Panasonic SC-BT100/200/300 questions - Blu-ray Forum

Hellhog · 10-01-2009, 05:19 AM

I've been looking into getting the Panasonic BD60 and join Blu-Ray. I could get the player for $175 on Amazon. However, I don't want to use my 2.0 Shelf System for audio and my 5.1 Wireless Headphones don't really give that true surround feel. I'm trying to stick to a low budget.

Like I said I was looking into the BD60 and a seperate 5.1 system, but that would add up.

I was looking at the Panasonic systems:
SC-BT100
SC-BT200
SC-BT300

I noticed the 100 was discontinued and a 5.1 system (also is BD 1.1, the others are 2.0). However the other two are 7.1 systems.

My overall goal is to keep a low cost, play BD movies, upconvert DVDs, listen to movies in surround sound (either 5.1 or 7.1), and play my Xbox 360 in surround sound (only supports up to 5.1).

How is the 100 system? 200? 300? Does anyone know of any cheaper/better all in one systems that they would recomend (I can get the 100 for $380 on Amazon, 200 for $430, 300 for $490)? Will a 7.1 system automatically play like a 5.1 from a 5.1 source (as in automatically not use the extra 2 speakers)? My room is 12x10ft, is a 7.1 too large for this room size?

BigGuy219 · 10-01-2009, 07:09 PM

This was my original first option. I first wanted the SC-BT200, which was very affordable when I was looking and seemed perfect. Then I saw the SC-BT300 with the tallboys and fell in love.

Luckily, I didn't have the money at the time and was able to do more research before buying.

The main problem with the SC-BT series is that it's essentially a blu-ray player with 8 speakers. Yes, it will give you full HD sound and sound better than any 5.1 digital system you've heard ... but it's not quite there. First of all, you won't be able to upgrade down the line. If you get a 360 or a PS3 ... you won't get HD sound available on some games (the latest Metal Gear comes to mind) and you only get two fiber optic inputs to share between your video games, cable/satellite box, etc. I saw the SC-BT300 and it seemed to be really cheaply put together. The blu-ray player doesn't offer NetFlix streaming, so you'll be running to the mailbox instead of pushing a button on the remote. It just doesn't seem to do anything other than play blu-rays, which it does adequately, but for that much money you want connectivity and upgradability.

Look around a bit more. Most people will tell you to buy the parts separate, and that will produce a better sound ... but it requires a lot of research and patience.

If you want it in a box and have no patience (like me) ... look at the new Onkyo HT-S series. They're designed for the more 'casual' audiophile. It's not the best sound in the world, but for a HTiB it's pretty good. There's 'cheaper' models in the HT-S3200 and HT-S5200 (includes iPod dock) which sound pretty good, but won't upscale your video (only matters if you use composite/component cables and you want 1080i upscaling). For more money you can get the HT-S6200 or the upgraded HT-S7200 (tallboy speakers and more connectivity).

Hellhog · 10-02-2009, 02:43 AM

Appreciate the help. My idea was actually was to get a Blu-Ray player, reciever, and surround sound all in one for cheap. I wasn't looking into room for upgrading and expansion because all I have is an Xbox 360 and 720p LCD TV. The surround sound was going to replace my shelf stereo system and I would still use my headphones for late at night use. The optical audio in is perfect for my TV and Xbox.

Room for upgrade with that is to get a new reciever and Blu-ray, then I can upgrade the speakers.

However, the Onkyo home theaters look really nice. I would need to get a seperate Blu-ray. They are not in my budget range though. I think I will be just waiting overall. Most likely next year I will be living in an apartment with a friend. If anything, I don't want to get anything too fancy and expensive until after college.

I guess the only things easy to upgrade are the TV and video game system. Dealing with everything else is rather difficult when moving around every 9 or 3 months + not living in that spot where everything is for 1 month.

I guess I can just try and save up for the next 2-4 years to get some better equipment when I finish school. If only the Xbox 360 had the audio capbilities of the PS3 plus Blu-Ray. But if only the PS3 had the games and online service of Xbox! Decisions, Decisions!

Oh well, I can wait.

