Panasonic PV-DM2799 27" TV/VCR/DVD Combo: Triple play means triple pleased
Written: Sep 16 '06 (Updated Sep 17 '06)
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Pros: All-in-one aspect of entertainment, brand reputation, no problems as to date
Cons: Initial cost, weighs nearly ninety pounds, remote suffers intermittent response
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended for space-saving design, resolution and operation
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| javajoop's Full Review: Panasonic PV-DM2799 27 inch TV/VCR/DVD Combo TV |
Super Bowl XXXV featuring the Baltimore Ravens and the NY Giants was approaching soon and I needed to update my ailing 20" Zenith television set. It stood as a fine example of longevity and dependabiity; however, with new movie formats like DVD, Video CD and DVD-ROM coming at state-of-the-art back five years ago, I needed to upgrade my entertainment center. I debated at the time whether to get separate components or get an all-in-one unit. I normally not an early adopter of new gadgets; merely waiting on the sidelines to see what reviews on Epinions and other resources say but after an extensive shopping expedition and research I settled with the Panasonic PV-DM2799 27" TV/VCR/DVD Combo.
Purchase Criteria
The philosophy of one - one universal remote, one power cord, one outlet, one manufacturer, you get the idea. Many of you may have a multitude of audio/visual components with an equal amount of remotes, some of which duplicate one another. Wouldn't you rather have one? Next item is I deal with one power cord to one outlet. Luckily, Panasonic offers a dual-prong plug to operate all three units which also saves on electricity and avoids unnecessary cords and power ports. Lastly, it's made by a trusted name like Panasonic, a brand recognized worldwide and known for longevity.
Another key feature is the A/V inputs are available up front, allowing easy hookup for game console, video camera and headphone facility. The cabinet design is very handsome with its carbon colored housing with a light silver fascia distinguishing the DVD and VCR player. It graces any sophisticated home decor, even if I do say so myself.
My primary question about an integrated unit is repairability and posed it to many in the know - repair technicians. Some said because of new manufacturing process used by Panasonic, there's less likely a failure on it's own. One repairman cautioned if I had little ones who may use the television to be supervised in the operation. It's more likely that an accident such as trapped bubble gum or crayons get stuck in the VCR. Since I don't have children full-time, I just kept it in my back of my mind.
Initial Experience
As I had purchased my unit on JCPenney.com, I readily unpacked the television at home. True to it's blurb in the catalog, it was ready to play right out of the box. The noticeable weight of nearly ninety pounds required a two-person operation to place and position. I recommend a very sturdy and level platform such as an oak or steel table.
The 67-page owner's manual is clear and concise. The 45-button remote control featured controls for all five main operations of the unit: television, DVD, VCR, FM radio and CD player. Even though it says "triple play™" embossed on the upper left corner of the cabinet, the last two features was a bonus.
Step-by-step, I completed the clock, cable hook-up, and channel favorites all within a half of an hour. The remote control mostly responded to my commands, however, a few commands like the "DVD" and "FM radio" buttons took a couple of mashes to switch on and off. The buttons are illuminated via a backlight.
Specifications and my subsequent comments
Display
Picture Tube: 27 inch measured diagonal
100" deflection Picture Tube
This is the largest television I've ever own. The resolution is sharp and clear. The PanaBlack™ tube is darker than conventional tubes to allow ambient light be absorbed, focusing on a richer picture. The OSD (onscreen display) is ready at a touch of the button and video adjustment of color, tint, brightness, picture and sharpness at a 17-step increments.
VCR
Video Recording System: 4 rotary heads helical scanning system
Audio Track: 1 track (Normal)
2 channel (Hi-Fi Audio Sound)
A nice feature is that you can pop in a pre-recorded cassette and it automatically plays from the off position. The biggest drawback is that you can't watch another channel while recording another. Nor can I record off the DVD player for obvious reasons. Thus, I pull out plan B for my backup VCR and tuner. It's a rare occasion though. There were times in the past that a cassette or two were stuck inside. I merely turned off the set and turn back on. If that didn't work, I wait an hour. Restart the VCR and out pops the cassette.
Tuner
Broadcast Channels: VHF 2-13, UHF 14-69
CABLE Channels: Midband A thru I (14-22)
Superband J thru W (23-36)
Hyperband AA-EEE (37-64)
Lowband A-5-A-1 (95-99)
Special Cable channel 5A (01)
Ultraband 65-94, 100-125
Because I use a cable box from Time Warner cable, I haven't tried setting the channels directly. The V-Chip, which by the way is federally mandated in January 2000 for all TV sets 13" and larger, allows me to block certain MPAA and TV Parental Guide ratings. A four digit code enables and disables this feature so remember the code well. The manual doesn't tell you how to reset if you forget the passcode.
FM Radio
Band range 87.5-106.1 Mhz
General
Power Source: 120V 60 Hz
Power Consumption: Approx. 170 watts (power on)
Approx. 5.5 watts (power off)
Television system: EIA Standard NTSC color
Speaker: 2 pieces
Operating temp.: 5°C-35°C (41°F-95°F)
Operating humidity: 10%-75%
Weight: 40.5 kg (89.1 lbs.)
Dimensions: 688 (w) x 653 (h) x 550 (d) mm
27-1/16" (w) x 25-11/16" (h) x 21-5/8" (d)
The sound quality is fair but can be enhanced with a multi-channel speaker system.
Disc formats supported: DVD, Video CD, CD 3" (8 cm) disc, 5" (12 cm) disc
Digital audio output:
Optical digital output: Opitcal connector
Coaxial digital output: Pin jack
Pickup: Wave length: 655nm
Laser power: Class II
As with the DVD player, I can "pop-n-play" from the off position, eliminating the need to turn on the unit first. It can read Dolby Digital, dts and VSS (virtual Surround Sound). For your additional enjoyment, you can play DVD karoake should you compete for the next American Idol.
Five year hence
Cut to the chase as we approach Super Bowl XLI, the PV-DM2799 has continues strong. Seriously. I have yet, knock on wood, to have a problem - much less a serious one. Yes, eventually I'll probably lean towards a plasma HDTV, but, in the meantime, until technology forces me to switch... I'll be staying tuned.
One year limited warranty on parts, ninety days on labor
Panasonic Consumer Affairs
Panazip 2F-3
One Panasonic Way
Secaucus, NJ 07094
www.panasonic.com
www.fcc.gov/vchip
© javajoop 2006
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 850.00
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Epinions.com ID:
javajoop
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Cacoethes scribendi - "Bad habit of writing"
caveat venditor/emptor - "Let the seller/buyer beware"
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