three inputs and one out, so besides speaker wire, users aren't going to have many cables to deal with. Plus, all that HDMI allows for auto-setup, in Sony's parlance: Digital Cinema Auto Calibration. HTIB systems have never been known for their sound quality and something tells us this 1000W system is going to be exactly top-notch, but that said, if priced right, it could be a great option for some with limited budget and a need for Blu-ray. The HTP-BD2RSF is currently announce for the European market only at an unknown sum, but something tells us that Sony is going to drop sometime very similar at CEDIA next week.
The ITC One, a high-end HTIB
The ITC One from SE2 Labs is more of a "Frankenbox" than a typical "home theater in a box". This monster will literally crush most home theater in a box solutions, weighing in at 18 x 21 x 19-inches, more than 100 pounds. SE2 has taken the guts out of high end separate components, thrown out the redundant bits, consolidated the good parts into a single thermally designed chassis, and integrated it all with a single AMX control interface. When you get yours home, you've only got one set of connections and one remote to wrestle with. What do we mean by "high end"? We mean a Vidikron scaler, Bryston surround sound processing, ICEPower amplification, a choice of HD PVR solutions (currently DirecTV, Dish and Comcast), a XBox360+HD DVD, and other home theater automation parts as options. You'll know where your $20,000 went!
Epson's high-end HTIB: the Ensemble Home Cinema System
Home cinema newbies can collectively rejoice, as even Epson has stepped up to the plate and is offering a high-end HTIB of its own. The Ensemble Home Cinema System provides "everything" (even patience?) you need to turn your den into a theater worth being proud of, and includes your choice of a 1080p or 720p Epson projector, 100-inch motorized screen, a 5.1 Atlantic Technology surround system, ten-inch subwoofer with built-in amplifier, AV controller with twin HDMI inputs and an upconverting DVD player, and a pre-programmed universal remote that takes the fun frustration out of establishing a one-button setup. Interestingly, Epson claims that the entire installation can be completed in a mere four hours, so if you're inches away from tearing your hair (or walls) out, simmer down and hand over your $4,999 (720p) to $6,999 (1080p) to handle HT the easy way.[Via AkihabaraNews]
JVC's latest HTIB, the TH-L1, is HD ready
Since the whole world is going HD crazy, it only makes sense for typical home theater gear to follow suit. JVC's latest home theater in a box (HTIB), the TH-L1, will definitely make it easier for those who just bought an HDTV, then realize it's hard to enjoy 5.1 audio without a surround sound system. What sets the TH-L1 apart from your typical HTIB is that it has both component and HDMI switching (1080p capable, but not HDMI 1.3) as well as an iPod interface. The system also includes five speakers, a subwoofer, DTS and Dolby Digital decoding, and an array of inputs on the front and back, all for $299. Simply add an HDTV and Hi-Def disc player and enjoy.
JVC's Sophisti DD-3 networked home theater system
We'll forgive JVC for giving its latest home theater system a name that could only have come from a Saturday Night Live spoof commercial, because in a product category that has become boring and predictable, the Sophisti DD-3 (not to be confused with the DD-1 or DD-8) offers up some refreshing and much appreciated features. Most significantly, the 220-watt DD-3 sports an Ethernet jack for streaming content from a single PC, or if you hook up a wired or wireless router, multiple machines throughout the house. You're also getting simulated surround from the 3.1 setup (two fronts, a center, and a sub), as well as an HDMI port and USB host compatibility on the media player for hooking up cameras, MP3 players, and even card readers. Available now, this "sophisticated" bit of tech will set you back an even thousand bucks -- just cheap enough to make this a little more convenient than cobbling together your own system with the same functionality, but not much.
