Rear Wireless Ready

• For the ultimate in home theater convenience and flexibility, Panasonic presents the SC-HT730 DVD Home Theater System. With this system, you will not only enjoy the benefits of quality home theater sound, but you'll have the option of upgrading to a rear wireless setup. Available for purchase separately, the SH-FX50 rear speaker transmitter and receiver module is designed to interface with the SC-HT730. Using 2.4 GHz spread spectrum technology, audio signals are sent wirelessly from the home theater system directly to the rear speakers via the receiver. This innovation makes it even easier for the average user to quickly and easily set up and enjoy the benefits of a home theater system. Because the SC-HT730 system can be upgraded to rear wireless at any time, it offers greater versatility.  

Silent and High-Speed Changer Mechanism

• For ease of use, the Panasonic SC-HT730 features high-speed, 10-second access from disc to disc and convenient direct access keys to quickly choose the desired CD or DVD at the touch of a button.  

Home Theater Mode: Total Power Output of 800 WATTS

• Front Channels: 70W x 2 (1kHz, 4 ohms, 10% THD)
• Center Channel: 260W (1kHz, 4 ohms, 10% THD)
• Surround Channels: 70W x 2 (1kHz, 4 ohms, 10% THD)
• Subwoofer: 260W (100Hz, 4 ohms, 10% THD)  

Home Theater Mode: FTC Total Power Output of 470W*

• Front Channels: 45W x 2 (120Hz-20kHz, 4 ohms, 1% THD)
• Center Channel: 140W (120Hz-20kHz, 4 ohms, 1% THD)
• Surround Channels: 45W x 2 (120Hz-20kHz, 4 ohms, 1% THD)
• Subwoofer: 150W (45Hz-120Hz, 4 ohms, 1% THD)  

Dual-Unit Active Subwoofer with Built-in 260W Amplifier Included*

• Deep, powerful bass to complete your home audio system. Many Dolby Digital/DTS receivers output the LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel as a line-level signal; this requires the subwoofer to have its own built-in amplifier to reproduce the substantial bass effects in today's movies. The SC-HT730's subwoofer features a powerful built-in 260W amplifier (10% THD) that can accurately reproduce the LFE channel in surround-encoded DVDs.

H.Bass (Harmonized Bass) Sound

• This function improves acoustic characteristics in such a way that you can perceive ultra-low bass sounds, making movies and music come alive with incredible power and depth. In scenes where there's a huge explosion, for example, you seem to feel the rumbling inside you. Just like the sound system in a state-of-the art movie theater, H. Bass outputs super-heavy bass tones that deliver the full effect intended by the film's director. Add this to a new "Dual Unit" active subwoofer, which widens the total woofer surface area for improved bass, and the result is powerful bass reproduction. 

5-Disc DVD/CD Changer

• The SC-HT730 plays up to five DVD-Video discs, for your pure enjoyment in virtually any digital format. The front-loading 5-disc rotary carousel design lets you change any of the four non-playing discs without disturbing the movie you're watching, or the music you're listening to.

Two Slim Tower Front Speakers With Adjustable Stands

• The SC-HT830V comes with two tall-boy front speakers, each with an adjustable stand. The tower speakers are height adjustable and wall mountable, giving the user a variety of layout options. For optimum home theater sound you can raise or lower the stands so that the speakers' height matches that of the TV screen. With its tall speakers and slim, stylish design, the SC-HT830V looks great with a Panasonic plasma display or other large-screen TVs.

Built-in DTS/Dolby Digital Decoders

• Modern audio/video formats such as CDs, DVDs and laserdiscs often utilize Dolby Digital or DTS -- discrete digital multi-channel surround sound formats. With these formats, each of the five main sound channels (front left, center, front right, surround right, surround left) can cover the entire frequency spectrum from 20Hz to 20kHz. A separate low frequency effects (LFE) channel is devoted to bass effects, bringing the total to six channels (although this arrangement is often referred to as "5.1 channel surround sound"). This system is equipped with built-in dts and Dolby Digital decoders that let you experience the 5.1 channel digital soundtrack encoded on a DVD or laserdisc, producing a remarkably natural sense of ambience and dynamic realism.

