Home Theatre Gets A New Look With Panasonicís 5-DVD, DolbyÆ Digital MiniSystem

Movie and music fans can get the very best of both worlds with Panasonicís introduction of model SC-DV150, a mini-component system with built-in five-disc DVD/CD changer, dual cassette decks and Panasonicís exclusive ""Super Woofer"" drive system. This introduction marks another DVD first from Panasonic.Boasting an on-board DolbyÆ Digital decoder and five speakers, the Platinum Collection SC-DV150 is primed to deliver the latest DVD movies with full 5.1-channel surround sound, all in a compact package. Its five-disc capacity means users can program the player for hours of audio/video entertainment, or enjoy multi-disc titles without the need to change platters. And, because this is a mini-component system, it can transform even undersized rooms into vast home theatres.""This is the perfect system for someone who wants a high performance audio system combined with a powerful DVD-based home theater system in a compact package."" says Reid Sullivan, Assistant General Manager, Panasonic Portable Audio Division.Despite its compactness, the SC-DV150 can push out plenty of power for the full moviegoing experience. In home theatre mode, the mini-component system delivers 220 watts ñ 70W x 2 in front (1kHz, 6 ohms, 1%THD), 40W to the center (1kHz, 8 ohms, 1% THD) and 20W x 2 to the rear (1kHz, 8 ohms, 1% THD).The ""Super Woofer"" system extracts the low frequencies, and directs them to the woofers, allowing for bass thatís more powerful and solid than would normally be expected from a mini system. The Super Woofers are complemented by a mid-range speaker and ring-shaped dome tweeters, for faithful reproduction of the high frequencies.Viewers arenít limited to standard Dolby Digital and Dolby ProLogicÆ surround sound matrices. Thanks to digital signal processing, the space-challenged and anyone looking for something different will find a new way to get the most out of movie soundtracks. A Center Focus Mode, for example, makes dialogue and other center channel sounds seem to emanate directly from the television screen, as it logically should. Virtual Rear Surround mode, meanwhile, provides a realistic surround effect even if the rear speakers canít be placed in the back of the room. A Multi-Rear Surround mode is said to create ""virtual"" speakers across the rear, for greater theatre-like ambience, and a Seat Position mode optimizes the surround effect no matter where the viewers are seated in the room.As a five-disc changer, the SC-DV150 can deliver hours upon hours of music or movies. Load five CDs and party into the night to favorite artists. Replace them with DVDs and enjoy uninterrupted playback of multi-disc miniseries, music videos or movies. Or, insert a combination of DVDs and CDsÖthe changer will recognize the type of disc and adjust accordingly. Depending on the disc type, playback choices include repeat (chapter/track/disc/program), random play, resume play, and forward/reverse scan and slow.Aside from the disc changer, the mini-component system features two cassette decks and a digital AM/FM tuner. The auto reverse decks, one of which can record, feature TPS (Tape Program Sensor) to make quick work of finding desired tracks, and feather-touch controls allow for simple, reliable operation. The digital synthesizer tuner locks stations in precisely, and up to 39 stations in either band can be stored and recalled at the touch of a button.Other features of the mini-component system include play, record and sleep timers, VCR in/out jacks, auxiliary-in jacks, and a full-function remote control. Also noteworthy is a new 3-D Acoustic Image (AI) Equalizer, which combines the ultimate in sound flexibility with an easy-to-use joystick/jog control. Over 108 EQ patterns are available, depending on taste. For do-it-yourselfers, thereís also manual EQ control.The SC-DV150 will draw attention in any room, boasting an all-silver cabinet, accented by blue-on-black FL displays. The four main components can be laid out horizontally, stacked vertically, or any combination of the two to suit space requirements. All five speakers, black and silver in color, are magnetically shielded for placement near a TV.The SC-DV150 is Energy StarÆ compliant, which means it adheres to government power consumption guidelines. In standby (off) mode, this system draws approximately 0.6 watts, which is even substantially less than the standards.The SC-DV150 will be available in August 1999, at a suggested retail price of $999.95.For more information, contact Panasonicís Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA or visit the Panasonic Web site at www.panasonic.com.