Review by RebH
Author’s Rating:
This little puppy rocks!! After adjusting the volume settings on 3 remotes and devices (Yes, I am very picky), well, let’s just say that I have to keep the volume down. After listening to this system hooked up to my TV for just 1 hour, I turned the system off (for testing the audible difference), and found that I could Never go back to my TV only speakers. WOW is the word! This is great for “Gadget Freaks” like myself who just want to start small and inexpensive. If you have RCA Audio Out L/R (Red & White – You will also need an AV Cable both ends male to run from included adapter to TV) jacks on your TV, this system comes with the necessary adapter to hook it up to your TV. It took me a total of 3 minutes to set it up. A Breeze! Get ‘em and see what kind of set up you can come up with. Yes, I know these are PC speakers, but for what I am doing I needed them to be compatible with my TV as well.

Review by justaviking
Author’s Rating:
I am very happy with these speakers.

I replaced a cheap 2.1 set of speakers, and this sub-woofer is much better sounding than what I had before. Of course you could get even better sound by spending a lot more money, but I believe these are a very good value.

Remember you might need to reconfigure Windows and/or your BIOS and/or your Sound Card for a 5.1 speaker setup. When you are properly setup, you do NOT need to turn on the “Matrix” feature. That is only needed when you connect it to a simple stereo source like a video game console. Your computer will “upgrade” your stereo music to a 5.1 signal when configured correctly, so like I said, you can leave the Matrix button turned off when connected to your computer.

The only negative, as others have shared, is the CABLES ARE SHORT. Add $15 to the price to include a trip to Radio Shack for some RCA extension cables.

I am stilling giving this a 5-start rating, since I knew about the cable length issue before I bought it.

Review by T. Jones
Author’s Rating:
I’ve had these speakers for about three months now and they have the potential to be and sound amazing, however for one reason or another, they just aren’t and don’t.

The first annoying thing is the length of the satellite speaker cables. NONE of them are really long enough for their intended uses. The front left/right speakers only have about 6 feet of cable. If you put the sub woofer on the floor to the right or left of your desk, there isn’t enough cable to run to the farthest left/right speaker. I had to purchase extension cables to make this work. The rear right and left speakers have much longer cables, but even these are only about 15 feet long. Again, if you place the sub woofer on the floor to one side of your desk, 15 feet isn’t long enough to run back around a desk, then to some point behind the operator. These should be at least 25 feet long. Again, I had to use an extension cable to make the furthest rear speaker reach where I needed it.

When I first installed them, I felt like they didn’t have as full a sound as my previous stereo speakers, but I chalked that up to the difference between a three speaker (two desktop, one sub woofer) system and this one. They sounded kind of “airy” and light, but some adjustments to my computer sound settings remedied most of that complaint. Now most of the time they’re fairly clear, but very often any bass notes will cause distortion in the front right/left speakers. This is something I only noticed with extremely loud volumes in other speaker systems I’ve owned. At low volumes on music with no bass they sound great though….with one tiny exception…

I’m not sure why, maybe it’s the extension cables, or just the fact that I’ve had to run the speaker cables in close proximity to my power cables, but I experience occasional popping in ALL the right/left speakers of this system. The center channel speaker doesn’t seem to have this problem. The pops sound like I’m listening to music on an old LP that has become scratched. They are occasional and random, but frequent enough that they are a source of annoyance.

I wish I had another 5.1 speaker system to compare these to, but I’m not made of money and can’t run out to buy another system to make a comparison. I purchased these on the generally good reviews I’d seen for them online and because they were reasonably priced with a good set of features. I use these speakers for listening to music, watching movies, and playing games. I’m willing to put up with the issues for now, but I’m probably going to replace them as soon as I can.

Review by MGB Driver
Author’s Rating:
Since there are lots of comments about the lead lengths, maybe some data would help (why is it not in the official specs?). Here are the approximate lengths that came with mine:

Power input cord: 6ft 6in (to sub)

Wired remote: 5ft 6in (from sub)

Audio input: 6ft 2in (Three 3.5mm male stereo jack plugs on each end; green (front); black (rear); orange (center+sub)

Center speaker: 7ft 2in

Front speakers: 5ft 3in

Rear speakers: 14ft 2in

There is also an 8in adapter with a green stereo socket on one end, red and white female RCAs on the other (for use with a video game console).

