5 comments about Panasonic SC-HT740 5 DVD Home Theater System.

1. At the store I thought this thing was going to be great. I compared this to many other systems and it seemed to be much better. The one thing that hooked me when I bought it was that you have the capability to go wireless.
   
   FIRST
   Unfortunately, the bright engineers at Panasonic decided to have the wireless home theater system operate at the same frequency as a wireless home network. So, if you are as lucky as me, don't expect to be on the internet and use your Panasonic home theater at the same time (assuming you've got the wireless addon).
   
   SECOND
   This unit doesn't have any reasonable audio inputs. Very dissappointing.
   
   I'm not sure that I would have found a better deal, nonetheless I would definitely not have purchased it knowing what I know now.



2. I had a Pioneer home theater system first. After 6 years it bit the dust. I decided to go cheap and get this one. I have to say to does not measure up to the old system at all.
   
   If this was my first system I probably would not be so hard on it. It works OK. But the sound is not nearly as good as my old system. After I turn it up so loud I get bad distortion out of the large speakers. My old system never did that.
   
   The remote is not easy to use. The layout is not easy to learn. This is probably due to all the different options, but sometimes less is more.
   
   If this is your first home theater you will probably be happy. But if you have had a good one and are in need of replacing it, I recommend you look at a higher end system. I have nothing against Panasonic. Have had many things of theirs I was happy with and I will continue to use thier products. This is just not one of them.



3. I have this system for about 10 Months. I bought it with my TV Panasonic TH42PX60U. It works great and sound is good. I like its Front input port as I connect output from my Laptop to this port and connect my TV with the Laptop, then I can view many online movies just like I am watching it on DVD and it sounds great too. Only problem I have is, it doesnt have many input ports in the back. I recently ordered PS3 and I would have liked to connect PS3 with this system using Optical Cable but this system doesnt have Opticual input. Thats why I gave it 4 star.



4. Major problems with the DVD component and no help from Panasonic, or related authorized service centers, under warrenty until July 2008, puchased from you through Butterfly photo, what do you suggest I do.



5. This is a very lousy product. You'll enjoy it for about a year if you're lucky until the 'F61' unit display lights up, then its to the trash. As far as troubleshooting or customer support for this one, you're out of luck. Hope you have a warrenty.

5 comments about Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II DVD - Home Entertainment System - Silver.

1. I thought mine was a lemon from the start but from the other reveiws I see I am not alone. I sent it back for repairs in the first year. (a piece of inards came out with a dvd when I ejected it) It has major problems reading discs of any kind. Currently it will not play DVD's at all. I now have a $30 player for that. A few months ago the volume went out. I now play everything at 60 or 70 volume where 30 used to be loud. Not so bad except that every once in a while it realizes where it should be and blasts for a second or two. Scares the you-know-what out of everyone especially the dog! Latest problem is one of the speakers (or wiring) is on the fritz. It constantly goes in and out. Did I mention that the screws that hold the wires into the back of the amp lost their thread bolt inside of the amp within about a year. Nice thousand dollar paper weight...



2. We were looking for a home theater system for our condo and BOSE GS II is an ideal fit. The distance between the speakers and TV is very important. This system (as the BOSE salesperson told us) is built for apartments or small rooms. Sound quality is amazing as long as you are within 10-12' from the system. DVDs work like a charm and this system has added a new dimension to watching television. I will definitely recommend this system to you if you are looking for a home theater system for your apartment.



3. The law firm of Meyer & Associates has been researching a potential class action case against Bose, Inc. regarding an alleged defect of the Bose 321 systems resulting in CD/DVD drive failure during normal use. If you are experiencing this problem, and are willing to assist with our investigation, please contact me at 1-866-827-6537 or www.dmlaws.com and fill out a form so that our firm can evaluate your situation.



4. I first starting looking into the Bose 321 system about 3 years ago; however, once I read the reviews I backed off. Instead I bought an Onkyo home theatre system and was quite happy with it.
   
   Fast forward 3 years and my Onkyo was no longer working properly. So, I started looking around and I saw that Bose made a second generation 321 system. Even though it's a lot more than comparable 2:1 systems, I read better reviews for it so I decided to get it.
   
   I have to say that I've been very happy with the Series II 321 system. The sound is incredible and it is a lot better than my previous Onkyo. I've had this for about a month and I'm very, very satisfied with it. Quite honestly, I'm not sure why there are any negative reviews with this product.
   
