samsung knows how to make compact speaker systems work. I have had two Samsung MP3 players, the K5 and S5, and both feature amazingly small and compact speaker systems that offered really amazing sound complete with virtual surround sound. That is what makes Samsung's latest announcement of the HT-WS1 Home Theater Soundbar so exciting. It is a thin, compact soundbar designed with the same technology that Samsung built into their boombox MP3 Players.

Measuring only 2.6 inches deep, the HT-WS1 is capable of pumping out 260 watts of sound. It has an integrated sub-woofer and the ability to fully simulate 5.1 surround sound without the wiring mess or complicated speaker set-ups. The wide and thin profile of the speaker bar perfectly matches a HD LCD or Plasma screen. Now, I doubt the Samsung HT-WS1 will appease the die-hard audiophiles that insist on pure THX certified speakers and speaker installations, but for the vast majority of homes, the Samsung Soundbar will be more than enough to watch reruns of Battlestar Galactica and Scrubs on.

Look for the Samsung HT-WS1 in July; it should run about $349.00. For those interested in a more inclusive soundbar, Samsung also will release the HT-BD8200 at the same time. It is the same sleek and powerful soundbar with a built-in Blue-ray player complete with BD-Live 2.0. The HT-BD8200 will set you back $799. Both should offer amazing sound and convenience.

via Samsung