No comments about Bose Lifestyle (R) 35 Series IV DVD White Home Entertainment System.

2 comments about Onkyo HT-SP904 - Home theater system - 5.1 channel.

1. I purchased the HT-SP904 as part of a recent home theater upgrade. Overall the sound is excellent and the upscaling DVD player is a nice addition, but I really wish the HDMI was not limited to passthrough. Basically, any HDMI device plugged in to the receiver will need an alternate audio connection for full surround output. This is very strange considering the HDMI out passes the sound to the TV without issue. Why they couldn't they pass the sound to the receiver and surround speakers is beyond me. Despite this issue, the system is fairly easy to set up and work with. I'd recommend it for anyone looking for a mid-range system as a new addition to their AV setup.



2. I am probably violating Amazon policy here because I actually bought mine on sale at Circuit City a couple of weeks ago. Sorry Amazon. So far I am very happy with the receiver, the dvd player, and the speaker system. It is a very classy looking system and it all connects up well together. I am running it on a Charter cable box (Motorola) and a Samsung 46" LCD tv (which I did buy from Amazon). My only complaint so far is that the HDMI pass-through only works on the video side of things. In the fine print Onkyo does say that you have to have a separate digital coax or optical audio cable to connect to the receiver to get the surround sound out. Completely amazing to me that Onkyo engineers have not figured out how to pull the audio signal out of the HDMI cable and use it. What a pain and extra cables. Also, when I tried to use the HDMI pass through connections on the receiver, my cable box would freeze up anytime that I shut off the receiver. Almost like when the receiver is shut off, there is no bit-dumping to handle the data that probably keeps flowing from the cable box. Poor design on either Onkyo's or Motorola's (cable box/dvr) behalf. I have not determined who is at fault. Since I have 4 HDMI inputs on the tv I just connected the cable box and the dvd directly to the tv via HDMI, and used digital coax cables for the audio. The sound is excellent though and the subwoofer certainly handles the job. My girlfriend has yet to try out the ipod docking station. I am disappointed though that Onkyo did not include an AUX port to connect a simple MP3 player. Another feature left out that makes no sense.

2 comments about Sony Bravia 850 Watt Home Theater System Integrated DVD/CD Changer & 5.1 ChanneSpeakers.

1. We're not audiophiles but a new 47" hdtv deserves good sound, right? So, we just grabbed the cheapest one which happened to be this unit. It was so easy to hook up that I thought I must have done something wrong or missed something but it works great. The sound is fine for these old ears and I'm still trying to figure out the different formats. It has a plug in for the ipod but I have to buy a dock separate. There is also no digital audio in or a lot of other plug options in the back. I guess I can use rca Y cables at teh audio input if we get a blueray player in the future, huh? The unit also takes up a lot of shelf space being wide and deep, though thin. The remote is bland and difficult to use in low light. It has an am/fm tuner so it can double as a mini stereo system without a lot of hardware.



2. I am really happy with this system, especially at the price it's a good buy. The biggest negative is the lack of "audio in" on the back. I didn't know that until I got home and went to plug some things in. I had to connect it differently than I had wanted, and if I expand in the future it will be difficult, but again, for the price I am very happy!

5 comments about Panasonic SC-HT830V 5-Disc DVD/VCR Combo Home Theater System.

1. The 5 CD changer refused to close after 1 year two weeks. I eventually had to forcefully push cd tray # 1 back in and just use trays 2-5. (Yes I know you are not supposed to force it back in, but I ran out of options.) After two more weeks the LED display went out. All I can use it for now is sound. The lack of a display makes its really hard to tell what mode you are in or how loud the speakers are. Looking for a replacement.



2. Just like many others are complaining the display stopped working a few weeks before warranty expired. I did not have a chance to call tech support to get it fix and now they won't fix it. I thought panasonic made good products and in fact they were on top of my list until now.



3. My display also quit working just after it went out of warranty (1 year). There is obviously an issue with these. Since Panasonic is not addressing it, I suggest you avoid this one!



4. Bummer. I liked this player but I will avoid buying Panasonic in the future. My display stopped working after the warranty expired. I'm trying to contact Panasonic now to see if they will fix it under warranty.