   Anyway, if there's anyone that's on the fence with getting this, get it and you won't be disappointed. Cheers.



5. I have owned the 3-2-1 system for 1 yr, 1 month and 1 week. The DVD player had to be replaced after 6 months of occasional use. Last week it failed to operate again, 6 weeks out of warranty. Also, no audio from the cable/sat setting ! The audio from my plasma TV speakers is equally as impressive in my LARGE living room. The AM/FM gives poor quality reception compared to a simple kitchen am/fm under the cabinet! DVD players are not expensive. I was impressed by the demo at the store, with a Bose DVD- at home it left me cold. Like PT Barnum said, 'there is one born every minute' Be smart and avoid this product and shop for a decent dvd/sound system.

3 comments about Denon DHT-FS3 Home Theater in a Box.

1. I purchased the DHT-FS3 hoping not so much for a 5.1 sound-alike experience but simply hoping for a good "TV speaker replacement" system. Unfortunately, while the Denon is the best sounding system of its type, it simply wasn't to be for my application.
   
   First, the size of the unit is a bit larger in some ways that one would expect and smaller than others. Denon obviously designed the unit to fit in front of a flat screen TV, as they thoughtfully provided feet that are widely spaced (about 20") so that the unit can straddle the front of most TV manufacturer's flat screen pedestals. But it's also wider than one might expect - it's wider than a 16:9 32" TV, but a bit narrower than a 37".
   
   The sound is GOOD, but not great. At no time will you think you're in front of not only a 5.1 surround system but even a decent stereo system using bookshelf loudspeakers; however it does sound better than any built-in TV speakers could, and it outdoes most "mini" systems as well, likely including offerings such as Denon's own S-101 HTIB system. Like most such systems, the bass is a bit "thumpy" - the sub just doesn't integrate well with the satellites and crosses over fairly high - around 125-150 Hz - so you never lose sight of the fact that most of your sound is coming from "up there" but the bass notes are coming from "down there."
   
   The unit has multiple inputs - two sets of RCAs for analog, including one set that can be used with one of Denon's iPod docks, two optical digital and one coaxial digital. The setup has many nice features, including distance to the listener, bass/treble (unlike Bose systems, but here the adjustments are in fairly large 2dB increments) and a nice universal remote to control your TV, DVD player and the speaker unit. It can play in straight stereo, "wide" surround, Dolby Digital or even DTS, and all sound reasonably good for this application.
   
   The design flaw? While not Denon's fault, most every flat panel TV manufacturer puts the sensor for their remote control along the bottom of the TV, meaning if the Denon's sitting in front of the TV, I can just about guarantee it will be blocking the TV's remote sensor unless you're using it with a larger set (40" or more) and the sensor's in the corner, or your TV somewhat more intelligently placed the sensor along the TV's sides or top frame.
   
   I don't mean to come across as overly harsh, but I really had high hopes for a product like this from Denon, and sound-wise it really didn't sound as good as I thought it would. That's not really their fault; you can only do so much with smaller drivers in a rather small enclosure. But on the other hand, it does do a better job of producing a virtual surround effect than any TV's built-in surround effect (e.g. "SRS") or the similar Yamaha Sound Projectors.
   
   So in short, it's worth a try if you're looking for a product like this, but the fact that it would block my TV's IR sensor immediately made it a non-starter for me as soon as I removed it from its box. Perhaps in a future model Denon can thoughtfully provide an "IR blaster" on the back of the unit to automatically repeat IR signals it sees to any TV sensors that may be located behind it.
   
   It's truly a beautiful LOOKING unit, the piano black finish blending nicely with the similar finish used on most flat panels that don't use a silvery frame. It's certainly a reasonable value for the price, given what it would cost to build a similar quality system for components or find as high quality a HTIB ("Home Theatre in a Box") system.
   
   However, for the sole reason that it blocks my TV's remote sensor, I've no alternate place to place it, and it neither has an IR blaster nor provision to drive one, it's back in its shipping box just about three hours after first opening it.



2. The Denon DHT-FS3 is a great surround sound compliment to a small room that doesn't allow many speakers and wires. In addition, it's the perfect solution for a large plasma television. The sound enhancement is fantastic and the sleak design is impressive. The downside is it's a littly pricey.
   
