Samsung HT-BD3252 Home Theater System with Blu-ray

Home theaters in a box (HTiBs) are often the first entry a person has into the world of home theater. The allure of the one purchase solution with all the wires and speakers and components you need is just too enticing for some people to pass up. Of course, while the box might promise a setup as easy as 1-2-3, it often neglects to mention that you'll need extra HDMI cables or that your legacy CRT won't work with their DVD/receiver combo device. This is definitely the case here.

Samsung has done what we all knew would be coming, they've added a Blu-ray player to their lineup of HTiBs with the addition of the HT-BD3252. While this is not the first package from the electronics giant with a Blu-ray player, it is the first that includes wireless connectivity and "wireless" rear speakers. Unlike the other Blu-ray offering from Samsung, the BD1250, the BD3252 sports floorstanding speakers for the mains. The rest of the speakers look to be identical to the BD1250 offering. The drivers are constructed from Bio Kelp (we had to read that twice to make sure we weren't hallucinating it) which, according to Samsung, will allow "consumers to enjoy improved audio detail and dynamics." While we are not sure the difference between regular kelp and bio kelp, we're reminded that Bruce Lee advised us to be "like the nature of water." So perhaps Samsung is on to something here.

The Blu-ray capabilities are complete with BD-Live functionality either through a wired Ethernet connection or through the wireless USB dongle. Netflix and Pandora access is included and Blockbuster OnDemand is predicted via a firmware update in the fall. Streaming is available from a networked PC or from the USB port (if you are not using it for WiFi). You can connect devices such as USB keys, cameras, or even portable drives to the USB port. All the latest audio formats are supported including DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD.

The BD3252s real selling point (other than WiFi) is their "wireless" rear speakers. We've added the quotes as we know that all speakers need to be powered in some way and the BD3252s are no different. You'll have to plug them into a wall at the very least. For those with iPods, the HT-BD3252 comes with a iPod cradle. You can browse and control your iPod via the remote and on-screen display.

Disappointingly, the number of connections is extremely limited. While Samsung has obviously designed the HT-BD3252 as an all-in-one device, there is limited expandability. There are two HDMI-CEC inputs and one output, one optical input, and one composite output. This really limits how many additional devices you can connect to the BD3252. While we could find no other information about inputs, it looks like if you're not connecting via HDMI, you're out of luck.

Conclusion

Samsung is definitely looking for a specific customer with the HT-BD3252. With limited inputs and outputs, we're betting this package will be a great add-on to a display sale. Since you've only got HDMI output (composite doesn't count) and just enough HDMI inputs for a HD cable/satellite box and one other device, this is not for the enthusiast. The WiFi, streaming, iPod support, and auto calibration should make your first time buyer (providing they have the right display) very happy. At least until they hear a real subwoofer.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.