Panasonic SC-PT950 Wireless Home Theater System
Panasonic HTiB with front towers
Summary
- Product Name: SC-PT950
- Manufacturer: Panasonic
- Review Date: January 02, 2008 19:05
- MSRP: $499.95
- First Impression: Mildly Interesting
| RMS
Output Power: Dolby Digital Mode Front Ch 250 W per channel (6 Ohms), 1 kHz, 10 % THD Center Ch 250 W per channel (6 Ohms), 1 kHz, 10 % THD Subwoofer Ch 250 W per channel (6 Ohms), 100 Hz, 10 % THD Total RMS Dolby Digital mode power 1200 W FTC Output Power: Dolby Digital Mode Front Ch 104 W per channel (6 Ohms), 120 Hz–20 kHz, 1 % THD Center Ch 101 W per channel (6 Ohms), 120 Hz–20 kHz, 1 % THD Subwoofer Ch 95 W per channel (6 Ohms), 45 Hz–120 Hz, 1 % THD Total FTC Dolby Digital mode power 472 W Wireless RMS output power Surround Ch 100 W per channel (4 Ohm), 1 kHz, 10 % THD Total RMS power 200 W Wireless FTC output power Surround Ch 34 W per channel (4 Ohm), 120 Hz–20 kHz, 1 % THD Total FTC power 68 W Wireless module Frequency range 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz No. of channels: 3 Preset Memory FM 30 stations AM/MW 30 stations FM Frequency range 87.9–107.9 MHz (200-kHz step) 87.5–108.0 MHz (100-kHz step) Sensitivity 1.8 μV (IHF) S/N 26 dB 1.4 μV AM Sensitivity S/N 20 dB at 1000 kHz 560 μV/m Phone jack Terminal Stereo, 3.5 mm (1/8") jack Music Port (Front) Sensitivity 100 mV, 1.2 kOhms Terminal (Input) Stereo, 3.5 mm (1/8") jack Discs played [8 cm (3") or 12 cm (5")] DVD (DVD-Video) DVD-RAM (DVD-VR, MP3, JPEG) DVD-R (DVD-Video, DVD-VR, MP3, JPEG) DVD-R DL (DVD-Video, DVD-VR) DVD-RW (DVD-Video, DVD-VR, MP3, JPEG) +R/+RW (Video) +R DL (Video) CD, CD-R/RW [CD-DA, Video CD, SVCD, MP3, WMA, JPEG, HighMAT Level 2 (Audio and Image)] Video system NTSC Composite video output Component video output (480p/480i) HDMI AV output |
[Front\speakers\SB-HF950] Type 2 way, 2 speaker system (Bass reflex) Speaker unit(s) Impedance 6 Ohms 2 Full range 6.5 cm (2 1/2") Cone type Input power (IEC) 250 W (Max) Output sound pressure 83 dB/W (1.0 m) Frequency range 79 Hz–25 kHz (-16 dB) 95 Hz–22 kHz (-10 dB) Dimensions (WxHxD): 9 29/32" x 44 7/32" x 9 1/4" (252 mm x 1123 mm x 235 mm) Mass 8.4lbs (3.8 kg) [Surround\speakers\SB-HS950] Type 1 way, 1 speaker system (Bass reflex) Speaker unit(s) Impedance 4 Ohms Full range 6.5 cm (21/2") Cone type Input power (IEC) 100 W (Max) Output sound pressure 80 dB/W (1.0 m) Frequency range 89 Hz–25 kHz (-16 dB) 105 Hz–22 kHz (-10 dB) Dimensions (WxHxD): 3 5/8" x 5 19/32" x 3 3/4" (92 mm x 142 mm x 95 mm) Mass 1.3lbs (0.6 kg) [Center\speaker\SB-HC950] Type 1 way, 2 speaker system (Bass reflex) Speaker unit(s) Impedance 6 Ohms 1. Full range 6.5 cm (2 1/2") Cone type 2. Full range 6.5 cm (2 1/2") Cone type Input power (IEC) 250 W (Max) Output sound pressure 82 dB/W (1.0 m) Frequency range 80 Hz–25 kHz (-16 dB) 96 Hz–22 kHz (-10 dB) Dimensions (WxHxD): 10 5/8" x 3 11/16" x 3 3/4" (270 mm x 94 mm x 95 mm) Mass 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs) [Subwoofer\SB-HW950] Type 1 way, 1 speaker system (Bass reflex) Speaker unit(s) Impedance 6 Ohms Woofer 17 cm (6 3/4") Cone type Input power (IEC) 250 W (Max) Output sound pressure 81 dB/W (1.0 m) Frequency range 26 Hz–220 Hz (-16 dB) 32 Hz–180 Hz (-10 dB) Dimensions (WxHxD): 7" x 16 23/32" x 10 1/8" (180 mm x 445 mm x 330 mm) Weight: 12.2 lbs (5.5 kg) Power supply AC 120 V, 60 Hz Power consumption Main unit 135 W Dimensions (WxHxD): 16 15/16" x 2 15/16" x 16 11/16" (430 mm x 70 mm x 424 mm) Weight Main unit 11Ibs (5 kg) |
Panasonic's SC-PT950's represents a nice step up in their line of home theater-in-a-box systems. It is identical in functionality to its little brother, the SC-PT750. For an extra $100, you'll get tower speakers, a slightly larger woofer, and just a little more amplifier power. As such, the PT950 will have a more full range sound across the front and just a little bit lower bass. Be sure to read the SC-PT750 First Look article for details on this series. Here is a list of the major features:
- Front Tower speakers
- Wireless Rear speakers, transmitter and receiver (2.4GHz)
- 5 Disc DVD/CD changer
- HDMI output up to 1080p
- Capable of reading JPG, MP3, and WMA files
- Dolby Digital and DTS decoding
- Included iPod Dock
- AM / FM / XM radio tuning
- Multi-room capability with optional SH-FX85 wireless kit
- Easy to Use remote control
As you may note, the subwoofer is front-ported and stands more like a PC tower than the typical cubic subwoofer enclosures we typically see. The "tower" speakers are visually appealing, but do not make use of the full enclosure volume. In a sense, they are bookshelf speakers permanently affixed to matching stands. The real nifty feature of this system is the addition of the wireless surrounds. As many consumers can't fathom running cables to the rear of their listening rooms, this alone may be worth the price of admission. When utilizing the wireless speakers, one thing you'll want to watch out for is proximity to other 2.4GHz devices such as cordless phones and your home 802.11g wireless network.
This is a great home theater system with lots of "creature-features." A 5-disc DVD changer and easy-to use remote are solid features any homeowner will appreciate. Add in an automatic setup system with included mic and an included iPod dock and now you've got something that your mother-in-law could set up and enjoy. If, however, you can push the budget just a bit higher, there are some better sounding HTiB systems out there, such as the Samsung AS720ST. In any case, we'd recommend you head to your local big box store to check it out. The sound isn't bad, and the look just might fit with your TV and room layout.
For more information please visit www.panasonic.com
Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.
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