It’s been a busy day for Panasonic. The Japanese mega-brand has not only announced its full range of OLED and core 4K TVs, but also its home theatre audio systems.
The options for 2020 include the SC-HTB600 soundbar with wireless subwoofer and the SC-HTB400 soundbar with an integrated subwoofer.
Beginning with the former, the wireless HTB600 is big fan of immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X onboard. Inside the main body are two full-range (4.5 x 20cm) driver units with Panasonic says helps the unit produce a rich vocal sound.
The subwoofer makes use of a 16cm speaker unit and an aerodynamically shaped Bass Reflex Port produces a smoother air flow and reduces vibration for a strong and clear bass performance. With 160W coming from the soundbar, the HTB600 is bolstered by the wireless sub’s 200W power output for a total of 360W.
The HTB400 is the more stylish of the two, and incorporates dual subwoofers and two full range drivers (4.5 x 10cm) into its body. Using neodymium magnets, Panasonic says the HTB400 can deliver a sound bigger than its size, generating a total power output of 160W. Unlike the HTB600, the HTB400 doesn’t support object-based audio.
Both units are designed to unobtrusive so viewers can focus on the screen ahead of them. The adjustable feet on each unit means they can be placed on a TV’s stand, or if the viewer prefers, in front the cabinet. The HTB600 and HTB400 can be wall-mounted, with fittings included with the soundbars.
The speakers in the HTB series have been angled at seven degrees to project sound towards the listener’s ears. Despite that design, Panasonic asserts that it won’t be a problem when it comes to wall-mounting the soundbars, with the rear of the speaker also angled so sound pings out at 180 degrees when placed on a wall.
Other features include Bluetooth connectivity, 4K HDR passthrough via the HDMI connection and support for eARC.
No price or availability has been confirmed yet, but we’ll be updating this article as soon as we hear from Panasonic on those fronts.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
