Panasonic has introduced three new full HD 3D Blu-ray disc home theatre systems with a broad range of smart networking functions as well as advanced technologies.
The new models boast a plethora of connectivity features including smart phone remote control, VIERA Connect, enhanced DLNA functionality, Skype video and voice calls, built-in Wi-Fi, Wireless LAN capability and iPod/iPhone/iPad connection.
The three new models – SC-BTT790, SC-BTT490 and SC-BTT190 – are equipped with 3D Cinema Surround as a standard feature, making these models a perfect match for Full HD 3D playback. 3D Cinema Surround is a state-of-the-art Panasonic technology that produces authentic, theatre-like surround sound through real and virtual speakers. All new models feature an Anti-Jitter Digital Amplifier, reducing jitter and distortion to produce pure, brilliant sound.
Panasonic Australia product marketing manager Anthony Smyth says, “This is our most connected Blu-ray Home Theatre range to date and features enhanced audio to match high quality video playback for the most immersive 3D experience yet.”
Via built-in Wi-Fi and wireless LAN on the new SC-BTT790 and SC-BTT490 and Wi-Fi compatibility on the SC-BTT190, the home theatre systems allow users to access Panasonic’s VIERA Connect – an upgrade from the previous VIERA Cast online platform. The new and improved VIERA Connect offering gives users access to a greater range of applications such as Yahoo!7’s PLUS7, ABC iView and Twitter as well as the popular YouTube, Facebook and Skype platforms.
Using built in Wi-Fi; users can also access DLNA functionality, which allows home theatre systems to ‘communicate’ with other devices around the home. For example, users can wirelessly stream multimedia – such as music and photos stored on their iPhone, iPad or a DLNA-compatible server such as a PC or Blu-ray Disc Recorder – to their home theatre system.
For greater convenience and simple, intuitive operation, the new home theatre systems are also compatible with smart phone remote control. This new feature allows viewers to control their home theatre system by tapping and swiping on their smart phone. Users can input characters with the keypad on their smart phone, and set up their favourite sound effects as well as browse for additional entertainment and movie information.
The SC-BTT790 and SC-BTT490 systems feature a convenient Universal Dock for iPod/iPhone which has a digital connection to minimise sound degradation. This lets the user play back music and videos as well as enjoy high quality audio from an iPod/iPhone.
An intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) screen provides easy operation. It allows up to four user profiles.
The SC-BTT790 and SC-BTT490 are equipped with two HDMI inputs in addition to one HDMI output dedicated for gaming consoles and set-top box connections. Since the HDMI inputs feature a standby pass through function, signals from the connected devices can pass through the unit even when the Home Theatre System is switched off. All models offer USB connectivity and are compatible with most external hard disk drives (HDDs), including FAT32 and NTFS formatted HDDs, for access to a greater selection of multimedia files.
Digital Tube Sound is also a standard feature across all three new models. Characteristics of the distinctive warm sound of tube amplifiers are faithfully simulated. There are six modes, including pop, jazz, classic, women’s vocal and rock genres.
For space-saving elegance, the SC-BTT790 Blu-ray Home Theatre System does not require wiring between the main component and rear speakers and also features a sleek, ultra-slim design, making it perfect for keeping any modern Australian living room neat and uncluttered. The new ‘stainless mesh’ on all models gives the speakers a glossy, sharp finish.
