Koss KS4102 Progressive-Scan DVD Home Theater System

Koss KS4102 Progressive-Scan DVD Home Theater System Reviews

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Koss KS4102 Progressive-Scan DVD Home Theater System Detail

• Home theater system with combo receiver/amplifier and progressive-scan DVD player
• 520 watts of total power
• DVD player compatible with VCD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, and JPEG
• Wide variety of audio and video connections, including S-video, component, and RF
• 5.1-channel Dolby Digital output

A complete audio and video system at this price must be some kind of trick, right? But the KS4102, despite a few quirks and deficiencies, is the real deal: its five speakers, subwoofer, and 520-watt receiver/amplifier deliver a powerful theater experience for a fraction of the cost of a system from a more well-known brand.

Setup is a fairly painless process, even for technophobes, thanks to the clear graphic instructions and color-coded wires. If you have never had this many speakers at your disposal before, here's how it works: The two front speakers go on either side of your television, the center speaker goes (duh) in the center (on the top of the TV is the ideal spot), while the surround-sound speakers are best placed behind the viewer, so you can get the full aural effect of, say, Predator moving from one side of the room to the other. The formidable subwoofer, like the proverbial 800-pound gorilla, can go anywhere you want, though we got the best results by placing it on the floor near the television. Our only complaint about the setup process is that some of the supplied stereo cords are too short.

The sound can be adjusted by choosing one of various presets--"Jazz," "Rock," etc.--which is obviously not as good as being able to adjust the levels manually, but we found that the presets work surprisingly well. The Jazz setting gave added punch to the horns on a Ray Charles record, and the Rock mode properly brings out the bright thwack of snare drums. The DVD picture quality is also excellent, thanks to the progressive-scan (480p) compatibility.

A flaw in the system is the nonresponsiveness of the receiver. It takes a good five seconds after inserting a disc for anything to happen at all--and if all you want to do is listen to the radio, you have to wait until the system figures out that there was no disc inserted. Also, the sound goes annoyingly silent for a moment whenever you switch between modes. Overall, though, the KS4102 delivers admirable quality at a remarkable price. --David Stoesz

Pros:

• Excellent value
• Progressive-scan capability
• Booming subwoofer

Cons:

• No manual adjustment of audio settings
• Unresponsive controls
• Speaker cords too short

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:Plays DVD, CD, S/VCD, CD-R/W, DVD+RW, and DVD-R/W for ease of use;Also plays MP3, WMA, and Picture CD for your convenience;520 W total output from front center, rear and subwoofer, all included as a complete set;Complete with digital tuner and let you enjoy the favorite radio stations;Progressive Scan (480P/576P);Dolby Digital Decoder for quality sound;Multiple audio/video sound formats tailored your language preference;Component and S-video output;Full function remote control allows complete control with one hand;VF display and on-screen menu display and controls;Hi resolution multi-screen format;Multiple language formats;Movie time, track, and title search;DVD and audio CD loop repeat play feature;Multiple audio and MP-3 CD play feature;Angle control (on DVD disc with this feature).

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Feb 11, 2011 10:16:05