DVD changer / AV receiver Home Theater Systems

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 Samsung HT-TZ512T's wireless rear speakers, five-disc changer, and impressive digital media support make it a solid choice for basic home theater duties.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-Audio, Surround Sound, 170 Watt, 180 Watt, 340 Watt, 1200 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: With its five-disc changer, HDMI output, and integrated iPod dock, the Panasonic SC-PT660 delivers an impressive home theater value for less than $300.

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

The Bottom Line: With a five-disc changer, wireless rear speakers, and an integrated iPod dock, the Panasonic SC-PT760 offers a solid value for anyone looking for an affordable all-in-one home theater solution.

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

The Bottom Line: While it's short on inputs, Panasonic's affordable SC-PT750 delivers DVD upscaling, wireless surround speakers, an iPod dock, and some surprisingly decent sound quality for a great price.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, Video CD, DVD-Audio, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's budget-priced SC-PT650 home theater system sounds good for the money and delivers a decent roster of features--but the step-up model is an even better deal.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, iPod docking station, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD ( NTSC ), DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Remote control (Infrared)

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: The SC-HT920 shines on movies and high-resolution DVD-Audio discs.

Specs: Home theater system, Speaker system, DVD changer / AV receiver, DVD changer, CD, DVD, CD-R, HDCD, SVCD, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, Video CD, DVD-Audio, Silver, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Universal remote control (Infrared)