1 comments about Panasonic SC-HT743 5-Disc DVD Home Theater System.

1. I bought this surround sound system so I could hear the explosives sounds behind my HDTV and Blu-Ray movies. I couldn't believe the price for a system that includes HDMI, Wireless, and professional looking speakers. When I got the system home I was impressed with the sound quality and easiness of setup. This system is one of the best out of the box surround sound systems I was able to find that included all the options I wanted. This is a great value for the money.

4 comments about RCA RTD120 DVD Home Theater System.

1. I bought this system as a gift for my girlfriend, and the floor model was the last item in the store, so I had the luxury of testing it out pretty thoroughly (I mean, the box is already conspicuously open...). For $100, it's actually a pretty decent value. It does mostly what you'd expect it to do, with a few caveats.
   
   Perhaps unsurprisingly, the amplifier section of this unit is something of an afterthought and probably the (biggest) Achilles heel of the unit. The "sub" (and that should be used in quotes for basically ALL home-theater-in-a-box systems, really) is rated at 25w; the fronts and rear outputs are *rated* at 15w. By the way, those ratings are at a PUBLISHED 10% THD. If you know what that means, or are used to the published wattage / THD ratings on most consumer-level gear-- which is almost always incredibly/optimistically overrated on the spec sheet anyway-- you're probably either lifting your jaw off the floor or laughing out loud. If you don't, well, let's just say that this thing is not going to give you the most musically detailed reproduction you've heard in your life (but, again, for $100, what do you expect?). I would say this thing has about 5 watts on tap, max. Don't fear, dear jaded consumer used to "300-watt" receivers-- 5 watts is still enough to get it to respectable volumes and/or hack off your downstairs neighbors. Just don't expect to use this thing at a house party and have it survive intact.
   
   With speakers hooked up, the sound is a bit distant, fairly brittle in the upper mids, and definitely pretty ill-defined overall-- although I was surprised, given the distortion ratings, to find that it didn't make everything sound like it was running through a Marshall stack. For uncritical DVD playback, it's more than sufficient. The "sub" doesn't extend past about 100hz, which is just above where a real subwoofer would actually START. Nothing appears to be filtered or crossed over, with a lot of low-to-mid midrange going through the "sub" unit as well, and the whole rig definitely has some problems with boominess/kludginess in the 100-to-200hz band. But, again, most of this is not atypical of these systems in general. Please keep in mind that I'm pretty picky, too, and wouldn't be caught dead with one of these things (at ANY price) as my main living-room setup. ;) If you're less demanding, you will probably be OK.
   
   For best results, you're going to need to tinker a lot with the "sub" placement, even more than usual with these silly theater-in-a-box things where the "sub" enclosure is the size of a bowling ball. It definitely needs to be dead center of your system if you're going to get even some semblance of imaging. I'd compare the sound of the system to a midrange boombox or a sub-$80 set of PC speakers. I definitely expected the RTD120 to sound a little worse than it does... not too much worse, though.
   
   Make sure that, when listening to stereo program material like CDs, MP3s or TV-episode DVDs, you've got the unit switched to "DSP"'s stereo mode instead of Pro Logic. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this will drastically improve the sonic performance (never trust a DSP chip that thinks it can sensibly turn 2 channels into 5). I mention this only because the RTD120 isn't smart enough to know the difference itself, and tends to favor Pro Logic mode. If you play a Pro Logic-encoded DVD, it seems to switch to Pro Logic automatically, but it won't switch back to stereo automatically when you next put in a CD.
   
   I suspect the unit's DVD playback is largely based on Apex-developed firmware, and I say that based on past experience with their older DVD players-- in particular, the MP3 menu is almost a dead ringer for that in the Apex AD-1210W, which is coincidentally what this system is replacing for mah woman.
   
   I have no problems at all with Apex gear-- except that their DVD hardware that I've used tends toward incredibly counterintuitive user interfaces. Unbelievably, the RTD120's interface and remote layout is even MORE ridiculous and dumb than the Apex 12x0 series. At least, unlike the 1210W, you don't need to use a "special key" to navigate a DVD menu from the arrow buttons.
   
