Panasonic is set to launch a 2.1-channel Blu-ray home theatre system with virtual surround sound. The device which comes in a smart upright design is expected in Australia by Xmas.
The SC-BTX70 which is expected to sell for around $1,699 has been specifically designed to blend in with Panasonics sleek new plasma range.
The 2.1-channel system's surround technology is designed to deliver "realistic virtual 7.1-channel sound dispersed through a wide listening area," according to Panasonic.
The integrated Blu-ray player supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD with virtual 7.1-channel surround, and the system's two front speakers feature a new top-mounted speaker design that is said to expand the listening area.
The speakers are made with rigid, low-density bamboo cones that Panasonic said delivers "pure sound and crisp dialogue."
Also added is a Kelton-type subwoofer.
According to TWICE Magazine a 96-kHz Surround Re-master function enhances the sound quality of CDs and other sources and is said to raise the quality of the multichannel audio data on Blu-ray discs and DVDs for "highly realistic sounds."
The system includes a power sliding door that conceals the Blu-ray Disc player, a universal dock for an iPod, an SD memory card slot, and a USB terminal for viewing photos and videos taken with a digital still or video camera.
All system operations can be controlled with a single Viera-Link (HDMI-CEC) remote from a Viera flat panel TV.
