Panasonic DVD-RV30S DVD Player
Written: Dec 01 '00 (Updated May 06 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent pic and sound, great remote, good with scratched CDs and DVDs
Cons: Price might have been lower
The Bottom Line: RV30S is excellent in both picture quality and ease of use, which, along with high predicted reliability, makes it a very good choice.
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| dkozin's Full Review: Panasonic DVD-RV30 DVD Player |
Panasonic DVD-RV30S and RV30 is the same DVD player, except RV30S is silver whereas the RV30 is black. I prefer silver color and you might consider choosing silver over black too.
The picture and sound produced by this machine are excellent. There is no lowering of detail level even in the dark segments of the movies. It also is very good at being able to play slightly scratched CDs and DVD disks - much better than other players I've seen. The player is also easy to use.
The player features Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (VSS) circuitry that simulates the "presence effect" by downmixing Dolby 5.1 signal to just 2 channels, so you can enjoy audio effects with just 2 speakers.
RV30S looks nice and solid. The tray is sturdy and solid, unlike some other players on the market.It has several large buttons on the front panel, which allow you to perform basic functions.
The RV30 has analog audio outs (left and right - RCA-type jacks) as well as an optical digital-audio output, which you can use to connect it to newer Dolby Digital recievers or mini-systems.
In addition to an Advanced VSS that creates a simulated surround sound effect by downmixing from either a 5.1-channel or 2-channel Dolby Digital soundtrack, there is a 2-Channel Plus Bass feature. It provides deep bass with even two-speaker system - the player has a separate subwoofer out in addition to the standard left and right channel analog outs.
A standard for Panasonic DVD players dialogue enhancement feature boosts the volume of the center channel by 6 dB when playing a Dolby Digital 5.1 disc so that the dialogue doesn't become drowned out by the left and right speakers.
It helps you to keep volume level lower while still being able to hear what people on the screen say.
RV30S features the Digital Cinema Mode in which the picture is enhanced by reducing glare, softening resolution, and improving visibility of details in dark scenes, resulting in a more realistic, cinemalike image.
For better picture quality, the player is equipped with S-video outputs and component video out (both of them are present in virtually all modern DVD players, but lower-priced Panasonic DVD-RV20 does not have a component video out for some reason).
You can use either S-Video out to connect the player to your TV or, even better, component video out, which is the best possible way to connect DVD player to your TV. It digitally separates the video signal into its luminance (Y) and separate chrominance (PR and PB) elements, allowing delivery of a reference-quality picture with precise color reproduction. (Of course you have to have a TV that is compatible (has component inputs) to utilize the benefit of this feature.) But you will have to deal with 3 cables instead of one.
The remote control is very well-designed and allows you to operate the player without actually pointing the remote directly towards the player's front panel (you can hold it upright if you want). The button layout is intuitive (menu control buttons) and most frequently used buttons are reasonably large.
As every Panasonic DVD player, this model features high-speed, five-step, smooth-motion scan, which provides crystal-clear forward and reverse scan in five speeds. At the highest setting, the unit scans at 100 times normal speed (1 minutes 40 seconds in 1 second), so you cannot see what's happening on the screen.
The player is Energy Star compliant, so it will draw significantly less power in the standby mode than non-compliant ones.
RV30S is excellent in both picture quality and ease of use, which, along with high predicted reliability, makes it a very good choice.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dkozin
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 in Electronics |
 - Top 10 |
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Location: California
Reviews written: 849
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About Me:
I love to push buttons on electronic (audio and video) equipment. It makes me happy.
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