Panasonic Announces Two DVD HTiB Systems
Written on Jan 12, 2009 by Brian and filed under News, Panasonic
Panasonic has announced the SC-PT770 and SC-PT670, both DVD-based home theater in a box systems. Both units feature 1000 watts of total sound in a 5.1 channel system with a built-in Universal Dock for the iPod. The SC-PT770 features a pair of SH-FX70 wireless rear speakers.
Panasonic’s SC-PT770 and SC-PT670 employ bamboo cones in the front and center speakers and a Kelton Subwoofer. The Bamboo Cone Speaker is made of a highly rigid bamboo material that helps achieve a pure, clear sound, while also being Earth friendly. Driven by powerful 1,000-watt output (1kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD), this combination of Bamboo Cone Speakers and Kelton Subwoofer delivers a sensational audio performance.
In keeping with the simple setup HTiB mentality, Panasonic has included a “Smart Set-up” function that allows consumers to configure their system by following simple on-screen instructions and pressing buttons on the remote control.
The main differentiation between the two systems is that the PT770 comes with the SH-FX70 Wireless Kit for Rear Speakers. Incidentally, these speakers can be added separately to the PT670. The wireless speakers use a 2.4 GHz frequency and a digital transmitter card with east insert adaptor terminals and a compact rear receiver. It boasts a three-position switch for flexible setting [Left Surround/Right Surround (5.1ch), Left Surround /Left Surround Back (7.1ch for 7.1ch systems), Right Surround/ Right Surround Back (7.1ch)] and an ID Set Switch.
Aside from the renewable bamboo, the SC-PT770 and SC-PT670 incorporate Panasonic’s new Uniphier, a single-chip LSI that contains the entire video signal processing circuit. This reduces energy consumption by around 20% compared to last year’s SC-PT760 and SC-PT660, while also reducing the number of parts and allowing a smaller design. All-in-all, Panasonic has taken significant steps to reduce the environmental impact of the system without giving up performance, we like the direction.
Both models will be available this spring. The SC-PT670 will have a retail price) of $299.95 and the SC-PT770 will be $399.95.
UPDATE 8/17/09 – Panasonic SC-PT770 Review Posted
Only problem is SH-FX70 doesn’t appear to exist, even on the Panasonic site. I wish I’d known this before I bought mine.
Have you found this speaker set yet?
Panasonic cannot tell me when the SH-FX70 will exist! There is currently no launch date! What is the point of “Wireless Ready” if Panasonic isn’t ready? Now I have a system I don’t want!
I found a link to the Panasonic site in the UK that lists it. Another UK reseller has it.
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/SH-FX70/Specification/2289668/index.html?trackInfo=true
I bought 2 SC-BT300′s and need this kit as well. My system has surround AND surround rear speakers, so I need 2 of these kits per system!
I also found this wireless unit in Europe, but I am not sure if it will be compatible with the SC-BT300 I bought in the states. Yeah I feel this is completely irresponsible from Panasonic.
Did you buy the kits?
Panny just let us know the SC-770 is shipping to us this week for review. Stay tuned and feel free to ask any specifics you want to see covered in the review.
As of today, the SH-FX70 wireless receiver that is advertised on the box for the SC-BT200 still is not available on the Panasonic web site or anywhere else in the US. I am about to return the entire package to the retailer where I purchased it because that was one of the main reasons I choose it. Now I have to figure out how to hide my rear speaker wires!
No kidding— Panasonic rep’s have no idea what a SH-FX70 is WHAT A COMPANY!
THE CEO MUST HAVE GOT A BIG BONUS FOR RUNNING THE COMPANY THIS WAY
I am battling with them now, they offered to sell me the FX70 for $149.00. Then I explained that is the same price the “Big Box” store offered them to me after I got home and read the same box print. I have many Panasonic devices in my home, now I am seriously considering a switch of manufacturer loyalty.
i work at best buy and the packages we sell include them in the box ( i know i pulled out a new shelf display the other day)
What model of the Panasonic Home Theater in a box are you refering to? Is it the SC-BT203? that has “Wireless ready” on the box?
