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An improvement to your TV‘s audio that won’t break the bank is possible with the help of the Panasonic HTB490 soundbar, which is located smack dab in the middle of the Japanese manufacturer’s soundbar range. The wireless subwoofer turns in a stellar performance, is quite simple to set up, won’t take up too much area on your AV cabinet, and adds genuine impact to both explosive action sequences and bass-heavy music.
That bass response is slowed down by some sound quality quibbles and a limited range of ports, which is disappointing to say the least. You can find better solutions for the money elsewhere, unless you place the utmost importance on substantial reproduction of low-end frequencies and a small footprint.
Panasonic SC-HTB490 SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 950 x 58 x 85mm |
| Weight | 1.9 kg |
| Audio output | 2.1 channel, 240W total power output |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical input, USB |
| Sound modes | Standard, Music, Cinema |
| Speaker type | Wireless subwoofer |
| Remote control | Included |
Panasonic SC-HTB490: Design & Build
The Panasonic SC-HTB490 doesn’t look very good. It looks simple, and a quick look at the Panasonic website shows that it doesn’t stand out from the brand’s other goods. This is not a style icon for your living room.
The speaker and the subwoofer are both matte black. The front of the soundbar is covered with fabric, and LED lights show the level and settings. This is a common way for soundbars to be set up. The soundbar’s feet look and feel cheap and aren’t very stable.
Connections and control
The Panasonic SC-HTB490 has an HDMI-ARC output, an optical digital audio input, and a USB port in a slot on the bottom. There is also Bluetooth 4.2 for a wireless link, but there is no Wi-Fi. Even though there aren’t many ways to join, this is a pretty standard choice for a soundbar in this price range.
The remote that comes with it is about the size of a credit card. It is hard to use and often gets lost down the back of the couch. Multi-function buttons that have a main function and a secondary function that can be turned on by holding the button down don’t help the problem. If your TV has ARC, which stands for “audio return channel” and lets you send music through HDMI, you should use its remote to control the HTB490.
Panasonic SC-HTB490: Sound quality
The Panasonic SC-HTB490 has a 2.1 speaker setup in stereo, with two full-tone units built into the soundbar and a wireless subwoofer for the lowest bass tones. When it comes to sound, the Panasonic soundbar is a clear step up from a regular TV. Music and entertainment shows sound warm, rich, and nice. The sound could have been better, though. When we watch the scene from The Irishman where Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci talk about their next murder attempt, the voice acting doesn’t seem as clear and present as we would like.
Panasonic SC-HTB490: Performance
The Panasonic HTB490 is an easy-to-use, low-end speaker with a subwoofer that sounds great. At this price, no other speaker we have tried can match the HTB490’s bass impact in high-octane, big-budget movies.
Other parts of its efficiency, however, are disappointing, and it only has a small number of ports. You can get the Creative Stage 360 for less money. It doesn’t look as nice, but it has two HDMI sources and works with Dolby Atmos.
Final Words
The Panasonic SC-HTB490 is a good 2.1-channel soundbar that does what it’s meant to do, even if sometimes it seems like it’s just going through the motions. This soundbar and subwoofer set is pretty well made, but the style doesn’t feel very creative. This system is a quick and easy way to improve the sound quality of your TV. It doesn’t have a lot of features, especially when it comes to links, and the remote isn’t very good.
Panasonic SC-HTB490 review: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
The Good
- Well balanced audio
- Easy to set-up
The Bad
- Uninspiring build
FAQS
Even though the style as a whole is pretty simple, the soundbar and subwoofer are both well made. It doesn’t have a lot of features, especially when it comes to links, and the remote isn’t very good, but for the price, it’s still a good deal.
Why does your smart TV need a soundbar. A soundbar is a big purchase that will improve your entertainment. If you buy a speaker, your movie-watching experience will be much better, and you will have a very different take on what you are watching.
