Koss KS3161 Progressive Scan DVD Home Theater System

by Koss

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14 x 5.2 x 11.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 36 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B00029U0ZY
• Item model number: KS3161
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #373,750 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 20, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

As the costs associated with full-blown home-theater entertainment drop, the features-per-dollar ratio continues to skyrocket. A prime example of this upswing in value is Koss's stylish KS3161, which features not only a powered 5.1-channel surround speaker system, but a versatile, progressive-scan DVD/CD player, too--and all with a price tag we can only call "inviting."

We found the system a cinch to set up and configure, thanks in part to its color-coded speaker cables and speaker terminals. And, at this price, the system represents an exciting way to enjoy everything from DVD movies to JPEG image CDs and MP3/WMA music files. Whether you're making the jump from VCR to DVD, looking for a space-saving system for an apartment, or setting up the bedroom for movie watching, the KS3161 is a worthy choice. It would be great for gaming, too, especially when matched with a flat-panel LCD television.

The heart of the system is its arched, futuristic-looking source component, which houses both a disc player and its associated preamplifier circuitry (Dolby surround processing, equalizer settings, a radio tuner, and volume control). Antennas for FM and AM radio are included, and the drift-free PLL (phase-locked loop) digital tuner automatically seeks and locks in the strongest stations. You can store up to 20 stations in memory for 1-touch access.

The disc player handles a range of media, jumping effortlessly from DVD-Video movies to homemade DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW media. JPEG discs pop immediately into slideshow mode, filling the screen with exceptionally vivid landscape images and top-to-bottom portrait shots. (Many DVD players will present images in the middle of the screen, filling otherwise usable space with black.) Zooming is an option for both movies and photos. With non-DVD discs, you can program tracks or images to play in a desired sequence (1 to 99).

For DVDs, you get 2 bookmarks (memory settings for finding your way back to the point, say, where your spouse nodded off) and multidisc resume. Best of all, if you're using a high-definition or HD-ready screen, you'll appreciate the progressive-scan video output. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

A special multipin cable transmits audio from the source unit to the subwoofer, which in turn amplifies audio for all 6 channels, pumping 50 watts each to the front left/right, center channel, and rear left/right satellites. The sub itself benefits from 100 watts to give the ".1" LFE (low-frequency effects) signal some kick.

The system has its limitations, though. For one thing, it doesn't decode DTS surround sound. Not too a big deal, since you won't find many DTS discs that don't also have a Dolby 5.1 soundtrack. Also, the subwoofer doesn't produce the deep bass associated with subs that sell for as much as this whole system. What you get in return is compact speakers you can tuck anywhere, together with reasonably full-bodied sound.

The satellite speakers, being as small as they are (roughly 4.3 x 5.8 x 4.8 inches, W x H x D), sound pretty thin without the sub. There's a slight boxy quality even with the subwoofer, however, and music sources reveal a deficiency in midrange frequencies (critical for natural-sounding voices). Still, at this price, you can't expect topnotch sound.

With a host of Dolby Pro Logic II simulated surround modes and several equalizer presets, the KS3161 offers many ways to tailor the sound. Dolby Pro Logic II is one of the better DSP (digital signal processing) methods for generating surround information from 2-channel sources like music or TV shows.

The source unit's rear panel offers a stereo RCA auxiliary input (for a PC or cassette deck), a coaxial digital-audio output (for use with a CD recorder or--as a DVD/CD player--with a standalone surround receiver), and a set of 5.1-channel RCA analog audio outputs. The system is covered by a 90-day parts-and-labor warranty. --Michael Mikesell

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Broad format compatibility
• Progressive-scan video capability
• Great price
• Full-screen, high-quality JPEG image viewing
• Permits 2x scanning within MP3 tracks
• 96 kHz digital-audio output
• Flexible speaker configuration
• Multidisc resume
• Alarm clock (wake to disc or radio)

Cons:

• Music sounds slightly boxy
• Always-on fan in subwoofer is potentially distracting
• No DTS decoding
• No MP3 ID3-tag recognition
• Front-speaker wires may be too short for some (6.5 feet x 3)

What's in the Box
DVD player/preamplifier, 1 subwoofer/amplifier, 1 system cable, 5 satellite speakers, a remote control, FM/AM antennas, color-coded speaker wires, a user's manual, and warranty information.

Product Description

This Dolby Digital 5.1 Home Theater System features Progressive Scan DVD and Audio CD player with 350 Watts of Total output power plays almost all disc formats. Play your DVD, VCD, SVCD, DVD-r, -RW, +R, and +RW discs as well as Audio CD (CD-DA), Burned CD-R, CD-RW, MP3/WMA encoded discs and JPEG Picture CD's. The 100 watt subwoofer is complimented by 50 Watts of output per channel. Drop down Active Navigation menus makes it easy to change your subtitles, picture format, chapter selections, book marks, and other features. Set up menu allows easy to adjust sound, movie options as well as setting up programs for play. Each speaker and sub woofer can be set up for particular distance and levels of sound output. "Resume Play" feature for up to 5 DVD discs. A full menu of audio options and programs are offered from your TV screen. Play burned MP3 and WMA CD's in full Dolby Digital sound. Build and watch JPEG Pictures on the TV (up to 5 MB size photo's) System allows for mixed JPEG and MP3/WMA files to be played simultaneously as a slide show. Has a full featured remote control. The A/V input allows the use of VCR, Satellite, Cable Box, or other equipment. Digital Input allows to plug in and secure the best audio sound from other digital equipment. The PLL AM/FM Digital Tuner with pre-set memories rounds the system out. Listen to favorite radio stations with the press of a button. Set up is easy with 5 Color-coded speaker connections and wire that runs through the sub woofer so there's no running of speaker wires from the unit. The System Link Cable passes all sound to the sub woofer and speakers. Sub woofer, Center Channel Speaker, Front L/R, and Surround L/R speakers all included.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I got Ripped off, June 28, 2006

By 

Koss Sux "KossSux" (does'nt matter) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Koss KS3161 Progressive Scan DVD Home Theater System (Electronics)

This product is really good for the first week, then boom, no more, i loose the image, and guess what ? they're stupid site is down and i cant find any site to explain me whats going on with my DVD Koss KS3161 , if u wana save money, just dont buy this [...]

1.0 out of 5 stars Do Not purchase products from KOSS, January 2, 2008

By 

S. Ross (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Koss KS3161 Progressive Scan DVD Home Theater System (Electronics)

I purchased a Koss KS2503 and it lasted about a year. It is a lemon and the company appears to be out of business. There is an electrical problem with this home theater system. I do not understand how this product has not been recalled by the consumer product safety commission. I called customer support and I was told that Koss is going through changes and they could not help me. The only customer service and company number available for Koss Electronics no longer helps its customers. I don't know why there hasn't been a recall. Please stay away from Koss products.