Customer Reviews
Amazing picture quality but you need a college course to work it!
I am glad I bought this for the great picture and sound quality it delivers but it will be a while before I learn what all the buttons on the remote are for and understand all the dozens of features and functions. I always thought I was quick to catch on to new technological marvels until this arrived via UPS. I got it three days ago and it was fairly easy to work to watch movies but the number of settings for things I have never heard of is probably over one hundred. I try now to think of some examples and my head starts swimming.
I had purchased a "Go-video" from Target a month ago to compare with this for about $65 and didn't really believe the other reviews here that raved about the picture quality with HDMI but getting my new Panasonic 30" widescreen and this DVD player have convinced me. I can especially tell the difference when I switch back to television after watching a DVD. Also the sound quality is clearer with HDMI.
I am returning the $100 "Monster" cable I got. The one that came with the player does a good job.
I really wish this were not quite as complicated. Particualy I have trouble with getting the picture from a DVD to fit onto my widescreen TV with this. It takes reading the instruction book and pushing various buttons on the remote before it fits without chopping the actors heads off. So far I have had to struggle with it each time I watch a movie.
There seem to be around 40 buttons and functions too many. And strangly enough there is no "Power" button on the remote so to turn it off I push on the button that says "DVD" on it. I also can't figure out how to "rewind" a DVD movie to the beginning without turning it off and on again. With so many buttons you would think there would be a couple of them that do these things but I haven't found them yet.
But I am definitely willing to put up with it and with time I may learn what I am doing, because the picture quality is fantastic.
Recommended!
Great potential, some problems though
The S77 has great potential, but it falls short in image quality. The player creates and enhances macroblocking in DVD material. It is worst over HDMI and less so over component (480i/p obviously.) Now, every DVD has some macroblocking, the problem with the S77 is that it not only enhances the macroblocking that is present in the content, but it also creates macroblocking. Its most easily seen in areas of solid color/detail, such as walls, shirts, backgrounds, etc. Depending on your display, it may make the player unuseable.
My first unit from Amazon was defective; the loader tray wouldn't stay shut. The replacement unit outputs static via the digital coax.
The player has a top notch deinterlacer and is packed with options. The poor build quality and macroblocking get two big thumbs down. I'd suggest buying the player from a store that has a liberal return policy.
Great Product!!!!.. well recommended..
I didnt what all the fuss was about the up convert HD DVD Player, until i played a DVD in my current JVC Progressive scan player on my new Toshiba DLP 62". My picture was really really bad especially with movies I burned. So there I was shopping for an Upconvert DVD Player. Finally for a nice price i bought the Sony HD-Conversion DVD Player (DVPNS70H) for $129.99 from Circuit City, after 2 days for playing around, i couldnt tell any difference with that player and my old JVC player. Then i was certain it was a big waste of money, UNTIL i read some reviews about this Panasonic dvd player.. let me tell you OUT Of the box, the first movie, i was like "WOW".. it made a HUUUUGEEE difference. My movies were so sharp and so clear, just like my 1080i sources on my HDTV service.. AMAZING. The only bad thing is the MENU is bit hard to Maneuver to change it to 720 or 1080 resolution, and no eject button on the remote. But the unit itself is really slick, stylish and very very very good player. IT DOES THE JOB. for $199.99 its well worth the money.