If you only have a single stereo output to feed these speakers you will only get sound out of the two fronts and the sub, unless you select matrix. Personally I find the matrix mode artificial sounding and hard to listen to, but it seems a waste to only use two of the five speakers so I piggy-backed two one-to-two stereo adapters to make three outputs and plugged in the green, black and orange input plugs (somebody suggested a Radio Shack Boostaroo, but I think that requires batteries – I get plenty of output with the passive one-to-three split). The rear speakers can then be placed alongside the front speakers and the center speaker puts out the sum of the two stereo channels. This gives a very acceptable sound when plugged into the headphone output of the TV and volume can be set with the TV remote. This sound is very much better than the sound from the TV speakers. After going through the experimentation to arrive at this setup I am very happy with this purchase.

Review by Sara Smile
Author’s Rating:
I have these speakers attached to my tv and the sound quality is simply awesome. Don’t let the price fool you, they perform just as well if not better then most brands I have listen to in a higher price range. They also have these at Sams Club at a good price.

Review by Chris Boylan
Author’s Rating:
Panasonic’s SC-BT230 is a vertitable jack-of-all-trades: this thing plays CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs, but it also has a built-in iPod dock which is compatible with iPod, iPod Touch and iPhone for playback of music, photos *and* videos through your home theater system and TV. But wait, there’s more! It also includes built-in amplification, five speakers and a subwoofer for discrete 5.1 channel surround sound, has on-board decoding of the latest audio codecs (DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD, etc.), does a nice job upconverting DVDs to 1080p resolution, streams Netflix, Amazon VOD and YouTube, and has a built-in FM tuner.

If you want to use it with a cable or satellite box, a TV’s built in ATSC tuner or a gaming system, then just plug it into one of the unit’s two fiberoptic digital inputs (for full 5.1 channel compatibility) or use the one analog stereo input. Set-up is pretty simple: the speaker wires are all included and all are terminated in proprietary, color-coded connectors that plug into the back of the main unit. I would have liked to see matching colors on the other ends of the cables as well as on the rear, center and surround channel speakers themselves, but hey, you can’t have everything (I mean… where would you put it?). At least the speaker wires are labeled “+” and “-” so you won’t be plugging in the speakers out of phase from each other (which can have a nasty effect on the sound). The only other cable you’ll need is HDMI (not included) which connects the system to your HDTV. Composite and component video connections are also available for hooking the unit up to older analog TVs. With the HDMI cable connected, set-up was a breeze as the TV and HTiB system communicated via VIERA Link (more on that later) to automatically set the screen shape (16:9) and resolution (1080p).

For a $399 packaged system (available even cheaper on Amazon) that includes a built-in Blu-ray player, the sound quality was much better than I expected. The bass is solid, if not really extended and there was very little thumpiness or boom. The tiny little center speaker actually does a pretty good job reproducing dialog and the main front and surround speakers (which are identical to each other, slightly smaller than the center speaker) can put out a surprisingly high volume level. “Avatar” on Blu-ray was a sonic and visual splendor with this system hooked up to a 46-inch VIERA 1080p HDTV. The spoken word was easily audible (whether in English or Na’vi), and the explosions and gun fire produced a deep rumble that actually made our floor shake a little bit. The built-in FM tuner was a bit thin-sounding with only average reception but for casual radio listening, it gets the job done.

Where the system has some flaws is in its actual operation, particularly if you start taking advantage of multiple inputs. Navigating iPod content, for example, is pretty tricky. Inserting the iPod into its dock and hitting the “iPod” button on the remote is simple enough, bringing up a music menu which lists things like playlists and artist selections on the big screen. The unit’s remote can be used to navigate through the songs and other content on your iPod. But to get to the higher level iPod menu (where photos and videos are also available), you need to know to hit the “sub-menu” button on the remote. And if you do want to view iPod videos, then you need to hook up a separate composite video cable (included) to your TV. Also, selecting from the other inputs (other than Blu-ray) can be a chore. There is a little “Radio/Ext In” button on the remote that cycles through the available inputs. But it’s slow to lock on incoming signals and the text that appears on the LCD readout on the front of the unit is fairly cryptic — “DIG-IN-1″ — huh? You can also bring up a list of available inputs on the TV screen, but again, this option is not that easy to find.

