Pros: Solid build quality, portability, screen flexibility, phenomenal battery life
Cons: Value, no progressive scan, ok picture, no video input
The Bottom Line: I tend to return electronics pretty often as most do not live up to my expectations. Will hold on to this one. However, it just made it.
hiendtime's Full Review: Panasonic DVD-LS55 7 in. Portable DVD Player
Did a lot of research before buying the LS55. Considered players from Samsung and Toshiba, both of which offer more bells and whistles like progressive scan and video inputs, and personally I believe sharper pictures (likely the by-product of progressive scan). Gave up the sharper picture and video input for longer battery life, compact size and the flexibility of screen positioning. Battery life was a huge consideration as players that cannot last 6 hrs are of no use to me. 2hrs of viewing on a 6hr plane ride is a waste. Haven't had the opportunity to drain the battery yet but will bet it goes at least 6 hrs under normal conditions (mfg claims 10 with brightness all the way down). The screen flexibility is really cool. When on the train I move the bottom edge of the screen to the front of the unit and put the thing right up against my stomach rather than having to hold it out on my knees, which is where is see other commuters holding their conventional portables. This will come in handy when flying when the person in front of you reclines as you can flatten the screen to view. The size is a huge positive as well. Even with the battery on (clips underneath on the back of the unit and extends slightly both under and behind the body) the thing is like a large calculator. Most of the other machines I looked at would have been the equivalent of carrying a laptop. Picture quality is acceptable (I am a bit of a fanatic who only has hi def at home). You can see some pixilation and jaggered edges, which would go away with progressive scan. Strange that at this price point Panasonic opted for no progressive scan (maybe that's how they get 6+hrs out of the battery?). Sound is better than anything I have heard. I can hear subtle sound effects in movies that I didn't know were there previously (I use Sony MDR-EX71SL Fontopia ear buds which are outstanding). Haven't used the FM transmitter yet but can use the Belkin I bought for my iPod, so I may never even use the one that is built in. Build quality is outstanding. It feels like it has an aluminum chassis. Super solid all the way around.
Bottom line, if you want a highly portable unit with phenomenal battery life and screen flexibility for viewing under any position imaginable then this player is probably the one for you. Offer for free travel case and car power adapter til 3/26 also swayed my decision to buy. At this price it's criminal to have to go out and buy these items.
However, if value is what you're after check out the GoVideo DP 8440 for $249 with progressive scan, video inputs and a 8.4" screen. Personally, I think the picture on the GoVideo was outstanding. Also, the Toshiba SD-P1600 is a nice player at just over $200 (no progressive scan but has a video input for game systems, camera hook up, etc.). Best picture quality goes to the Samsung DVD-L300 hands down.
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