orderd this system the first time, was defective, the power did not come one. They sent me a replacement, the power came on, it would not read any disk. I have to send it back and not interested in the home theater system anymore

The receiver arrived defective and would not turn on. I returned it and went with a Samsung instead.

For the same reason, people who like to replace thin wires with their choice of thick wires will probably not be satisfied with this system. The loading tray is very thin and appears flimsy, so just be careful when putting / taking out DVD's so that you don't break it by accident. The loading time for DVD's / CD's is a little long which can be a bit annoying at times, but then again, this is not really a technical "problem", this is just a limitation of an entry-level system, and you should not complain about it, especially at this price!

The only thing I don't like is that the speaker wires are attached, but it's not the first all-in-one home theater system I've seen do that. I agree that the lack of an optical audio input is annoying, but just like the Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD rivalry exists, so does the COAXIAL VS.

Subwoofer is passive (not-powered) and mine was failed after about 5 uses. Rattles terribly. So, then try to remove the cover to check it out or even replace?

It does not consistently charge the 2 iPods we've tried. And, the input switching does not stop/pause playback on the iPod. So, they basically mapped the power input (kind of) and the audio output, but nothing else.

:) I suppose the next step now would be to get a converter but before I jump in and do this, anyone have any suggestions? I didn't want to limit myself to just using the RCA audio cables, but if I'm stuck, I guess that's what I may have to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

If you want to change the wire, you will have to cut and splice in the middle. Personally though, I like that the wires are integratal. They are pretty long (the back speaker wire is, I estimate, over 25' long), and it assures that the proper polarity of the wires is maintained.

Also, it does not have the fancy features like Sirius Satellite Radio, Blu-ray DVD playing capability and other features that the newest models (as of now) have, but then again, you would pay 5 times as much or more to buy the latest model home theater system!!

A remedy to this (because I have a PS3 which only has OPTICAL (Sony = OPTICAL, Philips = Coaxial - rare that each have both) is buy a converter. [...] It's a good system at a REALLY good price - it'd be a shame to pass it up when $[...] fixes it.

The wires are attached to the speaker hence the 4 stars. I would have had to splice the wires anyways, because we have in-wall wires. iPod dock is not very exciting.

Though it was cheap, it was cheaper... GET IT? Buyer beware.

One thing they should improve on is the speaker connections. You cannot extend the speaker distance without splicing the wires and you cannot swap out the factory speaker wire for hire quality wire. Everything considered, I would recommend this product to anyone that does not need Bose quality sound.

Potential Con's: As far as the speaker wire goes, the wire is pretty long and it should not be too difficult to mount the rear speakers at the rear in a medium-sized room (I took them directly through under my carpet, so I did not even have to use one-quarter of the length of the wire). However, people who have really large living rooms and no carpeting might find it frustrating, especially since the wires are inserted directly into the speakers and there is no way of changing/replacing them without opening up the speakers and tearing off the original wire connection with the speakers.

OPTICAL. Certain systems will only have one or the other, because they only want to support one technology. I did a lot of research on this, because it was annoying.

I give it 4 stars because this system has digital coaxial audio and NO optical. My Samsung LCD 37 inch HDTV does NOT have digital coax (it has optical, of course). I just ordered a digital coax cable from monoprice thinking I also had a coax out on my TV.

Unfortunately it's plastic so I will not burn it for pleasure.

no, not even by using the "audio sync" button. So, you are forced to use only the Phillips speakers...

I find the system to be quite nice for the money. However, there are only two sound inputs for aux equipment, and no video in inputs for game counsols. It does have a HDMI port though.

The only thing I don't like is that the speaker wires are attached, but it's not the first all-in-one home theater system I've seen do that. I agree that the lack of an optical audio input is annoying, but just like the Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD rivalry exists, so does the COAXIAL VS.

If you want to change the wire, you will have to cut and splice in the middle. Personally though, I like that the wires are integratal. They are pretty long (the back speaker wire is, I estimate, over 25' long), and it assures that the proper polarity of the wires is maintained.

The wires are attached to the speaker hence the 4 stars. I would have had to splice the wires anyways, because we have in-wall wires. iPod dock is not very exciting.

One thing they should improve on is the speaker connections. You cannot extend the speaker distance without splicing the wires and you cannot swap out the factory speaker wire for hire quality wire. Everything considered, I would recommend this product to anyone that does not need Bose quality sound.

Potential Con's: As far as the speaker wire goes, the wire is pretty long and it should not be too difficult to mount the rear speakers at the rear in a medium-sized room (I took them directly through under my carpet, so I did not even have to use one-quarter of the length of the wire). However, people who have really large living rooms and no carpeting might find it frustrating, especially since the wires are inserted directly into the speakers and there is no way of changing/replacing them without opening up the speakers and tearing off the original wire connection with the speakers.

For the same reason, people who like to replace thin wires with their choice of thick wires will probably not be satisfied with this system. The loading tray is very thin and appears flimsy, so just be careful when putting / taking out DVD's so that you don't break it by accident. The loading time for DVD's / CD's is a little long which can be a bit annoying at times, but then again, this is not really a technical "problem", this is just a limitation of an entry-level system, and you should not complain about it, especially at this price!

The only thing I don't like is that the speaker wires are attached, but it's not the first all-in-one home theater system I've seen do that. I agree that the lack of an optical audio input is annoying, but just like the Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD rivalry exists, so does the COAXIAL VS.

