The Onkyo HT-S787C is a Best Buy for a number of reasons. This system is different from other home theater packages, as the DVD player is separate from the A/V receiver. Why is this important? First of all, as technology changes, the system can be more easily upgraded. In addition, if something unfortunate happens to one component, there's no need to replace the entire system.

The progressive scan DVD unit isn't just a player, and it's more than a standard five-disc changer. In true Onkyo fashion, the HT-S787C has a six-disc changer, with the ability to exchange any of the discs that are not currently playing.

It is compatible with DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, CD and CD-R/RW, including discs containing MP3, WMA, and JPEG files. The receiver has built-in decoding for Dolby Digital EX, DTSES, DTS Neo:6 and Dolby Pro Logic IIx, as well as the more standard surround sound formats.

As the name implies, the HT-S787C is a 7.1 system with the speakers and processing to enjoy this expanded technology. The receiver has an amplifier that provides 110 watts into all seven channels, as well as an integrated 230-watt amplifier in the powered subwoofer.

The receiver is full-featured, with 192kHz/24-bit converters, adjustable crossovers, and analog inputs for the signal from an SACD or DVD-Audio player. It features component video switching, with three component video inputs and one output.

Each of the HT-S787C's front and center speakers uses a pair of 5-inch midrange drivers and a 1-inch tweeter, providing a very smooth and even front soundstage. All of the surrounds use a 3-1/8-inch midrange driver with a 3/4-inch tweeter. The subwoofer is more than adequate for most applications, with a 10-inch driver mounted in a bass-reflex enclosure.

Warranty
1 year DVD changer, 2 years receiver and speakers