Name: Panasonic SC-HTB400
Brand: Panasonic

Technical Specifications of soundbar Panasonic SC-HTB400

Overall score

5.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the soundbar.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a soundbar reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Audio

5.7

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand under which the soundbar is marketed and sold.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Panasonic

N. of audio channels

What it is: Shows how many separate audio channels the system is built to reproduce, such as left, center, surround, height, and subwoofer channels.

When it matters: When you are deciding between a simpler bar and a setup built for wider surround placement, clearer center dialogue, or more immersive height effects.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=5.1

Audio output power

What it is: Total continuous or peak audio output power, measured in watts.

When it matters: When you need enough headroom to fill a larger room or listen at higher volume without the system feeling strained.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >100 W

Max SPL

What it is: Maximum sound pressure level output, measured in dB SPL.

When it matters: When you use the soundbar in a large room, listen at high volume, or want it to stay convincing during action-heavy movies and parties.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >90 dB SPL

Min frequency

What it is: Lowest reproducible audio frequency, measured in hertz.

When it matters: When deep bass extension matters and you want to know how low the system is supposed to reach.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <50 Hz

Formats

4.8

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Dolby Atmos

What it is: Means the soundbar can play Dolby Atmos soundtracks, which add height information on top of normal surround channels for a more three-dimensional presentation.

When it matters: When you watch a lot of movies or shows with Atmos tracks and want a more enveloping sense of space than standard surround usually provides.

Importance: HIGH

DTS:X

What it is: Can handle DTS:X object-based surround audio from compatible sources.

When it matters: When your library includes DTS:X content and you want the soundbar to reproduce its surround effects properly.

Importance: HIGH

Dolby TrueHD

What it is: Can decode Dolby TrueHD, a lossless surround format often used on Blu-ray and higher-end local media setups.

When it matters: When you play disc-based or local media and want lossless Dolby audio support.

Importance: HIGH

DTS-HD Master Audio

What it is: Can decode DTS-HD Master Audio, a lossless DTS format used on many Blu-ray releases.

When it matters: When your movie library includes discs or files with higher-quality DTS soundtracks.

Importance: HIGH

Dolby Digital Plus

What it is: Can decode Dolby Digital Plus, a higher-efficiency surround format used widely by streaming services.

When it matters: When you stream movies and shows from modern apps that commonly deliver audio in Dolby Digital Plus.

Importance: MEDIUM

Connectivity

5.2

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N. of HDMI inputs

What it is: Number of HDMI input ports available.

When it matters: When several consoles, streamers, or players may need to plug into the soundbar directly.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

Wi-Fi connectivity

What it is: Can join a wireless network for streaming, app control, updates, and smart-platform features.

When it matters: When you want better streaming stability, direct app playback, or smart features beyond Bluetooth alone.

Importance: HIGH

Wi-Fi version

What it is: Supported Wi-Fi version or standard (e.g., Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E).

When it matters: When your network setup uses newer Wi-Fi standards and you want better compatibility or wireless stability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Wi-Fi 5/6

N/A

Bluetooth connectivity

What it is: Can receive audio wirelessly over Bluetooth from phones, tablets, computers, and other compatible sources.

When it matters: When you want fast casual streaming from nearby devices without relying on Wi-Fi setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bluetooth version

What it is: Supported Bluetooth specification version.

When it matters: When you care about newer Bluetooth efficiency, compatibility, and connection behavior with modern source devices.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

Controls

6.6

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Smartphone app

What it is: Can be configured or controlled through a dedicated mobile app.

When it matters: When you prefer changing inputs, updates, sound modes, or calibration settings from your phone.

Importance: HIGH

Remote control

What it is: Comes with or supports a physical handheld remote for everyday operation.

When it matters: When you want quick volume, input, and sound-mode control without opening an app.

Importance: HIGH

Control panel

What it is: Design and layout of the onboard control panel.

When it matters: When you want easier everyday control.

