Electronics Gadget Reviews

Sony HT IS100 BRAVIA Theater Micro System Set of Six Black

HT-IS100 is the perfect surround-sound add-on system to existing Blu-ray Disc or DVD players.For those consumers who already have a Blu-ray Disc player or a DVD player/recorder, the perfect upgrade solution is the HT-IS100, combining all the surround processing and amplification into a single hideaway subwoofer unit.Within the subwoofer is powerful s-master digital amplification and sophisticated surround-sound processing, able to handle all the surround-sound formats on DVD and also accept high-definition audio from Blu-ray Disc for an even more thrilling home cinema experience.The system can also accept video signals from all your existing sources, either via HDMI connections or component and composite video sockets, and then will up convert for a single HDMI cable connection to your BRAVIA TV.It has the same digital cinema auto calibration as the other ‘IS family’ systems, and also features the digital media port for fast and easy hook-up of portable devices. If you’re looking for a simple, great-sounding system to take you from just watching TV to truly experiencing it, look no further.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars I’m not picky but…..
PROS:

Audio: I’m not picky, so in terms of the audio, it’s fine to be. I just wanted an upgrade from the tv speakers. This is loud enough!

Looks: I also didn’t want huge speakers. These tiny speakers are cool and unobtrusive. You find plenty of universal stands for the speakers.

CON:

Notice my con is not plural. I’m just going to summarize. I own a Samsung LN52A850. You might want to consider what brand tv you have before buying this. There is no on-screen menu for me. Nobody else has mentioned this in their review. Because if someone has a Bravia and the HT-IS100 and still don’t have on-screen menu, I would imagine that someone would have mention this “con” by now. So I’m assuming that those with Bravia TVs do have on-screen menu. Or, maybe people just don’t mind not having an on-screen menu. Why am I making such a big deal about this? Because the LCD display on the sub woofer faces the ceiling. Then engineers who made this should realize that if you make the display face the ceiling, then you better provide an on-screen menu. So I’m surprise I’m the first person to complain about this. Like I said, I have a Samsung, those with a Bravia may have onscreen menu. I don’t know, I can’t confirm that. I hope the next reviewer will confirm this. So for me, it sucks that I got to walk to my sub woofer every time to look at the display when I want to play around with the functions. Another con is that the accessories to make the rear speakers wireless is expensive, hard to find and quite frankly, confusing. You need to buy a transmitter, and you also have to buy a subunit. That’s right, it’s not totally wireless. You need to buy another subunit to place in the back of your room and the wires of the rear speakers will go into this subunit. Tricky marketing!!

Man, writing this review has made me more angry and determined to return this.

4 Stars Great for a Small Room/Apt/Studio
I live in a 1bd Apartment and my living room is fairly large (for an apt) The sound that this System produces is truly beautiful. I have my HD Digital Box, PS3, Xbox and Wii hooked up and they all sound great. I had a Pioneer Elite VSX-01TXH (paired with POLK speakers) and although that receiver is far superior in features and sound effects (as well as total watts) This little system worked out better for me because it’s far more simple and practical (and won’t get me kicked out of my building. For those looking for a good Surround System that won’t take a lot of space, Offers simple menus and won’t cost too much $$$$, this is it!

1 Star HT-IS100 micro system
Can only give one star right now because the systems center speaker and remote did not work. Called Sony and they had me send the center speaker and remote to Texas for repair. After a week they sent back still not repaired. Call Sony and they said to send the complete system back for repair. Looks like I will receive tomorrow (3/4/09). I have been waiting over a month now to hear this system. I will review later if it works this time. One thing I can say is the ease of setup, and no wires from front to back for the speakers using the SA1. Also, purchased two stands for the back speakers. They look great and enable you ease of hiding wires to each of the back speakers under the carpet.

It is now 3/7, received system back from Sony repaired and ready to go.

However, they forgot to enclose the remote, so I am waiting another 4 days for the most important part. I can say now that this system sounds great, of course mine is not tuned because of no remote. But, it really makes a difference in watching blue rays. It puts you right in the movie, what a great sound from such small speakers. I now rate this a 4 star system

3 Stars It would be a great system if wireless accessories could be bought…
Its a great system from looks and sound wise and I first purchased it without the wireless accessories to see if I need them. After a short time I decided to opt for the wireless amplifier for [...]. When it arrived in the mail I was first excited but then quickly realized that additionally an EZW T100 is neede for[...]. First of all I find this to expensive to have to add 200 dollars to a 700 dollar system to make it wireless, if 400 dollar systems are available that already have that function included. But the real dissapointment was that the EZW T100 is sold out for 2 months and I have invested 850 bucks in a system that is still wired and the required accessories are not available. That is not acceptable.

