Wootalyzer's Pricing Post! - The price of today's woot item is saved here for future reference
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Panasonic Blu-Ray 5.1 Home Theater System with True Cinema Surround
$249.99 + $5 Shipping
Condition: New

*DISCLAIMER* Wootalyzer! is in no way affiliated with Woot!, and this post may not always be here!

speakers crackle if played very loud

That subwoofer is diminutive. Weak, shallow bass is never fun.

I have the Panasonic SC-BT230 5.1 system for my computer room, and I have to say they produce amazing sound for the price.

The 5.1 is enough for gaming/console stuff IMO.

Seems Like A Great Deal... Im Buying One 329 on amazon

Yikes! That is taller than me when I was 8 years old. Just about as skinny, as well.

I, however, could not project my voice so well.

Unfortunately, these Home Theater in a Box type systems never work as receivers.

Here's some reviews along with the manual, if you so desire!

Just so I know...do these speakers work for all things connected to the TV or only when I'm watching the BluRay?

(i.e. when I'm playing my Wii or watching *gasp* VHS tapes will I still get to use the supposedly awesome sound system or does it revert to the TV speakers?)

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-SC-BT235-Blu-ray-Surround-Advanced/dp/B003JUU8LO

amazon reviews are not favorable.
very glad i read them.

Wow, this thing looks way cheap.

Almost like 'sold out the back of a van' cheap.

aanders1 wrote:Just so I know...do these speakers work for all things connected to the TV or only when I'm watching the BluRay?

(i.e. when I'm playing my Wii or watching *gasp* VHS tapes will I still get to use the supposedly awesome sound system or does it revert to the TV speakers?)

Hold on, let me take 30 seconds to read for you... Eh, nvm, do it yourself, I feel lazy.

Audio Return Channel: Simple Connection with HDMI Cable. The New ARC feature allows receiving audio signals from the TV on top of the preexisting HDMI function of sending audio/video signals to the TV with just one cable. This will simplify the connection by eliminating an audio cable connection between the TV audio output and the main unit’s audio input.

aanders1 wrote:Just so I know...do these speakers work for all things connected to the TV or only when I'm watching the BluRay?

(i.e. when I'm playing my Wii or watching *gasp* VHS tapes will I still get to use the supposedly awesome sound system or does it revert to the TV speakers?)

In general, no. You need a receiver to route all your devices through and to output it to your tv and speakers. This has no inputs except audio(apparently)

edit: Guess you could through the return channel as another poster indicated. Not an optimal solution, imho, but works on a budget I guess.

I think I had a box of Cracker Jacks once that had a mini boombox for prize inside it. I'd have to say that it had better sound than this hunk of crap and it might of been wi-fi ready. Only problem I had was keeping it balanced on my shoulder next to my ear. Wind kept blowing it off.

Had this system for a short while. Anyone considering this purchase should keep in mind that "All in one/In a box" home theater systems are not perfect. They supply decent sound and should get the job done for most people, but they are not the best thing out there. That said, this system is HORRIBLE! Weak bass response, serious distortion at high volume levels, lack of features considering it's internet connectivity, SLOW to load and play Blu-Rays (pop popcorn, eat it, and still be waiting for your movie to start kind of slow), and an all around poor build quality really make this quite an undesirable system at any price. (And this is quite a low price for this system.) I sent my Panasonic back and purchased a Sony BDV-E570. I am MUCH happier. This system will not satisfy even the most easy-going buyers. Do not buy!

*PLEASE NOTE*
This only works if your TV is capable of the ARC feature. Do your homework... Do not assume it will work!

unksol wrote:Hold on, let me take 30 seconds to read for you... Eh, nvm, do it yourself, I feel lazy.

Audio Return Channel: Simple Connection with HDMI Cable. The New ARC feature allows receiving audio signals from the TV on top of the preexisting HDMI function of sending audio/video signals to the TV with just one cable. This will simplify the connection by eliminating an audio cable connection between the TV audio output and the main unit’s audio input.

