Dont crap on HTiB - Blu-ray Forum

Bizdady · 01-11-2010, 03:46 AM

Alot of times I see members asking for advice on HTiBs and then we get the usual you can do so much better, oh they're crap, blah blah. You guys know what I mean. Not all HTiB are bad and sometimes its easier for someone to just find one product that fits their needs. Seeing this is the "HTIB" area please try not crap threads. I respect opinions but just don't see a need for all the bashing, just try to be respectful and not make a person feel like an idiot for considering HTIB.

neos_peace · 01-11-2010, 03:55 AM

I for one understand what your saying. I too go against the whole HTIB idea, mainly cuz I've been there and have seen the light, lol. On a serious note though. Blu-ray offer's better sound and picture which we all know and love here. it's just that, (and I am in no way trying to speak for anybody or everybody on this) most people know or feel or belive if youare wiling to spend money on a HTIB, the idea is will for a little bit more you can get so much better. just the idea to help soemone enjoy their movies to the most is why I think they shun the idea. I know like I said before I too feel it's a waist but hey if that is al a person has to deal with right now or has to deal wiht then hey fine more power to them. Do I or will look down on them of course not you do what can with what you have.

Trix · 01-11-2010, 03:58 AM

I think all members on this forum have good intentions when they try to steer people away fron HTiB's. The important thing to remember is that for many people who come looking for advice, HTiB is all they know; I know I was like that for a long time when I was younger, and B&M stores will push HTiB's as well because they are an easier sell, and a more comfortable price point as far as upselling goes.

Many times, however, people will ask about advice on an HTiB which is at, or very close to, a price point where a much better system of receiver/speakers can be had. Yes, they may be more complicated to set up, but I would be nowhere in my HT development had I not taken chances and learned things on the fly.

Back to your point, however, I agree that HTiB's do have their applications. They are innexpensive, easy to set up, and simple to operate. However, when giving advice to someone who has taken the time to look up information on the web, and seek advice from others, I think it would be far worse to support the blinders they wear than to open their horizons and at least propose alternatives that are more suitable.

-Trix

emoxley · 01-11-2010, 04:10 AM

Some HTIBs are great, like the Onkyo HTS-6200. But a lot of them are a piece of crap! The good HTIBs are the ones that give you a real receiver in the setup. But you also have to look at things like: how many digital inputs, does it do auto calibration, and does it decode the HD audio formats. If you're going to use a blu ray player, even a ps3, you need to decode the HD audio formats. People usually want the best setup they can get. But, most people also expect too much from cheap HTIBs.

It's always better to get a receiver, and speakers w/subwoofer, instead of an HTIB, if you can get decent ones for the same price as the HTIB you're looking at. If the HTIB will do what you want, and is cheaper than the separates, by all means get it.

Most HTIBs don't give enough digital inputs. I've seen several that didn't give any digital inputs. The people took them back, when they couldn't even connect their tv to it. The weak link with all HTIBs, even the good ones, is the speakers. They just can't give you good speakers for the price of the HTIB. That's really the main reason for buying separates.

People want HTIBs that give them this and that, and this and that, and does this, and connects that, that, that, and that, all for $500 or less. They also want it to sound great with a sub that kicks butt. It ain't gonna happen. Not for $500 or less. HTIBs can be great. Just don't have unreal expectations with them.

prerich · 01-11-2010, 03:17 PM

The glaring weakness in HTIB's are the speakers. You have to skimp somewhere and in most HTIB's, they skimp on the speakers. Many people only have room for a HTIB and I can understand that. However, tech does you no good if your remaining equipment can't handle the tech. Most speakers in a HTIB can't reproduce the freq range of lossless media, negating the audio gains that BD supplies. But once again - if a HTIB is the only thing one can afford, or if that's all they have room for - compromises must be made.

