The flagship SC-PT865W is one of the rare remaining home-theatre-in-a-box (HTIB) systems available to feature wireless surround. A relatively niche segment, many vendors are now offering optional wireless upgrade kits as alternatives. And it's not difficult to understand why from a cost standpoint. If we were to pit the Panasonic against the equally competent, albeit wired JVC TH-D7, it might be tough to convince an average Joe to part with another AU$200 just to cut out the selected cords. Whether it's worth it or not, here's our quick take on this new 2008 Japanese kit.
Upside
For those who prefer a clutter-free surround sound set-up, having wireless rear speakers does away with unsightly cables between the DVD receiver and these boomboxes. Aesthetics aside, it also helps to simplify installation, and is particularly handy for rooms with polished boards and without false ceilings or skirting boards. In this case, surround effects are transmitted over-the-air via a Wi-Fi-like radio frequency. This is favourable to line-of-sight-dependent systems, and should provide uninterrupted playback even with obstructions — though interference is still possible due to its highly congested 2.4GHz band.
A significant upgrade over its predecessor, the SC-PT850W, the Panasonic features souped-up Apple iPod playback and connectivity. Unlike most of its competitors, the multimedia player dock is integrated inside the main deck, concealed under a flap when not in use. So you'll have one less piece of component to fiddle with and set up, while enjoying the luxury of streaming videos from your iPod onto the big screen. Users with huge song compilations should also appreciate the SC-PT865W's navigation, which reproduces playlists on your TV and makes each song selectable using the bundled remote control.
Non-Apple supporters may be more interested in its new Kelton subwoofer and bamboo diaphragm centre speaker. According to its documentation, the sleek tower woofer is loaded with an internal 160mm driver and a side-firing 250mm equivalent, designed to deliver robust and responsive bass. The exotic bamboo material, on the other hand, is supposed to dish out cleaner and crisper dialogue. If you're still not convinced, perhaps its generous 1,250W audio output and auto surround-sound calibration system will speak to its performance in large rooms.
Downside
At AU$1099 we would have expected Panasonic to throw in some more extras to sweeten the deal. DVD-Audio-compatibility and an HDMI input offered by JVC's TH-D7 are fine examples.
However, if you're looking to save some money, then the mid-range SC-PT560 is available for AU$300 less. The optional wireless SH-FX67 upgrade will cost you almost the same amount of money you save, though.
Outlook
The Panasonic SC-PT865W is a 5.1-channel wireless HTIB that will appeal mainly to those with surround speaker installation difficulties. Its value-added iPod support is an enticing carrot for Mac fanatics, though this alone may not be strong enough to justify the higher-than-average AU$1099 pricing. Those without the above-mentioned constraints should seriously consider the much more affordable yet near-identical SC-PT560.
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jabba
05/09/2008, 01:55 PM
rating
8/10
Good system. Stands out for wireless feature.
Pros: wireless speakers
sound quality for movies is great espeicially at theatre volumes
ipod dock is great for music. not so much for video which doesn't work over hmdi.
Allows for optical audio input and RCA audio input.
Cons: MPEG4 movie quality not up to scratch when compared to competition. Does not play full screen.
Panasonic support not willing to address these issues.
Can also hear faint noise from rear speakers on occasion.
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bcurr
04/08/2008, 09:20 AM
rating
9/10
great system... sound quality is good and matches nicely with panasonic plasma
Pros: viera link works nicely
wireless rear speakers
sound quaility is great
ipod dock is great
can put movies on thumb drive to play through the usb port
Cons: there is sometimes a faint buzzin sound comin from speakers... though it may just be how i have it set up
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geekay
25/07/2008, 08:10 PM
rating
4/10
it is a ok type of system. not value for money
Pros: good sound system
Cons: MPEG4 on USB does not work
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