Sony BDVE300 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray Disc Player/DVD Disc Home theater System (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the BDVE300 to go with a Sony 52Z5100 HDTV that I also bought from Amazon. I bought it mainly because I wanted to match the two items for both esthetic and practical reasons. The black speakers match the TV perfectly. I can also control both with one controller and easily run the TV sound through the HTS.
I am not an audiophile. So I didn't try to compare technical specs. This review is strictly subjective (in part to counter the one above) and is based on what I have heard while using the system with the TV.
The room in which the TV is located in is a 20 X 20 den/family room with a connecting dining area and kitchen. The entire area is open. It has wooden floors with a single oval area rug in front of the fireplace and TV.
I found the sound to be exceptionally clear and clean, without distortion or unevenness. I can tell a definite difference between the TV speakers and the BDV300 speakers. The BDV300 sound seems more spacious. It fills the room without blowing you away. The sound has more fullness to it than the TV speakers.
I have not tried it at full volume. I have never felt the need to do so. I have watched two musical DVDs, a Mary Chapin Carpenter concert and the 10th anniversary recording of Les Miserables. In both cases the music sounded beautiful and clear. You could hear all of nuances of the voices and the words of the songs were distinct and clear.
If you want strong bass that shakes the room, I am not sure this is the system for you. The bass is there but it is blended in with the other sounds. I am sure I can adjust it for greater effect. However, I am currently running the system at default values.
As for the lack of an S-air wireless cartridge, as mentioned by the reviewer above. It is true you have to buy it separately. However, everything I read about the system stated this plainly up front. If you need this feature it is available as an option. In researching this system I found this individual posted the same opinion on every web site he could find. I don't think his opinion was a fair assessment of the system's capabilities.
I found the set up to be rather easy. The instructions show various options on installing it alone with the TV or with a cable/SAT box or with an external DVD, etc. With the external mic it took about one minute to calibrate and maybe 15 mins. to connect the wires.

Be aware that Sony uses a proprietary plug on the DVD/Radio/Amp end of the system. The speaker end is a simple pinch type terminal. There is a FM & AM receiver as part of the system. I have not tried them yet. The DVD/CD/Blue ray player worked fine.
The bottom line is: The BDVE300 does everything Sony says it does. If you are looking for something to enhance your TV experience and play CDs with good clear sound, this system will do it well. For the price, I think it is an excellent value. I found no "gotchas" or "I can't believe they did this". So I gave it a rating of 5. I am very pleased with my purchase.
John


Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony BDVE300 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray Disc Player/DVD Disc Home theater System (Black)

Featuring a Blu-ray Disc and DVD player, 1080p upscaling of DVD media via HMDI cables, and BD-Live technology for downloading additional features and network updates, the BDV-E300 is a complete entertainment solution. For powerful sound to enjoy the movie, 1000 watts of crisp audio and deep bass envelop you for one remarkable, cinema-like experience. You can also expand your listening pleasure through the included iPod cradle and rock out to your tunes in a big way.

Click here for more information about Sony BDVE300 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray Disc Player/DVD Disc Home theater System (Black)

Sony DAV-HDX500/i BRAVIA Home Theater System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Very pleased so far. Sounds great, plenty of power to rock your media room, and was easy to set up. There's an on-screen setup feature that lets you easily customize the setup for your particular room configuration. An included microphone lets you do a push-button fine-tuning of the sound relative to speaker placement. It's cool to see the system report exactly how far all the speakers are away from the microphone.
I also purchased the wireless surround kit from Sony. Setup for this was also pretty simple, and was supported by the HDX500 system.
Remote is typical Sony - lots of buttons. But fairly intuitive thus far.
The digital media port works well with the different generations of iPods we have in the house. On-screen graphics are very rudimentary, however, which is a big departure from the iPod interface.
There are a bunch of different sound fields that could be better described in the on-screen system or in the manual.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony DAV-HDX500/i BRAVIA Home Theater System

As a leader in products with HDMI connectivity, Sony has created BRAVIA Theater Sync Technology to go beyond simple audio and video transmission. When combined with a selected number of BRAVIA LCD televisions and other Sony audio and video products, control functions will be transmitted via the HDMI cable. With One Touch Play operations, several steps have been reduced to one. Press the PLAY button on the remote, watch the audio and/or the video component(s) turn on, then the BRAVIA television will turn on and switch to the correct video input. Simple...Easy...BRAVIA Home Theater System.

