Panasonic Marries Changer Convenience With DVD Video In Newest Mini System

Panasonic bridges the stunning picture and sound of DVD with space-saving convenience as it unveils the new SC-DK1, a mini system cut out for home theatreÖand then some.Boasting a five-disc DVD or CD changer, the SC-DK1 represents a new product category for Panasonic, one intended for movie and music fans who want the performance of a full-blown entertainment center without taking up the space. With the ability to spin five DVDs - and, of course, audio CDs - this mini system offers endless programming options. Its DolbyÆ Digital and Dolby ProLogicÆ capabilities complete this marriage of sight and sound.""This is the ideal DVD-based A/V system for anyone who wants a high performance home theatre system with easy set-up,"" said Reid Sullivan, Assistant General Manager, Panasonic Portable Audio Division. ""Everything you need is here.""The five speakers, including two surrounds and a center channel are driven by a total of 330 watts in the home theatre mode. Broken down, thatís 95W x 2 in front (1kHz, 8 ohms, 1%THD), 70W to the center (1kHz, 8 ohms, 1% THD) and 35W x 2 to the rear (1kHz, 8 ohms, 1% THD).The SC-DK1 uses Panasonicís ""Super Woofer"" technology. This system extracts the low frequencies, and directs them to the woofers, allowing for bass thatís more powerful and solid than ever before possible from a mini system. Panasonic says to think of it as a subwoofer without the extra space of another box. The Super Woofers are complemented by a regular woofer, mid-range speaker and ring-shaped dome tweeters, for faithful reproduction of the high frequencies.More than anything else, however, this is a movie fanís platform. DVD offers the best picture quality available to consumers today and, with more than 3,000 titles already available and over 8 million discs sold, demand is only on the upswing. So, too, is the number of multi-disc sets and special editions, and thatís why Panasonic brings the convenience of CD changers into the realm of DVD. Like a CD program of a single artist set to run all evening, viewers can load up to five discs for uninterrupted, 10-bit video playback. Lengthy movies that stretch onto two discs, miniseries, titles with similar themes or common stars, and music video collections are all ripe territory for DVD changers. Switch to all CDs and dance the night away, with the assurance of faithful music reproduction that the exclusive MASH 1-bit DAC provides.Once DVDs are loaded, the speakers are placed around the room and the appropriate Dolby mode has been selected, viewers will enjoy an encompassing sound field like theyíd expect from a quality theater. But depending on the particular speaker arrangement, the aural environment can be further influenced by the miniís built-in digital signal processing. DSP options include a Center Focus Mode, which ties center channel sounds such as dialogue closer to the on-screen action than a speaker located above or below the screen; a Virtual Rear Surround mode, which provides a realistic surround effect even if the rear speakers canít be placed in the back of the room; and a Multi-Rear Surround Mode, which actually multiplies the effect of two rear speakers, simulating the ambience found in many cinemas. Users can even tailor the surround sound effect depending on where in the room the audience is sitting. This mini system also includes dual full-logic cassette decks and an AM/FM digital tuner. The full-logic 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 12 AM and 12 FM stations can be stored and recalled at the touch of a button. Other features of the mini system include play, record and sleep timers, magnetically shielded speakers for placement near a TV screen, detachable speaker grilles, 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.The SC-DK1 is as striking in appearance as performance. The all-silver exterior lends a high-tech panache that hints at its interior performance features, and is highlighted by green accents. A colorful FL display, which provides important operating and equalizer functions dominate the center portion. The speakers continue the silver finish but add black grilles.The SC-DK1 is Energy StarÆ compliant, which means it adheres to government power consumption guidelines. In fact, it substantially exceeds those standards by drawing approximately 0.6 watts in standby (off) mode.The SC-DK1 will be available in September, 1999, at a suggested retail price of $799.95.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.