Samsung HT-BD1250

The basics

The Samsung HT-BD1250 is a one-box home cinema system offering Blu-ray playback and 5.1 surround sound via included speakers and a subwoofer. It outputs 1000W of audio power and supports both BD-Live downloads and digital media playback via USB or Ethernet.

The good

The Samsung HT-BD1250 performs impressively on the picture quality front. Pop in a Blu-ray movie and you can expect the system to deliver the goods when it comes to sharpness, detail, vibrant colours and deep, strong blacks.

This fine performance carries over into the audio performance, with the five small speakers and sub producing an energetic, lively sound with accurately distributed rear effects. Aside from its audiovisual talents, the system benefits from an Ethernet port enabling you to stream media content over your home network – DivX, JPEG and MP3 file formats are supported – as well as a USB connection offering much of the same functionality from a connected storage device.

Topping off an impressive features list is the iPod docking cradle, which enables you to play back your iPod’s music and video on the system whilst charging the battery.

The bad

Push the audio too hard and some effects can become a little shrill, and the subwoofer can’t always offer the same level of control over its bass output as some rival systems.

We’d have also liked to have seen one or two HDMI inputs at the back, allowing you to hook up your PS3, Xbox 360 or Sky HD box to take advantage of the system’s surround sound performance. As it stands there are two optical inputs.

The bottom line

The Samsung HT-BD1250 represents great value for money thanks to decent all-round AV performance and a bumper crop of useful features. It’s not the best system of its kind in terms of audio, however.