5. Panasonic SC-HT830V 5-Disc DVD/VCR Combo Home Theater SystemI bought this system because of favorable reviews on the web.
   Unfortunately the people that rated it did not have long enough for the
   display panel to die.I got 14 months out of mine before the display died
   almost impossible to use with out this.Replacment board is not available
   Do not buy this product.

5 comments about Onkyo HTS894 5.1 Channel Complete Home Theater System w/ Single Disc DVD.

1. I'm not an audio snob, but I appreciate good sounds.
   
   This system is just stunning to me. The bass will rattle the room. Mids and highs seem right-on and the DVD player is just terrific.
   
   I guess that one could do better for a higher price, but it is so close to perfect, you would be wasting your money.
   
   All the audio and video forums seem to promote Onkyo over the compitition, and I can see why now. Quality through and through.
   
   There are very few that would shun the performance of this unit. I can almost guarantee that you will love it as I do.



2. I've been looking/researching home theaters for about 3 months and was actually going for the SR800. I purchased the Samsung 50" DLP in mid September and wanted something that would look good with the TV and also perform at a high level. Samsung HTIB's are junk so I scoured every forum and user review that I could find until one day I stumbled upon the Onkyo HT-S894.
   
   The package is very appealing with the addition of the up-convert DVD player, and it comes with an actual receiver and not some stupid 5 disc changer.
   
   Now for the good part. I was surfing around Amazon this past Sunday and stumble across the 894 for $399.99. SOLD! I have been holding on to a $100 gift certificate for Amazon that I received through a banking points/rewards system. Cashed that bad boy in at checkout and got this system for $299.99 with no tax and free shipping. It arrived last night, and after about 4 hours of cleaning up the old system and putting together the new one I am in surround sound Heaven.
   
   Unbelievable sound, very user friendly, and multiple listening options (PLII, DTS). The DVD player is a fantastic added bonus. The system wasn't the easiest to set up, but I wouldn't expect a product of this caliber to be "easy" to set up. I tried a few different configurations until I was set on the optimal layout of inputs and outputs. Price on Amazon today was $684. I can't believe that I got this system for such a steal.



3. For the price this is a great system. This item includes all necessary speakers, the amplifier, and an up-converting DVD player which up-converts to 1080i. This is the perfect entry level system for a small to medium home theater system. This package is also very generous. It includes all necessary speaker wire and 1 HDMI cable. The speaker wire is not the best quality, and if doing in wall wiring I would recommend that you purchase other wire as there may not be enough length. I would highly recommend this system it sounds and looks great.



4. I've gotten some serious migraines from all the hdmi issues with compatibility until i got this system to complete my gamers paradise. I started four days ago with a Sony strdg510 receiver to replace my old pioneer 5.1 from 2005. To make it simple after two days of frustration and a new Sony sub in trying to get my ps3 and 360 to work with the digital out i sold the Sony garbage since even with a new sub my gaming didn't have any LFE output. When I got the Onkyo HTS94 home I was really hesitant on the hdmi features of the receiver but after some time spent fiddling with the remote i found the hdmi audio on option located in the hardware setup. For the FIRST time i heard hdmi audio on anything besides my Regza lcd. The first thing i did was i threw in NIN Blu ray to test if i had setup the wiring right and discovered i only had the surround right working and it sounded better than my old Pioneer 5.1 and the Sony put together. Word of advice "Take Your Time" setting up the wiring on the speakers so you get it done right the first time. My only complaints like someone else said was the first time setup guide didn't work on my hdmi so i had to resort to the manual and use the receiver as my display for configuration instead if displaying on the tv but a few days later i found out it works on the component input of the receiver. The ps3 now has many more real sound options with this receiver i mean before i've only known it to do 3 sound options now i have 11 options and don't have to use bitstream for a full surround PCM experience and my 360 is run through hdmi 2 so now i have a free hdmi input on my regza and best of all now i don't have to switch optical cables back forth like i did with the Pioneer due to the hdmi audio actually doing what it's supposed to do. All of my major components were easily setup and it can all be accessed with a click of a button through my Logitech remote. I've never heard the full potential of movies and games from the ps3 or the 360 until now. I couldn't be anymore satisfied with this Onkyo system and would recommend it to any gamer or blu ray fan.



