Product Description Panasonic's vision of the digital future is driven by the needs and aspirations of its business customers and millions of consumers around the world who use its products every day. The company shares their dream to live a fuller life by providing ways of working smarter and enjoying the rewards of technological advances.PRODUCT FEATURES:100W x 7, Component Home Theater Receiver;HDMI Repeater Function (in/out) with HDAVI Control;Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic Ilx, dts ES 7.1 Surround Sound Decoders;Multi Channel Multi Drive: Bi-Amp Operation with Auto Switching;Multi Re-Master for Higher Quality Audio Reproduction;Binding Post Terminals for all Speakers;4-Digital Inputs: 2-optical / 2-coaxial;DVD-Audio Ready Discrete 6-Channel Input;480i, 480P, 720P, 1080i Component Video Switching;Composite & S-Video Switching;Wireless ready with SH-FX60.
Amazon.com Clear, Powerful Sound Via Digital Amplification The benefits of digital technology are now available in a high-quality amplifier. Digital amplifiers are much more efficient than traditional analog amplifiers, generating less heat and taking up less space while still generating large amounts of clean output power. Sound quality is also improved by eliminating the digital to analog conversion necessary when connecting a digital source device, such as a DVD player, to an analog amplifier. All processing and amplification are done in the digital domain, resulting in low distortion and extremely low background noise.
Experience The Latest Surround Sound Formats The amazing image quality of DVD is only half the movie-watching experience. Most DVD movies have high-impact, theater-quality Dolby Digital or DTS soundtracks that require a powerful audio system for faithful reproduction, and this receiver can process such soundtracks and make the most of your viewing experience.
Digital Recordings Sound Like the Original Performance When MP3s and movie soundtracks are created, higher frequencies are lost due to the limited frequency response of compressed digital audio. Most of these frequencies can't be heard by human ears, but their presence conveys subtle nuances. When they're missing in a digital recording, it doesn't quite sound the same as the live performance. Our multi re-master feature examines the audio signal and helps compensate for these lost frequencies, providing sound quality closer to the original performance.
Powerful and Accurate Surround Sound The amplifier built into this home theater receiver pumps out high power levels for driving our speakers at satisfying volumes with low distortion. You'll feel like you're in the front row at your local multiplex as the sounds from Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks travel all around you.
Connect and Switch Between Multiple A/V Sources This receiver has multiple audio/video inputs to handle all your source devices—TV, VCR, DVD player, cable box, and more. It even functions as a source selector, allowing you to connect multiple video sources to the receiver and run a single audio/video connection to just one of your TV's audio/video inputs. No more flipping through video inputs on your TV.
Control Many Different Components With One Remote Fumbling through a pile of remotes in the dark is a pain. Clean up the mess and take control of your system with the included universal remote control, which can command many different brands and types of components after some simple programming. It even lights up so you can see the buttons in the dark.
Quick Connection of a Camcorder or Game System The front audio/video input makes it simple to temporarily hook up an additional source component, such as a camcorder or video game system.
Panasonic hit another homerun!August 4, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
After reading so many reviews complaining about its video features, I still decided to go with XR57, the successor to XR55 THE GREAT simply because of the great audio output and XR57 certainly did not disappoint me at all. The sound is absolutely stunning from a sub-$300 amp. Paired with my Mirage OMNI 550, the sound is crystal clear with a plenty of punch at the low end. The top of the amp is warm at most after running all day long which means it does not consume a lot of energy. Yet they fill up my 21' by 17' living room with ease.
5 star sound, 2 star interfaceAugust 1, 2008 5 star sound, 2 star interface
Bottom line: this receiver sounds great - but has a very clumsy interface, and doesn't fully support `Viera Link'.
