HT-in-a-box Takes Off
By HT Staff September 9, 2002 — The past year has been a boom time for the home theater industry, with business exploding at all price points. From January to May of 2002, DVD-based home theater sales grew by 988 percent during the past year, according to a study by NPD Techworld. One huge growth area has been so-called "home-theater-in-a-box" (HTiB) systems, typically a package with disc player, surround sound receiver, five speakers and powered subwoofer---typically priced at under $1000. Such systems are intended for use with Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS films.

Over the summer, several manufacturers began marketing HTiB systems with "6.1" capabilities, including a rear center speaker. RCA, Samsung, Zenith, Onkyo, and Pioneer have all entered the fray with 6.1-channel HTiB. IN July, Pioneer debuted two receiver-based systems with Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES, priced at $1,000 and $875, respectively.

This month Onkyo is shipping the $1000 6.1-channel HT-S755DVC. The system includes a separate five-disc DVD-Video changer and receiver with built-in decoding for 6.1-channel Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES formats and incorporates Dolby Pro Logic II. The receiver's amp section supplies 6 channels of 105-watt (@ 6ohms) power, with wide audio bandwidth. The DVD player offers progressive output, 24-bit/192kHz audio DACs, and MP-3 CD playback. Onkyo previously launched other receiver-based HTiB systems under the Envision Theater name, including three 5.1-channel models, retailing for $499, $699 and $799 respectively.

Samsung's first HTiBs is the $349 HT-DM150, with single-disc DVD-receiver, DD/DTS 5.1 and Dolby ProLogic II decoding, MP3-CD playback and progressive output. The amp outputs 6x46 watts; a 70-watt subwoofer is included. Samsung is also participating in a joint marketing deal with loudspeaker giant Klipsch, with the co-branded HT-SK6 expected to sell in the $1200 range. Sporting a Samsung single disc DVD-receiver with progressive scan video output and 5x90-watt (@8 ohms) amplification, the HT-SK6 includes Klipsch's Quintet Microsystem and a 225-watt subwoofer.

Thomson's RCA division now has a $399 HTiB in its Scenium line. The RTD101 includes an integrated DVD-receiver with Dolby Digital, DTS, and Pro Logic II decoding, progressive-video switching, and MP3-CD playback. Satellite speakers with 70 watt power handling and a 100-watt subwoofer are part of the package. Scenium also offers the $299 RT2660R receiver and $699 SP2660 speaker system.