First, you help introduce the world to the hot new "It" standard for home theater. Then, you make it convenient, maybe even ubiquitous. How?
Panasonic has announced three new Full HD 3D home theater in a box (HTiB) systems, the SC-BTT770, SC-BTT370 and SC-BTT270. They handily play back the latest Blu-ray 3D discs of course, but they further allow the viewer to customize the picture as desired with the 3D Effect Controller. This tweak adjusts the amount of the depth effect for more expansive images, enabling us to enjoy 3D movies with our preferred level of depth. Panasonic's proprietary Cinema Surround Plus technology, meanwhile, compensates for the lack of a surround effect in some soundtracks to provide smooth, natural faux surround, rendering an enhanced effect from above and around the listener.
The slim multifunction main component common to the collection is just one-and-a-half inches high, with a sleek look that pairs well with modern flat-screen TVs. They're also simple to install, with optional rear wireless speakers that don't demand cables running across the living room.
The two top-of-the-line models--SC-BTT770 and SC-BTT370--offer VIERA CAST with Skype, a new function which allows users to make a live high definition video connection with friends and family around the world on any compatible TV or any other video-capable device running Skype. (Skype video calling requires access to a broadband Internet connection as well as a Skype-compatible camera.) And when we're not home, a convenient Auto Answering Video Message even answers incoming calls and records video voicemail messages! These two also come with a downward-firing subwoofer, efficiently using the floor reflectivity to its bass advantage.
Each of the systems provide one HDMI output and two HDMI inputs with Standby Pass Through for HD and 3D gaming and set-top box connections, which means that signals from the connected devices can pass through the unit even when the home theater system is turned off.
All of these new home theater systems also feature Audio Return Channel (ARC), which makes it possible to receive audio signals from the TV over the same HDMI cable that is sending audio/video signals to the TV. ARC greatly simplifies connection by eliminating the need for an audio cable between the TV audio output and the receiver's audio input. They also feature a Universal Dock for iPod/iPhone which utilizes a digital connection to maximize sound quality.
One welcome new improvement is the internal wireless LAN system that makes Web content such as VIERA CAST and BD-Live easier and more elegant to access, without a wired Ethernet connection. VIERA CAST has also been enhanced with CinemaNow and Vudu movie streaming. As before, users can access weather, finance and other information directly from the VIERA Cast screen, for free. (Premium services such as Netflix carry their own fees.)
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