Samsung HT-E5500W 5.1 Blu-ray 3D Home Theater System Preview

Central Hall is alive as Samsung updates its revised line of home theater systems, including 5.1 Channel Wireless 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System, model HT-E5500W. This system lacks the tower speakers or vacuum tube tech of the higher-priced Samsung HT-E6730W, but its strengths lie in the Crystal Amp Plus technology, which offers pure digital audio playback and quality while also managing and smoothing out volume jumps. And Samsung didn't skimp in the video either. Both the HT-E6730W and HT-E5500W Home Theater Systems offer built-in WiFi for easy access to a new world of web-connected entertainment via a full web browser, as well as hundreds of premium apps from leading brands such as AOL, CNBC, ESPN, MTV, NBA and The Broadway Channel through Samsung Apps. Users can also choose and manage their social networks via popular services such as Facebook or Twitter.

DVD and streaming media can be up-converted to full HD 1080p since each home theater system employs a Samsung-developed system-on-a-chip (SoC) dedicated to high-definition processing such as scaling and image quality enhancement.

This six-speaker 5.1 channel system offers a virtual 7.1 channel sound experience by using an advanced algorithm that analyzes the sound in the two rear speakers to create the effect of two additional channels of sound. The home theater system also features Samsung's new 3D Sound technology, which syncs the audio track of 3D content to match 3D motion on the screen and adds vertical 3D sound effects for a uniquely immersive visual and audio experience. The HT-E5500W's BD Wise Plus feature automatically adjusts the Samsung TV setting to provide optimal picture for each scenario.

With two HDMI 1.4a inputs, the HT-E5500W allows users to simply connect to a set-top box and a game console, for example. Additionally, the HT-E5500W comes with an Apple-certified iPod/iPhone dock so users can access their iTunes collections without a connector cable.

Of [particular note, users will supposedly be able to access the innovative Disc to Digital feature in the Blu-ray player which enables users to turn eligible copies of their personal DVD collection into digital content. Once users register their ownership of movies, they will be able to access and view this content on multiple devices in the home and on the go, or upgrade their collection by purchasing HD quality versions of these movies.

For more information check out www.samsung.com/us/video/blu-ray-systems after CES.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.