5 Stars HT-IS100
I’ve been back and forth about home theater systems for the last month or so and I finally came across this bad boy at frys for 549 promo sale and got it after hearing it at best buy and all I can say is WOW if your considering this system dont be afraid to pull the trigger on it. The system feels my room full of sound just like the movies. I’m glad I did a little research and went for this with all the connectivity it offers you cant go wrong. Amazing hooked up to my kdl52-wl140 is not enough for this system.

Buy/More Info

Bose Companion 5 multimedia speaker system Graphite Silver

Our premium computer speakers deliver multichannel sound that seems to surround you, specifically designed for computer listening. Just right for music, games and moviesand setup is a snap. The Companion(R) 5 multimedia speaker system is engineered to deliver the excitement of surround sound content right at your computerwithout the clutter of five speakers. Just two small speakers and a hideaway Acoustimass(R) module deliver much of the audio performance you’d expect from a five-speaker surround sound system. And a single USB connection is all it takesno special software, hardware or sound card upgrade necessary.*

The system features a handy, all-in-one control pod to keep speaker volume control, single-touch mute, headphone jack and an auxiliary input all within easy reach. Speakers are mounted on stands enabling superb performance and more usable desktop space.

*For optimum performance, we recommend Windows XP or later. For Macintosh computers, OS X 10.4.6 or later.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars All that everyone says, but here are the drawbacks
Don’t get me wrong– I recommend purchasing these speakers. I am a previous several year owner of the Companion 3 series 1 speakers and loved almost everything about them. Having had these speakers a few weeks now there are two features I think it’s important to know before you buy them:

1. You CAN remove them from the stands if you need to. I know that Bose does not recommend it, but I run several monitors wide enough that they consume the entire width of the desk. There was no good place to put the speakers and stands except facing toward me, and that’s not recommended.

2. These speakers will turn themselves off after some amount of time if the source inputting to them turns off. This is great for energy savings, however, for me this is a horrible feature. I have my computer setup in my bedroom, and my aux input to the speakers is my TV (as I had done with my companion 3 series 1 set). I can now no longer lie in bed in the morning and turn the TV on and hear the sound through the speakers since they automatically turn off when I turn the TV off. I haven’t researched a way to change this, but I see no buttons on the sub or the power fob. I’ve always thought Bose speaker sets were ripe for a remote control. Now I’m certain about that.

And again, if you want crisp clean sound, and the two issues I mentioned above do not affect the way you would use them, I still highly recommend this set.

2 Stars OVERPROCESSED SOUND
Though they sounded quite promising in the store, I was shocked how artificial-sounding the audio was when applied to music I knew. First off the highs are way too piercing and tinny. Vocals often seem lost in the surround effect to the degree that it almost as if they’ve been remixed, and you may actually find yourself straining to single them out of the soup. Overall this system takes way too many liberties to achieve the illusion of greater separation,and IMO manipulates your music too far away from what it’s supposed to sound like.

By the way, I’m not a BOSE-BASHER, most of my audio equipment/speakers are BOSE.

5 Stars Worth every penny
The sound is perfect, awesome and very loud — if you like it loud — but if you just like great sound, the best sound, at any volume, you will not be disappointed with this purchase.

It seems really expensive, until you plug it in an listen to it. Then, it is worth every penny.

4 Stars Oustanding speakers, but…
The Bose Companion 5 speakers have the best sound I have heard on any set of computer speakers. The glowing praises given by many of the other reviewers are right on target.

I do listen to most of my music through these speakers, which are connected to my one year old Alienware computer. And if that was all I needed from my speakers, I could not be happier.

However, as a person who also spends more than 30 hours a week using other USB devices, including a Plantronics headset, a Wacom drawing tablet, a scanner/printer, mouse and keyboard, I would not recommend these speakers for the simple reason that the Bose speakers take a very large amount of USB bandwith. Before I owned these speakers, I was not aware that USB bandwith would ever be a problem.

Practically speaking, I cannot fully use programs like Ventrillo while I play online games (WOW and WAR); I cannot listen to music with WMP while using any voice messaging program (MS Messenger); and I cannot listen to music while using my Wacom tablet with programs like PAINT and such.

