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Entered CNET Catalog: 12/23/2005
SKU: 0037988253432
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Manufacturer description
Get a great-sounding home theater up and running quickly with this DVD home theater system. Hook it up to your TV, and you'll have everything you need for the full theater experience: a DVD player, home theater receiver, 5 surround sound speakers, and a powerful subwoofer. All you have to provide is the movie and the popcorn - the Panasonic SC-HT940 will handle the rest. The amplifier built into this home theater system pumps out high power levels for driving the 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. If you wanted, you could have a 10-hour movie marathon using the built-in 5-DVD changer in this home theater system. Load your favorite movie trilogy and watch all of them back-to-back without changing a single disc. Do your kids insist on watching the same movie over and over? Just leave it in the changer and cue it up when the time comes. You can even swap out 4 discs while one is in play. The goal of any playback device should be accurate reproduction of the original content. In the case of DVDs, most of that content is film-based. Utilizing advanced progressive scan playback techniques and very accurate MPEG video decoders, this home theater system provides an image that faithfully represents the image you see at your favorite movie theater. The speakers included with the home theater packages come in all shapes and sizes, from slim tall-boy tower speakers to unobtrusive bookshelf satellites, so they'll fit into your room no matter what your space restrictions may be. Feel free to put the center channel speaker on top of your TV and the left/right speakers close by. It won't cause any problems because the speakers feature magnetic shielding that prevents the magnets inside your speakers from affecting your TV's image. When compressed digital audio such as MP3s and movie soundtracks is created, higher frequencies are lost due to limited frequency response. 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. Panasonic multi re-master feature examines the audio signal and helps compensate for these lost frequencies, providing sound quality closer to the original performance.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/08/2006
The main housing of the Panasonic SC-HT940 comprises a combination receiver/DVD changer that's highlighted by a distinctive back-illuminated, aqua-ringed volume control. The changer's carousel tray glides open with unusual grace, and the 15 seconds it took to swap a disc was a bit faster than average. We noted that the internal mechanical noises and gyrations were hushed, and the rear-mounted cooling fan was whisper quiet. The head unit is 17 inches wide and deep and just 2.75 inches high; that's a slightly smaller-than-average footprint for a DVD-changer HTIB.
The front left and right tower speakers can be wall mounted or attached to the included stands (they're almost 40 inches tall sans stands). The metal and plastic stands require assembly, but we had both screwed together in about 10 minutes. Once the front speakers are stand mounted, you can vary their height between 45 and 53 inches. The center speaker is a lot smaller--just 12.5 inches wide--and the surrounds stand a mere 10.5 inches tall. All the speakers can be wall mounted with the keyhole slots on their back panels. The all-plastic subwoofer grabs the most floor space: it's 9.25 inches wide, 17.5 tall, and 15.5 deep. The entire ensemble is finished in silver plastic.
System setup is a mostly straightforward process. Even before we adjusted the balances of all the speakers, the sound was pretty good, but toggling the HDMI DVD output to 720p or 1080i required reading--and rereading--the manual to find the obscure submenu needed to make the change. The remote, meanwhile, has the same unusually large and legible labeling found on all of Panasonic's new DVD products, so it's easier to use in a darkened home theater than most HTIB remotes.
The Panasonic SC-HT940's receiver/changer digital amplifier delivers 120 watts per channel to the front left/right speakers, 60 watts per to the surround speakers, and 250 watts each to the center speaker and subwoofer, for 1,200 watts total. If those ratings seem wildly optimistic for an 11-pound receiver/DVD player, that's because they probably are--using the more conservative FTC standards, we pegged the system at 860 watts, which is still plenty loud. Surround processing modes cover the usual Dolby Digital and DTS surround options.
The system's five-disc changer can accept just about every common video and audio disc format; in addition to standard DVDs and audio CDs, you can spin DVD-Audio discs; HDCDs; all home-burned DVD formats, including DVD-RAM; and CD-R/RWs, even those with MP3, JPEG, and WMA files.
The HDMI video connection is the highlight of the SC-HT940's otherwise skimpy connectivity suite. Yes, there's the usual complement of S-Video, as well as composite- and component-video outputs you'd find on every DVD player, but the system has no video inputs. That means--unlike with even a bargain A/V receiver--you won't be able to switch video sources such as a cable box, a video game console, or your old VCR; you'll have to hook them up directly to your TV instead. Rear-panel inputs are limited to just two stereo analog inputs but not even one digital input. On the upside, while the SC-HT940 doesn't have an iPod dock per se, the front-panel-mounted Music Port (a fancy name for a minijack input) lets you can hook up an iPod or MP3 player's headphone jack so that you can hear your portable's music through the HTIB's big speakers.
