The Bottom Line
Pros
- Straight forward setup.
- Non-intrusive slot-loading upscaling DVD player.
- Wireless Subwoofer and Bluetooth capability reduces cable clutter.
- Good sound quality from both main sound bar unit and subwoofer.
- Wall mount bracket included.
Cons
- 2.1 channel Virtual Surround processing not as effective as 5.1 channel surround sound.
- DVD upscaling quality just average.
- Remote control has small buttons and is not backlit.
- No video inputs .
- No XM/Sirius connection options.
Description
- Home Theater system features main sound bar unit housing 2.0 channel amplifier, FM Tuner, and single disc DVD player.
- Wireless 150 Watt Powered Subwoofer - 5.8 GHz band transmission.
- DVD player provides 1080p upscaling via HDMI output. Component video connection provides 480p output.
- DVD player compatible with with most recordable DVD formats, DVD Audio Discs, CDs/CD-Rs/-RWs, MP3, WMA, Divx, and Jpeg.
- Virtual surround sound processing of two-channel, Dolby Digital, and DTS source signals.
- Bluetooth compatibilty.
- USB host connectivity for still images, as well as video and audio files.
- Power output: 75x2 WPC for main unit, 150 watts for powered subwoofer.
- Sound bar is wall mountable - Wall mounting bracket provided.
- On screen user interface, wireless remote control provided.
Guide Review - Samsung HT-X810 2.1 Channel Home Theater System
The included upscaling DVD player is a nice touch, and provides acceptable image quality from DVDs, when used in its 1080p upscaling mode with an HDTV. However, digging deeper with the Silicon Optix HQV DVD Benchmark Test Disc, it was obvious that the video processor in the HT-X810 was not up to Samsung's usual standards.
With the Silicon Optix tests, the HT-X810 had trouble with jagged edges, progressive scan stability, film cadence detection, and, to a lesser extent, noise reduction. Check out some of the test results. If you have a 1080p HDTV, and are a stickler for good upscaling performance, you might consider using your TV to upscale your DVD output rather than the HT-X810.
Despite some drawbacks, Samsung deserves "kudos" for an innovative and practical design. The wireless subwoofer makes physical setup very easy and flexible, while the inclusion of a slot loading design DVD player is a space saver. The side mounted USB port and Auxiliary input add flexibility for accessing content off of flash drives or digital audio devices. I did not have a Bluetooth source component, so I was unable to test the Bluetooth function. Also, all wall-mounting hardware is included.
The HT-X810 is not perfect, but provides acceptable performance.