   HOWEVER-- there are a lot of far, far worse quirks in operation. This thing has a surprisingly steep learning curve, mostly due to an interface design that I would describe as not just "stupid" but "outright malicious." Subtitle, audio track, angle... none of these things have their own dedicated buttons on the remote. Instead, all are accessed through the "Info" button and a side-scroll menu that subsequently appears at the top of the screen. The chapter/track buttons took me about ten minutes to find, because they're vertically oriented and labeled as "CH" (wouldn't you think "channel?").
   
   The manual could help you out with things like this, but frankly, at this point in time I don't EXPECT to need the manual to perform basic DVD playback operations. The manual also totally glosses over a lot of the unit's stranger idiosyncracies. For instance, if you have a DVD with a menu that has looping audio playback, you CAN'T make it shut up with the "Stop" button-- you either have to hit "mute" or turn the unit off. Audio CDs can't be fast-forwarded or "rewound" audibly-- sure, you can fast-forward, but you'll just have to guess as to where you need to land.
   
   MP3 playback is especially lackluster and antiquated for a machine of "this modern generation," although it actually sounds pretty good considering. The manual doesn't mention it, but if you want to change folders, you need to stop playback first-- which, for whatever reason, the unit is not always happy to do on command. ID3s are not supported at all. You'll only see the "DOS format" file and folder name on the disc-- eight capital-letter characters. As you can imagine, on any MP3 CD where you've got more than one album by the same artist, it will take you a little experimentation to find it. According to the manual, the unit cannot play MP3s encoded over 256kbps bitrate... I haven't tried it yet with my collection of VBR --alt-preset extreme MP3 files, but this is a bit worrisome and also incredibly strange for a unit made in 2004. There are also five-second gaps placed between tracks in a folder, which is entirely unacceptable to me.
   
   Aside from counterintuitive operation and labeling, the remote has the most idiotic layout I think I've ever seen-- the play, stop and pause buttons are at the very, very bottom of the remote, requiring you to do some serious hand aerobics just to pause playback, while the chapter forward / back buttons are way up at the top. Speaking of the remote-- like most modern consumer products, if you lose it, God help you, because you can't do diddily squat without it. Because the user interface is so screwball and proprietary, I strongly suspect that buying a universal remote would NOT save your $100 investment. Glue that sucker to the coffee table if you know what's good for you.
   
   The manual says nothing at all about recordable DVD formats. However, the unit DOES seem to play DVD-R and +R. I have not tested it yet with +/-RW, nor have I tried it with VCDs (although I imagine that everything short of KVCD probably plays fine). Incidentally, DVD playback DOES look pretty darned good for the money.
   
   The unit also has two line-level auxillary inputs, which means you could theoretically plug in an iPod, a VCR, a tape deck, or a PS2. At the price point, this surprised me. There is NO video routing provided, however. If you want to use a VCR or PS2 alongside the deck without getting up every ten seconds to switch the video cable, you'll either need multiple inputs on your TV or a video switchbox.
   
   To RCA's credit, the unit comes with a 1-year parts and labor warranty, which have become extremely unfashionable in anything involving a DVD transport. For $100, that I did not expect! The main DVD / amplifier unit does seem fairly solidly built. Just don't trip over those hardwired 32-gauge zip cables coming out of the plastic-and-cardboard speakers... ;)
   
   I also wouldn't expect this unit to last for years and years-- about two or maybe three years' moderate use is probably the most you can expect out of it, if you treat it nicely. Of course I base that on my past experiences with Apex decks-- and "serious brand name" DVD players as well (frankly, I've met a lot of those that have died faster than the Apexes I've known). DVD decks in general just don't last very long... if longevity / investment is important to you, you'd be far better off looking for separate components and plan to replace the DVD deck every so often, since a good amplifier will last virtually forever.
   
