Panasonic DVD-S97 DVD Player

Pros: HDMI, DCDi, 1080i, the Most Features of any UPconvert player. Video D/A Converter @ 216MHz/11-bit
Cons: VERY Hard to Find!

Having had my hands on this player for a couple of months, I've grown to love it. It has all the features that Panasonic has become known to have, in the ability to adjust your picture, and combines this with HDMI and DCDi, into the finest DVD player ...

Pros: Easy to use, picture quality is astounding, great audio cd player as well
Cons: The manual is sometimes hard to understand

I recently purchased a Samsung DLP television, and was looking for an upconvert DVD player. I chose this Panasonic player because I already own a Panasonic DVD recorder, and because the reviews of this player have been so good. I have not been disappointed. The picture quality is absolutely beautiful. Whether you choose to tell it to upconvert or go with 480p, there are AV enhancements that make this player the best I have seen, in ANY price range. As far as the upconversion goes, the picture becomes much more detailed, just simply beautiful. You will need an HDMI connection to take advantage of it. I've read that other upconvert players are slow to load, and slow to play. This one is not. It is very fast, just as fast any other player I've had. The only bad thing I can say about the player is the manual, it is not exactly clear an some issues. Some settings you may have to guess at, but they are easy to change to your preference. I feel that I have really gotten my money's worth with this one.

Pros: death
Cons: taxes

i bought this over a year ago at a higher price and i'de do it again at a higher price. it's a plug and play masterpiece that would probably be even better if i knew how to tweek it. but i dont want to change a thing. if it wasn't for the hd-blueray thing i'd buy another for the bedroom. if ya don't give a hoot about the 1080p stuff buy this and you will be happy. still doesn't come in black but then neither do i.

Pros: HDMI, Ease of Use, Compact Design.
Cons: None to speak of.

This DVD player paired with my CT-30WC14 30" Widescreen has been a wonderful partnership.

The HDMI input is by far the only way to go. Sound and clear video through one cable. This is a wonderful combination.

I have been able to enjoy my DVD collection with great clarity due to this little gem of a DVD player the price is very reasonable for the features you get. Alot of bang for your buck.

I would suggest this DVD player to anyone lucky enough to have a HDMI Input in there set. Clear and precise imaging is part of what this dvd provides but the sound is just as wonderful. Even comes with an HDMI Cable.

Very easy to use like most this is a plug and play DVD player.

Pros: HDMI, upconversion, ease of use and sturdy construction
Cons: none that I can find.

I probably now have way too many dvd players in the house searching for the right one. I have the DVD-S97 connected to my Pioneer Plasma Display (4340HD) via HDMI. Both the upconverted 720p and 1080i look excellent. I normally leave it at 480p (progressive) as my display does a great job upconverting to the display native resolution. I have had this player for a month now and have no complaints. I have been using dvd players since they first came out and this one if my favorite. The picture quality is excellent on all dvds that I have tried and I never have encountered the usual "hiccups" that dvd players seem to exhibit these days with slow transitions etc with double layered discs and other problems. I give this player my highest recommendation!

Pros: Quality build. Quality of image. HDMI for HDTV with HDMI. Not expensive for the quality.
Cons: none

i had before the toshiba sd-5970. the toshiba is a cheap construction with a cheap video performance. The toshiba also read poorly the dvd-r. the Panasonic have top class performance and read the dvd-r with perfection. The video quality is top class because it have the Faroudja. Presently i have to resell my toshiba.