Sony HT-SS380 Surround Sound System
5.1 Surround Sound with 3D Capabilities
Features
The Sony HT-SS380 Surround Sound System is a lossless 5.1-channel system with 1,000 watts of power (167x5 + 165). There are 3 HDMI inputs so you can connect multiple HD devices. My suggestion? A game console, Blu-ray disc player, and your HD cable provider. All of this is easy to use because of the BRAVIA widget. The BRAVIA widget is a unified on-screen interface that lets you make audio adjustments without having to interrupt your programming. If you're watching TV, you don't have to switch inputs to go to the surround sound system to tweak the audio. Just use the BRAVIA widget, make some adjustments, and continue on your merry way.
This system has a feature called an HDMI Repeater which can save you money and makes for an efficient layout and less mess of tangled cords. The HDMI Repeater simplifies audio and video transfer, and supports 3D playback. Easily switch between devices with the press of a single button, a valuable feature when a single system can be connected to 3 or 4 different devices. Also, once all the devices are connected to the Sony HT-SS380, a single HDMI cord connects everything to your HDTV. This is what makes for a more efficient design and less cords. It saves you money because you're not buying 6 HDMI cords, which can be extremely costly, especially if you're running 3D.
For those worried about how a surround sound system will integrate into the decor of their living room, the Sony HT-SS380 has a sleek monolithic design which means there are sharp edges and a smooth black finish that can work into almost any color and design scheme. The speakers are also of a smaller design so they won't dominate your living room and can be tucked away if necessary.
The TV Out HDMI Port serves as an Audio Return Channel (ARC). All audio originating from HDTV is routed through the home theater system. This is an important feature because chances are if you spend the money on a home theater system you want to use it when watching TV. The ARC is the best way to connect audio to the system, and prevents any lag from occurring. A deceptively simple feature is an iPod dock which lets you connect your iPod to the surround sound system. iPhone support is available if you purchase a separate connector called the TDM-IP50.
Linear PCM support means that when you connect an HDMI Blu-ray disc player, the surround sound system supports the latest audio codecs and can use Dolby TrueHD and dts HD enhanced audio. This means when you're watching movies you're taking advantage of all the features that make Blu-ray the most vivid viewing experience out there. If you're paying for it, you might as well get the most out of it, right?
Cost
Retail price is $349.99. I've seen it on sale for $299.99. It is reasonable that it could be found for less.
If you found this article helpful follow me on Twitter @mattschirano and I'll let you know when new articles are published.
Sources:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&partNumber=HTSS380
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882105584
The Sony HT-SS380 Surround Sound System is a lossless 5.1-channel system with 1,000 watts of power (167x5 + 165). There are 3 HDMI inputs so you can connect multiple HD devices. My suggestion? A game console, Blu-ray disc player, and your HD cable provider. All of this is easy to use because of the BRAVIA widget. The BRAVIA widget is a unified on-screen interface that lets you make audio adjustments without having to interrupt your programming. If you're watching TV, you don't have to switch inputs to go to the surround sound system to tweak the audio. Just use the BRAVIA widget, make some adjustments, and continue on your merry way.
This system has a feature called an HDMI Repeater which can save you money and makes for an efficient layout and less mess of tangled cords. The HDMI Repeater simplifies audio and video transfer, and supports 3D playback. Easily switch between devices with the press of a single button, a valuable feature when a single system can be connected to 3 or 4 different devices. Also, once all the devices are connected to the Sony HT-SS380, a single HDMI cord connects everything to your HDTV. This is what makes for a more efficient design and less cords. It saves you money because you're not buying 6 HDMI cords, which can be extremely costly, especially if you're running 3D.
For those worried about how a surround sound system will integrate into the decor of their living room, the Sony HT-SS380 has a sleek monolithic design which means there are sharp edges and a smooth black finish that can work into almost any color and design scheme. The speakers are also of a smaller design so they won't dominate your living room and can be tucked away if necessary.
The TV Out HDMI Port serves as an Audio Return Channel (ARC). All audio originating from HDTV is routed through the home theater system. This is an important feature because chances are if you spend the money on a home theater system you want to use it when watching TV. The ARC is the best way to connect audio to the system, and prevents any lag from occurring. A deceptively simple feature is an iPod dock which lets you connect your iPod to the surround sound system. iPhone support is available if you purchase a separate connector called the TDM-IP50.
Linear PCM support means that when you connect an HDMI Blu-ray disc player, the surround sound system supports the latest audio codecs and can use Dolby TrueHD and dts HD enhanced audio. This means when you're watching movies you're taking advantage of all the features that make Blu-ray the most vivid viewing experience out there. If you're paying for it, you might as well get the most out of it, right?
Cost
Retail price is $349.99. I've seen it on sale for $299.99. It is reasonable that it could be found for less.
If you found this article helpful follow me on Twitter @mattschirano and I'll let you know when new articles are published.
Sources:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&partNumber=HTSS380
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882105584
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by Matt Schirano
Matt Schirano is a freelance writer living in Glendale, Arizona. He has a Bachelor's in Journalism and a Masters in Library Science. View profile
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