Featured Home Theater in-a-Box Reviews

Prices for home theater systems have absolutely plummeted over the past decade. The Onkyo HT-S5200 7.1-channel system is just one example of affordable surround sound. This home-theater-in-a-box includes a full A/V receiver and complete 7.1 speaker package. While clearly marketed as an entry level package, the price of the HT-S5200 makes it a compelling buy for those looking to move their way into the surround sound experience. The package includes the dedicated A/V receiver, a 10-inch powered subwoofer, Front speakers, a Center channel, and two pairs of smaller Surround and Surround Back speakers. It's a highly upgradable system, though there are some things you'll want to watch out for, and we indicate those below.

The prices for surround sound have absolutely plummeted over the past decade. If we were proving this in a court of law, Exhibit A would have to be the Onkyo HT-S3200 5.1-channel system which includes a full A/V receiver and full suite of 5.1 speakers. The only thing entry level about this receiver is its price. The receiver features three HDMI pass-through inputs for high-definition video up to 1080p. This is a super-convenient solution that allows you to connect all of your HD video sources into the receiver for simplified switching. Since the HDMI inputs are pass-through, this means they do not retrieve the audio from the HDMI signal. With no analogue inputs, that means you'll be limited to Dolby Digital and DTS audio signals for Blu-ray discs. This also means that you'll need to run separate audio cables into the HT-R370 to get surround sound.

What if you could get a 5.1 system so easy to setup and use that your parents could do it? We’ve all heard those promises before but Yamaha has delivered in the demo of their new YMC-700 and YMC-500 NeoHD Media Controllers today at CEDIA. Gone are the numerous bulky remotes all of which are replaced by a singular simplified remote that upon first glance doesn’t look like it could do much more than basic multi zone support. Looks can be deceiving especially in this case. After seeing the demo of this system, I couldn't help but feel a bit remorseful that I fixed my parents up with a conventional 5.1 surround system that they could barely operate. If you're looking for operational simplicity, in a compact affordable form factor, keep Yamaha Neo HD on your short list.

Onkyo has really been establishing themselves as a market leader when it comes to features and price. The Onkyo HT-S7200 retails for just under $900 and the HT-S6200 for just under $800. The best part, in our opinion, is that they have a full fledged receiver at the heart of them. The HT-S7200 in particular is nice because of the dual subwoofer outputs and integral upconversion and scaling. While 7.1 systems and HDMI inputs aren't exactly new, many of Onkyo's competition don't have Dolby ProLogic IIz in their high end receivers. Onkyo is offering it in their newest entry level home theater-in-a-box systems!

Yamaha showed off the DVX-700 DVD home theater system which features an integrated DVD player, two front speakers and 6-1/2" subwoofer in an elegant design. It looks remarkably like a Bose Lifestyle system - right down to the low-profile head unit, ported subwoofer and cube-shaped satellite speakers. The DVX-700 utilizes Yamaha’s exclusive Air Surround Xtreme technology to deliver a surround sound performance without requiring multiple speakers to be installed throughout the room. This is the same DSP utilized in their lower-priced (non-YSP) sound bars.

Joining the Sharp suite of AQUOS-brand products, including the LCD TVs, and most recently, Blu-ray players, the new AQUOS BD-MPC40 and BD-MPC30 include the main unit, housing a Blu-ray player and amplifier, as well as five speakers and a subwoofer. A high-gloss piano-black finish on the main unit matches the styling of AQUOS TVs, accompanied by black wooden cabinet speakers with the BD-MPC40, and black synthetic finish speakers with BD-MPC30.

Samsung Electronics is making high-definition video more accessible than ever to consumers with its HT-X810 Home Theater Sound Bar. Now usually we look down our noses at surround bars but with an integrated upconverting DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity AND a wireless sub, we couldn't help but be intrigued.

Want to talk about quality Home Theater in a Box? Let's talk about B&W's new Liberty system, a new integrated 5.1 system featuring wireless, cable-free speakers. The Liberty range comprises four speaker models and one combined digital radio and disc player with a wireless transmitter.

First time home theater users may appreciate the simplicity provided by a Home Theater in a Box, and the Samsung HT-TX72T is a great starting point. With a low profile 5 disc changer, included speakers, and excellent remote control, this system is a breeze to install and configure. Since the Samsung HT-TX72 can typically be found on sale, it's a good value for a system with this many features. For well under $400 this system seems like a good match for those looking to "accessorize" their new flat panel television with a fully-featured surround audio setup.