CES 2009

With its unique design, built-in BD-Live Blu-ray player, Netflix onboard, and Wi-Fi compatibility, the Samsung HT-BD7200 encapsulated cutting-edge home theater this year.

(Credit: Samsung)

The 2009 Consumer Electronics Show is history. As far as the home audio world is concerned, the product lineup and trends were pretty much right in line with our predictions.

Wireless speakers: Panasonic showcased the SC-ZT1, a unique "4.4" speaker system with wireless speakers (except for that pesky power cord, of course). But the bigger trend was wireless subwoofers: Samsung, Philips, and Polk Audio (among others) all showed surround systems with wireless subs, enabling more flexibility when placing them in the room.

Network audio: Whether it was more affordable tabletop Internet radios from the likes of Sanyo and Acoustic Research or impressive streaming audio systems from Linksys or Philips, network audio was on the rise in 2009. If you don't want a dedicated network audio product, that's OK; products like Samsung's Blu-ray home theater systems have Pandora streaming built-in, obviating the need for other hardware. And the pre-CES announcement that Apple's iTunes Store is going DRM-free means that all major music download purchases are now basically free of copy protection, making streaming between multiple devices easier than ever.

iPod- and iPhone-ready: Compatibility for Apple's iPod is essentially ubiquitous, but manufacturers are offering some incremental improvements. LG and Panasonic are including slide-out iPod docks (rather than add-on cabled cradles) on many of their home theater systems, while Pioneer's AV receivers offer improved on-TV screen navigation for attached iPods and iPhones.

Blu-ray compatibility: Samsung and Panasonic offered the first home theater systems with built-in Blu-ray players in 2008, but they were expensive systems that were full of compromises (namely, the older Blu-ray spec). The picture is much improved for 2009: systems from JVC, Panasonic, LG, and Samsung are all Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) compliant, and many offer additional content from the Internet (Netflix and Pandora on Samsung; Netflix, YouTube, and CinemaNow on LG; Amazon and YouTube on Panasonic). Samsung upped the ante with Wi-Fi options available via an add-on dongle.

Single-speaker audio and virtual surround: Another trend that's showing no sign of abating in 2009 is single-speaker and virtual surround systems. Polk Audio, Samsung, Philips, Panasonic, LG, and Sharp were among the manufacturers showing either speakerbars, 2.1, or other configurations that aim to deliver a 5.1- or 7.1-channel experience from one, two, or four speakers. A related trend: more audio systems are being touted as wall-mountable, presumably to sit underneath a wall-mounted flat-panel TV.

The high-end: While we mostly stuck with mainstream brands and products, rest assured that there were plenty of high- and superhigh-end audio products on display at this year's show--everything from $1,400 headphones to stereo systems that cost $300k.

CNET chose the Pioneer VSX-819H AV receiver, the Panasonic SC-ZT1 wireless speaker system, and the Samsung HT-BD7200 Blu-ray home theater system as the finalists in the Best of CES Home Audio category. The Pioneer receiver delivers an impressive feature list (three HDMI inputs, lossless Blu-ray audio decoding, onscreen iPod navigation) for less than $300--one of the best bang for your bucks, and especially compelling given our current economic woes. The Panasonic represented an interesting approach to wireless speakers. And the Samsung (pictured above) was an impressive combination of trends that encapsulated the show: Blu-ray Profile 2.0, virtual surround sound, built-in support for network services (Pandora, Netflix), along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, all wrapped up in a unique-looking design.

As we mentioned in our CES 2009 home audio preview, the trend in home audio over the last few years has been toward simplicity, and sound bars have promised to deliver the full surround experience from a single speaker. In reality, it never quite sounds that good, but the Polk Audio SurroundBar systems are generally better than most. The newly announced SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater aims to improve on previous models by making the speaker even smaller and adding a wireless subwoofer. Here are the details.

Key features of the Polk Audio SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater :

• 260 watts of power
• 31.75 inches long--nearly 11 inches shorter than the original SurroundBar
• No additional AV receiver required
• Wireless subwoofer
• Polk claims full front soundstage because of its Front SDA technology
• Wall mountable
• A single analog audio input
• Available in January, $550 list price

While the addition of the wireless subwoofer is a big plus for the SurroundBar line, we're disappointed that connectivity is limited to a single analog audio input. Even a basic home theater system includes at least a cable/satellite box and a DVD player, so the SDA Instant Home Theater is only a good option for the simplest setups. Sure, you can get around its limitations by using an audio switcher or AV receiver, but that defeats the simplicity that makes sound bars attractive in the first place.

We currently have the Polk SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater in for testing, and are expecting to post the review later in the month.

(Credit: Amulet Devices)

I've got a pretty awesome remote control. I'm a home theater nerd, so it's a must. But the new Amulet Remote by 2-year old Irish start-up Amulet Devices does something mine does not: respond to voice commands.

I can see why this device--demoed this week at CES--would be handy to some people. Even if you lose the remote in the couch cushions, you can still yell, "Turn it up!" and not have to leave your La-Z-Boy.

