Samsung HT-BD1250 Blu-ray Home Theater System Review

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(More customer reviews)After deciding on a Samsung HTIB system to integrate with my 2-year-old Samsung 46" HDTV, I came across this HT-BD1250 system at Best Buy with all the features I wanted (Bluray, surround sound with wireless to the rear speakers, Anynet+ integration, iPod integration), plus a few that I decided were "nice-to-have" (wireless network integration/Pandora/Netflix). Once I realized I would need to add the Samsung SWA-4000 wireless speaker amplifier and additional HDMI and optical cables for integration with my TV and HD/DVR cable box, the total package through Amazon was by far the best deal and way to go.
First quick note: You DO NOT need anything other than BASIC HDMI cables, which when purchased as a package here with Amazon are 80+% cheaper (even with the shipping charge from the third-party vendors) than if you buy them at Best Buy or other brick/mortar. DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE on so-called "higher end" HDMI cables.
As for the HTIB system itself, I found that the documentation guided me through most of my installation/cabliing scenarios, and everything worked pretty much the first time once I powered everything up. I needed to make a few calls to Samsung tech support to get everything configured the way I wanted (I had some specific questions about the video/resolution modes switching between HD and non-HD inputs), but the support was English-speaking and reasonably competent. (I only got one "bum steer" from their tech support when I was making what turned out to be a user error on my part with the iPod integration, but the tech also didn't identify it correctly and wanted me to send the unit in for service at my own expense...not an acceptable option. I later walked away from it for a few hours and then returned back to it with a clear head, and figured out my error in using the setup menus, and it turned out all was well after all.)
I should probably mention my wiring/integration setup: I have a Samsung LN-4661F HD TV, a Motorola HD/DVR cable box from my cable company, and now my Samsung HT-BD1250 HTIB. Cabling is as follows: HDMI Out from the Motorola HD/DVR cable box to HDMI In 1 on the TV (CATV audio and video are integrated on the HDMI), HDMI Out from the HD-BD1250 HTIB to HDMI In 2 on the TV (for DVD/BD video), and Optical Audio Out 1 from the TV to Optical Audio In 1 on the HD-BD1250 (to feed the CATV audio back from the TV to be reproduced through the HTIB's sound amplifier).
I attempted to use a "standard" USB wireless network adapter to integrate with my home wireless network and found that it was unable to detect it; I suspect I could have made it work with some additional initial configuration first on my laptop, but I ended up scrapping that idea and I simply ordered the Samsung Wireless adapter for this unit, and it integrated perfectly with my home network in minutes. If you're really tech-savvy and think you can get a "standard" USB wireless adapter configured to work with this, I suppose you could try to do so and save $30 or $40, but for $79.99 the Samsung WIS09ABGN adapter works right out of the box and is a supported solution.
As for the wireless network/Internet integration itself, I've tested Pandora and it works well; haven't tested Netflix on demand yet. I also have yet to be able to figure out how to get integration with my PC via wireless to work as a source input (like to access music/multimedia I have on my PC), but it's an advertised feature of this system and I'm confident I can hack my way through and make that work eventually...not a priority for me, though, just another "nice to have".
The iPod integration works fairly well, but I'm a little disappointed that I was not able to figure out how to make "Shuffle" functionality work...I seem to be stuck playing my music in the order it's stored in my playlists. Not sure yet if this is a limitation or if I just haven't figured out how to do it yet.
The wireless speaker connection to the rear speakers with the SWA-4000 configured well pretty much the first time (I just had to play with the power cycling upon initial configuration) and the sound has been loud and clear. I did experience exactly one sound dropout on it the first day which immediately resolved and has not recurred, but it got my attention and I'm concerned about it based on reviews I read of other Samsung HTIB systems with wireless rear speaker connections. We shall see.
Configured out of the box, sound to the rear speakers only comes out if the input source provides it (like from a Dolby 5.1-enhanced DVD or BD), but I found that by cycling through the Dolby Effect Modes on the remote to the "Matrix" setting, I can hear sound through all 5 speakers all the time...exactly what I want, and the sound is great.
Another quick item to mention: I tested a couple of "standard" DVDs and the "1080p upscaling" feature of the BD player works well. As a result of this, I plan to only choose the added expense of Bluray discs in cases when I know there will be real value added, either feature-wise or sound/picture-wise (example, I purposely chose The Dark Knight as my first Bluray disc purchase). For my 45-year-old eyes and ears, upscaled DVD will be more than adequate in most cases.
Finally, I found that even with Anynet+ capability, I still needed to access all 3 of my remotes (TV, HTIB, and CATV) to control all needed functionality. Samsung support informed me that Anynet+ capability would allow integrated power on/off and basic volume/channel control, but it would not allow advanced function control on my TV such as P.SIZE, etc. Keep your expectations realistic on what Anynet+ will and won't provide. I solved this by also purchasing a Logitech Harmony One universal remote (which I have reviewed separately), and this product, while expensive, is a true one-remote solution for my new home theater setup, and one I would recommend highly.
Bottom line (for this reviewer): For me, the HT-BD1250 HTIB was not a true one-box solution. However, after adding the SWA-4000 wireless speaker amplifier, 2 inexpensive HDMI cables and 1 inexpensive optical audio cable, the Samsung WIS09ABGN adapter for wireless network/Internet integration, and the Logitech Harmony One universal remote, I am now extremely pleased with the result, and I look forward to using my new Home Theater every day after work. I feel like I'm finally fulfilling to potential of the HD TV that I purchased 2 years ago...and I now know that was certainly NOT the case with my old setup of just the TV and my HD/DVR box with a 5-way component cable providing the connection.
The Samsung HT-BD1250 HTIB is a good solution if you do your research and you set your expectation levels properly.
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Review update from author:
I spoke to Samsung Level II tech support, and they informed me that (a) PC integration is not available - the placard included with the system is "not exactly true", and (b) Shuffle functionality on iPod is not available, despite the fact that Level I support told me I should be able to "use any feature that I can use conventionally on an iPod". Again, "not exactly true".
These are not showstoppers, but I am disappointed in those 2 shortcomings. Not enough to return the unit, but enough to hold my rating at only 4 stars instead of 5.
= = = = =
Review update #2 from author:
Signed up for a trial subscription of Netflix, and tried the Instant Queue/Streaming to my HTIB. It works well, but we definitely found that the picture quality was not nearly DVD quality (let alone BD quality). We watched National Treasure 2. I'm sure this has to do with the speed of my Internet connection (

