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In this report

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Home Theater Systems: Ratings of Sources
Total of 13 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. ConsumerReports.org
As of Sept. 2011
Home Theater Systems
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org rates 26 home theater systems; however, only a handful are current models. Systems with and without a Blu-ray Disc player are covered, as are some that include a DVD player instead. Testing is done, and ratings are clear and easy to understand, but discussion is too short to be satisfactory.
2. Big Picture Big Sound.com
As of Sept. 2011
Home Theater in a Box Reviews
by Editors of BigPictureBigSound.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThough the reviews here aren't quite as long as some at other sites and only a few 2011 HTIB systems get covered, discussion is more than sufficient and testing is reasonable and well-explained. Though no "best" home theater system is named, a star rating is provided, and opinions are offered. Among current HTIBs, the Blu-ray-equipped Panasonic SC-BTT770 is singled out for its video and audio prowess as well as its bevy of features.
3. What Hi-Fi?
As of Sept. 2011
Home Cinema in a Box
by Editors of What Hi-Fi?
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentReviews at this British magazine are not exceptionally detailed, but they leave no doubt about pluses and minuses. Ratings are provided, and although the majority of recently reviewed home theater in a box systems rate highly, the Blu-ray equipped Panasonic SC-BTT370 is a stand out with a perfect 5-star review.
4. TrustedReviews.com
As of Sept. 2011
Surround Sound System Reviews
by Editors of TrustedReviews.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThough there are some differences between home theater gear sold in Great Britain, where TrustedReviews.com is based, and what's sold in the U.S., this site's well done reviews of home theater systems still provide a good indication of relative performance. Among the systems available in the U.S., the Samsung HT-D5500 player and the entire line of Panasonic HTIBs all earn strong marks, but only the Panasonic SC-BTT370 manages to snag a "Recommended" award. The site is a little challenging to navigate, because HTIB systems are now listed alongside all types of home theater gear.
5. Audioholics.com
As of Sept. 2011
Featured Home Theater in-a-Box Reviews
by Editors of Audioholics.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAudioholics.com covers a number of HTIB systems in detailed "First Looks" that are based on manufacturer specifications and the reviewer's opinion of what those mean for the listener. Most of the reviews look at higher-priced systems; for 2011, only the Onkyo HT-S9400THX earns a "Gotta Have It!" rating.
6. About.com
As of Sept. 2011
Best Home-Theater-In-A-Box Systems
by Robert Silva
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentRobert Silva reports on speaker systems, including home theater units, in reviews that vary in quality. On the downside, some evaluations aren't much more than product information fortified by Silva's take on how the HTIB systems should perform. Other reviews are fully fleshed out, right down to full details of the test set ups used in the review. Three 2011 HTIB systems make the list. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
7. Expert Reviews
As of Sept. 2011
Home Cinema Reviews
by Editors of Expert Reviews
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentExpert Reviews is based in Britain, but much of the gear it reviews is also available in versions sold in the U.S. Reports are testing based, and opinions are clearly stated. Ratings are provided and show enough variation that it is easy to spot the winners from the runners-up. None of the 2011 models that are available in the U.S. earn a "Best Buy" award, but the Samsung HT-D5500 and the Panasonic SC-BTT370 earn strong 4-out-of-5-star reviews (although the Panasonic system is mistakenly identified as BD-BTT370).
8. MaximumTech.com
June 28, 2011
Home Theater in a Box: Three Blu-ray Systems Reviewed
by Michael Brown
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentReviewer Michael Brown pits the LG LHB976 against the Sony BDV-HZ970W and the Harman Kardon BDS 800 in a review that does a decent job of highlighting some of the ups and downs of the respective systems but that lacks depth. Although some of the discussion leads one to believe that hands-on testing is conducted, the write-up reads more like a list of tech specs. The LG LHB976 is singled out as the best of the lot for its integration capabilities -- and its price point -- but it fails to garner the site's Kick Ass award because of its weak sub and lack of support for lossless audio.
9. Amazon.com
As of Sept. 2011
Home Theater in a Box
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAmazon.com lets customers report on their post-sale experiences with their HITB systems. The site has some useful tools, like a box comparing the most helpful positive and negative reviews. Although the number of reviews each HTIB has received is posted on the main landing page, many discontinued HTIBs are listed, as well as speaker systems without a receiver or Blu-ray Disc (or DVD) player, making it a chore to sort through all of the options.
10. Vanns.com
As of Sept. 2011
Home Theater Systems
by Contributors to Vanns.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentVanns.com is another site where buyers can rate and review products that they own, including home theater systems. Ratings from 1 to 5 stars are provided on the main navigation page, but you have to click on each product to learn whether that is based on lots of reviews, or just one or two,, and most newer models don't have a large number of consumers chiming in. Onkyo's offerings all rate highly, but the HT-S5400 sports a perfect 5-star average with the limited number of readers leaving reviews on the site.
11. AVSForum.com
As of Sept. 2011
Home Theater In A Box
by Contributors to AVSForum.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThough not the busiest sub-forum at the AVSForum.com website, this is a good place to learn more about all-in-one home theater systems. Many popular systems get their own thread where owners exchange information with each other, and prospective buyers can learn more about a particular HTIB they are considering.
12. Walmart.com
As of Sept. 2011
Home Theater Systems
by Contributors to Walmart.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWalmart.com offers a selection of home-theater systems, including mainstream and budget choices. Most HTIBs don't get a ton of user feedback, but a few manage to get enough user reviews to make Walmart.com a worthwhile destination to get some additional opinions about a HTIB system you are considering.
13. NewEgg.com
As of Sept. 2011
Home Theater Systems
by Contributors to Newegg.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBecause this site caters to a technology-oriented customer base, most user reviewers here have a higher level of technical expertise than average. However, most HTIB systems get less feedback here than on other sites, and while the reviews that are here tend to do a good job of calling out a system's highlights -- and lowlights -- they skew toward shorter write-ups.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
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