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Audio & Video |
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Sony HTCT100 Sound Bar with Sub-Woofer - Black
Studio : Sony
by Sony
Brand : Sony
Model : HTCT100
Publisher : Sony
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Color : Black
EAN : 0027242729605
UPC : 027242729605
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 49 reviews)
List Price : $399.99
Our Price : $299.00
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250 Watts (RMS) (50W x 3 + subwoofer 100W)
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1080p HDMI Active Intelligence - (3 in/1 out)
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Digital Cinema Auto Calibration
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S-Force PRO Front Surround Sound
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HDMI Repeater
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Product Description |
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video-shielded * 250 watts total power (50 watts x 3 for the sound bar, plus 100 watts for the subwoofer) * three HDMI inputs, one HDMI output -- compatible with signals up to 1080p (60Hz, 24Hz) * compatible with BRAVIA® Sync via HDMI interface for easy operation of select BRAVIA TVs and other Sony A/V products (HDMI-CEC) * digital media port for use with optional Sony accessories * S-Master® amplifier and digital signal processing deliver convincing wraparound sound * built-in Dolby® Digital, DTS®, and Pro Logic® surround sound decoding * 6 selectable soundfields: Cinema, Game, Sports, Music, Personal Audio, and Standard * |
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Good sound for the money with some limitations |
Summary: Good value for the price and a big improvement over TV speakers, but surround effect is weak and there are some limitations in connectivity, subwoofer placement, remote control and audio settings.
I wanted something that would provide improved TV and DVD sound as well as streamed iTunes music without investing a lot of money. This system fills those requirements very well. The sound has a satisfying richness and depth, although the "surround" effect is weak. More like being surrounded on 3 sides, which is pretty much the norm for systems without real rear speakers. To their credit, Sony did not try to mask this limitation by adding reverb effects at ridiculous levels like some systems I've heard.
I'm happy with my choice, but if you are contemplating buying this system you should be aware of some of its limitations:
Connectivity-
There are 4 A/V inputs. Three can be connected via either HDMI (video & audio) or digital optical cable (audio). The SAT input also has a Coax jack. The TV audio can be connected via either RCA jacks or digital optical cable. The ports are labeled TV, BD, DVD and SAT, but any of them can be used for anything. Which is a good thing, because I need RCA jacks for the iTunes music input from my Airport Express so I use the TV input for this and the SAT input for the TV.
An additional limitation for audio is that the HDMI audio passed to the TV is inactive if the connected DVD or other device is set to output Dolby 5.1 or DTS audio. Unless you forego Dolby sound you don't have the option of just using the TV speakers for playing DVDs. You also have to turn on and set the Sony system to get DVD sound. This is not a problem for me, but is for less technophyllic members of the household.
Subwoofer placement-
If you are going to place the subwoofer next to a TV stand, it can only go on the right (facing the TV) because of the placement of the speaker on the side of the subwoofer.
The amplifier is built in to the Subwoofer cabinet, so it must have a clear line of sight to the remote control, and you have to be able to see the display on the front of the unit to tell which mode you are in. No hiding the subwoofer.
Remote control-
The remote control is not a "universal" remote and cannot control any other components other than newer model Sony TVs and DVDs with the "Bravia" system.
Audio Settings-
There is no equalizer or even the ability to directly set the bass/treble balance. Indirectly this is affected by the choice of "sound field". The choices are Standard, Movie, Music, Sports, Game and P-Audio, all of which have different mixes of surround effect/stereo separation, bass/treble balance and reverb. You can also adjust the relative loudness of the center speaker and the subwoofer. However, these adjustments affect all sound fields, and getting it right for, say, Music may result in way too much subwoofer for Movie.
The overall sound volume is adequate for my 11' x 20' TV room, but the maximum output may not be sufficient for large rooms. |
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Good Product |
Remote didn't work with the included batteries. Put in new ones and it works fine.
I like the unit because it greatly improves the sound of my TV and has a small footprint. |
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It's what I wanted...a low-profile speaker system that sounds good. |
I just picked up the Sony Sound Bar this past weekend. I even got myself a copy of Transformers just to try it out. In the end, it's a great system for my needs. My wife and I agreed we would only look into single speaker systems because of the size of our room and most importantly, our children. Surround speakers wouldn't last a week with our kids, at least not the rear speakers that act as big signs that say, "Come here, knock me over. You know you want to." Let me be brief:
Positives:
+ Low-profile design. Besides the massive receiver/sub, the sound bar looks sleek below my TV.
+ HDMI receiver handles the cable box/TV and DVD player well.
+ Great room filling sound and bass that shakes the walls. It made watching movies fun again.
+ Comes with an optical digital cable.
+ DVD player NOT included. Less moving parts usually equals longer lasting products.
Negatives:
- The receiver/sub is GI-NORMOUS! (But given its solid black color, it's not that obstrusive.)
-The sub is the receiver with a display which means you can't hide it behind something.
- There is no aux input for an mp3 player, just a proprietary Sony port that requires a $70+ IPOD dock.
- No on-screen navigation of menus.
= Does not actually sound "surround"-like. It delivers great sound, but I wouldn't call it surround sound.
As my last point says, it does not sound surround sound-ish. The sound is awesome, especially out of those little speakers, but I couldn't hear things coming from behind me like "real" surround systems. However, I have an odd shaped room that has an open wall on one side, which probably makes a big difference. You can, however, here left to right and right to left movement.
Overall, I AM VERY HAPPY with the purchase. I plan on keeping the unit. It brings life to my movies and makes me hear things in commercials that I never knew were there. I would honestly recommend this product despite it's shortcomings (all of which are easily overlooked). Basically, it came down to two options:
1) Lots of speakers with true surround sound. (and lots of wires and lots of clutter)
2) One speaker, one subwoofer. Clean look, easy to move. Good sound.
We went with the latter. |
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remote doesn't work |
The system installed easily and the sound is good; what I expected for this price.
However, I am on my second remote (they did send a new one free and w/o hassle) but neither remote works (using fresh batteries.)
My next step will be to return the whole system or perhaps just the main amplifier box. Ugh.
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Great Value |
I bought this soundbar for my den, which isn't a large area.
I connected it to my Samsung 46" HDTV, my Sony Blue Ray player, and my Direct TV DVR.
Setup was very easy, requiring only to connect the sound bar, plug in the system, and connect three HDMI cables (two into soundbar from DVD and DVR, and one out to the TV).
The sound is very, very good - crisp, clean sound that picks up many details in movies and music that would be missed otherwise. Bass is respectable, but not on par with more expensive systems.
The overall sound field creates a nice surround sound environment, although not the same as a 7.1 system where speakers are all around you.
Given the price, it's perfect for rooms that aren't huge, and sub $1,000 budgets.
The sound is great, and really enhances TV watching, and especially Blue Ray DVD movies.
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