SAMSUNG UNVEILS ENHANCED HOME THEATER SYSTEM WITH BLU-RAY CREATING POWERFUL HD EXPERIENCE FOR CONSUMERS

New HT-BD3252 delivers cutting-edge video playback, HD Sound, and diverse networking

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – July 21, 2009 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced the introduction of its new HT-BD3252 home theater system to deliver an enhanced Blu-ray integrated home theater experience for consumers. The new HT-BD3252 combines a high quality viewing experience, with powerful audio and an array of advanced networking options in a boldly designed player that can help convert almost any living space into a premium HD showroom.

Samsung HT-BD3252 Home Theater System Product Pricing and Availability

- Price: $799

- Availability: August 2009

"Samsung has been offering Blu-ray video and HD audio as an integrated and powerful home entertainment package for the last two years, and our continuing drive to bring premium and extraordinarily designed products into consumers' homes is underscored by the HT-BD3252," said Reid Sullivan, senior vice president of audio/video and digital imaging marketing, Samsung Electronics America. "The HT-BD3252 builds on the success of the HT-BD1250 and adds several performance and ease of use enhancements including rear wireless speakers and built-in wireless access to the latest streaming and PC-based multimedia content."

The Samsung HT-BD3252 provides a theater-like sound at home, with an expanded center channel ensuring clear dialogue reproduction and the inclusion of front tallboy and wireless rear speakers delivering notable audio presence and décor-friendly sophisticated style. The system's 1,000W of total power paired together with Samsung's crystal amplifier and unique, bio kelp speaker cones allows consumers to enjoy improved audio detail and dynamics. Samsung's Auto Sound Calibration (ASC) automatically adjusts the speakers to optimum levels and output depending upon their seating position at the touch of a button. Additionally, the system supports decoding of the latest HD audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD™ and DTS-HD Master Audio®.

The Samsung HT-BD3252 touts exceptional video playback with its integrated Blu-ray player, which supports BD-Live™ interactive content (available on select Blu-ray discs) using either the wired Ethernet port, or wirelessly with the included Wi-Fi USB dongle. Consumers can instantly stream the latest SD and HD content from Netflix and access Pandora's library of online music right on their TV (subscriptions required). Starting in the Fall of 2009, BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand service will become available via a future firmware upgrade. For added entertainment options, the HT-BD3252 plays a variety of audio and photo files from a networked PC, a connected USB device, such as a digital camera, or even a portable drive for big-screen sharing with family and friends. Two HDMI-CEC inputs allow for simple, high quality connections to other home entertainment components, while an included iPod®/iPhone® cradle and onscreen display support make it easy to navigate favorite video and audio using the HT-BD3252's remote control.

Samsung Electronics America's press releases, video content and product images are available at www.samsung.com/newsroom.

Specifications

HT-BD3252 Blu-ray Home Theater System

Power

· 1000 Watts total output power

Audio

· 5.1-Channel

· Smart Volume

· Dolby Digital®, Dolby Pro-Logic II®, Dolby Digital Plus™, Dolby Digital True HD™, DTS-HD Master Audio®

· Rear Wireless Included

Connectivity

· Wi-Fi capable with included USB dongle (802.11b/g/n)

· 1 USB 2.0 port with USB HOST functionality

· Made for iPod®/iPhone® with included cradle, onscreen display support, and remote control navigation

· 1 HDMI-CEC output

· 1 Composite output

· 2 HDMI-CEC inputs

· 1 Optical input

· 1 Ethernet port

O Other Features

· Crystal Amplifier

· Bio Kelp Speaker Cones

· Energy Star® compliant

· BD Wise

· BD Profile 2.0-compliant (BD-Live™)

· Plays Netflix SD/HD streaming content (subscription required)

· Plays Pandora streaming audio (subscription required)

· Plays BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand streaming content (via firmware upgrade available in Fall 2009)