BigGuy219 · 10-02-2009, 05:59 AM

The HT-S5200 can be had at some online retailers for under $500. I think there's a good deal at NewEgg right now (not sure if I can mention that). Now, it doesn't have upscaling (which means you can't plug in composite/component cables and expect 1080i), but it is a 7.1 receiver/speaker package with iPod dock.

It's not a $5,000 audiophile's dream system, but it's pretty much the best you can get for a bargain. Yes, you'd still need the blu-ray player ... but with the way they keep updating firmware, HDMI versions, etc. you don't really want to have your blu-ray player built into the system or you'll find yourself having to buy a whole new system in a couple of years.

Alternatively, you can buy in stages. The new Onkyo TC-160 receiver (which is what you get with the HT-S7200) can be had for around $350 on special sale at 6th Ave Electronics right now (or $379 at NewEgg with the iPod dock). It will allow you to either go with the prepackaged Onkyo speaker package (about $300) down the line, or build your own speaker setup, which will make a lot of people on here happy.

And to answer your original question ... yes your 7.1 system will play 5.1 perfectly. In fact, you do not even need to use speakers '6' and '7' if you choose with no difference. Some systems even allow you to put '6' and '7' above your Left and Right front speakers for a 'height' effect, but the reviews are mixed for this.

I'd look at Google products, Bountii, StreetPrices, etc. and set up 'price alerts' for the systems you're interested in. I was able to pull the trigger on a HT-S7200 for under $700 delivered using price alerts.

GaijinSmash · 12-12-2009, 01:25 AM

Don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but I wasn't able to find an answer to my question and thought it might be better to ask in a thread regarding the Panasonic models than start a new one.

I recently purchased a Panasonic SC-BT300 because it was on sale and well under my budget. However, to my dismay when I brought it home it only had one HDMI port which obviously goes to the tv. So my question would be: is it possible to get it to work with other sources besides the built in blu-ray? For instance, is there a splitter or something that would allow me to hook up my PS3 so that I could have my games play using the surround sound audio?

Thank you in advance and again, I apologize for my ignorance. Hope you can help.

marvinski · 01-18-2010, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaijinSmash

Don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but I wasn't able to find an answer to my question and thought it might be better to ask in a thread regarding the Panasonic models than start a new one.

I recently purchased a Panasonic SC-BT300 because it was on sale and well under my budget. However, to my dismay when I brought it home it only had one HDMI port which obviously goes to the tv. So my question would be: is it possible to get it to work with other sources besides the built in blu-ray? For instance, is there a splitter or something that would allow me to hook up my PS3 so that I could have my games play using the surround sound audio?

Thank you in advance and again, I apologize for my ignorance. Hope you can help.

with an optical digital cable you should be able to connect your console and get at least some dolby virtual surround sound! I can get it done with the sc-bt100 so it should be no problem with your sound system!

HiDefRev · 01-19-2010, 09:24 AM

Accessories4Less has the Onkyo HT-S6200 for under $500...here is the link Onkyo Ht-s6200 7.1-channel Home Entertainment Package includes iPod Dock | Accessories4less . You can set this system up as either a 7.1 or 5.1 by using the "Set Up" menu. This is a great system that decodes ALL lossy and lossless audio formats. And, if you wish, it is easily upgradeable in the future.

irishkev · 02-22-2010, 03:38 AM

Anyone know the best settings for the sound on the BT100? Thanks!!

marvinski · 03-02-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishkev

Anyone know the best settings for the sound on the BT100? Thanks!!

I don't know if it is "the best" setup but I just turned down the volume on the subwoofer by 1 unit (to -1 I think) and it gives me a clearer sound and the bass is still strong enough and doesn't rumble like crazy every times it's supposed to! Like that you can enjoy the movie at a louder volume without waking up the Neighbours at every action scene!

tejasclone · 04-21-2010, 03:37 PM

Has anyone tried a firmware update for the 100? I've never had to do one before but all this talk of Avatar requiring a firmware update has me concerned. The most recent update looks like August 25, 2009.

