Panasonic today announced suggested retail pricing for two new 7.1 channel Blu-ray Home Theater systems with wireless-ready rear speakers and integrated iPod dock for enjoying downloaded video and audio content. The models SC-BT200 and SC-BT300 boast seven speakers to envelop viewers in a remarkably true-to-life surround sound experience.

The front and center channel speakers are made with a bamboo diaphragm which provides a tightly intertwined fiber to deliver greater rigidity and accuracy, resulting in clear reproduction of sounds over a wide frequency range, from massive explosions to metallic clangs. The subwoofer features a Kelton system with a dual diameter structure to deliver a deep powerful bass. The Smart Set-up guide uses the help of GUI navigation to allow users to set up their SC-BT200 or SC-BT300 home theater for optimum performance. The result is being able to stay at home while enjoying a thrilling, incredibly lifelike audio performance that rivals a movie theater.

The appeal of Panasonic Blu-ray products goes beyond the breathtaking pictures and sound; the networking functions open the door to new kinds of entertainment fun. Both the SC-BT300 and the SC-BT200 connect to the Internet for downloading bonus content available with Blu-ray Discs(TM) and for playing Internet games via BD-Live*. This connectivity is further enhanced with the addition of VIERA(R) Cast. VIERA Cast integrates the Amazon Video-on-Demand (VOD) online movie rental service. The Amazon VOD service joins other content options already available on VIERA Cast, including videos from You Tube(TM), access to online photos via Picasa Web Albums(TM), financial information from Bloomberg News, as well as local weather updates.

Both models are also equipped with a Universal Dock for iPod, making it easy for users to play their favorite music or video downloads.

The BT300 and BT200 offer improved environmental performance too. Refinements to the power board dramatically reduce power consumption in standby mode. And by adjusting power consumption as the audio signal changes, these models save power during operation as well. As a result of these improvements, the BT300 and BT200 consume about 20% less power than last year’s SC-BT100 Blu-ray theater system.

The SC-BT300, which pumps out 1250 watts (1kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD), will have a suggested retail price of $699.95. The SC-BT200, which delivers 1000 watts (1kHz, 3 ohms, 10% THD), will have a suggested retail price of $599.95. Both models will be available in April 2009.