In many ways, the SC-BT100 is a better Blu-ray-enabled home-theater-in-a-box than the Samsung HT-BD2. But for its price, you may be better off investing in a component kit instead.

This 5.1-channel HTIB is a nice-looking system which sounds great, but has some build quality issues and isn't the best in value.

 Styling, sound quality; ease of use.

 Price; build quality.

 The LG HT762TZ is a good starting point for people who want surround sound but aren't interested in building a complicated separates system themselves.

There's quite a fine selection of virtual surround sound bars in the market, yet none is as aggressive as this Korean concoction when it gets down to severing the cords.

This component lookalike HTIB combines advanced A/V connectivity with extended multimedia compatibility, all for an affordable S$799 price tag.

Ultra-compact yet surprisingly rich in features, this Sony HTIB is a dream come true in today's tight-quarter urban living.

If you can look past its high price and some annoying shortcomings, the JVC DD-3 Sophisti offers elegant styling and pretty good sound for its size.

Very stylish 3.1 design with small front speakers and no rears; center channel a nice step up over 2.1 systems; solid multimedia support via streaming network; DivX video support.

Expensive; no video inputs; sounds better on DVDs than music; terrible remote; network streaming is wired only, not Wi-Fi; USB port of limited use.

The Samsung HT-TXQ120 is a rock solid audio system that rivals component-level kits in sound quality. This, however, is not the case for the video department with its above-average visuals.

Rock solid stereo and surround reproduction; deep and tight bass; sleek and stylish design; SACD and DVD-audio playback; comprehensive connectivity; wireless upgradeable.

Above-average video playback; inconvenient USB port placement; pricey.

The Dutch company's latest home-theater-in-a-box is a sleek two-piece kit equipped with its Ambisound virtual surround sound technology.

The HTP-GS1 will match your Xbox 360 and rock out on games, but there are better packages for your money.

Aesthetically matches your Xbox 360; compact design; included remote also controls your game console; Pioneer's auto setup is a breeze; virtual surround option lets all speakers sit up front.

The sound is subpar for a home-theater-in-a-box at this price; no video inputs.

The full-featured Pioneer HTZ656DVD complements flat panels well. However, its automated audio calibration can be over-enthusiastic when it comes to bass reproduction.

Clean sounds with excellent imaging; sleek DVD receiver unit; onboard video scalar; MPEG4-AAC playback; HDMI and USB terminals.

Boomy bass; no digital audio input; cumbersome audio setup and adjustment.