Panasonic SC-BT205 Blu-ray Home Cinema System

[Killen]

Introduction

Besides we already know about the 2.1 Blu-Ray System SC-BTX70 offers, the Panasonic SC-BT205 5.1-Complete is also for a fair price of 999 euros to EIA similarly. Thus, the entry-level of home theater comes all the way with the new lossless sound formats to fully enjoy. In addition to basic things such as playback of all high-definition video and sound formats, the Panasonic system will turn an arsenal of multimedia features with: USB, SD card slot, iPod dock and integrated YouTube and Picasa features as well which are back on board. Whether the 5.1-Set both in the field of image and sound quality as well as function as a media server can convince us, we will find them it here in our test.

Processing

Front Mainunit of Panasonic SC-BT205

Cleanly integrated, extendable iPod Dock


Slide drive with low-class modern storage


Well processed volume knob button


The Panasonic SC-BT205 "command center" shows typical pleasing design


Ordinary processing, but relatively simple materials in the speakers


Withheld compact subwoofer

The processing unit of the player is excellent. With low gap dimensions, illuminated volume control, the hidden iPod dock and the closed BD / DVD tray provide a simple but elegant appearance. Embedded basic controls on top of the device (Play / Stop / Smart Setup / Close Open / OnOff) provide fast access even without a remote control. This follows the model already tested in the SC-BTX70 and there is as simple but clear and sufficient. The relatively high front and Rearboxe is somewhat shaky, despite the broad base. The finish of the surface is deep black and high gloss and the speakers are small, but elegant fine grinding. As for the weight and the processing of falls back on but that one had to save for the 999 EUR price target. The cable system is something just under the cross-sectional size and not interchangeable. The internal structure of Mainunit is convincing, with clear and good wiring board layout. Overall score in relation to the price category: very good - excellent.

[Killen]

Connections

Connectors (rear)
• HDMI
• FBAS
• Component Video
• Optical Audio In (2x)
• Stereo AUX In
• LAN (Ethernet)
• FM Ant
• Digital Transmitter (not included)

Ports (front)
• 3.5 mm Headphones
• USB
• Setup Mic
• SD Card
• iPod Dock

There is not much to criticize. Among the elementary connections of Panasonic, it offers multimedia range with USB, SD card slot and iPod Dock. Overall score in relation to the price range and product type: excellent.

Connection Setup for Microphone and USB terminal on the front


SD card slot


iPod Dock


Range of Ports on the main unit at rear end


Speaker cable system connections on the main unit


Terminal connections on the speakers

Configuration, setup and operation

Known remote control for Panasonic SC-BT205

The SC-BT205 has the Smart Setup. Preferred language, formats and speakers are set to position, in addition there is an automatic calibration of the speaker system is made. It follows the election of the TV audio input (AUX / optical) and the setting of network parameters with a connected LAN.

• Disc: DVD-Video backup level (0 to 8), Age limit for BD-Video, audio track selection, subtitle language selection, language selection, BD Live Internet access (Allow / Restrict / Prevent)

• Video: Still image mode (auto / half / full), Seamless Playback (On / Off), NTSC output (NTSC/PAL60)

• Audio: Dynamic Range (off / auto / on), digital audio output (all formats Dolby / DTS all formats / MPEG - either bitstream or PCM), PCM Down Conversion (on / off) , downmix (Stereo / Surround), high sound clarity (enable or disable speaker settings (test signal, adjust the subwoofer level)

• Display: Display Inserts (off / automatic), screen language, willingness to function (on / off), brightness of the display devices (light / auto / dimmed), software license (read the license agreements)

• TV / Device Connector: TV formats (16:9 / 4:3 / 4:3 letterbox), delay (audio delay, adjustable from 20 to 140 ms in 20 ms Steps), HDMI connector (HDMI video format: 1 . Automatic 576/480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 2 24p on / off, 3 HDMI output standard or Advanced, 4 HDMI audio output from / a, 5 Viera Link on / off, 6 car : video / audio or video), TV system (PAL or NTSC)

• Network settings (IP-Address/DNS: connection test, auto-assignment of IP address, this is enabled, everything else is done automatically. When it is deactivated, various connection-related parameters be entered manually: IP address, subnet mask, gateway address, primary and secondary DNS. The connection speed can be automatically or manually be determined), settings of the proxy server (only relevant when a proxy server is used), network service (network lock, automatic audio amplifier scheme (off, downsized screen display on / off, time zone, daylight saving time). show the Mac address

• Other: Smart Setup, Remote Control (Code 1 or Code 2), default settings (yes / no), DivX recording, updating the firmware

[Killen]

Multimedia
SD card: When selecting the SD card via Start button-> input selector-> SD card opens the Direct Navigator - a thumbnail overview of existing image files - from which the images directly to and on the big screen appear. The button "Options" opens a pop-up menu with the following settings:
• Start Slideshow
• Slideshow setting: A click opens the following possibilities
- Advertisement Interval (Short / Normal / Long)
- Transition effect (fade / random / Move)
- Continuous Play (On / Off)
- Soundtrack (on / off)

When you start the slideshow and select "soundtrack a" appears next to the video playing music, but this is only possible when docked iPod. MP3 files on the SD card is not recognized.

USB: Here we are the Direct Navigator thrown onto the screen, before we can between JPEG and MP3 playback. We can back options - are identical to those in the SD card menu - select. As with our test of the Panasonic SC-BTX70 is the music of the slide show from the library of the iPod preference, this is not in the Dock is the first title of the USB stick play.

iPod: The handshake between iPod dock and engine runs smoothly. Both "Music" - and "Video files" from the menu can be on TV and controlled play. If only one controller on the display of the iPod simply selects the option "All (iPod screen)." As with the SC-BTX70, it is possible to connect iPod directly with the remote control of the Panasonic system to control.

Network Functions: After connecting to our Ethernet cable to configure the BD player to the Panasonic system automatically and calls us to a firmware update to the newest version. If you select the Start menu, point to the "Network" is one of the Panasonic Service Network, and has the option between Youtube and Picasa Web Albums. The Youtube feature opens the opportunity for the well-known principle to search for videos (Featured / Most Viewed / Top Rated / Search). If you have an account, you can log in here. In the selection of the Picasa Web Album users can search for pictures, sign in or existing "Panasonic Select" Personal albums.

Overall, the multimedia and networking section is well equipped, everything is designed to meet practical needs. Overall score in relation to the price class: Excellent.

Overall Conclusion

The SC-BT205 deserves a clear buying recommendation

We expected a not too bad performance of the Panasonic 5.1-representative. The processing feature were good, also the remote and navigation menu were easily laying the foundation of a good first impression. The rich detail, sharp uncompromising 24p playback strengthens our opinion. The accompanying players here like us even a hair's breadth better than that of the SC-BTX70, but could (both systems), the slow drive speed slightly improved. The extensive multimedia capabilities round out to be good from the reproduction signal, praise is also available for easy (and automatic) connection. Speaker components are processed by the absolutely reasonable price class, only the front and stand Rear tower despite the wide foot somewhat are shaky.
Finally we can say that the Panasonic SC-BT205 is an excellent product on the market, which is interesting because of the overall profile is less advanced, but audiovisually discerning user is directed. Especially for those who are also within this price to 5.1-constituents, the Panasonic system is an excellent choice.

[kattman]

I am still in doubt that whats the best between Panasonic SC-BT200 or SC-BT205 cause the 205 has tallboy speakers and the 200 standard speakers but there is approx £100 difference between the two. What should i go for?