Page 1 of ADVICE ON WHICH 5.1 DOLBY HOME THEATRE/DVD KIT TO BUY

I have just returned my Goodmans GVD 107R Home Theatre setup to Miller Bros for a full refund. For some reason yesterday it refused to load Swordfish amongst others. I am now in the market for a new Dolby Digital setup. My requirements are that it must be remote hackable and be able to decode Dolby Pro Logic as well as Dolby Digital. I have seen reports that suggest that the Schneider HCS 500 / Hitachi HTD K150 would fit the bill. I also like the look of the Sanyo 8501 but I don`t think that this is remote hackable.
I would appreciate any feedback from current owners of the above mentioned equipment or any other suggestions that anyone can offer. I don`t want to go above £300, the above kits can all be purchased for £299 with the exception of the Hitachi which comes at a £50+ preimum.
Thanks Terry

Don`t worry, I have bought the Schneider HCS 500, so far so good.

The steal at the moment has to be the Panasonic SC-HT70. Its great - hooks up easily to your TV and is a 5 DVD/CD changer. Small satellite speakers. Comet have it for £299, but if you call round a few of the places in the magazines they may be able to do your a hacked one for about 30 quid more. U can always get it done by DVD disc upgrade from dvdchips.co.uk for 50 quid. Its a great set-up. The only thing i would suggest is that you pay 20 quid and get yourself a decent scart lead and that makes the sound a lot crisper. The picture is great. DIxons did have it but I think the price has gone up again. U can always go to debenhams and they will match the price and through in an extra years guarantee. It has various options incl Pro-logic and dolby. Its great - rivals the more expensive ones around - most people are selling it for 500 quid so its a bargain. Look on Panasonics website or get them to send u a brochure

This item was edited on Thursday, 7th February 2002, 18:58

I was thinking of getting the panasonic SC HT70 @ £299.99,but the only two things that put me off it were:
1, no dts decoder
2, Cannot be hacked by remote.

Otherwise it a superb buy @ £299.99.

The Schneider HCS 500 has both of these points covered, it decodes DTS, along with Dolby Digital/Pro Logic and the region hack is simple and quick. Also there is that free 3 year guarantee that Asda gives with all electrical goods. Not to be sniffed at!