Strengths: Ease of set up--good sound without a lot of wiring, built in DVD, much better than the TV speakers

Weaknesses: No separate bass control

Summary: So, after purchasing a new Panasonic LCD TV, I wanted surround sound without having to buy 5 to 7 speakers and all that wiring. After reading on all the reviews, decided on the Philips Soundbar with the DVD player which is very handy. The only extra wiring is to the subwoofer that came with the set. Very easy to set up. Sound is very good, cool DVD player set up. Very handsome looking unit--sleek and even the remote control is better than any of the other remotes I have. I am NOT one of those TV nuts who has a TV dominating my living room. Aesthetically, I wanted my new system to fit in my Chinese chest. I thought that the soundbar would fit inside but unfortunately it did not so I have it sitting on top of my the chest and it's not even noticeable. So now I have form and function, gotta love it.

Strengths: Fantastic 1080p upscaling DVD player w/Faroudja DCDi - amazing picture quality on a 1080p capable HDTV. Ipod dock & wallmount included. Great price/performance ratio.

Weaknesses: Only one HDMI output, no optical out, no HDMI pass-through

Summary: Got this Philips Ambisound HTS8100/37 a week ago. Fits perfectly under my 61" HDTV and sounds a thousand times better than the built-in speakers. Upscaling DVD outputs 1080p over component or HDMI - HUGE upgrade over a standard 480p player. Not a true surround sound experience, but far better than a standard 2.1 stereo setup. Watched several flix on it and was very impressed. Nice tight bass, very clear dialogue. Great remote control. Ipod dock & included wallmount are plusses. Far better bang for the buck than a Yamaha soundbar (the Yamaha sounds better, but for the money, the Philips wins hands down!). Great build quality and design.