People may pooh-pooh the concept behind home-theater-in-a-box, but Panasonic’s latest entry has us taking a second look.

The SC-BT100 includes an iPod dock for audio and video, an SD card slot, the company’s Viera Link HDAVI control, a Kelton-design subwoofer, and a built-in Blu-ray player.

Aside from the typical power boost we’ve seen on so many other iPod docks, this one offers a peek at audio tracks and menus right on the TV. It also allows for iPod control with the included remote.

The unit also boasts Final Standard Profile and 5.1-channel surround sound, which can be upgraded to 7.1. The built-in receiver also includes support for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD, DTS-HD High Resolution, DTS-HD Master Audio, and Linear PCM.

Viera Link is Panasonic’s fancy name for a technology that allows one remote to control all of your A/V systems, including TVs, DVD recorders, Blu-ray players, camcorders, and more.

Panasonic’s SC-BT100 is now available for pre-order at $999.95; the system is scheduled to ship this month. 

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.