   All in all, honestly, the recurrent theme: what do you really want or expect for $100? It's really pretty crazy that you can buy a DVD player, an amplifier and something resembling speakers in a single box for this kind of money. I think the RTD120 would be a fine secondary / bedroom system, or perhaps even a good main system for those who just aren't very picky (and frankly, no offense intended to you, but... if you are looking at a theater-in-a-box system to begin with, you almost certainly qualify). It has its problems, not many of them very serious... it could, and probably should, be a lot worse than it actually is. I actually think you'd be a lot better off buying this than some of the brand-name theater-in-a-box systems going for three or four times the price. None of them sound very good or are particularly good investments... so you might as well minimize the pocketbook impact, right? Right.



2. We finally got around to mounting the speakers up properly, only to find the unit does not work properly.
   
   It will read low-budget DVDs like "little Rascals" collection (bought at Christian bookstore) and a music tutorial DVD, but it WILL NOT read any DVD rental or purchase from Blockbuster and the like. The unit only shows the "no disk" indication.
   
   The only menu I can get is the general menu option when DVD/CD player is selected. DSP, equalize, and other buttons do/indicate/select nothing.
   
   This statement on Amazon and other sellers' sites is a lie: "Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Pro Logic decoding; Dolby Pro Logic II generates 5.1 surround signals from any stereo (2-channel) source" The unit defaults to stereo mode when aux 1 or aux 2 or selected, so there is NO WAY to get surround sound from this thing except if it's encoded on a DVD that will actually play. Nothing in the manual or on the box support the claims of the sellers that it will "generate surround signals from any stero (2-channel) source." This is a figment of a sales' departments imagination. I was severly misled into buying this junk because of this false claim as I was specifically looking for a cheap way to get surround sound into that room.
   
   The previous homeowners left holes in the walls from their home theater, but since this was a room we don't use much, I opted for a cheap way to cover the holes with speakers and bring surround sound to my directv viewing/cd playing in that room. Add to that the fact that no rental DVD will work, it's an extreme ripoff. Of course the receipt is nowhere to be found so I cannot even have the unit serviced under warranty even though I have the box, UPC, and manual. Even if I did, I suspect I will be told that the disclaimers in the manual are interpreted to mean there was never any guarantee the unit would play (undamaged, clean) rental or purchased commercial DVD's.



3. Not only was this dvd player impossibly difficult to use, as other reviewers have pointed out (also poor sound), it broke on me within days of receipt. That led to the worst experience I have ever had with service. Six months ago, I took the machine to the servicer designated by the company and I still don't have it back. They took about two months to figure they needed new parts, another two months to figure they couldn't get the parts, another two months to figure they maybe should order a replacement and I'm still waiting . . . Stay away from this machine and this company or you'll be sorry.



4. I purchased this item last year from Circuit City (for a lot less than Amazon.com is selling it for) because I wanted a DVD player / theater system that would enhance my 52" RCA TV. And this is an excellent theater system. The sound quality is amazing, it is really like I am in a theater when I watch a DVD. The system comes with 5 little speakers, two for the front, two for the back, and one for the center. I never want to watch another DVD again unless it is on this player because the picture and sound quality is amazing. It is also a great CD player. I recommend this unit to anyone that wants a quality system but does not want to spend a lot.

5 comments about Samsung HT-DB120 Progressive-Scan DVD Home Theater System (Silver).

1. The quality of this DVD player is absolutely amazing. The progressive scan technology looks great even on a normal TV! The sound quality is unmatched and along with Dolby Digital 5.1 there is two sweets that make this deal amazing. The first is Dolby Pro-Logic 2, which is great for watching TVmovies and other nice programing encoded for this format. It is also GREAT for the GameCube which uses Pro-Logic 2 for surround! The best part of this deal is the DTS support!!! DTS for under $200!!!!! When I turn this DVD player to widescreen and then use the 16:9 aspect ratio on my 32" Flat CRT TV the quality is similar to HDTV!! Make sure when you get it and you are using a 4:3 display to change the setting on the system to tell it that you are using 4:3 otherwise it will default to wide and it will look bad on your TV!! Great buy!



2. Bought it Nov. 2003, broke 9/30/04 and the warranty covers labor for only 90 days. It never worked that well to begin with, some DVD wouldn't work on it, although they worked fine on other players.