Dolby Surround Pro Logic II Decoder

• Provides multi-channel sound with regular 2-channel sources as well as with Dolby Surround encoded sources. While Dolby Pro Logic reproduces monaural 100Hz-7kHz rear surround channel, Dolby Surround Pro Logic II reproduces two stereo 20Hz-20kHz rear channels. It creates a more natural 5.1-channel sound for a new level of Home Theater entertainment.  

Multi-Channel Sound Field Function

• Center Focus Mode: Center speaker sound may appear to come from the top or bottom of the TV screen. This results in disharmony between the on-screen action and the sound, particularly dialog. However, if you switch this mode ON, the frequencies that have a particular influence on how you perceive sound source up/down imaging are diffused. This gives you the impression center speaker sound is coming straight from the center of the screen, for a natural matching of images and dialog sound. Besides normal Center Focus mode 1, there's Center Focus mode 2. This boosts just dialog sound to assure it isn't buried under the rest of the soundtrack.  

Sound Field Control

• Creates a simulated surround sound field from regular 2-channel stereo sources, such as a CD or a cassette. Using the front, center, and surround speakers, this feature gives you the atmosphere of a live performance. Choose from seven settings to suit the type of music and your preference -- Heavy, Clear, Soft, Disco, Live, Hall and Flat.  

Super Surround Sound (Music, Party and Movie) for Stereo Sources

• Now you can enjoy surround sound with virtually any source or format.

Two Audio Inputs

• Two audio inputs for TV, VCR and AUX.  

4-Step Subwoofer Level Control

• 1, 2, 3, 4 level control accessible via remote control (Subwoofer Level Key).
• Quartz-Synthesized Digital Tuning System

Universal Remote Control

• Gives you control over most current TVs and VCRs, letting you replace a pile of remotes with a single convenient all-in-one solution.

ENERGY STAR Compliant for Low Energy Consumption

Advanced Progressive Scan (4:4:4 Signal Processing/4:3 Shrink Function/Letterbox Zoom & Shift)

• Progressive scanning* (480P) is a method of creating a high-density video signal that doubles the scan lines of a conventional interlaced signal (480I) to create a noticeably sharp picture. Progressive scanning requires only one 1/60th of a second pass as it scans all 525 horizontal lines at once (480 displayed), thus doubling the scan lines of interlaced signals for higher playback density. As a result, progressive scanning offers high picture resolution and eliminates bothersome motion artifacts ? the jagged edges on moving objects that are typical of a converted interlaced signal.

  The heart of Progressive Scan's advancement in picture quality is a high-density one-chip LSI (large-scale integrated circuit) that performs the critical progressive signal processing tasks with high precision. The progressive-scan DVD-Video player recognizes the differences between film and video source material and adjusts its processing accordingly. The natural quality of film is preserved, while special filtering and intelligent edge enhancement produce video source images with natural motion and minimized flicker.

  To make movies look more true to life, the SC-HT730 converts the recorded luminance and color difference signals from 8 to 10 bits, and upsamples the color signal data. The unit doubles the 6.75 MHz frequency of the two color signals (PB and PR) to match the 13.5 MHz frequency of the luminance, or brightness, signal. This balanced 4:4:4 signal delivers striking colors along with an extremely accurate luminance level, for high resolution and minimal picture noise.

  * To enjoy a progressive scan picture, a TV with progressive scan capabilities must be used.

DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R Playback Capability

• This unit can play back Panasonic DVD-R and DVD-RAM discs recorded with Panasonic DVD-RAM video recorder. It may not be able to play some DVD-R discs depending on the condition of the recording.

