Panasonic CP67 Super Slim Progressive Scan DVD-Video Changer
Written: Dec 09 '02 (Updated Jan 06 '04)
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Pros: Exceptional picture quality, features, low price, nice looks
Cons: Remote control with weird shape and only basic functions
The Bottom Line: For less than $180 (and less than $150 after rebate), the Panasonic DVD-CP67 is an exceptional value with great design, excellent ...
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| dkozin's Full Review: Panasonic DVD-CP67 Multi-disc DVD Player |
The Panasonic DVD-CP67 is a progressive scan 5-Disc DVD/CD changer with DVD-R, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA playback. It is currently available for less than $180 and after the $30 rebate (available at Panasonic’s web site – valid until 3/31/03) can be had for less than $150!
Front Panel
The changer is available in black (CP67K) and silver (CP67S) and features very low profile. It has a display that is located on the right side of the chassis, on the right side from the large 5-CD disc drawer. The buttons for playback control are located in one row below the disc tray with buttons for disc skip, disc exchange and open/close being under the display.
Also present are buttons and indicators for progressive scan switching (on/off) and “Audio Only” mode button (to turn the video circuitry off to minimize interference and audio noise). I think the silver model (SP72S) looks much more stylish than black.
Rear Panel
The rear panel of the CP67 has the following video connectors: a component video output, an S-video output and a component video out (switchable between progressive and interlaced scan).
The best way to connect the changer to a TV (if your TV has this type of input, of course) would be to use a changer’s component video output. This way, you feed your TV the digitally separated video signal (luminance (Y) and separate chrominance (PR and PB) elements), allowing delivery of a reference-quality picture with precise color reproduction. And in any case, to use the CP67’s progressive scan, you have to use component video connection and have a TV that can accept progressive scan (480p) input – an EDTV or HDTV.
If your TV cannot handle progressive scan signal, you can use the component video out in “standard” interlaced mode or an S-Video connection. Majority of modern TVs larger than 25” have at least S-Video. Speaking of connectivity, I wanted to mention that I believe that there is little or no benefit in buying overpriced premium cables (be it Monster or some other brand).
In case you have an older TV with no S-Video input, you can use the changer’s composite video output, which will still provide picture quality much better than any VHS or even Super-VHS VCR.
The audio outputs are represented by the stereo analog audio out with separate subwoofer out and an optical digital-audio output (PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital and DTS compatible). There is also a standard AC power connector, which is useful if your power cord gets eaten by your pet – in this case you will be able to easily replace it yourself.
Performance
The changer produces excellent picture quality in progressive scan mode, largely due to the use of patented Faroudja DCDi chip. The moving objects don’t produce visible scan lines and the diagonal lines with scenes with motion look straight and solid. The picture quality is so good, it is not only better than the picture quality produced by Sony and JVC DVD players in the same price range, but is among the best DVD players for any amount of money.
The sound quality is also excellent.
MP3 and WMA
The changer can play MP3 files at 32-320 kbps bit rate as well as WMA (Windows Media) files. The MP3 playback interface is well-designed and easy to use. Windows Media files have better sound quality than MP3 at the same bit rate, but the MP3 is a more widespread standard. The sound quality of MP3 playback depends on the bit rate with which the file was encoded originally and can be very good at above 160 kbps.
CD-R and CD-RW Playback
The CP67 can play finalized CD-R and CD-RW discs including discs with MP3 and WMA files, CD Audio, Video CD and XVCD (at up to 720x480 resolution).
Video CD and XVCD
Speaking of VCD and XVCD, the CP67 can play both Video CD (352x240 resolution, MPEG-1 encoding at about 1150 kbps CBR) and XVCD (352x240 or 720x480 resolution, VBR at up to 2500 kbps). XVCD provides picture quality much better than VHS does.
Features
The changer’s mode change operations (track skip, switch between play and fast forward, etc.) are very quick, however disc skip takes a while. But this is the case with majority of DVD changers. The changer allows you exchange discs while one of the discs is playing (play exchange).
Digital Cinema Mode
As other Panasonic DVD players, this model features the Digital Cinema Mode, which enhances the picture by improving visibility of details in dark scenes. I find this feature useful when you watch a movie that is too dark and you want to see details in the darker areas. In other words, I only use it with unusually dark VCD/XVCD discs.
You can also control brightness, contrast and colors separately in the “user” mode.
Dialogue Enhancer
The Dialogue Enhancer feature boosts the volume of the center channel when playing a Dolby Digital disc so that the dialogue doesn't become drowned out by the left and right speakers. This helps you to be able to keep the volume level lower while still being able to hear what people on the screen say, because the speech in 5.1-encoded movies is usually located in the center channel. This is useful if you have angry neighbors.
Advanced VSS
The Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (VSS) circuitry simulates the "presence effect" by downmixing Dolby Digital signal to two channels (and optionally a separate subwoofer), so you can enjoy audio effects with just 2 speakers. Although no substitute for the “real “ surround sound, it is still a nice feature.
Other Features
The changer has 5 speeds of fast scan (up to 200x) and 5 speeds of slow scan in either direction, still and frame advance modes, “resume” and chapter preview. Five bookmarks are available for you to make it easy to return to a moment on the disc you like. You can also go to any moment on the disc by entering the time.
There is a shuffle/random mode, direct track access, programmed playback, the zoom allows you zoom in onto a widescreen movie and eliminate black bars on top and bottom of the picture if you are using “standard”, non-widescreen TV. The CP67 also has parental control functions. The menus can be switched between English, Spanish and French.
Remote
The changer’s remote control is easy to use but has weird angular shape with many small similarly-sized buttons. Also, the remote does not allow you to control your TV and its buttons are not backlit. It would be nice to have at least volume control buttons for the receiver on this remote control. For this price, however, it is difficult to complain.
Bottom Line
For less than $180 (and less than $150 after rebate), the Panasonic DVD-CP67 is an exceptional value with great design, excellent picture and sound quality.
Current Panasonic DVD Players
Below you can find the current lineup of Panasonic DVD players:
Panasonic DVD-F65
Panasonic DVD-S55
Panasonic DVD-S35
Panasonic DVD-S25
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 150
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Epinions.com ID:
dkozin
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Location: California
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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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