Sony Home Theater Systems

The Bottom Line: The Sony BDV-E500W is an attractive home theater system with built-in Blu-ray and wireless rear speakers, but it's too expensive and lacks streaming media services such as Netflix or Pandora found on cheaper competing systems.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, Blu-Ray disc player / AV receiver, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: If Blu-ray compatibility isn't a consideration, Sony's HAV-HDX589W home theater system offers a good balance of features and quality.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, Receiver with speakers, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, SACD, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+R DL, Video CD, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: The Sony HT-SS360 is an inexpensive home theater system with generous HDMI connectivity and satisfying sound on movies, but don't expect it to deliver with music.

Specs: Home theater system, AV receiver, Speaker system, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: Sony's HT-CT100 soundbar/subwoofer audio system is a phenomenal value that sounds great with movies and music.

Specs: Home theater system, AV receiver, Speaker system, None, Surround Sound, 250 Watt

The Bottom Line: The DAV-HDX500 delivers the best combination of features and value in Sony's Bravia home theater system line.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, SACD, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: The Sony DAV-FX900W Dream System maxes out on style and features--such as HDMI output and wireless rear speakers--but its sound quality is disappointing relative to the price.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, SACD, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+R DL, Video CD, Surround Sound, 143 Watt, 285 Watt, 1280 Watt

Editors' Take: CNET previews the Sony DAV-DX375, the entry-level DVD Dream System home theater in a box in the company's 2006 line, due to be released in April.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, SACD, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+R DL, Video CD, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: Sony's DAV-X1 virtual-surround Dream System can unleash a full, enveloping sound from DVDs, but it's less satisfying with CDs.

Specs: Home theater system, DVD player, Speaker system, DVD player, CD, DVD, CD-R, SACD, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, Video CD, Surround Sound, Remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: No excuses are required for Sony's entry-level HTIB; its slam-dunk receiver, potent subwoofer, and feisty satellites deliver more-than-credible performance.

Specs: Home theater system, Receiver, Speaker system, None, Surround Sound, 100 Watt, 70 Watt, 420 Watt, Remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: While Sony's entry-level home-theater system looks Dreamy, the sound is anything but.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, SACD, CD-RW, 600 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)