bargain

I wanted a budget DVD/CD changer that could also play DVD-Audio (DVD-A). I was a bit skeptical about this player, having read other user reviews.

At it's price point of $130, I decided to give this player a try - because I could always exchange it for another player if necessary. Currently I also own a JVC progressive and an Aiwa non-progressive DVD player. Both those players are good, but have problems playing certain DVD and VCD disks.

I was presently surprised to find that the new Panasonic DVD-F87 player played all the disks with which I had problems with my previous players. The player is quite thin and has a small footprint - the width being actually slightly less than my old JVC single-disk DVD player!

I set up this player using component video cables to a Samsung widescreen HDTV and using digital coaxial cable to a JVC RX-6030. I first tried the "quick setup" menu features, but was not impressed with the results. So, I decided to use the more advanced menu options and was able to tweak it to audio and video excellence.

Since I have a HDTV, I set it up to use progressive scan (selecting 480p). The video performance is excellent for the "film based" (24fps) DVDs using 3:2 pulldown, but average for "video based" (30fps) DVDs. This is because these low cost Panasonic players no longer have the Sage/Faroudja DCDi deinterlacing chip. Thankfully, almost 90% of new DVD movies released today are film based, so this player will have no problem producing excellent video output. Besides, its 54MHz/10-bit video DAC produces an increadibly good detailed image. Another feature highlight is its "black level" control, which improves picture contrast considerably. It has a number of zoom modes to suit the DVD format and your viewing style and does a superb job of scaling. You can even scale non-anamorphic DVDs to suit the aspect ratio of your TV (using the "Display" menu).

The real surprise is in the audio performance with its 192kHz/24-bit audio D/A converter. DVD-A and HDCD and two of the advanced formats supported (but not SACD) that provide very detailed sound quality. But the key feature that sets this player apart from the competition is the oversampling feature (called "multi remaster") with improves the detail in your normal (or "redbook") CDs. The result is very detailed sound, with clean and smooth highs with a wide soundstage and excellent imaging. Bass is also defined and tight. With multi remaster enabled, I compared the Panasonic F87 with a more expensive Marantz 4400 DVD player and the Panasonic won hands down. So I now have this player connected (in stereo mode) to my more high-end stereo audio gear.

On the downside, the thin manual does not do justice to the ton of audio and video features that can be tweaked using a combination of menus. But if you are an audio or video-phile I can guarantee you will have fun with this player!

In conclusion, I highly recommend this player to those of you who are willing to go beyond the "plug and play" and are willing to use the excellent menu features to tweak the player to your liking.

I was pessimistic because of a poor experience with a Panasonic DVD player in the past...I've owned many different Panasonic electronic components and have been 100% satisified, except with their DVD players. Unfortunately, I should have trusted my gut and stayed away from Panasonic DVD.

The very first movie I played, which was brand new out of the package, was Matrix Revolutions. At chpt 21, the DVD player hangs up, freezes, and eventually skips ahead about 5 minutes into the movie. I took the DVD to my Toshiba DVD/VCR combo unit and it plays in the same area without a hitch. I tried playing the DVD in 3 different slots in the carousel and had the same exact problem. I'm returning this DVD player.

It is a shame, because I really like the features for the price on this player. It is slightly (though not much) quicker changing CDs than other DVD changers. The buttons are easily accesible on the unit itself (so finding the remote isn't mandatory), and it takes 2 pushes of remote buttons to get CD random play (which is better than some of the comptetitors. Quality of audio and video was excellent.

The only other major complaint is the remote. The range of the remote is weak. I couldn't get the DVD player to respond to remote inputs sitting on my couch which is about 7 feet from the DVD player...that was also annoying.

Stay away from Panasonic DVD, that is my advice. This is my second Panasonic DVD player that has issues with hanging up and freezing on DVD play. I'm now debating between Toshiba and Sony...