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Frequently Bought Together
Technical Details
- 5.1ch Blu-ray Disc home cinema system
- Cinema Surround reproduces realistic movie theatre surround experience
- Clear, beautiful vocals with the advanced Bamboo Cone Speaker
- PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus brings out the finer details and nuance of Blu-ray Disc
- Vibrant, smooth and truthful colour reproduction with High Precision 4:4:4
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Product Description
Manufacturer's Description
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.
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.
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.
BD-Live
An even more advanced profile, called BD-Live* can connect to the Internet and play Blu-ray movies that have Internet-enabled content, such as interactive multiplayer games, trailers and extra features you can download from the Internet to local storage, e.g. on exchangeable memory like an SD memory card. The technology gets you the most from your movie watching. In the near future BD-Live will enable users to join in quizzes and challenge each other in super interactive games.
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.
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.
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 centre speaker is made of bamboo, which has received high acclaim not just because it is environmentally friendly, but because it offers a more extensive sound range. It is 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.
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.
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!
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Customer Reviews
This neat little pile of kit ticks the boxes very nicely. It is compact in size: the player is full width (430mm) but shallow, while the speakers are small and discreet and the sub woofer is not as big as it could be (mercifully - are they ugly beasts or what?). In black it fits nicely into the heap of other kit, and the fascia and display of the player is pleasingly restrained with a minimalist LCD during playback. This cut down approach does make some of the options via the remote a little less than intuitive, so some manual reading is required.
Set up was a piece of cake, requiring no dramas or even reading of instructions - just follow the screen prompts. Gripes: (1)the speaker cables are very white (!) ... which is not that attactive in the average living room. (2) the only inter-connect supplied is a cheap as chips phono cable for video. Nothing for sound back from the TV, and no HDMI. A little on the cheap side.
Performance? Flipping excellent ... blu-ray playback seems pretty darned good to me (although to be fair I've little to compare it to) and audio is really very good indeed, way, way ahead of the Sony home cinema kit that I've replaced. Music DVDs were always a problem for me on my old set up, with boomy, muddy sound a regular issue; this is mostly resolved by the B230. Playback of non-blueray discs is excellent and the iPod playback is surprisingly good - although I'll probably never use it again (I can imagine it would be useful to some people). Note that iPod control is not that great from the DVD remote - like many things related to iPods, it seems to work on an initial premise that your music collection adds up to about 30 CDs.
You can (should you so desire) add wi-fi dongles for both internet connection (Youtube, proprietary content, etc) and rear speaker cable replacement. Quite fun, but rather expensive -I doubt if I will bother. Firmware upgrades can be done via writeable disc, you won't be handicapped by not having a net connection.
Overall, for the price, I'm really pleased with the BT230. Nice picture, great sound, simple to use, sleek but tasteful looking, and a very impressive all round package.
You wont believe how tiny they are, the satellite speakers are about ~10cm tall x ~6cm wide.
The subwoofer is also very small. They entire system is half the size of my old Sony System which is very nice, its sleek aswell.
The only draw back is it could be louder but i suppose for such tiny speakers you cant ask for much more, however the sound quality is exellent, absolutley exellent. The other thing that is very nice is it puts out 5.1 sound from any input you choose, be it TV, iPod, CD, Xbox etc.
Highly recommended.
Although this unit features a Blu Ray player our first concern was listening to music from the TV and from CDs. Although other reviewers have made light of connecting the unit, I found that interconnecting to the TV and an existing Panasonic Hard Disk/DVD recorder was not straightforward. Although I like to think that I am reasonably technical, thank goodness Panasonic have an excellent help desk, based in the UK, who were able to sort me out. Although my existing TV and recorder handbooks are very well written the Home Theatre handbook is abyssmal. Even the Panasonic helpdesk were struggling with it. It seems to have been thrown together by a technician late one Friday afternoon.
Basically, the Viera link on my, less than one year old, 2009 TV did not allow sound from either the TV or recorder to the home theatre unit (old software apparently)but this was partially rectified by purchasing two inexpensive optical digital sound leads (plenty of choice on Amazon). I say partially as we still had no sound (other from the Blu Ray player) as the Viera link needs to 'handshake' between the TV and each device connected on the HDMI. This sometimes does not occur automatically. The very patient Panasonic lady talked me through various options and eventually switching everything off at the mains one device at a time (i.e not just switching to standby) did the trick and the whole system burst into life.
What a transformation! Well worth waiting for. Just how the minute speakers deliver such clear sound is a miracle. The whole system, with plenty of bass from the Woofer, provides excellent clear sound - not only music, speech is much improved as well.
The unit plays CDs and Ipods very well and you can push the volume to very loud levels with no apparent distortion. Classical and pop music recordings are reproduced to a reasonable HiFi standard which is sufficient for our needs.
Not possessing any Blu Ray disks, my first test with the Blu Ray player was the Michael Palin Himalaya DVD set. The upscaled pictures were very good but the first thing we noticed was the sound level which was quite loud with enormous bass levels. Michael Palin's voice-overs were much too boomy but this proved to be due to the disk not the player. The handbook seems to suggest that you can alter the factory set bass levels but the Panasonic helpdesk did not advise this.
The second test was with the 5.1 surround sound Harrison Ford 'Patriot Games' DVD. This proved to be tremendous, with bass levels just right. The opening kidnap scenes were really exciting with a total surround sound experience. So you don't need Blu Ray disks to enjoy the experience to the full.
We now have one Blu Ray disk which is the 'Mama Mia' movie. Great picture and sound quality but for some reason it is in 'letterbox ' so top and bottom is a black screen
So, I forgive Panasonic for the dreadful handbook and the Vierra link software problems and I have given this unit 5 stars for it's performance. Highly recommended. If you are not particularly technically minded you are advised to get help connecting and setting it up!
Loved the machine when I got it, less than a year ago. Read more
Then along came bluray - and I have to say the situation is more complex. Read more
Took awhile to realise set up for play while watching normal t.v. Read more
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