Group test: 5.1 DVD home cinema systems

Overview Price comparison: JVC TH-R3 More info: JVC Playable formats: DVD Video, VCD, SVCD, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD (Audio), CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, JPEG Connectivity options: S-Video, Component video, optical, co-axial digital, composite, DV-IN/OUT, headphone hocket, 2x RGB Scart, 2x Front/Side AV Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby Pro-Logic II Total power output: 670W

JVC TH-R3

The TH-R3 is one of JVC's biggest guns, coming armed with a clever DVD recording unit that boasts more connections than Max Clifford's address book.

Out of the box (well, actually two boxes), the TH-R3 is surprisingly easy to assemble, and its clever auto set-up means you simply have to clap your hands from your listening position and all the volumes and delay times are adjusted accordingly. The four floorstanding speakers are less deserving of applause - although extremely slimline, their plastic construction is a tad lightweight and looks a little low rent for a £400 system.

For audio performance the TH-R3 fares well. The powerful sub is ably supported by the warm surrounds, and there's plenty of scope to tweak the sound if needs be. DVD playback is even more impressive with the zany worlds of The Mighty Boosh looking particularly vibrant, especially in PAL progressive scan mode. The unit itself emits a slight fan noise but overall it's brilliantly versatile, with the ability to record TV onto DVD-RAM, -RW and -R discs a welcome addition.

The TH-R3 makes for a great all-round package - especially if you haven't already invested in a PVR or HDD/DVD recorder. Yes, there are niggles (the cheap looking speakers and minefield of a remote) but pound for pound the TH-R3 scores highly.

Verdict Plus points Great audio and video playback, DVD recording option, loads of connections Minus points Lightweight floorstanders, overly busy remote

Overview Price comparison: Panasonic SCHT840 More info: Panasonic Playable formats: DVD-RAM, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-R, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, S-VCD, JPEG, HDCD, HighMAT Connectivity options: Video in, S-Video, RGB Scart, Video out, audio in/out, digital audio out Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby Pro-Logic II Total power output: 800W

Panasonic SCHT840

Panasonic's SC-HT840 is the brute of the group, spewing out a teeth shattering 800 watts of power. But there's brains to match the brawn, with multi-format DVD playback (including DVD-Audio) and the option of PAL progressive scan too.

On assembly, first impressions are good. The front floorstanding surrounds in particular display a Sherman tank-like build quality and although a little fiddly to put together, look gratifyingly imposing when flanked either side of the telly. The sub is (perhaps unsurprisingly) massive, but if you're after a system that impresses visually then this is no bad thing.

Strange then, that in terms of audio performance the SC-HT840 struggles slightly. Although extremely powerful (the meaty explosions from Burnout Revenge on Xbox 360 nearly blasted a hole in the floor), the sub integrates awkwardly with the rest of the system, with none of the four bass settings achieving the right sonic balance in relation to the surrounds. However, DVD playback paints a far better picture with vibrant, subtle images that are fantastic when the component outs are utilized, and still admirably stable via RGB Scart. The remote is a tidy little number as well, with plenty of tweaking options on offer.

Overall, while not quite scaling the sonic heights expected from such a powerhouse system, visual performance turns things around, and coupled with a healthy set of connections round the back, the SC-HT840 makes for a good value all-round option.

Verdict Plus points Strong picture, good set of features Minus points Subwoofer doesn't mesh well

Overview Price comparison: Pioneer DCS-333 More info: Pioneer Playable formats: DVD Video, VCD, SVCD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD (Audio), CD-R, CD-RW, DivX, MP3, WMA, JPEG Connectivity options: Analogue audio, digital audio (optical), composite, RGB Scart Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby Pro-Logic II Total power output: 600W

Pioneer DCS-333

Pioneer's DCS-333 emerged last summer and is still plugging away now. The system will shortly be put into retirement, but for now the DCS-333 remains one of Pioneer's main budget systems.

What first impresses is the gorgeous slimline sub, which can be positioned either vertically or on its side depending on your set-up. The centre and satellites are quick to attach and a little like JVC's effort, the DCS-333 comes with an easy auto surround set-up - just position the mic and kick back while the system does the rest.

With a DVD copy of Sin City placed in the smooth-loading tray, things start to get really interesting - the dark, rain-sodden environments have rarely looked this rich and detailed, even though it's only RGB Scart. It's not just visuals that inspire, the punchy rear surrounds lead the way and help to offer a wholly realistic 5.1 experience from whatever is thrown at them - be it films, games or two-channel audio CDs. Okay, so at 600W it's slightly less powerful than the others here, but trust us, the DCS-333 is still more than loud enough to wake the neighbours (if you so wish).

A couple of useful connections round the back and a fool-proof remote complete an extremely well rounded package that is hard to fault.

Verdict Plus points Great picture and sound, low price, good connectivity options Minus points No progressive scan option

Overview Price comparison: Sony DAV-DZ100 More info: Sony Playable formats: DVD-Video, DVD-R, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, S-VCD, JPEG, DivX Connectivity options: RGB Scart, headphones Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby Pro-Logic II Total power output: 720W

Sony DAV-DZ100

At just £200 Sony's DAV-DZ100 is very much the budgeteer's choice, but with 720 watts of audio muscle it's trying hard to avoid being outfought by the higher priced contenders.

As you'd expect from Sony, the system is impeccably built - the stylish sub is partnered by a set of wall-mountable satellites that are small and compact. If space (and indeed spouse approval) is a concern then the DAV-DZ100 is certainly the least intrusive system in the group.

Perhaps unsurprisingly at this price, progressive scan isn't an option for DVD playback, however the DAV-DZ100 makes a more than capable fist of things via RGB Scart, with pictures that are finely balanced, if a little soft. For audio, the subwoofer is well integrated with the subtle surrounds, producing a full bodied sound that put more expensive options to shame. CD playback was particularly good, with the spatial melodies of Sigur Ros' Takk making a convincing leap from 2.1 to 5.1 thanks to Dolby Pro Logic II.

The only real disadvantage to be found is the lack of connections - one measly Scart output doesn't really cut it these days. If you're looking to add surround sound to a number of external sources, say a games console or Sky box, you're seriously going to struggle. All-in-all though, the DAV-DZ100 generally punches above its weight and remains a good choice if space and cost are your priorities.

Verdict Plus points Compact design, good all-round performance, low priced Minus points Woefully short on connection options

Final verdict It was tricky to choose a winner as for the most part one system's strength was another's weakness. Panasonic's stylish SC-HT840 just about out-classed all others in terms of visual performance but was average sonically, whereas the JVC TH-R3 did well at both, but just lacked a little finesse in the looks department considering it's by far the most expensive in the group. Sony's DAV-DZ100 is cheap, well designed and more than managed to hold its own with both video and audio playback, however a dearth of spare sockets limits its effectiveness as a one-system-does-all solution. Only Pioneer's DCS-333 can really claim to tick all the boxes - it's versatile, great looking, affordable and comes up trumps in both the video and audio department. So there you have it folks, the Pioneer DCS-333 is our winner - grab one while you still can.

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