Group test: Home cinema systems £500-£1,000 pt2

Overview Price: £900 More info: Samsung Power rating: 1000W Disc formats: DVD, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-A, CD, CD-R/-RW, VCD, SVCD, MP3, JPEG, WMA, DiVX, SACD Video connections: composite, component, HDMI in/out Audio connections : Analogue in/out, digital optical Other connections: USB host Decoding: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II Tuner: FM/AM Upscaling: 720p, 1080i, 1080p Progressive scan: Yes Dimensions/Weight Main unit: 380x1320x381mm (16kg) Fronts: 125x1311x81.5mm (6.5kg) Centre: 550x136x83mm (2kg) Rears: 125x1311x89mm (6.5kg) Subwoofer: 271x500x434mm (13kg) Samsung HT-TXQ120R Compared to the likes of Philips' HTS8100, Samsung's HT-TXQ120R is a somewhat overwhelming design featuring four tower speakers, a stand-mounted main unit and a sizeable subwoofer which will have trouble appearing inconspicuous in even large living rooms. But, despite its oversized dimensions, the system appears stylish in a gloss black finish and is superbly constructed. The free-standing main unit looks especially cool but finding a place for it can be a problem while assembling the units and making numerous connections is an exhaustive process - but that's the price you pay for a system of separates. As Samsung's top-of-the-range system, there's an impressive range of features including 1080p video upscaling, automatic calibration, universal disc compatibility including DVD-A and SACD, and comprehensive connectivity with both an HDMI input and output (but no Scart) as well as a USB port for connecting to a media player, memory stick or digital camera. There's also an optional receiver unit that allows wireless rear speakers. As you might expect, the sound is powerful and spacious with seamless integration and plenty of punch during explosive film scenes. But power is nothing without control and the system also has an ear for expressive detail and ambient subtleties, especially with voices from both music and film soundtracks. Picture quality is equally impressive with superb black levels extracting plenty of fine detail and depth-defining contrast while colours are vibrant and natural. Movement is also exceptionally smooth using either 720p or 1080p video upscaling. Samsung's HT-TXQ120R is a serious home cinema system that requires space but it's a total success in the sound and picture stakes.

Verdict Plus points Stylish design, advanced features and universal compatibility, spacious and subtle sound, solidly defined pictures Minus points Overwhelming size, exhaustive set-up, no Scart

Overview Price: £500 More info: Sony Power rating: 1200W Disc formats: DVD, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R (DL)/+RW, CD, CD-R/-RW, VCD, SVCD, MP3, JPEG, WMA, DiVX Video connections: RGB Scart, component, HDMI Audio connections: Analogue in/out, analogue mini, digital coaxial, digital optical Other connections: Digital Media Port (optional adapter) Decoding: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II Tuner: AM/FM Upscaling: 720p, 1080i Progressive scan: Yes Dimensions/Weight Main unit Fronts: 316x1041-1339x316mm (4.6kg) Centre: 381x48x62mm (0.5kg) Rears: 316x1041-1339x316mm (4.7kg) Subwoofer: 197x322x345mm (5.6kg) Sony DAV-DZ830 Sony's DAV-DZ830 is an unsurprisingly stylish system that offers a full 5.1 arrangement of speakers and some impressive features for a reasonable price - especially since some of its more expensive rivals carry more compromises. The slimline speakers are mounted on height-adjustable stands and, while connecting the wiring through the stands is a fiddly process, it leaves an extremely clean appearance. And to control cable clutter even more one of the rear speakers carries a wireless receiver that feeds off a separate infrared transmitter and AC adapter - although you still need to run a wire between the two rear channels. Other high-end features include 720p and 1080i video upscaling using HDMI, an automatic calibration system and a so-called Digital Media Port, which allows you to connect to portable media players or your PC via an optional adapter. When it comes to performance, the system shares similar characteristics with most of its test rivals - it's fine with pictures but not so impressive with sound. Upscaled images provide plenty of detail and colours are beautifully balanced and natural. However, black levels are not quite as dense as some and there is a loss of detail during dark scenes while movement doesn't appear as smooth as we've seen in models that feature full 1080p upscaling. Sound-wise, it's acceptable rather than exceptional. The sound is reasonably powerful but subtleties are sometimes ignored and the rear channels don't create enough ambience to really get you involved. It also struggles slightly with a lack of timing during music playback. Ultimately, Sony's DAV-DZ830 is more style than substance but if an eye-catching design and some useful features are a higher priority than audio intricacies then it's still good value for money.

Verdict Plus points Super stylish, wireless rear connectivity, automatic calibration, decent picture quality Minus points Difficult to install, average sound quality - especially with music

Final verdict There are no prizes for guessing which system comes out on top as Samsung's HT-TXQ120R is the only one that gets a full star rating. It is the most expensive by some way but the extra investment offers a full-size set-up with several advanced features while it was the only system that complements outstanding picture quality with equally impressive sound. Anyone with a smaller budget and a sense for style should take a look at Sony's DAV-DZ830, which offers true surround sound in an attractive package for an affordable price - even if there are a few sonic limitations. While the two limited speaker systems don't compare to a proper surround speaker set-up, they do provide decent one-stop solutions if your needs are slightly different. Philips' HTS8100 offers space-saving convenience and impressive 1080p picture quality even if the multi-directional sound can seem confusing. And, JVC's DD-3 is a good option for anyone who is more concerned with playing back their digital media files.

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