Following Samsung's latest wave of releases is the HT-AS730, a new Home Theater Sound System that is said to make the incoming spring season merrier than Mary and her Little Lamb. Compatible with almost all high-definition players (from Home Cinema to Blu-ray wonders), the HT is said to provide a more flexible and comprehensive package for your musical delight.

Potential shoppers, beware: this system is aimed at those who ALREADY own a high-definition disc player or gaming console, which means that if you don't, all you'll be getting is a pretty fancy black box and a subwoofer with four satellite speakers. Since a good Blu-ray playing rig will cost you around 500 USD, and the theater system is another 500, prepare your checkbook or credit card for some serious wear and tear.

Reid Sullivan, senior vice president of Audio/Video and Digital Imaging Marketing at Samsung Electronics America (OK, that's a long title), said that “Many consumers view owning an excellent HDTV and Blu-ray player as the sole pieces required for great HD experience and overlook the importance of sound quality [...] The reality is that immersive audio is essential for a complete and satisfying HD experience. Samsung’s new HT-AS730 delivers rich, bold sound to bring big games, blockbuster movies and favorite concerts to life, all at an affordable price.”

I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Sullivan but if you take into account how expensive an “excellent HDTV and Blu-ray player” is and add your pretty expensive set of speakers to it, I would hardly call the combination “affordable.” Give me a Samsung Blu-ray player with the HT-AS730 Home Theater Sound System at the same price (OK, add another 200 USD, if you must), and perhaps I will be persuaded to exchange banking accounts with you.

What's the use of including an iPod dock, three HDMI inputs, direct 7.1-channel analog inputs and three optical audio inputs if the user has to buy another device for actually using your system?


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