Uniquely · 01-11-2010, 04:57 PM

I said something very similar about a year ago. I think a HTiB can be a great starting point for people who are newish to home theater audio. It allows one to go ahead and start enjoying 5.1 audio NOW while learning more about what kind of system they would like to end up with in the future. An easily upgradable HTiB like some of the Onkyo systems can be upgraded piece by piece, allowing one to build a very nice system as they can afford it.... all without ever having to do without 5.1 at any point in the process. Then when the upgrade process is done, one can be left with the original HTiB to use as a secondary set up in a bedroom or game room.

haushausman · 01-11-2010, 05:23 PM

I was using a HTiB for a couple of years and after reading all the threads about them I decided to dust off my old Sony receiver that is over 10 years old (top-of-the-line at the time) and use that instead. I bought Yamaha speaker set (here) and the difference is huge!

Don't be intimidated by the set-up if that's holding you back.. It was very easy and if you get stuck the people of these boards are always very helpful.

jomari · 01-11-2010, 05:51 PM

Bizdady, i think Robandtami brought this up a while ago in respect to a number of inquiries about HTIBs and opinions about a slow build home theater route...

i cant seem to find my original posting regarding HTIB's, soundbars, 2.1 systems.... ah, here it is...

as mentioned previously, there are a number of variables to consider before making a jump into HT building, examples would be

- considering what your 'client' needs
- what kind of HTIB you are looking into
- room variables - how big the room is, interactivity of the speakers with the environment - dedicated room? living room? bedroom?
- WAF

By default, when we talk about HTIB, we talk about Home theaters in a box, with a Reciever/Speakers/DVD player (integrated or not - this is why its primarily called a HTIB), there are reasons why they chose that option. most of the times its
- simplicity (plop in living room, its done)
- affordability
- they dont WANT to upgrade
- wireless capabilities (some HTIB's have wireless rear surrounds included)

Things i try to consider tho, before suggesting a HTIB would be
* Consider getting a HTIB with a separated dvd player and a reciever - some of the HTIBs dont have the flexibility of others, if one of the components is broken, you can simply replace it. With others, well, you get what you pay for.

* Connectivity - we want something that can handle most components a standard reciever would have. What happens if you'd like a blu-ray player in the future? or you happen to add on a wii you got this christmas?

* Speaker terminals - the last thing you want on these HTIB's is those 'special connections' they have for terminals. I always liked the idea that onkyo mostly has speaker binding post. What happens if one of your speakers are broken, or you'd like to upgrade your speakers?

* Speaker quality - Nothings worse than a speaker placed in a hollow plastic box and putting cloth on the front then calling em 'satellites'. Kudos to onkyo for producing some very good HTIB's out there, and definitely for putting a well done sub at times.

So, again, they arent the most ideal way of going for HTIB, but you can make intelligent decisions if ever you plan to go this route.

original post

I wouldnt consider it as 'bashing' per se (that would be something similar to bose reactions ive seen), but more of an informative opinion, based on previous experiences we all have had in the past. if presented properly, we can deter challenges we have had as well, and give guidance towards another route that couldve started from day one. If the goal is otherwise, simply going into the HTIB section and cause a ruckus, then that might be considered a tad overbearing.

in closing, we all have reasons, constraints and aspects to consider prior to recommendations we have for newcomers. they chose their own path. we are only here to guide them.

Petey2133 · 01-12-2010, 01:58 AM

I am actually buying a HTIB in a few days...

Not because I cannot afford a full system (I already owned last year an Onkyo rec. with Polk RTI A7 fronts, center and rears)

But..... Because I live in a smaller 900 sq ft apartment and cannot have an extreme or overkill system for my size room.

Im getting the Sony BDV-IT1000ES HTIB for 2 reasons.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665532064

sounds great (heard it like 20 times at the sony style store) and its small.

Its got a separate board for audio/video and the thing is basically the top of the line BD player for sony right now.. (options wise)

The price is a little higher ($2000.00) but I found it for $1500.00 and if you do the math (receiver, speakers, BD player

coachD · 01-12-2010, 02:17 AM

I was looking to buy the LG 390 Blu-ray player and instead found the LG LHB953. A HTIB. The system sells for around $529. I bought it at my local Post Exchange for $379 (price matched a sales at Sears about a month ago).

I was looking for a wireless player that could do Netflix. Well, the 953 is not Wireless, but when I connect a LAN to it I have no problems streaming Netflix or YouTube. The Blu-ray player is great. Easy to use and it makes Blu-rays look fantastic.

