Samsung debuts HT-AS730 home theater system
(Credit:
Samsung)
Samsung has taken the wraps off the HT-AS730, a component-based home theater system. Unlike the slate of sexy Blu-ray home theater systems back at January's Consumer Electronics Show, the HT-AS730 is aimed at those who already have a disc player or game console: it has three HDMI inputs and four digital audio inputs (1 coaxial, 3 optical), plus an iPod/iPhone dock. The receiver/amplifier pumps out 650 watts of power to the five included speakers (there's also an active sub), and the system can be auto-calibrated to your specific room with the included microphone.
The Samsung HT-AS730 hits store shelves in April for $500. It will go head-to-head with competing component-based home theater systems from Yamaha (the YHT-491BL), Onkyo (the HT-S5200), and Sony (the HT-SS360). We're somewhat miffed that the Samsung doesn't include decoding for the latest Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Blu-ray soundtracks, but those who own players with onboard decoding and analog outputs can take advantage of the HT-AS730's 7.1-channel analog inputs.
Look for a full CNET review of the HT-AS730 soon.
On Sale Now: $279.95 - $499.98
View the latest prices for Samsung HT-AS730ST
John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002. 
The problem is have, first is I can not receive any Hi Def. channels ( with Comcast, the is the 700 series, about 20 of them)
Everytime I try one, the screen goes "snowey",,
Second problem, is every time I turn the TV back on, after watching tv just prior, I have to reset both the FUNCTION and INPUT to make it work. I used to own the HT-AS720,,, and that problem did not exist.
So I am very displeased with the new unit, and will be returning it.