The Samsung HT-X710T is an excellent home theatre-in-a-box that comes integrated with DVD playback, while delivering a stimulating audio output. The device importantly enough has a 2.1-channel system, which means you have two speakers at your disposal; one subwoofer and the other a ‘head unit’ amplifier and disc player.

The device have an avant-garde design and gives the impression of a space-age look as each component of the device is complemented by a similar “Touch of Colour” shading which is normally found on high-end Samsung TVs. Almost the entire of the exterior is covered in a shiny plastic, which has its own downside as it makes the deck prone to fingerprints. Thankfully though, you are provided with a cloth shammy to remove any prints.

The feature list of the device is pretty solid as well and has a built-in slot-loading DVD player capable of upscaling video to 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions via the HDMI output. The feature is rather helpful when it comes to upscaling video contents to 720p, but what is rather disappointing is that it becomes pretty irrelevant for anything above 720p. In clear terms the image quality is nowhere near as comprehensive and vivid as those delivered by Blu-ray players.

Connectivity of the unit is elementary, and consists of the bare minimum features that you will frequently need. Apart from the standard composite feature, you can get the services of component and HDMI video outputs; however there is no provision of an S-video. The real panel includes two audio-only inputs that effectively make up for the unit’s stereo connection and optical audio input connectivity. Users should also take delight by the fact that the Samsung HT-X710T comes adorned with a USB port and headphone jacks as well which adds to the flexibility and ease with which they can manipulate the device.

Home theatre aficionados are having a field day with Fujitsu’s latest offering, the LPF-D711 3LCD Projector. This projector is carefully designed to fire up home cinema system with a seamless blend of high-definition images. The picture quality of the this all new LCD projector has already been rumoured to be among the best and is helped in its cause by three 1920 x 1080 true high-definition LCD panels coupled with 1,200 ANSI lumens, which actually unfortunately falls behind other Fujitsu projectors like the Fujitsu LPF-B211. All these factors combine together to produce an image that is sharp, bright and clear giving you the impression of watching movies in a commercial set up.

The device is equipped with the breakthrough AVM-II digital video processor technology and with its 12-bit processing is capable of generating an awe inspiring 68.7 billion colors. Moreover, LPF-D711 is provided with the institution to conveniently elevate both SD and HD contents to superior levels for a more fulfilling movie experience. The projector is also one of its kinds in that it is one of the few projectors that accept a true 1080p signal.

The Fujitsu projector has a well designated unit, the LPF-QSD1, which houses the system’s multiple audio and video inputs including component, HDMI, and S-video, so as to ensure that the projector remains compact and lightweight making for a seamless installation. What’s even more impressive is the realization that the device is designed keeping in mind the aesthetic appeal of your home décor, and is all set to intensify it even further. After all, the device bears a contemporary outlook and is sleekly designed.

Panasonic has recently reveled one of the company’s most eagerly awaited home cinema system the SC-PT460EB- iPod Dock Home Cinema System – Black. The system has many impressive features inscribed in it, and it is fitting that each feature complements the other almost seamlessly making for an excellent home cinema experience.

High on the product list is the innovative Bamboo Diaphragm Speaker technology which makes use of a rigid, low density bamboo in the woofer and tweeter cones of the centre and front speakers that facilitates the system to deliver of a more comprehensive and responsive sound. The Panasonic SC-PT460EB’s centre speaker, in particular, deserves special mention for its pure and clear vocals, while the dialogue is also crisp and easy to follow. The whisper surround sound technology is another value addition and ensures that you can enjoy the experience of surround sound even at low volumes. It effectively for the surround pressure level of the low frequency component, so that you are enveloped in a rich surround sound irrespective of the volume.

The system which comes with an HDMI cable has also been inscribed with the novel 1080p Up-Conversion functionality which competently upscales average DVD contents to high-definition levels. An integrated Universal Dock is there as well and helps you to connect your iPod to the system via it. Moreover, iPod Video playback capability of the system is another of its versatile features.

Home cinema buffs will also feel excited by the fact that the system has been incorporated with an all new seamless GUI system. This innovative technology makes operating the unit a real delight, and adds convenience for the user. Take for e.g. you can display a menu with a list of the music stored on your iPod, and make use of the technology to avail the same with the minimum of fuss.

Londoners can finally lay their hands on the critically acclaimed Pioneer LX010BD Blu-ray Home Cinema system, as the company has decided to exploit the potential of the UK market. The decision is quite a significant one as it has been proved, over and over again, that even if the market is over flooded with similar products, a quality product can still carve a niche out for itself. Moreover, users are always ready to accept a genuine and quality product with open hands. The product in question, the Pioneer LX010BD is aware of these realities, and is aimed at becoming the ideal counterpart to the Award winning Kuro range of televisions.