But the best feature so far is that it plays TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. When I play Master and Commander the battle scenes sound really great.

The inputs are limited, but I do have my cable box connected via coaxial.

This weekend I plan on trying a Powerline Ethernet Adapter and use that to try to stream Netflix.

Top of the line? Maybe not, for under $400 I am rocking to Terminator Salvation and Master & Commander. I am looking for Blus with TrueHD or DTS HD Master Audio.

I am quite pleased with this system.

brett_day · 01-12-2010, 02:36 AM

I started with a HTIB. It was a sony ddw900, got it for $200 on clearance at wally world. It was a great way to start out. It had a good receiver with it (str-k900). The speakers were small, but sounded good in the small room i had, the sub was powerful but boomy, the speaker wire could not have been more than 24 gauge (paper thin). The great thing about this particular HTIB was the receiver.

I eventually threw away the speakers that came with the system and upgraded to sony towers ss-f6000's for fronts and insiginas for the rears! That receiver powered them well. Then i upgraded to the onkyo 605 and the polk speakers......

moral of the story, everyone has to start somewhere. I would much rather fellow members be able to enjoy surround sound rather than listen to their blu''s though their TV speakers, So if a HTIB is the way you want to go, then go for it! You will get support from the majority of the members here. Then when you are ready to upgrade, you can guarantee we will be right here to help you on your journey into the world of separates.

Mark my words though......A short while after your HTIB purchase you will become sick with the disease known as upgradeitis! There is no known cure for this disease! Symptoms include

1. Frequent trips to Best Buy or your fave electronic outlet
2. Roaming internet sites, looking for sick deals on speakers and receivers
3. Countless hours trying to convince your significant other of the benefits of upgrading
4. Sleeping on the couch when you decide to buy your new toys without the approval of your significant other
5. Ever decreasing bank account
6. after last purchase....the cycle starts again, then again and again and again

you have been warned

Ray O. Blu · 01-12-2010, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emoxley

They also want it to sound great with a sub that kicks butt. It ain't gonna happen. Not for $500 or less.

I have a Sony HTSS2000 that I purchased for $329.99 that literally rocks the house. I had to recaulk my windows because of the intensity of the sub. I have it set up in a 10'x12' room and it's quite remarkable.

FendersRule · 01-12-2010, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trix

I think all members on this forum have good intentions when they try to steer people away fron HTiB's. The important thing to remember is that for many people who come looking for advice, HTiB is all they know; I know I was like that for a long time when I was younger, and B&M stores will push HTiB's as well because they are an easier sell, and a more comfortable price point as far as upselling goes.

Many times, however, people will ask about advice on an HTiB which is at, or very close to, a price point where a much better system of receiver/speakers can be had. Yes, they may be more complicated to set up, but I would be nowhere in my HT development had I not taken chances and learned things on the fly.

Back to your point, however, I agree that HTiB's do have their applications. They are innexpensive, easy to set up, and simple to operate. However, when giving advice to someone who has taken the time to look up information on the web, and seek advice from others, I think it would be far worse to support the blinders they wear than to open their horizons and at least propose alternatives that are more suitable.

-Trix

This makes complete sense. Trix is correct. The notion that "if you pay only a little bit more, you could get something a lot better" is sometimes worth practicing and preaching.

KingLeonidas300 · 01-12-2010, 11:53 AM

I think just many people on this site have nothing but good intentions when they are offering their opinions or answering questions about HTiB. I think each person will have their own preference depending on cost and the space they are dealing with.

If you prefer the HTiB, more power to you and enjoy. I have had 2 Sony HTiB's in the past and only this past year did I piece together my own. As long as you enjoy your setup, who cares what others think unless you ask for suggestions and opinions.

Ataneruo · 01-12-2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FendersRule

This makes complete sense. Trix is correct. The notion that "if you pay only a little bit more, you could get something a lot better" is sometimes worth practicing and preaching.