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Philips HTS3251B/F7 Blu-Ray Home Cinema with 1080p Upconversion and iPod Dock Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this system for a Philips 46" LED-LCD TV. I've connected the TV to the unit with a digital audio cable.
A major flaw with the design of this system is that it forgets the source setting when you turn it off. When turned on, it defaults to the Blu-Ray player as the source for sound. In my case, when I want to hear the sound of my TV, I set the source to the TV's digital audio cable. When I turn the home theater system off, when turning it back on, the system "forgets" it was on the digital audio setting. So every time I want to watch TV with this unit, I have to turn the unit on and press "source" on the button 5 times before I can hear the sound.
This system was designed with the assumption that most consumers will use it primarily as a Blu-Ray player, and that's why the unit always defaults to the player as the source for sound. On 12/20/10, I spoke to Philips tech support and they confirmed the unit was designed this way. They don't have any software or firmware updates to resolve this problem. The only way I've worked around this problem is by purchasing a Philips universal remote (#SRU8112, about $35 on amazon.com) which has a macro feature. With the macro, the remote automatically sends the "source" signal 5 times for me.

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The Philips HTS3251B/F7 Blu-ray Home Cinema with 1080p HDMI Upconversion and iPod Dock delivers high definition pictures and powerful surround with this elegant system to provide unbeatable home entertainment. Enjoy sharp pictures with 1080p HDMI upconversion, as well as convenient iPod playback via the dock included. Connect and enjoy multiple sources with EasyLink that makes installation extra simple. And AVCHD enables you to enjoy high definition camcorder recordings on DVD.

