Koss KS3161 Progressive Scan DVD Home Theater System
Koss KS3161 Progressive Scan DVD Home Theater System
Product Description
Amazon.com Review
As the costs associated with full-blown home-theater entertainment drop, the features-per-dollar ratio continues to skyrocket. A prime example of this upswing in value is Koss's stylish KS3161, which features not only a powered 5.1-channel surround speaker system, but a versatile, progressive-scan DVD/CD player, too--and all with a price tag we can only call "inviting."
We found the system a cinch to set up and configure, thanks in part to its color-coded speaker cables and speaker terminals. And, at this price, the system represents an exciting way to enjoy everything from DVD movies to JPEG image CDs and MP3/WMA music files. Whether you're making the jump from VCR to DVD, looking for a space-saving system for an apartment, or setting up the bedroom for movie watching, the KS3161 is a worthy choice. It would be great for gaming, too, especially when matched with a flat-panel LCD television.
The heart of the system is its arched, futuristic-looking source component, which houses both a disc player and its associated preamplifier circuitry (Dolby surround processing, equalizer settings, a radio tuner, and volume control). Antennas for FM and AM radio are included, and the drift-free PLL (phase-locked loop) digital tuner automatically seeks and locks in the strongest stations. You can store up to 20 stations in memory for 1-touch access.
The disc player handles a range of media, jumping effortlessly from DVD-Video movies to homemade DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW media. JPEG discs pop immediately into slideshow mode, filling the screen with exceptionally vivid landscape images and top-to-bottom portrait shots. (Many DVD players will present images in the middle of the screen, filling otherwise usable space with black.) Zooming is an option for both movies and photos. With non-DVD discs, you can program tracks or images to play in a desired sequence (1 to 99).
For DVDs, you get 2 bookmarks (memory settings for finding your way back to the point, say, where your spouse nodded off) and multidisc resume. Best of all, if you're using a high-definition or HD-ready screen, you'll appreciate the progressive-scan video output. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.
A special multipin cable transmits audio from the source unit to the subwoofer, which in turn amplifies audio for all 6 channels, pumping 50 watts each to the front left/right, center channel, and rear left/right satellites. The sub itself benefits from 100 watts to give the ".1" LFE (low-frequency effects) signal some kick.
The system has its limitations, though. For one thing, it doesn't decode DTS surround sound. Not too a big deal, since you won't find many DTS discs that don't also have a Dolby 5.1 soundtrack. Also, the subwoofer doesn't produce the deep bass associated with subs that sell for as much as this whole system. What you get in return is compact speakers you can tuck anywhere, together with reasonably full-bodied sound.
The satellite speakers, being as small as they are (roughly 4.3 x 5.8 x 4.8 inches, W x H x D), sound pretty thin without the sub. There's a slight boxy quality even with the subwoofer, however, and music sources reveal a deficiency in midrange frequencies (critical for natural-sounding voices). Still, at this price, you can't expect topnotch sound.
With a host of Dolby Pro Logic II simulated surround modes and several equalizer presets, the KS3161 offers many ways to tailor the sound. Dolby Pro Logic II is one of the better DSP (digital signal processing) methods for generating surround information from 2-channel sources like music or TV shows.
The source unit's rear panel offers a stereo RCA auxiliary input (for a PC or cassette deck), a coaxial digital-audio output (for use with a CD recorder or--as a DVD/CD player--with a standalone surround receiver), and a set of 5.1-channel RCA analog audio outputs. The system is covered by a 90-day parts-and-labor warranty. --Michael Mikesell
Pros:
Easy setup
Broad format compatibility
Progressive-scan video capability
Great price
Full-screen, high-quality JPEG image viewing
Permits 2x scanning within MP3 tracks
96 kHz digital-audio output
Flexible speaker configuration
Multidisc resume
Alarm clock (wake to disc or radio)
Cons:
Music sounds slightly boxy
Always-on fan in subwoofer is potentially distracting
No DTS decoding
No MP3 ID3-tag recognition
Front-speaker wires may be too short for some (6.5 feet x 3)
What's in the Box
DVD player/preamplifier, 1 subwoofer/amplifier, 1 system cable, 5 satellite speakers, a remote control, FM/AM antennas, color-coded speaker wires, a user's manual, and warranty information.
Product Description:
The Koss Home Theater System is packed with features and power at a fantastic value. The arched, futuristic-looking main component is both a DVD player and receiver/amplifier combination. Play DVD, VCD, DVD-R/W, DVD-R/RW, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA and JPEG discs. A 5.1-channel surround sound system utilizes 500 total watts of power (80 watts per 5 channels and 100-watt subwoofer). System offers composite, component and S-video outputs, and composite and digital audio inputs. Other great features include Dolby surround processing, a radio tuner with 20 station presets, FM and AM radio antennas, remote control, color-coded speaker wires and user's manual. Imported. Speakers: 6Hx4-1/3Wx4-1/3L". Subwoofer: 13-1/2Hx16-1/2Wx8-1/2L".