I find that with a quality HTIB, paying a little bit more will get you something only marginally better and is probably not worth it. I love my Yamaha YHT-591 HTIB which I got for <$500 and I simply have no reason to pay more unless I wanted to upgrade to a custom system in the $1000+ range. But why should I? I have amazing quality sound, with great speakers, satellites, sub and receiver. I'm perfectly happy! I'd much rather spend the money upgrading video, or just purchasing movies to enjoy on my fantastic setup.

prerich · 01-12-2010, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ataneruo

I find that with a quality HTIB, paying a little bit more will get you something only marginally better and is probably not worth it. I love my Yamaha YHT-591 HTIB which I got for <$500 and I simply have no reason to pay more unless I wanted to upgrade to a custom system in the $1000+ range. But why should I? I have amazing quality sound, with great speakers, satellites, sub and receiver. I'm perfectly happy! I'd much rather spend the money upgrading video, or just purchasing movies to enjoy on my fantastic setup.

And there's the difference (one of the major ones I see) between HTIB buyers and people with full blown audio systems. I've seen a lot of people with HTIB's with video that will kill mine! However the audio is lacking. My audio is no slouch in either the 2 channel or multichannel arena - my video is good but it could be better (full 1080p projector - but my Panasonic is good enough for me right now - sound familiar?). Videophiles would implore me to get a 1080p projector vice a 1080i/720p projector - but I'm satisfied with my current picture -as most HTIB people are with their sound. I've been exposed to 1080p projectors and I will eventually upgrade mine, but I'd rather buy new sound gear if I had to buy anything (it's going to be that Oppo and if I can swing it - the Emovita pre/pro - I'm on the preorder list

). It's all a subjective thing - depending on the buyers preferences, lifestyle and taste.

SpauldingSmails · 01-12-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ataneruo

I find that with a quality HTIB, paying a little bit more will get you something only marginally better and is probably not worth it. I love my Yamaha YHT-591 HTIB which I got for <$500 and I simply have no reason to pay more unless I wanted to upgrade to a custom system in the $1000+ range. But why should I? I have amazing quality sound, with great speakers, satellites, sub and receiver. I'm perfectly happy! I'd much rather spend the money upgrading video, or just purchasing movies to enjoy on my fantastic setup.

I bought a 50" Panny X1 720p for $700 saving about 50% off of an S/G series...

I bought off Newegg the discontinued monitor line M50 fronts, CS1 center w/sub and a pioneer 819 receiver for ~$500.

Im happy all around... Need to add surrounds to the system eventually... Its not top of the line, but its very very good... People really can't tell the diff between my calibrated TV and much more expensive sets... Sound quality is excellent.

All of this was done on a reasonable budget.

I was in the same boat as the HTiB people... thought about just buying a soundbar/sub for ~250, realized it wasn't good value.. Then thought about 4-500 HTiB route, but realized basically for the same money i could build something i could grow with and also started at a higher quality point..

If you KNOW you'll never want anything else and just want a little better sound you could be ok with a HTiB/Soundbar, but having to junk everything should you want to upgrade is the killer... Having a 5 year plan of sorts, or at least think about your future needs is important..

Good luck...

Kizzo · 01-12-2010, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petey2133

But..... Because I live in a smaller 900 sq ft apartment and cannot have an extreme or overkill system for my size room.

My apartment is in the same range as yours. I could easily afford a system, but HTIB fits my needs just fine for my current situation.

Driver_King · 01-12-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petey2133

I am actually buying a HTIB in a few days...

Not because I cannot afford a full system (I already owned last year an Onkyo rec. with Polk RTI A7 fronts, center and rears)

But..... Because I live in a smaller 900 sq ft apartment and cannot have an extreme or overkill system for my size room.

Im getting the Sony BDV-IT1000ES HTIB for 2 reasons.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665532064

sounds great (heard it like 20 times at the sony style store) and its small.

Its got a separate board for audio/video and the thing is basically the top of the line BD player for sony right now.. (options wise)

The price is a little higher ($2000.00) but I found it for $1500.00 and if you do the math (receiver, speakers, BD player

I respect your previous choices on equipment and think you made great choices but why would you switch to a Sony HTIB?

