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Since the XP50 lacks aspect-ratio control, owners of certain older wide-screen DTVs--those that can't resize a progressive image--will have to watch nonanamorphic discs in lower-quality interlaced mode. This Panasonic is also missing a coaxial digital-audio output, but it has an optical output, along with jacks for component video, S-Video, video, and stereo audio.
Performance
Mulholland Drive looked very good on the XP50. Detail and color were excellent, down to the reflections in the teardrop in an extreme close-up of Rita's face. We noticed minimal noise in the shadowy scenes at the Silencio nightclub, and the player rendered pans around Betty's Los Angeles apartment with little noise and no moving lines. Video sources appeared free of jagged edges, thanks to the Sage DCDi chip. Unfortunately, the XP50's conversion of anamorphic discs to 4:3 introduced motion artifacts and jagged edges.
Listening to DVD-A content, we couldn't tell the difference between this Panasonic and the on our modest test system. The intimacy of Bjork's voice on Vespertine enveloped us completely and extended far beyond its range on the CD version. We tried the Remaster function on the CD version of the album; it did lend some crispness and life to the upper range of the percussion, but at times, it made the music sound a little harsh. The Audio Only function had no effect that our ears could hear.
As noted, the $400 XP50 is more expensive than competing DVD-A units from , but it certainly is more stylish. If you like the XP50's look but don't need DVD-A support, the step-down costs around $75 less. All told, the XP50 is a solid value on the strengths of its design and good performance.
