Panasonic DVD-S97S Progressive Scan DVD Player Silver

Panasonic DVD-S97S Progressive Scan DVD Player Silver Review

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I just got this DVD today and tested it right away. My first impression is the slim, light-weight but high-tech look design. The included HDMI cable makes the connect so simple. Since I have the top of the line SA-XR70S home theather receiver, 8 speakers surrounding sound system (5 bose, 3 infinity), the sound is just simply wonderful, so theater-like environment. The HDMI cable doesn't really improve the sound compared with the optical cable. The DVD heats up quite fast and high after a few minute. I am not so sure if this is a general thing with this DVD line or just a individual flaw with my new DVD. In general, I would give this toy a 4 star rating (I'd give 5 if there is no heating problem).

Panasonic DVD-S97S Progressive Scan DVD Player Silver Feature

• Advanced progressive-scan DVD player
• HDMI connection provides high-quality, uncompressed digital audio/video signal transmission
• DVD-Audio playback provides 6 channels of incredibly powerful and realistic surround sound
• Enhanced bass sound when an optional subwoofer is connected to the DVD player
• Optical Digital output for DTS and Dolby Digital surround sound

Most people think of their DVD player simply as a movie machine. This DVD player not only plays prerecorded DVDs and DVD-R2/DVD-RAM discs, but also plays CD, CDR and CDRW - including CDR and CDRW with recorded MP3 and WMA files. HDMI offers a new high-performance digital standard for outstanding video and sound. It's also more convenient. HDMI carries high-quality digital video and audio over the same thin cable, allowing you to run one cable from your DVD player to an HDMI-compatible TV or home theater receiver. 1 Coaxial and 1 Optical Digital Audio Outputs 5.1-Channel Surround Sound Audio Output, Subwoofer Output, 2-Ch. Audio Output Slow and Fast Audio Playback 216MHz/11-Bit Video D/A Converter 192kHz/24-Bit Audio D/A Converter Remote Control Included MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) Playback Capability on recorded discs 4 - 3 Shrink Function with Letterbox Zoom and Shift MPEG Digital Noise Reduction (Mosquito/Block/3D) with Depth Enhancer Variable and Auto Zoom slect modes Picture Control - Brightness, Color, Contrast, Gamma Correction, Sharpness Black Level Control Advanced Surround, Headphone Surround (V.S.S.), Dialog Enhancer Dynamic Range Compression Channel Balance Control, Delay Time Control Audio Only Function (Video Circuit OFF) Direct Navigator, Playlist Playback, Quick Replay Hi Speed Scan (x100) Progress Indicator HighMAT Compatible (Level 2), Gamma Correction Position Memory (Up to 5 Discs) Sleep Timer, Quick Guide Setup, Energy Star Compliant Audio/JPEG Navigation Menu Dimensions (H x W x D) 2-5/16 x 16-15/16 x 10-1/16 Inches / Weight 5.3 lbs Color - Silver

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Customer Reviews

Worked well, then died abruptly - Court Sullivan -
The picture quality was great, but this Panasonic DVD player lasted me barely 2 years. One day it got glitchy, then the next day to the point where it wouldn't even turn on anymore. Not what I'd expect out of a DVD player well over 0. Also, the biggest drawback to this player is the fact that you can't see how many minutes into the movie you are, only what chapter you're on. So if you want to take the DVD out and continue watching it on your laptop or another DVD player, good luck skipping straight to the part where you stopped.

Surprise-Doesn't play HD DVDs! - Richard H. Cowan - Putney, VT USA
So I read the glowing Amazon reviews listing all the various media the S97S can handle and said to myself--"This is clearly the best DVD player around. Jeez, it can play anything but a 45 rpm record!" Hooked it up to the new flat panel TV and eagerly ordered some HD DVD's from Netflix. Gathered friends, popped popcorn and told them to fasten their seatbelts in preparation for a visual treat--"Apollo 13" in glorious High Definition! Slipped the DVD in and there was a long delay as it whirred and stopped and started and then came the message "Can't Play Disc." I guess I should've been more aware of the format war in which I had just become an unwitting casualty. Hope this review will save someone from the bad investment this Netflix fan has made in the wrong player...


Apr 11, 2010 19:48:09