I do give this product 4 stars, though I still waver over whether I should give it only 3. By the way, this issue is acknowledged by BOSE on their web site, with no work around given, other than to limit the use of any other USB device.

5 Stars Great Sound
It really does simulate the surround. I pretty much replaced my messy 5.1 logitech system.

Buy/More Info

Factory renewed Bose CineMate digital home theater speaker system

What is a Bose?factory-renewed product?
The factory-renewed CineMate digital home theater speaker system is a great way to enjoy the performance of Bose at an outstanding value. It has been thoroughly inspected, tested and serviced to meet strict Bose sound quality standards. This system has also been carefully examined to assure a like-new appearance. It carries the same warranty as a new CineMate system. And it’s value priced at savings of $150 off the new product price. Exclusively from Bose.

Product Details
The Bose?CineMate digital 2.1-channel speaker system makes it easy to enjoy the power of a home theater experience. It’s designed for use with your TV and video components, like a DVD player or VCR. There’s no bulky equipment, complicated wiring or confusing installation. Just two front speakers and a hideaway Acoustimass module bring movies and music to life with four quick connections.

If you’re just listening to sound through a TV, then you’re not getting the full experience. Add the high-performance audio of the CineMate home theater speaker system and you’ll complete the picture with ease. Our proprietary Articulated Array?speaker design combines with TrueSpace?digital processing circuitry to produce cinematic sweep from just two front speakers. You’ll also enjoy a strong center image that locks dialogue on screen with no center-channel speaker to cramp your TV’s style.

The Acoustimass module answers the call for emphatic low notes that grab your attention. It delivers dramatic effects without audible distortion, so you can hide it almost anywhere in the room. And all the sound seems to come from the small speakers.

Easy to set up.
The CineMate digital home theater speaker system offers simplified setup that can be completed quickly. There are just four connections to make, with intuitive one-way connectors eliminating the guesswork required of more complex home theater systems.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Best Value!
I had never bought a refurb unit for a high-priced product, so was skeptical at first. But after I received the product and tested it, it was just like NEW. I’ve been using this for about a month without any problems what so ever. I highly recommend this.

5 Stars Awesome surround sound
I wanted a bose surround sound system and I could not afford a new one. This system is awesome. The best part, other than the great sound, is the fact that there are no rear speakers to deal with. Thank you Bose. I highly recommend it.

Buy/More Info

3 2 1 GS Series III DVD Home Entertainment System Graphite

The Bose?3???GS Series III DVD home entertainment system puts you at the center of exciting home theater with greater simplicity. Just two visible Gemstone speaker arraysour smallest, most powerful 3?? speakersand a hideaway Acoustimass module deliver enhanced sound performance from almost anything you watch. Setup is simple: No center or rear speakers means no wiring to the back of your room. An elegant media center features a progressive scan DVD/CD player with FM/AM tuner, and an HDMI output that makes it even easier to connect to your HDTV. Plus, an easy-to-use universal remote control is programmable to run most of your home entertainment devices together with your system.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars AWESOME SYSTEM
I recently purchased this system and must admit after reading the reviews I honestly was not sure whether I would be satisfied with the bass sound. Well, let me tell you, I found a way to increase the base to what pleases your ear and WOW, what an impact, especially during movies. It had me jumping to unexpected sounds throughout the movie and kept me in suspense. The music and sound is so crystal clear. Costly system, but worth every penny. I am one happy camper!

5 Stars Worth Every Penny (All 100,000 of them)
Being skeptical of such an expensive purchase, I really worked this thing over once I got it to make sure I was going to keep it. It did not take long to find out that it can’t be beat. For such a simple system I was amazed at the performance. Let’s start with the good: Very stylish, compact, and super easy to set up. The set-up I did was not your standard set-up either. I took advantage of running optical audio from my cable box (good idea) and I use the HDMI output to a 37inch LCD. I did not want all of my sound to always have to go through the unit so I had to use a few more wires. The sound is absolutely unbeatable for the size of system. If you are a sound junkie like myself you will appreciate the clarity and reality of the reproduction. Music is concert-like, DVD’s play like you are in a mini-theater. People that do not like the sound of Bose generally like a lot of unnatural bass and Bose refuses to give in to that fake noise. I replaced a high end Sony 5.1 system with this for aesthetics and am kicking myself for not doing it sooner. The sound is now simply way better at all volume levels. Even 2.0 sound sounds better through these tiny speakers than they did with my old system. Now for the not so good: You need a fairly recent and not so cheap universal remote if you want to control this thing. Unless you don’t mind the remote it comes with which claims to be universal but I found otherwise. The aqua display of text on the front of the unit can detour your focus when watching the TV screen. There is no equalizer if you wanted to create a different sound other than the Bose standard. Sometimes I want that cheesy bass although it pumps out plenty. Lastly, you almost need to use the optical audio connection to ensure full volume control. Without it you have to turn up the volume for different applications. I use the optical so I have no complaints. Before I go, I just want to let you know that if you want a small system that can fill your room with rich authentic sound then you are on the right track with this system. You can put a pretty nice system together for the price of this thing but what for??? 3 wires and you are done and have the best sound money can buy.

