Onkyo HT-SP908 Home Theater-in-a-box System - Product Profile

The Onkyo HT-SP908 home theater system includes standard surround sound decoding options but also includes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding as well via its 2 HDMI 1.3a inputs (which is a home theater-in-a-box first). Also included, a DVD player with 1080p upscaling. However, this system can easily accommodate an additional Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD player. This system comes packaged with the TX-SR605 Receiver, DV-SP405 DVD player, DS-A1X iPod dock, and SKS-HT750 speaker system that includes seven satellite speakers and one powered subwoofer. The HT-SP908 is currently available and has an MSRP of $1,099.

The included TX-SR605 receiver offers two HDMI inputs and one output, as well as three HD Component inputs and one output. There are four Composite Video and S-Video inputs, two additional analog audio-only inputs, plus a front panel A/V input for connection of an additional source, such as a camcorder. The TX-SR605 also features a VCR/DVR/DVD Recorder connection loop.

The TX-SR605 can also convert all standard definition analog video input signals to either component or HDMI video outputs to simplify Receiver connections to an HDTV.

The TX-SR605 receiver has four assignable digital audio inputs ( Two Coaxial and two Optical), Analog stereo audio connections for a CD player and CD or Cassette audio recorder, and a subwoofer preamplifier output. The SR605 also has a set of 5.1 channel audio inputs to accommodate 5.1 channel DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD 5.1 channel analog audio connection options. The TX-SR605 can also access multi-channel audio via its HDMI 1.3a connections. In addition, the SR605 also has a set of preamp outputs for multizone operation.

The TX-SR605 features extensive surround sound processing options, including: Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24. In addition, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic IIx. processing enables the TX-SR605 to extract 7.1-channel audio from any stereo or multichannel source. In addition, the TX-SR605 is also has the ability to decode DTS-HD, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD soundtracks on Blu-ray Discs and HD-DVDs via its HDMI 1.3a compatible inputs. The TX-SR605 also includes Neural Surround processing, which allows acccess to surround sound programing that may be on XM satellite radio.

The Onkyo TX-SR605 features both Component and HDMI pass through of high definition signals up to 1080p. Also, all standard definition video input signals are deinterlaced using Faroudja DCDi video processing and converted to progressive scan (480i to 480p) via the component or HDMI monitor outputs.

The TX-SR605 not only has the standard AM/FM tuner, but also has built-in XM and Sirius Radio Tuners and has the capability of decoding XM 5.1 channel broadcasts with its Neural Surround decoder. Subscription and optional antenna are required for receiving XM or Sirius Satellite Radio Service. Their also 40 station presets provided that can be used for setting any combination of favorite AM/FM/XM or Sirius stations or channels.

The TX-SR605 features an automated speaker setup function called Audyssey 2EQ. By connecting the provided microphone and following the instructions outlined in the user manual. The Audyssey 2EQ uses a series of test tones to determine the proper speaker levels, based on how it reads the speaker placement in relation to the acoustical properties of your room. However, keep in mind that you may still have to make minor adjustments manually after the automatic set up is completed in order to conform to you own listening tastes.

For details on the operation of the TX-SR605 Receiver, you can also download the User Manual

iPod Connectivity:

The HT-SP908 system comes with the Onkyo DS-A1X iPod docking station.

DVD Player Features - Onkyo DV-SP405:

The HT-SP908 system also includes the Onkyo DV-SP405 DVD player. This unit includes standard DVD and CD playback, as well a 1080p video upscaling via its HDMI outputs. This player can also play back most DVD recordable formats, MP3, WMA, or JPEG photo CDs, as well as discs with Divx encoded files.

For more details on the features, connections, and operation of the DV-SP405, you can also download the User Manual.

A weak link of most home theater-in-box systems is the lack of good-quality loudspeakers. This is one reason why many home theater-in-a-box systems are so inexpensive. The HT-SP908 bucks this trend with the SKS-HT750 Speaker System. The satellite speakers are an acoustic suspension design with a maximum power handling capability of 110 watts, and a frequency response of 60Hz-50Khz. The speakers can be shelf or wall mounted. The subwoofer is a down-firing design with a 10-inch driver, 230 watt amplifier, and a decent LFE (Low Frequencies Effects) response of 25Hz to 150Hz.

For details, check out the User Manual

If you want to have a home theater system, and skip all the hassle of buying everything and figuring out how to install it, the a home theater-in-a-box system may just right for you.

However, when shopping for one, you will see a lot of bargain basement priced systems that seem attractive, but don't really deliver the quality, especially in terms of loudspeaker construction, that buying separate components and speakers will get you.

Fortunately, there are growing number of all-in-one home theater systems that can deliver the goods, and the Onkyo HT-S908 is one that is designed to do just that. With a Receiver with HDMI connectivity and advanced surround sound options, a DVD player featuring 1080p upscaling, 7 satellite loudspeakers, and 230-watt subwoofer, this system is designed to deliver a quality home theater experience.

When trying to decide to buy a home theater-in-box system, consider a variety of options based on what you want the system to provide you, in terms of audio and video quality and connectivity, not just what the price is.

If you are looking for a possible choice to complement an HDTV or video projector, and possibly add either a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player at a future date, then listen to the Onkyo HT-S908 Home Theater-in-a-Box System.
Compare Prices on the Onkyo HT-S908 .

NOTE: Portions of this profile include content from my previous profile of the Onkyo TX-SR605 Home Theater Receiver, which is the receiver that is packaged with the HT-SP908 Home Theater System.

For a closer look at the HT-SP908, check out the following photos (copyright Onkyo):

Onkyo HT-SP908 Home Theater-in-Box System - Complete Front View With Speakers and Subwoofer

Onkyo HT-SP908 - Home Theater-in-Box System - DV-SP405 DVD Player, TX-SR605 AV Receiver, DS-AX1 iPod Dock

Onkyo TX-SR605 Home Theater Receiver - Rear View

Onkyo DV-SP405 Upscaling DVD Player - Rear View