Customer Reviews

Panasonic SC-HT95 5-Disc DVD Home Theater System

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Wonderful crystal clear sound, got all the features I want: VCD, CD, MP3, Progressive scan, DTS, Pro Logic, 5-cd changer ... Only complain was the disk changer is sort of slow, but hey, as long as I dont have to get off the couch. :)
My 1st buy was a Panasonic SC-HT75 from circuitcity. It was nice, but the quiet rear speakers are really disappointing. Now that Amazon is selling SC-HT95 at amost the same price I paid for the SC-HT75(after the rebate for 95 and tax for the 75), I made the switch immediately. With 75, I had to turn up the rear speakers to max and turn down the front speakers to feel a hint of 'surround' sound. For 95, even at a low volumn I can vividly hear bullets flying pass by my ear! Havn't got a chance to test the progressive scan yet, which is a major feature the sc-th75 lacks.
All in all, excellent machine and powerful speakers at a great price, highly recommand it.

in response to the person who posted that his mp3's would not play on this system, i have to say that they do. the problem is with him and his mp3 recording program/techniques. i go as far as saying this because this system is marvelous, i mean for the money that you are paying i would even have to say you are getting a little to much ie.
progressive scan, dts, 5.1 dolby, dolby prologic,5 cd-rw dvd-r vcd,500 watts, 180 powered subwoofer,universal controller, and some other stuff i forgot. the point being, is that you wont be dissapointed

I have always been wary of these 'home theater-in-a-box' systems. I consider myself to be an audiophile, and only the best (usually meaning most expensive) components will do. Alas, I do not have that kind of money, nor did it matter since this was a gift to my parents for their 30th wedding anniversary. All I can say is that my stance on these systems may have to be adjusted somewhat.

I spent many an hour checking online reviews and checking other customer reviews on many different systems. I knew my price range, which was about $400. Finally, after the advice of a salesman at a local store (he mentioned that anyone who buys the Sony systems almost always returns them), I decided to get this system from Panasonic. The setup was pretty straightforward, and I managed to hook up the TV, cable box, and VCR without much difficulty.

When I popped in a DTS encoded DVD, I saw why this was such a good system. The speakers are clear and crisp, and the subwoofer, although a passive sub, was distinct and deep. For a budget system, this is about the best sounding package I had ever heard. Music plays well through the speakers, and it has enough power to fill a medium sized room with sound.

The 5-disc changer is a huge plus, although it has a somewhat noisy and slow moving changing mechanism (not that I care as long as it works). The display is bright and readable, although the surface reflects much of the light and can be a bit rough to discern at times. Some other reviewers have complained of humming from the speakers, but it's not due to the speaker quality. That is caused by electromagnetic interference, which creeps in when you plug the unit straight into the wall, or use a cheap and shoddy surge protector. Having used this system extensively, I have yet to hear any humming.

While there are far better home theater packages out there, I gave this unit 5 stars because the combination of sound quality, ease of use, wealth of features, and bargain basement price make this Panasonic a value nearly impossible to beat.

I read over the other reviews prior to buying this product. One mentioned a humming sound. I heard the same thing, but only because I was looking for it. My wife didn't notice it at all. You can only really hear it when there is a lull in the sound while watching a DVD. Doesn't bother me enough to return it.

For the money this system is excellent...progressive scan, lots of power, and easy setup.

For [the price], it's hard to beat!

Sure there are better systems out there, but not at this price. Considering all the great features you get, it's an incredible bargain. The sound is very rich and full, and undistorted all the way up to full volume. There are a few DVDs that the sound is sort of low, and on these rare titles even full volume is too low for me in my family room, but that is the exception rather than the rule. Plenty of floor-shaking base, and the subwoofer level control is nice.

A few squacks that I have heard that I have to take exception with:

- Speaker wires too short? They were plenty long for my 25' deep room. Remember that the surround speakers don't go on the back wall, they go towards the back of the side walls, facing each other. If the wires are still too short, your room is probably too big for this system.

- Hum at low sound levels? Never heard any, and I was listening for it. Get a good home theater surge protector / line filter...P>- Progressive scan doesn't make a difference using S-Video? This is by design. You have to use component video connections to reap the benefits of progressive scan.

