Samsung has announced its new home theater system, the HT-AS730. An ideal companion to state-of-the-art Blu-ray players and other high definition gear, the HT-AS730 provides a new level of flexibility and expansion for movie enthusiasts, music lovers and console gamers, in a simple, yet comprehensive package.
“Many consumers view owning an excellent HDTV and Blu-ray player as the sole pieces required for great HD experience and overlook the importance of sound quality,” said Reid Sullivan, senior vice president of Audio/Video and Digital Imaging Marketing at Samsung Electronics America. “The reality is that immersive audio is essential for a complete and satisfying HD experience. Samsung’s new HT-AS730 delivers rich, bold sound to bring big games, blockbuster movies and favorite concerts to life, all at an affordable price.”
The HT-AS730 comes with a piano black design, and is equipped with a variety of audio and video connections, as well as a complete 5.1-channel speaker setup for robust surround sound. The system can also be upgraded to a potent 7.1-channel system with the addition of two more speakers (sold separately). Full HD 1080p video pass through support keeps pictures crisp and detailed on the latest HDTVs, while HD audio pass through support and internal audio decoders ensure theater-like sound to match. Samsung’s Auto Sound Calibration allows consumers to optimize and balance surround sound settings regardless of the room, while the “Smart Volum”function adjusts volume to a desired level when switching channels or audio sources. An iPod dock is also included, which is compatible with both conventional iPods, as well as newer iPhone communication devices.
With three HDMI inputs onboard, the HT-AS730 is capable of thrilling sound for more high-definition sources than a traditional home theater system. The single HDMI-CEC output allows for a clean, single-wire connection between an HDTV and a variety of the latest peripherals, such as a Blu-ray player, cable or satellite box, or a game console. The HT-AS730 also features three optical audio inputs, as well as direct 7.1-channel analog inputs, for a system that is versatile.
Keeping both sound quality and the environment in mind, the HT-AS730 features speaker cones that are made from sustainable Bio kelp rather than more traditional paper pulp. The HT-AS730 also is Energy Star compliant to help consumers reduce their annual energy costs and minimize their overall carbon footprint.
Specifications – HT-AS730 Home Theater System
Power
- 650 Watts total output power (5.1-Channel)
- 850 Watts total output power (7.1-Channel using additional speakers -“ sold separately
Audio
- 5.1-Channel
- Upgradeable to 7.1-Channel (additional speakers sold separately)
- Smart Volume
- HD audio pass through support
- Onboard decoding for Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic-II, Dolby Pro-Logic-IIx, Dolby Digital EX, DTS, DTS ES Discrete 6.1, DTS 96/24, DTS Neo 6
- Audio upscaling
Connectivity
- 1 HDMI-CEC output
- 3 HDMI-CEC inputs
- 1 Coaxial input
- 3 Optical audio inputs
- iPod- / iPhone-compatible dock
- Rear wireless ready
Other Features
- Full HD 1080p video pass through support
- Active subwoofer
- Crystal amplifier technology
- Bio kelp speaker cones
- Auto Sound Calibration (ASC) with included microphone
- FM tuner
- Energy Star compliant
Estimated Price and Availability
$499.99 – April 2009
The HT-AS730 has 3 HDMI inputs, and 1 HDMI output. I connected a tv-hd ready box and my ps3 to the HT-AS730. My Samsung LN46A750 doesn’t recognize the hdmi input from the amp from either of these sources. However, if I plug the hdmi cables directly to the tv (not using the amp as the primary hub for hdmi, to rout to the tv) then there are no issues.
I called Samsung support, they told me to replace my HT-AS730. I did, but there was no change.
Bottom line: the 3 HDMI inputs don’t work if you have a Samsung TV.
– Adam.
Yeah, PS3 wouldn’t work on mine. Brought it back.