· Auto Sound Calibration (ASC) with included microphone

· Wired / wireless PC Streaming of select audio and photo files

Estimated Selling Price

· $799

Availability

· August 2009

[Samsung

So the bottom line is this—you guys are into the real deal. In fact you are so hardcore that you prefer to put together a system yourself as opposed to buying everything in a ready-made package. Bravo. On the other hand, 3% of respondents have a full system, but never hooked up the rear speakers. That handily beats the 35-50% average that experts have tossed around—but still...what the hell? There are ways to hook up a surround system yourself on the cheap that won't require a lot of cash or even tearing up walls. Using flat speaker cable is one soluton—and you can probably get the job done for under $60.

The response about not hooking up the rear speakers is particularly interesting because studies conducted last year by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) concluded that as many as 35% of people failed to hook up their rear speakers properly because they either lacked the skills or were concerned about aesthetics. Other research has put the figure as high as 50%. [Image via Dave's Home Theater]

YHT-791
• 7.1 Channels (90W x 7)
• 10-inch, 100-watt YST II sub
• Four HDMI Inputs
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MasterAudio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio

YHT-591
• 5.1 Channels (105W x 5)
• 10-inch 100W YST II sub
• Four HDMI Inputs

YHT-491
• 5.1 Channels (100W x 5)
• Tower speakers
• 8-inch, 100W sub
• Two HDMI Inputs

YHT-391
• 5.1 Channels (100W x 5)
• 8-inch, 100W sub
• Two HDMI Inputs

All systems are compatible with Yamaha's $100 iPod dock and $130 Bluetooth receiver.

BUENA PARK, Calif.––Yamaha Electronics Corporation, the innovator in home theater and digital audio and video reproduction, today introduced four new HTIB (home-theater-in-a-box) systems that include high-quality AV receivers and speakers. The new YHT-791 (MSRP: $849.95), YHT-591 (MSRP: $649.95), YHT-491 (MSRP: $549.95) and YHT-391 (MSRP: $399.95) systems make it quick and easy for virtually anyone to create a performance-oriented home theater with advanced capabilities and exceptional versatility.

Designed to offer those looking to create complete HD systems around Blu-ray players, broadcast HD services and gaming consoles, the top two systems, the YHT-791 (7.1 system) and YHT-591 (5.1 system) provide complete speaker packages and HD audio format decoding (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MasterAudio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio).

Offering seamless operation with high AV performance, all systems feature Yamaha's SCENE modes, a series of four buttons that allow users to instantly ready the system for any entertainment experience by powering the unit, selecting the correct input and surround sound combination. All systems are compatible with iPods via the optional YDS-11 dock (MSRP: $99.95; included with the YHT-791) and Bluetooth devices via the Yamaha YBA-10 wireless audio receiver (MSRP: $129.95), two proprietary audio technologies, Compressed Music Enhancer to improve sound of "ripped" music files and Cinema DSP signal processing. Front panel mini-jacks make it easy to connect portable audio players.

The HD-ready YHT-791 system, featuring a 7.1-channel AV receiver (90W x 7), a 7-channel speaker package backed by a 100W powered subwoofer and four 1080p-compatible HMDI inputs, delivers movies, television and music with powerful presence and gripping dynamics. Advanced HD audio format decoding (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MasterAudio; Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio), Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-bit DACs for all channels, and a direct mode that bypasses non-essential internal circuitry, also make it a standout for HTiB systems at its price point.

The YHT-791 offers two-way satellite speakers reinforced by a 10-inch, 100-watt YST II subwoofer, faithfully rendering every sonic nuance, from subtle quiet passages to the most intense moments. In addition to its HDMI connectivity, the system delivers analog video upscaling to full HD 1080p and Auto Lip-Sync compensation to ensure the picture and sound match up perfectly without requiring the manual adjustment of complex settings. Yamaha's proprietary YPAO technology allows users to automatically set up their speakers for optimized sound. The YHT-791 comes with the Yamaha YDS-11 iPod dock for high quality audio playback from the portable devices through a home entertainment system.

