Max. 47 inch TVs is according to Panasonic this board. Larger TVs need a more powerful board, or even better, a 5.1 channel audio system.
This speaker improves the board flat or tinny sound of today's thin TVs immensely.
With 2.1 channel output, the most TV series / broadcasts are operated more as well. And cinema films have the 5.1 channel output, the board tries to simulate quite well with vituellem 3D sound.
The TV does not have to put on the board one. I have the TV stand normally on the TV rack, and put a rack plane including the Speaker Board (it then the PS3).
The Board of course you can also put on a shelf above the TV. The main thing, it is the center and not too far away.
Why did I buy it?
*** Positive ***
+ 2.1 channel with simulated 3D sound
The 3D effect comes with 5.1 audio sources over quite well. For this select the standard mode or better Cinema.
+ Subwoofer radiates to the rear
Those who live in an apartment building, should for social peace on a floor subwoofer renounce (of the house to vibrate). The subwoofer of this Panasonic emits "only" in the air, bringing not to vibrate the whole house.
+ Configuration
You can adjust the power of the subwoofer in four stages. Who makes it much thud, it can regulate in 4 stages. Even the dialogue level (language of people) can be regulated in 4 stages. The processor can maintain all this apart, what is music, effects or language.
+ Bitstream Audio or DD / DTS decoder
The processor (DSP) on the board can understand not only PCM (finished decoded WAVE-Audio) but also decodes itself Dolby Digital and DTS bitstream from an out !!! (These are the original tracks from the DVD / BD)
This has the advantage that are included in the DD / DTS format, for example information on which channel held up dialogues. So can produce language / dialogues in the film clearly the processor for example.
In this the PCM TV or DVD / BD player has to do ... whatever does not have to be bad. But then the board are all "only" 1: 1 again.
Whether is sent to the Speaker board PCM or Bitstream, must be set in the DVD / BD player.
+ HDMI in + out
That was one of the NGC arguments. competition from Bose or Denon! I can connect my BD player or PS3 directly via HDMI. The image signal is then by the Board 1: 1 looped to TV through.
The TV I have connected via HDMI ARC on the HDMI-out of the board.
You can control the volume of the board with the TV remote control.
+ Display
The competition has an LED display with good luck to an activity / status. The Panasonic Board displays all the important information in the Alpha-Numeric display: mode, volume, Bluetooth devices, configuration, etc.
The display can be set so that it dims after a few seconds.
+ Operation
The right Fernbedinung has rubber keys and not cheap membrane keys. So you can make all the functions and settings.
The board itself has real buttons on the side for on / off, volume and input (HDMI, Optical, AUX and BT).
+ Matte case surface
I have the silver model, which has a matte finish. I think that's better than glossy, as this otherwise fast streaks can get from brushing dust.
*** *** Neutral
* Front speaker
Do not expect disco volume. Because of the size have the speakers their limits in volume.
*** Negative ***
Is there anything negative? For the price hard to find things.
Conclusion:
The Board may recommend to anyone looking for a low-priced package with a lot of functions (eg, HDMI). Furthermore, the board is particularly suitable for small living room and a maximum of 50 inch TVs (Panasonic recommends even max. 47 inches).
SUPPLEMENTARY 13/05/2014:
Panasonic has brought now a wider variation (but same performance) for TVs of size 47-55 inch out! Panasonic SC-HTE180EG
