Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic SC-BT100 5.1 Blu-Ray Home Theater System (Black)

NOTE: I HAVE ADDED ADDENDUMS TO THIS REVIEW, MAKE SURE AND READ THE COMMENTS
A search of the internet will quickly reveal many in the audiophile community bashing "home theater in a box" (htib) systems like this, and many of their entirely valid criticisms of such systems apply to this unit, but it has a lot of redeeming qualities too that make me overall convinced that this is a good buy for anyone whose needs match what it provides. Also it is a pretty high end htib so the sound quality will exceed what many would expect. A quick word on settings: This unit comes with a number of effects such as surround enhancement and some pre set EQ settings. Don't use them. Maybe turn down the sub a bit and turn up the center channel, but your goal with movies is to ACCURATELY reproduce the sound as it was intended to be heard. Keep everything flat and you will hear how the movie was meant to sound. That's how I know this is a quality htib: It sounds good with everything flat)

This is a good system for what it is, namely a way to get both blu-ray and 5.1 surround in one convenient and affordable package. The rear speakers are wireless, as in there is a second amp that connects wirelessly to the main amp so you don't have to run cables from the front to back of the room although you do have to run cables from the second amp to the rear speakers. The rears are very light and thus easy to mount on the wall, and I don't worry about that lack of weight too much because surrounds really don't need much power as they just add effects. The fronts and center are much beefier and are two-ways with what appears to be real crossovers so that's pretty good for a home theater in a box. The subwoofer is (unfortunately) passive but its driver is bamboo so I don't think it has the paper-driver problems of other htibs. It seems to cross over at a decent point as the bass stays properly nondirectional. All in all, in my fairly small room it sounds really great for me, and it's pretty cool how it has all the latest surround decoders including Dolby trueHD and DTS HD.

All that said, this system definitely has some typical htib limitations: It has proprietary speaker connections so you can't use other wire without splicing. You can, however, use other speakers because the speakers themselves use standard connections (only the amp-end connection is proprietary). You can also expand to 7.1 sound either by another proprietary (and wireless) panasonic amp or the unit actually does have wired surround outputs so that you can plug in other amps and speakers for the front and back surrounds. However, the proprietary wire is permanently implanted in the subwoofer and naturally there's no way to get a nonamplified subwoofer signal out of this amp so even with some wire splicing ability I doubt you could add a powered sub. So you could upgrade the speakers but not the sub. But again all the included stuff sounds very good so I don't regard this as a dealbreaker.

In addition to a passive, nonupgradeable subwoofer and the inability to use your own speaker wire (although you can use your own speakers), the unit is VERY skimpy on inputs. No HDMI passthru, and only ONE toslink/SPDIF in, and one conventional component audio in. This means that, unless you get a switch or are willing to swap out, you can only use one source other than blu-ray with which there will be "true" surround sound. This is a problem for me because my TV does not allow the SPDIF out to output any audio except for the ATSC tuner (copyright issue) and I have both a cable set top box and an xbox 360 that I want to get surround sound from. Remember, if you plug standard RCA stereo plugs into this thing you will not get real surround, just pro logic type matrix encoded stuff.

All in all, this is still a good buy. These days you can get a 42 inch lcd 1080p tv for about $1000, and you can get this system for about $1000, and you'll have a complete home theater with display, sound, and blu ray player (which is a good final standard profile player which will support all special features except bd live), all for about $2000 and no hassles. As usual with htib, you will sacrifice upgradeability and connectivity for this convenience, and you will have a passive subwoofer. But trust me, this sounds very good for htib and at this pricepoint I recommend it highly for anyone who wants the modern high def home theater experience on a limited budget, because on that, it delivers. You will really enjoy watching movies on this thing and in the end, that's all that really matters.

SC-BT100 surround sound & blu-ray review

As far as watching a movie, the SC-BT100 is top notch, and I highly recommend it for it's quality. But there are many things I would change about it, mostly user-friendly issues:

1. It shows a green glow around the volume knob on the main unit. It's so bright and big, it could be a distraction to some people, especially with the lights off, although I've gotten used to it.