5. This has great sound. A little difficult to set up and coordinate. I am still learning.

4 comments about Bose Lifestyle 48 Series IV - Home theater system - 5.1 channel - black.

1. I bought this item about 18 months ago and honestly I think I wasted my $4000
   - sound system is not any different than other systems that cost only $400-$500
   - it does not have HDMI connection
   - remote control is terrible and designed very poorly
   - you can't categorize your music easily.
   - You have to have your TV on to see your sound collection which is very bad design and not user friendly.
   - when you send email or contact Bose, they do not even reply.
   
   Please DO NOT WASTE your money, You can easily buy a better system under $1000.



2. Can't complain about the sound that this system puts out, it's great. However, one of the strong selling points of the system is the flexibility that the VS-2 video enhancer provides, which comes with several of the Lifestyle systems.
   
   The concept of the VS-2 sounds great, but in my configuration, it's a paper weight. I have a DirecTv HD-DVR, which can output video from 480i to 1080i. However, when I hook up HDMI from the DVR to the VS-2, and HDMI from the VS-2 to the television, the only way I can get the video signal to the TV is to configure the HD-DVR to put out 480i. So, I basically have to have the HD-DVR downgrade 1080i shows to 480i, just to have the VS-2 upgrade it back. I will have to resort to using composite video from the VS-2 to the television (though I have not tried this yet)to get things to work right. Not using the VS-2 is out of the question, as I can't see the Lifestyle 48's controls (i.e. music library listing, etc...) without it. I tried to argue with the Bose installer about the HDMI incompatibility, but he said not to worry about it, and use Component video, which he said offers a much better video signal than HDMI (ya right).
   
   So, I give it 4 stars for sound, 1 star for video, and a -1 star for false advertising regarding the VS-2 (and the installer giving me false information to make the VS-2 work)



3. I bought my Lifestyle 48 a little over one year ago. The system sounds and works great and I enthusiastically give it a 5 star rating.
   
   Setup was a breeze. I agree with much of what Philippe "Phil Reviewer of things" said in his review. I am using Comcast cableTV and had no problems connecting the system to my Sony XBR using the VS-2 video enhancer. The Lifestyle 48 system includes a setup disk that automatically calibrates each speaker and subwoofer to 5 locations in your room to ensure the audio is optimal. The system delivers stunning sound, with great depth and realistic, distortion-free surround sound. If possible, you should really demo the Bose speakers in the quiet comfort of a Bose store. Don't believe everything you read in these reviews. You really need to personally experience the clarity and crispness of the jewel speakers and just-right, undistorted bass. Decide with your ears. I did and after researching and listening to many other systems costing more and less I found the Bose Lifestyle 48 out performed them all. My only disappointment was the Lifestyle DVD player. After I got the Sony XBR HD TV, the "regular" DVD player in the Lifestyle 48 produced expected average picture quality. For little money (not sure yet which direction HD DVD tech is going) I purchased a 1080p Upscaling DVD player with HDMI output which looks much better. I use the DVD-CD player in the Bose mainly to store new CD's. (The new systems have offer the upgraded DVD player)
   
   To date, I have loaded over 200 CD's. I have not encountered any hardware of software problems. The Bose uMusic "artificial intelligence" approach to cataloging music, customizable genre presets and nicely detailed music library information database, and a long list of other usable features really make this system a joy to use. I recently added a Boselink AL8 wireless "transmitter" to the Lifestyle 48 and a Wave radio with an AL8 "receiver". I use the Wave radio in my bedroom, one floor above where I have my Lifestyle 48 system. Using the Personal music center II remote control (the one with the small LCD screen) I can access my music library on my Lifestyle 48 system from my bedroom and play it back through the Wave radio. The AL8 transmitter can accommodate a total of 14 remote (receiver) locations.
   
   The Bose Lifestyle 48 is a great surround sound audio system. It's customizable and expandable to meet just about anyone's need. Bose offers excellent quality and stands behind their product. I purchased my Bose equipment from their store in Columbia, MD. These folks are knowledgable, friendly, professional, and true audio "geeks" who love everything audio-visual and are there to show you Bose technology, and answer your questions not just sale you stuff. Over the past year, I have made routine and not-so-routine calls to Bose tech support and they have always provide excellent, patient service.



