Samsung HT-DM150 400-Watt Home Theater System

Rating:
Summary: Great system for small room... if it can stay cool.
Review: I purchased a Samsung HT-DM150 Home Theater System to complement the Samsung 27" HDTV I had gotten for my bedroom sitting area. It's a great compact system for a compact room. I wouldn't recommend using it in a large room, but it certainly provides enough power for a small room.

The manual is adequate, but could provide a little more detail. Connecting and configuring the system was straightforward and very easy to do. Once everything was up and running, I proceeded to test the system out. The picture quality through the component cables was exceptional and the sound was clean with little perceptible distortion. The system easily handled the various DVDs I threw at it and was able to provide volume levels a lot higher than I expected. The remote control leaves something to be desired, but most OEM remotes do. Still, the machine was everything I had wanted and I didn't have to shell out a lot of cash to get it so I was very happy and very imporessed with Samsung.

Unfortunately, my enjoyment of the system didn't last long. Apparently, the unit runs extremely hot and the fan may not provide enough cooling. Around 1.5-2 hours into watching DVDs, the system refused to display a picture on the screen. The unit was very hot and the fan apeared to have stopped. Only after I turned the power off and then turned it on again, did I receive a picture. I had read about this issue when researching the product, but thought it might have been corrected. Guess I was wrong. The unit I have is not enclosed in a cabinet, but lies on an open shelf exposed on all four sides, so it is not an issue of improper ventillation. I plan to take a look at the fan and see if there is some way I can fix it myself before returning it to the store for a replacement or store credit. I hope there is a solution, because frankly, I'd hate to have to shell out more cash for a system that does half of what this one does.

To sum it all up, for the price, the features can't be beat. Just be aware the unit does run rather hot and you may have some issues with the unit not working. If Samsung addresses these problems, they'll have a killer system. So 2 stars because of the low power and poor reliability as a result of cooling. If not for the cooling issue, I'd give the Samsung HT-DM150 at least 4 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Decent system
Review: I really like this system and haven't had the horrible experiences other people seem to have. The system worked well right out of the box 3 months ago and continues to have no problemns. The sound is good - though if you like really loud music go for the 450 watt version. The speakers are small but produce nice sound (even though they are a little cheap looking). There are great features in the progressive scan DVD mode - though the remote is a little annoying to get used to. Also the fast forward feature when listening to music is not constant (it jumps in 10 second or 20 second intervals only). Despite this, I've been really pleased - especially considering that other PS DVDs with Dolby Pro II cost HUNDREDS more. Not a bad system at all.

Rating:
Summary: All in one great value for money
Review: If you are looking for an all-in-one home theater system with all the new goodies, then this is definitely the one to look for. At [$$$], it has Pro Logic II, a feature not usually found on other systems with similar price, which actually converts your normal stereo sound to 5.1 surround (now my TV sounds surround!). It also has progressive scan too, a big plus. It plays MP3, VCD, CD-R/RW beside DVD. Furthermore, the player looks very cool with its metallic casing.

On the minus side, the speakers look mediocre like some [low-end] computer speakers, but the sound is clear and crisp. The remote that comes with it look like [low-end] plastic, very unattractive. Anyway, what I really care is the numerous functions of the remote.

In short, if you are looking for a budget home theater with all the functions, then this is the one you should go for.

Rating:
Summary: Had it for a few years and love it.
Review: this Home theater system is horrible. It produces a small band at the top of the picture that is blue in color and affects every scene. Furthermore, when you power the unit down, then go back to the DVD that is already loaded, the unit plays from the beginning and not from where you last left off from.

Don't waste your money. Stick with the Sony Dream System line.

Rating:
Summary: This item is horrible!!!!
Review: this Home theater system is horrible. It produces a small band at the top of the picture that is blue in color and affects every scene. Furthermore, when you power the unit down, then go back to the DVD that is already loaded, the unit plays from the beginning and not from where you last left off from.

Don't waste your money. Stick with the Sony Dream System line.

Rating:
Summary: Had it for a few years and love it.
Review: This is my first home theater system. I have had it for 2 years and it is performing very well. I have a friend that purchased a newer Samsung HT System and it was not as loud and clear of a sound as this model. He returned his and is looking for mine!