Importance: HIGH

Voice assistant compatibility

What it is: Works with one or more voice-assistant platforms such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri workflows.

When it matters: When voice control is part of how you start playback, change volume, or integrate the bar into smart-home routines.

Importance: MEDIUM

Far-field microphones

What it is: Built-in far-field microphones for voice assistant use.

When it matters: When you want hands-free control or built-in voice features.

Importance: MEDIUM

HDMI & Gaming

6.2

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HDMI version

What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported for input/output.

When it matters: When you need the HDMI link to handle newer video, gaming, or audio-return features in your setup.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.1

HDMI ARC type

What it is: Shows whether the soundbar uses ARC or eARC for TV audio over HDMI. ARC covers basic return audio, while eARC supports higher-bandwidth formats such as lossless Dolby Atmos and generally gives you more headroom for advanced TV-to-soundbar audio.

When it matters: When the TV will send sound back to the soundbar over HDMI and you care about getting the best audio formats your TV and streaming devices can pass through.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: eARC

HDMI-CEC support

What it is: Lets compatible devices share basic commands like power, volume, and input switching over HDMI.

When it matters: When you want simpler everyday use, such as controlling volume with the TV remote and having the soundbar turn on with the TV.

Importance: MEDIUM

HDMI pass-through resolution

What it is: Maximum video resolution supported through HDMI pass-through.

When it matters: When you connect external players or consoles through the soundbar.

Importance: MEDIUM

HDMI pass-through frame rate

What it is: Maximum frame rate supported for HDMI pass-through.

When it matters: When you connect gaming devices through the soundbar.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 fps

Smart features

3.9

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AirPlay

What it is: Supports Apple AirPlay or AirPlay 2 for network-based streaming from Apple devices and apps.

When it matters: When your home setup is built around Apple devices and you want smooth wireless playback across that ecosystem.

Importance: HIGH

Chromecast built-in

What it is: Includes Chromecast so audio can be cast directly from compatible apps over Wi-Fi.

When it matters: When you want quick app-based casting from Android, Chrome, or supported streaming services without Bluetooth pairing.

Importance: HIGH

Spotify Connect

What it is: Can receive Spotify streams directly over the network without routing playback through your phone over Bluetooth.

When it matters: When you use Spotify often and want your phone free for calls, battery, or other apps while music keeps playing.

Importance: MEDIUM

TIDAL Connect

What it is: Can receive TIDAL streams directly over the network without using Bluetooth from the phone as the audio path.

When it matters: When you use TIDAL regularly and want direct streaming with less dependence on your phone staying involved.

Importance: MEDIUM

Amazon Music native support

What it is: Native integration with Amazon Music service.

When it matters: When you stream music directly from apps and ecosystems you already use.

Importance: MEDIUM

Design

5.6

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Width

What it is: Overall width of the soundbar.

When it matters: When you want the bar to match the TV size better or fit a narrow cabinet cleanly.

Importance: HIGH

Height

What it is: Overall height of the soundbar.

When it matters: When clearance under the TV is limited and you do not want the bar covering the lower edge of the picture.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <70 mm

Thickness

What it is: The front-to-back depth of the soundbar body.

When it matters: When you need the soundbar to fit neatly on furniture, under the TV, or close to the wall without sticking out too much.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <90 mm

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the soundbar unit.

When it matters: When wall mounting, shelf strength, or how easy the bar is to move and position matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Build material

What it is: Material used for cabinet or body construction.

When it matters: When finish quality, cabinet feel, and how premium the bar looks in the room matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Panasonic SC-HTB400 vs the average soundbar

Why is Panasonic SC-HTB400 better than the average soundbar?

