14 DAY TRIAL // Panasonic's CES 2011 lineup has been quite extensive, featuring multiple products from all the various CE and IT segments, including here the devices you'll read about as follows, namely four audio systems designed specifically for iPhone and iPod docking. The devices in question, models SC-HC55, SC-HC05, SC-HC35 and SC-HC25 offer both advanced audio technologies and a digital connection for the iPod or iPhone, but that's only the top of the iceberg.
So, the more advanced models in the series, SC-HC55 and SC-HC05, also offer users wireless music streaming capabilities (via Bluetooth), as well as access to a large number of Internet radio stations via the vTuner application for iOS devices.
Beside being able to receive audio via Bluetooth, the docking audio systems also sport Bluetooth Re-Master circuitry that helps compensate for the degradation of audio signals during Bluetooth wireless transmission, as well as a Hands Free function, which allows a conversation on the iPhone to be conducted using the system's speakers and built-in microphone.
It's also quite interesting to mention that the SC-HC55 sports a motorized, Touch-Free Sensor door which is equipped with a motion sensor, as well as proprietary Pure Direct Sound System digital signal processing to reduce the level of audio distortion.
Moreover, apart from the SC-HC05, all of the new compact stereo systems are equipped with a CD player and AM/FM radio, while the top models are designed with a rigid bamboo fiber material in the speaker cones, in order to offer a more faithful audio reproduction.
Additionally, as Panasonic puts it, a “dual passive radiator system employs passive radiators inside the main unit, positioned on both the left and right boxes to cancel out unwanted cabinet vibration and deliver dynamic bass sounds with minimal distortion.”
Panasonic's new HC series will be available in April 2011, but pricing details are not available just yet, unfortunately.