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MRD410B/F7 Blu-ray Home Cinema System Review

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(More customer reviews)Very satisfied with the product. Excellent instructions and took just 10 minutes to set up. Very easy to use remote and color coded for the blue hairs in your family. Blu-ray player and receiver is sturdy and sleek. Sound quality and speakers are above average and out perform many of my other, more expensive theatre systems. An excellent value.

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Samsung HT-C6730W Blu-ray Home Theater System Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this product after comparing the features and the price to other systems. I've had a couple of similar systems from Samsung in the past and have been happy with their performance and reliability. So, this time I decided to upgrade to 7.1 surround sound. This is where Samsung messed up.
Samsung tried to modify their existing 5.1 channel system to accommodate two other channels via a wireless signal. They did not add the wireless feature to make anything easier or more convenient for the customer. The channels that are common to 5.1 surround sound are the front (L&R), back (L&R) and center. The difference in 7.1 channel surround is left and right side speakers. It is the side speakers that connect to the wireless adapter, so you are still running wires to the back of your room, past these side speakers. More than that, since side speakers generally go across the middle of your room, you have to find a way to run the wires from the single wireless unit to both sides of the room and the wires provided aren't likely to run around even a 10' x 10' room. I'm not even sure I'm going to hook up the two extra channels because of the hassle. I probably would have been better off sticking with the 5.1 channel system from Samsung or purchasing a different 7.1 channel system. Oh well, I'll make the best of it. I just want to make sure all of the other purchasers know what they're buying before they unpack the giant box of components in their living room.

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Samsung HT-C6930W 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System Review

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(More customer reviews)I had a 10-year-old rear projection TV (it died), so I went with the HT-C6930W home theater w/ 3D Blu-ray player and paired it with the PN58C8000 58" Plasma TV. A very good combo indeed! With respect to the Samsung Home Theater unit - lets talk about the 'pros' first...
Overall the components are all 'shiny black' and look futuristic without being gawdy. The Blu-ray player is the brains of the system, and it has a beautiful blue-glo when turned on through touch-sensitive icons that serve as buttons. Most programming is easier done through the remote.
There are many settings available on the Blu-Ray unit to tune sound and video. You won't be wanting there. Many of them will work 'just fine' in Auto, so you don't have to be a genius out-of-the-box. Still, you have the option of tweaking them.
Let's talk about the speakers - the front towers line up well sitting with your TV at eye-level. The center speaker sits well just below your TV screen, and the sub-woofer on the floor. The remaining 4 speakers provide your rear pair and side pair -OR- you can put one pair up-front to get 'vertical' sound. One of these pairs is 'wireless', sort of. The Blu-ray player has a transmitter card that sends the signal to a plugged-in reciever unit. The speakers still have wires running from the reciever to each speaker. Useful if you don't want to run wires from the front to the back of the room. Otherwise they aren't much of an improvement over wired. That said, they still sound very good, and 'no' you can't wire them into the Blu-ray player directly because there aren't any inputs for them on the player, so wireless components had better work. I only bring this up because on my first unit the wireless system didn't work, so I had to bring the whole home theater back in exchange for another one. Ignoring that - the speakers are very good.
The Dolby LPZII audio feature is amazing - beautiful 7.1 sound and even with HD cable most all of the stations take full advantage of it.
Cons - let's talk about them:
I already mentioned that the wireless speaker are just 2 of them, and there are still wires. Of course, to power speakers without wires you need each speaker to have it's own power source (either a battery, or a power cord). So, it does eliminate running wires from front of room to back, and that's helpful. Too bad my first wireless components were bad, and I worry that in the future, if they fail again, I'll have to return the whole system (not just the wireless) for repair.
Some of the video and sound settings seem to fight with each other. They have a feature to level sound when switching TV channels (so the volume won't suddenly increase on you), but that turns off the LPZII feature. Similar thing with video. But, this is the exception, and most all features don't fight with each other.
Overall, this is a great system, and it integrates well with the latest flat screen TVs, plays Blu-ray well, and even works with the Samsung 3D glasses (I got 2 pairs and 'monsters vs. aliens' 3D for free because I bought both Samsung TV and 3D Blu-ray player as a combo). They should just include this 'starter kit' with every 3D Blu-ray system. That will get more people to buy 3D movies.
Summing up - this is a great system, just hope it doesn't need service because it's a monster to return. And they should make the 3D glasses part of the package.

