Panasonic SC-ZT1: Wireless, ultraslim speaker system
Panasonic released a bundle of home theater systems at CES 2009, but the SC-ZT1 is easily the best of the bunch. The SC-ZT1 is a wireless home theater system that uses the 2.4GHz band to send uncompressed audio to all four speakers. Like all wireless systems, you'll need need to run a power cable for each speaker--so it's not completely wireless--but you won't have to deal with long speaker cable runs all over your living room.
The SC-ZT1 is somewhat unusual as its technically a 4.0 system--there are just the four, spindlelike speakers (Panasonic calls them Sound Slim Speakers), pictured in the image. These four speakers each have four vertically aligned speakers within them, which the SC-ZT1 uses to create a virtual 7.1 surround sound effect. Sure, it probably won't sound as good as a real 7.1 system, but you'll be dealing with a lot fewer wires. You'll also notice that the SC-ZT1 lacks a dedicated, separate subwoofer. That's replaced by integrated subwoofers in each of the speakers, filling in the low end. Again, it won't match the rumble of a dedicated unit, but it's definitely less hassle and looks better in your living room.
The SC-ZT1 is slated to be released in the spring, with pricing to be determined. We don't expect the unit to wow audiophiles, but for decor-minded buyers who still want surround sound, it looks like an attractive compromise.
This is pretty dumb imo. So, it's better to be running 120V wires all over your living room instead of low voltage speaker wires? I don't think so. And what are the odds of having an electrical outlet near every place you want to position a speaker? I'd say slim to none. So, are we going to start using 120V extension cords to connect their "wireless" speakers? That's about the stupidest thing I've ever heard.
To top it all off, there's no subwoofer and no centre channel. I'm fine with 5.1 surround, as I think 7.1 may be going too far (what's next, 10.1?). Reminds me of all the disposable razer companies putting 6 blades in their razers. However, going back a step to 4 channes (quad) is so two decades ago.
I don't see anything this system has to offer at all. How about telling us it's under $200? Actually, never mind. I wouldn't even pay that for it.
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by dipol2
March 21, 2009 8:24 AM PDT
- I don't understand the people griping about speaker power cables. Most everybody will have more than one AC outlet in the living room, and good chances there's a power outlet somewhere near to desired speaker location. Much easier than running speaker wires from one location all across the rooms.
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by CoalHarbourVBC
March 21, 2009 2:15 PM PDT
- When is this coming onto the market? I've been waiting for this since the CES announcement. Any speculation re: price?
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(5 Comments)The Panasonic sounds great, provided it has sufficient inputs, sound good, and price is in mid three figures (although that's probably wishful thinking ....)