No offense but looking at your taste I wouldn't think you would go with a HTIB.

 

It really isn't my taste but I though it looked nice...

 

My taste and price range are absolutely HTIB h:

I've been debating between the sony DAV-FX80 and the Panasonic SCHT930. The Sony looks much better, but lacks in the bass department. The panasonic seems to have better sound quality, a better loading system for the dvd player, and is cheaper. However, I'm not sure about digital input for 5.1 HD surround broadcasts.

 

the panasonic has no digital inputs... iirc the sony has 1 coax and 1 opt input

 

So then it wouldn't reproduce 5.1 during HD broadcasts? I believe it has RCA...my cable box has component RCA connections, as well as digital coax.

 

the only input on the panasonic are 3 sets of RCA for tv, vcr, and aux. Im not sure if they can be tied together for 5.1 input.

 

Well, I'll at least get surround in stereo if not 5.1...that's worth the price difference I think, and having the ability for wireless rear speakers...not to mention the added punch from the sub not being passive and of better design, and a better overall sounding system. But, the Sony setup would look so sweet next to our sony HD set. :happysad:

 

pure 5.1 > 5.1 surround from stereo

i have a sony 61in non hd tv with a sony 6.1 receiver... and watching movies on hbo/stars/etc with 5.1 from the cable box feels just like watching DVDs

 

What's a sub $500 HTIB system you would recommend? We have a 52" Sony Grand Wega LCD Projection HD set. The Sony HTIB didn't have enough bass, but there might be a way to adjust it through the remote...remote wasn't out there, so I'll have to ask.

 

cant really make a recommendation since i havent look at HTIBs muck since 2000. h: The sub i have is 120 Watts (active) and its enough for movies. Check reviews and try stuff out at stores.