2. The settings you want to change as far as configuring the bass, balance of the speakers, etc. are only on the small screen on the main unit. In other words, you can't look at the TV to configure the system for the speaker setup. I guess they did this so that it could be a standalone music system. You'll need to read the manual to figure out how to do what you want to do, so keep it handy.

3. The subwoofer was set to it's highest level when I got it out of the box, both by the setting configuration, and by a button on the main unit that boosts it even more. I guess they did that for displays in stores, but you will probably want to set it back to it's medium setting, unless you want to constantly feel like a 747 is going off in your living room. After watching a 3 hour movie with the subwoofer jacked up, I felt exhausted.

4. The rear wireless speakers actually are wired to a separate receiver that you plug in. This is fine for me, as they are technically wireless from the main unit (and I think all wireless rear speakers on all units have the same setup), but you have to turn the receiver on and off manually. The remote control won't do it. I'm always sitting down, turning on the TV, watching it for a few minutes, realizing that the rear speakers are off, and then having to get up to turn them on. But I do love the fact that the rear speakers are completely separated from the main unit. This makes setup easy.

5. The unit doesn't have a coaxial cable input. I guess if you get this system you will have high definition TV, but if you don't, you can't listen to the surround sound system, because an HDMI cable won't run the sound from the TV to the SC-BT100. In fact, you will have to turn off the SC-BT100 because the TV speakers turn off when the SC-BT100 is on, and you won't be able to hear anything at all until you do. I think you could change this option, but then you would want to change it back every time you watch a DVD or Blu-Ray.

6. The Viera Link thing that means you can use either remote control to work both the Panasonic TV or your SC-BT100 is not worth it. If I turn on the TV with the TV remote control, both units come on, but if I turn on the Blu-Ray player with the Blu-Ray remote, the TV doesn't come on. In fact, there is a separate power button for the TV on the Blu-Ray remote. But you rarely need the TV remote anyway, so it's not a big deal. But I wouldn't worry about trying to match up your system with the same manufacturer as your TV for this option.

7. I also chose the option of having the sound seem like "it's coming from the middle of the TV", per the manual. All this means is that instead of the dialogue coming out of the middle speaker only, it also comes out of the left and right front speakers, as well. This is good, because otherwise, you will have one speaker for dialogue, and 4 speakers for music and special effects, and it will be hard to hear what anyone is saying.

8. It takes forever for the unit to extract a disc. I mean really, why does this take so long? What is it doing? The screen on the main unit even tells me to "WAIT". What for? It takes a long time regardless if the system has been on for a long time, or if I just turned it on.

9. If I want to go to the main menu of a disc, I have to hit the Function Button, or the Submenu button, where I get a lot of options, where one is to go to the main menu. As much as this button is used (and it's on every DVD player's remote in the world), they make it awfully tough to get to the main menu. The Top Menu button and the Pop-Up Menu button won't do the trick. And I've tried this on multiple Blu-Rays and DVDs, so it's not the setup of the discs.

10. The system won't show you what chapter number you are on when you skip through chapters, neither on the main unit's display, nor on the TV. I've never seen a DVD player that didn't show you the chapter number for later reference.

11. I wish it had a screen saver that would kick in if the movie is on pause for a long time. I've had it on pause for probably 20 minutes, and nothing happens. But even with my plasma, I haven't had any burn-in issues. But I haven't had it on pause all night long, either, which is possible if the kids stay up to watch a movie and fall asleep, and the movie ends and stays on the main menu.

12. One last minor complaint is that there isn't a separate button for closed captioning. I know most people never use closed captioning, but sometimes I can't understand what someone says, and I want to quickly read what they are saying, then turn it back off.


I do like the fact that it remembers where I was in the movie when the unit is turned off, so I can easily resume watching. And installation is a breeze, easily explained.

I got a great deal on this system, because I bought it together with a Panasonic TV. I wasn't even planning to get a separate Blu-Ray player, as I am going to get a PlayStation 3, and I viewed the Blu-Ray player as getting that part of it for free. So I love the system because I got it so cheap, and it's high quality. But if you are planning to pay full price for this unit, I would shop around to see if there is something more user-friendly.

