Product Description

Bose CineMate package includes 2 Compact Articulated Array Speakers, Acoustimass Module, Universal Remote Control, Interface Module, Power Cord (8 Ft.), Stereo Cable (6 Ft.), Speaker Cable (15 Ft.), Setup Disc, AA Batteries, Large Rubber Feet, Small Rubber Feet, 120V Power Cord. You've made the investment in a great TV and other video components, like your DVD player or VCR. Now Bose makes it simple to add the impact of home theater sound using your existing equipment. Because your TV alone no matter how wide, thin or sleek it is cannot provide the thrilling audio performance you crave. Introducing the new Bose CineMate home theater speaker system, an easy and entertaining way to complete the picture. There's no bulky equipment to set up. Just two small speakers and an Acoustimass module work with the video components you already own. The result is thrilling and dramatic sound approaching that of many five-speaker systems. But you're only using three. There's also no complicated wiring or confusing installation. Just a few connections bring your movies and music to life. A universal remote controls your system and most devices attached to your TV. And incredible Bose sound! Bose TruSpace technology delivers wide surround-like sound performance using only 2 satellite speakers and one bass module. You don't really need 5 or 6 speakers! Enjoy home-theater without hassle. It's pure pleasure with Bose CineMate. Videostage 5 Decoding for DVDs, VHS Tapes, and Stereo/Mono Sources from optional external components TrueSpace Processing Circuitry - spacious soundstage and strong center from just 2 speakers Active Electronic Equalization Universal IR Remote Control All Required Speaker Cable Included - There are only four simple connections to make. And with no rear speakers, there's no messy wiring required to the back of your room. Intuitive one-way connectors eliminate the guesswork often associ

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18 in Speakers
• Color: Graphite Gray
• Brand: Bose
• Model: Digital Home Theater Speaker System
• Dimensions: 40.00 pounds

Features

• Proprietary Articulated Array speaker design combines with TrueSpace digital processing circuitry to produce cinematic sweep
• 2.1 Channel Virtual-Surround sound
• Two Compact Articulated Array Speakers -- Each With Dual 2 Drivers And Video-Shielded Magnets In A Bass Reflex Enclosure With Rubber Feet handle
• Acoustimass Bass Module With 5.25 Long-Throw Woofer reproduces bass and deep-bass frequencies for true home-theater dimension
• Interface Module -- IR Receiver With LED Display Indicators (ON/OFF & Remote Signal Received)

Customer Reviews

Excellent Sound, Easy Set-up (sort of)
I am very pleased with the sound quality of the Bose Cinemate 2.1 system. The key to gettting the best sound quality is to follow the instructions and disable you TV's speakers, and set the audio output to 'fixed.' Prior to doing that the bass seemed very low. As soon as I made that change, WOW! what a system. I suspect others who have given the system a low rating may have not had the system set up properly. While you can set it up easily with just a few connections, it it important to adjust your TV's audio to ensure you are hearing that unparalled Bose sound.

Better Than Your TV's Speakers
The Bose Cinemate is not for everyone. I would primarily recommend it for people who currently use their TV's built-in speakers and want an easy two-speaker solution for a mid-size room. I have used the Cinemate for over 6 months and have had no problems whatsoever.

For larger rooms and people who want the best sound, look elsewhere. If you want Bose, I would recommend looking at pairing the Acoustimass 10 or Acoustimass 16 with an Onkyo receiver. For a comparable home-theatre in-a-box (HTIB) solution, also look at Onkyo's solutions. Otherwise, spend some time reading reviews and browsing avsforum.com. The best quality sound will result from piecing together your home theater.

If the Bose Cinemate still appeals to you, here is a list of pros and cons...

PROS
+ Includes a universal remote! This remote can be programmed to control anything (your TV, DVD player, etc.).
+ Easy to set up.
+ Great for music.
+ Looks great, doesn't take up a lot of space.
+ Top-level customer support from Bose. This is one of the reasons why Bose products cost more.

CONS
- No digital input in the US version. If you buy the Japan version, it has digital input. What does this mean? Well, you won't get the best quality simulated surround for HD content or movies with digital sound.
- No stands included. The UFS-20 Bose stands are currently $100 from Bose.
- Works best if you have audio out on your TV or cable box (red and white RCA outputs). Otherwise, it may be hard to use the Cinemate for everything.
- You will not be able to visually tell how loud the volume is. The Bose system does not cooperate with the volume bar on TVs.
- Expensive.

TIPS
+ Set your TV's volume to about 80% and adjust the sound with the Bose remote control. You'll get a better quality sound this way.

It should be noted
I own one of these. I also own a Victorian era house. I am NOT eager to bore holes all over the place to have a 5 or more speaker system. I purchased this system because I like the fact that the 3 speakers with this system are pretty potent. I will say that at lower volume levels, the system is not better than the factory speakers on my TV. However, when you watch a movie like "Gladiator", "Lord of the Rings", "Star Wars", etc, and turn the sound up to Movie theater levels, the system shines VERY well considering that it uses only 3 speakers. Speech is clear even in loud segments with a great deal of music and explosions. The remote control drives everything I have in the cabinet and is ergonomic. Set up was insanely easy. I do agree with one of the previous reviewers about the speaker cable length. It could stand to be at least 5' longer.
Another reason that I bought this system was the fact that I have many friends with various Bose products. None of them have ever complained about anything, except for the Acoustimas Wave Radio eating batteries. Contary to what another reviewer wrote, when you close your eyes you CANNOT TELL where the Acoustimas Module is. It sounds like its everywhere in the room.
For a person that rents movies every now and then, this system will serve it's purpose. I simply don't watch enough movies to merit a massive system. I'm happy with what I've got, and would buy another Bose to replace this one if it failed. My inlaws have a Alpine surround sound system with 5 speakers. This Bose performs equal to the Alpine, but cost less and is much easier to control.