HTIBs with Integrated Blu-ray

High quality audio and video

Although critics sometimes reserve their greatest praise for home theater systems built around component-grade AV receivers, new systems built around Blu-ray Disc players are beginning to emerge and some are drawing more than their fair share of raves. The best deliver all of the features and performance of standalone Blu-ray players, along with sound quality to please all but the pickiest of listeners.

Considering professional and user reviews, we find the best comments for Panasonic's Blu-ray home theater systems, including the 7.1-channel Panasonic SC-BT200 (*Est. $435) and SC-BT300 (*Est. $485). Both systems are built around Blu-ray head ends that are functionally similar to the company's well-received DMP-BD60K Blu-ray player (*Est. $200); see the ConsumerSearch report on Blu-ray players for more information. Other than about $50, the difference between the SC-BT200 and the SC-BT300 is that the latter has a slightly more powerful amplifier and larger -- and more imposing -- "tall boy" front speakers.

In terms of features, the Blu-ray player is BD-Live (Profile 2.0) compliant. You can stream content from online providers via Panasonic's Viera Cast and from Amazon Video on Demand. Unlike some other Blu-ray home theater systems, streaming from Netflix is not available, and some reviewers consider that a notable omission. Because there's no Wi-Fi link, you will need a nearby Internet connection to take advantage of online streaming or BD-Live features; BD-Live also requires adding a 1 GB or larger SD memory card. Picture quality with Blu-ray is first-rate, and performance with standard definition DVDs is very good.

One notable plus is an integrated slide-out iPod dock. According to BigPictureBigSound.com, the dock is compatible with all iPods except the iPod shuffle, and though not certified as iPhone-compatible, it can be used with that device if you put it in its airplane mode. Viewing iPod video requires running a separate cable to your TV, however.

The sound quality is good, though most experts say it's outdone by some component home theater systems. Still, Britain's What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision magazine, which names the SC-BT200 a best buy, praises the sound and says the bass is "taut and precise." At BigPictureBigSound.com, Chris Chiarella says, "Bass can be tooth-rattlingly, paint-peelingly BIG at times, and in practical listening there was a marked subtlety, clarity and punch in every speaker for the multichannel goings-on in the Dolby TrueHD 5.1 treat 'Iron Man,' with ample bass kick when called for, too."

CNET auditions the SC-BT200 and the SC-BT300 and comes away with a distinct preference for the latter's sound quality. "The two systems are similar, but the SC-BT300 sounds bigger and warmer," write Matthew Moskovciak and Steve Guttenberg. That's not to say the SC-BT200 is a bad performer. CNET calls the sonic quality of the SC-BT200 "solid," and says the sound is "extremely impressive" when you consider SC-BT200's satellite speakers' "wee sizes."

There are some negatives. There are no video inputs. For other components, like cable/satellite/fiber TV boxes or video game consoles, you'll need to send the video directly to your TV while directing audio to the SC-BT200 (or SC-BT300), complicating set up. Color-coded speaker cables are a plus, but the use of proprietary connectors limits flexibility should you need to run a longer cable or replace or upgrade any part of the system down the line. According to CNET, the automatic setup program is less than ideal, leaving users to figure out some settings on their own.

Although CNET is generally complimentary of these Panasonic Blu-ray home theaters, a couple of others get higher scores. The highest rated is the 5.1-channel Samsung HT-BD1250 (*Est. $450). This home theater system has a Blu-ray player that CNET says is similar in performance to Samsung's BD-P3600 (*Est. $300), though it lacks features such as analog audio inputs and a Wi-Fi link (though one can be purchased separately); See the ConsumerSearch report on Blu-ray players for more information on the Samsung BD-P3600.

The big reason that CNET loves the HT-BD1250 is its audio quality, which Matthew Moskovciak and Steve Guttenberg say is "simply the best in its class." BigPictureBigSound.com also gives the sound quality a thumbs-up, but it is a bit less effusive. "This system isn't going to challenge a mid to high-end receiver, standalone Blu-ray player and separate speaker package, but for the price, it's hard to beat," writes Rachel Cericola. However, some other professional reviews aren't as complimentary about sound quality. Additionally, user reviews for the HT-BD1250 are pretty lackluster, with sound quality being a leading concern.

There are other pluses and minuses compared to the Panasonic SC-BT200 and SC-BT300. Blu-ray performance is on a par, but CNET's reviewers give an edge to the Panasonic Blu-ray home theaters when it comes to standard DVD playback. Support for iPods is provided, but via a less elegant (but at least included) external dock. There's no speaker setup program, but given the issues with Panasonic's, that's not as big a negative as it could be. The HT-BD1250 is a 5.1-channel system, where the Panasonic home theaters provide seven channels of surround sound for a more immersive effect. The inclusion of streaming from Netflix and Pandora Internet radio is a significant plus. Issues with proprietary speaker wire connectors and the lack of video inputs for other devices (such as a cable TV box) are identical.

The LG LHB953 (*Est. $395) also draws some nice user and professional reviews. Opinions are mixed as to sound quality; some, like CNET, say it's a step behind the Samsung HF-BD1250, but others say it is just as good. Picture quality with Blu-ray discs is terrific, although one report we've seen says performance with standard definition DVDs is very poor and others say it stands up well against all but the very best stand-alone upconverting players. User reviews are limited but strong.

Features are good. The Blu-ray player is BD-Live compliant and offers Internet streaming from Netflix, Pandora, YouTube and CinemaNow. There's no Wi-Fi, however, and you'll need a nearby Internet connection to take advantage of that. There's also iPod support, which is augmented by a slide out dock similar to the one on the Panasonic SC-BT200 and SC-BT300. Speaker set up is manual. We do appreciate that although color-coded cables are provided, the system doesn't use proprietary jacks, which helps with flexibility should you need a longer wire run, etc. Like all Blu-ray-based home theater kits in this price range, there are no video inputs. Although the included speakers are far from large, CNET says they are bigger than average, which might not fit with every decor. Usability is generally good, and the remote is regarded as excellent.