Panasonic's new recordable DVD home theater system lets consumers enjoy the latest audio and video technologies with one convenient, high-performance package. The system completes the home theater experience, whether it's listening to music on CDs and DVD-Audio discs, watching the latest blockbuster movies on DVD, or recording favorite TV programs. The unit's DVD recorder offers multi-format playback (DVD video, DVD-Audio, DVD-RAM, DVD-R(1), CD, CD-R/RW(2) and MP3).

The new model SC-HT1500 will be available this month. It will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $999.95.

"Each component of this system is designed to deliver optimum audio and video performance, to satisfy the most discriminating home theater enthusiast," said Jim Kiczek, Panasonic's National Marketing Manager. "With its multiple playback options, versatile recording capabilities and ease of operation, this new system offers cutting-edge technology at an amazing value."

The power of recordable DVD enables users to record TV programs or home videos onto DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs, as well as onto the unit's 80GB* hard disk drive -- up to 142 hours in the EP(3) mode. Users can also transfer recordings from a camcorder or digital still camera onto DVD-R or DVD-RAM discs, preserving precious family videos and photos.

The DVD-RAM format also allows for simultaneous playback and recording and the ultimate in time-shifting capability. Users can record one program while watching another live or recorded program, or watch a live TV program in progress from the beginning while continuing to record the show until the end. The unit's built-in electronic program guide function (EPG)** provides users with quick and easy access to TV listings -- displayed right on the television screen.

Delivering a total of 800 watts of power (1kHz, 4 ohms, 10%THD), the system's audio components are just as impressive as its video counterparts. The receiver features a built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoder, along with Dolby Surround Pro Logic II and a digital AM/FM tuner. The acoustically-matched speaker system is designed to deliver the wide frequency range of DVD-Audio. OmniCast(tm) Surround Speakers widely disperse the sound, creating extraordinary acoustic imaging to envelop the listener. The system also includes a powerful 260-watt (100Hz, 4 ohms, 10%THD) subwoofer.

In addition to being able to deliver the fidelity of DVD-Audio, the unit's Sound Field Control can convert 2-channel audio from conventional sources into dynamic 5.1-channel surround sound -- a great enhancement whether listening to music, watching live TV or viewing a recorded program. Choose from 12 different acoustic effect modes to recreate the ambience that best complements the audio source.

From mi2n