As an aside, don't pay a ton for an HDMI cable. "Category 2" is as high quality as hdmi.org recognizes, and RadioShack sells them for $40. I have found that Mediabridge cables online for $4 are just as good, as well.

I received Monday night and had it up and running in less than two hours. I was impressed by the solid quality of the speakers. I was even able to fit the SW neatly behind my lcd tv. iPod connectivity is great and am already running the cable box sound through it. Yes, no HDMI pass-through but so what? While I agree with the other reviewer in that the menu system isn't terribly intuitive -- that it'll just a matter of time to get used to. Bottom line is: great picture (Blu-Ray or upconverting), good sound and good versatility. Would I like more inputs/outputs? Sure, but do I miss not having them -- nope. If you are in the market for an all-in-one HTIB Blu-ray system, you won't go wrong with this one.

We owned a Bose 321 for several years and used the unit in our family room. Over time the Bose was dying in slow motion, we recently had to have the volume set at 80+ for the same movie we used to listen to at 40. We had other issues as well.

In any event,we were looking for a simple solution, that would not make our family room look like a frat house with giant speakers everywhere, and ideally would use or easily incorporate a Blu Ray player. We found everything we wanted and more in this system.

It arrived right on time (had to sign for delivery, no problem with that). It was nicely packaged, and clearly labeled. It was interesting to me, one of the selling points of the Bose system was how "easy" it was to set up, and it was, but I can tell you this Panasonic system is so well laid out and so intuitive, it is just as easy.

The surround speakers are a bit larger than we expected, but can be tucked out of sight. The wireless "base" module for the surround speakers is quite small and easily fits under an end table totally out of the way. The speakers themselves give great sound! It is amazing how much better, richer and fuller this is than the 321. Dialogue is crystal clear and the "true" surround really creates a theater like effect.

The Blu Ray itself is amazing, even watching old non blu ray DVD's it is great, very clear and sharp.

We are using this with the Oppo HDMI switch, which is another 5 star product if there ever was one.

Overall, if you are not going for the true audiophile experience, and are interested in a simple, great sounding Home Theater solution with a Blu Ray player, look no further, THIS IS IT!

I recommend this without hesitation or reservation.

First, the sound and video quality are incredible. They are unmatched by anything I've used in this price range. That being said, there are a few very annoying aspects of this all in one system.

First, the load time takes an eternity, even more so than most first generation blu-ray players. Second, the input selector is located next to (and is shaped the same as) the volume on the remote, meaning that you will, at least once every few days switch the system to FM radio while just trying to adjust the volume, especially when watching a movie in the dark. This normally isn't that big of a deal, unless the system re-loads every time you switch to blu ray mode, which it does. Thus, accidentally pressing this button means the player resets and you have to go through the few minutes of load time again. Exacerbating this problem is that the player doesn't remember where the disc left off! Last night watching Dark Knight I tried to turn down the volume during that explosive chase scene, only to switch to FM radio. The player reset and not only did I have to wait for the disc to load again, I then had to select the scene and fast forward to where I left off. Annoying to say the least.

You may be thinking you can partially fix this by getting a universal remote, right? Wrong. Because the mode selector is set up to scroll, there's no quick button to go to any given mode. Thus you basically have to memorize the order of TV/DVD/AM/FM/iPod etc inputs even with a universal remote.

I have not had too much of a problem with interference on the wireless-only surround speakers; however, remember that the satellite unit must be plugged in for power and the two rear speakers are wired to each other. Even more annoying is that the connecting wire isn't standard speaker wire so it's not easily replaced with a longer wire. If you want to wall mount you'll have a problem, or if you want them end-table level they can't be further apart than a standard 7' couch, and the wire will be streched.

Finally, you can't adjust to various equalizer settings should you so choose, as has been standard in even the most basic stereos since 1985. Also, note that this system is only 7.1 ready. It's actually a 5.1 and you have buy the extra speakers, which I'd guess also come with an absurdly short wire.

...that being said, the quality is amazing and the system is pretty sleek looking.