January 6, 2008 2:28 PM PST

UPDATE: Panasonic unveils all-in-one budget home theater systems for 2008

by Jeff Bakalar
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(Credit: Panasonic)

Panasonic has detailed its 2008 home-theater-in-a-box line, which includes three models in the consumer-friendly sub-$500 range. In and of itself, that's not big news--except that we've frequently found Panasonic HTIBs (such as 2007's SC-PT750) to deliver a great bang for the buck.

All of the systems come with five-disc DVD changers, iPod flip-down docks with audio and video playback capabilties, and HDMI upscaling up to 1080p. Furthermore, the $400 SC-PT760 and $500 SC-PT960 models include a wireless rear speaker module in the box (it's sold separately as an upgrade on the entry-level $300 SC-PT660). The SC-PT760 comes with front speaker stands while the SC-PT960 has tallboy-style front-, left-, and right-channel speakers. For a more detailed look at what each system has to offer, consult the chart after the jump.

On the high-end, Panasonic's SC-BT100 includes an integrated Blu-ray player (that's Profile 1.1 compatible to boot). The yet-to-be-priced system will compete with the currently available Samsung HT-BD2 when it's released in May 2008.

(Credit: Panasonic)

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $174.95 - $393.99
View the latest prices for Panasonic SC-PT660

On Sale Now: $249.99 - $399.95
View the latest prices for Panasonic SC-PT760

On Sale Now: $299.99 - $699.99
View the latest prices for Panasonic SC-PT960

Before covering games and gear for CNET Reviews, Jeff Bakalar dabbled in film and video production. An avid writer, reader, and gamer, Jeff is also an obsessive New Jersey Devils hockey fan. Catch him live every day as the co-host of CNET's infamous podcast, The 404.
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by Tinman52 January 6, 2008 8:51 PM PST
Interesting advertisement, yet every review I've seen of wireless rear speakers in general is that they trend towards mediocre to poor. What's different about these?
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by shjarrett January 7, 2008 9:08 AM PST
HTIB on a budget for $500?!! An amplifier will get you better sound than these cheap systems.
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by brendajean316 May 23, 2008 8:03 PM PDT
I was wondering if this was just a general comment on expectations, or if you actually have heard it. I have read a lot of reviews contrary to your statement.
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