Panasonic Introduces Smart Network 3D Blu-ray Disc™ Home Theater Systems With Enhanced Sound Quality

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic is pleased to introduce three new Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc™ home theater systems, SC-BTT490, SC-BTT195 and SC-BTT190, that employ advanced technologies to reproduce clearer, enhanced theater-like surround sound to skillfully match high-quality 3D imagery.  The integration of smart networking functions including Smartphone remote control, DLNA, Wireless LAN, digital music connection for iPod®/iPhone® and VIERA Connect™ complements traditional home entertainment for an enriched, user-friendly audio/video experience. 

Equipped with 3D Cinema Surround as a standard feature, the new models are a perfect match for high-definition 3D video. A state-of-the art Panasonic technology, Cinema Surround produces impressive theater-like surround sound through a total of 30 real and virtual speakers. Panasonic's proprietary direction perception control technology allows for sound to be perceived as coming from the correct direction.  Additionally, Anti-Jitter Digital Amplifiers reduce jitter and distortion that can affect audio clarity, producing pure, brilliant high-quality sound with a full surround effect that rivals larger home theater systems. 

The home theater systems also feature a digital music connection for iPod /iPhone,(*1) which minimizes sound degradation allowing users to enjoy their favorite iPod tunes with pure sound that is highly faithful to the original source.

Not only do the 2012 home theater systems offer improved sound quality, but they are also equipped with a variety of features to enhance the home entertainment experience. VIERA Connect™(*2)   has been expanded to offer users a wider variety of online content.  From sports and video-on-demand movies, as well as streaming content, to gaming and communication, users can find a wide-array of content which has been improved for greater convenience and enhanced enjoyment. Users can also utilize their home theater systems to easily connect to Netflix, Cinema Now, YouTube, Facebook and Skype(*3) to increase the entertainment options that they can enjoy with family and friends from the comfort of their sofa. 

For simple, intuitive operation, the new home theater systems are compatible with the Panasonic Smartphone Remote Control app(*4) which enables users to easily operate the system by tapping and swiping their Smartphone screen.  Users can easily input characters with the key pad on their Smartphone to access their favorite sound effects, and can quickly search for additional entertainment and movie information.

A smart home networking tool that makes it easier to share and enjoy digital photos, music, and videos in the home environment, the DLNA function allows users to access, browse and view content stored on a server while in another room without having to worry about shuffling discs.  An easy-to-use feature, the smart network is made possible with the help of an internal wireless LAN capability on Blu-ray Disc home theaters which eliminates the need for a LAN cable connection.  Additionally, the SC-BTT490 contains a Wi-Fi system(*5) built into the main unit so users can enjoy VIERA Connect™(*2) and BD-Live™(*6) content without having to connect their home theater with a LAN cable or wireless LAN adapter.

The SC-BTT490 is equipped with two HDMI inputs in addition to one HDMI output for gaming consoles and set-top box connections and allows signals from connected devices to pass through the unit even when the home theater system is turned off.

The Panasonic Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc home theater systems will be available in April 2012.  They will be on display at Panasonic booth #9405 at 2012 International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 10, 2012 through January 13, 2012.

(*1) "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. iPhone, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

(*2) Access to a broadband Internet connection is required to use VIERA Connect™ features. There is no fee to use the VIERA Connect™ functionality, however, some VIERA Connect™ services require membership registration and have a separate fee structure. Network services are operated by the respective service providers, and service may be discontinued either temporarily or permanently without notice.

(*3) With the purchase of a Panasonic communication camera.

(*4) Requires the device with the app installed and the home theater to be connected to the same home network.

(*5) A wireless LAN environment is required.

(*6)To enjoy the content, you will need to insert an SD card (1GB or more of free space/sold separately)

• All features of websites or content of the service may not be available.
• Some content may be inappropriate for some viewers.
• Some content may only be available for specific countries and may be presented in specific languages.
• Not all features of websites or service content may be available.
• The Netflix, CinemaNow, YouTube™, Facebook names and logos are trademarks of their respective owners in the United States and other countries.
• The Skype name, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.
• Attention: it is not possible to make emergency calls with Skype™.
• The information presented here is based on comparisons with Panasonic's 2012 products as of the end of December 2011. Functions and services may change. The names and market releases of the products, functions and services listed here vary depending on the country.
• Not all apps are initially included and some require downloading or purchasing.

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