Customer Reviews
Great - only missing a zoom feature 
2005-01-18
Great picture and sound - my only complaint is that it doesnt have a zoom feature. This is something you'll need for older dvd's that are widescreen but not formatted for playback on a widescreen tv (has black bars on the top and bottom to make the widescreen output 4:3); for example, the original Pulp Fiction dvd release (1998). My widescreen tv has a zoom, but I have to turn off progressive scan to use it. It would be better if the dvd player provided the zoom so i could still use progressive scan.
good sound / poor features 
2005-01-12
Well, I just hooked up my system. The sound is great, but I was really disappointed with the lack of audio inputs (there is only one stereo input). I mostly wanted the system for SRS for my Xbox, but I can't hook that up.
So, if you only want to use these speakers with the DVD player that came with the system, then go for it -- good speakers, great price! If you were hoping to hook up other components, though, forget it.
great product, considerable cost 
2005-01-07
thats the best home theater system for that price, i ve been trying to find that kind of set, i am fully happy to have chosen this set, after spending 1 hour for proper audio and environment settings, you will definately love more watching dvds or listening music....
No frills!Great sound! 2004-12-17
Consumer Reports nailed it with their review. No frills, Great sound quality. I wish people would do some research about bigger ticket items before they buy. They then wouldn't expect $1500 system features and performance from a $250 system. $250!!! If you're like me, you want basics, and you want the best sound. I play a cd I like begining to end, don't NEED random(also,I don't play scratched disks and expect non-scratched results). I LOVE movies, This is great theater sound on the cheap! If you are a huge "features" nut, buy something else. But this is as cheap as great sound gets.
small things add up 
2004-11-22
Yes,the product works, but small things add up to a less than good expereince. First, although you can put in five discs to listen to at a time, the unit does not allow you to randominze the play, sonething many want to do when listening to CDs or MP3s. It allows repeat, but no randomize. I have never seen a unit that does that.
Second, the Dobly Pro seems to default to a stereo sound every time you start a new CD or DVD.... I really want it to remember where it last was, so I can start listening or watching without starting all over again.
Third, it seems to be having difficulty with basses... the subwoofer has an unattractive buzz. What good is 600 watts if you can't crank it up.
Finally, something that costs little yet adds a lot (and I got in the last home theatre in this price range I bought) is an Aux input or two. Just in case I want to hook up my MP3 player.
Average System 2007-03-19
Average system. I was happy when I brought it, especially because of ease of setup and also as I own a Sony TV, I can operate with one remote.
Points to consider before you buy
1. Not very many inputs and outputs. (If you want to route audio of multiple system like TV, computer, audio systems you have to keep switching wires same with video if you have a TV and a projector).
2. The DVD changer is a bit on the slow side.
3. No zoom, which is annoying some times
4. The sound is OK not very great.
lacking important features 2005-06-27
I bought this system 10 months ago, and initially I was pleased... simply because it was a big step up from what I had before. That's not saying much, though. I would strongly advise others to purchase a different system. I can't comment intelligently on sound quality, but this home theater in a box lacks some basic and important features:
No random, which is bad if you are just listening to music.
No zoom.
You also can't continue to play a disc while changing others. You also will lose your spot if you attempt this.
Oh, and mine stopped working... that's the main one.
Guess I was naive and expected more from sony.
If I could rate this with 0 stars... 
2005-04-25
If there was an option to rate this system with 0 stars, that would have been my pick. First of all, Sony has always been known for its impressive line of electronics and certain entertainment systems, but I must say I am extremely dissapointed with this system. It was enough that the music sounded like trash because no sound came from the smaller speakers, proving that this system was not made for parties or using it as a source of "surround sound". Another issue that bugged me beyond belief was the fact the system takes about a minute to turn on, as if its a damn computer. Forget about switching between CD's, that takes about a minute between each one to load as well. The Volume button is also frustrating because they are buttons and not a knob. For someone who enjoys to partake in a loud music session once in a while, this system is not for you. If you had a chance to see how loud it gets, you would be very upset, because it almost could compare to the loudness of a boombox or even worse a COBY system. Hate to see this from a line like SONY, but its the truth and its sad.
Not All That Great 2005-03-20
I think we have some Sony reps on here posting 5 stars and phrases like "Sounds Great" because the first thing I noticed was the lack luster sound for being 650 watts.
The volume indicator only goes from 1-40. 40 seems like an incomplete number on a volume scale , and it seems to be very indicative of the seeminly lack of volume at MAX. The bass was practically non existant , even after flipping through the cumbersome menu to raise to 6 (its max). There is no boost for the front speakers, only balance, sheesh! Overall I thought the speakers had a very "canned" mid-range sound. I would give the over all sound a 5 out of 10. My old 400 watt panasonic actually sounded better.
Didn't notice any difference with "night mode" on.
Didn't notice any difference when setting surround speaker distance.
Didnt notice hardly any difference when setting center speaker level.
There are no nail holes in the back of the speakers, so be prepared to by your own speaker mounts. I thought this was TOTALLY lame.
Any plusses? The no brain speaker wire hookup makes it easy. The separate buttons and lights for loaded DVDs is cool.
Maybe if it was cheaper than the $299 retail price it would have deserved 3 stars but this thing is a solid 2.
Edited 6/26/2006
It died after owning it for 15 months.
I wish I had taken it back when I first got it.
Poor quality sound, now poor reliablity.
Downgraded to 1 star.
Oh and the SONY autmated phone system that steps you though about 30 questions for about 20 minutes and then says, "sorry no one is available during non business hours" is the most stupid thing I have ever heard of.
An execelent home theater system 2005-01-30
This home theater system is great for under 300 dollars.
the good.
1.has good sound
2.comes with great little speakers
3.is a 5 dvd changer
4.the remote is good if you have a sony tv
5. has good bass
The bad.
1.the remote is not so great if you do not have a sony Tv
2.not very many imputs and outputs
3.the dvd changer is a bit on the slow side
other than that i would over all recomend it it has many great features .
this is my setup.
rca tv
Dav-bc150 (the hometheater system i am talking about
xbox
it sounds great has tons of features go for it!!!