The YHT-591 offers great HD-ready features and benefits in a 5.1-channel system, including a 5-channel AV receiver (105W x 5), three-way front and center bass reflex speakers, two-way surrounds and a 10-inch 100W advanced YST II subwoofer. This system also has four 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, as well as a full array of HD audio decoders, representing great performance and value for home theater consumers. The YHT-591 also features YPAO for automatic speaker set up and sound optimization.

The YHT-491 features a 5-channel AV receiver (100W x 5), a pair of slim, powerful bass reflex tower speakers for the front left and right channels, a two-way acoustic suspension center speaker and two-way bass reflex surrounds, all acoustically matched for seamless sonic performance. An 8-inch, 100-watt subwoofer gives the YHT-491 the capability to deliver powerful home theater and music entertainment experiences. The system also features 1080p HDMI switching with two inputs and one output.

Rounding out the new models, the entry-level YHT-391 includes a 5-channel AV receiver (100W x 5), along with five two-way acoustic suspension satellite speakers and an 8-inch, 100-watt subwoofer. The YHT-391 allows consumers to easily build a great home theater without breaking the bank.

The 2.1 setup doesn't say how many individual drivers create the simulated surround (Yamaha's sound bars use up to 42, which are calibrated automatically via a plug-in microphone), but it's rated at 300W. It'll also handle Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding.

But the audio component is not what's exciting here. What perked up the most ears here at Samsung's press conference is the built-in inputs: a profile 2.0 Blu-ray player, a network connection for streaming Netflix and Pandora via subscription, USB for adding a storage device or an optional 802.11n wi-fi dongle, and an iPod dock.

In short, it's a pretty soundbar package (wall mountable) with everything you'd need for a pretty solid home theater; just add TV and a cable box. It's available in the "first half of 2009" at an as-yet unannounced price.

"ces 2009" "samsung HT-BD8200 blu-ray soundbar" samsung HT-BD8200 blu-ray soundbar "sound bar" HTIB "home theater" "home entertainment" speakers

JVC DEBUTS NEW 5.1 CHANNEL HOME ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS

New line includes systems with iPod® compatibility and wireless surround speakers.

LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2009 – New JVC home theater systems unveiled today are designed to complement today’s high definition displays and handle the various range of digital sources now available, while providing enhanced ease-of-use.

The three systems in the new JVC line, the TH-G31, TH-G41 and TH-G51, are 1000-watt, 5.1-channel systems comprised of a progressive scan DVD receiver, five speakers and a subwoofer. Each system includes an HDMI output with 1080p up-conversion and the TH-G41 and G51 include an HDMI input with repeater. A front auxiliary input on each system makes connecting additional sources quick and simple. All three systems offer Dolby Digital and DTS decoding.

To those features, the TH-G41 adds iPod/iPhone music and video playback through a connected dock, with control play, pause and skip functions controlled through the home theater system’s remote. To make control even easier, there’s an on-screen display that shows the iPod or /iPhone menu on the connected TV.

At the top of the line is the TH-G51, which adds wireless rear speakers to the feature set offered by the TH-G41. Providing wireless technology for the rear surround speakers eliminates what for many consumers is a serious challenge when setting up a multi-channel home theater system – how to unobtrusively run wires from the main unit to the rear speakers.

All three systems are designed to complement the latest generation of sleekly styled flat panel TVs, with a glossy black low-profile receiver that features illuminated function keys. The center channel speaker is a crisply-styled horizontal unit that will look smart either above or below the TV. As for playback options, JVC’s home entertainment systems easily accommodate both the old and the new, combining DVD/CD and FM playback with the ability to handle digital audio and video files from a wide variety of sources.