The system starts in the right earnest and is of profile 1.1, and boasts of a native resolution of 1080p. You can enjoy a wide range of color tones and fluid transitions facilitated by the HDMI Deep Colour technology. You will also feel at ease by the fact that there are two HDMI connections, both in and out, which provides you the leverage to connect other devices such as a Sony PlayStation 3 or Sky HD. Sound quality of the system is quite vibrant supported by an integrated 5.1 channel amplifier. The amplifier makes use of the latest dodecahedron technology derived satellite speakers which unswervingly proliferates sound fields in all directions. You are also provided with a subwoofer-receiver with dual-drive subs that will assist you to handle lower frequencies with more precision.

That’s not all as the system is also capable of processing the latest audio formats DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD. Further, it supports KURO LINK as well which can be controlled either via an LCD touchscreen remote or the system itself.

One of the latest home cinema systems to have come out of Philips, the HTS6515, is a very decent bet if you by its specifications. The product offers you the appealing prospect of listening to some soothing music via the 2.1 speaker system that is imaginatively connected to a central DVD player and controller.

Special care also been taken to ensure the aesthetic appeal of the unit, and is replete with a wall mountable solution thereby doing away with the more conventional boxy under-the-TV systems. The focal point of the Philips unit is the innovatively designed central controller unit which acts as a sleamline top-loading DVD player.

Other important specifications of the system include a large subwoofer and two front “horizontal” speakers. It is however a bit disconcerting to find the system covered in wires, especially considering the amount of emphasis given on design, which on a few occasion create a repelling effect.

Another peculiar situation you may encounter is the system is bereft of any optical connectivity option, which is a necessity to connect the controller unit to the TV and bring back the audio from the TV. Nevertheless, you are saved of facing a nightmarish situation by the incorporation a 3.5mm jack. Moreover, the Philips HTS6515’s video quality is also something to look forward to, as it has been provided with the capacity to upscale average DVD contents to high-definition levels.

Connectivity of the system is rather solid with the prominent among them being an HDMI input, Component video or Scart which comes is handy for old TVs.

Mitsubishi has come up with its latest home cinema projector, the HC7000, which incidentally also happens to be first in the company’s new range of “Diamond Series”. The model is all gloss and boasts a sexy design, in addition to having a record contrast ratio of 72,000:1. With specifications like a higher native panel contrast and an auto iris feature, the HC7000 is already head and toe about the likes of the HC6000 and HC5500. Add to this the excellent colour quality, and near-silent operation, then you can easily understand why the HC7000 is by far the best projector to have come out of the company’s ranks.

The HC7000 is endowed with an ANSI contrast ratio of 409:1, giving it a head start over its rivals. The innovative and refined iris features is more responsive to stimuli and adjusts more quickly and tightly and firmly. The inference being enhanced black levels, which are more visible in light-controlled rooms. The effect is however somewhat diminished where there is mild to moderate amount of light. Colour compatibility is another nice aspect of the Mitsubishi HC7000, and there are a number of colour adjustment features as well that allows you to manipulate the colour combination to suit the situation. The unit should especially appeal to those users those who have colour calibration features and likes to experiment with colours, as the specifications of the HC7000 are entirely suited for the purpose.

To achieve optimum light output you have to ensure the widest setting of the lens. Then, the unit has also been incorporated with powered zoom/focus lens, in addition to the now customary vertical and horizontal lens shift option.

An impressive lamp life combined with a low heat output adds to the appeal of the unit. The unit has a lamp that is rated for 2,000 hours in Normal mode and 5,000 hours in Eco mode.

There are many amongst us who believe that home cinema systems are better off tucked away from public gaze. If you happen to belong to this special brigade then you should look no further than the AN-PR1500H home cinema rack by Sharp. A DVD player and 2.1-channel speakers are inconspicuously included within its solid frame, thereby providing you with a convenient, tangle-free home cinema solution. The top shelf of the rack hosts the DVD player and can only be identified via the disc slot on the front panel. You will feel glad that there are a wide range of connectivity options like HDMI, Scart, Component, Composite, S-Video outputs and no less than three digital audio inputs that are more than enough to fulfill your requirements.

Futures that are high on the wish list are also there such as Dolby Virtual Speaker and Audistry Sound Space, which there are also a couple of sound modes as well that more or less make up for the lack of rear speakers. The DVD player included in the Sharp AN-PR 1500 H offers support for for Dolby Digital and DTS, apart from the customary play modes and the ability to upscale pictures to 720p and 1080i. You will however feel stung b the absence of the 1080p upscale feature.

