Panasonic SC-BT222EB-K Blu-Ray 2.1 Home Cinema

What is Blu-ray?

The Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) is widely used optical disc standard for High Definition video and audio data, named after the short wavelength blue laser which is used to read and write. The single largest feature of BD is its high-density data storage capacity of 25GB per layer on one side. This lets you store many hours of content, such as movies with HD resolution and high-quality music with loss-less audio compression. Blu-ray discs also feature a high-performance interactive function that uses Java™*, called Blu-ray Java™, to deliver a new video experience to users not offered by conventional video media.

With Blu-ray Discs, you can experience so much more - greater picture detail, richer audio, and many more extras that would not fit onto a DVD.

HD Image Quality Video

In addition to the MPEG-2 format used by DVD-Video, the Blu-ray disc uses video codecs, such as MPEG-4 AVC and VC-1, which deliver high image quality using high compression rates. The data transfer speed is 48Mbps, which is about three times faster than DVD. A future plan also calls for a further increase in the data transfer speed. These technologies allow long-time playback of content with high definition image quality.

PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image-processing technology developed by Panasonic to precisely process each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal in the vertical direction. It reproduces colour data with twice the accuracy of conventional systems to keep colours faithful and sharp.

High precision 4:4:4 which reproduce the colour signals in horizontal directions with higher resolution have now been further advanced. Not only do they faithfully reproduce details of Full HD movies in 1080p as filmmakers intended, concert and documentary films saved in 1080i are now reproduced in greater detail than ever before.

Next Generation Audio

The Blu-ray Disc™ optionally supports next-generation surround sound formats like 'Dolby® Digital Plus', Dolby True HD or dts-HD. Connecting a Blu-ray player to an AV centre using an HDMI cable enables linear PCM multi-channel data transfer. This makes it possible to reproduce high-quality 7.1-channel surround sound with each channel offering DVD-Audio quality, delivering a surround sound experience that rivals the quality of the master audio source.

With Bu-ray BonusView, you can get picture-in-picture commentary from directors and so much more.

Faster Start Up, Better Connectivity

The boot time from standby to power-on has been greatly reduced from prior models. With this improvement, movies can now be enjoyed with less waiting time. * Your TV Set must be ‘ON’. Ready in 0.5 sec from Power Off (with Quick Start Mode).

Using DLNA® technology, Panasonic Blu-ray Disc™ players and home cinema systems can access files on compatible PCs or high definition recorders (DIGA). By simply connecting to home network (LAN), you can enjoy AVCHD, WMV, and JPEG files from your PC, or AVCHD files and recorded programmes from your DIGA. With a wireless LAN adaptor, VIERA CAST and other online content can be enjoyed wirelessly by accessing to your Wireless LAN router.

Blu-ray BonusView

Outstanding high definition picture quality is only the start of the Blu-ray revolution; Blu-ray technology also enables a new range of exciting and interactive entertainment possibilities. If you have ever wanted to watch your favourite film with the director or lead actor explaining significant moments in the film, BonusView is your backstage pass to the world behind the silver screen.

Picture-in-picture and Audio-Mixing Functions

The ‘Picture-in-Picture’ functionality provides a second small window which can be watched simultaneously on the screen in where, by example, actors and directors can give enhanced commentary about the scene you are watching; whilst the ‘Audio-Mixing’ function lets you choose the soundtrack you would like to listen to: the one from the content playing in the main window, the one from the small second window, or both at the same time. BonusView allows you to truly direct your own entertainment experience.

Share pictures and films on your BD player using the featured SD card slot.

Networking with SD Memory Card and USB Terminal

Panasonic Blu-ray Disc™ theatre and player models are equipped with an SD Memory Card slot and USB terminal. You can immediately view motion images recorded with an HD camcorder in AVCHD format, and JPEG images taken with a digital still camera. You can also create a special mood or theme by selecting some memorable music to play on your Blu-ray Disc player at the same time. Use the slide show feature to present your photos to your friends and family as they sit back and enjoy your films and photos.

Multi Content Playback

With the ability to playback various types of media and content, Panasonic Blu-ray Disc players offer more entertainment opportunities than ever before. They not only recognise Blu-ray Discs, but can read DVD and CDs, along with DivX, MP3s and JPEGs via the USB port. So whether it is the latest top Hollywood release, or playing one of your favourite MP3s to a slideshow, Panasonic Blu-ray Disc players can playback almost any of today’s most recognised electronic media formats.

Create and play image slideshows for friends and family.

Reduced Power consumption

Panasonic Blu-ray Disc™ players with advanced functions and ecological, energy-saving designs not only save you energy, but save on excess waste material and are friendlier to the environment.

After watching and listening with the compatible video and audio player, the Panasonic Blu-ray disc™ player automatically turns off when you return to the TV using the VIERA remote. Once you are finished watching TV and shut your system down, Blu-ray disc™ players with Quick Start function will turn off when TV is turned off., and are automatically turned on once VIERA is turned on.