The size of the room is irrelevant. I've heard that Sony system and it does sound decent, but I wouldn't pay $1500 for it. The RTi A7's are light years better than the Sony speakers. Have you sold your equipment yet?

tbizzle · 01-13-2010, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driver_King

I respect your previous choices on equipment and think you made great choices but why would you switch to a Sony HTIB?

The size of the room is irrelevant. I've heard that Sony system and it does sound decent, but I wouldn't pay $1500 for it. The RTi A7's are light years better than the Sony speakers. Have you sold your equipment yet?

+1, would never trade in a nice Polk setup for a HTIB. Unless you really don't have enough room for them in your new appt.

DK, when are you gonna post pics of your sub!?

01-11-2010, 03:46 AM	#1
Bizdady Blu-ray Duke Member since:Nov 2007 Location:8 1 8 Biatch!! L.A. Home Theater Gallery:21 Blu-ray collection:209 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:38	Dont crap on HTiB Alot of times I see members asking for advice on HTiBs and then we get the usual you can do so much better, oh they're crap, blah blah. You guys know what I mean. Not all HTiB are bad and sometimes its easier for someone to just find one product that fits their needs. Seeing this is the "HTIB" area please try not crap threads. I respect opinions but just don't see a need for all the bashing, just try to be respectful and not make a person feel like an idiot for considering HTIB. Last edited by Bizdady; 01-11-2010 at 03:51 AM.

01-12-2010, 02:17 AM	#10
coachD Special Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Lawton, Ok Blu-ray collection:413 Blu-ray reviews: 16	LG LHB953 HTIB sounds TrueHD to me! I was looking to buy the LG 390 Blu-ray player and instead found the LG LHB953. A HTIB. The system sells for around $529. I bought it at my local Post Exchange for $379 (price matched a sales at Sears about a month ago). I was looking for a wireless player that could do Netflix. Well, the 953 is not Wireless, but when I connect a LAN to it I have no problems streaming Netflix or YouTube. The Blu-ray player is great. Easy to use and it makes Blu-rays look fantastic. But the best feature so far is that it plays TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. When I play Master and Commander the battle scenes sound really great. The inputs are limited, but I do have my cable box connected via coaxial. This weekend I plan on trying a Powerline Ethernet Adapter and use that to try to stream Netflix. Top of the line? Maybe not, for under $400 I am rocking to Terminator Salvation and Master & Commander. I am looking for Blus with TrueHD or DTS HD Master Audio. I am quite pleased with this system.

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01-11-2010, 03:55 AM	#2
neos_peace Special Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Shamokin Dam, Pa Home Theater Gallery:14 Blu-ray collection:279 Trading Score:1	I for one understand what your saying. I too go against the whole HTIB idea, mainly cuz I've been there and have seen the light, lol. On a serious note though. Blu-ray offer's better sound and picture which we all know and love here. it's just that, (and I am in no way trying to speak for anybody or everybody on this) most people know or feel or belive if youare wiling to spend money on a HTIB, the idea is will for a little bit more you can get so much better. just the idea to help soemone enjoy their movies to the most is why I think they shun the idea. I know like I said before I too feel it's a waist but hey if that is al a person has to deal with right now or has to deal wiht then hey fine more power to them. Do I or will look down on them of course not you do what can with what you have.

01-11-2010, 03:58 AM	#3
Trix Active Member Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Waterloo, ON, Canada Blu-ray collection:114	I think all members on this forum have good intentions when they try to steer people away fron HTiB's. The important thing to remember is that for many people who come looking for advice, HTiB is all they know; I know I was like that for a long time when I was younger, and B&M stores will push HTiB's as well because they are an easier sell, and a more comfortable price point as far as upselling goes. Many times, however, people will ask about advice on an HTiB which is at, or very close to, a price point where a much better system of receiver/speakers can be had. Yes, they may be more complicated to set up, but I would be nowhere in my HT development had I not taken chances and learned things on the fly. Back to your point, however, I agree that HTiB's do have their applications. They are innexpensive, easy to set up, and simple to operate. However, when giving advice to someone who has taken the time to look up information on the web, and seek advice from others, I think it would be far worse to support the blinders they wear than to open their horizons and at least propose alternatives that are more suitable. -Trix

