Sony Unveils HT-CT 500... - Page 2

Man, this really changes things for me. I was all set on the ZVOX 425 but now this looks like my number one seed. For whatever reason when I saw the original CT100 in the store it just didn't do it for me. It just seemed flimsy for lack of a better word. But now I know how happy people are with CT100 on this board, the thought of a vastly improved version of that is really appealing. I guess its good to be soundbar consumer right now. So many good choices.

--The Dan

I am still going to get a Zvox 325 for the family room regardless but yes this does change things for me also. I have the CT100 right now and love it but I am very excited about this update. I already have someone lined up to buy my CT100!

Yea, the waiting thing does suck !!!!!!!!

But I really really think the CT-500 will be coming out much sooner than June, for the reasons you said and also from my past experience buying Sony products.

If it does not come out till June I will revisit this post and delete it,,,,, so I dont look like a dumbass

Cheers
Davyo

I was told by Sony Style that it should be out by the end of the month or very beginning of April ..

That's awesome news! Hopefully they'll keep to their word !

OH man this is great! Now I have to find a way to sell one of my CT-100s (keeping the other). If this one cranks out more volume then the CT-100 then this will hands down be the best sound bar.

My wish list:
1. More volume
2. Better surround effects in a larger room.


This is the list of specs from Sony:
============================================================ ============
DVD, VCD, CD Player

*
Video Features
o HDMI™ Upscaling : Yes

Amplifier

*
Audio Features
o A/V Synch : Yes
*
Inputs and Outputs
o Analog Audio Input(s) : 2 (on Sub)
o Coaxial Audio Digital Input(s) : 1
o Component Video Input(s) : 2 (On Sub)
o Composite Video Input(s) : 1 (On Sub)
o Digital Media Port (Input) : 1 (On Sub)
o HDMI™ Connection Input(s) : 3 (On Sub)
o HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : 1 (On Sub)
o Optical Audio Input(s) : 3
*
Equalizer
o Night mode : Yes
o Portable Audio Enhancer : Yes
*
Audio
o Audio Power Output : 100W x 2 + 100W + 100W (400W)
o Digital Amplifier : Yes
o S-Master™ Amplifier : Yes (24 bit)
*
Audio Formats
o Dolby® Digital : Yes
o Dolby® Pro Logic® II : Yes
o LPCM : Yes
o dts® Decoding : Yes

Wireless

*
S-Air
o S-Air Ready : Yes (Multi Room only)

Subwoofer Speaker

*
Weights and Measurements
o Dimensions (Approx.) : 8.3" W x 14.7" H x 14.3" D (211.2 x 374 x 364mm)
o Weight (Approx.) : 4.8 Lbs (1.9kg)
*
Audio
o Impedance : 4 Ohms
o Speaker Type : Bass reflex

General

*
Speaker
o Speaker Dimensions : Main Speaker: 37.7" W x 3.3" H x 1.9" D (957 x 85 x48.8mm); Subwoofer:
o Speaker Unit : CENTER: Bass Reflex, Magetically Shielded
o Subwoofer : Bass Reflex, Magnectically Shielded
*
Video Features
o 24p True Cinema Technology : Yes, 1080/24p capable
o x.v.Color™ : yes
*
Audio
o Digital Signal Processor (DSP) : Sharc
o Equalizer : Bass, Trebble
o Sound Fields : STANDARD; MOVIE; DRAMA; NEWS; SPORTS; GAME; MUSIC; JAZZ; CLASSIC; ROCK; POP; LIVE; P.AUDIO

Center Speaker

*
Weights and Measurements
o Dimensions (Approx.) : 37.7" W x 3.5" H x 2" D (957 x 90 x51mm)
o Weight (Approx.) : 2.86 lbs (1.3kg)
*
General
o Rated Impedance : 4 ohms
o Speaker Unit : 50mm x 2
o Supplied Cable : 9.8' (3M)
o Type : Accoustic suspension

System

*
HDMI™ Features
o Deep Color : Yes

Tuner

*
Audio
o Station Preset(s) : 20 FM 10 AM

Power

* AC Power : 120V, 60Hz

* Power Consumption : 110W

* Power Consumption (in Standby) : 0.3Watt

Audio

* Bravia_Sync : Yes

* Sub Woofer Crossover : Fix 200Hz
============================================================ ===========

Wow, that's alot of soundfields, more than the CT100! Now my one question is... what's with all the crossover and wireless talk? Is the subwoofer wireless...

The wireless talk may have to due with sony's new S-air technology thingy.....

Some odd things about the specs:

1) I think that the "subwoofer speaker" (whatever that is - weird reference) will weigh more than 4.8 pounds.

2) Sony's putting "DVD, VCD CD Player" at the top of the specs implies the unit has an optical disc player, which I don't think it does.

Also, S-Air is sony's audio over wireless technology. Additionally, I have read that the unit has a Faroudja DCDi scaler to upscale all content to 1080p over HDMI. I guess to ask Sony to include an HQV Reon or Realta scalar would be asking for too much (haha).

This unit seems like a real upgrade over the already very good CT-100.

