Samsung today announced two new soundbars for its home theater lineup, the HW-C450 and HW-C451. They include a wireless subwoofer, up to 280W of power output, and a grill-less speaker design.
The soundbars support virtual surround sound and connect to the TV via a single optical cable. Designed to complement flat-screen HDTVs, the soundbars can be wall-mounted and have a focus on design, featuring Samsung’s prism Touch of Color pattern and open speakers. The HW-C450 and C451 are differentiated by color; the C450 comes in black and the C451 in silver.
The Samsung HW-C450 and HW-C451 have an MSRP of $349.99; the C450 will be available this month and the C451 will be available in May. The HT-WDC10 wireless iPod/iPhone dock will be available for both units in May for $149.99.

Samsung C7530W Blu-ray Home Theater System

The models and their availability dates are listed as follows:

Be sure to see our CES 2010 coverage of Samsung’s Blu-ray Home Theater systems for model overviews.

All of the new home theater systems have support for the Samsung Apps HDTV application store. The store features downloadable content and applications from providers including The Associated Press, Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, USA Today, and VUDU. 20 applications are expected to launch by the end of March and will be available free of charge.

HT-C6730W – High-End 7.1 System

Samsung HT-C6730W 7.1 System

The C6730W is the latest high-end system from Samsung. The 7.1 surround sound system offers 1330W of power, front tower speakers, wireless rear speakers, and a powerful subwoofer. Samsung claims the integrated digital sound processor allows for a “realistic vertical 3D surround sound experience”. Wireless LAN connectivity is built in. The C6730W has a black, high-gloss finish.

HT-C7530W and HT-C6500 -  5.1 Systems

Samsung HT-C7530W 5.1 System

The C7530W, shown above, is an 800W 5.1 system with a nature-inspired “Touch of Color” design. The receiver has a wood grain texture with a translucent finish. The system consists of two tall satellite speakers, two wireless rear speakers, a center unit, and active subwoofer. It supports Wi-Fi through an included wireless dongle.
The C6500 is a 1000W 5.1 system designed for smaller spaces. It has built-in Wi-Fi, 1GB of onboard storage, and automatic sound calibration.
Pricing and availability dates were not available at press time for the home theater systems.

C6900 3D Blu-ray Player

Samsung C6900 3D Blu-ray Player

Samsung also introduced its new C6900 Blu-ray player supporting 3D Blu-ray disc playback. Pricing and availability have not been announced.

Samsung HT-BD1250T Specifications

• Built-in Decoders: Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby TrueHD
• Output Power / Total: 1000 Watt
• Amplifier Output Details: 166 Watt – 3 Ohm – 5 channel(s) ( surround ), 170 Watt – 3 Ohm – 1 channel(s) ( subwoofer )
• Features: iPod ready, USB host function, Netflix and Pandora Ready
• Supported Media: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD, CD, BD-ROM
• Output Resolution: 1080p
• Connections: 1 x component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) – rear, 1 x composite video/audio output ( RCA phono x 3 ) – rear, 1 x HDMI output ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) – rear, USB

Setup

The Samsung HT-BD1250T was easy to get setup out of the box with pre-labeled wires and easy to assemble speaker stands. Samsung includes a unique speaker stand that can attach to the bottom or rear of each speaker, which lets you use it as a vertical stand resting on a platform, or as a horizontal stand to hang on a wall. For a clean home integration, wall mounted speakers and wires mounted behind drywall can really make a difference in a cool setup. For the average user though, the standard mounting position with the speakers resting next to the TV or on separate tables works very well.

Once the speakers were setup and everything was connected, we were quick to notice that this system does not include any sort of auto-calibration. Unlike almost every other surround system we have tested, Samsung doesn’t include a small mic for use with auto-calibrate software to set the distances of the speakers from your listening location. Instead you get a screen which asks you to manually set the distance from each speaker to your seat. This was slightly annoying, but since you really only need to set this up once, it only adds time onto the initial setup.

Usability

From a cosmetic standpoint this Samsung HTiB system looks very elegant, with a streamlined glossy front, and circular LED-outlined volume control on the top. This is one of the few systems that would look and feel at home on the top shelf of an electronics cabinet, instead of hidden away. The front panel gives a readout of what is currently going on with the receiver; like which input it is on, or what mode it is in. Another handy feature that is almost required because of the bright LED-outlined volume control is a dimming mode, which disables the top LEDs, and reduces the brightness of the front screen by roughly 50%.

Another cool feature of this home theater system is its touch-sensitive controls mounted on the top edge of the receiver. To turn the system on or off, just glide your finger button. Secondary controls such as eject, play/pause, skip, or function are also touch-sensitive to quickly start a movie as soon as you insert the disc. The circular volume knob though is analog, and is controlled just like the early iPods; where you rotate the control to adjust the volume level.