Click here for more information about Sony DAV-HDX500/i BRAVIA Home Theater System

Sony HTCT500 3.1 Speaker System with Complete Built-In A/V Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is one slick little soundbar/subwoofer combination. A significant improvement over the previous offering, the CT100. The sound bar is bigger than that model and feels like it is better constructed. The subwoofer is a solid piece of work as well.
Now for the important part, sound quality. The sound quality is much better than the old model and I would say it approaches the quality of the more expensive Yamaha YSP sound bars. You will probably have to do a little tweaking with it to get it set up properly but once you do this baby will shine. Sound is strong from both the soundbar and the subwoofer. The subwoofer is where your connections are located. You can run your dvd/blu ray player and your cable box (among others) to the sub and then the sub will run an HDMI cable to the tv. You can pretty much plug anything into the back of the sub as there are three HDMI inputs, two component inputs and a composite input along with the normal cable tv coax.
One thing to keep in mind. This will not surpass the surround quality of a good quality seperate sound system with multiple speakers. But then again most buyers should know that from the start. This is an option for people who don't want speakers all over the place or who have space issues which make a soundbar solution the best option. I rated this item 5 stars in comparison to other soundbar solutions, not compared to a surround system with multiple speakers. While there are some better sounding soundbars they are at least twice as much if not more expensive. For the quality and price this is an excellent soundbar option.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony HTCT500 3.1 Speaker System with Complete Built-In A/V Receiver (Black)

Experience surround sound with fewer speakers and wires. Add in the full functionality and connections of an A/V receiver and bring excitement to movies and video games. Featuring five HD inputs, three of those HDMI connections with Active Intelligence, S-AIR multi-room audio capability, on-screen user interface, set-up, control and connectivity of the home theater has never been easier. Its flat TV centric design allows the sound bar to blend in.

Click here for more information about Sony HTCT500 3.1 Speaker System with Complete Built-In A/V Receiver (Black)

Sony HT-IS100 BRAVIA Theater Micro-System (Set of Six, Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)So I am not quite an audio nerd, but I am no noob by any stretch. At the price Amazon offers this thing packs a lot of heat, but it's even better when you pick it up on special for $300 flat, I could have spent more and been just as impressed and just as satisfied. 1080i upconvertion from lower source material + 1080p through 3 HDMI inputs which means I can have 4 total sources plugged into it and only 1 HDMI connection to the TV. LPCM audio through HDMI- 2,5.1, and 7.1 channel uncompressed audio, so if you buy or have a Blu-ray system that decodes it's own DTS MA, DTS HD, etc...which MOST do, even most of the $140 bottom of the line off brands, you will get all the latest audio codec playback even though the system itself can't do it.
My complaints are that I can only do 4 inputs, HDMI 1-3 are labeled the same as the component inputs and cannot be assigned as a different input. The Ipod dock puts out solid sound but the on screen UI looks like it comes from the 80's, no big deal just would expect more based on how freaking cool everything else is.
I really feel like anyone who says there's not enough power to this is either too picky, hearing impaired, or doesn't really own the system and just likes putting in there 2 cents where ever they can. This thing isn't overpowering, although it probably could be if my wife let me turn it up, but can easily fill my home (1 story) with sound. If you want a professional system your looking in the wrong spot with this system and you should probably not write a negative review saying this thing cant do something it was never intended to do. If you want something easy to set up, easy on the eyes, and impressively strong, especially strong for the size of the speakers (I guess size doesn't matter), then this will be an awesome choice for you. GO FOR IT!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony HT-IS100 BRAVIA Theater Micro-System (Set of Six, Black)

