The Onkyo HT- S3100 is a Home Theater System that offers consumers fundamental audio/ video features. This 5.1 channel surround sound system with an audio/ video receiver offers power and precision at an affordable price. This system has a 3 component inputs that produce 1080 pixel resolution and high definition audio performance. The receiver puts out 700 watts of power and has a 24 bit digital to analog converter or DAC. It has an AM/FM digital tuner and has 30 preset radio station slots. This system is iPod ready, so you can purchase an iPod deck whenever you’re ready to upgrade. It also has a remote control that will operate the complete system.

This system is simple to set up and usually takes about thirty minutes to be completely functional. The front speakers are 2 way bass and the center speaker is also 2 way with a dual woofer. The surround speaker is 1 way and the subwoofer is 8 inches. The cabinet design is plastic with a black finish.

The Onkyo HT-S3100 has a headphone jack, coaxial digital input, optical digital input, a fluorescent display, a sleep timer and a bass and treble control. It will play CDs, DVDs, digital music files, TV and Satellite broadcast. It also has all the gaming capabilities. You can add Blue Ray to the mix and HD DVD as well. It has a 2 year warranty from Onkyo.

This system is a great second system or perfect for the consumer who is in the market for the first time. It will perform all the basic function of a home theater system. Like all systems the pros do outweigh the cons. Some of the cons include: no HDMI input or output and the speakers are larger that necessary. The bass is weak at any level of volume. The big pro found in all the reviews about this product is the great price. Anyone on a budget should consider this system.

The other great standard feature included in this system is Onkyo High Current Power Supply concept which ensures that there always is enough power to respond to the surround sound dynamics. The signal is never tainted and signal noise is greatly reduced.

Like all home theater systems, the Onkyo HT-S3100 has competition. The Onkyo HT-S4100 and the Onkyo HT-S5100 are competition in the mid- price market. There are distinct differences between these systems but they do attract the same consumer. Sony, Samsung and Phillips all make home theater systems that compete with Onkyo, but Onkyo is able to maintain a slight edge over the competition because of the overall quality of the system and the price.

This popular price market is driven by the dollars available and as long as all the features are similar, all the home theater systems in this market will do well. The motivating factor seems to be: How much performance can the consumer get, for as little an investment as possible.