Panasonic SC-HTB500 Sound Bar First Look

Panasonic announced this week a brand new 3D-compatible surround bar home theater speaker system in the SC-HTB500 starting in August. The sound bar is designed to fit neatly in front of a flat panel TV and offer an easy to install, stylish alternative to a full 5.1 home theater sound system. The SC-HTB500 soundbar is equipped with a single HDMI 1.4 input, which is compatible with the new 3D video standard from a connected Blu-ray 3D player. It doesn't do any processing of the 3D signal, but rather passes it through the system and onto the display. A single HDMI 1.4 output is available which includes the new HDMI 1.4 audio return channel. This means that the SC-HTB500 can decode digital audio sent from a compatible television making use of the ARC function. The soundbar features a wireless "subwoofer" and is ideal for televisions 50-inches or larger in size.

The system uses a bamboo cone speaker design and features Clear-Mode Dialogue, which is designed to make the sound seem like it is coming from the center of your television display. Anchoring dialogue to the TV is one way that movie and television soundtracks are enhanced for more realism. 

The SC-HTB500 is designed to produce a lot more sound than its diminutive size would suggest. The 41-1/2" wide soundbar features a true 2.1-channel system, with a wireless powered Kelton Subwoofer for more robust and dynamic bass sound.

Wall mounts are supplied, and the system operates on a principle of simplicity above functionality. You connect it with just one HDMI cable, and the Audio Return Channel means that even audio sourced from your compatible television can be decoded without any additional wiring.

Available in August, the SC-HTB500 carries a suggested retail price of $349.95.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.