Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic SC-HT520 DVD Home Cinema System

In searching for an all-in-one home cinema system to replace my standalone DVD player I was looking for a system that included all the usual sound decoding options, as well as a powerful amplifier and speaker system.

This new Panasonic System offers Pro-Logic II, Dolby 5.1 and DTS, and together with the 500W speakers (including subwoofer) my basic requirements were met.

After a relatively simple set up process I was very impressed with the quality of sound produced by the system. For MP3's and CD's the sound is excellent, and for DVD's even better. The five speakers produce high quality sound, not short on volume, and are well supported by the sub-woofer, which adds excellent effect to action movie soundtracks. The picture produced is excellent, and outputs include S-Video and Component for those with higher-end televisions.

Also available on the system are a selection of input options, into which a TV, VCR and other devices may be plugged. A disadvantage here is that the system is not able to decode these inputs using the Dolby Pro Logic decoder. It does offer in the alternative a range of Panasonic surround options, which I have found to be sufficient.

The system looks very stylish, though the smaller speakers look a little 'plastic' on closer examination. The player itself is sleek with a clear LCD display.

For this price range the system offers excellent value for money and I have no hesitation in reccomending it.

When it comes to sound and vision I consider myself to be a picky person as I want, like everyone else, to get the best for my money. I read a review of Panasonic SC-HT520 in "What Home Cinema magazine" and it got an amazing 98% and after receiving it and testing it out I fully agree with them. The sound quality is excellent, with 60W of sound coming from each small and stylish speaker and 200W of bass.

I tested the system with Lord of the Rings: Return of the King skipping straight to the battle sequence and proceeded to scare the crap out of myself and family because it was so loud. The picture quality of the DVD player was the best I have ever seen!

The DVD player has many inputs (except Optical, which is not too much of a let down) so your TV, Video and whatever else you may have e.g. PS2 can be plugged into the back, which can all be surround sound. The system does not come with a Scart cable so make sure you have a cable to connect the system to your TV, to avoid disappointment.

Overall this is a fantastic system with excellent picture, sound at a bargain price, setup is easy. IF you don't believe me then visit www.whathomecinemamag.com and they should have the review up there (August 2004 addition)

I bought one of these home cinema sets last month and I Recommend It Unreservedly! It is superb - it adds so much to the viewing experience for those of us who are into watching movies.
I must say, though, that amazon's current (at the time of writing: £188) price for the region 2 set is too high given that richersounds.co.uk are selling the multiregion version for £149.95

Amazon - I love the service you provide - please bring this price down so that others who want to enjoy this superb product can buy it here!
(I don't suppose this review will be posted, since I mention a cheaper price elsewhere)

I can't give a more glowing report for the Panasonic SC-HT520 Home Cinema System.
Before I purchased the system I had a Technics Midi Hi-Fi system, a Technics Dolby Decoder (Theatre Box), a Panasonic DVD player, and five rather large speakers (which isn't always ideal in a compact area)! After buying the SC-HT520 I was able to discard of all these items and replace them with one slim, rather attractive looking unit.
The sound quality is awesome and although when viewing anything other than a DVD your sound settings are limited, the alternative settings are more than adequate. All I can say is when you are watching a DVD be careful not to turn the volume up too high because next time there is an explosion you WILL hit the roof! 3D sound at its best!!
I have a good ear for sound (as I am involved with managing a band in my spare time) and I am more than happy with the end result that I now have.

Installation is simple, yet time consuming. But that is not an issue as far as I'm concerned.

If in doubt, don't be! Just go for it and I'm sure you will be as happy as I am.