That's a shame, I was hoping this would do 5.1 with the WAHT-SA10 as a single piece wireless rear. It's so close to being perfect for space and wiring-challenged rooms...

Look on this CNET video. It is possible to see that the CT500 sound bar has two center channel drivers. They are also much larger compare to CT100 speakers.
http://cnettv.cnet.com/2001-1_53-50005387.html

This may mean that the low centers that some people had complained about on the CT100 might be a thing of the past

Want to upgrade!!

What is this CT-HT500 she is talking about... I have to wonder sometimes about CNET...
It looks like the new CT500 soundbar fits perfectly under 47" screen TV's this time around as opposed to CT100's soundbar fitting perfectly under 37" screen TV's.

Also did you notice that TV display shows "Volume -" as she tries to "crank volume up".

I see just one bad thing with CT500 - I will not be able to put it under my 40Z4100. My TV stand has only 37 3/8 " wide window.

When I spoke to the rep at the Sony Store she mentioned that it was a completely upgraded model as some of the specs show.. not just power added .. hopefully her telling me it will be out the end of the month is accurate .. My KEF kit 100 is great with dvd's but only gives me prologic 2 with blu rays due to limitations in the dvd / amp head .. its like wearing a pair of sneakers with a $1000.00 suit ....

CNET is the worst,,,, I check them out for entertainment purpose's only.

Their reviews are often wrong and incomplete.

Cheers
Davyo

I want to go to there!

I happened to see this on sstyle a day or so ago.
It also has AM/FM tuner. I think the TV mount feature is cool too (but only for the Sony W series TVs).
I have my 100 raised up on coasters as I did not like the reflections when it sat flush on my AV cabinet.

I agree, CNET is often wrong when it comes to reviews, they did give a good thumbs up to the HT-CT100. Hopefully the same reviewer does the CT-HT500... I spelled it like that on purpose. Sorry CNET...

I 2nd that. I was going to pick up the CT-100, but now I am torn.

With the release of the CT-500 so very close I would'nt even consider getting the CT-100 at this point in time,, dont be torn, just wait a few more weeks.

Cheers
Davyo

Well the only thing that has me torn is the price difference.

Price was going to be high due to many reasons.
New product; all company's jack up the price when it's first release.
The CT100 has 250watts of power and the sub had a screen that did showed the settings adjustments. Also, the sound bar (with only 1 center speaker and L & R speaker) fits under 37" TV's perfectly and the Sub is TALL but not THICK. The CT100 has only HDMI, optical, RCA Audio, and a coaxial ports. As for the CT500, it pumps out 400watts of power now and the sub not only has an ON-(TV)screen display but the sub still shows you what the settings are (ie that's why there is a black screen in the middle of the sub). The soundbar is also longer (with 2 CENTER speakers this time around with a L & R speaker) with it fitting under 47" TV's perfectly and sub may be shorter this time around but it is PUDGY (THICK). The CT500 also is going to have a broad back with composite inputs (audio AND video), HDMI, optical, RCA, and coaxial ports, more ports than the CT100.

Take into consideration that the CT500 is still the most Affordable soundbar that tons of options for it's consumers (no soundbar is this cheap with this many inputs!) and the only soundbar on the market with 5.1/7.1 LPCM uncompressed sound support. $500 may seem like alot but what you get with the CT500 should make it cost alot more, like Yamaha YSP prices more...

P.S. If you want, if the CT500 costs too much, alot of us will be selling our CT100's for the CT500 upgrade. Just check up on Ebay or Craigslist...

Thanks for the response. I know that it will have better feature, but since I live in a apartment will I ever really be able to use all 400 watts? I am going to wait until it comes out at see if the price drops at all. I think it will be easy to get a good deal on a CT100 once this comes out, if I decide to go that route.

NY Times, Thursday edition, Circuits (within the Business section):

VIZIO Soundbar VSB210WS. "Four three inch midbass drivers and two three-quarter-inch tweeters. The subwoofer is 15.5 pounds, wireless, and provides a bass response from 35Hz to 80Hz. The Soundbar also incorporates SRS Labs Truvolume, which helps prevent volume extremes when channel surfing or watching commercials. It analyzes the signal and adjusts the volume.

The $350 Vizio soundbar with wireless subwoofer is available this weekend from Sears and Dell.com. The soundbar without subwoofer is $200, available in May."

But it doesn't stream Dolby TrueTD and DTS Master Audio. Plus no HDMI switching. CT100 still better option and it cost less.

The only problem I see with this unit is having all your components hooked up to the back of it. With only one HDMI output going to your TV that means you can't calibrate the PQ to each individual equipment.

But I would hook everything up like with the CT100 so it shouldnt be a big problem

I dont think I would consider the Vizio "COMPETITION" to the CT-500 and for that matter the CT-100, when compared to the Sony's (on paper) the Vizio does not really seem to offer much in the way of any features.


Agreed !!!!!!!


Cheers
Davyo

I dont think I would consider the Vizio "COMPETITION" to the CT-500 and for that matter the CT-100, when compared to the Sony's (on paper) the Vizio does not really seem to offer much in the way of any features>>

On top of it all the Vizio has only analog inputs, no DD 5.1 or DTS output .. its outdated, IMO, before its released ..