All In One Home Cinema System Buyers Guide

If you want a home cinema system with good looks, and requires a minimum of fuss to set up, then an all in one system could be just what you need. Modern all in one systems are designed to go together perfectly, both acoustically, and aesthetically. This has the advantage that not only will they look good in your lounge or bedroom, but you will have a great sounding home cinema system without the extra hassle of trying to select the right speakers, or amplifiers. All in one home cinema systems normally include everything you need to get started, even if you only have a television: a DVD or Blu-ray Player with built in amplifier, speakers and speaker cables, and simple instructions. Some systems are available without the DVD and Blu-ray player and just include the speakers and amplifier which is useful if you are already happy with your existing player.

Here are our top 5 reasons why buying an all in one system is a good choice:

  1. Convenience - Because everything in included you don’t need to shop around for different components, and everything you need will be in the box;
  2. Wide selection – All the major brands such as Sony, Panasonic and Samsung have their own systems and they are widely available both online and in the High Street;
  3. Brands - You will find the styling of the home cinema systems will normally nicely match the designs of the brands television, so you can have a completely matching look. The remote controls can also sometimes can be used on your television too;
  4. Easy to set up – With easy to follow instructions and everything you need in the box, it won’t get any easier than this to get your own home cinema;
  5. Value - Having everything match and designed together means that the brands can make the system for a lesser price so you will benefit from the saving.

If you’ve now decided that an all in one system is the right choice for you, the only thing left to do is to choose! The choice of systems available is enormous so there are a few areas you might want to consider to help narrow down your selections:

  1. Position - Decide in advance where your going to place your speakers as this can help you decide which systems will suit. You may need tall speakers if you want to position them behind sofas, or very small speakers if you want to hide them away.
  2. Cables - All the cables you need are normally included, except the cable to go from the amplifier/player to your television so you may need to budget for this. If you have a system without a DVD or Blu-ray player you will need a cable to go from your current player to the new amplifier too.
  3. 2.1, 3.1 or 5.1 – There are many systems available with either 2.1, 3.1 or 5.1 speakers (.1 being the subwoofer) and if you will have trouble positioning the rear speakers you might want to opt for a 2 or 3 speaker option instead;
  4. Wireless speakers – Some of the latest systems also include wireless rear speakers to save you having to trail cables around the floor, although more expensive they are a great option for the ultimate convenience.

Whichever system you choose, you’ll enjoy your films and gaming a great deal more and really appreciate the benefits of your own home cinema!

Our All In One System reviews will help you choose the best system for your needs, and also help you find the best prices too.

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4 Comments to “All In One Home Cinema System Buyers Guide”
Paul Sibbald November 10, 2009

I would like to buy a new all in one home cinema system, but would like it to have at least one HDMI input for my Foxsat. Can you suggest one?

Thanks

Paul

Home Cinema Buyer November 12, 2009

The Sony BDV-360FS has a grand total of three HDMI inputs and a host of other connections if you want real flexibility.

Chris Mcnamara November 15, 2009

i would like to buy a blue ray home cinima system but have not a clue which way to go. I thought a 3.1 would do for my room of 15ft x 13ft but a friend said to go for a 5.1 and to make sure there was an hdmi conection. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Mac

Home Cinema Buyer November 24, 2009

Chris, you’ll find that most of the modern all in one systems have a HDMI connection these days.

Both the Panasonic SC-BT200 and the Panasonic SC-BT205 (same as the BT200 but with bigger speakers) are both great systems.

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