Panasonic Debuts New Line of High Quality Compact Stereo Systems Featuring Stylish Designs and Smart Networking Technology

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today unveiled three new slim, stylish Compact Stereo Systems which are compatible with iPod® and iPhone® devices. Designed to produce superior, high-quality sound, the SC-HC57, SC-HC37 and SC-HC27 combine state-of-the-art sound technology, smart networking capabilities and sleek, modern designs to produce sophisticated compact stereo systems for the home environment. 

Featuring outstanding sound quality, all models in the 2012 HC Series offer users a pure, direct sound system with noise reduction capabilities allowing users to enjoy a crystal clear listening experience without the interference of reflected sound.  With sleek, ultra slim designs, the new compact stereos can be set up in places where conventional stereo systems would not fit, and the SC-HC57 and SC-HC37 models can also be placed on a wall with the included wall mount bracket.  The 2012 HC Series Compact Stereo System models all feature low power consumption and are Energy Star Qualified.   

Each model allows users to play music from a variety of sources including iPod/iPhone, CD-R/RW and FM Radio.  Music lovers and talk radio enthusiasts can enjoy hundreds of stations offered by Internet Radio using the SC-HC57 or SC-HC37 system to search for stations and program favorites by installing the vTuner* application into their iPhone or iPod. 

The SC-HC57 and SC-HC37 models feature Direct-Vocal Surround which enables sound to expand so a user can enjoy a listening experience similar to a concert hall environment.  Additionally, these models are designed with lightweight, nanosized bamboo cone speakers to create a more responsive sound, providing clearer vocals and crisper dialog.

High-quality metal net is coupled with a solid sliding door with a crystal edge on the SC-HC57 and SC-HC37 models to enhance the luxurious look and feel of the product.  When the front sliding door is opened the iPod/iPhone dock slides out automatically, making docking and removing a device simple. 

The SC-HC57 Compact Stereo System features AirPlay which allows users to wirelessly stream music from an iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or MAC/PC directly into the device through a home's wireless LAN network.  AirPlay allows lossless transmission for the finest sound quality playback of a personal music library and provides a multi-room listening function, allowing for up to six AirPlay compatible units to receive music from an iTunes library on a MAC or PC at once.  Users can choose to stream one song to one or more rooms using a MAC/PC or stream different songs to various rooms, using a second MAC/PC with a separate iTunes Library.  To create a wireless AirPlay connection from an iPhone, iPod or iPad device, a user simply the presses Connect button on the SC-HC57 device**. 

"Panasonic's 2012 line of compact stereo systems combines high quality audio with a stylish, compact design to produce a product that is perfectly suited for any home environment," said Troy Livingston, Product manager, Panasonic, Entertainment Group.  "The introduction of AirPlay to our top of the line model is an innovative addition that allows the user to enjoy audio in a multi-room setting."

A user's iPhone or iPod touch can also transform into a remote control for the SC-HC57 with the Panasonic Stereo Remote Control App, available in the iTunes App Store in spring 2012.  A touch of the screen allows for a one-step control of surround effect, volume and even gives users the ability to open and close the device door.  

The Panasonic 2012 HC Series Compact Stereo Systems will be available in April 2012.  They will be on display at the Panasonic booth #9405 at 2012 International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 10, 2012 through January 13, 2012.

"Made for iPod" and "Made for iPhone" mean that an electronic accessory has been  designed to connect specifically to iPod, or iPhone, respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with iPod, or iPhone may affect wireless performance.

AirPlay, the AirPlay logo, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license.
Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

*vTuner for Panasonic app must be purchased from iTunes
**One button connect can only be used with WPS compatible devices.  Manual Connect is necessary if the Wi-Fi router requires an ID and password. 

About Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American Subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada.  The Company's portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. 

Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicdirect, and additional company information for media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

SOURCE Panasonic