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Sony BDV-IS1000: Review

Posted to Lifestyle/ Mini Systems 2009-03-05

The Sony BDV-IS1000 is Sony's latest entry into the home theater in a box category. Featuring a Blu-Ray disc player and full 1080p resolution, the system includes everything you need to set up a home theater system. Speaker wire is included, but you won't need it for the rear speakers because this system includes Sony's S-AIR wireless technology and an S-AIR receiver for the rear speakers.

Other features of the BDV-IS1000 system include 1080p upscaling of existing DVDs and BD-Live capability, which manages to achieve a rich, room-filling theater sound from one subwoofer and 5 golf-ball size speakers. The unit also features Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD sound formats, dual HDMI inputs and one HDMI output, a digital media input port, and a docking station for select Walkman and iPod MP3 players. You can also enjoy music stored on PCs and Bluetooth devices.

Rating:

4.8 out of 5

Features

The BDV-IS1000 includes enough features to make it a good starting point for a complete multimedia system. The dual HDMI inputs along with the HDMI output means that you can run other HDMI devices thru the unit for added convenience. And the Walkman/iPod dock, digital media port and Bluetooth capability make certain that you have all of the connectivity options that you need. The wireless rear speakers greatly simplify installation and mean no more trying to hide the wires running across the room.

Performance

You're first reaction when you see the size of the 5 surround speakers in this system is likely to be "those are cute, but I wanted something that puts out a little power". Not to worry, you will be amazed at the sound that Sony manages to achieve from these golf-ball sized speakers. Even the higher bass tones have plenty of power, and the more traditional subwoofer reproduces the lowest frequencies faithfully. The Blu-Ray disc player loads fast and the DVD upscaling delivers better results than most.

Summary

If you're looking for a complete system with big sound in a small package, the BDV-IS1000 definitely belongs on your short list. It is a bit pricey, but you get a lot for your money. If you live in a small apartment or have a small media room, the BDV-IS1000 solves the space problem without sacrificing sound quality.

Pros

Blu-Ray Disc player with DVD 1080p upscaling
Wireless rear speakers
Extremely small surround speakers
Wealth of connectivity options
Excellent sound for such a small system

Cons

There are no cons for this product