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Panasonic SC-HT720
Panasonic SC-HT720
SC-HT720 Review, by Michael Gowan June 23, 2004
Panasonic's $349 SC-HT720 aims to meet the demand for multiple options with features like a five-disc changer and DVD-Audio playback, both of which tend to appear only on pricier systems.
The SC-HT720 keeps setup simple. The powered subwoofer serves as the hub in the 5.1 speaker system--an unusual arrangement for home theaters, though common for computer speakers. Easy access to the rear of the subwoofer makes it convenient to attach speaker wires. The on-screen display is intuitive, though it offered less flexibility than I expected. I could adjust speaker volume levels, but not individually: the center, left front, and right front channels receive the same setting, so you'd better place them in line with each other. Separate settings control the surround speakers and the subwoofer.
The mirrored face of the integrated DVD player and receiver imparts a classy sheen to the unit. The front and surround speakers are bookshelf-size units rather than lower-fidelity satellites (which appear more often in comparably priced units). And the SC-HT720 has auxiliary audio inputs on the rear for hooking up a VCR or tape deck.
But the features don't add up. While the DVD playback showed great detail--facial features were etched with clarity-- the unit's color reproduction fell flat. Off-white suits were hard to distinguish from the albino skin tones of the two ghosts in The Matrix Reloaded, which I used as a system test, and overall the movie looked washed out. The system's Dolby Digital decoder created encompassing surround sound, but the bass was a bit muddy. CD music sounded tinny, with weak cymbals and vocals, and midrange sounds were hard to distinguish from bass tones.
Upshot: Panasonic's SC-HT720 offers high-end features at a low price, but poor color quality and some sound weaknesses disappoint.
Michael Gowan
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User Reviews
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User Reviews From Around the Web
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Reviewed by: wander_eyes
Strengths: Easy to install, good sound quality, cool looking, great DVD player
Weaknesses: N/A
Overall: It is a wonderful home theater in a box. The setup is so simple and the system has all the functions I expect. The SC-HT720 system has a cool silver looking, the 5-disc DVD and CD changer works great, and the radio is also wonderful. The five speakers can be tuned individualy, which can better fits your needs. It also has additional auxiliary audio inputs on the rear for VCR and other devices.It is true that the sound quality is not as good as some high-end home theaters. However, considering the low price and powerful functions, I feel great about it and like to recommend it.
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Reviewed by: Audiophile1
Strengths: Ease of use, very low profile head unit, plenty of power, very good sound quality, asthetically clean modern looks.
Weaknesses: Could use more refined bass adjustments but this is easily overlooked compared to the value and price.
Overall: This is our second HT in our house and was purchased solely for use in our family room with our 32" tube TV. In our dedicated 14x20 music/video room upstairs we have a 48" HDTV and over $25,000 invested in high end audiophile grade equipment including fantastic Super Audio Multi-Channel surround. Comparing the two systems I rank the Panasonic SC-HT720 as very good and an excellent buy. At normal to mid high volume levels watching a good action 5.1 DVD is fun, stereo too. If you push the volume past the 1:30 to 2 o'clock position you will start to hear distortion. Most people will be happy listening at lower levels. I did not compare this HT in a box with any others (in my house) so there might be equal values to be found. Remember that anything you listen to in the store will sound different in your home.
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