Samsung’s Blu-ray HTiB Systems and Soundbar Priced

Written on Mar 31, 2009 by Brian and filed under News, Samsung

At CES Samsung announced two home theater in a box systems with Blu-ray (2.1 channel HT-BD7200 and  5.1 channel HT-BD1250) and the world’s first soundbar with Blu-ray. Samsung neglected to release any pricing or release information at that time. At a press event today though, they finally committed to pricing and release dates, along with a few more details. The systems will start at $549 and the first one is available today.

Samsung is doing the same thing Sony and others are doing, finally cutting the price of these systems to something more digestible. All of the new units are priced below their current market predecessors and aside from a few exceptions, the new systems are more full-featured.

Samsung HT-BD1250

The HT-BD1250 is a mainstream 5.1 channel system that will start shipping immediately for $549. Quite an aggressive price point considering the system includes a Blu-ray player with Profile 2.0 (BD-Live), and iPod dock and 1000 watts of system power. This system along with the other two include an Ethernet port and support for an optional WiFi dongle ($79). The Internet connection allows the systems to grab content from online sources like Netflix and Pandora Internet radio.

Other highlights include smart volume, for consistent volume across inputs, FM tuner, support for optional wireless rear speakers, 1080p up-scaling, JPEG viewer and support for MP3, WMA, DivX and MPEG-4 audio and video files.

Samsung HT-BD7200

The HT-BD7200 is a 2.1 channel system that’s a more style-oriented offering. Like the HT-BD1250, this model also includes the iPod dock and Internet connection. It offers much less power though, 400 watts in total, piped through two 24″ tall standing speakers and wired subwoofer that create a simulated surround sound. To save space, the main receiver unit can be wall-mounted or laid flat on a shelf or counter surface. It also includes an FM tuner, support for optional wireless rear speakers, 1080p up-scaling, JPEG viewer and support for MP3, WMA, DivX and MPEG-4 audio and video files.

The HT-BD7200 will ship in June for $799.

Samsung HT-BD8200

The HT-BD8200 is one of the most compelling soundbars soon to be on the market. Not only is it the first to offer Blu-ray, but it also includes a wireless subwoofer, which is a popular feature these days when it comes to soundbars. The 300 watt system offers simulated surround sound and the 2.6″ deep soundbar can be wall-mounted. The subwoofer works wirelessly over the 5.8 GHz band and can be placed anywhere in the room, within 100 feet. The HT-BD8200 includes the same Internet options as the systems above, and the iPod dock, smart volume technology and video, audio and image file playback.

The HT-BD8200 will be available in July for $799.

Update 10/19/09 – Samsung HT-BD1250T Review Posted