Stories about: Onkyo

B&W's latest compact surround sound home theatre speaker system, the VM6, is a set of five slimline speakers paired with B&W's PV1 subwoofer. The speakers are priced far higher than even the most expensive pre-made home theatre systems, but they do offer noticeably superior sound. You'll need an amplifier or A/V receiver to power the system, which is an additional blow to the wallet.

The Transporter has all the specifications you'd expect from a top-level media streaming system, backed up with an interface that is easy enough for anyone to use. If you can stand the painfully high price, this is one of the best dedicated audio streamers currently available.

Pioneer's VSX817S is an entry-level 7.1 channel A/V receiver that does a good job considering its low price-point. It doesn't support high-definition audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and doesn't have any HDMI capability. However, it has a plethora of other features that make it a solid option for anyone considering creating a home theatre.

Philips' Prestigo SRU8015 universal remote is competent enough at controlling multiple devices, but it is confusing to set up and has a sometimes counter-intuitive interface.

The ES900 Cinepack, which joins the ES800 and ES1000 in JBL's new line of home theatre surround sound packages, delivers great sound. Its only flaw is the audiophile-grade price.

The first home-theatre receiver to decode DTS Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD from Blu-ray movies produces phenomenal sound.

Promises, promises. When a new mobile phone appears on the market, or a new wireless standard emerges, the pundits and prognosticators chime in about all the game-changing possibilities.

With games consoles, DVD players and AV receivers all vying for a place under the TV, it can be a hassle setting up a home theatre system. Knowing which units go with what and trying to assemble all the components can be a trying experience for the amateur user.

In an age of home theatre where it seems that watching a DVD cannot be achieved without purchasing a 27.1 Hyper Surround Dolby Pro Plus 99 Active Bass Digital sound system with chocolate sauce and nuts, it is easy to forget that perhaps some people just want to watch a DVD on their TV. They have no need for fancy speaker setups trailing their wires all across the room, no need for subwoofers blasting the walls down, no need for ten thousand inputs or massive amplifiers. All they want to do is watch a DVD. Yes, these people really do exist.

After reviewing the excellent sounding Onkyo 5.1 surround system we were really looking forward to seeing what their 6.1 home theatre brought to the table. Unfortunately, the 6.1 system was not quite on the same level as their previous offering, with very little to make it stand out from the competition.

We are always on the lookout for something a little different at the Good Gear Guide offices, and Onkyo's range of wood textured home theatre systems fits the bill nicely.