3. Had this setup for a year or so. The sound or audio quality is certainly not going to be mistaken for a "serious" home theater system made of seperate components, but that ought to be obvious from the price tag. It's more than adequate for a starter system, an apartment, or for a bedroom. The volume control at about the 40 setting is enough to start making the neighbors complain, which is good since much higher and the sound starts distorting a bit. The player itself seems of reasonable build quality and I experienced no issues with the player whatsoever during the time I owned it, the speakers and subwoofer seem a bit cheap but they work fine. Setup is pretty easy as the wires have colored plug connectors on one end, just match like colors. Of course the downside to this is that you have to use the lousy speaker wire that comes in the box, since if you bring your own high-gauge wire you won't have the plug to connect it to the player. But of course if you're buying this unit you're likely not going to be out buying expensive Monster Cable for it ;)
   
   All in all, it's does a pretty decent job of what it's intended for, namely being a cheap solution for those with modest needs. It's not going to give you sound quality that would make Mozart weep. But if you're looking for something to get your feet wet in the home theater world without breaking the bank, or want a second or backup system for another room, then it's not a bad choice.



4. Everything seems ok about this, but I cant hear the voice channel very well. I pretty much have to turn it up to 35-40 to be able to hear much voice durring a movie... If I could fix that I'd be plenty happy.



5. Works ok with some DVDs. The only reason I bought was for the radio included in but it was not worth the trouble. In 12 months it has spent atleast 2 months getting fixed. The DVD doesnt open and they dont know whats the fix for it. Said they added some lubricant to open but it failed again. Then they changed the laser head dont know why but even that doesnt seem to help

No comments about Magnavox MRD500VR DVD and VCR 300 Watts Home Theater System.

1 comments about Coby DVD-427 DVD Home Theater System.

1. I bought this for my dad, because he loves tv. He never could get the crappy thing to work. What a waste and embarrassing gift!

5 comments about Magnavox MRD500VR DVD/VCR Home Theater System.

1. mine too was broken out of the box. it doesn't matter who makes them Magnavox puts their name on it, People trust that name, they need to do the right thing.



2. Got this at Christmas 2003. After about 4-5 months the audio on the DVD player worked only intermittently. That problem seemed to spontaneously correct itself, but now the DVD freezes up completely after about 1.25 hrs. of play. The remote doesn't have a mute button. The sound from the speakers is good, but the problems with the DVD player are unacceptable.



3. I bought this product from Target a little over a year ago. We use the DVD player maybe once to twice a month at most. About 2 months ago (just after the warranty expired - imagine that), the DVD player would start freezing and locking up after a certain period of time. Maybe 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours. Very disappointed with this. I read something about this being a program issue or something in this machine. Otherwise, it works great, too bad I bought it for the DVD player. I think magnavox should be held responsible in some way.



4. This is the worst piece of equipment I believe I have ever purchased. I had it maybe 8 months and it began to freeze. At 9 months the VCR went out. Now nothing works I would stay away from this product, I think Magnavox will put their name on anything.



5. I don't write many reviews but had to agree with everyone else here - our DVD player broke. This was a gift, unfortunately it's sitting gathering dust in the basement now.

No comments about Panasonic SC-HT833 Home Theater System.

5 comments about Denon S-101 DVD Home Entertainment System.

1. I love this unit and am still hopeful that I don't run into the same problems as many owners have. I've had this for six months with only one issue - the remote control stopped functioning completely. Although it would have been replaced under warranty, I was shopping for a universal (Logitech Harmony) remote already and just gave up with the Denon remote. The I-Pod functionality is great and the sound is rich and clear. It looks great and was easy to set up. Very happy with it at this point...knock on wood.



2. I have tried to get the radio (AM and FM) to recieve stations but cannot get the radio to work. I have tried verious antennas but none will work.
   My old set works but the new Denon will not bring in any stations.
   Therefore I would like to return the Denon set. Please advise the proceduer.
   Thanking you
   Thomas A Potter tagsp3@verizon.net 2301 Mariner's Mark Way #201 Virginia
   Virginia Beach, VA 23451
   Thanking you



3. I saw some mixed reviews to this product but I am delighted. The sound quality is fantastic, much better than the BOSE 123 I used to own. The I-Pod connectivity is an added plus as well. The remote can be tempremental but for the $400 price tag the system it is easily worth it. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a 3.1 system.