Insert the "amazon has ruined woot" statement here...................

You know.. I'm just looking at this, and I can't help but think "If this had been yesterday's Woot, they could have rearranged them a bit to look like the entire WTC complex.."

tball2990 wrote:*PLEASE NOTE*
This only works if your TV is capable of the ARC feature. Do your homework... Do not assume it will work!

Actually your TV and your HDMI cable have to be HDMI 1.4 compliant.

As for a second and/or third audio source, not to worry. This unit has two digital optical inputs that you could use instead of the ARC on a HDMI 1.4 setup. All you would need is an optical out on your TV and you should be good. Most do but I would double check to be sure. Avoid using the L/R RCA connections as you will be limited to only a stereo output. Only the ARC or optical connection will give you the full 5.1 surround sound.

Nothing really to add here. I just wanted to see my name posted to break up a 60+ minute lull in the action. Move along, nothing to see here...

Still nothing. Hello? Is anybody else here?

Shhhhhhhhhh I am thinking about buying this.

I bought this exact system just over a year ago at Costco and have been pretty happy with it, especially for the price (I actually paid a little more). At this price, it's obviously not the best possible audio experience, but it's good enough for my non-audiophile ears. I don't watch a ton of Blu-Ray movies, but the ones I have watched sounded good. For Netflix and console gaming it's more than adequate.

If you're serious about audio quality, you're not even considering this system, but if you just want to watch Blu-Ray movies with surround sound, this is a pretty good system for the money.

I have one of these already and it's good enough for the bedroom tv, but don't expect high performance for a larger living room. The receiver/blue-ray player streams my netflix, youtube, and amazon so that's a nice feature.. but I wish I could add my own channels like Veetle. For the price it's a good deal.

I have one as well - it works just fine for my medium sized living room, but I agree, it's not for larger rooms. The sound quality, bass and all, is fine for most purposes and it can take digital optical in or RCA jacks (or ARC). I have my HD-DVR and PS3 connected via optical.

IMO,

Pros:
- Simplicity and ease of setup (everything is in one box, color coded and all)
- Picture/sound quality - matches my PS3 on picture quality, sound is just fine (I don't turn my speakers up past 40-50%, usualy not past 20-30%, I agree this would not be good for super high volumes...but it's just fine for apt dwellers or normal folk)
- Feature set - for this price, Netflix, Pandora, iPod integration, 2 optical inputs, etc is a pretty good deal.

Cons:
- Load times - while not FOREVER as some people above portray, they are on average about 10-25% longer than the PS3 on the same blu-rays
- Short cable lenghts - I had to replace the included cables for even my small/medium size living room.
- No option to pass sound to the TV - sometimes I actually want to just listen to the TV speakers (particularly when other people in the house are doing other things) - I can't use this as a blu-ray player then.

Hope this helps! I think it's a good system for someone just starting out in surround sound who's in an apartment (esp) or small house. Long as you don't expect to get blasted out of your seat by sound, this should be just fine.

The center and rear speakers looks like it is out of a PC Speaker Set. I hope they have some great technology in the design or they will never be heard over the huge 2 L/R.

ceddinde wrote:For nearly thei same price, I would buy a Sony SA-FT1H Flat Panel Speaker System instead.

I suppose you could say that but considering these are only speakers with no electronics, is it really equivilent?

Purchased a similiar system from Panasonic at Costco. Note that the rear surrond speakers are not wireless. Their provided speaker wires are their own configuration and they have a proprietary connection end. The speaker wires are very THIN gauge wires with connector ends crimped to them. They click into the receiver and speakers. It's not open ended exposed speaker wires like you would have on a regular receiver to speakers. I had "buried" regular speaker wires under my hardwood floors for rear speakers just for the occassion when I would install a surrond sound. I couldn't use them with this. There was NO way to snake the Panasonic speaker wires under my floor as the end connector clips are larger than the wires themselves. I had to lay the rear speaker wires across my floor to the rear. That lasted for 2-3 months. After tripping over it too many times and seeing the unsightly WHITE wire laying across the floor I decided to pack the whole unit up and persue other surrond sound avenues. I even threw carpet remnants over the exposed wires. That went over well with the family. SIGH...needless to say...I'll sell mine on ebay...cheap.

