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The main unit is fairly compact and sits on a stylish integrated base. The centre part of the fascia hinges down to form an iPod dock. You can control your iPod using the SC-BT100's remote control through an interface on your TV, or switch your TV off and control the iPod directly. Both audio and video content will play through the dock. The rear of the unit has an optical input for connecting other digital audio sources, along with HDMI and component outputs for connecting to a HD TV.

Blu-ray playback

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supports the Final Standard Profile with its extra multimedia features like bookmarking favourite scenes. However there's no network port for accessing online content. As well as plying Blu-ray movies, it will upscale DVDs to 1080p too. The decoder supports all the latest surround sound standards like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HS Master Audio.

The SC-BT100 comes with three main speakers (left, right, and centre), plus a subwoofer. If you require surround sound you can add optional rear speaker packages to create a 5.1 or 7.1 system. Wireless adaptors are also available if you want to avoid messy cabling. Audio performance was impressive when demonstrated in the full 7.1 configuration. Audio was clear and the subwoofer blended well with the main speakers, and at 1,500W there's certainly more volume than most users will ever need.

The flexible speaker configurations and iPod compatibility really impressed us, and it seems ideal for the more casual movie fan who wants to start watching HD movies. It should be available in the UK from March, but no pricing details are yet available.