Model Available National Ad Value
TH-G51 June 2009 $429.95
TH-G41 May 2009 $329.95
TH-G31 April 2009 $249.95

• The HT-S4100 is a 5.1 systems that seems to lack HDMI, has a 200 watt sub and that same iPod dock. $479
• The HT-S3100 sub is powered by the receiver and lacks a dock. $379.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ (04/17/08) — Onkyo has introduced three new packaged home theater systems, each consisting of a flexible HDTV-capable audio-video receiver, five or seven surround-sound loudspeakers, powerful subwoofer, and an included iPod docking station on two of the systems. These systems, popularly called HTiB for "Home Theater in a Box," can be combined with a video display, Blu-Ray or DVD player, and cable/satellite TV box to provide a complete home theater surround sound experience.

The 7.1 channel home theater receiver included with top of the line HT-S5100 offers an amazing range of capabilities at such a modest price point. The HT-R560 receiver has three 1080p compatible HDMI inputs and one output. The HDMI Pass-Thru provides optimal video quality with separate connections for the audio channels. For optimum sound quality, the highly regarded Audyssey 2EQ room correction technology automatically adjusts the sound character and time delay of each speaker relative to the listening positions. Additionally, Audyssey's Dynamic EQ adjusts sound on the fly to optimize sound quality for any volume, particularly at low listening levels.

The HT-S5100 includes advanced Dolby and DTS surround sound processing capabilities, a powerful 130-watts per channel using Onkyo's Wide Range Amplifier Technology (WRAT), seven loudspeakers with outstanding sound quality, and a powerful 290-watt subwoofer and is Sirius Satellite Radio ready. The HT-S5100 system also includes a new dedicated Onkyo iPod dock and charging station, plus the company's new Music Optimizer technology to enhance the dynamic range of MP3 and AAC files which are normally compressed for headphone playback.

The more affordable Onkyo HT-S4100 and HT-S3100 are 5.1-channel systems with HDTV-capable component video switching, DTS and Dolby Digital surround processing, and five loudspeakers. The HT-S4100 has a 200-watt subwoofer and included iPod dock. The HT-S3100's subwoofer is powered by the receiver, and there is no iPod dock with this system.

All three systems include full-function remote controls, and are available in either black or silver finishes.

The Onkyo HT-S5100, HT-S4100 and HT-S3100 will be available in April with suggested retail prices of $579, $479, and $379 each, respectively.

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26, 2007 - Sony today introduced four component home theater systems designed to complement high-definition televisions and Blu-ray Disc™ players.

Optimized with 1080p-capable HDMI™ inputs, the HT-SS2300 and HT-CT100 models support full HD video and eight channels of uncompressed audio. The HT-7200DH and HT- DDWG700 models round out the line, offering 5.1 channel home theater surround sound.

HD Companion
The HT-SS2300 and HT-CT100 component systems are designed for Blu-ray Disc players and other high-definition components using three 1080p-capable HDMI inputs, in addition to optical and coaxial digital inputs.

The 5.1 channel HT-SS2300 system, with 1,000 watts (RMS) of power, features a slim AV receiver designed to match Sony's line of 2008 Blu-ray Disc players. It will be available this summer for about $400.

At 250 watts (RMS), the 3.1 channel HT-CT100 unit includes a sound bar and separate subwoofer, which delivers realistic surround sound using Sony's S-Force PRO Front Surround Sound technology eliminating the need for rear speakers. The system will be available in March for about $300.

Both systems feature Sony's Digital Media Port, which adds controlling, networking and connectivity features for music playback with various optional accessories sold separately. Additional accessories include a Network Walkman™ player audio cradle, a PC client device and a Bluetooth® adapter.

The units offer a simple set-up feature with Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) that uses an included microphone to measure speaker distance, level and frequency, automatically calibrating the listening environment to accurately optimize the sound field.

Additionally, the new home theater systems offer an updated Portable Audio Enhancer. This improves the clarity and depth of a connected music player by adding information to the audio signal that had been removed during compression.

