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Home cinema systems: Are kits or components right for you?

Whether you want to buy a home theatre in a box or go the components route, you'll need to decide which way is best for you right from the start.

Samsung HT-BD8200

The Samsung HT-BD8200 not only offers a likeable and easy to set-up home cinema system, it also offers audio and video of a higher standard than the price lets on.

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Reviews

  • Bowers & Wilkins Panorama

    Despite a couple of flaws, the B&W Panorama is one of the best soundbars we've ever heard. It's time to save your pocket money.

  • Panasonic SC-PT870

    The Panasonic SC-PT870 is a good system, offering decent-quality surround sound and very good picture performance.

  • Samsung HT-X715

    The Samsung HT-X715 is very easy to set up and it does make your movies look and sound good. We just didn't care for the music sound quality with flabby sounding bass.

  • Samsung HT-X810

    The Samsung HT-X810 is a breeze to set-up and looks great sitting underneath your TV, and while picture quality is great, the sound slightly disappoints.

  • Yamaha YSP-1100

    Although it's expensive, we really liked the Yamaha YSP-1100's excellent sound, which makes movies much more involving.

  • Sony RHTG800

    The Sony RHTG800 is an unusual take on the HTIB, but it looks good and works well. However, the sound quality isn't the best and the price is high.

  • Sony SAVS300H 6.1/7.1 speakers

    For the price, these Sony speakers look great and sound OK, but the same money can get you a better set, or even a whole system.

  • Sony DAV-DZ720 DAV Home Theatre

    A powerful 5.1 home theatre package that follows Sony's trademark of style with performance but also includes handy features like a HDMI output and automatic calibration.

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Features

  • Home cinema for under $1500

    You get what you pay for with HTIB systems, so if you're prepared to spend up to AU$1500 you'll achieve sound quality that will better match the picture.

  • Best 'home theatre in a box' systems

    You've finally taken the plunge and invested in a large screen TV, but found out pretty much straight away that the sound is thin and not deserving of the term "home theatre". So where to next?

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DIYs and How-to

  • CNET.com.au's quick guide to surround sound formats

    Everything you need to know about surround sound formats, explained by our experts -- now including the upcoming Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD formats.

  • Surround sound buying guide

    If you're feeling surrounded by questions instead of ambient sound, you've come to the right place. We have suggestions on how to shop for everything surround, from receivers to speakers to full home-theatre systems.

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The Explain Series