Here's a "positive" post from me, for a change - thoughts on the Panny S97 - Christine Tham

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Here's a "positive" post from me, for a change - thoughts on the Panny S97

Posted by Christine Tham (R) on August 14, 2005 at 17:27:01

Installed my brand new Panasonic DVD-S97 on the weekend.

Initial impression was a bit disappointing - the player seemed a bit strident and brash, like typical cheap players. However, I know from past experience Panasonic players settle down after a burn in period.

Well, last night the sound was much improved. In fact, I played Diana Krall's Love Scenes SA-CD and DVD-A on both my players, and could barely detect a difference switching between the two.

What was amazing was that the picture quality was better than my old DVD-RP82. I've heard so many negative reports about macro-blocking, but haven't really noticed it yet (but then, I'm using the component video output at 480p and 576p, not HDMI). The MPEG decoder is clearly smoother in terms of handling slow pans, and one major advantage is support for PAL progressive scan (576p) with full 2:2 deinterlacing, unlike the RP82 (only NTSC 480p).

So, I would definitely give two thumbs up so far for this player. For the price I paid, it's a steal! (It's cheaper than the video card and the sound card on my HTPC combined!). Honestly, if you are looking for a good, inexpensive DVD-Audio player, you should really give this serious consideration. It even does Dolby Pro Logic II decoding for your 2.0 movie soundtracks, which very few players, even ultra expensive high end ones, will do.

And I know you men don't care about aesthetics, but this player is really pretty! I *love* the blue light across the disc tray, and the transparent disc tray that glows blue when it's opened!

PS - just in case you are wondering, no I will not be playing DualDiscs on this player either. I've learnt my lesson.

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Topic - Here's a "positive" post from me, for a change - thoughts on the Panny S97 - Christine Tham 17:27:01 08/14/05 (21)

Glad you like it - D 04:03:11 08/19/05 (0)

macroblocking - Joe Murphy Jr 20:48:52 08/17/05 (1)

Re: macroblocking - Christine Tham 15:00:45 08/18/05 (0)

Re: Here's a "positive" post from me, for a change - thoughts on the Panny S97 - Martin419 07:48:34 08/16/05 (18)

What's the matter, Martin, all bitter and twisted? - Christine Tham 13:49:13 08/16/05 (8)

I'm not bitter & twisted at all . . . - Martin419 14:15:28 08/16/05 (7)

Martin, I'm a bit disappointed with you ... - Christine Tham 02:29:08 08/17/05 (1)

Really Christine, - Soundgarden 07:37:28 08/17/05 (0)

Martin Why Bother. - Soundgarden 17:56:52 08/16/05 (4)

She didn't.. - Frank.. 03:48:34 08/17/05 (2)

Re: She didn't.. - Daedalus 04:35:03 08/17/05 (1)

I don't really care too much about hurting your feelings... - Chris Garrett 09:10:46 08/17/05 (0)

Re: Martin Why Bother. - Teresa 20:30:59 08/16/05 (0)

Incorrect re-read Christine's post from January 05, 2005 (link inside) - Teresa 13:38:08 08/16/05 (0)

Incorrect Assertion - racerguy 08:39:35 08/16/05 (7)

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