Panasonic SC-BTX70 review

The 'BTX-70 does what it says on the tin, but we'd like it to do better to justify that price tag Tested at £625.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A decent system, but considering its price-tag we'd expect it to perform slightly better

Pros

  • +

    Excellent Blu-ray and DVD picture quality

  • +

    integrated iPod dock

  • +

    decent array of features

Cons

  • -

    Pricey for what it is

  • -

    poor subwoofer build quality

  • -

    unconvincing pseudo surround sound

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Following Blu-ray's emergence as the next-gen movie format, Blu-ray-in-a-box systems, such as the Panasonic SC-BTX70, have become an increasingly common sight.

Prices vary from entry-level to high-end and the SC-BTX70 sits somewhere in-between. The main unit stands upright, with a sliding panel concealing the disc-loading bay and adjacent iPod dock.

The 'BTX70 is Profile 2.0-enabled and comes with a couple of optical digital inputs and an Ethernet connection that allows you to tap into Panasonic's Viera Cast online content portal.

Virtual 2.1 surround sound
Instead of a complete surround sound package, the 'BTX70 makes do with a 2.1 set-up. This means true surround sound is impossible and Panasonic's '5.1/7.1 surround-like effect' doesn't exactly hit the spot.

Granted, the sound field in the climactic shootout to Mr & Mrs Smith appears wider, but it sounds brighter and less cohesive than it does with virtual surround turned off.

The subwoofer and satellites integrate well, even though the bass box looks like it was pieced together in an arts and craft class.

Images certainly impress
The 'BTX70 main strength is picture quality. Images are clean, punchy and virtually noise-free. Edges are crisply drawn and well-defined with Blu-ray and DVD.

When it comes to the crunch, if you're specifically after a 2.1 system there are cheaper options out there.

Or you could buy a complete 5.1 system such as Panasonic's SC-BT200 that gives near enough identical picture performance and more immersive surround sound for less money.

See all our Blu-ray home cinema in a box reviews

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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