With a greater-than-ever Blu-ray installed base in consumers' homes, more folks already have the high-def-disc source component and might be exploring different options to upgrade their audio only, without the need for a complete "Home Theater in a Box." And Panasonic's 2012 lineup of Home Theater Systems--the SC-HTB550, SC-HTB350 and SC-HTB20--seeks to fill that gap.
The SC-HTB line arrives with slim, "multi-positional" speakers that can be used in a single bar-type horizontal configuration directly above or below the display, wall-mounted or on a stand. They can also be split into traditional left and right speakers to better suit a listener's particular setup, with the freedom to reconfigure in the future. Clear-Mode Dialog that more accurately links picture and sound to create the illusion that it is emanating from the center of the TV screen, while Dialog Level Control lets us tweak the audio range frequency so that dialog can stand out from surround audio. Auto Gain Control automatically levels the volume between a television program and the adjacent commercials, reducing potentially jarring increases. It's all powered by an anti-jitter digital amp.
The SC-HTB550 and SC-HTB20 models both feature VIERA Link which allows users to operate their VIERA Link-compatible audio/video products with just the one remote control. These models also feature 3D Signal compatibility for easy configuration of a Full HD 3D home theater system, by combining a 3D Blu-ray player and a 3D TV. The supported Audio Return Channel (ARC) further offers users the ability to connect to a television with a single HDMI cable.
The HTB550 and HTB350 models specifically offer wireless music streaming via Bluetooth, to pair with Bluetooth devices without the need to physically dock or otherwise plug in. These two are also bundled with a wireless subwoofer for greater ease and esthetics of kicker placement.
The Panasonic HTB series will be available in April, priced at $399.99 for the top-of-the-line SC-HTB550, $299.99 for the SC-HTB350 and $229.99 for the SC-HTB20 (all manufacturer-suggested prices).
The manufacturer has also updated us on the previously announced Full HD 3D Blu-ray Home Theater Systems (all of which do include Blu-ray 3D playback), namely the SC-BTT490, SC-BTT195 and SC-BTT190, with their official April availability and the following MSRPs: the SC-BTT490 at $499.99, the SC-BTT195 at $399.99 and the SC-BTT190 for a mere $299.99.
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