Koss KS3161 Progressive Scan DVD Home Theater System
Average customer rating: 
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Koss KS3161 Progressive Scan DVD Home Theater System
Manufacturer: Koss ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics  All Home Theater Systems
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ASIN: B00029U0ZY |
Product Description
Koss Audio and Video Electronics started producing and selling its innovative, high quality products more than 10 years ago. Koss' broad product base is continually evolving in support of newer technologies and changing market trends. A particular focus and strength is the development of technology that enhances the consumer's lifestyle.PRODUCT FEATURES: Uniquely designed home theater system with semi-vertical DVD/Audio CD player; Each sound channel discreetly amplified by digital amplifier; Connect VCR, Satellite/Cable box, or other equipment to receive full 5.1 output; Fully functional DVD and Audio CD player will play DVD, VCD, SVCD, DVD-R, DVD+RW; Also plays, CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, and JPEG encoded discs; Complete with digital tuner and let you enjoy the favorite radio stations; Color coded speakers and wiring make it easy to set up.Amazon.com Review
As the costs associated with full-blown home-theater entertainment drop, the features-per-dollar ratio continues to skyrocket. A prime example of this upswing in value is Koss's stylish KS3161, which features not only a powered 5.1-channel surround speaker system, but a versatile, progressive-scan DVD/CD player, too--and all with a price tag we can only call "inviting."We found the system a cinch to set up and configure, thanks in part to its color-coded speaker cables and speaker terminals. And, at this price, the system represents an exciting way to enjoy everything from DVD movies to JPEG image CDs and MP3/WMA music files. Whether you're making the jump from VCR to DVD, looking for a space-saving system for an apartment, or setting up the bedroom for movie watching, the KS3161 is a worthy choice. It would be great for gaming, too, especially when matched with a flat-panel LCD television.
The heart of the system is its arched, futuristic-looking source component, which houses both a disc player and its associated preamplifier circuitry (Dolby surround processing, equalizer settings, a radio tuner, and volume control). Antennas for FM and AM radio are included, and the drift-free PLL (phase-locked loop) digital tuner automatically seeks and locks in the strongest stations. You can store up to 20 stations in memory for 1-touch access.
The disc player handles a range of media, jumping effortlessly from DVD-Video movies to homemade DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW media. JPEG discs pop immediately into slideshow mode, filling the screen with exceptionally vivid landscape images and top-to-bottom portrait shots. (Many DVD players will present images in the middle of the screen, filling otherwise usable space with black.) Zooming is an option for both movies and photos. With non-DVD discs, you can program tracks or images to play in a desired sequence (1 to 99).
For DVDs, you get 2 bookmarks (memory settings for finding your way back to the point, say, where your spouse nodded off) and multidisc resume. Best of all, if you're using a high-definition or HD-ready screen, you'll appreciate the progressive-scan video output. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.
A special multipin cable transmits audio from the source unit to the subwoofer, which in turn amplifies audio for all 6 channels, pumping 50 watts each to the front left/right, center channel, and rear left/right satellites. The sub itself benefits from 100 watts to give the ".1" LFE (low-frequency effects) signal some kick.
The system has its limitations, though. For one thing, it doesn't decode DTS surround sound. Not too a big deal, since you won't find many DTS discs that don't also have a Dolby 5.1 soundtrack. Also, the subwoofer doesn't produce the deep bass associated with subs that sell for as much as this whole system. What you get in return is compact speakers you can tuck anywhere, together with reasonably full-bodied sound.
The satellite speakers, being as small as they are (roughly 4.3 x 5.8 x 4.8 inches, W x H x D), sound pretty thin without the sub. There's a slight boxy quality even with the subwoofer, however, and music sources reveal a deficiency in midrange frequencies (critical for natural-sounding voices). Still, at this price, you can't expect topnotch sound.
With a host of Dolby Pro Logic II simulated surround modes and several equalizer presets, the KS3161 offers many ways to tailor the sound. Dolby Pro Logic II is one of the better DSP (digital signal processing) methods for generating surround information from 2-channel sources like music or TV shows.
The source unit's rear panel offers a stereo RCA auxiliary input (for a PC or cassette deck), a coaxial digital-audio output (for use with a CD recorder or--as a DVD/CD player--with a standalone surround receiver), and a set of 5.1-channel RCA analog audio outputs. The system is covered by a 90-day parts-and-labor warranty. --Michael Mikesell
Pros:
Cons:
What's in the Box
DVD player/preamplifier, 1 subwoofer/amplifier, 1 system cable, 5 satellite speakers, a remote control, FM/AM antennas, color-coded speaker wires, a user's manual, and warranty information.
Amazon.com Product Description
Add power and style to your home theater system with the Koss KS3161, featuring 350 watts of total power and 5.1-channel Dolby Digital surround sound. This uniquely designed combo receiver/DVD player has a rounded top and offers a light blue accent to the typical black home theater setup. The PLL (phase-locked loop) digital tuner seeks and locks in on the strongest stations, and it has 20 presets. The KS161 comes with 1 center speaker, 2 front speakers, 2 surround speakers, and 1 subwoofer.The progressive-scan DVD player is compatible with a full complement of disc formats, including DVD movie, CD audio, VCD, SVCD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and CD-R/RW. The KS3161 pumps 50 watts of power through 5 channels and 100 watts to the powered subwoofer. Each channel is discretely amplified by the digital amplifier, and each speaker and subwoofer can be set up for particular distance and levels of sound output. The front, center, and surround speaker wires are color-coded for easy setup, and all wires run through the subwoofer so you don't have a mess of cables hanging from the receiver.
The receiver features composite A/V, S-video, and component video outputs, as well as auxiliary A/V input for connecting a VCR or satellite/cable box and a coaxial digital audio input.
Tech Talk
Dolby Digital: In this sound format designed for movie theaters, the rear speakers output stereo sound with an expanded frequency range, and a subwoofer channel for deep bass is independently provided. This format is also called "5.1" because the subwoofer channel is counted as 0.1 channel (since it functions only when a deep bass effect is needed). All six channels in this format are recorded individually to realize superior channel separation. Furthermore, since all the signals are processed digitally, less signal degradation occurs.
What's in the Box
The Koss KS3161 home theater system includes a combo receiver/DVD player, 1 center speaker, 2 front speakers, 2 surround speakers, 1 subwoofer, remote control, batteries, speaker wire, and printed operating instructions.
Customer Reviews:
I got Ripped off.......2006-06-29
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