one previous review mention that this unit would not have 5.1 sound if connect to a cable box with the 2-channel audio -lrb- red\/white -rrb- cable . this be not true , 5.1 sound be encode on only two channel . you will get 5.1 sound from a cable box if the program be encode in 5.1 . another nice feature be that with the Dolby pro Logic II , you get decent simulated 5.1 sound even with normal stereo program . this system be unbeatable for the money . I pay $ 400 after rebate from Costco , and the system include speaker stand . for the money , you get a 5-disk dvd\/cd changer , a VCR , a AM\/FM tuner , a surround sound amplifier and 5 speaker and a subwoofer . I be very pleased with this unit and would buy it again . add surround sound really make movie come alive . there be a few thing that could be better about this system . first , the remote be horrid . it will do everything , but it be very difficult to use . you will need to read the manual . for some strange reason , the volume adjustment only appear on - screen when play dvd , not when play tape or watch tv . the channel number do not appear on screen until about 2 seconds after the channel be change . there be a front panel display of channel number , but the slow on-screen display be quite annoying . the clock be suppose to set automatically , but mine would not . the clock be not difficult to set manually . the dvd send output to the composite output , s-video , and component video . however , the VCR only send output on the composite output so you will need both composite and s-video connection to you tv if ou want to take advantage of the S-Video . it would be nice if the VCR would also output on the S-Video connector , this would simplify connection to the tv . I wish there be a way to use the built-in tv speaker as either a center channel or front right\/left speaker . this should be easy and cheap to add , but I have not yet find a unit that support it . one last little gripe , the power rating of this system be totally bogus . there be no way that the speaker could handle they rate power , and I seriously doubt the unit can actually put out 550w of audio power . the drive level be ample for home use , but the rating be crazy . all manufacturer seem to be do this these day .