yes, it does have progressive scan
Written: Feb 19 '02
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Pros: Features to price ratio very high
Cons: none noted
The Bottom Line: Willing to pay as much as $220? This is the one with the features others charge more for. Take the money saved and buy some DVDs!!
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| dalesky's Full Review: Panasonic DVD-RP56 DVD Player |
As of the time of this writing, this is a current model. I purchased it a Circuit City for $220.00.
I have been using it for about 5 months, with no problems, no skipping or sound difficulties. Most of my DVDs are purchased used, and not always in perfect condition. This player has performed beautifully no matter what I put in it.
How much do you need to spend on a DVD player? Answer a couple of questions, and don't spend more than you have to.
Is a 'prestigious' brand important to you? Do you get more with a brand like Harmon Kardon? Not in my experience.
Do you want progressive scan, which is the ability to play the highest quality picture through an HDTV monitor. If you don't have an HDTV TV you don't need progressive scan.
How about a built in Dolby Digital decoder? Is your amplifier a Dolby Digital type? Then you don't need that either. DTS capability- which is a way of recording a DVD for high quality sound. Does your amplifier support that? If not, then it's a moot point.
So, let's say you have an HDTV capable TV, with a DTS capable amplifier. This particular DVD player is the one for you. It's priced right, which is to say lower than anything else out there. From a reputable manufacturer at least. Does that matter? Only if you want reliability and long life, so yes, it does matter. You can find a couple of players with these features, for less money, but not from well known manufacturers. You can also spend a lot more, and not get any more as far as playback quality goes.
Think about VCR players for a moment. Virtually every one being made has the same quality picture, regardless of how much you pay. The same is true, for the most part, with DVD players right now. Sure, there are a couple of exotic features on some, but most people won't use or appreciate them anyway.
Let's look at the features for a moment: Progressive Scan for superb picture quality, along with the ABCDs: Advanced Surround, Bass Plus, Cinema Mode, and Dialog Enhancer.
It even will memorize the position on the DVD that you want to return to. Turn off the player, turn it on later, and start the DVD on the frame you quit on. Neat!!
Even a dedicated output for a subwoofer, if you don't have such an output on your amplifier. Plus, the ability to play DVDs that have angle choices. Not many of those out there right now, but the feature is pretty nice. The last Planet of The Apes movie has multi-angle views, which for the real DVD enthuisast, is a plus for more enjoyment.
Compare players side by side, such as you can do at Circuit City's website, and see if more money gets you more features. Consider Panasonic's reputation for high quality and reliability. This is a great player for the price. My sales guy at Circuit City actually recommended it over some more expensive ones, because of the numerous features.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 220
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Epinions.com ID:
dalesky
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 - Top 1000 |
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Location: Murrells Inlet South Carolina
Reviews written: 133
Trusted by: 11 members
About Me:
Love to cook, explore the Internet, read and watch movies on DVD. Ain't technology Grand?
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