At a press conference held at the US Open tennis tournament in New York this morning, Panasonic unveiled two new pre-packed Blu-ray Home Theater Systems, the SC-BTT350 (MSRP: $499.95) and SC-BTT750 (MSRP: $749.95). These are Panasonic's first Blu-ray HTiB (Home Theater in a Box) systems to offer 3D capabilities. Similar in many respects to the current SC-BT230 and SC-BT730 HTiB systems, the new models add Blu-ray 3D Disc playback to their extensive feature sets.
Both Full HD Blu-ray 3D home theater systems play back CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs and Blu-ray 3D Discs, making them an ideal match for 3D TVs such as Panasonic's VT25 and new GT25 series Full HD Plasma HDTVs. They also offer an integrated iPod/iPhone dock which simplifies playback of your portable music, photo and video collection through the integrated 5.1 speakers and on your TV's screen.
Both models also feature access to Panasonic's VIERA Cast online content platform, which currently includes Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon VOD and other online services. What's not included in the entry-level SC-BTT350 model is any kind of wireless networking: you'll need to plug in an Ethernet cable to access your home network and you'll need broadband internet service to start streaming the good stuff. Wireless networking can be added to the SC-BTT350 via purchase of the DY-WL10 WiFi adapter. The step-up SC-BTT750 model includes the WiFi adapter in the box. Panasonic also offer a wireless rear channel option for either unit via the optional SH-FX71 Wireless Kit
Other than the WiFi capabilities of the SC-BTT750, the two units are very similar in features and functionality, except when it comes to the main speakers. The entry-level SC-BTT350 offers small but punchy little sattelite speakers for the front, rear and center, while the SC-BTT750 offers more powerful and sleek Tall Boy speakers as well as a stylish and slim center channel speaker. These speakers employ bamboo speaker cones to minimize unwanted reflections and resonances. And while both systems feature a powered subwoofer for extended bass response, the subwoofer of the 750 system features an advanced Kelton-type design, which offer a more precise and extended deep bass response with less boominess and distortion.
Both systems are expected to be available later this month (September, 2010).
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