Panasonic SC-BT200
The basics
All-in-one 5.1 home cinema system with integrated Blu-ray player and iPod dock. Offers most sound formats up to Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, auto-setup and 1000W (RMS) of amplification. Includes VieraCast (Ethernet only) and optional wireless rear speakers.
The good
Scientists say that smell is the most important sense, where aromas connect with the deepest, oldest part of the brain. We say scientists need to stay in more and let their inner Neanderthals rock out to the crisp, tight bass and enveloping detail from a fully cranked-up BT200. Sound quality from this High Def one-box system is stunning, and visuals aren’t far behind, thanks to flawless DVD upscaling and assured Blu-ray playback. If you get fed up with all that High Definition smoothness, Viera Cast lets you browse YouTube, Eurosport and Picasa albums online. The iPod dock has just basic on-screen menus for music playback.
The bad
The automatic set-up doesn’t adjust speaker time delays and favours earth-shattering (read: neighbour-infuriating) bass levels – be prepared to go manual to get it perfect. And where’s the wireless? The Viera Cast system is plug-in Ethernet rather than easy Wi-Fi, while cutting the rear speakers’ cables with the optional SH-FX70 wireless kit costs a hefty £100.
The bottom line
For pure sound and crystal-clear vision, the SC-BT200 can’t be faulted, delivering impeccable performance at a very reasonable price. Tech-heads might complain about its lack of wireless and lacklustre iPod support, though.
User comments (7)
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the-pilgrim13 November 2009
Seriously good piece of kit. Bass is crisp and well defined and speakers are powerful. Speech is ultra clear without being 'tinny' at all. Extremely well balanced all round. (agree with review though and don't use the auto set up as it sets up far too much bass - do this manually). Easy to set up and features are excellent. Shop around as you can get good deals if you look hard enough. Top product that will get you smiling.....
Report as inappropriateDrTiny21 December 2009
this was an upgrade from an older panasonic 5.1 dvd recorder home cinema system to bluray and hdmi etc. easy to set up and wow great sound, stunning bass, great picture and works with my iphone 3g too. only downside is slow start up time, you know a kicking song on tv and you think i will put that on the surround, but song half finished by time it starts up! would defo recomend this, make me smile when i here the bass
Report as inappropriatedave hales01 March 2010
i got this system to upgrade from old panasonic home theater system.(mine cost £340 from tj hughes) BARGAIN !! i too found the self setup lacking and had to set up manually, but once done wow. unfortunately the tv review didn't mention the dialogue enhancing feature before claiming that the dialogue was slightly lost by the sound effects. the only gripe i have with it is as i use it for main audio output for the tv ,it only switches itself of when you put the tv in standby not if you turn the tv (46"panasonic plasma) off via the off switch.mabe i havent got the settings right yet, but with the audio via optical it should switch off once audio signal is lost but im rambling, overall very good buy but shop around theres cheaper places out there
Report as inappropriaterobbie22 March 2010
gadget show saying £396 best price. does anyone know where u can get it for that price. thanks in advance
Report as inappropriateCraig G30 March 2010
Can this sytem be connected to play sound from sky hd and xbox?
Report as inappropriatewurzygon11 April 2010
yes, I've an xbox & sky HD set up.
Report as inappropriatejeff.forber27 May 2010
I HAVE JUST BOUGHT THIS FOR £230 !!! on Ebay factory refurbished 12 months warranty perfect .
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