Home theater systems

With their relatively simple set-up and all-inclusive designs, home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) systems have a lot to recommend them. There are three types of HTIB systems in our latest Ratings: those without a built-in disc player, those that have an integrated Blu-ray player, and those that have a DVD player.

Most HTIBs are now 5.1- or 7.1-channel systems equipped with either five or seven sonically matched speakers, plus a subwoofer (some powered and/or wireless). As an added convenience, some models include--or have an option for adding--wireless rear speakers, and many have iPod docks that let you play songs or videos through your entertainment system. In addition, some models with an integrated Blu-ray player can access online content, including streaming movies from services offered by Amazon, Blockbuster, Netflix, or Vudu. There are also a few 3D-enabled HTIBs, which either contain receivers that can pass through 3D signals to a TV, or that include a built-in 3D-capable Blu-ray player. Many models include an auto-calibration feature that can automatically set appropriate speaker volume levels.

Prices in our Ratings for these systems vary widely, from very basic DVD units that start at about $170, to full-featured 7.1-channel Blu-ray models with prices that can hit $800 or more. One Bose system, which topped our Ratings, cost $2,000. All DVD models in our tests play DVDs and CDs, and all models with Blu-ray players can play Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and CDs.

For Blu-ray models, high-definition 1080p picture quality was uniformly excellent when playing Blu-ray discs, and most also did a good job upconverting standard DVDs. However, upconverted 1080p picture quality varied among systems with DVD players. Sound quality was a big differentiator among systems, as it generally ranged from only fair to very good. One system, though, received an excellent sound-quality score. Systems with good or even fair sound might satisfy less critical listeners, while models with very good or excellent sound are recommended for more critical listeners, especially with music.

The Ratings also include “soundbar” systems that you can connect directly to your TV without using a receiver, allowing for an even easier audio upgrade. The speakers housed within the soundbar generally provide stereo sound--some can decode Dolby Digital multichannel audio--and most of the tested models have an external powered subwoofer, often wireless, that handles the bass. Some models use electronic techniques to simulate surround sound, with varying degrees of success, but none come close to the real deal. The recommended Samsung that comes with a built-in Blu-ray player delivers very good sound, but it's pricey; you could buy an HTIB system with very good sound and a separate Blu-ray player for less money. However, it fits the bill for those who prefer a space-saving, all-inclusive option.

The Ratings list models by overall performance.

We tested a sampling of bookshelf speakers and multi-channel systems from widely available brands and found a number of fine performers that are well suited to typical home-theater applications. The best were relatively neutral, and didn't underemphasize or overemphasize any frequencies.

Many listeners probably wouldn't discern a difference of just a few points in the overall score, so don't rule out models that aren't at the top of the Ratings. For bookshelf models that will be used without a separate bass unit--generally referred to as a "subwoofer" even though they often can't handle the very lowest bass frequencies--pay special attention to comments about their bass performance. But if you do intend to use the bookshelves in conjunction with a separate subwoofer, you can consider those models that might have been weighted down by poor low-frequency performance.

Remember that even speakers with comparable scores can sound very different, so you might find one speaker more to your liking than another with a similar score. If at all possible, listen to the speakers you're considering before purchasing them, and buy from a retailer with a good return policy in case you're not happy with the speakers after listening to them in your home.

The Ratings reflect new test procedures for loudspeakers, combining detailed acoustical measurements of each loudspeaker in our anechoic chamber, computerized analysis, and expert listening tests by a trained listening panel in a room with controlled acoustics.