Panasonic SC-BFT800

The basics

The Panasonic SC-BFT800 is a home cinema system, promising 3D Blu-ray playback in a slimline package that's no thicker than a flatscreen TV. It looks great, is packed with features including a wireless subwoofer, and is perfect for houses or apartments with limited space.

The good

One of the best bits about the Panasonic SC-BFT800 is its design, with clean and simple styling that looks perfect sitting below a flatscreen TV. The glossy central section is flanked by speaker grills, and it slides quietly either to the left or the right at the touch of a button.

Move it one way and you'll find a dock for your iPod, move it the other and there's space for a Blu-ray or DVD. Either option is completely hidden, along with the small screen, adding to the simplicity of the design.

The subwoofer is a wireless addition, communicating with the Panasonic SC-BFT800 via a transmitter on the back. It means you won't have to have wires trailing across your room, and adds bass and a more atmospheric sound to your music and movies. With 180W on offer, the BFT800 is more than loud enough, also remaining clear and free from distortion at higher volumes.

You'll be able to hook it up to your TV via the HDMI 1.4 port, which supports both 3D and Audio Return, and there's an Ethernet port for wired networking. When you do connect the SC-BFT800 to an active 3DTV, you'll be able to watch compatible Full HD 1080p movies, and the Ethernet connection means you'll be able to stream media content – including movies, photos and music – from nearby computers.

The screen on the SCBFT800 isn't that large, but functions are selected using fast and responsive menus on your TVs screen instead, with help from the comprehensive remote control. It works well.

The bad

We really struggled to find anything to dislike about the Panasonic SC-BFT800. It looks great, it sounds and works just as good as it looks, and features like the wireless sub are a great inclusion.

The bottom line

If you're in the market for a home entertainment system, and space is a limiting factor, the Panasonic SC-BFT800 is well worth a look. It can easily be wall mounted below a flatscreen TV, and it also has a stand so it can be self-standing. It offers a neat design, loads of features and great quality.