[Mark B.]

Hey all,

Was hoping someone out there would have a recommendation. I want alot out of my home theater system, and am thinking an all-in-one is the only way I'll be able to afford it (don't want to spend much more than $400). Here's what I'm looking for:

1) home theater system with surround sound
2) blu-ray
3) iPod dock
4) internet content like Netflix, Pandora, etc.

From the research I've done, it seems like the LG LHB953 and the Sony BDV-E300 seem to be the best choices. I know there are better systems out there, but these fit my budget. I want a quality product, but don't need anything "top of the line." Does anyone feel there's a better system than those, or have an opinion of one being better than the other? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Mark

[gundyrat]

down side to an all in one if any of it breaks your out a sound system, Ipod dock and Blu ray player while it's being serviced
The Ipod dock is optional the reviews from cnet for the Sony Are mediocre the LG is a little better but this type of system doesnt allow for anything else to be hook to it like a game system. It does have a propriatery connection for LG branded accesories.
Now If you saved up and got say an inexpensive a/v receiver and a small speaker package and a stand alone blue ray player you could have a decent system that aty any point down the road could be upgraded with better speakers or a better bluray player plus some aditional inputs for say a game system Ipod dock etc:
anyway thats my 2 cents
Or get a refurbed system by doing this route you can get a bit better system
http://www.shoponkyo...ail=1&ext_war=1
then get an inexpensive BluRay player or a Playstation 3

[Phil A]

I concur with the above with one minor exception - the Onkyo authorized factory refurb. is $30 less here: http://www.accessori...ge-Black/1.html

and you can probably also buy the extended warranty from Warrentech and have peace of mind for your $. I believe Accessories4Less also carrier a slightly cheaper Onkyo refurb. packaged system. Blu-Ray players are coming down in price

[Brian]

The Sony kit is pretty good, we reviewed it recently. You can do better with $200 more budget, but I get that's not an option. For what you want, I'd prefer the Sony.

I don't hate LG, we haven't seen their models though, as they don't tend to work very aggressively to seek reviews. LG as a brand I like, I just don't know their HT line very well.

[Mark B.]

Very helpful. Thanks for your time, gentlemen.

[pattypatty2010]

The Sony BVDE300, home theater system is a great value. Set up is quick and easy. To use the system is easy. The sound quality is great for our home. The video playback is excellent. The main reason for purchasing this system was to interface with a Sony Bravia LCD television; it is a great combination. We now have only a single remote control that controls our tv, dvd/blu-ray, and stereo. And as a bonus, the system looks great.