Panasonic pulled out three new Blu-ray-based home theater in a box (HTiB) systems at this year's CES (Consumer Electronics Show). Each system features their proprietary "True to Cinema" enhancements to sound and picture quality to bring the home theater experience closer to that of the movie theater (but without those unruly patrons or sticky floors).
A range of packages include the SC-BT730, SC-BT330, and SC-BT230. The differentiator for the top-level SC-BT730 is the use of Pure Direct Sound speakers for front and rear, advanced bamboo cone speakers in both the center and front speakers, and wireless rear speakers to clean the clutter of wires surrounding the room. A Kelton-type subwoofer is used in this model, which is housed in a compact footprint but still delivers deep and powerful bass.
Advanced bamboo cone speakers are also used in the center channel for both the SC-BT330 and SC-BT230. This technology is said to produce clearer dialog and vocals. The SC-BT330 also uses a Kelton-type subwoofer like the SC-BT730 model.
Each system utilizes Panasonic's True to Cinema technology to reproduce the movie theater surround sound experience. True to Cinema picture is what Panasonic calls their suite of video enhancements available in all three models, which incorporates clear, vibrant colors often lost from the original film.
A more streamlined option, The SC-HTB1, also introduced at the show, is a speaker bar solution with an integrated subwoofer. Panasonic built the system to fit in front of a TV set, and produce crisp, clear dialogue through Clear-Mode Dialogue. The speaker bar emulates a multi-channel system, with the dialogue front and center and surround sound taking on a more diffuse and enveloping sound. The SC-HTB1 also uses the bamboo cone speakers found in the HTiB systems.
Exact pricing and avaiability has not yet been announced.
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