Samsung HT-WS1: Budget sound bar speaker

(Credit: Samsung)

Considering its full plate of goodies--built-in Blu-ray player, iPod dock, and the capability to stream Netflix movies and Pandora's online music service--the $800 price tag on Samsung's HT-BD8200 sound bar is quite reasonable. But that's not to say it won't be a tough sell in these economically anxious times. And that's where the new HT-WS1 comes in. The smaller sound bar is strictly audio-only--no Blu-ray, no DVD, no video connectivity whatsoever. It's more of a glorified TV speaker, accepting either an analog stereo or digital-optical input (it can decode standard Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks). A wireless subwoofer handles bass duties. The HT-WS1 is due to be released in April with a recession-friendly $350 price tag. That puts it squarely in competition with the Vizio VSB210WS, which also includes a wireless sub.

[Rob Zantay]

The idea of a review is to let us know how the thing sounds. Let me show you. The Yamaha sound Bar (40" S1000) ia amazing after you put in the information about the room shape and size you are instructed to place the mic in the place where you will be sitting while watching your TV. It then tell's you to leave the room. Like a dolphine the unit sends out pinging sounds and adjusts the 42 speakers and amplifiers so when you come back in and try it out you are blown away by the illistion of true surround sound. The Yamaha Bar speaker is one of the best DVD sound experiences I've ever had.
Now just what does the unit you tested sound like?

[SRkidds]

I have to agree. I see that this one is inexpensive but where's the part you tell me it's a good speaker? The Vizio soundbar if definitely winning me over. It's getting good reviews on here and at
http://www.i4u.com/article23723.html

[yonan32]

ok so basically if i already got a dvd player, i can just connect the video to my TV and the audio to this Samsung soundbar? it will decode the audio into (virtual) 5.1 right? sounds like a good budget setup.

[taifu309]

This is a horrible piece of technology. The woofer cuts in and out, and the company is no help. Buy something else.

[joewaite4392]

Check your optical cable; it ships with a piece of garbage that makes connectivity a nightmare.