The system is also HDAVI compatible--that means it can pass control options to and from connected devices (most likely a TV) that are similarly compatible. We didn't have an HDAVI TV on hand to test the capability, but we'd seen it demonstrated previously. When properly configured, it can allow tighter integration between components--automatically switching a TV to the correct input and video presets when you pop in a DVD, for instance.
The towers and center speaker feature double 2.5-inch woofers and a single 2.4-inch tweeter; the surround speakers make do with a single 2.5-inch woofer; and the subwoofer has a 6.75-inch woofer.
Like all the HTIB systems in Panasonic's 2006 lineup, the SC-HT940 offers two possible wireless accessory options. The first is the SH-FX60 Rear Wireless Receiver Kit ($150 list but around $100 online). Of course, as with virtually all "wireless" systems, the SH-FX60 involves quite a few wires. It sits at the back of your home theater, connects to the SC-HT940's two rear speakers, and, of course, plugs into an AC outlet. But it does obviate the need to run those speaker wires from the rear of the room all the way to the front--the audio signals are instead transmitted via radio waves. We tested the SC-HT940 with the SH-FX60 and found it easy to hook up--just pop the supplied transmitter card into the slot on the back of the SC-HT940; plug the small, 3.5-by-7.5-by-7.1-inch SH-FX60 wireless receiver unit into an AC outlet; and run wires to the satellite speakers. The Music Port on the wireless receiver unit can be used to play an iPod or any portable music player through the SC-HT940. If you don't go for the SH-FX60, you're still in luck; as mentioned above, the SC-HT940 receiver/DVD player also has a Music Port.
The second wireless accessory that's compatible with the SC-HT940 is the Panasonic SH-FX80 ($150 list). The FX80 is billed as a second-room kit because the wedge-shaped 6.9-by-16.9-by-7.8-inch box wirelessly streams audio from the SC-HT940 or any other Panasonic HTIB to a nearby room. Like the SH-FX60, the SH-FX80 has a Music Port 3.5mm jack, so you can also use it as an impromptu speaker system for your portable music player. It's also an all-in-one unit with built-in speakers, so--with the exception of the power cord--it's truly wireless.
If you like the features and design of the SC-HT940 but would prefer to spend less, Panasonic offers five other models in its 2006 line; only the SC-RT50, which includes a built-in DVD recorder, costs more.
| Model | Quick take | Included disc player? | Wireless rear speaker? | Price |
| Panasonic SC-HT40 | Panasonic's entry-level HTIB. Best for: bargain hunters who are happy with their existing DVD player. | None | Optional | |
| Panasonic SC-HT440 | Basically identical to the SC-HT40 but includes a built-in five-disc CD/DVD changer. Best for: bargain hunters who want a complete home-theater system, including a built-in DVD changer. | Integrated five-disc CD/DVD changer | Optional | |
| Panasonic SC-HT640W | This includes the same receiver/five-disc changer as the SC-HT440, as well as the SH-FX80 wireless rear speaker unit. Best for: style-conscious buyers who want surround sound with as few wires as possible. | Integrated five-disc CD/DVD changer | Included | |
| Panasonic SC-HT740 | This step up from the SC-HT440 adds HDMI output and front tower speakers. Best for: HDTV owners who like tallboy speakers. | Integrated five-disc CD/DVD changer | Optional | |
| Panasonic SC-HT940 | In addition to the HDMI output and the front tower speakers of the SC-HT740, the SC-HT940 adds larger surround (rear) speakers, more power, and HDAVI Control compatibility. Best for: anyone interested in the SC-HT740 who wants a bit more power and features. | Integrated five-disc CD/DVD changer | Optional | |
| Panasonic SC-RT50 | The SC-RT50 offers the same speakers and power as the SC-HT940, but it includes a built-in single-disc DVD recorder rather than a five-disc DVD player-only changer. Best for: video pack rats who enjoy archiving their favorite TV shows--and watching them in surround sound. | Integrated single-disc DVD recorder | Optional |
| Model | Quick take | Price |
| Panasonic SH-FX60 | Compatible with all of the above home-theater systems (except the SC-HT640W), the SH-FX60 is a wireless module that connects to the two surround speakers in the back of the room, obviating the need to run cables from the system's main head unit to the speakers in the rear of the room. | |
| Panasonic SH-FX80 | The SH-FX80 is a relatively compact wireless speaker module that can act as the two surround speakers when paired with a Panasonic home-theater system. It can also be used as a wireless B-speaker system to broadcast audio to a second room. The SH-FX80 is included with the SC-HT640W, but it's compatible with all of Panasonic's 2006 HTIB systems. |
We used the A Sound of Thunder DVD to assess the home-theater talents of the Panasonic SC-HT940. The back-to-the-future adventure flick's visual effects are pretty awful, but the dinosaur hunting scenes thumped in all the right places. The subwoofer boomed mightily but was no match for the subs in any of the Onkyo home-theater systems we've tested. That said, the movie's jungle ambience convincingly filled our home theater, and dialog from the center speaker was weighty and rich. The skinny speakers can belt out surprisingly fat sound, but they have their limits. Whenever the onscreen action heated up, the sound turned hard and mildly distorted. In smaller rooms of less than 300 square feet and at more moderate volume levels, the SC-HT940 is a fairly accomplished performer.