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/c.../bt100_na.html

If the 100 is discontinued, will new firmware updates be available?

marvinski · 06-04-2010, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tejasclone

Has anyone tried a firmware update for the 100? I've never had to do one before but all this talk of Avatar requiring a firmware update has me concerned. The most recent update looks like August 25, 2009.

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/c.../bt100_na.html

If the 100 is discontinued, will new firmware updates be available?

I've done the last 2 firmware updates that were available. 1.6 & 1.7 I think and it worked perfectly! I just followed the steps as described on the website and everything worked out as planed!

10-01-2009, 05:19 AM	#1
Hellhog Member Member since:Sep 2009 Location:Illinois Blu-ray collection:1	Panasonic SC-BT100/200/300 questions I've been looking into getting the Panasonic BD60 and join Blu-Ray. I could get the player for $175 on Amazon. However, I don't want to use my 2.0 Shelf System for audio and my 5.1 Wireless Headphones don't really give that true surround feel. I'm trying to stick to a low budget. Like I said I was looking into the BD60 and a seperate 5.1 system, but that would add up. I was looking at the Panasonic systems: SC-BT100 SC-BT200 SC-BT300 I noticed the 100 was discontinued and a 5.1 system (also is BD 1.1, the others are 2.0). However the other two are 7.1 systems. My overall goal is to keep a low cost, play BD movies, upconvert DVDs, listen to movies in surround sound (either 5.1 or 7.1), and play my Xbox 360 in surround sound (only supports up to 5.1). How is the 100 system? 200? 300? Does anyone know of any cheaper/better all in one systems that they would recomend (I can get the 100 for $380 on Amazon, 200 for $430, 300 for $490)? Will a 7.1 system automatically play like a 5.1 from a 5.1 source (as in automatically not use the extra 2 speakers)? My room is 12x10ft, is a 7.1 too large for this room size? Last edited by Hellhog; 10-01-2009 at 05:50 AM.

10-01-2009, 07:09 PM	#2
BigGuy219 Junior Member Member since:Sep 2009 Blu-ray collection:95 DVD collection:4	This was my original first option. I first wanted the SC-BT200, which was very affordable when I was looking and seemed perfect. Then I saw the SC-BT300 with the tallboys and fell in love. Luckily, I didn't have the money at the time and was able to do more research before buying. The main problem with the SC-BT series is that it's essentially a blu-ray player with 8 speakers. Yes, it will give you full HD sound and sound better than any 5.1 digital system you've heard ... but it's not quite there. First of all, you won't be able to upgrade down the line. If you get a 360 or a PS3 ... you won't get HD sound available on some games (the latest Metal Gear comes to mind) and you only get two fiber optic inputs to share between your video games, cable/satellite box, etc. I saw the SC-BT300 and it seemed to be really cheaply put together. The blu-ray player doesn't offer NetFlix streaming, so you'll be running to the mailbox instead of pushing a button on the remote. It just doesn't seem to do anything other than play blu-rays, which it does adequately, but for that much money you want connectivity and upgradability. Look around a bit more. Most people will tell you to buy the parts separate, and that will produce a better sound ... but it requires a lot of research and patience. If you want it in a box and have no patience (like me) ... look at the new Onkyo HT-S series. They're designed for the more 'casual' audiophile. It's not the best sound in the world, but for a HTiB it's pretty good. There's 'cheaper' models in the HT-S3200 and HT-S5200 (includes iPod dock) which sound pretty good, but won't upscale your video (only matters if you use composite/component cables and you want 1080i upscaling). For more money you can get the HT-S6200 or the upgraded HT-S7200 (tallboy speakers and more connectivity). Last edited by BigGuy219; 10-02-2009 at 04:13 AM. Reason: Embarrassing typo. lol

01-19-2010, 09:24 AM	#7
HiDefRev Active Member Member since:Sep 2009 Location:State of Relativity Blu-ray collection:35	Onkyo Accessories4Less has the Onkyo HT-S6200 for under $500...here is the link Onkyo Ht-s6200 7.1-channel Home Entertainment Package includes iPod Dock \| Accessories4less . You can set this system up as either a 7.1 or 5.1 by using the "Set Up" menu. This is a great system that decodes ALL lossy and lossless audio formats. And, if you wish, it is easily upgradeable in the future.

