Gadgetell Review: Insignia NS-HD2114

Posted December 28, 2007 at 06:43 PM by Indraneel Purohit

Section: Audio, Accessories, Home Audio, Portable Audio, Satellite / HD Radio, Originals, Reviews, Features

New to Insignia’s rapidly expanding line of shelf systems is their NS-HD2114. The compact player/speaker system can play your CDs, DVDs, favorite (HD) Radio stations, and even has support for your iPod. While the NS-HD2114 may not replace your current home theater setup, for $128, it acts as a great device to put up in your bedroom or kitchen.

Input/Output

Before I delve into the features of the NS-HD2114, I’d like to put up a list of the input and outputs found on the device. 1 Analog Audio Input 1 Optical Audio Input 1 USB input 1 Coaxial Audio Output 1 Analog Audio Output 1 set of Composite Video Output 1 Component Video Output 1 S-Video Output Audio

Taking a first glance at the Shelf Component System, given the two speakers, you’d expect the device to have a nice audio experience.I was honestly shocked at how nice the 75 watt system sounded. While playing CDs and my iPod, I could easily hear rich and clear sound throughout the (fairly large) room. The included remote lets you control the entire system, from a maximum (line of sight) distance of about 20 feet. One gripe is that the remote controls more features than the actual system-front itself, which is quite a pain when I’m sitting right next to the device.

Another issue I had with the NS-HD2114 is that the radio, both AM and FM, is abysmal. Maybe this was just a personal issue, but no matter where I moved the device or antennae, the reception never seemed to improve. So much for “HD Radio” as is written numerous times on the packaging and on the device.

Video

DVD playback on the HD2114 is what you’d expect; it’s down to a science. DVDs are not upconverted, so I simply used Composite cables to attach it to a standard-def TV. I hate to be inconclusive, but the viewing experience was really what we’ve all come to expect. The quality - adequate. The menu system - not flashy, but easy to use.

(A note: DVDs may be played back in 480p mode, simply by using Component cables instead of Composite ones)

Verdict

For the fairly low price, the Insignia NS-HD2114 serves as a great supplement to your existing home theater setup, but don’t count on it to be the centerpiece.

Product [Insignia]