High-Resolution Audio
The 5.1 channel HT-7200DH and HT- DDWG700 systems deliver high-resolution surround sound with 900 and 800 watts (RMS) of power, respectively.

The HT-7200DH system integrates a single disc DVD/CD player with upscaling to 1080p via HDMI™ when connected to a 1080p-capable HDTV set. There is an HDMI repeater that automatically switches the television to the correct input needed for operation. The integrated AV receiver has three 1080p-capable HDMI inputs for support of high-definition home theater components. An on-screen display simplifies content navigation and device operation. The model will be available in May for about $500.

The HT- DDWG700 unit includes a cradle for iPod® players (TDM-iP10) so you can enjoy music through the home theater via a connection to its Digital Media Port. The surround sound system will be available in March for about $200.

All of the models offer Digital Cinema Auto Calibration, Portable Audio Enhancer and a Digital Media Port interface.
The new systems will be available at sonystyle.com and Sony Style retail stores nationwide, as well as at military base exchanges and authorized dealers throughout the country.

Product Page [Via Consumerist]

Compared with other HTIB (home theater in a box) units with DVD players built in, the price may be a little high (even though the player outputs up to 1080i), but nobody ever said Harman Kardon was cheap. Except maybe Mrs. Kardon. – Jason Chen

Price-wise, the $599 package is pretty solid and thanks to the extra audio (format) support, offers a better HTiB experience than Sony's alternative, which is about $100 cheaper, but lacking in the features dept. If you're really tight on cash, the SR800 will have two younger siblings:

The HT-SR600 and HT-SR700 ($349 and $499), both of which lack HDMI, but come with multiple component inputs, optical audio inputs, support for Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD formats. All three models should be out now. – Louis Ramirez

Press Release

Step One: TV
There is a lot more that goes into selecting a TV for the Super Bowl than you may think. If you are thinking about going low-def, then close the browser now, because you have lost all of my respect and I would prefer you not reading my guide.

Fortunately, this year CBS has the honors of broadcasting the Super Bowl. It will, of course, be in HD. I like to call this the first year the Super Bowl will truly be in HD. Last year FOX had the rights to the Super Bowl broadcast, and even though they did air it in HD, many markets at the time did not have FOX in HD. Hell, I still don't have FOX in HD on my cable service one year later (Cox, you listening?).

Now, on to the HDTV choices. There are a handful of things to shop for in an HDTV for the Super Bowl and more. If you are watching the Super Bowl I would like to also assume you are a sports fan and if you have never experienced sports in HD, it is one hell of a treat. Picture quality is key—specifically accurate colors, ability to produce deep blacks and adjust primary colors. If money isn't a concern then the Pioneer Elite Pro-FHD1 may be for you. This 1080p 50-inch plasma is the top of the line for picture quality. You will pay for it, though. This plasma carries a list price of $8,000, but in all reality will cost you closer to $6,000 at most places.

Don't worry, there are cheaper options out there. For a party environment you can't go wrong with the Sony XBR2. This is the little brother of the XBR3 that we reviewed back in December, but it is able to get the job done and impress your friends with the nice silver bezel that just makes this 40-inch LCD just plain beautiful. One feature that makes this LCD stand out is that the picture quality is always the same when viewing from off-angles. So at a Super Bowl party not everyone will be able to view the HDTV from a direct angle, but with the XBR2 from Sony, they will not be screwed with poor picture quality. This TV is a little more manageable with a price around $3,000.

Still too expensive? Okay, how about the Panasonic TH-42PX60U. This is a 42-inch plasma from Panasonic that still has pretty good colors with a price of $2,000 so (it was seen as low as $1,350 at some online retailers).

You aren't limited to the choices above, I just tried to help narrow it down to some superb TVs in specific price ranges. Just remember, it is key to find an HDTV with the best picture quality. Often you get what you pay for with HDTVs, so that $800 off-brand may seem appealing but it won't look as good.