  In addition to superb DVD-RAM and DVD-R playback, you're ready to enjoy DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD+R playback for improved compatibility.

DVD-Audio Playback

• DVD-Audio is nothing less than the new world standard for super-high fidelity sound. You've never heard anything like it! On the outside, these discs look just like familiar CDs. But DVD-Audio discs offer incredible storage capacity (approximately 7 times the amount of information on a CD), and ultra-high performance stereo sound you won't find in any other home audio technology. And the multiple channel stereo sound captures the acoustics of the best concert halls. DVD-Audio represents a major step forward in audio reproduction. Recorded music sounds live, with true definition, dynamics and room tone. Sounds so clear and so real, you won't believe your ears!

  Ultra-High Performance Stereo Sound: DVD-Audio has a sampling frequency 4.3 times greater than an audio CD, and has 256 times finer resolution. This translates to amazing 2-channel stereo sound not even approachable by audio CDs. DVD-Audio offers up to 24-bit quantization and 192kHz sampling (versus 16-bit and 44.1kHz for audio CD), which yields extremely high resolution and extraordinary dynamic range up to 144dB (versus 96dB for audio CD). Higher frequency response means outstanding clarity and realism in your recordings -- giving you that uncanny feeling of "being there." All of the 2004 Panasonic home DVD decks above support 2-channel DVD-Audio Playback. Multiple Channels: In addition to incredible 2-channel stereo sound, DVD-Audio is capable of delivering spectacular 6-channel surround sound using linear PCM (uncompressed data, as with audio CDs). Artists who take advantage of this multi-channel capability will be able to better capture the acoustics of the best concert halls or cozy clubs, for reproduction right in your own living room.

  For extremely realistic and spacious reproduction of your favorite music recordings, frequency response extends up to 96kHz, and has an extraordinary dynamic range of up to 144dB. Instruments with higher range frequencies (cymbals, flutes, etc.) shine through with a richer, more authentic timbre, and music with rapid, high-pitched passages shows excellent definition within the individual notes.

  Accurate reproduction of DVD-Audio recordings requires speakers capable of faithfully reproducing very high frequencies up to 50kHz. The individual electronic components must be designed for accuracy and timbre, imaging, sound staging, and impressive musicality. The SC-HT730's speaker system provides a clear, natural sound with precise imaging.

HDCD Playback

• High Definition Compatible Digital (HDCD) is a patented encode/decode process for delivering the full richness and detail of the original microphone feed on Compact Discs and DVD-Audio. HDCD has been used in the recording of more than 5,000 CD titles, which include more than 250 Billboard Top 200 recordings and more than 175 GRAMMY nominations.

  HDCD-encoded CDs sound better because they are encoded with 20 bits of real musical information, as compared with 16 bits for all other CDs. HDCD overcomes the limitation of the 16-bit CD format by using a sophisticated system to encode the additional 4 bits onto the CD while remaining completely compatible with the existing CD format. HDCD provides more dynamic range, a more focused 3-D soundstage, and extremely natural vocal and musical timbre. With HDCD, you get the body, depth, and emotion of the original performance not a flat, digital imitation.

MP3/WMA Playback

• For contents recorded on CD-R/RW media from CDs for your personal use. The 2003 Panasonic Home Theater Systems play back both MPEG Layer 3 (.MP3) and Windows Media (.WMA) Internet audio formats. WMA is a compression format developed by Microsoft Corporation. It achieves the same sound quality as MP3 with a file size that is smaller than that of MP3. Playability may vary depending on contents and discs.

JPEG Still Image Playback

• Digital camera enthusiasts can play back JPEG digital still images recorded to CD-R and CD-RW on their TV screens.  

HighMAT Compatible

• High-Performance Media Access Technology (HighMAT), co-developed by Panasonic and Microsoft, designed to significantly improve interoperability for digital media content between PCs* and popular electronic devices such as CD players, car stereos and DVD players. HighMAT is a digital-media standard that provides a dramatically improved method of storing, arranging and playing back personal digital photo, music and video collections on recordable discs such as CD-RW media.