The Sony HT-IS100 BRAVIA theater micro system delivers intense, 5.1 channel surround sound from golf ball-sized speakers and is S-AIR-ready for multi-room listening (requires optional EZW-T100 S-AIR transmitter). HDMI™ connectivity supports 1080p performance for crystal clear screen resolution and smooth movement while BRAVIA Sync™ offers one-touch operation of your compatible Sony entertainment devices. The HT-IS100 is also equipped with a DIGITAL MEDIA PORT (DMP) that connects to a range of optional accessories, including the supplied iPod cradle (TDM-iP1). For added convenience, the Digital Cinema Calibration feature optimizes sound settings for your room at the push of a button.

Click here for more information about Sony HT-IS100 BRAVIA Theater Micro-System (Set of Six, Black)

Bose SL2 wireless surround link - Wireless audio delivery system for rear speakers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently moved to a new house, and didn't want to drill holes in the walls or floor to get the wires to the back of the room. I was somewhat skeptical about this product and concerned with sound quality. However, I'm happy to say there is absolutely no difference between using the SL2 and hard wiring the rear speakers!
a) The system is made up of two receivers. They are both very small, and are easily concealable.
b) The front receiver plugs into the base module with 2 wires (left & right speaker wires)
c) The rear speakers plug into the rear receiver.
d) Installation complete!
This is an excellent product and I highly recommend it to all.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Bose SL2 wireless surround link - Wireless audio delivery system for rear speakers

Want to enjoy the thrill of surround sound without all the hassle of wiring to your rear speakers? Bose makes it easy. Introducing the Bose(R) SL2 wireless surround link. No more wiring to the back of your room. The transmitter and receiver eliminate the need to run wires to the back of your room. You`ll enjoy all of the surround sound performance. Without all the wiring. The slim, sleek style blends with your décor. And works with all 5.1-channel Lifestyle(R) and Acoustimass(R) home entertainment systems. Experience how simple home theater can be, and hear why Bose is the most respected name in sound.

Click here for more information about Bose SL2 wireless surround link - Wireless audio delivery system for rear speakers

Klipsch LightSpeaker System 5.2.2 Wireless Sound and Efficient LED Lighting Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The first thing that struck me about this product is the quality of it's manufacture. These speakers were solid and well made. Below I will address the various information that is important to know.

PACKAGING AND INSTRUCTIONS:
As with any product what we first see is the packaging it comes in. This speaker system was no exception.
An expensive product, should be well packed and these speakers were in separate boxes within the main box, well cushioned. The various components were also well packed and obvious to find. The overall box when you open it, the first thing you see is the setup information. This card was the full length of the box and succinctly told you the steps you needed to complete installation. I thought this was all well done. Under that was the user's manual that if you had issues you could refer to.

INSTALLATION:
First of all you need to be sure you have the right spot to install these. They go into 5 or 6" recessed lighting tubes. The manufacturers provided two size flanges that could go on the end of the speaker/lights that would work with either of these sizes. One thing we found while installing these, is you could actually not get them properly seated in the light socket(not deep enough) and they would not work. It was the user's manual that alerted me to this and we resolved the issue. Another thing I found was, we could not use the metal arms spread out to stabilize the speaker in the recessed outlet, as the spread was too far. We had to keep them pulled in.

I liked the fact that the instructions warned me upfront that most recessed lighting fixtures had adjustable depths. I didn't know that. In telling me that I knew enough to adjust them and that is what took to get the speakers installed deep enough. You have to finesse this a bit and get the proper mix of deep enough while holding the flange flush to the ceiling and properly engaged to work. It took us about an hour to get both speakers properly installed. It was somewhat fatiguing as these speaker/lights have some heft to them. But, not a major problem.

Once installed properly the main unit quickly detected the speakers and they worked well. You can control the volume of the speakers and the brightness of the lights. You also have the abililty to choose two inputs. There is also a remote provided and this mimicked the controls on the base unit. Handy if you are not easily able to reach the base unit.