More detail: My setup: KEF HTS 2001 (front/center), Paradigm Atom surrounds, Paradigm PDR8 sub 42" Panasonic Viera 85U, Sony 700 DVD player, over the air HDTV
What's good: I repurposed some audio equipment for this family room setup. Truthfully (although the room is different) the audio sounds noticeably better than with the Denon 1803 I used to drive these speakers with. If I had to describe the sound, I would say that it is exceptionally clean and open. Reminds me of when, many years ago, I replaced a Sansui receiver with a Harmon Kardon. At $229, I doubt that there is a product with comparable audio, and I thank the other reviewers here for steering me to this unit for that reason.
What's not good: This unit supports "Panasonic HDAVI"...which is (I thought) synonymous with Viera link. OOPS! Maybe not. Even several calls to Panasonic support couldn't figure this out (don't sense they know this product well). I sent back the first unit because I was so dumbfounded by this (and so was Panasonic support) that we assumed that this had to be a product defect. Sad to say, since it was exactly duplicated in replacement unit -it is in fact the product design.
What does this mean? Unit doesn't show up in the "Viera link" interface on TV. And it means that neither the receiver's remote (which is definitely lacking in ergonomics) nor the 85U's (excellent) remote will produce the promised, simple `one touch' experience (essential for domestic harmony with my wife). Yes, you could spend $200 on a Logitech Harmony, but I doubt that someone buying a $230 receiver is thinking like that! Also, in terms of setup, while it is (relatively) simple enough, it would benefit from on-screen display and/or some auto configuration capability. From an aesthetic perspective, my wife said it best...seems `very 70's Japanese'.
Would I buy it again? I almost thought about returning the second unit for an Onkyo 606 But couldn't justify spending another $150 plus $40 return shipping....So we are `making it work'.
1080p no-goJuly 28, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
As I reviewed the listing for this product, it was not clear what resolutions it supported. if you have 1080p in your plans (and who doesn't), this is the wrong choice according to the user manual. This is probably a useful tidbit to include in the product description before shipping boxes around the country.
Great practical, full featured home theater receiver!July 20, 2008 I was looking diligently for a home theater receiver that didn't require previous Jet Fighter Pilot experience to navigate through the numerous features. Although I would have no problem, I was setting up a home theater for my family, that they should be able to use without calling "Tech Support" (read that as "Me"!) to just watch a movie.
I also have a 32" Panasonic LCD (TC-32LX85 - highly recommended) with the Viera Link system that I was hoping to use. The other Panasonic home theater systems with integrated speakers are quite frankly, garbage. I wanted to use my Polk Audio speakers and the SA-XR57K allows me to do that with speaker wire appropriate for these quality speakers. Additionally, the SA-XR57K has an optional 2.4Ghz wireless option (SE-FX60) for the rear channels that seamlessly integrated with this receiver.
Having only one HDMI in and one HDMI out is a limitation, but I am able to connect my LCD TV, DVD Recorder (Panasonic DMR-EZ28K)and a Sony PlayStation 3 together all via HDMI: The system works and sounds WONDERFUL! Better yet, my family is able to easily navigate the overall system's basic features and turn on/off the appropriate components with just the receiver's remote (controls the Receiver, TV and DVD Recorder) and a PS3 remote control for watching Blu-Ray movies. I may get a universal remote someday, but the Viera link system is rather robust.
Now the best part! The SA-XR57K also has a B-channel output for the front speakers so I have set up a pair of Bose 151 outdoor speakers on my pool deck that play whatever I'm playing inside (usually my ipod music through the SA-XR57K).
Simply put, I could not be happier with my setup and this receiver! Unfortunately, I believe this receiver has been discontinued so I HIGHLY recommend getting one while they are still available! For this price to feature ratio, you can't go wrong.
Pleasantly SurprisedFebruary 28, 2008 Bought this when my trusty marantz died. This was cheaper but it sounds just as good or better. Has some great features like duel amping, and bi amping as well as flexible bass management options which was important to me for home theater. Overall, a great buy.
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Onkyo HT-SR800 Black Home Theater System $335.96 - $499.00 from 2 stores. User rating:4.0 out of 5.
