Yamaha&39's new YSP-2200

We've consistently marked Yamaha's Digital Sound Projectors as the best-sounding sound bar home theater systems money can buy, but their high price and bulky designs can be a turn-off to people looking for a more simple home theater solution.

Yamaha's newly announced YSP-2200 features a new slimline design that differs drastically from the rest of Yamaha's Sound Projector line. While it's still bigger than many other sound bars, its 3.5-inch height means you can place it in front of your HDTV without blocking the screen. The slim cabinet houses 16 drivers, which reflect sound off nearby walls to create the illusion of surround sound. It's connectivity is highlighted by four HDMI 1.4 inputs--a rarity for sound bars--and each input is 3D compatible. The YSP-2200 also includes a separate 100-watt subwoofer.

The YSP-2200's integration of a full Digital Sound Projector system into a slim cabinet is definitely a step in the right direction, but its $1,000 list price is going to be a sticking point for many buyers now that many capable sound bar home theater systems are available for less than $500.