The downside I can easily see is that if your family is anything like mine was growing up, this thing would go schizoid. I'd be yelling for Transformers while my brother would be yelling for Thundercats. If channels 11 and 12 had just scheduled them in different time slots my brother wouldn't have that scar on his chin.

Anyway, the remote is for more than just changing channels. It's smart enough to run your Windows Media Center. That part is pretty cool. According to the company, you could, for example, tell it to "Play Coldplay," and it would. (We'd recommend a less rip-offy band though.)

It's not the first voice control solution for Media Center, but combining the technology into a remote you'd need anyway makes for a pretty slick device if you're going that route. No word on pricing yet, but the Amulet is set to ship in March.

I hope I can hack it to work with my Apple TV.

The HSB2351 has an integrated DVD player and subwoofer for $349.99.

(Credit: Philips)

Philips doesn't have a big presence at CES this year but it does appear to have some noteworthy products, especially when it comes to its new line of home-theater sound bars. The company's announced four new sound-bar packages, each geared to a slightly different target consumer.

Here's the rundown of the various products:

Model: The HSB2351

*All-in-one sound bar features integrated DVD player and subwoofer with 300 watts of total power

*Space-saving sleek design fits easily on an entertainment center or can be mounted on the wall

*Dolby Virtual Speaker for theater audio experience and HDMI 1080p with video upscaling

*MP3 Link for music playback from portable media players, USB 2.0 for media playback from USB flash drives, and a built-in FM tuner

Available in April with a suggested retail price of $349.99

Model: The HSB2313

*Ultra-thin speaker system with wireless subwoofer for a streamlined look

*Dolby Virtual Speaker for theater audio experience and HDMI 1080p with video upscaling

*Triple HDMI in and aux-in to connect TV, Blu-ray player, or set-top box

*MP3 Link for music playback from portable media players, High speed USB 2.0 for media playback from USB flash drives, and a built-in FM tuner

Available in May with a suggested retail price of $399.99

Model: The HSB2303

*Super narrow sound bar fits perfectly under your HDTV or on a table stand. Features an external subwoofer for an enhanced sound experience.

*Dolby Virtual Speaker for theater audio experience and HDMI 1080p with video upscaling

*MP3 Link for music playback from Portable Media Players, High speed USB 2.0 for media playback from USB flash drives, and a built-in FM tuner

Available in March with a suggested retail price of $299.99

Model: The HSB3280 (Philips is calling this the "Ultimate Gaming" system)

*Super sleek sound bar with ultramodern, exposed speakers and front AV inputs for ultimate convenience. Wireless subwoofer eliminates extra cables.

*Triple aux-in connects TV, DVD player or set-top box in one simple step

*Dolby Prologic II and Dolby Virtual Speakers technology for theater audio sound

*Special game-effect sound settings (Shooting/Sports/Action/Arcade) to enhance the gaming experience.

*Smart remote control system--one remote for system and TV

Available in January with a suggested retail price of $299.99

Philips' ultimate gaming option, the HSB3280, has a suggested retail price of $299.99.

(Credit: Philips)

Panasonic released a bundle of home theater systems at CES 2009, but the SC-ZT1 is easily the best of the bunch. The SC-ZT1 is a wireless home theater system that uses the 2.4GHz band to send uncompressed audio to all four speakers. Like all wireless systems, you'll need need to run a power cable for each speaker--so it's not completely wireless--but you won't have to deal with long speaker cable runs all over your living room.

The SC-ZT1 is somewhat unusual as its technically a 4.0 system--there are just the four, spindlelike speakers (Panasonic calls them Sound Slim Speakers), pictured in the image. These four speakers each have four vertically aligned speakers within them, which the SC-ZT1 uses to create a virtual 7.1 surround sound effect. Sure, it probably won't sound as good as a real 7.1 system, but you'll be dealing with a lot fewer wires. You'll also notice that the SC-ZT1 lacks a dedicated, separate subwoofer. That's replaced by integrated subwoofers in each of the speakers, filling in the low end. Again, it won't match the rumble of a dedicated unit, but it's definitely less hassle and looks better in your living room.

The SC-ZT1 is slated to be released in the spring, with pricing to be determined. We don't expect the unit to wow audiophiles, but for decor-minded buyers who still want surround sound, it looks like an attractive compromise.

Panasonic's new home audio systems photos

(Credit: CBS Interactive)

We've already seen the entry-level LG BD370, but now we've gotten a glimpse of the step-up Blu-ray player in LG's 2009 line-up: the BD390. The BD390 includes all of the features of its little brother--DVD upscaling, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio, BD-Live/Profile 2.0 support, and the ability to stream online video from Netflix, YouTube, and CinemaNow. But it also adds some nice upgrades: built-in Wi-Fi (so you're not limited to wired Ethernet), 1GB of on-board memory (no need for a USB stick to access BD-Live features), and 7.1-channel analog outputs (maximum compatibility with older, non-HDMI AV receivers). Look for the BD390 to hit stores in June 2009. Pricing isn't official, but the player should sell for around $400 according to LG.