Sony bumps out seven new home theater-in-a-box setups
Moderation was always overrated anyways. Sony just slapped a BRAVIA sticker on three new home theater-in-a-box models, and threw four more HD-friendly systems into the mix just for kicks. The DAV-HDX500, DAV-HDX267W and DAV-HDX265 BRAVIA Theater units bring a DVD changer, HDMI outputs and 720p/1080i video upscaling. There's also HDMI-based TV control, Sony's Digital Media Port for adding on various audio accessories. The HDX500 brings along XM Connect and Play, along with height adjustable floor standing speakers, while the HDX267W includes wireless rear speakers. The HDX500 and HDX265 will be out in March for $500 and $300, respectively, while the HDX267W will hit in April for $300. Sony's HT-7100DH, HT-DDW990 and HT-DDW790 are a bit less exciting, and lack HD upscaling, but the inclusion of five satellite speakers and an 8-inch subwoofer in each box should make these a convenient choice for the average consumer. The HT-7100DH and HT-DDW990 pack 900 watts of power, along with dual HDMI and the usual suspects. The 7100DH also includes a 5-disc DVD changer and XM Connect and Play readiness. It'll be out in March for $500, while the HT-DDW790 will debut in March as well for $200. The HT-DDW990 should show up in May for $300. Finally, Sony's new RHT-G800 (pictured) does it all, with a whole entire system inside a TV stand -- naturally designed to prop up one of those spendy new BRAVIA LCDs. The $1000 unit takes dual 1080p-ready HDMI inputs, sports a single output, can do full HD from source to display, six channels of uncompressed audio and just about everything else you'd need to get a HD friendly home theater up and running. You can grab one in May.
Samsung announces US launch of HT-TXQ120 and HT-TX250 HTIB's
At CES next week Samsung will be showing off two Home Theater In A Box systems, one of which is new. The first is the US launch of the HT-TXQ120, which features a 1000 Watt 5.1 "Tallboy" speaker system and progressive scan DVD player, and the second previously unseen system being a lower spec HT-TX250 5.1, 600 Watt, slot-in DVD home theater system. As well as hitting that 1k Watt psychological sweet spot, the HT-TXQ120 features 9.1 Virtual surround sound (we expect this to be very much "virtual"), HDMI in/out with 1080i upscaling, USB 2.0 Host Play for playing DivX, MP3, WMA, and JPG files without a PC, and Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, and DTS Audio decoding. The system is also Wireless-capable for simple cable-free installation. The HT-TX250 system is similar to its bigger brother in terms of features as it shares the USB Host Play, Wireless speakers, and audio decoding capabilities of the HT-TXQ120. The main difference here is the lower 600 Watt power rating, HDMI output only, vertical slot loading DVD player, and an apparently "innovative" LED-based user interface. We're told to expect the HT-TXQ120 to hit US shores in March and the HT-TX250 in April, although as of yet Samsung hasn't decided on a price for either system.
Sony's max convenience DAV-LF1H home theater setup
Sony's new flagship home theater in a box, the DAV-LF1H, features an array of technology designed specifically to help you keep your mind off setting up that damn set of speakers you just bought. With HTIBs it's all about convenience, an area in which the LF1H excels: optional wireless rear speakers, an automatic speaker setup program (including built-in microphones to assist with proper placement), and a compact design all contribute to making the system as easy to setup as possible. The LF1H is no slacker in the power department either, with the five speakers rated at 100 Watts and a 280 Watt subwoofer bringing the total output to 780 Watts. The audiophiles amongst us will tell us off for even referring to such a poor measure of sound quality, but lets be honest, the appeal of out-of-the-box sound systems isn't really their sound quality. On the video side of things, the top-loading, DVD / CD / SACD player at the center of the setup is packing future-proof HDMI, and is capable of upconverting regular DVDs to 720p or 1080i. The only downside? The $2000 pricetag, which will certainly evoke the old "separates vs. HTIB / quality vs. convenience" argument once it hits Japanese shores on October 10.
Pioneer's "Smart theater" 707 and 555 5.1 packages with wireless rears
Pioneer announced four new home theater packages for the Japanese market today, but the only two that interest us -- the HTZ-555DV and HTP-S707 -- are the ones with wireless rear speakers. Both "Smart theater" setups, as they are known, support Dolby Digital, Dolby ProLogic II, and DTS, and both also feature the Multi Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCAC) system for automatic audio adjustment. The only major differences between the two packages seem to be the tower speakers on the S707 (pictured above) and the DVD player that's included with the 555DV (pictured after the break), which can handle MP3, WMA, AAC, MPEG-4, and JPEG files plus USB flash drives, along with the obligatory DVDs. Both models are expected to hit stores in late May, but only the price for the S707, 89,524 pre-tax yen, is known.[Via Akihabara News]
