One Box 5.1 system, but which one?

[Mark.]

I've decided a cheap 1 box system is the way to go for me right now, got a list of 2 but can't quite make my mind up.
Currently got Panasonic TV, Pansonic Blu-ray and very old Panasonic 5.1 so figured the Panasonic BTT590 would be a good swap.
But then got recommended the Onkyo HTS4505 and now can't decide.

Pro's for Panasonic are integration with the TV, wireless connectivity, BBC iPlayer etc. 1 remote does it all
Con's are I already have a blu-ray so it'd make that redundant. Not many HDMI inputs

Pro's for Onkyo are that it's more of a separates unit with active sub so can be gradually upgraded, probably better sound quality
Con's are no wireless connectivity, another remote to hog. Big old AV unit.

I just can't figure which - I'm leaning towards the Panasonic but only because of the integration - but then I think the start of a separates might be a good way to go.
Or is there another in the same price bracket I need to think about?

http://www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cin...

http://www.richersounds.com/product/1-box-home-cin...

[JimbobVFR]

What does it mean to when you say integration? If you mean the Viera link function then this is actually CEC which is a part of the HDMI standard and supported by a lot of devices, for example the Anynet+ as it's called on my Samsung LCD can control my PS3 and also worked on my mums Panasonic surround system. My mate has a Panasonic plasma that works with his yamaha amp for control using CEC. Onkyo has their own name for CEC but it should still work with your Panasonic. Of course it's quite likely that the Panasonic remote will already have codes for you TV (and possibly the BD too) built in but if that's a concern then I'd suggest adding a Logitech Harmony remote anyway for controlling everything.

My 2nd point is regarding the online stuff, if your BD is a relatively new one then I'd suggest it may well have online stuff already (iPlayer, streaming from your PC etc) built in, so the Panasonic may just be duplicating functionality.

I haven't heard either system but intuitively I feel the Onkyo will probably be better, I'm willing to be corrected on this, but as you say the Onkyo would at least give an upgrade path.

Edit to add: as an alternative if you are able to up the budget by fifty quid RS currently have 3 package deals of Tannoy SFX 5.1 speakers matched with a choice of Onkyo, Sony or Yamaha Amps. I helped a mate buy a system last year and he's very happy with the Tannoy partnered with a Yamaha amp, for TV, gaming and Movies they do sound OK (I say OK because my speakers alone were 3 times the price 2nd hand, but then my priority is music first)

Edited by JimbobVFR on Saturday 26th January 12:03

[budwozza]

I have got the SCBTT590 - hooked up to my Panny 55" VT50 - I am very happy with it, sounds very good.

I was going for seperates but decided to spend more on my TV and get a one box system, I couldnt be more pleased with it.

[Mark.]

By integration I just meant if it was all Panasonic then it'd more than likely 'just work'.
BD player is maybe 3 years old, has ethernet so could get internet on it but the 590 is wireless so easier.

Quite like the Tannoy idea as we have some Signature DC6T's in the music room that sound really good. Decisions, decisions!

[Mark.]

budwozza said:

I was going for seperates but decided to spend more on my TV and get a one box system, I couldnt be more pleased with it.

So in the same boat as me really - I have to say, I know the separates is a 'better' way to go - but the simplicity of the 590 kind of works for me.

Question, how much cable do you get for the rear speakers? I've read that it's a bit on the short side?