Samsung HT-C6930 review

Magnificent seven Adrian Justins rates this 3D capable, 7.1-channel all-in-one system

On paper the HT-C6930 is an impressive box of tricks, but is it over-specified? It boasts Blu-ray (including 3D), 7.1 speakers, internet video, multimedia playback and home networking amongst its numerous credentials. Of course, to use the 3D facility you need a 3DTV. And what do most 3D flatscreens (and certainly all of Samsung’s) already have? Internet video, multimedia playback and home networking...

Feature overkill or not, the system certainly has panache. The main unit is crafted from high-grade black, gloss plastic, sporting a backlit 3D logo and an illuminated disc tray.

With their sturdy cabinets and components, the speakers have a superior, almost dedicated audio brand-like quality to them. The front left and rights can be wall or stand-mounted, in tall-boy fashion, while the wireless kit lets you place the surround back speakers behind the listening position. The two other surround speakers, however, are hard-wired so any thoughts of a cable-free paradise are short lived.

Connections are light but effective, with built-in Wi-Fi and dual HDMI inputs, which is good news for routing kit such as a games console or digibox to a TV.

Aided by colour-coded speaker terminals and a granny-proof set-up wizard, installation is straightforward. Sound setup is easy, too: using the supplied microphone and a hideous orchestral cacophony emitted by the speakers, the system’s auto calibrator detects cabinet distances and sets its levels and frequencies accordingly.

As a network media device the HT-C6930 works nicely, and the methodical instructions manual does an excellent job of taking the pain out of configuring a network.As per the whole system, the interface is a pleasure to use.

The three Cs

This system serves up some fantastic images, especially with 2D sources such as Avatar on Blu-ray. The HT-C6930 is a master of the three Cs – clarity, colour and contrast. Detail levels are quite stunning; every fibre of Sully’s T-shirt and bristle of his beard are clearly visible on a Samsung UE46C8000 3D screen.

With the HT-C6930 as the source, the screen of a same-brand 3D TV can automatically switch to its full HD 3D display mode. A message then prompts you to don the 3D goggles and switch them on.

This is certainly no slouch as a 3D deck, retaining clarity and brightness with the Monsters Vs Aliens movie. Crosstalk is an issue, but how much so depends largely on which screen you’re using.

Sonically, this system delivers its most impressive surprise; the speakers mesh together exquisitely to deliver a finely controlled soundscape. Even at high volumes distortion remains a totally alien concept as vocals, effects and musical score blend perfectly.

In its sector, this is without doubt a class-leading product.


HCC VERDICT

Samsung HT-C6930
Price:
£600 Approx

Highs: Top quality 2D Blu-ray deck; decent 3D pics; nicely balanced and detailed sonics
Lows: Claims to, but doesn’t eliminate speaker cables; some features may be redundant
Performance: 4/5
Design: 4/5
Features: 5/5
Overall: 4/5


Specifications

3D playback: yes
Video upscaling: yes up to 1080p
Multiregion: no Region B BD/R2 DVD
HDMI: yes 2 x v1.4 in, 1 x v1.4 out
Component video: yes 1 x out
Analogue multichannel outputs: no
Digital audio in: yes 1 x optical
Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD decoding: yes
Dolby True HD/DTS-HD bitstream: no
Profile 2.0: yes requires additional storage for BD-Live
Total Amplification (claimed): 1,330W
Dimensions (main unit): 430(w) x 61(h) x 330(d)mm
Weight (main unit): 3.8kg
Features: FM radio; built-in wireless/Ethernet networking; Samsung Internet@TV online video portal; support for DivX, XviD, AVI, MKV, WMV, MP4, MPEG1, MPEG2, H.264, JPEG, MP3, AAC, AC3, DTS, WMA, FAT files; wireless dongle/receiver module for surround back speakers; iPod dock input; stereo audio phono in; composite video out; FM antenna; USB port; iPod dock; subwoofer power 170W; 5 x DSP modes; Auto Calibration system; 3D glasses not supplied

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