To check out the SC-HT940's sound on DVD-Audio, we listened to the Talking Heads' Speaking in Tongues disc. The surround mixes on this disc are pretty good, but the sound quality was about the same as we heard from CD. Which is to say, it's good enough by HTIB standards, but the slender speakers sound thin, and the subwoofer's bass is loose and lacking in definition.
CD sound on Bruce Springsteen's new one, We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions was enjoyable--the acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolins, and other assorted instruments were all admirably detailed. That said, the soundstage lacked the full-bodied dimensionality, refinement, and natural warmth we hear from the better receiver-based systems teamed with our favorite Polk or Infinity speakers. To be fair, we have to admit the SC-HT940 retails for a fraction of those systems' collective price tags, and the Panasonic's sound is certainly comparable with that of any similarly priced, sleekly styled HTIB we've heard.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 User Rating: 
2/10
Buyer beware! You get what you pay for.
Pros: cheap system
Cons: cheap system
Other models have had similar problems with the same response from Panasonic.
Don't make the mistake that I did. You should spend a little more for a better brand and get a reliable product that will be trouble free and will last longer. Sure it's inexpensive but not if it has to be replaced every couple of years.
User Rating: 
8/10
Great System! Strong Sound! Very Pleased
Pros: Deep Bass, HDMI, Big Speakers, Solid System
Cons: Thin speaker wire, what where they thinking?
User Rating: 
6/10
bought this a best buy new under $350
Pros: good sound and features
Cons: setting the radio presets is confusing
they were selling it at $450. got it for undr
$350 so I got the 4 year ext. warrenty.
User Rating: 
1/10
Don't touch this
Pros: none to speak of
Cons: Poor quality produces power malfunction
User Rating: 8/10
Great System for the Price
Pros: Easy to Assemble and it Sounds Great
Cons: Stock Sound Wire is Horrible
User Rating: 6/10
Almost Perfect Home Theater
Pros: 2 ways wireless capability, contemporary design.
Cons: Buzzing noise comes from three front speakers.
I might got a defective unit, because the product specification has 1%THD at 830W, so I decided return my SC-HT940 to the store where I bought.
The online product support doesn't have this product in their product drop down list, which may be the reason why my online request didn't get through.
User Rating: 8/10
For a system less than $400 it is great
Pros: Sound when adjusted is great
Cons: manual is a little confusing
Volume was solved by turning the TV volume up first. Now if the TV volume is maxed I could turn the volume on the 940 up and blow the windows out. (Don't have the guts to turn it above 30).
Adjusting the delay to (10) for the rear (surround) speakers because the surround/ rear speakers are on a wall just above where we sit; and also used 16ga better cables made the sound much better.
I found it confusing that the surround had to be off, the unit set to DVD (but no DVD in the unit) in order to adjust the surround delay. (but I was stumbling already and had to call Panasonic just to tell me to change the input to aux, for the 940 to display the set-up and audio settings on TV.
I am still looking for how to adjust the volume up slightly on the rear speakers just a tick or two.
But in general the only problems I have had are me not understanding
Maybe I should have given it an 8 1/2 because it does sound great.Today is August 17, 07 and have had the new 940 for about 4 months now. The original unit had to go back to sears because the HDMI connection did not work. Sears repair had it 3 1/2 months before I went to local stpore manager and he had the repair unit returned to the store and then bought a new sealed in box unit in April 07. (Thats what I get for buying open box bargain).
The new unit is fine and I think it is still an 8.
The 940 does have high def upscaling and that produces great video and audio with the HDMI connection.
But I was confused about the upscale and hi def thing and thought that this unit also played HD-DVD, . . . It does not! Just started watching DVD's a month ago and tried an HD-DVD but it would not play and neiter will Bluray. But like I said the upscaling from a quality DVD gets really close to HD quality and maybe it is as good. The only reason I mention this is so you are not surprised like I was.
Today is August 17, 07 and have had the new 940 for about 4 months now. The original unit had to go back to sears because the HDMI connection did not work. Sears repair had it 3 1/2 months before I went to local stpore manager and he had the repair unit returned to the store and then bought a new sealed in box unit in April 07. (Thats what I get for buying open box bargain).
The new unit is fine and I think it is still an 8.
The 940 does have high def upscaling and that produces great video and audio with the HDMI connection.
