Onkyo Intros New Budget Home Theater Sets

Onkyo's new HT-S3100, HT-S4100, and HT-S5100 packaged home theater systems offer HDTV-savvy surround sound and wallet-friendly prices.

Onkyo has introduced three new affordable “home theater in a box” systems designed as entry-level purchases that can get film buffs, gamers, and new HDTV owners into the world of home theater and surround sound without straining their pocketbooks.

Leading the group of new systems is the HT-S5100, offering 7.1 channel surround count, three HDMI inputs (with 1080p pasthru), and an iPod dock that lets users plug in (and, of course, charge) their personal media players. The S5100 also includes Audessey 2EQ room correction technology that can automatically adjust sound characteristics and delays for each speaker relative to active listening locations and accommodate low-level listening. The S5100 also sports Dolby and DTS surround sound, a 130 Watt per-channel amp (with a 290-watt subwoofer), and seven satellite speakers. The system is also ready for Sirius satellite radio, and integrates optimizer technology to make MP3s and AAC files compressed for headphone use sound better over a legitimate audio system.

Next up, the HT-S4100 and HT-S3100 dial back to 5.1 surround sound, but still offer DTS and Dolby Digital surround sound processing. The S4100 offers a 200-watt subwoofer and an iPod dock; the S3100 powers its subwoofer off the main amp and lacks an iPod dock.

All three units ship in silver and black finishes, and come with a full-function remote control. They should be available this month; the HT0-S5100 carries a suggested retail price of $579, with the HT-S4100 and HT-S3100 coming in at $479 and $379, respectively.