4. I live in a high rise condo and hence a system with small footprint, but good sound quality for movies and cable was very important. I have the following sources feeding into the Bose 48 system:
   
   1. LG BH 200 Blu Ray/DVD Player
   2. Apple TV
   3. Cox HD DVR
   4. Polk Xrt 12 XM radio
   5. Sony Digital Photo Album (not used much after getting Apple TV).
   
   PROS:
   
   1. Accepts a wide variety of audio formats
   2. uMusic music playback quality is excellent since it preserves the original CD quality.
   3. AdaptIQ really makes the sound all enveloping in my living room/dining room where it is set up.
   4. Runs cool and hence can be placed inside a cabinet with no problems.
   5. Super reliable and operating it, even with all the systems feeding it is easy.
   6. Sound stage is impressive and both movies (I watch mainly Apple TV HD content and Blu Ray sound great).
   7. Nice, small footprint speakers.
   8. Nice thumping bass (the Acoustimass speaker has to be place correctly for best impact).
   9. Tremendous flexibility when it comes to speaker placement.
   
   CONS:
   
   1. Video switching for component and s-video work fine with my VS-2 Video enhancer. However, the hdmi is flaky when connected to my Pioneer display (handshake issue - and therefore I am connecting my Blu Ray and Cable box video directly to the display (hdmi) and not going through the Bose 48 system. Apple TV is connected via component and connected via the Bose and it works fine.
   
   2. When connected via hdmi, the DVD upscaling on the Bose is very good. However, the default connection (via component) is so so. Since I use my LG BH 200 to play both DVD and Blu Ray, it is not an issue for me. But when upscaled via HDMI, the DVD playback was very close to my Oppo DVD Player - which is often considered to be one of the best. In fact, once I saw the upscaling, I took out the Oppo from my system. However, the Oppo does play DVD-A and DVDs from other region.
   
   3. At this price, Bose should have included DVD-A and SACD playback as well.
   
   4. The analog inputs should have supported 5.1 (instead of just 2.0). I am using digital coax and optical because of this limitation. HDMI is for video only.
   
   Given the overall performance of this system, the solid reliability and Bose customer support I give this a 4 star. The sound quality is far superior to the Sony 5.1 system that it replaced - by a big margin.

5 comments about RCA RTD258 1000 Watts 5-Disc DVD/CD Home Theatre System with HD Multimedia Interface.

1. This unit works fine about 70% of the time but has started not recognizing DVD's. I assumed the lens needed cleaning so I bought a Maxell DVD Lens Cleaner. It would not recognize the disk. It showed the message "Bad Disk". Finally, after turning the power on and off several times it recognized the disk. Cleaning the lens didn't seem to help. I e-mailed RCA customer support and received a reply to call customer support to discuss the problem. I called the toll free number and was connected to a customer support center in Manila. They were absolutely no help at all. Their only advice was to clean the lens. Please, save your money. Do not buy this unit. I will NEVER purchase anything made by RCA



2. This system is so bad, that just looking at it now puts me in a bad mood. The speakers are average, but the DVD player has the strangest balance. The system has scratched more DVDs than I can remember. If you feel like having a $200 dust collector that produces poor sound and destroys your stuff, then this is for you. I will never own anything by RCA again, nor will I wish this poor product on anyone.



3. We bought this item less than 6 months ago and it has caused problems from the 2nd month, only after throwing away the receipt! The trays are flimsy and cheap and it takes a long time to change through the features. It stopped reading 90% of all our DVDs even after cleaning and taking it apart for a spray down. Save your money and buy something better



4. My husband bought this as a surprise.
   It was the highest end at the store
   he shopped at. I would not have purchased
   another RCA product as the prior two were
   returned for being defective.
   
   This product has a fan that moans and
   groans real loud for about five minutes
   until it warms up. Some of the features
   just come and go. The first night it was
   just great - but give it a week. It was the
   same way with the last two, they should last
   longer than a month!? But they don't. Never
   again I say.