4. I have ALWAYS LOVED Denon products, especially their receivers. When I was looking for a bedroom system, I spotted this thing for $500 at the local retailer (which was 50% off). I almost ripped my wallet trying to get my plastic out! I brought it home and it sounded AWESOME after some minor fine tuning. I am an audio nut, so I knew better than to expect surround from 2 speakers, but it was definitely stereo on sterroids. In comparison to everything else, sound was a landslide better (esp better than Bose) Well here I am a year and 35 days later - just barely out of warranty - and I have a blown speaker. After reading all the disastrous reviews, I'm not even going to bother with it. I've changed out the speakers to a pair of old Polk satellites (which seem to survive anything) and life will go on until something else breaks. As of now, I'm FURIOUS with Denon and my days with the main unit working are probably numbered.
   
   My review (as of now) makes more bad reviews than good. Take that as a hint from an audio nut who's worked in the industry for quite a while.
   Avoid this product!



5. I bought the Denon S-101 2.1 home theater system to get rid of all the wires my wife didn't like! I thought the system sounded better than the Bose 3-2-1 system and I got a good deal from Best Buy when I bought my 50" panasonic plasama tv.
   
   The S-101 had decent sound, not great, but good. The sub woofer had adjustments but was not earth shaking! After using the system for 13 months the dvd player failed to recognize the dvd's and cd's I was trying to play. I called customer service and they told me to send it to a shop in VA for repairs, and of course the warranty was up and I would have to pay for the shipping and repairs. I was told it could cost as much as to $400.00 to repair. Hell, I could buy a new system for less than that!
   
   I would definitly never buy another Denon home theater system again, or any system with the dvd player integrated in with the speaker system.
   If the dvd player fails, your screwed!

3 comments about Sony HT-V2000DP Home Theater System with DVD / VHS and 85 Watts x 5.

1. Overall, a nice unit. Not as powerful as the wattage would imply.
   
   Some caveats:
   
   - The DVD player itself is quite loud; during quiet passages of music or movies, it's a bit intrusive
   
   - The VCR and DVD units are slow to respond to the keypresses of the base unit or the remote, which is somewhat annoying.
   
   - The amplifier smelled quite "hot" during the first few weeks, which made me worry about reliability.
   
   But I've had this unit for almost 6 months now and have been generally pleased with the performance and features, especially for the price.



2. I looked at this at Best Buy and I say "WOW!" It has terrific sound quality and the picture quality on the VCR/DVD is okay. It has digital cinema sound, Dolby digital, Dolby pro-logic, Dolby pro-logic II, and last but not least, it has DTS surround sound. The buttons on the remote (for the VCR/DVD) are very small along with the words on the buttons. The subwoofer is very powerful. I said to myself, "I hope the pictures on the wall don't rattle and fall off." The center speaker also has a very nice sound quality. Use the sound fields located in "movie" for cinema-like sound. Overall, I recommend the system for the sound quality.



3. I've had this unit for approximately a year now. I purchased it along with a Sony 42" Grand WEGA RP-LCD.
   
   This system is good for a small room, but it is not nearly loud enough for a normally-sized living room. The satellites don't become effective until you have the volume cranked to the 60s (out of 70) and the subwoofer doesn't pump out nearly enough bass.
   
   It's obviously tailored towards a casual user, which is perfect for the price. Wish I had just gotten something louder.
   
   Also, this system has 2 remotes: 1 for the receiver, and 1 for the DVD/VCR. You have to use both unless you get a universal.
   
   The Good:
   + Cheap
   + Includes all cables
   + Easy to setup
   
   The Bad:
   - WEAK POWER
   - 2 remotes: 1 for receiver, 1 for DVD/VCR
   - Subwoofer is sub-par. Not enough bass.

No comments about Wall Hugger Home Theater Surge Protector 14 Outlets.