Panasonic's SC-HT17 is a not-quite-complete home theater package. It includes everything you need to enjoy DVD movies or music, except for the disc player and TV. The SC-HT17 does not have many of the bells and whistles present on some pricier systems; instead, this home theater package focuses on affordable and competent audio/video performance.

This package is composed of a receiver/amplifier, four tower satellites, a center-channel speaker, and a subwoofer. The slim receiver contains Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II processors for surround sound, an AM/FM tuner, and several optical and coaxial digital audio inputs.

The amplifier is rated at 580 watts, with 100 watts going to each of the two front channels, 140 watts to the center channel, 45 watts to each of the two rear surround channels, and 150 watts to the subwoofer. The four tower speakers come with adjustable stands that can be removed for wall mounting. All five main speakers use a two-way driver design, with three drivers per speaker. Of course, the speakers are magnetically shielded to prevent the magnetic flux produced by the speaker magnets from interfering with a video picture. With the included universal remote control, the volume level of the ported subwoofer can be adjusted to one of four levels.

The Panasonic SC-HT17 is a relatively inexpensive way to move up to a home theater with surround sound; the only extras needed are a TV and a disc player. It provides better sound quality, including a good low-frequency response, than can be found on many more expensive systems.

Warranty
1 year parts and labor