http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/ Engadget Comments for Ask Engadget HD: Best HTIB for under $500? http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 12:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/
Are there HTIB's out there now with 2 or more HDMI in under $1000?]]>May 28th 2010 12:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 12:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 12:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 12:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 12:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/Exactly what i was thinking. Onkyo has earned my trust.]]>May 28th 2010 5:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/Onkyo makes quality stuff, especially considering the price/performance ratio of their gear. If I were looking for a HTiB right now, this would be my likely choice.
Plus, when I checked, it said it was $469 on amazon, which is a pretty great bargain considering you get a real (3D-ready!) receiver with 4 HDMI inputs. Even if you threw away the speakers that come with it, that would still be a decent deal, and the beauty of this system is that in a few years, you really *could* throw the speakers away and still use the receiver for your upgraded gear. iPod dock, full range of codec support, 3D ready, 4 HDMI inputs, etc etc...
The only thing this really lacks compared to more typical BD/DVD HTiB systems would be things like 'VieraCast', VUDU, Netflix, Flickr/Picasa, and Amazon On Demand streaming. Then again, the PS3 should handle that just fine anyway, and there is no shortage of little media boxes (Roku, Boxee, etc) you could connect to this if over-the-top services are something that interests you.]]>May 29th 2010 3:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 30th 2010 9:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/Jun 1st 2010 2:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/Total agree. Onkyo is a great product for the value.]]>Jun 4th 2010 1:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 12:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 1:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 4:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/
Overall despite the 3252's flaws and inability to do some internet related features as advertised (oh almost forgot the iPod dock on the back of the receiver doesn't work) the 3252 is a good system if you want easy surround and the speakers sound really good.]]>May 28th 2010 1:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 1:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 11:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 29th 2010 2:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/With that said, I don't think it's an ideal living room solution.
- The inputs are pretty limited; if he's got a PS3 and a cable set top box, he has to hope the cable box has a digital coax audio output, something that's hardly guaranteed.
- He can't hook up a PS3 as his DVD/BD player with analog cables, since the PS3 only has stereo analog output. This limits him to the Z-5500's 2004-era codecs.
- Finding the codes to get the volume buttons to work on 'normal' remotes is a pain in the ass, if it's supported at all; I still haven't figured out how to get it to work with Comcast's remote, Logitech support said to call Comcast, and Comcast said to call Logitech.
- Codec support is insufficient for a new system, though it is good enough for DVDs and cable TV sound.

I'd still argue that there isn't a better PC speaker system out there, but for the lean-back viewing experience of a home theater, I think there are more compelling and complete options for under $500.]]>May 29th 2010 3:07AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 30th 2010 1:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/ Has anyone ever tried other speakers considering the amp is built-in to the sub?
Also judging by the way the subwoofer performs, I'd assume that it would equally be a crossover/EQ issue as well.

The one thing the sets this in my living room is my tv. It has (1) optical output and 5hdmi (Sharp 52") in which the signal from all the hdmi devices in-tv is sent through the optical out (@ 5.1 so long as source is also) to the z-5500s. As for the subwoofer and it's control, no room in the house is adequate for this beast. However, if you are "acoustically" inclined, you can dampen it w/ proper placement and rigging. Mine's been calm since 1mo. of ownership. But again....if it's on sale w/ or w/o rebate for $200-250 ...you'd be hard pressed to say that's a waste if you decide to go custom, "when you get the money." That's only $20/mo. for 1 year....seriously???? Smoke less, drink less, eat less....whatever it is, who cares when things are falling off your wall and you have to scream at the people in the room with you for them to hear. ]]>May 31st 2010 8:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 31st 2010 8:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 31st 2010 8:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 1:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 1:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 29th 2010 6:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/
Staying at or below the $500 mark, what receiver/speakers combo would you guys recommend?

I plan to use the HDMI's on my TV and passing just the audio back to the receiver. I also never turn up the volume more than 50% on my TV so I don't need a ton of wattage. What do I need to look for to know that I'm getting quality, crisp audio and not just amplitude? One of my main fears with buying a receiver is that I feel like I'm paying for a lot of features that I'll never use.]]>May 28th 2010 2:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 2:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/I realize a sound bar is not a HTIB and many people, especially on EHD, despise sound bars, but I have been very happy with mine. It has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 out, accepts up to 7.1 channels (it is actually a 3.1 system), puts out 250W (150 to the speakers and 100 to the subwoofer) and pairs perfectly with a PS3 outputting Linear PCM audio.
I have been so pleased with this sound bar that I haven't upgraded to a 5.1 system despite moving into a house with a larger living room. I've heard complaints that the sound isn't loud enough for some people, but this thing shines in a small-to-mid-sized room.
I understand that Sony will be offering a couple new 3D sounds bar as well, but pricing is not available yet on their site.
Hope this helps.]]>May 28th 2010 2:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/- Both: Use low-impedance speakers to boost their wattage numbers - Consumer deception
- Both: "10% Total Harmonic Distortion" specs - Pathetic
- Sony: Tiny drivers - To compensate, the crossover frequency is ridiculousness high so that you can hear dialog out of the "sub-woofer".
- Samsung: Uses heavy plastic driver cones - Look cool but sound poor.]]>May 28th 2010 3:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 28th 2010 7:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/Personally, I'd give him a gift card with the money and let him build his own. I haven't heard the sound from other manufacturers but building your own is going to get you far better results. A nice receiver and a pair of good bookshelves can be had for not much more than $500. When another $200 comes around, add a center. Then get a sub and finally some towers for the front and move the bookshelves to the rear. Complete system over time without having to settle on a HTIB. ]]>May 28th 2010 8:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/
A 2.1 system with great speakers is far more immersive than a crummy 5.1 HTIB, because the rear speakers are only on producing sound about 20% of the time. And in these HTIBs, the most important speaker (center) is often bad, which is a real problem when you consider that 90% of dialogue is traveling right towards you.

I'd rather you invest in a GOOD A/V receiver ($200-300) and a good set of tallboys ($200-400 total) and work your way up from there. Subwoofer is of course next ($100-200). Then get a good center speaker ($150) and worry about the rear speakers later ($150).

Again, stuff can be upgraded later, but wasting money is always bad. Most importantly, get a good a/v receiver that will do all of your switching for you (don't rely on the TV to do it, it's bad at it). Then you can get "meh" speakers and upgrade as your finances allow. But the huge flaw of HTIBs is that the unit doesn't act as a good a/v switcher, meaning your TV has to do it.]]>May 29th 2010 12:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 29th 2010 3:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/
]]>May 30th 2010 12:00AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/May 31st 2010 7:34AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/
Honestly I don't want to build one myself because I just don't have the time or patience to sit down and do it, and I like the additional features of these sorts of systems, as well as the general good looks.]]>May 31st 2010 1:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/
Everything I read on enthusiast sites like this one said that the *best* option is to get a good receiver (expensive) and good speakers (expensive) one or two at a time... but the idea here is to get the best full system for $500. Mine was $450.

All the reviews of the Onkyo receivers were positive so I figure if I really want to in a few years, I can replace the speakers here and there, all the while enjoying my full 7.1 glory, even if it's more of a Cadillac than a Mercedes.

I'm pretty picky so once I get it all set up, I'll be sure to re-post.]]>Jun 2nd 2010 1:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/
http://www.buy.com/prod/215959276.html
$439.43]]>Jun 17th 2010 5:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/ask-engadget-hd-best-htib-for-under-500/Jun 17th 2010 6:35PM