
The Panasonic SC-BT200 is a 7.1-channel, all-in-one home theater system that includes an integrated Blu-ray Disc player. Critics love its value. The Blu-ray player is very capable and performs on a par with Panasonic's well-regarded DMP-BD60K (*Est. $200) stand-alone player. Internet streaming is available and includes video from Amazon Video on Demand but not Netflix. The player is BD-Live (Profile 2.0) compliant, but you'll need to add your own 1 GB (or bigger) SD memory card to use those features. The slide-out iPod dock is a major plus; reports say that it is elegant and works well.
In terms of sound quality, there is a split in opinions among reviewers. Most rave about the sound from the Panasonic SC-BT200, saying it is capable of both subtlety and "paint-peeling" power. However, at least one review says that sound is no better than OK. The other major negative -- lack of video inputs -- is common to all home theater systems with built-in Blu-ray players in this price range. The automatic speaker setup program isn't as automatic as it could be, and it forces users to figure out some settings on their own. The step-up Panasonic SC-BT300 (*Est. $485) is largely identical save for a more powerful amplifier and slightly better sounding but more physically imposing "tall boy" speakers in the front. If you don't need or want an integrated disc player, the Sony HT-SS360 is relatively inexpensive and a good performer with movies. It is one of the least expensive home theater systems with HDMI inputs that can play well with the high-definition sound formats available on Blu-ray Discs.
The Panasonic SC-BT200 has been widely reviewed. The longest and most in-depth evaluations can be found at CNET and BigPictureBigSound.com. ConsumerReports.org and Britain's What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision magazine weigh in with shorter reports. User reviews are hard to come by, but a small handful can be read at Amazon.com.
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Panasonic SC-BT300 1250W 7.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System
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| Panasonic SH-FX71 Wireless Rear Speaker System | |
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Our Sources
1. CNET
The Panasonic BT-SC200 is called an "incredible deal," with "solid sonics for the price," especially considering the system's small-sized speakers. The major negative cited is that although it offers Internet streaming from Amazon Video on Demand and other partners, it is not compatible with Netflix streaming.
Review: Panasonic SC-BT200, Matthew Moskovciak and Steve Guttenberg, July 31, 2009
This long and detailed review largely sings the praises of the Panasonic SC-BT200. Video quality is impressive, but it is outdone by the sound quality. The small speakers are praised for their ability to pump out "big" sound. The lack of any video inputs is a negative.
Review: Panasonic SC-BT200 Blu-ray Theater HTiB System Review, Chris Chiarella, July 10, 2009
3. What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
The online version of the review of the Panasonic SC-BT200 in Britain's What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision magazine is brief and breezy, but it leaves no doubt that the editors are impressed. The system is named a best buy and complimented for its excellent picture quality and "dynamic, detailed audio."
Review: Panasonic SC-BT200, Editors of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision magazine
4. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org's review of home theater systems is up-to-date and includes the Panasonic SC-BT200. Testing seems competent, but discussion is too brief to be truly informative.
Review: Untitled, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
5. Amazon.com
Fewer than 10 owners have reported on the Panasonic SC-BT200 to date, and most seem happy with this home theater system. One says the bass isn't very high quality; another says he can't find the optional wireless rear speakers. Everyone else is pleased.
Review: Panasonic SC-BT200, Contributors to Amazon.com
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Panasonic SC-BTT770 5.1 Channel 3D Blu-ray Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System
In Stock.
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