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Panasonic SC-BT730 Blu-ray DiscTM 5.1 Home Theater System Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my first blu-ray all in one home theater system. Before this i have used to Denon 2310 with Mirage Nanostat speakers.
Since wanted to buy a blu-ray and a simple wireless (primary factor for me) home theater system i went with this after reading very few review at that time.
You be the judge before you buy it after reading this review.
The things i liked:
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#1 - Wireless speaker.
Being staying at a rental house and changing my residence every year had forced me to look for wireless and it was right out of the box in this one.
#2 - Good customer support
After i hooked up all teh speakers, i did not get any sound from my wireless unit. Called the customer service. The great thing was, he knew what i was asking about and he helped me to trouble shoot and finally fixed the problem. Looks like there is a sequence to boot up the blu-ray player and wireless which i did not follow. That was easy.
#3 - You tube
Work liked a charm. No buffering issues. It was real good. (Not sure whether i can connect a keyboard in anyway to make the typing faster....any ideas????)
#4 - iPod dock
Another primary deciding factor for me.
#5 - ARC
Works well with my TV (Sharp 46LE810UN). As soon as i turn on the home theater, audio shuts off in the TV and comes from home theater (Though i like my TV audio much better when watching talk shows)
#6 - All in one remote
The things i did not like:
--------------------------
#1 - Wires all over:
There are no video pass through. Though i knew this earlier i thought it would be okay. But, this made me to run wires btn many systems. From cable box to TV, then from TV Audio out to Home theater. Wii is connected directly to the TV. iPod video cables to TV.
#2 - Lip sync issue with iPod (video)
If you play iPod video, you will NOT get the output in HDMI cable. You will have to use separate video cable for that. Another set of wires.
So, i connected the iPod through composite video and now what? The audio and video is out of sync (lip sync) issue.
#3 - Not enough power output:
I seriously doubt whether this is a 1000W system. The mirage nanastat is around 600w and it sounds way better than what Panasonic. Again, i do not want to compare apples with oranges. Cost may be the deciding factor in this case ($1,200 vs $500)
#4 Poor FM:
Very weak FM output. You will have to find a good spot to keep the FM antenna (just a wire) in order to get a very normal reception. I covered every sq. inch to get a good audio signal but i never got good reception.
#5 Simulated sound not from all speakers:
It is mentioned that we will get simulated sound when 2 channel audio inputs is given. But, for some reason my center speaker (which i consider as critical) did not get any sound at all. That was a strange one.
#6 Wireless speakers
Again, the quality of the sound is good. But, definitly not enough if you have a bigger room.
#7 Proprietary speaker wire
If you have already wired your house, you will have to think again before you buy this. This unit uses proprietary speaker wire and connections. Though the length of the wires are enough for my home with currect setup, this is a serious restriction if i want to use it at bigger houses. Other nice to haves:
#1 - Blutooth receiver - If there is a option to sync any blu tooth device with receiver, it would have been nice.
#2 - Shutting off wireless speaker using remote - I am really not sure whether this is a missing option or i did not explore it yet. I am 99% positive that we cannot shut off the wireless unit with remote. Which mean, if you really conscious about wasting power, you need to add this into your check list before you go to bed.
Other concerns:
If for some reason the wireless unit is not working (one day it is going to happen), then you have no way to use the rear speakers with wires directly running to the home theater.

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Get your home theater going right out of the box with the Panasonic SC-BT730 home entertainment system, which includes a Blu-ray Disc player/amplifier plus a complete 5.1-channel surround sound speaker system. The Kelton subwoofer adds impact to your movies and music with dramatic deep bass, while the two tallboy front speakers add dramatic visual impact to your home theater. Additionally, this system comes with two wireless rear speakers--enabling you to cut down on the cords--plus

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