  Consumers worldwide use an increasing variety of electronic devices to store, organize and access digital media. HighMAT delivers a simple, standardized approach that allows consumers to:

  • Create and manage personal collections of digital music, video and photography on a PC.
  • Move digital media files (using recordable media such as CD-R and CD-RW) between the PC and various playback devices such as CD and DVD players.

CD-R/RW Playback

• These units can play CD-DA format audio and MP3 audio on CD-R and CD-RW.

  Playability of CD-R/RW discs may vary depending on the contents, discs and condition of the recording. For contents recorded on CD-R/RW media from CDs for your personal use.

54MHz/10-bit Video Digital-to-Analog Converter

• A D/A converter using 54MHz oversampling helps bring out the stunning beautiful picture quality of the DVD player models equipped with progressive scanning capability. By processing the DVD video signal at 4 times the original 13.5MHz rate, this technology provides vivid and finely textured image reproduction.

Cinema Mode

• Cinema mode combines brightness control with picture noise canceling to provide better picture quality in certain viewing conditions. It lessens glare, giving you colors that are more cinema-like and picture resolution that is gentler to the eyes. Cinema mode also improves the visibility of details in dark scenes by automatically adjusting picture contrast, and helps to suppress color smearing, as well.

Dialogue Enhancer

• Most of the movie dialogue recorded in surround sound formats (either Dolby Digital, DTS or Dolby Pro Logic) is heard through the center channel speaker. At times, dialogue can be overwhelmed by particularly loud sounds emanating from the other speakers in your surround sound system. The dialogue enhancer increases the center channel volume (relative to other channels), making movie dialogue easier to hear and understand.

Depth Enhancer

• Reduces background noise in a video image.

Monitor Select

• For optimum viewing enjoyment, the monitor select function lets users choose the best connection option according to the type of display being used, whether it's a direct-view television, rear-projection monitor, plasma screen or video projector.

Component Video Out

• A picture-enhancing advancement in DVD-Video technology. It keeps the black and white, red, and blue signals of the video image intact (and separate) during transmission, to maintain incredibly high picture quality. Thanks to component video out, these DVD systems produce images with high resolution accurate color.  

S-Video Terminal

• Provides a brilliantly clear, high-quality video link to other video equipment.

Magnetically Shielded Speakers for Home Theater Use

• Speakers contain large magnets that can interfere with your TV's picture if placed too close to the screen. Magnetic shielding lets you put your speakers close to your TV without affecting the image -- essential for home theater use.

Front (2) Speakers

• Tall-boy speaker with adjustable stand. 2-3/8" cone-type tweeter and 2-1/2" cone-type woofer.

Center Speaker (1)

• Compact speaker. Piezo-type super tweeter and two 2-1/2" cone-type full range drivers.

Surround (2) Speakers

• 2-1/2" cone-type full range driver.  

Subwoofer Speaker (1)

• Active Subwoofer with built-in 260W power amplifier. Two 5-7/8" cone-type woofers.

Dimensions (W x H x D)

• Receiver/DVD Changer Unit: 16-15/16" x 2-11/16" x 16-5/8"
• Front (2) Speakers: 8-19/32" x 42-1/2" - 36-1/32" x 9-9/16"
• Center (1) Speaker: 12-19/32" x 3-15/32" x 3-25/32"
• Surround (2) Speakers: 3-17/32" x 7-19/32" x 4-1/32"
• Subwoofer (1) Speaker: 7-15/16" x 14-1/2" x 19-3/8"

Weight

• Receiver/DVD Changer Unit: 8.9 lbs.
• Front (2) Speakers: 4.6 lbs.
• Center (1) Speaker: 2.9 lbs.
• Surround (2) Speakers: 1.76 lbs.
• Subwoofer (1) Speaker: 24.9 lbs.