5 Stars Great Sound !! Expensive but worth the $$!!
I just purchased the Bose 3.2.1 GS Series III last week. Looked at several other systems but realize you always “get what you pay for”. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! You must cut TV speakers volume up(although you will not need them) and VERY,VERY IMPORTANT you must use either the optical or coaxial connection from Cable Box to the 3.2.1. I was ready to return the unit because of not enough sound volume. In fact, I had it backed up to return the next day. Then I thought, Bose is to good of a product to have this problem, so I unpacked and set up with the OPTICAL digital cable and BINGO!! What a product!! Sounds better than my old true surrond sound unit a(Sony) I purchased eight years ago. I would recommend this unit HIGHLY. Never owned Bose but their reputation out did itself. The small system looks “nifty” and MY what a sound!!! Spend the extra BUCKS and Get ONE!! fkwalter

1 Star Bose 321 not worth it
I bought this unit because I didn’t want or have room for the rear speakers and because of the Bose reputation. Well, now that I have it, it sounds OK but I barely even get the effect of rear speakers. I also have to turn it up to 50 (half) to even hear it. Then the volume on the DVD’s has to be much higher than on the cable box. What a pain going back to the cable box. When their adds say it sounds so much better than the TV, they are right but not much better. I would find something else with wireless speakers in the rear. I have an Onkyo downstairs (5.1) and it rocks. Also the DVD’s get stuck in there and you have to power the unit off to get them out. I do like the remote.

5 Stars Great Sound, Small Footprint, Huge Upgrade from Series II
I bought this late August ‘08 from a Bose store (prices fixed at $1k at all stores right now). First off, it is 2 speakers that fit in the palm of your hand, and a somewhat large woofer that can be put out of sight (e.g., behind TV cabinet). Sound is amazing given it’s only 2.1 speakers. System does an okay job at filling the room with sound (I don’t think it’s fair to say it seems like there really are rear speakers, but the sound is for sure big and full), but it does deliver all 5.1 channels of sound through the 2.1 speakers when listening to those sources – awesome. Big + for me is that music sounds really good – not always true on home theater systems. Unit is easy to use and set-up – onscreen menus straight forward, and universal remote really is universal (including my cable box). Upconverting of DVD picture looks great. Sound from TV and DVDs is amazing (especially digital 5.1 sound from HD channels).

Now, for the cons: I wish it served as a video receiver as well – it does not. Example, this means when I watch cable I need to turn the TV on to cable video input and set the Bose to cable audio output – not a big deal but a bit annoying. There is only 1 optical audio input (which you can assign to any available source), but digital coax inputs are there for all sources (sound and signal for optical vs. coax digital audio is the same, differences heard are people playing vodoo). There is a bit of a sound delay when switching sound sources or when changing cable channels (~0.5-1 second) before the sound starts again.

Lots of people knock Bose because they are expensive. Well, Bose really does have superior speaker (always have) and now digital processing technology – look into it yourself, don’t just trust reviews online from random people (such as myself). But, you should take a trip down to a Bose store or Best Buy and listen for yourself. And bring a full band audio CD to listen to of your own (the Dave Matthews acoustic demo they always play is stupid – acoustic guitar sounds good even on crappy speakers).

If you have the $$ and don’t want to hassle with 5.1 speakers, at least give this some serious consideration.

Another note: I shelled out another $100 for the overpriced speaker stands (floor stands), and did notice a slight increase in quality as the speakers can spread out their sound a little better (as opposed to my previous set-up where they were on the edge of a shelf).

Buy/More Info

First impressions last. That holds true in the highly competitive world of the automotive industry. With so many variants under your wings and with little space to work on, fighting aggressively for your place under the sun is a key element of staying in the game.