LG BD390: Photos of the Netflix-enabled Blu-ray player with Wi-Fi

LG's home theater announcements came fast and furious at CES. Streaming is big: The LH50 series of LG LCDs will stream Netflix and other broadband content; the BD370 Blu-ray player will stream Netflix, CinemaNow, and YouTube; and the LG LHB977 Blu-ray home theater system also will offer online content. Read the stories below for more home theater goodies from LG.

LG's 240Hz line flashes backlight really fast
LG clips wires on high-end LCD lineup
LG LHB977: Blu-ray home theater system streams online video, includes extra inputs
LG Blu-ray players stream Netflix, CinemaNow, and YouTube
LG LCDs offer Netflix streaming and other broadband goodies
LG launches LED-backlit trifecta
High-end LG plasmas fuse THX and Netflix
Flagship LG sails with LED, 240Hz and wireless
LG LHB979: LG's flagship 2009 home theater system includes a host of extras
LG's LHB954 combines spherical speakers with Blu-ray and online video options

(Credit: Dish Network/EchoStar)

We're huge fans of the Slingbox, which lets you access your home TV from any broadband-connected PC and many models of 3G smartphones. But the boxes have always had a fundamental problem of monopolizing the host video source (cable/satellite box or DVR); if you access your Slingbox remotely and somebody happens to be watching the home TV, both of you are forced to watch the same program.

That's just one problem that the new EchoStar SlingLoaded HD DVR 922 fixes. The "SlingLoaded" moniker basically means that it's got a Slingbox built-in. That, along with multiple satellite and over-the-air HD tuners, means that remote and local viewers can watch two separate video feeds (live or recorded TV) without interfering with each other--the kids can watch a Spongebob recording in the living room, for instance, while Dad watches a football game on his laptop via Sling.com. Dish is also showcasing a Wi-Fi-enabled flat-panel LCD TV that uses Sling technology to access the 922--toss it in the kitchen or bedroom, and you get another way to access your DVR and TV programming with no pesky wires or boxes.

The 922 has a laundry list of other features that viewers will appreciate. It's pretty much a supercharged version of the ViP722 (a previous CNET Editors' Choice winner), with such upgrades as a touch-pad remote control and support for onscreen RSS feeds (for weather, news, and stocks--similar to the widgets we've seen on other TVs and video products at this year's CES).

Sticklers that we are, we'd like to see the 922 support some online video services (beyond Dish's video-on-demand offerings); content from Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and the like would go the extra mile to make this the ultimate set-top box. Still, if the 922 lives up to its potential, it's got all the makings of being one of the most full-featured DVRs we've seen to date. Look for the 922 to be available through Dish Network in the spring of 2009. It's only for Dish subscribers for now, but keep your fingers crossed that EchoStar can adapt it for cable providers in the not-too-distant future.

More photos:

Dish DuoDVR SlingLoaded ViP922

(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung has a nice little iPod Shuffle clone called the S2 Pebble. Well, the company must've liked that river-smoothed-stone look, because it's adapted it to the DVD-H1080 DVD player. Rather than a standard black box, the tapered wedge is little bigger than a portable CD player. Aside from the addition of a slot-loading disc drive and the red-accented Touch of Color design, the H1080 is otherwise just an update of 2008's DVD-F1080: an upscaling DVD player that also plays JPEG photos, MP3 music, and DivX video files from attached USB drives. Those who don't need Blu-ray compatibility can look for it in the first half of 2009 (price TBD).

The "head unit" of the HT-BD1250 (speakers not shown).

(Credit: Samsung)

Samsung's got three new all-in-one home theater systems for 2009, all of which are headlined with built-in Blu-ray and support for streaming online Netflix video and Pandora's free Internet music service. The HT-BD8200 and HT-BD7200 are both "lifestyle" systems with minimalist form factors, funky designs, and front-only virtual surround sound (the former is a speakerbar with wireless subwoofer and the latter sports a 2.1 design). But if you want real surround sound, you're going to need actual rear speakers--and that means the more traditional 5.1-channel design of the Samsung HT-BD1250.

Samsung, of course, already offered at least three Blu-ray home theater systems in 2008 (see the HT-BD2T, for instance), but the HT-BD1250 has the big advantage of offering full compatibility with the latest Blu-ray features that were missing in last year's models--BD-Live and lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding--in addition to the aforementioned Netflix and Pandora support. Like the other 2009 models, the BD1250 also includes an iPod dock, a "green-friendly" kelp-based subwoofer, and the ability to stream audio from A2DP-compatible Bluetooth audio devices, such as music phones. But for the unit to fully flex its wireless muscles, you'll need to invest in two extra accessories: an 802.11n Wi-Fi dongle (to access the BD-Live, Netflix, and Pandora online streams without needing access to an Ethernet cable) and a wireless rear speaker receiver (to avoid stringing speaker cables from the front of the room to the back). Look for Samsung's 1000-watt home theater system to hit in the spring of 2009 for just $550.