5.1 channel Home Theater Systems

The Bottom Line: The LG LHB953 combines Blu-ray, tons of streaming media content, and solid AV quality into an all-in-one home theater system that scores high on the value quotient.

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, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Universal remote control

The Bottom Line: Samsung's HT-BD1250 home theater system has built-in Blu-ray, streaming media from Netflix and Pandora, and excellent audio and video quality, making it our top budget Blu-ray all-in-one system.

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, Surround Sound, 1000 Watt, Universal remote control

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: While it lacks some of the features found in more expensive home theater systems, the Onkyo HT-S3200 delivers great sound and solid performance at a bargain price.

Specs: Home theater system, AV receiver, Speaker system, Black, Surround Sound, 660 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: 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: If you can look past its limited video capabilities, the Yamaha YSP-3000 is an otherwise recommendable single-speaker solution for home theater buyers who don't want a traditional 5.1 channel surround system.

Specs: Speaker system, AV receiver, Speaker system, None, Black, Surround Sound, 2 Watt, 20 Watt, 82 Watt, Remote control (Infrared), 31.5 in x 4.5 in x 6 in

The Bottom Line: If you can look past its limited video capabilities, the Yamaha YSP-3000 is an otherwise recommendable single-speaker solution for home theater buyers who don't want a traditional 5.1 channel surround system.

Specs: Speaker system, AV receiver, Speaker system, None, Silver, Surround Sound, 2 Watt, 20 Watt, 82 Watt, Remote control (Infrared), 31.5 in x 4.5 in x 6 in

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)