Audio Video News

Do you have an apartment, condominium, guesthouse, or mother-in-law suite where you'd like to install a low-cost home theater system? If you've got a monitor, Onkyo can supply the rest.

The audio electronics giant has recently introduced the Envision Theater LSV-950, a turnkey system that includes an integrated 40-Watt per channel DVD receiver and 5.1-channel speaker array. Onkyo claims that the addition of a television set or monitor is all that's needed to turn any room "into a great sounding home theater in minutes."

The Envision Theater's DVD receiver offers progressive-scan component video for use with high-resolution displays, as well as S-video and standard A/V outputs for optimum compatibility with existing televisions. Audio and video performance were both addressed in the design of the LSV-950's electronics; in addition to DVDs, the player can handle CDs, CD-R/RWs, and even MP3-encoded discs. 5.1-channel surround sound can be decoded via internal Dolby Digital, Dolby ProLogic II and DTS decoders. An AM/FM tuner with 30 presets completes the audio electronics package. Four extra A/V inputs are available for other sources such as VCR, cable converter, or satellite receiver.

A dedicated low-frequency output feeds the 120-watt powered subwoofer. The five surround speakers are easy to hookup thanks to a foolproof color coding system. The center channel and satellites are equipped with 3" Onkyo "Micro Fiber Cone" woofers and ceramic tweeters for ideally matched tonal response, and all are magnetically shielded to prevent picture degradation if placed near television screens. Included is a full-function learning remote control that can be programmed to operate all the components in a home entertainment system.

Sounds easy, doesn't it? The price makes it even nicer: the complete Envision Theater LS-V950 carries a suggested retail price of only $900. It's available at Onkyo dealers nationwide.