And if you hook the unit up to a newer TV (from Panasonic or even other brands) with the HDMI cable, then the HDMI-CEC feature (called “VIERA Link” on the Panasonic) can be both a boon and a curse. HDMI-CEC can allow you to operate the functions of the HTiB from a TV’s remote control (which is handy) but it also makes certain choices for you about how everything in the system should work together. For the most part, this is helpful (like when you insert a Blu-ray Disc and VIERA Link automatically switches the TV to the correct input) but in some cases, it’s annoying, like if you want to listen to music on your iPod, and then you turn off the TV, it shuts down the receiver automatically. Doh. This can be disabled (or behavior modified) in either the HTiB or TV’s set-up menu, but unsophisticated users might not be able to figure out what’s going on.

Boot-up and loading speeds are a bit slower than we’re used to seeing on current generation standalone Blu-ray players, but certainly faster than the early players. Also, a firmware update that we performed took longer than expected (maybe 15 minutes?) with very little indication of what was going on, other than a green flashing light and “SRD” on the display.

Network set-up for us via a wired cable was a breeze (sorry, no built-in WiFi). The player was able to get a dynamic address and DNS info set up automatically. Our very first connections to YouTube and Netflix went through without a hitch and soon we were streaming HD movies from Netflix for free (well, free with a Netflix DVD or Blu-ray rental plan that is). The “VIERA Cast” button on the remote goes right to the IPTV features (Netflix, YouTube, etc.) so those should be easy enough for people to find.

For a pretty small investment, this little HTiB system offers an excellent upgrade to a TV’s built-in speakers, while also feeding your HDTV with some fine 1080p HD material on Blu-ray Disc as well as a number of web-based streaming options. Pandora internet music streaming is not available yet but should be coming in a future firmware upgrade. The operational idiosyncrasies are easy enough to get used to, once you figure them out. All in all, it’s an excellent choice for a full-featured but inexpensive little home theater system.

Review by Chriscissors
Author’s Rating:
I received this item about 4 days ago. I absolutely love the sound. Watched some of Star Wars Episode III and the sound is incredible. Just like being in the theater. However, one of the reasons I purchased this item is that Panasonic’s website lists it as having Pandora. This is not true as of the time I am writing this review. I wrote Panasonic about this and was told that there is no exact date yet when Pandora will be online. Also, for those of you interested in the twitter that it supposedly comes with. No twitter either. As for the youtube, that’s pretty cool. Netflix is sort of lame, as you only get access to the instant queue and no recommendations. We have a PS3 with Netflix and the Netflix service on that seems to be more advanced.

Also, on Panasonic’s website, it lists this model as having a 3.5 mm jack so you can use your MP3 player. Not true. The back of the unit has a composite audio in. Which I wasn’t that upset about since I have a converter but still…

As for the ARC, you need an ARC supported TV for it to actually carry sound from the TV to the unit via an HDMI cable (this is listed on Panasonic’s website). I didn’t realize that when I bought it so now I have to get an optical cable. Not a huge loss.

I did consider returning the unit based on the above but am so pleased with the sound, however, that I am keeping it.

UPDATE

Not sure why I didn’t notice this before but there is no dedicated button for subtitles on the remote. Also, there’s no headphone jack. To listen to a blue ray through headphones, we have to mute the system and listen through our tv.

UPDATE 6/09/10

Pandora is here now with full functionality – ability to add stations right from your TV- and Twitter soon to follow. For sports fans, Fox Sports is coming soon and there’s also tagesschau german news channel–in german.

Review by Dan West
Author’s Rating:
The Panasonic SC-B230 is a decent product I have had this for about a week and put it through some paces. However my actual rating for this would be a 3 1/2 but since I cant seem to rate a half star here and the features of the unit I will give it the extra for the 4 star rating. You have a nice Blue Ray player which is backward compatible like the rest (DVD, CD etc) From the box to the Quick Guide to the User Manual, set up is easy and there are plenty of diagrams for those who are instructionally challenged (ie “instructions?? we dont need no instructions…I got a picture).

Set up is easy the wire and the input of the speaker are color coordinated. In fact the Speaker input to the unit is color coordinated preventing you from plugging the wrong speaker in the wrong slot. You really have to try to plug the rear to the front and vice verse. This is a plus and a minus – in my opinion. The idiot proofing great, however the end is a plug that is specific to the unit so if you need extra wire for a big room or you plan on using a larger gauge wire like a monster wire plan to cut and splice. Once everything is setup there is an on screen guide for a quick setup to hold your hand through it. If you wish to alter some things you can do easily through the menus. You can also boot sound to the sub and the rears from the menus.