Playback formats supported by the unit includes MP3, WMA and JPEG files, as well as DivX from CD-R and CD-RW. Then, two microphone inputs are also included on the front panel that is specially designed for someone who has a passion for karaoke.

On the downside, the Dolby Virtual Speaker and Sound Space features are not a worthy substitute for the more efficient 5.1 format. Consequently all you get is commendable stereo performance, but shoddy surround sound.

One-box soundbars are specially designed for people who don’t have the space and intention to install something as comprehensive as a full home cinema system. The entity delivers six-channel sound from a single unit and there are a growing number of people who are heading towards this somewhat easy solution. However, the unit does on many occasions suffer from innate drawbacks like faltering miserably when it comes to replicating real-channel effects.

It is here that the Marantz Cinemarium ES7001 Soundbar makes a remarkable entry and is all pumped up to set into perspective many of the flaws associated with this format, i.e. Soundbars. The unit has a simplistic but elegant design, and is conspicuous for its long black speaker grill that facilitates it to blend into your system without diverting attention from your TV. Moreover, the build quality is solid and is constructed from extruded aluminium.

The unit is stuffed with six speaker drivers arranged in a tweeter, midrange and woofer configuration, with each one of them powered by a digital amplifier. However, just like other soundbar systems including the high-end Philips HTS 8100 home cinema, the cinemarium does fail to completely produce authentic multi-channel sound. The unit has also been incorporated with three 32-bit digital processors, with one of them being used to decode Dolby Digital and DTS formats, while the remaining two generates the corresponding surround sound.

The connectivity of the unit is also a positive aspect and has a wide range of user-friendly and contemporary connectivity options including HDMI v1.1 inputs and one output, three optical digital audio inputs, and two stereo audio inputs. These apart, you will also get to have other advanced features like a pre-out and control jack for the optional SW7001 subwoofer, along with a remote output to connect and control other Marantz equipment.

Panasonic has recently come with the SCHT840 home cinema system, which happens to be a follow-up of the company’s remarkably successful model the SCHT880. The one thing that will immediately strike you is its outrageous beauty that looks both modern and unconventional at the same time. The unit is actually quite minimalist as far as the range of features is concerned and it is all about performance.

The system supported by an 800W RMS amplifier delivers quite a dramatic audio performance, and delightfully enough supports a wide array of media formats that include DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3/WMA, SVCD, VCD, JPEG, HDCD, and High Mat. Moreover, customary formats such as Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby ProLogic II are also taken care of. However, an aspect that should impress you the most is that it includes a full PAL-compatible progressive scan feature that plays a crucial role in ensuring that picture quality is top rate, with a great deal of detail and vivacity.

Adding to the list of achievements is the presence of numerous input and output options adorning the deck, which can easily rival high-end models like the Panasonic SC-PT460EB. The SCHT840 starts with an S-Video and RGB Scart video output, which comprehensively augments the image quality; it also has a phono audio out and digital optical audio out for recording sound or routing it to another device. The icing on the cake is that it is one of those rare models that support not only S-Video in but also RGB Scart in which entrusts an unprecedented amount of flexibility at your disposal.

The Philips HTS6100 Soundbar Home Cinema System, the latest offering from the company’s HT series, is significant in the sense that it is specially designed to be compatible with 37inch TVs; unlike its cousin the HTS8140, which was intended for 42 inch TVs. To start with, the unit lacks some of the features that were available in the HTS8140, the most notable being the Faroudja DCDi video processing, in addition to an integrated iPod dock. The reason for this is simply because it is a budget player and has therefore done away with some of the less critical and essential features.

Despite missing on these two important features, as the title indicates, the best part of the system is the inclusion of soundbars, the company’s indigenous production, which are by far the best looking on the market. Aesthetics is another synonym of the Philips HTS6100 as it is jealously stylish, with the translucent panel on the front being the most riveting. You will, however, miss the touch screen controls functions which were an integral part of the earlier model, as they are replaced by a row of small silver buttons on top.

Connectivity of the Philips unit is another solid aspect as you are provided with comprehensive input and output options. Sockets are there on both the soundbar unit and subwoofer. The soundbar, in addition, plays host to an HDMI output that is capable of providing a continuous series of upscaled images, usually 1080p, 1080i, 720p and 576p or 480p, to a competent TV set. Moreover, it’s ably supported by an RGB-capable SCART output and component video output, in addition to a stereo audio input that usually comes into play when playing external sources through the system.

Playback compatibility is also a colorful one as it competently dishes out a wide range of formats including DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW, Video CD, Super Video CD and CD-R/-RW. More importantly, the unit also supports DivX Ultra), MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MP3, WMA and JPEG files making it a true live wire. There is however no support for AAC, just like its big brother.