01-11-2010, 04:10 AM	#4
emoxley Active Member Member since:Nov 2009 Location:Eastern NC Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray collection:62 Trading Score:1	Some HTIBs are great, like the Onkyo HTS-6200. But a lot of them are a piece of crap! The good HTIBs are the ones that give you a real receiver in the setup. But you also have to look at things like: how many digital inputs, does it do auto calibration, and does it decode the HD audio formats. If you're going to use a blu ray player, even a ps3, you need to decode the HD audio formats. People usually want the best setup they can get. But, most people also expect too much from cheap HTIBs. It's always better to get a receiver, and speakers w/subwoofer, instead of an HTIB, if you can get decent ones for the same price as the HTIB you're looking at. If the HTIB will do what you want, and is cheaper than the separates, by all means get it. Most HTIBs don't give enough digital inputs. I've seen several that didn't give any digital inputs. The people took them back, when they couldn't even connect their tv to it. The weak link with all HTIBs, even the good ones, is the speakers. They just can't give you good speakers for the price of the HTIB. That's really the main reason for buying separates. People want HTIBs that give them this and that, and this and that, and does this, and connects that, that, that, and that, all for $500 or less. They also want it to sound great with a sub that kicks butt. It ain't gonna happen. Not for $500 or less. HTIBs can be great. Just don't have unreal expectations with them.

01-11-2010, 03:17 PM	#5
prerich Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Dec 2007 Home Theater Gallery:50 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:2	The glaring weakness in HTIB's are the speakers. You have to skimp somewhere and in most HTIB's, they skimp on the speakers. Many people only have room for a HTIB and I can understand that. However, tech does you no good if your remaining equipment can't handle the tech. Most speakers in a HTIB can't reproduce the freq range of lossless media, negating the audio gains that BD supplies. But once again - if a HTIB is the only thing one can afford, or if that's all they have room for - compromises must be made.

01-11-2010, 04:57 PM	#6
Uniquely Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Mobile, AL Home Theater Gallery:14 Blu-ray collection:171	I said something very similar about a year ago. I think a HTiB can be a great starting point for people who are newish to home theater audio. It allows one to go ahead and start enjoying 5.1 audio NOW while learning more about what kind of system they would like to end up with in the future. An easily upgradable HTiB like some of the Onkyo systems can be upgraded piece by piece, allowing one to build a very nice system as they can afford it.... all without ever having to do without 5.1 at any point in the process. Then when the upgrade process is done, one can be left with the original HTiB to use as a secondary set up in a bedroom or game room.

01-11-2010, 05:23 PM	#7
haushausman Special Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:Chicago Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:343 Blu-ray reviews: 5	I was using a HTiB for a couple of years and after reading all the threads about them I decided to dust off my old Sony receiver that is over 10 years old (top-of-the-line at the time) and use that instead. I bought Yamaha speaker set (here) and the difference is huge! Don't be intimidated by the set-up if that's holding you back.. It was very easy and if you get stuck the people of these boards are always very helpful.