Returned it the same day I bought it. Poor system overall. Lowest quality speaker wire and you can't swap out the wires because they are wired directly into the speakers.

i say stick to receiver and normal speakers, yes more expensive, but expandability, features, quality, etc. all out weigh the extra price

I actually bought this same exact system last christmas on amazon for $327.38

In all honesty it is not the high end performance system you would want for you million dollar home. But for most most people with a normal sized living room this will more than do the job. I see lots of complaints but for the price this system is worth the $250.

I would recommend this to the average user who wants to enjoy a 5.1 sound experience in a room smaller than 20x20.

Does this unit have wi-fi capability or must it be hard wired to get internet content???

Citydweller wrote:Does this unit have wi-fi capability or must it be hard wired to get internet content???

I personally have mine hardwired, for wi-fi you need to buy an adapter about 100 bucks

bigdogs wrote: Note that the rear surrond speakers are not wireless. Their provided speaker wires are their own configuration and they have a proprietary connection end. The speaker wires are very THIN gauge wires with connector ends crimped to them. They click into the receiver and speakers. It's not open ended exposed speaker wires like you would have on a regular receiver to speakers. I had "buried" regular speaker wires under my hardwood floors for rear speakers just for the occassion when I would install a surrond sound. I couldn't use them with this. There was NO way to snake the Panasonic speaker wires under my floor as the end connector clips are larger than the wires themselves. I had to lay the rear speaker wires across my floor to the rear.

I have this exact set - while the connectors to the head unit are proprietary, the speaker ends are speaker wire. I was able to first splice in a longer piece of wire (quite easily by twisting ends together), then replace the wires all together (for aestethic purposes). It should work just fine with a pre-wired home.

ddraj wrote:http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-SC-BT235-Blu-ray-Surround-Advanced/dp/B003JUU8LO

amazon reviews are not favorable.
very glad i read them.

Ditto!!

The player is also criticized for freezing up.

tlm327 wrote:i say stick to receiver and normal speakers, yes more expensive, but expandability, features, quality, etc. all out weigh the extra price

I totally agree. I have purchased two of these inexpensive systems and I am regretting not just shelling out the cash for the "right" solution being a proper receiver with all the correct inputs and outputs.

Am I the only one who got hungry reading the write-up? OMGOMGOMGPONIESOMG I'm the fat kid in the class!

bigdogs wrote:Purchased a similiar system from Panasonic at Costco. Note that the rear surrond speakers are not wireless. Their provided speaker wires are their own configuration and they have a proprietary connection end. The speaker wires are very THIN gauge wires with connector ends crimped to them. They click into the receiver and speakers. It's not open ended exposed speaker wires like you would have on a regular receiver to speakers. I had "buried" regular speaker wires under my hardwood floors for rear speakers just for the occassion when I would install a surrond sound. I couldn't use them with this. There was NO way to snake the Panasonic speaker wires under my floor as the end connector clips are larger than the wires themselves. I had to lay the rear speaker wires across my floor to the rear. That lasted for 2-3 months. After tripping over it too many times and seeing the unsightly WHITE wire laying across the floor I decided to pack the whole unit up and persue other surrond sound avenues. I even threw carpet remnants over the exposed wires. That went over well with the family. SIGH...needless to say...I'll sell mine on ebay...cheap.

Couldn't you just splice the ends of the Panasonic wire onto your existing wires?

In case anybody was wondering, this system is NOT eligible for a free copy of Avatar on 3-D blu-ray. These are the 2011 3D-ready HTiBs that get the disc:

• SC-BTT770
  
• SC-BTT370
  
• SC-BTT270
  
• SC-BTT268
  
• SC-BTT273