Neatly Covering All A/V Formats, Precisely Tailored for Your Home
When it comes to all-in-one home theater, the HT-SR800 has made a clean break from the pack. You're looking at packaged home theater that neatly integrates your high-definition entertainment and your HDTV through an HDMI channel that transports video with a resolution all the way up to 1080p. Ably supported by component video switching, the HT-SR800 will handle most of the A/V components or formats currently available, as well as the spectacular quality of high-definition discs. Also, reinforcing the convenience of matched components, this package is the first to use an Audyssey room-correction technology specifically designed for integrated systems. The options - XM Radio (including 5.1 surround sound radio with Neural Surround decoding) and iPod integration-can really extend your reach, making the HT-SR800 one of the more complete home theater packages available.
Special Features-
HDMI Pass Through (2in/1out , 1080P compatible) - A separate audio connection is necessary
"Audyssey 2EQ" Auto room calibration w/Microphone
XM and Sirius satellite radio ready
Sony HT-7100DH Home Theater System $349.95 - $349.95 from 2 stores. User rating:3.0 out of 5. Grab your popcorn and revel in the intense movie-watching experience that is the HT-7100DH home theater system. Take your entertainment to new aural heights as 900 watts of surround sound fill your room while you watch high definition DVD media or listen to XM satellite radio. For fast and easy setup, the HT-7100DH automatically calibrates the included speakers for an optimal sound field and the most dramatic effects. The Digital Media Port (DMP) is also great for when you want to listen to external sources like Bluetooth devices or Walkman music players in powerful 5.1 channel digital surround sound.
Bose 3-2-1 Home Theater System $958.24 - $999.98 from 2 stores. User rating:3.1 out of 5. If you've been looking for a surround sound solution that doesn't require hours of setup and creative ways to hide the wires, the search is over. Introducing the Bose 3-2-1 system, a revolutionary advancement in home entertainment that's much easier to live with. Designed to provide performance and simplicity unmatched by conventional component or all-in-one solutions, this system delights the ears and the eyes.
Five speakers are replaced by two. A stack of electronics is replaced by a single media center that includes an integrated DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, amplification and signal processing. A patented Acoustimass module hides easily in a corner or behind your furniture. And everything is easily connected with just three wires and a power cord, making setup a snap. The 3-2-1 system combines an Articulated Array speaker design with proprietary signal processing to give you much of that same performance. Hear the roar of a train from left to right from just two visible speakers positioned in the front of your room. Enjoy a spacious soundstage and lifelike surround effects whether you're watching the game, listening to a favorite CD or enjoying the latest on DVD.
Philips HTS3555 Home Theater System $146.95 - $250.81 from 2 stores. User rating:4.9 out of 5. This state-of-the-art digital home entertainment system delivers powerful surround sounds and a theater-like audio/video experience. The ultimate in both style and performance.PRODUCT FEATURES:Dock included for GoGear and iPod;USB Direct plays photos and music from USB flash drives;MP3 Line-in for music playback from Portable Media Players;1080i HDMI with high definition video upconversion;DTS, Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II surround sound;12-bit/108MHz video processing for sharp, natural images;DivX Ultra for enhanced playback of DivX media files;Plays CD, (S)VCD, DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R DL;Plays DivX, MP3, WMA and JPEG digital camera photos.
Bose 3-2-1 GS Series II Graphite Home Theater System $634.61 - $649.88 from 3 stores. User rating:3.0 out of 5. The Bose 3ท2ท1 GS II DVD home entertainment system puts you at the center of exciting home theater with greater simplicity and fewer wires. Just two visible Gemstone speaker arrays - the smallest, most powerful 3ท2ท1 speakers - and a hideaway Acoustimass module deliver enhanced sound performance from almost anything you watch. Setup is simple: no center or rear speakers means no wiring to the back of your room. An elegant media center features a progressive scan DVD/CD player with AM/FM tuner. And an easy-to-use universal remote control is programmable to run most of your entertainment devices together with your system.
