Best Blu-ray home theater systems (Blu-ray HTIBs)

(Updated January 12, 2012 1:08 AM PST)
Matthew Moskovciak
Matthew Moskovciak
Associate editor
Not everybody wants to go through the arduous task of putting together a home theater system from separate components. Luckily, there's another way: home-theater-in-a-box systems (HTIBs) that include everything you need in a single package, so it just works out of the box. All you have to provide is your own TV and you're good to go.

Now that Blu-ray has dropped in price, manufacturers have begun to integrate Blu-ray players to HTIBs for only slightly more than DVD systems. Our experience with Blu-ray HTIBs has been excellent so far; almost all of the systems we've tested recently offer a legitimate home theater experience, often for only a couple hundreds dollars more than a standalone Blu-ray player.

If you already have a Blu-ray player, check out our list of the best Blu-ray/DVD-ready home theater systems, which offer everything you need, minus the disc player and TV.

>> See all recent home-theater-in-a-box system reviews

Sony BDV-E770W

The Sony BDV-E770W is one of the best Blu-ray home theater systems we've tested, with excellent sound quality, tons of streaming-media options, 3D compatibility, and wireless rear speakers. The lack of HDMI inputs is the only big omission.

As shown: $649.99
See manufacturer site for availability

4 stars

Excellent

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Sony BDV-E770W

LG LHB535

The LG LHB535 offers an outstanding feature set for its price, but its sound quality is only passable.

4 stars

Very good

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LG LHB535

Samsung HT-BD8200

The Samsung HT-BD8200 packs a Blu-ray player into a sound bar for unparalleled simplicity, but disappointing sound quality and operational glitches limit its appeal.

Price: $699.44 (check prices)

4 stars

Good

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Samsung HT-BD8200