Panasonic Marries Micro Component Convenience With DVD-Audio Performance

31-Jul-00

Panasonic brings the space-conscious convenience of micro-component systems into the realm of next-generation digital audio with the new SC-HDA710, a bookshelf DVD-Audio/Video player, AM/FM stereo and analog cassette deck. And for extremely realistic, five-channel sound, Panasonic introduces the new SC-HDX3 amplifier speaker system, which can be connected to the micro-component system for the delivery of a full surround sound experience.The highly sophisticated looking, champagne-finished system is just over 7 inches across, with 7-inch detachable speakers - yet it can serve as the source for any state-of-the-art home entertainment center. Whether itís used for listening to new DVD-Audio discs, spinning current CDs, watching incredibly sharp DVD movies or listening to cassettes in the horizontal-loading tape deck, the SC-HDA710 stands poised to exceed most usersí expectations of superb audio/video performance.""DVD-Audio doesnít just reproduce recorded music with new levels of resolution, it brings some enhancements to the table that can increase the overall entertainment value,"" says Gene Kelsey, Vice President And General Manager of Panasonicís Audio Group. ""Connect this minute unit to a TV, and consumers can take advantage of all DVD-Audio benefits and play the thousands of DVD videos available today."" DVD-Audio takes advantage of the digital technology originally developed for DVD-Video. It uses the advanced formatís vast data storage potential to deliver astounding sound enriched with the nuance, warmth and subtle overtones of a live musical performance.To accomplish this, two-channel DVD-Audio uses a sampling frequency of 192kHz - more than four times that of a CD - to extend the playback high-frequency response to an incredible 96kHz. The higher frequency reproduction gives live instruments their timbre or resonance, which is often lost on a compact disc. The crash of cymbals, for instance, produces frequencies well above 20kHz - inaudible to the ear, but important to retaining the instrumentís distinct expression and the integrity of the music. Additionally, a new digital-to-analog converter (DAC), based on MASHô technology and refined by Panasonic for 192kHz/24-bit DVD-Audio use, gives the micro component system the ability to distinguish levels of sound using 24-bit quantization (vs. 16-bit maximum for CD). This reduces background noise to imperceptible levels.Like its video predecessor, DVD-Audio discs can use one or two layers on each side. At its highest compression rate (192kHz/24-bit 2-channel PCM), the format can store 74 minutes of music on a single-side of a single-layer disc. At lower recorded rates, that figure can balloon to 400 minutes - or more than 6 1/2 hours of music at the equivalent of CD quality.This extensive storage space not only allows for extended-range audio, but a palette lineup of interactive features such as MPEG-2 video, still images and text, which together serve to make ""listening"" a more active experience. When connected to a television or computer monitor for example, and depending on disc content, DVD-Audio players let ""listeners"" watch music videos with DVD-quality video, view photos of the band, or read track titles, lyrics and liner notes on the screen. Internet URL addresses embedded in the disc can also link listeners directly to relevant Web sites when the player is connected to a PC. And visual menus can help users easily navigate all the offerings on a disc.First and foremost, though, DVD-Audio is, as its name implies, an audio format, and to take full advantage capabilities, a system needs speakers that are up to the task, and the SC-HDA710ís speakers were designed to handle the responsibility. The three-way, tri-wired speakers feature 4 3/4-inch polypropylene mica woofers and balanced dome tweeters, in addition to side-firing 5 1/2-inch ""Super Woofers."" Working together, the speaker cones can reproduce the full range of frequencies DVD-Audio can offer, while injecting a significant amount of bass to the mix. Each set of cones is also driven by its own amplifier, helping to ensure the clean signal path that DVD-Audio recordings warrant. BLFS (Brisk Low Frequency Sound) circuitry only adds to the bass response, and is user adjustable (High/Low/Light). For full, 5-channel sound, the optional SC-HDX3 amplifier speaker system can be added. This speaker system includes a compact 3-channel, 10W x 3 (60Hz-3kHz, THD 1%, 6 ohms) amplifier, which incorporates Ta-Ke capacitors for exceptional sound clarity and neutral yet powerful audio, and three DVD-Audio ready 2-way bass-reflex satellite speakers. The SC-HDA710 is also a capable AM/FM stereo and cassette player. The unitís digital tuner allows for drift-free reception and 24 station, random-access pre-sets, while the clean-looking, tray-style cassette player features DolbyÆ B noise reduction and auto-reverse playback. The micro component system also includes a weekly programmable auto timer (Rec/Play/Sleep).With itís champagne-gold finish and the speakersí light oak wood-grain cabinets, the SC-HDA710 will complement most decors. The highlight of the front panel is the systemís spectrum analyzer, which pulses to the music and covers DVD-Audioís entire 100kHz frequency range. The systemís vertical face, separate component design allows for set-up flexibility, and each section boasts a three-dimensional paneled look.The micro component system is not only Energy Star compliant, but also features an ""eco"" mode for even lower energy consumption in standby (off) mode.The SC-HDA710 and SC-HDX3 will both be available in November 2000 at suggested retail prices of $1599.95 and $499.95, respectively.Panasonic consumer electronics products are marketed in the United States by Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a division of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America (MECA). MECA is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (NYSE: MC) of Japan, one of the worldís largest producers of electronic and electric products and a key developer of technology for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM and DVD-Audio. Prices quoted are in U.S. currency. Consumers seeking more information on the companyís products can call Panasonicís Customer Call Center at 800 211 PANA or access Panasonicís home page at www.panasonic.com

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