Compact, Environmentally Friendly Design

The use of UniPhier, Panasonic’s unique single-chip LSI, has made it possible to integrate the video signal processing circuits into one chip. This has lowered the power consumption while enabling a more compact design due to a reduction of parts. The resulting products are more environmentally friendly, both with energy savings and less material being used in their construction, using fewer natural resources.

An added benefit to the elegant slim design is that we can also reduce the amount of materials needed for packing. The innovative line of Blu-ray Disc™ players packaging is again smaller than the previous generation, meaning we can fit more boxes on each shipping pallet and on each truck - hence fewer trucks are used, resulting in fewer CO2 emissions.

Get cinema-quality clarity and depth at a low volume with Panasonic's new 'Whisper-mode Surround' feature.

Premium Sound Quality

Whether you choose deep bass or soft whisper-mode, you can expect crystal clear surround sound from your Home Cinema System.

Through using the best technologies, best design and all our huge know-how, Panasonic Home Cinema Systems adapt and respond to the various acoustic needs of your home. Whether you want to play powerful music with as much life and bass as if it were live, or watch a film on ‘gone to bed’ low volume, you can expect your Panasonic system to deliver the highest quality of sound at both ends of the scale.

The front speakers are made of bamboo, which has received high acclaim not just because it is environmentally friendly, but because it offers a more extensive sound range. They are aligned in a vertical symmetrical configuration, with the tweeter in the centre and the woofers arranged directly above and below it. This reproduces a perfect and clear sound, seeming to emanate from a single point.

Powerful Bass Sound

Subwoofers deliver strong, deep sounds recreating a cinema experience, and you can bring a true cinematic audio sensation into your home with this home cinema system. Should you require all of this clarity and depth at a low level, the new ‘Whisper-mode Surround’ feature ensures none of the surround effect is lost. With this function, turning down the volume does not mean turning down the entertainment experience. The sound quality is retained by compensating for the sound pressure level of the low-frequency component (which contains the signals that affect the surround effect). Therefore rich sound, crisp and clear, continues to flow around you. With a complete premium sound quality and features that make it ideal for all occasions, you can expect that throughout the day or night, your entertainment system provides you with the most fantastic sound.

Select and play music from your iPod via an on-screen music menu, using your remote control.

Energy Saving Home Cinema System

Most electronic devices operate on full power when on. In an effort to decrease energy consumption, the Panasonic Home Cinema Systems reduces power consumption automatically according to input sound level, resulting in upwards of a 20% reduction in power used. In Stand-by mode (power OFF), Panasonic has reduced stand by power consumption by nearly 50%.Together, these adjustments make Panasonic Home Cinemas much more energy efficient.

Integrated Universal Dock for iPod® and USB Terminal

Panasonic’s Home Cinema is a great way to enjoy the music, video** and photo** content on your iPod. The list*** of iPod content can be displayed on the TV screen, and you can use the remote control* from the home cinema or a VIERA TV to select and play it.

* Photo playback is not supported by the VIERA remote, to playback photos please use the iPod directly. ** To enjoy iPod video/photo contents, please connect your home cinema system with composite video/SCART cable to your TV. *** Only for music and video.

An ideal way to conveniently enjoy the music on your iPod® is to connect it to a fantastic sound system at home. Panasonic Home Cinema Systems combine top-of-the-range sound quality with the most convenient connectivity: no cables are required, you simply dock your iPod® into the integrated universal dock. Additionally, via the USB port on the Home Cinema System, you can enjoy music from USB portable audio players.

Control your home cinema system and your TV at the push of a button - home viewing has never been more convenient

iPod® Music Playback and On-Screen Music Menu

Whilst other companies provide sound systems that merely playback the music from an iPod®, the advanced Panasonic AV technology offers you much more. Imagine enjoying your movies and video podcasts, directly from your iPod®, on a large VIERA HDTV screen! Panasonic Home Cinema Systems provide complete connectivity and compatibility so that you can even use the Home Cinema or VIERA TV remote control to browse and choose playlists, song titles, artists (et al) and playback your selections with title information from your iPod®.

VIERA Link

VIERA link is now takes this convenience to the next level by enabling users to use the same HDMI cables to also transmit control signals between different devices. What that means is you get universal control of all your HDMI home theatre equipment, without having to worry about trying to figure out which remote control to use. Just point the VIERA remote at your TV, and the signal will travel over the HDMI wires to the right piece of equipment, whether it is a Blu-ray or DVD player or Home Cinema Surround system.

Watching a film on Blu-ray using VIERA link means you simply press 'play' on your Blu-ray player, and the TV and surround system will automatically switch-on and set themselves to the correct AV input channels. Just by pressing one single button on one remote control. Sit back and relax - your film is starting!