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10-02-2009, 02:43 AM	#3
Hellhog Member Member since:Sep 2009 Location:Illinois Blu-ray collection:1	Appreciate the help. My idea was actually was to get a Blu-Ray player, reciever, and surround sound all in one for cheap. I wasn't looking into room for upgrading and expansion because all I have is an Xbox 360 and 720p LCD TV. The surround sound was going to replace my shelf stereo system and I would still use my headphones for late at night use. The optical audio in is perfect for my TV and Xbox. Room for upgrade with that is to get a new reciever and Blu-ray, then I can upgrade the speakers. However, the Onkyo home theaters look really nice. I would need to get a seperate Blu-ray. They are not in my budget range though. I think I will be just waiting overall. Most likely next year I will be living in an apartment with a friend. If anything, I don't want to get anything too fancy and expensive until after college. I guess the only things easy to upgrade are the TV and video game system. Dealing with everything else is rather difficult when moving around every 9 or 3 months + not living in that spot where everything is for 1 month. I guess I can just try and save up for the next 2-4 years to get some better equipment when I finish school. If only the Xbox 360 had the audio capbilities of the PS3 plus Blu-Ray. But if only the PS3 had the games and online service of Xbox! Decisions, Decisions! Oh well, I can wait.

10-02-2009, 05:59 AM	#4
BigGuy219 Junior Member Member since:Sep 2009 Blu-ray collection:95 DVD collection:4	The HT-S5200 can be had at some online retailers for under $500. I think there's a good deal at NewEgg right now (not sure if I can mention that). Now, it doesn't have upscaling (which means you can't plug in composite/component cables and expect 1080i), but it is a 7.1 receiver/speaker package with iPod dock. It's not a $5,000 audiophile's dream system, but it's pretty much the best you can get for a bargain. Yes, you'd still need the blu-ray player ... but with the way they keep updating firmware, HDMI versions, etc. you don't really want to have your blu-ray player built into the system or you'll find yourself having to buy a whole new system in a couple of years. Alternatively, you can buy in stages. The new Onkyo TC-160 receiver (which is what you get with the HT-S7200) can be had for around $350 on special sale at 6th Ave Electronics right now (or $379 at NewEgg with the iPod dock). It will allow you to either go with the prepackaged Onkyo speaker package (about $300) down the line, or build your own speaker setup, which will make a lot of people on here happy. And to answer your original question ... yes your 7.1 system will play 5.1 perfectly. In fact, you do not even need to use speakers '6' and '7' if you choose with no difference. Some systems even allow you to put '6' and '7' above your Left and Right front speakers for a 'height' effect, but the reviews are mixed for this. I'd look at Google products, Bountii, StreetPrices, etc. and set up 'price alerts' for the systems you're interested in. I was able to pull the trigger on a HT-S7200 for under $700 delivered using price alerts.

12-12-2009, 01:25 AM	#5
GaijinSmash New Member Member since:Dec 2008	Don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but I wasn't able to find an answer to my question and thought it might be better to ask in a thread regarding the Panasonic models than start a new one. I recently purchased a Panasonic SC-BT300 because it was on sale and well under my budget. However, to my dismay when I brought it home it only had one HDMI port which obviously goes to the tv. So my question would be: is it possible to get it to work with other sources besides the built in blu-ray? For instance, is there a splitter or something that would allow me to hook up my PS3 so that I could have my games play using the surround sound audio? Thank you in advance and again, I apologize for my ignorance. Hope you can help.

02-22-2010, 03:38 AM	#8
irishkev New Member Member since:Feb 2010	Anyone know the best settings for the sound on the BT100? Thanks!!

04-21-2010, 03:37 PM	#10
tejasclone Active Member Member since:Nov 2009 Location:Austin, TX Blu-ray collection:174	Has anyone tried a firmware update for the 100? I've never had to do one before but all this talk of Avatar requiring a firmware update has me concerned. The most recent update looks like August 25, 2009. http://panasonic.jp/support/global/c.../bt100_na.html If the 100 is discontinued, will new firmware updates be available?

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