Interested in setting up a home theater, but don't want to have to remodel your living room or deplete your finances to do it? Get in on the home theater craze with a minimum of hassle and cost with a home theater-in-a-box system. Here are some of my favorite picks for low cost, home theater-in-a-box (HTIB) systems. Just add your own TV.
1. Onkyo HT-S5200 7.1 Channel Home Theater System
Image (c) Onkyo USA
The Onkyo HT-S5200 offers practical features. This system has 7.1 channels with 130x7WPC with a low .9% THD rating. NOTE: The wattage output is measured at 1KHz; Actual output across all frequencies with all channels running will be about 50% lower. For a big punch, the HTS-5200 has a 10-inch 290-watt subwoofer. The HT-S5200 also has HDMI pass-through switching, Sirius Satellite Radio capability (with optional tuner/antenna), and iPod connectivity using the provided Docking Station. Also, this system includes the Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker setup system, as well as Audyssey's Dynamic Volume and EQ. If you are looking for a home theater system that offers a lot of flexibility, and sounds good for the price, check out the Onkyo HT-S5200.
2. Onkyo HT-S9100THX Home Theater-in-a-box System
Photo (c) Onkyo
The Onkyo HT-S9100 is a 7.1 channel home theater-in-a-box that is designed for those that don't want the hassle of buying speakers and a receiver, but still want higher-end features and performance not usually included in the most all-in-one systems. The included receiver not only includes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding, but also includes THX-Certified audio processing and loudspeakers to insure consistent, quality, peformance and that everything in the system is both electronically and acoustically matched. If you are looking for an all-in-one system with good performance, check out the Onkyo HT-S9100THX. For additional details, check out my product profile of the Onkyo HT-S9100THX 7.1 Channel Home Theater-in-a-Box System.
3. Samsung HT-BD1250 Blu-ray Home Theater System
If you want to the get the most out of your HDTV and don't want the hassle of, or have the budget for, both a Blu-ray Disc Player and a Surround Sound System, the Samsung HT-BD1250 gives you both in one affordable unit. The Blu-ray Disc player section provides Blu-ray Profile 2.0 capability, Netflix/Pandora audio/video streaming, plus an HDMI output for connection to your HDTV. You can even access content from your iPod or iPhone. The audio side of this system decodes all Dolby Digital and DTS formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Also, don't forget the included onboard 5.1 channel amplifier, speakers, and powered subwoofer. Give the HT-BD1250 a look and a listen.4. Yamaha YHT-591 5.1 Channel Home Theater System
The YHT-591 is made up of separate components that include a HTR-6240 5.1 channel (105wpc) receiver, YST-SW216 100-watt Subwoofer, and a very stylish center/satellite 5 channel speaker system. This system provides a clean, even, sound for both movies and music. In addition to sound quality, some of the innovative features include: 4 HDMI inputs, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, additional surround sound processing modes, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth capability (via optional accessory docks). If you looking for a home theater system that sounds good with both music and movies, and offers a lot of connection flexibility, check out the Yamaha YHT-591. Just add your own DVD or Blu-ray Disc Player to complement your HDTV.5. Pioneer Elite HTS-LX70 Flat Panel Home Theater System
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
A new entry in the Home Theater-in-a-box category is the Pioneer Elite HTS-LX70. With its glossy jet-black subwoofer-receiver combination module and extra-small cubic-style speakers, this system is well designed to partner with Flat Panel Televisions and Blu-ray disc players. The HTS-LX70 is very functional for home theater applications with its built-in Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoders and HDMI 1080p pass through connectivity. The LX70 is also easy to set up. For more details, check out my Short and Full Reviews and also my HTS-LX70 Photo Gallery.
6. Onkyo HT-SP908 7.1 Channel Home Theater-in-a-Box System
Photo (c) Onkyo
With 90 Watts-per-channel and 230-watt powered subwoofer, the Onkyo HT-SP908 7.1 channel Home Theater System has power to deliver. The Receiver/Amp section not only offers standard surround sound decoding options, but also includes Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding as well, via its 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. For more details, check out my product profile of the Onkyo HT-SP908 7.1 Channel Home Theater-in-a-Box System.
7. Panasonic SC-PT960 Home Theater System
Home theater-in-a-box systems are a very popular solution for many consumers, due to both their easy setup and reasonable prices. The Panasonic SC-PT960 is an example of a very good package. This system incorporates a 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling 5-disc DVD changer with a 5.1 channel AV receiver section, floor-standing tower front speakers, bookshelf center channel, wireless surround speakers, and 250-watt subwoofer with 6.75-inch driver and 10-inch passive radiator. Another bonus feature is the built-in iPod dock. For additional convenience, the SC-PT960 also includes an onscreen menu system that controls both the home theater system and iPod playback and file access functions. Definitely give the Panasonic SC-PT960 a look and a listen.8. Denon/Boston Acoustics DHT-589A 5.1 Channel Home Theater System
The DHT-589BA is an affordable home theater system made up of the Denon AVR589 receiver, Boston Acoustics Horizon MCS90 satellte speakers and 8-inch downfiring subwoofer. The included DHT-598 5.1 Channel Receiver delivers a respectable 75 WPC output that can fill small or average size rooms with great sound. In addition to two pass-through HDMI inputs and standard AV connections, the receiver also has provisions for an optional Sirius radio tuner/antenna and iPod docking station. If you are looking for a home theater system for an apartment or second room setting, the Denon DHT-589BA is a good option to consider for a solid, no frills, basic home theater system with a decent receiver and speakers.9. Panasonic SC-PT760 Home Theater System
The Panasonic SC-PT760 home theater system incorporates a five-disc DVD changer with both HDMI outputs with 1080p upscaling for connection to an HDTV. Other useful features include slim and compact front floor standing speaker design, wireless rear surround speakers, and built-in Universal Dock for connecting an iPod. The SC-PT760 also includes an AV receiver/amplifier section that can fill an average size room with great sound. This unit is worth considering if you would like a basic home theater system that offers a lot of useful features, but is still very affordable and easy to install and use.10. Samsung HT-BD2ST Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System
If you want to the get the most out of your HDTV and don't want the hassle of, or have the budget for, both a Blu-ray Disc Player and a Surround Sound System, why not get both for less than $1,000? The Samsung HT-BD2ST has everyting you need in a basic Blu-ray Disc player, including Blu-ray, DVD, and CD playback, an HDMI output for connection to your HDTV, and both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 frame rate output. The audio side of this system decodes all Dolby Digital and DTS formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Also, don't forget the included onboard 7 channel amplifier, speakers, and powered subwoofer. Give the HT-BD2ST a look and a listen. NOTE: Also available in 5.1 Channel Version - Compare Prices for the Samsung HT-BD2ET.