Step Two: HD Content
This is an easy one. HD channels don't magically appear on your brand new HDTV—you have to buy (or rent) more gear. First step is to call up your cable provider. Whether it is Time Warner, Comcast, Cox, whatever—they will have HD digital cable tuner boxes that can be rented on a month-to-month basis. Be sure and call now to make sure you get one because Time Warner has supposedly run out of HD DVR boxes for rent, but that may not be true in your area or with a different provider. If your provider is out of HD DVR boxes, there is still another option. and it is the Series 3 TiVo, but that badboy runs a solid $800 or so.

Step Three: Audio
You can always go the audiophile way and pick up a nice, high-end receiver and a handful of high-end speakers and try to wire it all together, but we only have a few days left to prepare so the best bet right now is a HTIB, or home theatre in a box. These are surround sound systems that come with everything you need from the speakers to a receiver, etc. The audiophiles out there may be cursing my name, but the HTIB is the best bet for the home entertainment center amateur who needs decent surround sound, quick.

For top of the line with sound quality, and ease of setup the Sony DAV-X1V is where it is at. This is a 2.1 channel system that creates a virtual surround sound environment. It is easy to set up and can provide sound for those bone-rattling hits from Brian Urlacher. It does carry a high-end price at $1,000 list price from Sony.

If style is the name of the game, the Pioneer HTS-560DV is one of the best looking HTIBs for your party. The four tower speakers can make your system look damn good, just watch out for knocking them over in a drunken rage after your team loses. These carry a more reasonable price of $550.

If you are looking for a more cheap solution, the Samsung HT-DB600 is it. For a budget HTIB, this is the only option with superb midranges and powerful bass. This HTIB lists for $350, but you may be able to find it cheaper than $300.

Step Four: Be Prepared for the Worst
Power and cable outages are always a potential problem and there is only one solid way to save your Super Bowl party if outages were to happen. First, invest in an HD antenna. If that cable goes out you can still receive HD goodness over the air with this basic HD antenna that can be found at any radio shack. And to prevent power outages from stopping your Super Bowl party, a back-up power generator is the only way to go.

Step Five: Food and Drink
Grilling and food is essential for any Super Bowl party. Unfortunately, I can't help much when choosing a grill. If you happen to be a chef, you probably already have a grill or know what kind you like. Some people swear by charcoal, personally I am a gas grill guy (for ease) or hell, you may even want to bust out a hibachi, smoker, PS3 or USB grill. Regardless of how you do it, here are some accessories that can help.

Wireless thermometers are becoming all of the rage. The best one out there is the AW131 from Oregon Scientific. Stab the meat on the grill and set the wireless monitor with what kind of meat it is and how you like it looked. Go back, enjoy the game and wait for the receiver to give you word that the meat is done.

If going wireless is a bit too high-tech for you, this spatula with built-in meat thermometer may be a bit better. Don't forget about the classic beer-can chicken.

Grilling at night is only inevitable, so a cordless electric knife with LED lights and lighted salt-and-pepper mill could definitely help out.

Whether it is beer, wine, water, soda or juice, there isn't much that can be done to improve drinking. Sure, there are tons of beer drinking gadgets out there, but you have teched the hell out of this Super Bowl party already, and sitting back and cracking open a cold one may be the perfect remedy to wind down and forget about all of the technology involved in making this party happen.

Step Six: Have Fun
Regardless of how much you want to show off the latest and greatest tech at your party, it is important to have fun. The Super Bowl is more than just a football game, it is a time where you can gather with people and have one hell of a time while watching football, entertaining commercials and a half-time show featuring Prince. So gather up the friends, fire up the grill and enjoy yourself—you have earned it. Super Bowl Party image via Roger Mommaerts Jr –Travis Hudson

HTZ-370

HTS-570

– Travis Hudson

– Louis Ramirez
[via CNET UK]