Panasonic's new sound bar and surround sound system are 3D ready
If you've been waiting for new audio gear that features HDMI 1.4 and leverages its new features like the ability to pass Full 3D HD and an auto return channel, here are two new ones. The most interesting of the new lineup is the SC-ZT2 wireless audio system (pictured above) which uses two wireless speakers to render the same surround sound as a 7.1 system -- or so Panasonic says, but we'll have to take their word on the sound quality, but no doubt it looks cool. It is available now and retails for $999. Also new to the lineup is the SC-HTB10 and SC-HTB500 sound bars. The 500 features a separate subwoofer and will be available in August for $349, while the 10 has an integrated sub and will be available this month for $199. More pictures and the full releases after the jump.
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Panasonic's Wireless Audio Speaker System Made For Full HD 3D Delivers Full Sound Without Cables
Panasonic today announced that its first fully wireless home theater audio system made for Full HD 3D is now reaching store shelves. Panasonic's elegant new SC-ZT2 is a wireless, design-matching solution for the Full HD 3D home theater system. It produces rich surround sound with the life-like ambience of a 7.1-channel system, while using only two speakers. When paired with the new Panasonic DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray 3D™ player, the SC-ZT2 provides the high definition surround sound audio portion of Full HD 3D, allowing home theater enthusiasts, including those with 3D theater systems, to do away with speaker cables running across the room.
The SC-ZT2 is compatible with Audio Return Channel (ARC), which allows receiving audio signal from the TV through a single HDMI cable. This new feature simplifies the set-up by eliminating the need for a separate optical audio connection. It also supports Full HD 3D images and video.
Panasonic's advanced proprietary virtual technology lets users enjoy Dolby® TrueHD and DTS™-HD 7.1-channel surround sound with only two speakers. Each speaker houses four one-inch tweeters. These tweeters are vertically aligned and emit sounds parallel to the floor, enabling one to listen from anywhere in the room, regardless of lying down or sitting on a sofa. With its ultra-slim design, the SC-ZT2 system has a minimum of unwanted sound reflections, thus delivering crisp, clear sounds directly to listeners.
The speakers also boast an integrated long-stroke woofer, with a diameter of approximately five inches, which generates sounds from the low-frequency range to deep bass that is typically produced by subwoofers. It uses a Down-Fire structure which uses the floor as an acoustical reflector to produce dynamic bass sounds that are extremely robust for the size of the speakers. With woofers in both speaker stands, listeners experience rich bass sounds from the front, back, left and right sides of the system.
Stylish and space-saving, the Panasonic SC-ZT2 wireless audio system includes two ultra slim pole speakers and a wireless receiver. It is an ideal complement to a flat-panel TV and Blu-ray player. The SC-ZT2 is now available with a suggested retail price of $999.95.
Panasonic today announced that its first surround bar home theater speaker systems, models SC-HTB10 and SC-HTB500 will reach store shelves this summer. Both models fit neatly in front of the TV and offer an easy to install, stylish alternative to a home theater sound system. They are equipped with a single HDMI 1.4 input, which will pass through 3D video from a connected Blu-ray 3D™ player and a single HDMI 1.4 output with audio return channel. The SC-HTB10 features an integrated subwoofer and is ideal for televisions up to 42-inches, while the SC-HTB500 is designed for larger screen TV displays and comes with a separate wireless subwoofer.
Both surround bar systems deliver dialogue that is crisp and clear. This is made possible by the advanced bamboo cone speaker design and Clear-Mode Dialogue, which makes the sound seem like it is coming from the center of the TV display. With more precise linking of the picture and the sound, the result is clean pure sound for dialogue voices on video and vocals on music.
The new systems boast a rich sound experience that belies their sleek and compact silhouettes. The SC-HTB10 measures only 31-1/2 inches wide, and the SC-HTB500 has a width of 41-1/2 inches. Both models feature 2.1-channel audio. The SC-HTB10 features an integrated subwoofer with both forward and rear firing woofers. The SC-HTB500 boasts a wireless powered Kelton Subwoofer for more robust and dynamic bass sound.
Connection and installation could not be easier, thanks to the systems' compatibility with ARC (Audio Return Channel), which allows receiving audio signals from the TV. Simply place it in front of the television or wall mount for a custom installation (via supplied wall mounts) and connect it with just one HDMI cable.
Available this month, the SC-HTB10 carries a suggested retail price of $199.95. The SC-HTB500 will be available in August 2010, with a suggested retail price of $349.95.
