Is this a good Home Theater and a good price?

Question

I want to buy a Home Theater, and i plan to buy Philips HTS3544 …5.1 Channel Home Theater System…

Has anyone had it? How is it?

I find a deal for it ..$180

http://dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=75951&ru=283

Is this a good home theater and a good price?

I need you advice…

Answer 1

GOOD QUESTION!

Generally speaking, when it comes to Audio & Video gear, you do get what you pay for.

Your satisfaction with your purchase depends on a few factors:

1. What are the most important features to you?

2. What are you expecting to get for your money?

3. Where and how do you plan to use it?

Philips is a good brand, but all companies make "entry-level" models, cheaply produced, so they can keep their name out there.  Do not expect much for $180.

That said, watching movies with SOME kind of surround system is usually better than just with the TV speakers.  Although, I've recently put into service a few Samsung LCD TVs that have some pretty impressive simulated surround sound features - delivering an uncanny sense that there are surround channels behind you - with just the two built-in speakers!  So there you go.

The most obvious area lacking in all sub-$500 all-in-one systems (also known as HTIBs - for "Home Theater in a Box") is probalby in the subwoofer.  The bass is going to be weak, and that translates to "tinny sounding" especially at low and high volume levels.  For under $200, you're probalby going to get a "passive subwoofer" - one that has no built-in amplifier of its own and is really nothing more than a midrange speaker without a tweeter in it.

This will work okay at close range, let's say in a home office situation.  Or a dorm room when you don't want to keep anyone else from studying with all of that bass...don't worry, there won't be any real bass there!

Make your purchase without high expectations and you should be satisfied for the time being.

Answer 2

I would avoid this system.

It only plays DVD's, it does not let you hook up anything external to it except through L/R audio inputs, etc.

We get several posts here a month by people with similar systems crying how they cannot figure out how to hook up their HDTV box, BluRay player, xBox, etc. to these single-purpose systems.

Look on the CircuitCity website for their overstock/clearance area. There are some Sony, Denon and Yamaha box systems that have:

- Separate, but expandable receiver

- Self powered sub woofer

- Separate dvd player

- 5 budget, but matched speakers

These are MUCH nicer and let you connect things and swap out pieces later if they break or you decide to upgrade.

Answer 3

I can definitely say that $180 is a good price. I couldn't find it cheaper. BUT, you are buying a $180 system, so don't have your hopes too high. If this is one of your first home theater systems, it should work for you. The DVD player is capable of 720p/1080i output and can upscale regular DVD's. That is probably the best feature this system offers. The speakers won't blow you away, but should be adequate.

But if you are looking for good quality, you will have to spend more. It all depends on what brand/company you prefer (Sony, Yamaha, etc), but you can easily spend $500-$1,000 for a nice system. But again, if you do not have to have a top of the line system, and just need decent sound, the Philips HTS3544 for $180 is a reasonable way to go.

Answer 4

If this is all you can afford and you really want to have some surround sound then go for it. But remember you get what you pay for. I would not buy this without going somewhere and listening to it first.

It will not be fantastic by any means. It will give you surround sound though.  

I purchased a system similar to this, a few years ago, for my wifes parents. They did not even know what surround sound was but I wanted them to see how much better, even the most basic surround sound is, compared to the TV. As it was a gift and I wasn't sure how it would go over I did not want to spend too much money.They enjoyed it quite a bit and it worked out just fine for them.  They are still using it and enjoy it.

For many people these systems are adequate. As mentioned by others, these types of systems have extremely limited connection options.

What is listed is going to be about it except for maybe a VCR.

In any case...

Review your budget.

COMPARE features and specifications.

Then choose the best one within that budget.

Answer 5

you can look for a better wan

and this is not it !