CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 01/13/2002
Blue-light special
At 2.2 pounds, the LA95 isn't the lightest portable DVD player, but it's nowhere as heavy as most DVD-equipped laptops, and it isn't a nuisance to carry. All in all, it has a pretty sturdy feel, and though we didn't dare drop it, it traveled just fine in a lightly padded carrying case.
Other than its ample, 9-inch display, the first thing you'll notice when you open the player is the multidirectional mouse button/jog dial that's illuminated by a cool-looking, blue backlight, which you can choose to turn off. We also appreciated the backlit transport buttons (Next Chapter, Previous Chapter, Pause), as well as the power on/off buttons. Another plus: the small, easy-to-use remote incorporates a navigational mouse button.
Around the side, you'll find four minijack outputs that allow you to connect the player to your TV, as well as a surround-sound A/V receiver. The LA95 supports playback of DVD-Audio discs, CD-R/RWs, MP3 CDs, select DVD-Rs, and even DVD-RAM, according to Panasonic. There's also Dolby Digital- and DTS-compatible optical audio output (cable not included). You won't find a multitude of picture adjustment options, but all of the standard DVD features are here, and the jog dial allows you to scan forward and reverse at multiple speeds for quick scene searches.
All in all, we had no major gripes with the display. We found that we could view movies from an off-axis position, which means that someone sitting in the seat next to you on a plane won't have a problem watching your movie along with you. But you should be aware that you'd get a sharper picture from a DVD-equipped laptop. Continue reading
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