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Netflix Instant StreamingNetflix instant streaming enables you to watch movies and TV programs from a selection of over 12,000 in total. The multi-device, partially backlit remote controls it all, although I'm not a fan of the layout. We also took Indiana Jones for a spin and its Dolby True HD track is also presented with plenty of detail and vitality.
What’s more the inclusion of the stylish BDP-S350 Blu-ray player means you get top-drawer hi-def pictures and a decent array of features to boot. Overall this is a decent option if you’re strapped for space, but we suggest taking it for a test drive before parting with your cash. Elsewhere the HT-FS1 features a 24-bit S-Master digital amplifier and a Sharc digital signal processor with a range of Sound Field modes, including Movie, Music, Sports and Game, as well as a Portable Audio Enhancer to boost digital audio playback. High Definition Up-Conversion with HDMIWhen connected to an HDMI-compatible TV via an HDMI cable, the HT-BD7200 up-converts video content up to 1080p resolution for high-quality high definition images. High Definition Up-Conversion with HDMIWhen connected to an HDMI-compatible TV via an HDMI cable, the Samsung HT-BD8200 up-converts video content up to 1080p resolution for high-quality high definition images.
Big Picture Big Sound
Add to that some excellent hi-def picture quality and you’ve got yourself a very satisfying 2.1-channel system. The audio capabilities of the sub unit aren’t bad, but there are limitations. For example, it only offers plain old Dolby Digital, DTS and Pro Logic II decoding instead of Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio, which would have made more sense on a Blu-ray-centric system – after all, there are still sound quality benefits to be had through two speakers. But the good news is that it supports LPCM via HDMI, and because the BDP-S350 can output Dolby TrueHD as LPCM you can still enjoy the higher sound quality, although the player’s inability to decode DTS HD Master Audio means you’ll only get the 5.1 DTS core. If you upgrade to a more advanced receiver, rest assured that the player can output Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio soundtracks in bitstream form. LG Sound Gallery provides 7 sound options to maximise the audio experience.
It's a Blu-ray player, and a speaker system, and a wireless streaming media device. But I believe that its substantial price tag reflects the esthetics, the convenience and the underlying technology more than its audio/video performance in typical use. Even so, the wireless internet and subwoofer setup, combined with the host of online and home network streaming options make this the most versatile soundbar--and one of the most well-featured Blu-ray players overall--that I've ever tried.
Warranty & Returns
Netflix and Pandora StreamingWith built-in Ethernet or WiFi connections, the Samsung HT-BD8200 provides instant access to Netflix and Pandora services to add more entertainment possibilities. When you purchase an item using our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. At the center of the HT-BD8200 unit is a compact, wonderfully featured Blu-ray player. Elsewhere on the feature list is Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS HD Master Audio decoding, the impact of which will no doubt be reduced by the 2.1-channel configuration but you should be able to hear the increased sonic resolution offered by these formats. Alternatives include the Samsung HT-BD8200 and the HT-BD1250 (standard 5.1-channel design), which--aside from their different designs--offer the same basic feature sets.
The argument is, of course, that not everyone has the space, budget or desire to incorporate a 7.1 or even a 5.1-channel system into their home, and a three-channel system is a great way of upgrading from tinny TV speakers without encroaching on precious living room space. All LG Blu-ray home cinema systems and Blu-ray players come complete with Dolby and DTS High Definition decoders to produce uncompressed high quality sound. On the rear of the slim, gloss black Blu-ray player is a host of ins and outs that include HDMI switching , Component video and Composite video, both optical and analogue audio, and a slot for attaching an add-on iPod dock.