- Surround volume too low? Try watching Ice Age, and see if you still think so. Most movies don't use the surrounds that much. It's not a problem with the unit as far as I can see. You can increase the rear volume a little, if you want, by using the Seating Position control.

Some squacks I agree with:

- Problems playing MP3's. If I put in an MP3 CD with 150 tracks, the player shows about 220 tracks. Also, you have no option but to play the tracks sequentially, or recall them by number.

- Display is a bit hard to read from a distance.

- The speakers sound good, but look cheap/plastic-y. This system was not designed by an interior decorator.

In summary, if this is your price range, you won't do any better than this system. I'm very satisfied with mine. The quibbles are all minor.

My Panasonic worked very well for me for 2 years and then its DVD player suddenly stopped functioning. When we took it to the authorized Panasonic repair center, the technician told us that a DSP IC board needed to be replaced and that it would cost $570--more than double the original price! He told us frankly that these systems are _expected_ to break down in 2 years and it's extremely difficult and expensive to buy genuine replacement parts for them. He suggested that I should get a separate home theater receiver and an inexpensive DVD player.
I bought a Yamaha YHT-100 and it sounded so much better than this Panasonic ever did.

I feel that for the price, the product is an outstanding purchase.
Setup: Very easy, didn't take me but 30 minutes from taking it out of the box to sitting down and watching a movie. Owner's manual is very easy to read and guides you clearly on how to do everything concerning your system. It has pictures of the remote w/labels corresponding w/step numbers for the written instruction. The advanced feature instructions could be a little tricky, because they are not labeled so well.

Sound: This unit provides great sound even at its 500W peak, it's clear and powerful. My system has no humming as other reviewers have reported.

Progresive Scan: I own a 48" JVC HDTV Widescreen TV and the image on that baby is unreal as it is, with the progresive scan the image of all objects and characters improves making them more crisp and sharper, but at the same time in order to notice this you'll have to get close to the TV screen and switch between progresive scan out on and off and you will see it. Keep in mind progresive scan out only works with component video cables as per owner's manual.

Looks: Looks nice, the color matches w/my TV. On the front speakers you can even rotate the Panasonic label to better read it if you decide to mount speaker vertically. Main unit is kinda heavy, I suppose because all the features this system has.

Features: Fully loaded, Tuner picked up all the radio stations available and I didn't even have the antenna on. The remote is loaded with features, you can even use it as a universal remote. The main unit has enough slots to plug TV, VCR and an extra set of input slots. The 5 disc changer is a little slow when seaching for a DVD, but only if you don't know in what slot you placed a specific DVD, not a biggie for me. I actually like the fact the it is a one slot tray which shuffles 5 cd's instead of a primitive and gigantic 5 disc tray.

Overall: This is a great unit, its fully loaded with all kinds of features, great image and sound quality and best of all, you get so much for so little. I think it is very hard to find a 500W system of this quality at such a low price. I definitely recommend this product to anyone.

I never expected panasonic products to work just for 2 years. It broke down exactly in 2 years. The main carousel changer started malfunctioning. The DVD player used to get stuck...
Overall...bad product...bad investment,...Dont buy it!

After searching around I found Panansonic SC-HT95 is the most well-balance package out there.

Some of the glitches were noted (mp3, faint buzz,..etc.) but negiligiable.

However, the major complaint for this system is the volume discepency in the rear speakers. I cranked the volume up considerably the rear speakers just wouldn't catch up in volume. I wished there's power amplification for rear, or volume adjustment.

Aside from that the system is exceptionally clear in sound definition. for mid-sized room it has plenty of power.
But spaces larger than 15'X15' the sound will start to thin out.

I bought this HT 10 days ago. I was imppressed by the sound. Incredible sub-woofer. A lot of control over the audio, BUT...

- I cound't play my MP3s. Strange sounds and "jumps". I tried different Panasonic in the store, and it is always the same. It's a problem with the model. Don't buy it if you want to play Mp3's with your Home Theater.

- Horrible interfase (GUI). Tiny icons on the screen.

- When you try to change from one disk to another it takes a l[o]t of time.

Finally, I changed the Panasonic for a Sony DAV C-770. It is SO... cool!