5. Pro's
   ---------
   -Delivers a pretty good suround sound effect for the price.
   -Holds 5 CD's of any type (not mini cd's)
   -Modern look, and slim design
   -Easy to set up
   -HDMI
   -USB hook up
   -Easy to change speaker settings during playback.
   -----------
   Cons
   -----------
   -Minor hiss sound when on but not when playing media.
   -CD/DVD deck is a little noisy when playing or switching.
   -Difficult to use controller to switch CD/DVD's
   -Turning off the device sometimes makes a static sound.
   -USB Media Bridge is a little slow.
   -No sound output (like to TV)
   ------------------
   Personal expiriance with product=
   Hooked up to a LG 42 Inch LCD TV.
   
   The HDMI port does not work on mine.
   Though HDMI is useless because the port is for video only.
   You cannot use your tv speakers with this device.
   
   Overall it's an ok system, but I would get something else.

5 comments about Sony DAV-BC150 5-Disc Progressive Scan DVD Home Theater System.

1. This home theater system is great for under 300 dollars.
   the good.
   1.has good sound
   2.comes with great little speakers
   3.is a 5 dvd changer
   4.the remote is good if you have a sony tv
   5. has good bass
   
   The bad.
   1.the remote is not so great if you do not have a sony Tv
   2.not very many imputs and outputs
   3.the dvd changer is a bit on the slow side
   
   other than that i would over all recomend it it has many great features .
   this is my setup.
   rca tv
   Dav-bc150 (the hometheater system i am talking about
   xbox
   it sounds great has tons of features go for it!!!



2. I think we have some Sony reps on here posting 5 stars and phrases like "Sounds Great" because the first thing I noticed was the lack luster sound for being 650 watts.
   
   The volume indicator only goes from 1-40. 40 seems like an incomplete number on a volume scale , and it seems to be very indicative of the seeminly lack of volume at MAX. The bass was practically non existant , even after flipping through the cumbersome menu to raise to 6 (its max). There is no boost for the front speakers, only balance, sheesh! Overall I thought the speakers had a very "canned" mid-range sound. I would give the over all sound a 5 out of 10. My old 400 watt panasonic actually sounded better.
   
   Didn't notice any difference with "night mode" on.
   
   Didn't notice any difference when setting surround speaker distance.
   
   Didnt notice hardly any difference when setting center speaker level.
   
   There are no nail holes in the back of the speakers, so be prepared to by your own speaker mounts. I thought this was TOTALLY lame.
   
   Any plusses? The no brain speaker wire hookup makes it easy. The separate buttons and lights for loaded DVDs is cool.
   
   Maybe if it was cheaper than the $299 retail price it would have deserved 3 stars but this thing is a solid 2.
   
   Edited 6/26/2006
   It died after owning it for 15 months.
   I wish I had taken it back when I first got it.
   Poor quality sound, now poor reliablity.
   Downgraded to 1 star.
   
   
   Oh and the SONY autmated phone system that steps you though about 30 questions for about 20 minutes and then says, "sorry no one is available during non business hours" is the most stupid thing I have ever heard of.



3. If there was an option to rate this system with 0 stars, that would have been my pick. First of all, Sony has always been known for its impressive line of electronics and certain entertainment systems, but I must say I am extremely dissapointed with this system. It was enough that the music sounded like trash because no sound came from the smaller speakers, proving that this system was not made for parties or using it as a source of "surround sound". Another issue that bugged me beyond belief was the fact the system takes about a minute to turn on, as if its a damn computer. Forget about switching between CD's, that takes about a minute between each one to load as well. The Volume button is also frustrating because they are buttons and not a knob. For someone who enjoys to partake in a loud music session once in a while, this system is not for you. If you had a chance to see how loud it gets, you would be very upset, because it almost could compare to the loudness of a boombox or even worse a COBY system. Hate to see this from a line like SONY, but its the truth and its sad.



4. I bought this system 10 months ago, and initially I was pleased... simply because it was a big step up from what I had before. That's not saying much, though. I would strongly advise others to purchase a different system. I can't comment intelligently on sound quality, but this home theater in a box lacks some basic and important features:
   
   No random, which is bad if you are just listening to music.
   
   No zoom.
   
   You also can't continue to play a disc while changing others. You also will lose your spot if you attempt this.
   
   Oh, and mine stopped working... that's the main one.
   
   Guess I was naive and expected more from sony.