   I must mention, however, that the customer service is absolutely terrible. I'm not sure if it was the holiday rush or the fact that they want to sell only to dealers, but my experience was less than impressive. I tried at least 10 times to speak live with a customer service support without success. I went so far as to leave two messages at the Denon corporate office for the customer service manager and other executives, but never received a return call.
   
   Bottom line, the product is good but don't plan for any support. I was a first time and last time Denon customer with my purchase of the DHT-FS3.



3. The Good: looks great with black piano finish
   easy setup with few wires
   simple operation
   excellent sound
   can be mounted or just place on enclosed cradle in front of tv
   
   The Bad: not much surround sound, you will hear some sounds coming at you
   from the sides, but no rear sound detection.
   on some tvs the remote sensor could be covered by the bar, be
   sure and measure the height of your sensor.
   expensive
   
   Overall: very good sound, easy setup and operation, would be hard to
   beat the quality of this if you want to avoid wires and other
   complications of a true 5.1 system.

No comments about Yamaha YHT-790BL Home Theater in a Box (Black).

No comments about Yamaha YHT-685SL Home Theater in a Box (Silver).

No comments about Yamaha YAS-70BL Front Surround System (Black).

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.

3 comments about BOSE (R) 5.1 Lifestyle 38 Series III DVD Home Entertainment System ( Black ).

1. 
   for me this is something. I have used a pair of bose 901 serie vi reflecting speakers, and is the best you can get.



2. I always wished I should have Bose Home theater system and got one.
   Its 38 series and its awesome. I recommend both, the product and the seller.
   Product was in the original box all sealed.



3. This was the worst on line buying experience I could have ever imagined. I ordered a Bose Surround Sound system from Amazon/Electronic Expo and the delivery date that UPS would deliver it was April 4. A week passed from the delivery date and I called UPS and Amazon to find out why my order had not been delivered. I was told to contact the sender, Electronic Expo, and a man named ARA told me that they would contact me in 1-7 days concerning the delivery. Another week passed and no one contacted me. I then called E.E. and spoke to ARA again and he said he would contact me in 1-7 days. I explained to him that is what he told me the previous week and that he did not call me in that time period. He began shouting at me and unfortunately I shouted back at him and nothing was resolved concerning the system delivery. I again contacte Amazon requesting a cancellation of my order and you said I had to work with Electronic Expo until the lost shipping matter was resolved. Three days later UPS declared my order lost and I contacted E.E. I asked not to have any more conversations with ARA and a man named Bruno said the shipment was lost but they would upgrade me to a better system for the same price for my inconvenience. The Next day a man named Stephen called me and informed me Bruno should not have offered me the free upgrade but I could have the upgrade for an additional $500.00. I requested a refund. My experice with Electronic Expo was a zero on a scale of 1-10. Amazon offered me very little assistance in dealing with them. I rarely make on line purchase and I assure you I will never make another purchase through Amazon.

3 comments about Bose® Lifestyle® 48 Series IV DVD home theater system with uMusic® and 1080p video upconversion 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.

5 comments about Motorola DCP501 All-In-One Home Theater Receiver.

1. I am very pleased with this product. I like the fact that it is an all in one system (including CATV tuner). My only negative is that the unit is very large (long in length). I use it to drive an infocus IN72 projector using s-video and surround sound speakers.



2. I had a Motorola unit which no longer worked. After shopping around for another unit in stores I realized I should try to replace the unit I had since it has everything I wanted including the DVD player. I was extremely pleased to find one for sale at a great price delivered to my door!



3. I Purchase this product a month ago and I'am so happy with it, Best ad vise is to get good speakers. If possible planing on getting a speaker package that's include subwoofer. Sourround sound is excellent, the only thing is that I had to pretty much bug the Comcast people/ The Cable Company to activated it, and it now work great with my digital cable package, save me a $4.50 monthly on leasing cable box.



4. Not a happy camper. I bought 2 dcp 501 for my house. 6 mts later i am down to 1. The unit about every 3 days has to have the digital activation sent to it to watch channels again. I was lookign for a replacemtn but after reading teh reviews i am looking for anotehr product.
   I am an EX Motorola tech and i am not a bit happy. Cant win them all



5. I bought the Dcp 501 on E bay Brand New for $104.00 sent to me.I love the system.Once you sit down and get the settings right it sounds great!!I highly recomend this reciever.You wont go wrong.I use the tunner on my DVD player although the tunner on the Dcp 501 worked.It didnt respond as quickly when changing the channels as the tunner on my DVD player.Other then that its a nice unit!1