01-11-2010, 05:51 PM	#8
jomari Moderator Top contributor Member since:Nov 2007 Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:2	Bizdady, i think Robandtami brought this up a while ago in respect to a number of inquiries about HTIBs and opinions about a slow build home theater route... i cant seem to find my original posting regarding HTIB's, soundbars, 2.1 systems.... ah, here it is... as mentioned previously, there are a number of variables to consider before making a jump into HT building, examples would be - considering what your 'client' needs - what kind of HTIB you are looking into - room variables - how big the room is, interactivity of the speakers with the environment - dedicated room? living room? bedroom? - WAF By default, when we talk about HTIB, we talk about Home theaters in a box, with a Reciever/Speakers/DVD player (integrated or not - this is why its primarily called a HTIB), there are reasons why they chose that option. most of the times its - simplicity (plop in living room, its done) - affordability - they dont WANT to upgrade - wireless capabilities (some HTIB's have wireless rear surrounds included) Things i try to consider tho, before suggesting a HTIB would be * Consider getting a HTIB with a separated dvd player and a reciever - some of the HTIBs dont have the flexibility of others, if one of the components is broken, you can simply replace it. With others, well, you get what you pay for. * Connectivity - we want something that can handle most components a standard reciever would have. What happens if you'd like a blu-ray player in the future? or you happen to add on a wii you got this christmas? * Speaker terminals - the last thing you want on these HTIB's is those 'special connections' they have for terminals. I always liked the idea that onkyo mostly has speaker binding post. What happens if one of your speakers are broken, or you'd like to upgrade your speakers? * Speaker quality - Nothings worse than a speaker placed in a hollow plastic box and putting cloth on the front then calling em 'satellites'. Kudos to onkyo for producing some very good HTIB's out there, and definitely for putting a well done sub at times. So, again, they arent the most ideal way of going for HTIB, but you can make intelligent decisions if ever you plan to go this route. original post I wouldnt consider it as 'bashing' per se (that would be something similar to bose reactions ive seen), but more of an informative opinion, based on previous experiences we all have had in the past. if presented properly, we can deter challenges we have had as well, and give guidance towards another route that couldve started from day one. If the goal is otherwise, simply going into the HTIB section and cause a ruckus, then that might be considered a tad overbearing. in closing, we all have reasons, constraints and aspects to consider prior to recommendations we have for newcomers. they chose their own path. we are only here to guide them.

01-12-2010, 01:58 AM	#9
Petey2133 Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2008 Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray collection:170 Trading Score:6	I am actually buying a HTIB in a few days... Not because I cannot afford a full system (I already owned last year an Onkyo rec. with Polk RTI A7 fronts, center and rears) But..... Because I live in a smaller 900 sq ft apartment and cannot have an extreme or overkill system for my size room. Im getting the Sony BDV-IT1000ES HTIB for 2 reasons. http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665532064 sounds great (heard it like 20 times at the sony style store) and its small. Its got a separate board for audio/video and the thing is basically the top of the line BD player for sony right now.. (options wise) The price is a little higher ($2000.00) but I found it for $1500.00 and if you do the math (receiver, speakers, BD player

01-12-2010, 02:36 AM	#11
brett_day Blu-ray Guru Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Moore, Oklahoma Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray collection:45 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:1	I started with a HTIB. It was a sony ddw900, got it for $200 on clearance at wally world. It was a great way to start out. It had a good receiver with it (str-k900). The speakers were small, but sounded good in the small room i had, the sub was powerful but boomy, the speaker wire could not have been more than 24 gauge (paper thin). The great thing about this particular HTIB was the receiver. I eventually threw away the speakers that came with the system and upgraded to sony towers ss-f6000's for fronts and insiginas for the rears! That receiver powered them well. Then i upgraded to the onkyo 605 and the polk speakers...... moral of the story, everyone has to start somewhere. I would much rather fellow members be able to enjoy surround sound rather than listen to their blu''s though their TV speakers, So if a HTIB is the way you want to go, then go for it! You will get support from the majority of the members here. Then when you are ready to upgrade, you can guarantee we will be right here to help you on your journey into the world of separates. Mark my words though......A short while after your HTIB purchase you will become sick with the disease known as upgradeitis! There is no known cure for this disease! Symptoms include 1. Frequent trips to Best Buy or your fave electronic outlet 2. Roaming internet sites, looking for sick deals on speakers and receivers 3. Countless hours trying to convince your significant other of the benefits of upgrading 4. Sleeping on the couch when you decide to buy your new toys without the approval of your significant other 5. Ever decreasing bank account 6. after last purchase....the cycle starts again, then again and again and again you have been warned

01-12-2010, 11:53 AM	#14
KingLeonidas300 Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Arizona Home Theater Gallery:7 Blu-ray collection:654 Blu-ray reviews: 64 Trading Score:40	I think just many people on this site have nothing but good intentions when they are offering their opinions or answering questions about HTiB. I think each person will have their own preference depending on cost and the space they are dealing with. If you prefer the HTiB, more power to you and enjoy. I have had 2 Sony HTiB's in the past and only this past year did I piece together my own. As long as you enjoy your setup, who cares what others think unless you ask for suggestions and opinions.

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