But I was confused about the upscale and hi def thing and thought that this unit also played HD-DVD, . . . It does not! Just started watching DVD's a month ago and tried an HD-DVD but it would not play and neiter will Bluray. But like I said the upscaling from a quality DVD gets really close to HD quality and maybe it is as good. The only reason I mention this is so you are not surprised like I was. Oh and the rear speaker volume can be adjusted as well as the front speaker volume along with the dealy adjustments on speakers.
Today is August 17, 07 and have had the new 940 for about 4 months now. The original unit had to go back to sears because the HDMI connection did not work. Sears repair had it 3 1/2 months before I went to local store manager and he had the repair unit returned to the store and then bought a new sealed in box unit in April 07. (That?s what I get for buying open box bargain).
The new unit is fine and I think it is still an 8.
The 940 does have high def up scaling and that produces great video and audio with the HDMI connection.
But I was confused about the upscale and hi def thing and thought that this unit also played HD-DVD, . . . It does not! Just started watching DVD's a month ago and tried an HD-DVD but it would not play and neither will Bluray. But like I said the up scaling from a quality DVD gets really close to HD quality and maybe it is as good. The only reason I mention this is so you are not surprised like I was. Oh and the rear speaker volume can be adjusted as well as the front speaker volume along with the delay adjustments on speakers.
Today is August 17, 07 and have had the new 940 for about 4 months now. The original unit had to go back to sears because the HDMI connection did not work. Sears repair had it 3 1/2 months before I went to local store manager and he had the repair unit returned to the store and then bought a new sealed in box unit in April 07. (That?s what I get for buying open box bargain).
The new unit is fine and I think it is still an 8.
The 940 does have high def up scaling and that produces great video and audio with the HDMI connection.
But I was confused about the upscale and hi def thing and thought that this unit also played HD-DVD, . . . It does not! Just started watching DVD's a month ago and tried an HD-DVD but it would not play and neither will Bluray. But like I said the up scaling from a quality DVD gets really close to HD quality and maybe it is as good. The only reason I mention this is so you are not surprised like I was. Oh and the rear speaker volume can be adjusted as well as the front speaker volume along with the delay adjustments on speakers.
Oh and I would probably lower my rating to 7.5 knowing what I know now. But still good.
User Rating: 
3/10
Reviews are relative
Pros: Inexpensive!
Cons: Sounds terrible.
Granted, I may be spoiled, I have a sound system that cost a lot more. Close your eyes and you have serious doubts about whether you actually might be there in the audience. Still, even my system doesn't sound completely real. But what I can say is that by carefully matching individual components (and spending a larger percentage of your money on speakers and amplification than Panasonic does) you'll get better sound for about the same money: sound that sounds more real.
I'm not knocking this system as much as the relativity of sound system reviews. I'm just wishing there were a more absolute standard.
User Rating: 8/10
Good system for the money
Pros: Good sound, easy setup
Cons: Crappy wires, passive sub
User Rating: 6/10
Good for the Money
Pros: Ease of Setup
Cons: Universal remote isnt Universal
User Rating: 
5/10
Sound quality could be better
Pros: HDMI output
Cons: Passive subwoofer and poor rear speaker sound
User Rating: 8/10
Sounds Great
Pros: Great Surround on DVD's
Cons: Could be Easier
User Rating: 8/10
Great with a Panasonic Plasma !
Pros: Good front and center channel sound, great bass
Cons: Rear speakers are too quiet, Supplied cable is not good
User Rating: 6/10
High quality, but poor compatibility and usability
Pros: It's great sound and great upscale video from the DVD player
Cons: Too few inputs and DVD combo lacking in compatabililty
1. There is no digital audio input.
2. I can't key in a TV channel with the universal remote.
3. My TV's universal remote can't control anything but source selection
4. This causes my PIP to operate funky. When I have TV showing and DVD in the PIP, because the DVD is integrate, I can only have DVD audio and if I switch it to TV, the DVD player stops. Kind of defeats the purpose of PIP.
User Rating: 8/10
Best Deal in Town
Pros: I bought it open box for $299.00 at Circuit city
Cons: None that I can find
Thanks to the guy that suggested changing the speaker wires...
This thing Rocks!! (Literally)
User Rating: 6/10
The sound quality from the front 3 speakers is great. Lots of features.
Pros: Lots of features.
Cons: If you opt for the rear speakers using RF instead be ware that there is no balance control.
User Rating: 6/10
Great sound for price but no digital audio inputs
Pros: Great sound, good value, easy to setup
Cons: Only one audio input and it's analog!
User Rating: 
7/10
Great HTIB for the price
Pros: good sound, wireless capability
Cons: minimal connections, buzzing when wireless is connected
User Rating: 7/10
Upgrade the speaker cable
Pros: Reasonably priced Home Theatre in the Box system with HDMI interface
Cons: Inferior factory provided speaker cable. Need to spend a bit more for upgraded cable but it will help immensely!