For day-to-day use the system was easy to control with the supplied remote and receiver mounted buttons. If you normally use the stereo in one particular mode, turning it off after each sitting, the system once turned back on will automatically start in that mode. I found that when I was using it primarily with my satellite TV, I left it on the digital audio mode all the time. I actually rarely used the remote, since it was fun brushing my finger over the touch-sensitive button each time to turn the receiver on. When using other features like NetFlix, Pandora, or controlling a connected iPod, the remote is a must.

Performance

Audio performance was very good for a small to medium sized room. The satellite style speakers were good for high and midrange audio, with an added bass boost coming from the subwoofer. Out of the box the speakers need some slight calibration for the room, but once that is done the speakers can be matched up very well. Surround separation is very good, especially in movies that take full advantage of a surround sound system. Peak volume levels were well over my comfortable listening levels, staying distortion free up until the highest volume levels.

The first night I had the speakers setup, I noticed that one of the speakers almost sounded blown out when deeper pitched voices were talking on screen. After some quick investigation, I found that the center channel speaker wire was touching the body of the speaker just enough to rattle against it. That was the only speaker quirk I noticed throughout the entire review.

One area I feel Samsung really needs to improve with this system is how it handles an outside digital audio stream. Most receivers have a small delay from when your outside source starts sending audio to when the stereo starts playing it. This is the time the receiver needs to buffer the signal. Most systems take under a second for this process, where the HT-BD1250T took upwards of 4-5 seconds. This was frustrating when my satellite DVR was feeding the receiver, and each time I would skip forward on the remote, the video would be playing but I wouldn’t get audio for 4-5 seconds. If you never interrupt the signal, the initial delay probably won’t be a problem.

Blu-ray support was flawless, working exactly how it should be. Loading time for movies was low, and the remote was easy to follow to navigate on-screen menus.

iPod Support

iPod support on the Samsung HT-BD1250T was excellent, although still had one area that could be improved. The integration allows for full viewing of file information of video or music titles. This allows you to view artists, songs, song information, and even movie information on the receiver’s display, instead of trying to navigate the system blind. While listening to music or watching a movie, the controls on the remote are fully supported; letting you pause/play, fast forward, skip, etc. One annoying thing about browsing the music once you have found your album though is songs are sorted alphabetically, not by number of order.

Video support was similar to the Panasonic SC-PT770, whereas you still needed to view movies over a composite video cable. This meant you needed to switch video sources on your TV when watching iPod videos, then switch back when you were done. Is it too much to ask for built-in HDMI up-conversion? Besides that everything was as seamless as the music playback.

NetFlix and Pandora Streaming

Online content streaming is the direction home theaters are going, and by Samsung including this with the HT-BD1250T, it really shows they are trying to stay ahead of the curve. Streaming allows you to make last minute decisions on what you want to watch, and it also means you have a library of thousands of songs or movies at your fingertips.

The Netflix integration was great, pairing up easily with your account with a device activation key. Once it is associated with your account, you have access to your Instant Queue, which you populate with videos through the Netflix site. Compared to more advanced Netflix players like the one built into the Xbox 360, which lets you browse into categories outside of your queue, the Samsung implementation is more limited. This isn’t too hard to get over though, since you just go to your computer, log into the Netflix site, and search for movies to add into your list.

Video support includes SD and HD videos, with content taking 5-10 seconds to buffer before playing. Watching an HD copy of Serenity the quality was superb; identical to viewing that same movie over Netflix on my Xbox 360. At only $8.99 for a base Netflix plan that supports unlimited online viewing, it’s a steal compared to pay-per-view or even premium channel alternatives.

Users can also take advantage of the Pandora streaming audio service. Simply enter your login credentials and you’ll be able to play any of your custom radio channels.

Conclusion

The Samsung HT-BD1250T Blu-ray Home Theater System is a great all-in-one system combining the best of multiple worlds. Users get full iPod integration for personal music or mobile video libraries, online video and audio streaming through Netflix and Pandora, and Blu-ray video playback for the ultimate in HD viewing. Out of the box the system was easy to setup, even if it took slightly more time needing manual speaker calibration. This system also had a much greater sense of style compared to other systems, so you shouldn’t have to worry about hiding it in the depths of some electronics cabinet. Overall with a retail price of $549 and a street price of $479, this system is hard to beat for the features you get.

Pros

• Netflix and Pandora support built-in
• Very good iPod integration
• Dual-purpose speaker stands
• Good audio quality

Cons

• Digital audio input slow to buffer
• No auto-calibration for speakers

Editor’s Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars – Editor’s Choice

Initially the new service will be available only on the Samsung BD-P1600, BD-P3600, and BD-P4600 Blu-ray players.