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Has smartphone app
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
What it is: Can be configured or controlled through a dedicated mobile app.
When it matters: When you prefer changing inputs, updates, sound modes, or calibration settings from your phone.
Importance: HIGH
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
More audio channels
Panasonic SC-HTB400 has more audio channels than the average soundbar (2.1 vs 2.0). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
What it is: Shows how many separate audio channels the system is built to reproduce, such as left, center, surround, height, and subwoofer channels.
When it matters: When you are deciding between a simpler bar and a setup built for wider surround placement, clearer center dialogue, or more immersive height effects.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=5.1
Panasonic SC-HTB400 has more audio channels than the average soundbar (2.1 vs 2.0). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.2.1 vs 2.0
2.29x higher audio output power
Panasonic SC-HTB400 has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (160 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
What it is: Total continuous or peak audio output power, measured in watts.
When it matters: When you need enough headroom to fill a larger room or listen at higher volume without the system feeling strained.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >100 W
Panasonic SC-HTB400 has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (160 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.160 W vs 70 W
Broader format support
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, WAV vs MP3).
What it is: Supported digital music file formats (e.g., FLAC, MP3, WAV).
When it matters: When you want the soundbar to support more of your movies, shows, or music.
Importance: MEDIUM
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, WAV vs MP3).AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, WAV vs MP3
11 mm lower height
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is shorter than the average soundbar (56 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
What it is: Overall height of the soundbar.
When it matters: When clearance under the TV is limited and you do not want the bar covering the lower edge of the picture.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <70 mm
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is shorter than the average soundbar (56 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.56 mm vs 67 mm
Supports bass boost
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
What it is: Dedicated bass boost enhancement mode.
When it matters: When you want a quick way to add more low-end punch without manually adjusting several settings.
Importance: LOW
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
1 more sound modes
Panasonic SC-HTB400 offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
What it is: Number of selectable or predefined sound modes.
When it matters: When you switch between movies, music, news, or gaming often.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=4
Panasonic SC-HTB400 offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.5 vs 4
3 more supported audio formats
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (5 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
What it is: Total number of recognized or supported audio formats.
When it matters: When you want the soundbar to support more of your movies, shows, or music.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=5
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (5 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.5 vs 2
More audio channels
Panasonic SC-HTB400 has more audio channels than the average soundbar (2.1 vs 2.0). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
2.29x higher audio output power
Panasonic SC-HTB400 has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (160 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
Supports bass boost
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
1 more sound modes
Panasonic SC-HTB400 offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
Includes wall-mount kit
Panasonic SC-HTB400 has wall-mount kit included, the average soundbar does not.
Broader format support
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, WAV vs MP3).
3 more supported audio formats
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (5 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
Has smartphone app
Panasonic SC-HTB400 supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
11 mm lower height
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is shorter than the average soundbar (56 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.

Why is Panasonic SC-HTB400 worse than the average soundbar?