USAGE:
Once we had them up and synched to the base unit, everything worked fine. We are now planning on having these hook both to the radio as well as an ipod and you can do this as there are two inputs as well as the appropriate cables. I was pleased with the sound quality, but I'm no audiophile. Since the speakers were small and not only behind the lights but the light lens a more discerning listener might have concerns. I did not.

RANGE:
I have noticed that these speakers do not have much in the way of bass, so your music can sound a bit tinny. Not surprising due to their size.
OTHER POINTS:
Since we used these units in our kitchen on recessed lights over the countertop, which has 4 lights, in order to work you need to have that circuit on. This means the two lights that don't have the speakers in them need to be on all the time, that we use the speakers. The lights in the speakers can be turned off independently. At this time, I don't think that is a problem, as I kept the ones over the primary work area as non-speakered lights.

The speakers have convex covers on the LED light inside. This makes the light they shine down a bit different than the lights in the recesses. I find this light is more diffuse. Another reason why I did not put these lights over the primary work area. I would have to make it very bright to be the the most useful. The LED lights can get bright enough, but it seemed almost too bright in order to get the proper coverage. Too bad there was not a concave lens option for these speaker/lights to address this.

SUMMARY:
All in all we are pleased with this system. I will write more as we use it more.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Klipsch LightSpeaker System 5.2.2 Wireless Sound and Efficient LED Lighting

Wireless speaker system installs in minutes like a ceiling light bulb and allows enjoyment of music anywhere while saving energy & money

Get 38% OFF

Click here for more information about Klipsch LightSpeaker System 5.2.2 Wireless Sound and Efficient LED Lighting

KEF Universal Wireless System (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The technical specs on these are already available all over the place, so I won't repeat them here. Instead, I'll give a pro and con review:
Pro:
1) Size - There are three units and each is small enough not to be a big problem to hide.
2) Set up - There is really not much to do. I was up and running in under 10 minutes. The main part attaches to your receiver speaker terminals and an AC plug. The other ends attach to each speaker and to an AC adapter (each needs its own AC plug - three in all).
3) Audio quality - Both a plus and a minus. When it works, the audio is very clear and does not really sound any different than a wired system would. HOWEVER, see my comment under the con section.
Con:
1) Interference - My baby monitor interfears with this system. I know it says it does some fancy type of frequency jumping, but the Garco monitor creates interference if it is too close to the speaker ends of the system.
2) Audio quality - This is a high end (and very expensive) system. It figures that those purchasing it will have equally high end systems. Remember how much you paid for those high end amps? None of that power is used to power the remote speakers. Instead you have an overtaxed 50 watt (I think) amp on the speaker end. For 90% of surround applications this is probably fine, but real audio nerds will not be happy with the result. Of course, would an audio nerd really ever use a wireless system? The lack of amplifier power is even more apparent if you try to use this to power a second set of main speakers. Using a McIntosh amp and mid-range Boston Acoustics speakers (VS240) the clipping was evident.
3) Wires - It should be obvious that a trully wireless system is really impossible. Each unit has a speaker wire hook-up and a dedicated AC adapter (although they aren't the massive brick type.)
4) Auto power? - Just a note that these are always on. It would be nice if they could sense a signal and turn themselves on and off (standby). I have no idea how much power these draw when off, but I imagine it isn't much.
5) Price - At the price point these are placed, I'm just not sure they really are worth it. For the same amount of money (or less) you could probably have an electrician fish some speaker wires for you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: KEF Universal Wireless System (Black)

KEF is delighted to announce the introduction of an outstanding wireless system delivering a high-quality solution to speaker cable wiring problems. The KEF Universal Wireless System is an ideal add-on for any existing rear surround sound speaker set-up (regardless of the brand) and can also be used for stereo speakers in a hi-fi system where hiding cables is an inconvenience, especially when the amplifier is some distance from the speakers. Users can locate the speakers virtually anywhere they want to in the room whilst still receiving remarkable CD quality sound with exceptional clarity and remarkable lack of extraneous interference.

Click here for more information about KEF Universal Wireless System (Black)