The Panasonic SC-BT205 is most definitely the bigger brother when it comes to 5.1 Blu-ray home cinema systems, with its tall speakers towering over the compact versions of the almost identical Panasonic SC-BT200.
Apart from the obvious physical difference of the size, internally the speakers of the Panasonic SC-BT205 are the same with the same speaker construction, cone size and output as the smaller speakers of the SC-BT200. However, full height speakers are often easier to site in the room, and because of this they are often positioned at a more optimum listening level. Ideally, all speakers should be positioned at the listening height so that the important high frequencies reach the ear without any obstruction, and the tall versions allow this more easily than the smaller speakers. You can of course put the smaller speakers on stands, to get the height if required, but it can be a neater solution to just buy the taller speakers in the first place. The subwoofer and centre speaker are identical to the BT200.
The main Blu-ray player itself is attractive, sleek and slimline, and like much of Panasonics current range, manages to look understated, and yet classy at the same time. The now essential iPod dock slides out from the main unit and is a masterpiece of design – not only in the way it looks but also how it integrates witht the whole system. Using the remote control you can play music and control it on screen using the units remote control and if you connect the player to your television with a Scart cable, you can watch your iPod videos too.
The SC-BT205 also comes with the new Viera Cast system that we first saw on the standalone Panasonic Blu-ray players the DMP-BD60 and DMP-BD80, which allows you to access YouTube, Picasa and other websites.
The Panasonic SC-BT205 Blu-ray Home Cinema System also consumes less power than the previous model, which at approx. 0.3W isn’t much, but any reduction is better than nothing, and is just another plus point for an already impressive system.
What to consider before you buy the Panasonic SC-BT205
The system does not have an HDMI input on the rear, but there is an optical input on the rear which will enable Sky+ or a console to be played through the system.
Why you should buy the Panasonic SC-BT205 Blu-ray Home Cinema System
Like the BT200, the system is very highly regarded, and if you would prefer the larger speakers, this model is the better buy, albeit at an additional cost. This all goes to make the SC-BT205 one of the best Blu-ray based home cinema systems you can buy. Rating: /5
Panasonic SC-BT205 Blu-ray Home Cinema System Best Prices
You can also buy the optional Panasonic SH-FX70 wireless speaker kit for this system.
The Panasonic website has the full specification of the SC-BT205.