Samsung HT-BD2

Samsung’s audio-visual range has steadily been improving year on year, to the extent that the company’s tellies are now some of the most desirable and affordable on the market. But what about its Blu-ray players? The Samsung HT-BD2 offers 7.1 surround sound, and some stunning audio options, but does it serve up a similarly delicious feast for your eyes? We have the answer…


Pros
Samsung hasn’t scrimped on the audio side of this all-in-one home cinema system, and the 7.1 surround setup here means you can experience every audio channel on any Blu-ray movie through its own dedicated speaker, with the active subwoofer providing a bass accompaniment that’s got more bass than a sea bass farm in the Chikugo Estuary (trust us – there are a lot there!).

Cons
Conforming only to Blu-ray Profile 1.0 (tsk!), the HT-BD2 is neither able to connect to the web for BD-Live content nor display picture-in-picture LiveView features (pah!). The build quality feels a little flimsy and lightweight in comparison to rival systems, too (phooey!).

Verdict
If surround sound is your bag, the Samsung is the Blu-ray system for you. With no fewer than seven satellite speakers (four of which are giant floorstanders) and a subwoofer in the box that’s got more woof than a doberman on heat with rabies, it spreads powerful audio effects around your living room with all the accuracy of Phil “The Power” Taylor. Aside from that, it’s fairly run of the mill with limited connectivity, no LiveView and a build quality that’s more plasticky than Joan Rivers’ face. Still Blu-ray movies do look pleasingly sharp.

Picture quality

Sound

Style

Features

Value

Overall

Like this Blu-ray player? Get chatting about the Samsung HT-BD2 on the PriceRunner forums.

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