If you want to change the wire, you will have to cut and splice in the middle. Personally though, I like that the wires are integratal. They are pretty long (the back speaker wire is, I estimate, over 25' long), and it assures that the proper polarity of the wires is maintained.

The wires are attached to the speaker hence the 4 stars. I would have had to splice the wires anyways, because we have in-wall wires. iPod dock is not very exciting.

One thing they should improve on is the speaker connections. You cannot extend the speaker distance without splicing the wires and you cannot swap out the factory speaker wire for hire quality wire. Everything considered, I would recommend this product to anyone that does not need Bose quality sound.

Potential Con's: As far as the speaker wire goes, the wire is pretty long and it should not be too difficult to mount the rear speakers at the rear in a medium-sized room (I took them directly through under my carpet, so I did not even have to use one-quarter of the length of the wire). However, people who have really large living rooms and no carpeting might find it frustrating, especially since the wires are inserted directly into the speakers and there is no way of changing/replacing them without opening up the speakers and tearing off the original wire connection with the speakers.

The only thing I don't like is that the speaker wires are attached, but it's not the first all-in-one home theater system I've seen do that. I agree that the lack of an optical audio input is annoying, but just like the Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD rivalry exists, so does the COAXIAL VS.

It does not consistently charge the 2 iPods we've tried. And, the input switching does not stop/pause playback on the iPod. So, they basically mapped the power input (kind of) and the audio output, but nothing else.

:) I suppose the next step now would be to get a converter but before I jump in and do this, anyone have any suggestions? I didn't want to limit myself to just using the RCA audio cables, but if I'm stuck, I guess that's what I may have to do. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I give it 4 stars because this system has digital coaxial audio and NO optical. My Samsung LCD 37 inch HDTV does NOT have digital coax (it has optical, of course). I just ordered a digital coax cable from monoprice thinking I also had a coax out on my TV.

no, not even by using the "audio sync" button. So, you are forced to use only the Phillips speakers...

Potential Con's: As far as the speaker wire goes, the wire is pretty long and it should not be too difficult to mount the rear speakers at the rear in a medium-sized room (I took them directly through under my carpet, so I did not even have to use one-quarter of the length of the wire). However, people who have really large living rooms and no carpeting might find it frustrating, especially since the wires are inserted directly into the speakers and there is no way of changing/replacing them without opening up the speakers and tearing off the original wire connection with the speakers.

no, not even by using the "audio sync" button. So, you are forced to use only the Phillips speakers...

For the same reason, people who like to replace thin wires with their choice of thick wires will probably not be satisfied with this system. The loading tray is very thin and appears flimsy, so just be careful when putting / taking out dvd's so that you don't break it by accident. The loading time for dvd's / CD's is a little long which can be a bit annoying at times, but then again, this is not really a technical "problem", this is just a limitation of an entry-level system, and you should not complain about it, especially at this price!

The only thing I don't like is that the speaker wires are attached, but it's not the first all-in-one home theater system I've seen do that. I agree that the lack of an optical audio input is annoying, but just like the Blu-Ray vs. HD dvd rivalry exists, so does the COAXIAL VS.

Also, it does not have the fancy features like Sirius Satellite Radio, Blu-ray dvd playing capability and other features that the newest models (as of now) have, but then again, you would pay 5 times as much or more to buy the latest model home theater system!!

The only thing I don't like is that the speaker wires are attached, but it's not the first all-in-one home theater system I've seen do that. I agree that the lack of an optical audio input is annoying, but just like the Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD rivalry exists, so does the coaxial VS.

A remedy to this (because I have a PS3 which only has OPTICAL (Sony = OPTICAL, Philips = coaxial - rare that each have both) is buy a converter. [...] It's a good system at a REALLY good price - it'd be a shame to pass it up when $[...] fixes it.

I give it 4 stars because this system has digital coaxial audio and NO optical. My Samsung LCD 37 inch HDTV does NOT have digital coax (it has optical, of course). I just ordered a digital coax cable from monoprice thinking I also had a coax out on my TV.

If you want to change the wire, you will have to cut and splice in the middle. Personally though, I like that the wires are integratal. They are pretty long (the back speaker wire is, I estimate, over 25' long), and it assures that the proper polarity of the wires is maintained.

One thing they should improve on is the speaker connections. You cannot extend the speaker distance without splicing the wires and you cannot swap out the factory speaker wire for hire quality wire. Everything considered, I would recommend this product to anyone that does not need Bose quality sound.

Potential Con's: As far as the speaker wire goes, the wire is pretty long and it should not be too difficult to mount the rear speakers at the rear in a medium-sized room (I took them directly through under my carpet, so I did not even have to use one-quarter of the length of the wire). However, people who have really large living rooms and no carpeting might find it frustrating, especially since the wires are inserted directly into the speakers and there is no way of changing/replacing them without opening up the speakers and tearing off the original wire connection with the speakers.

The only thing I don't like is that the speaker wires are attached, but it's not the first all-in-one home theater system I've seen do that. I agree that the lack of an optical audio input is annoying, but just like the Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD rivalry exists, so does the COAXIAL VS.

It does not consistently charge the 2 iPods we've tried. And, the input switching does not stop/pause playback on the iPod. So, they basically mapped the power input (kind of) and the audio output, but nothing else.

no, not even by using the "audio sync" button. So, you are forced to use only the phillips speakers...