Samsung HT-BD1250 user reviews

Pros 1) DVD video quality to 1080i Samsung LCD via HDMI is markedly better than with Sony 1080i upconverting DVD player
2) Solid bass, especially considering passive sub
3) Sleek and unobtrusive design

Cons 1) 5 second audio delay when changing channels on Samsung SMT-H3270 HDDVR (fiber optic connection from HDDVR to HTBD1250.) This issue was not present when using 10 year old Sony 5.1 receiver.
2) Sluggish menu system
3) TInny sound from main speakers

Summary I called Samsung support and spoke with Tier 2 about the audio delay when switching channels (and when resuming from DVR fast-forward.) They have escalated the issue to engineering, who will test to determine if the problem is isolated to my system (doubtful, as I have read several forum posts pertaining to the same issue.) They will have an answer in 3 days, so I will report back then.

If this issue is "by design," then it's a deal killer for sure. I don't understand how a 10 year old Sony 5.1 receiver can handle a digital audio handshake more efficiently than this system. Perhaps an all-in-one Blu-Ray home theater system for under $500 is asking too much.

I'm giving this system a 3 star rating, which will drop to 1 if Samsung is unable to resolve the audio delay, or rise to 3.5 if they fix it.

Pros Great sound .. video .. nothing really to hate about the system.

Cons The ability to stream from a PC is a pain (never did get it working and I'm an IT guy!!!)

BEWARE .. BEWARE .. BEWARE .. the firmware update!!!

The system will ask you to install a firmware update. When I did, it completely hosed my system.

Summary When I called Samsung to complain about the firmware update that crashed my system, they said, "You should only install a firmware update if you system is having problems."

To which I responded, "Well, that would have been nice to know when I was asked a simple questions of 'Do you want to install this firmware update? YES/NO'"

Samsung's software QA department should review their updates before publishing. So I'm taking back my system to Best Buy and I'm getting a new one. I hope Samsung does better.

Pros Great HD, super easy to set up, and sounds good enough. And LOVE the streaming Netflix and Pandora (and now Blockbuster and YouTube). I am currently trying to live without Cable or Satellite, 4 months in and so far no complaints!

Cons Can be sometimes slow in moving from menu to menu - just a nit really.

Summary Great, simple and affordable system for anyone looking for a basic all-in-one home theater system. Streaming services take this product over the top.

Pros Crisp Clear sound, Easy to listen to, no backround hiss or hum like my old system, (a 7 year old Sony 5.1) Watching a TV drama, suddenly I heard football A game was being played on the patients room TV, as the doctor talked to the patient! Cool!

Cons I'm not tech savvy, and i don't like crawling around putting systems together. This sytem reqiured that. No HDMI cable and no Optical Cable either.
No built in wireless adapter for Netflix or Pandora, need to get a USB adapter

Summary Really nice system. This is what HTIB is supposed to be, a one stop solution for your surround needs, while the sound is not the ULTIMATE room shaker, it provides a nice competent sound package. You not feel shortchanged. Unless your demands are excessive. Remember you get what you pay for. I primarily use it for TV watching, and it has enhanced my HDTV expereince. Particularly with the 5.1 TV shows.

Conversely, Samsungs CSR could care less that the IPod seems to not to want to work, they just keep referring me back to the manual. Now, I'm not really tech savvy, so it proves a bit frustrating, I'd like to get the Ipod working, but i bought it for the TV watching function, and that work it performs admirably.