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I can't complain about the performance of this system WHILE IT WORKED, but in just over a years time I'm staring at a screen flawlessly playing my movie, sans sound. Its as though they built a timer in set to expire shortly after the warranty. I'm sure using it for target practice will do much to soothe my regrets, but only after I have shelled out hard earned dollars for a replacement.

I understand that some shoppers may be on a budget, and cheap Chinese made goods like this are very appealing. But, you would be much better off to save your money and buy a significantly better system, perhaps this Yamaha Yamaha YHT-280BL Home Theater in a Box (Black) Home Theater System. The Yamaha model turned out to be much better built, and I added a cheap DVD player for like $45 more. If you're on a budget, you want your purchases to last a long time, and this Phillips system will not do that. Do a search for this Phillips DVD home theater system and you will see many people complaining about it lasting about a year and failing. I got lucky, mine failed right away so I could just return it and buy something better. The newer versions of this aren't holding up much better either.

While it lasted, here is what is was like to use it:
Pros: Cheap, small, easy to use.
Cons: The sound is lackluster, there are no Bass and Treble controls (minimum requirements in my opinion) so listening to most music sounds like a portable boom-box. The high frequencies are missing, and the bass from the subwoofer is barely even noticeable. In fact, my $50 computer speakers sound better. The "EQ" presets are a joke, they have very little effect. Radio reception is horrible, and there is no FM Mono switch to help with poor reception. Anybody who thinks this sounds good has not experienced a good stereo system, and has not compared various items in this price range.

I gave it two stars because it doesn't sound bad, it just doesn't sound good. But the reliability factor should be a huge concern. Amazon, Circuit City, Best Buy should all stop carrying equipment that doesn't last longer then a year, and this will only happen if people stop buying it. Save up your money, you only have to spend a little more to get a significantly better product. Think about it, you should only need to buy a stereo once every ten years or so, and spending an extra $100 will save you a lot of money if your purchase actually lasts that long. I guarantee you that this line of Phillips Home Theater Systems are not built to last.

The manufacturer claims 1000 Watts of power. Unless they have secretly invented the "perpetual machine" (a scientifically impossible scenario describing a machine that generates the same or more power than it consumes), they are outright lying. The power drawn from the electrical input is only 230 Watts. So, where is the other 770 Watts coming from? Everybody needs to complain about amplifier rating lies, and hold manufacturers to a measurable standard.

I was a bit skeptical about this product, because of the kind of low price comparing to others theater systems, but I must say I`m very Happy! It plays Divx movies (even straight from your pendrive through USB!),I can charge my ipod through USB port while watching movies or listening to radio. The system is very powerfull- 1000W! If you're able to get it for about $249 don't hesitate! Take it!!

wife got me this for Christmas. After thinking about the horrors of having to run the wires for the rear speakers, my father in law showed up and I talked him into doing it for me. (I'm 6'2 250lbs...dont like crawling in the attic). After an hour or so of set up and running wires I cranked it up and put in a movie. The sound is great and made up for my father in law having to crawl around on fiberglass insulation.

I couldn't believe that a home theater system for under $200 could sound that good. I was very impressed.

Pros: Idiot proof setup; bargain priced; built in AM/FM stereo; DVD player (eliminated two other devices)

Cons: not everyone has a father-in-law to crawl around in the attic :)

Unless you are a tech geek with deep pockets, I don't think any one will be dissapointed with the quality of the sound of this product.