Samsung will push out an update to enable the YouTube service sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. They’ll have a demo of the technology available at the CEDIA show which starts next week in Atlanta.

Samsung is pitching the HT-BD3252 as an upgrade to their HT-BD1250which recently began shipping. The key differences are that the HT-BD3252 offers wireless rear speakers and includes the WiFi dongle which is optional in the BD1250. At suggested retail, the HT-DS3252 runs at a $200 premium over the HT-BD1250, which seems reasonable.

Other highlights include Samsung’s Auto Sound Calibration (ASC) which automatically configures  the speakers to optimum levels and output depending upon their seating position and support for the latest HD audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Of course access to the online content whether it’s via the Blu-ray player which supports BD-Live, or content from Netflix, Blockbuster and Pandora. Samsung includes a wireless USB dongle that gives the HT-BD3252a tremendous amount of flexibility. Blockbuster content won’t be available until later this year, but thanks to the WiFi connection, owners will be able to easily download a firmware update for this system to enable new features.  

And speaking of flexibility, Samsung has included an iPod cradle, two HDMI inputs and the ability to play audio and photo files from a networked PC or a connected USB device like a portable hard drive.

While it might start to get confusing for consumers to figure out all of Samsung’s offerings, the HT-BD3252 seems promising. The system is due out next month for a retail price of $799.

HT-BD3252 Blu-ray Home Theater System Specs

• 1000 Watts total output power
• 5.1-Channel
• Smart Volume
• Dolby Digital®, Dolby Pro-Logic II®, Dolby Digital Plus™, Dolby Digital True HD™, DTS-HD Master Audio®
• Rear Wireless Included
• Wi-Fi capable with included USB dongle (802.11b/g/n)
• USB 2.0 port with USB HOST functionality
• Included iPod cradle, onscreen display support, and remote control navigation
• 1 HDMI-CEC output
• 1 Composite output
• 2 HDMI-CEC inputs
• 1 Optical input
• 1 Ethernet port
• BD Profile 2.0-compliant (BD-Live™)
• Plays Netflix SD/HD streaming content
• Plays Pandora streaming audio
• Plays BLOCKBUSTER OnDemand streaming content (via firmware upgrade available in Fall 2009)
• Auto Sound Calibration (ASC) with included microphone
• Wired / wireless PC Streaming of select audio and photo files

Online content services integration is nothing new for Samsung, they have previously announce d a partnership with Netflixto do about the same thing. Interestingly though, Blockbuster has negotiated top billing in the menu systems for Samsung devices that support both services. The Blockbuster service will start shipping with select Samsung products this fall.

Don’t feel left out though if you just bought a Samsung TV or Blu-ray player, they’ll be offering a firmware upgrade to owners of most Samsung Blu-ray players and home theater systems, as well as Samsung LCD and Plasma HDTVs Series 650 and above, and Samsung LED HDTVs Series 7000 and above.

More On Blockbust OnDemand

The Bockbuster OnDemand service offers streaming movies that are viewable for up to 24 hours and generally cost $1.99-$3.99 per movie. The system also provides on-screen search and browsing capabilities, as well as full details, ratings, trailers, and other information about each movie directly on the television. Blockbuster’s adaptive streaming technology ensures quality viewing with immediate and uninterrupted playback.

The HT-WS1 is also capable of being wall mounted and comes with the bracket required to do so. Setup is as easy as it gets, the subwoofer is paired with the main speaker unit, which connects to a TV via single optical cable. As with many of the Samsung products, this one is matched to their flat-panel TV colors; it’s available in either charcoal grey or red. 

The Samsung HT-WS1 will be available in April for $349.

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

The Samsung AS730 will debut soon at $500, making it one of the more affordable HTiB solutions on the market, however it does lack a DVD player. Users will be able to connect a DVD player, including Blu-ray, but the receiver can’t handle the decoding of some formats, so the Blu-ray player must be able to decompress DTS-MA or Dolby+THD on its own. The receiver does decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic-II, Dolby Pro-Logic-IIx, Dolby Digital EX, DTS, DTS ES Discrete 6.1, DTS 96/24, and DTS Neo 6.

The 5.1 channel to 7.1 channel option is interesting, if for no other reason than most other HTiB systems don’t offer this level of upgrading or don’t promote it. The AS730 comes with 5 surround speakers, but if you move the system to a larger room for instance and want more sound, it’s a simple matter of adding two new front speakers, shifting the old fronts to the rear. In the 5.1 channel configuration, it’s a 650 watt system, 850 watts with the extra two speakers added.

One other nice touch that all HTiB systems should come with is the auto sound calibration system. The AS730 ships with a microphone that will help users calibrate the speakers by listening to a test pattern and adjusting speaker performance accordingly.