The remote that comes with the HW-C700, has non-glow and non-backlit keys. It's a basic remote and if you can see what you're doing it will serve you well. In the dark, however, it's difficult to navigate since 70% of the keys are identical in size and shape. The topmost section is dedicated to a keypad, the middle is comprised of VCR-like controls – rewind, play, etc. Also, volume and channel controls. The bottom section is mostly dedicated to direct inputs (yeah!), navigation and setup functions It's simple but effective. And, Samsung has made it possible to control all pertinent remote functions (TV, DVD, BluRay, etc) except for gaming controls like those found on PS3's and Xbox 360's.

HD Audio

The HW-C700 supports Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and dts-HD formats via HDMI. There is also, as we mentioned, a set of dedicated 7.1 analogue inputs for legacy DVD-Audio and SACD players. These days, however, if you're even moderately updated you should be able to grab most of what you need over HDMI audio.

The Testing System

We placed this receiver into a room which uses the Pioneer Elite LX-70 Speaker system. These Signature Series speakers are extremely detailed and transparent and my listening has never been more enjoyable. As it is configured now, the system contains three LX-70 speakers across the front for Left Right and Center. This is accompanied by a an Elite LX-70 self-powered subwoofer. This capped by a vintage pair JBL T100 reference speakers for surround. Video is shown through a Sony Bravia HD 1080p flat screen television which is mounted atop a Bell'O Chic European Deep Brown Finish Wood Audio/Video Cabinet.

Listening Tests

HD Cable: The Fantastic Mr. Fox
When I initially became aware of this film, I saw the names voicing the characters, and was intrigued and then lost interest when I saw the rough claymation type of animation. Then, my oldest daughter insisted I watch it, so for the sake of household bliss, I caved… and boy, am I glad I did. Of course, all of the HD signal is being and handled and routed by the Samsung into my Sony Bravia and it did a fine job of it, after the delay. There’s a slight delay whenever a new HD source is sent out of the Samsung and into the TV, but there is no apparent degradation in the quality of the picture. The audio is being fed intravenously by the HDMI cable, so there is no discernible loss in signal quality on the audio end either. So, one of the great advantages that animated projects have over their live action counterparts is the controlled nature of their audio. Unlike being held to the confines and restrictions of a location or even to a lesser degree, the ambient noises of a soundstage, an animated film’s audio (dialogue, footfalls, etc.) is recorded in the most controlled environments, so you’re typically going to get crisp and accurate sound and this movie is an excellent example of this.  The Samsung HW-C700 handled routing the surround signal masterfully. We definitely heard imaging of things like the motorcycle that the title character drives – it sounded like it was in my lap. Clooney’s grizzled voice had the fine texture of a car tire coming to a stop on a gravel driveway. The HW-C700 really handled this movie well.

Blu-ray: Terminator Salvation
I went into this film expecting a blow ‘em up type of movie and it did not disappoint. Terminator Salvation is an attempt to reboot the famous sci-fi franchise and I would say that they did enough to warrant extending the series…that is, if Bale can eventually overcome the negative stigma of going crazy on the DP. But I digress… The picture quality looked as perfect as a Blu-ray is supposed to look, so thankfully, the HW-C700 doesn’t leave any pixels behind. On to the audio! The audio signal was sent through the amplifier via HDMI cable, so the connection for the signal is excellent (honestly, this simply isn't the type of system we're going to go out of our way to explore the analogue audio quality on).  This really is a perfect movie to test the system with because of machine gun fire, multiple explosions and general robot shenanigans. There are numerous scenes that could serve as the litmus test, but I chose one scene in particular that happens at night. There are attacking terminator water snakes. Helicopters are swooping in, there is tons of automatic gun fire and of course, specialized terminator “sounds”. The HW-C700 made this scene feel like it was happening right in front of me. The most impressive part of it all was the placement of each ricocheting bullet – an after performing the ASC to get the system set up, this came off  with near-perfection. The only downside is a bit of lack of control on the top end and lower mid-bass, letting you know that it isn’t exactly a high-end amp, but hey, it never claims to be. It still produces a fair bit of imaging for an entry level receiver and a sound that was impressive for our smaller room.   

Conclusions and Overall Perceptions

I really like the design and layout of this receiver. Although, it isn’t very user friendly and it makes you go through your paces to figure it all out, once you have gone through “The Quickening” you’ll have more functions than you know what to do with. The HW-C700 has a nice amount of frills for an entry level receiver, and it will have most, if not all, of the features anyone will likely need in a typical one-room setting. The notable exception is video upconversion, but that's just going to cost you a bit more. If you are in need of elite, high end sound and tons of video processing, then this isn’t the product for you, but for those looking for an elegant, all encompassing product to satisfy all of your AV/home theater needs, you'll be hard-pressed to match this kind of value and flexibility for your hard-earned money.

Samsung HW-C700
MSRP $399

Samsung America
Samsung America, Inc.
http://www.samsung.com/us/