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Nifty little LEDs and other animated lights appear during startup and power-down. Bang in the centre of the fascia lies one of the system’s killer features – an iPod dock. It slides out when you press the panel in the centre and supports all types of iPod, including the touch, plus you can browse through songs using the onscreen GUI. You’ll also find a USB Plus port on top that supports playback of movies, music and photos. If you like Blu-ray movies delivered with plenty of power then give the BDV-FS350 a miss – the weak sub and overall lack of potency might leave you feeling a tad underwhelmed when watching action-packed Blu-ray discs. The sub’s lack of HD audio decoding is also a shame, as is the absence of Master Audio support.
The HT-X710T was one of Samsung's funkier home theater products of 2008, a 2.1-style home theater system with a tapered, wall-mountable DVD player head unit. It's also Wi-Fi-ready, but you'll need to invest in a separate USB 802.11n dongle, or stick with wired Ethernet connectivity instead. Other niceties include an iPod dock and the ability to stream audio from A2DP-compatible Bluetooth audio devices, such as music phones. Like the other Blu-ray home-theater-in-a-box systems in Samsung's 2009 lineup, the HT-BD7200 also includes a "green-friendly" kelp-based subwoofer. Sporting a sleek and compact form factor, the SC-BTX70 is a 2.1 system delivers realistic virtual 7.1 channel sound dispersed through a wide listening area. Panasonic’s advanced proprietary surround technology delivers Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD virtual 7.1-channel surround sound.
Blockbuster ("powered by Roxio CinemaNow") requires a Blockbuster account, and we then activate the player online at /samsungbd. We can stream trailers immediately (even before we link/open the account) and we can rent new releases for $3.99 or buy various titles at various prices. Older titles are available for rental or purchase and are generally less expensive. The service itself is pretty straightforward, and similar to Netflix; configure, click, and watch; but with a different business model behind it. The system also delivers excellent picture quality, which is comparable to that of the BD370.
’s DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack, and we were blown away – when Meryl Streep breaks into the title track, it soars out of the speakers with such gusto that you can’t help but get swept along by the sheer energy of it all, regardless of your attitude towards this movie. Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
But if we have one gripe about the system’s sound performance, it’s that there’s simply not enough welly behind it. Control your iPod with the LG remote control and an easy to use on screen display and as the content is being played back, the iPod or iPhone is being recharged. DVD or Blu-ray players featuring 1080P up scaling can improve the picture quality of a Standard Definition DVD to that of Full High Definition 1080P picture by using the HDMI connection and filling in the missing details. For the ultimate picture, a Blu-ray disc will provide all the detailed picture quality without the need for picture to be up scaled. Blu-ray Full HD PlaybackWith Blu-ray full HD playback, enjoy brilliant images with 1080p high definition resolution and audio that’s of the highest quality.
Jaggies Test Pattern 1 had an admirably smooth image at all points on the dial, but surprisingly after the flying colors of the three Jaggies tests thus far, on Pattern 2 the bottom line was problematic, the top two were okay. The Jaggies Flag Test showed stair-stepping on the red and white stripes while the background building was noisy and not well-detailed. Because we got one of the first samples, there was no price information available at the time of writing so it’s hard to assess its value for money. But knowing LG it’s bound to be competitively priced – and after hearing its performance, the press release’s claim that it produces “a sound more typically found in systems three times the price” is an encouraging sign.
The main reason to choose the HT-C6200 over a £100 Blu-ray player is, of course, for cinema sound. Although the machine can decode the Blu-ray HD audio formats - Dolby True HD and DTS HD Master Audio - you’d best forget 5.1 sound effects. The system’s two speakers can deliver stereo only - its quasi-surround mode is less than successful. Instead a DPS button on the remote supplies modes for Smart Sound , Power Bass (initially frighteningly boomy - especially with action movies) - and a superb MP3 Enhancer that audibly lifts lo-res music.
Like the company's other 2009 Blu-ray products, this funky-looking home theater system can also stream Netflix movies and Pandora's online music service. Although it’s not up there with LG and Samsung’s latest players, it’s fairly fast to load a disc. We clocked ”Spider-Man 3’s” first screen appearing at around 55 seconds, which is well within acceptable limits.
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