What Hi-Fi? Verdict
A decent system, but considering its price-tag we'd expect it to perform slightly better
Pros
- +
Excellent Blu-ray and DVD picture quality
- +
integrated iPod dock
- +
decent array of features
Cons
- -
Pricey for what it is
- -
poor subwoofer build quality
- -
unconvincing pseudo surround sound
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
Following Blu-ray's emergence as the next-gen movie format, Blu-ray-in-a-box systems, such as the Panasonic SC-BTX70, have become an increasingly common sight.
Prices vary from entry-level to high-end and the SC-BTX70 sits somewhere in-between. The main unit stands upright, with a sliding panel concealing the disc-loading bay and adjacent iPod dock.
Virtual 2.1 surround sound
Instead of a complete surround sound package, the 'BTX70 makes do with a 2.1 set-up. This means true surround sound is impossible and Panasonic's '5.1/7.1 surround-like effect' doesn't exactly hit the spot.
Images certainly impress
The 'BTX70 main strength is picture quality. Images are clean, punchy and virtually noise-free. Edges are crisply drawn and well-defined with Blu-ray and DVD.
When it comes to the crunch, if you're specifically after a 2.1 system there are cheaper options out there.
Or you could buy a complete 5.1 system such as Panasonic's SC-BT200 that gives near enough identical picture performance and more immersive surround sound for less money.
