Cheap Koss KS3161 Progressive Scan DVD Home Theater System (Electronics) Price

We found the system a cinch to set up and configure, thanks in part to its color-coded speaker cables and speaker terminals. And, at this price, the system represents an exciting way to enjoy everything from DVD movies to JPEG image CDs and MP3/WMA music files. Whether you're making the jump from VCR to DVD, looking for a space-saving system for an apartment, or setting up the bedroom for movie watching, the KS3161 is a worthy choice. It would be great for gaming, too, especially when matched with a flat-panel LCD television.

The heart of the system is its arched, futuristic-looking source component, which houses both a disc player and its associated preamplifier circuitry (Dolby surround processing, equalizer settings, a radio tuner, and volume control). Antennas for FM and AM radio are included, and the drift-free PLL (phase-locked loop) digital tuner automatically seeks and locks in the strongest stations. You can store up to 20 stations in memory for 1-touch access.

The disc player handles a range of media, jumping effortlessly from DVD-Video movies to homemade DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW media. JPEG discs pop immediately into slideshow mode, filling the screen with exceptionally vivid landscape images and top-to-bottom portrait shots. (Many DVD players will present images in the middle of the screen, filling otherwise usable space with black.) Zooming is an option for both movies and photos. With non-DVD discs, you can program tracks or images to play in a desired sequence (1 to 99).

For DVDs, you get 2 bookmarks (memory settings for finding your way back to the point, say, where your spouse nodded off) and multidisc resume. Best of all, if you're using a high-definition or HD-ready screen, you'll appreciate the progressive-scan video output. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

A special multipin cable transmits audio from the source unit to the subwoofer, which in turn amplifies audio for all 6 channels, pumping 50 watts each to the front left/right, center channel, and rear left/right satellites. The sub itself benefits from 100 watts to give the ".1" LFE (low-frequency effects) signal some kick.

The system has its limitations, though. For one thing, it doesn't decode DTS surround sound. Not too a big deal, since you won't find many DTS discs that don't also have a Dolby 5.1 soundtrack. Also, the subwoofer doesn't produce the deep bass associated with subs that sell for as much as this whole system. What you get in return is compact speakers you can tuck anywhere, together with reasonably full-bodied sound.

The satellite speakers, being as small as they are (roughly 4.3 x 5.8 x 4.8 inches, W x H x D), sound pretty thin without the sub. There's a slight boxy quality even with the subwoofer, however, and music sources reveal a deficiency in midrange frequencies (critical for natural-sounding voices). Still, at this price, you can't expect topnotch sound.

With a host of Dolby Pro Logic II simulated surround modes and several equalizer presets, the KS3161 offers many ways to tailor the sound. Dolby Pro Logic II is one of the better DSP (digital signal processing) methods for generating surround information from 2-channel sources like music or TV shows.

The source unit's rear panel offers a stereo RCA auxiliary input (for a PC or cassette deck), a coaxial digital-audio output (for use with a CD recorder or--as a DVD/CD player--with a standalone surround receiver), and a set of 5.1-channel RCA analog audio outputs. The system is covered by a 90-day parts-and-labor warranty. --Michael Mikesell

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Broad format compatibility
• Progressive-scan video capability
• Great price
• Full-screen, high-quality JPEG image viewing
• Permits 2x scanning within MP3 tracks
• 96 kHz digital-audio output
• Flexible speaker configuration
• Multidisc resume
• Alarm clock (wake to disc or radio)

Cons:

• Music sounds slightly boxy
• Always-on fan in subwoofer is potentially distracting
• No DTS decoding
• No MP3 ID3-tag recognition
• Front-speaker wires may be too short for some (6.5 feet x 3)

What's in the Box
DVD player/preamplifier, 1 subwoofer/amplifier, 1 system cable, 5 satellite speakers, a remote control, FM/AM antennas, color-coded speaker wires, a user's manual, and warranty information.