The 770 includes the wireless rears, but I think people are upset that the wireless rear kit on its own doesn’t seem to be available.
We’re posting the 770 review in the next few days, FYI.
just bought my 770….what a crock…one rep from panasonic told me the sh-fx70 will be available dec. 15 and then another told me they dont know when it will be available!! whats worse is that no one can explain why?
I bought a Panasonic SC-BT200. I also ordered the SH-FX70 from another dealer. I just got back an e-mail saying this item is no longer availabe from Manufacturer. I would like to know if anyone out there would like to start a class suit aganist Panasonic for advertising a product they don’t carry. That’s the only wireless speakers you can use with the SC-BT200.
Has anyone found a sh-fx70 yet? I just purchased the surround sound for christmas, thought is was wireless. I discovered as you all have that is is wireless ready, just buy the above mentioned part for another $100-$150. but I can’t even find one! If Dave from Boca is correct and the product doesnt even exsist, I agree, they should be sued for false advertising at the least.
This is such a rip off. Any update?
That is false advertising and a lie. Panasonic should be sued.
I can’t believe that even after having this system for a month or more I am unable to find any info on this product. Panasonic shame on you! At least tell us something. I’d much rather hear that it will be available in May, June, heck even next December. Just tell us something!
Hi,
I am told that the SH-FX70 will be in the UK in mid-March.
I bought a SC-BT203 which said “wireless ready” with the purchase of an optional SH-FX70 unit. So I ordered that off Panasonic’s website. That was 2 months ago…they said it was backordered. They called the other day to say it’ll be another 3 months, and then it’s being discontinued. NOW, I’ve found out one SH-FX70 will only run 2 rear speakers, but the BT203 I bought has 4 rears (2 rear, 2 surround). I’m pissed of at Panasonic and I let them know. If I can find another decent Bluray with the wireless rears included, I’m gonna cancel my order with Panasonic and get rid of the BT203.
The SH-FX70 kit is discontinued, there are none available. I am also PISSED! Unfortunately I already have the SC-BT303. Trust me, if I could cancel an order, I would! I found one listed on another website for sale, but marked out of stock. The Panasonic rep I talked to today, informed me it’s discontinued, as this is the 2009 model of the home theater. The wireless kits available WILL work with the 2010 model. Nice of them to let us know that BEFORE we bought the older model [which incidentally was not marked as such!] I like my Viera TVs, but NEVER EVER again will I buy a Panasonic ANYTHING!
I’m willing to go in on that with you, Dave. I didn’t even realize, until reading these comments, that I would need TWO of the kits! I seriously feel ripped off!! Apparently they never made the things at all.
panasonic told me the product will be releaced in May 2010
I bought the sc-bt200 at John Lewis without realising it was old stock, now replaced by the 230. After much web hunting in vain for the sh-fx70, I just phoned the local Panasonic shop and hey presto they had ONE sh-fx70 wireless kit left in stock. No more available – discontinued. Success, but I wish JL had told me and I would have bought the sc-bt230 / sh-fx71 combination instead for less money! Very poor, but at least mine now works. I did then find sh-fx70 units in stock in Belgium from eMaga and DMC Electro, and the Swiss Toppreiss website fr.toppreise.ch/prod_184727.html
has several listed. Maybe they will ship to UK or US, but they are not cheap. Best to return the 200 and buy the 230. Good luck.
I am having the same problem. I was ripped off when I purchased my BT200 from Sears in Oct 09. Like many others I was not told the high priced equipment I was buying was outdated. Sears and Panasonic should have advertise that they discontinued the SH-FX70. If about 75 to 100 people got on board it would be worth while to pursue. So if anyone out who bought a Panasonic HTIB and was told or led to believe that the SH-FX70 could be available or ordered through Panasonic to power up a wireless rear speaker system needs to reply to this message. It won’t cost you a single penny to class action panasonic. Just provide an email and I will contact you.