When I opened the box and pulled everything out I look at the speakers and thought “There is no freakin way”. They are small. How small? The center speaker is the largest, not counting the sub, is about an inch smaller than a 32oz Powerade on its side. The sub is about as long and wide as a shoe box and is about 3 inches taller than the same Powerade bottle. Doubtful and hesitant I hooked them up inserted Blue Ray version of Avatar. DAMN…I guess there was a freakin way. The sound is awesome, full and rich with just the right amount of bass. You may have to tweek the db levels to your liking (see above)but the sound is great for those little suckers. It is a 1000 watt system so if your planning of shaking and vibrating every window in the house it’s not going to do it. If you want a good home theater experience, this will do it and for a nice price. It’s not $1000 + system so don’t expect it. It is worth the value though.

It has the option of connecting to your home network via a network cable or a USB adapter ( adapter sold separately (DY-WL10 $95 on Amazon)not sure if other USB Wireless adapters will work I haven’t experimented that yet). I love this option You can access your Netflicks Instant Que if you have an account with them. Various customizable weather forecasts,You Tube, Vera Cast,etc. The system has the ability for the rear speakers to “wireless”. This is semi-true. You have to purchase an additional piece of equipment (SH-FX71 Wireless Transmitter / Receiver, about $95 on Amazon) the rear speakers plug in to it so they are, for lack of a better term “Wirelessly wired??” The unit had the most up to date Firmware on it out of the box and the IPod/ITouch/Iphone docking is AWESOME. When the IPod option is selected you get an on screen menu choices and options, very slick. As an added bonus you can also insert an SD card and view contents on screen. Pretty cool. On top of this there is a built in FM Radio that works pretty well and you can have the system use just the front speakers or all of them, this is set up in the menu options ( see above)

So what are the cons – they are what I call minor major issues. Little things that, to me mean a lot. The remote. There is not an option for an Open / Close on it. There are four buttons for TV control, Power, Input and volume Up / Down. No big deal..wrong big deal. Unless its a Panasonic TV they are useless and as far as I can tell you cant change that. The power button, Vol Up / Down and the Open/Close buttons are on top of the unit. Personally I would like them else where. I powered it on and off several time accidentally setting it up. The equalizer has some preset settings and that’s it. You cant adjust to your own liking or tweek them. They are what they are.

In a nut shell you get an SD Slot, USB Port for Wireless Network, a Wired Network Port (LAN) an HDMI Out, Composite Out, Composite In Right and Left, FM Port (small wire antenna included), 2 Digital Audio (optic) in. The Pros out weigh the cons so you see why I leaned to the 4 star it’s a good system for the price. Movies, Xbox/360, PS/2/3 etc sound great. You get what you pay for but in this case I say you get a little more. I hope this helps in you decision whether for or against. didn’t intend for it to be this lengthy but I wanted to inform as much as possible.

Review by Laurance Sumners
Author’s Rating:
After setting up this unit I used it for a couple of days and it worked great for the price. I then got smart and went online and saw that there was a firmware upgrade. I installed the upgrade and after about 30 minutes it finished and all seemed fine. Then I started noticing that at random the unit would shut off as I was watching TV. There is nothing in the manual that addresses this issue. So I though I will call technical support. Good Luck. I have yet to find a telephone number or email address to ask this question. I am happy with the unit but wish I had never performed the upgrade.

Review by JJ
Author’s Rating:
I replaced a 650 watt Onkyo system with this unit. While the Onkyo had less watts, the subwoofer was powered and was twice and large and heavy as the Pansonic Sub. The Onkyo’s speakers were bigger and heavier as well. I was surprised that this Panny sounded as good as it did considering it is so much smaller than the Onkyo.

I guess those extra watts make a difference even though the speakers are tiny.

I had some problems setting this up initially where I was not getting sound from the DVD/BD and only from the TV. I changed one of the settings in the menu and it fixed everything. There was nothing in the manual that really guided me to check this, it was more trial and error.

Blu Ray movies are crisp and clear, sound is very good for the price and size. One word of caution if doing the firmware upgrade. I upgraded to the most recent version which took a long time, then the system went blank, I got a flashing green power light and the display read W OPE. It was like this for over 30 minutes, I unplugged the unit and plugged back in but still got the blinking green light and same message. The unit would not respond to any commands.

I left the unit like this and after some time, it turned off on its own. I powered it up and it was fine. Apparantly it was still in firmware upgrade mode all that time.