5. Average system. I was happy when I brought it, especially because of ease of setup and also as I own a Sony TV, I can operate with one remote.
   
   Points to consider before you buy
   1. Not very many inputs and outputs. (If you want to route audio of multiple system like TV, computer, audio systems you have to keep switching wires same with video if you have a TV and a projector).
   2. The DVD changer is a bit on the slow side.
   3. No zoom, which is annoying some times
   4. The sound is OK not very great.

5 comments about JVC TH-M505 DVD Home Theater System with 5-Disc Changer.

1. I bought this system about a year and a half ago and I love it. Great sound quality, powerful speakers, nice playback of DVD, CD, and MP3 discs. Only gripes would be the lack of DIVX playback.
   
   Great value for the price.



2. We bought this system and we loved it. The only problem was that we couldn't get sound from our DVR (time warner) to our surround. Since the JVC has an optical connection and the Time Warner Cable box has a RCA connection. My suggestion would be to buy a converter, the coaxil in to optical out, and the sound is awesome. You can find the converter on Amazon as well. Shipping was very quick. It took us a while to figure this out and it was becoming very frustrating. So, I wanted to share this information in case anyone else is in the same situation.



3. For the price you pay (I purchased mine at a clearance outlet for a mere $240) you can't beat this. I have a small/medium size room 18' x 16' and this little system fills it up really nice. The sound is clear and crisp, even at very high volumes. The sub does really well also. Set-up is a breeze utilizing the smart set-up option, and there are separate volume controls for the left, right, center, and sub to fine tune it to you liking. The Dolby and DTS options are great, although I am partial to the DTS sound. Movies and music both sound just great. I have had this for 6 months now and have had no problems at all. I did switch to a high grade speaker cable because the wire supplied is your typical small wire that comes with this type of product. I also bought the smaller Omni mounts for the rears ($25 for two at circuit city).
   
   Others have complained about lack of options but seriously, if you do your homework then you know what you're getting. Friends and family have purchased other brand systems that are similar to this one (Sony, Panasonic, Phillips, RCA, even the similar Pioneer), and paid even 100-250 dollars more, but this one easily outperforms them.
   
   I really expected alot less from this but I was, and still am, very impressed and satisfied. Again, for the price, it just can't be beat. If you're on a budget and really want to get the bang for your buck look no further.



4. I've had this particular system for a couple of years now and when recently playing "The Blueprint" - the subwoofer blew a circuit. Granted I was playing it fairly loud and had the sub set on a high level, but hell isn't that what a 'banging' system is for?
   
   And since the connection between the receiver and sub is an S-Video connection, I can't just readily replace the sub. So here I am stuck with trying to find the same sub for who knows how much or starting from scratch.
   
   Total bummer. This system is apparently manufactured for Sinatra and Glen Campbell listeners. Rock 'n Roll, rap, punk listeners need seek a solution elsewhere.



5. I purchased this system from Sears about four years ago and it still sounds like I just bought it yesterday. the surround sound is awsome. I have never had any problems with this product and I highly recommend it!

4 comments about Philips-HTS3450 - Home theater system - 5.1 channel.

1. After 9 months of owning the unit, I was pretty much satisified. That is until the subwoofer died on me one day. Luckily since it's still within the manufacturer's warranty, Philips has agreed to honor the terms. Unfortunately, according to the repair technician, the unit was "unavailable" for replacement. I have to ship the entire unit (at my own cost) and either it will be repaired or replaced. Hopefully things will work out...Regardless, I'm looking at new home theater systems just in case...
   I just find it totally unacceptable that a unit of this caliber will fail without even a year of use.



2. If I could give it 0 stars I would. Same as the above- dead subwoofer. Mine died after the warranty expired though. I have personally had other Phiilips products die before their time too. Stay away from the brand its rubbish.



3. I have owned this system for 18 months. The subwoofer blew out on me. Initially it started with snap crackle pop noises until eventually the system would not turn on at all. Pretty shoddy equipment. I will stay away from Philips equipment from now on.



4. Same as above. I'll never buy another Philips product. I've discovered that this is such a problem, that they should have recalled these. Mine failed after about 14 months, and it's not as though it was used every day. I would definitely not recommend buying this product.