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Lower speaker size
Panasonic SC-HTB400 uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (2x3.15" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
9 % higher total harmonic distortion (THD)
Panasonic SC-HTB400 has a higher total harmonic distortion (THD) than the average soundbar (10 % vs 1 %). The average soundbar has THD of 1 %.
No USB audio input
Panasonic SC-HTB400 does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
No (USB port is for service and software updates only) Panasonic +3Proceed?
No AUX input
Panasonic SC-HTB400 does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
no
No USB playback
Panasonic SC-HTB400 does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
N/A (USB port for service use only)
Older Bluetooth version
Panasonic SC-HTB400 uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
Less advanced HDMI ARC type
Panasonic SC-HTB400 has arc as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
Older HDMI version
Panasonic SC-HTB400 uses 1.4 for HDMI version, while the average soundbar uses 2.1.
201 mm wider width
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is wider than the average soundbar (962 mm vs 761 mm). The average soundbar is 761 mm wide.
35 mm thicker design
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is thicker than the average soundbar (120 mm vs 85 mm). The average soundbar is 85 mm thick.
1,500 g heavier weight
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is heavier than the average soundbar (3,500 g vs 2,000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2,000 g.
Less trusted origin
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is from China, while the average soundbar is from Japan.
1 year/s older release date
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is older than the average soundbar (2020 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
February 18, 2020
Less advanced HDMI ARC type
Panasonic SC-HTB400 has arc as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
What it is: Shows whether the soundbar uses ARC or eARC for TV audio over HDMI. ARC covers basic return audio, while eARC supports higher-bandwidth formats such as lossless Dolby Atmos and generally gives you more headroom for advanced TV-to-soundbar audio.
When it matters: When the TV will send sound back to the soundbar over HDMI and you care about getting the best audio formats your TV and streaming devices can pass through.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: eARC
Panasonic SC-HTB400 has arc as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.arc vs eARC
No USB audio input
Panasonic SC-HTB400 does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
No (USB port is for service and software updates only) Panasonic +3Proceed?
What it is: Can receive audio through USB from a compatible host device instead of using only analog or HDMI inputs.
When it matters: When a computer or compatible source is easiest to connect over USB rather than through another audio output.
Importance: MEDIUM
Panasonic SC-HTB400 does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
Older HDMI version
Panasonic SC-HTB400 uses 1.4 for HDMI version, while the average soundbar uses 2.1.
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported for input/output.
When it matters: When you need the HDMI link to handle newer video, gaming, or audio-return features in your setup.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 2.1
Panasonic SC-HTB400 uses 1.4 for HDMI version, while the average soundbar uses 2.1.1.4 vs 2.1
No AUX input
Panasonic SC-HTB400 does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
no
What it is: Includes a 3.5 mm analog input for connecting older devices or simple wired audio sources.
When it matters: When a TV, projector, music player, or other source still relies on analog audio output.
Importance: LOW
Panasonic SC-HTB400 does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
No USB playback
Panasonic SC-HTB400 does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
N/A (USB port for service use only)
What it is: Can play audio files directly from a connected USB storage device.
When it matters: When you keep music on flash drives or want simple local playback without a streaming app.
Importance: LOW
Panasonic SC-HTB400 does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
201 mm wider width
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is wider than the average soundbar (962 mm vs 761 mm). The average soundbar is 761 mm wide.
What it is: Overall width of the soundbar.
When it matters: When you want the bar to match the TV size better or fit a narrow cabinet cleanly.
Importance: HIGH
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is wider than the average soundbar (962 mm vs 761 mm). The average soundbar is 761 mm wide.962 mm vs 761 mm
Older Bluetooth version
Panasonic SC-HTB400 uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
What it is: Supported Bluetooth specification version.
When it matters: When you care about newer Bluetooth efficiency, compatibility, and connection behavior with modern source devices.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=5.0
Panasonic SC-HTB400 uses 4.2 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.4.2 vs 5.0
35 mm thicker design
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is thicker than the average soundbar (120 mm vs 85 mm). The average soundbar is 85 mm thick.
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the soundbar body.
When it matters: When you need the soundbar to fit neatly on furniture, under the TV, or close to the wall without sticking out too much.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <90 mm
Panasonic SC-HTB400 is thicker than the average soundbar (120 mm vs 85 mm). The average soundbar is 85 mm thick.120 mm vs 85 mm

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Panasonic SC-HTB400?

2.1 channels and 160 W give it more weight than basic entry-level bars
Bluetooth, HDMI ARC and optical input cover the key TV and music basics
Dialogue enhancement and a remote help with film and TV use
Wide cabinet suits bigger TVs better than many compact budget models

What customers dislike about Panasonic SC-HTB400?

No Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Wi-Fi or casting features
No HDMI input, AUX or USB audio input
No night mode or room calibration
It is larger and heavier than simpler 2.0 alternatives while still lacking a separate subwoofer

Panasonic SC-HTB400 Review | 109 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of soundbar Panasonic SC-HTB400

Panasonic SC-HTB400 vs the average soundbar

Why is Panasonic SC-HTB400 better than the average soundbar?

Why is Panasonic SC-HTB400 worse than the average soundbar?

Graphic comparison of Panasonic SC-HTB400 and other soundbars

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Panasonic SC-HTB400?

What customers dislike about Panasonic SC-HTB400?

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