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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Amazing Upscaling HD DVD"
Pros: Tons of features, value, easy use, bookmarks, great audio and video, great reviews
Cons: Remote not back lit, No eject on remote buttun, Crappy HDMI cable supplied, no elapsed time on front panel
Summary: I finally upgraded my outdated panasonic r32 interlaced dvd for this amazing unit. I am very pleased with the unit thus far. I used an upgraded HDMI cable to connected to my Pioneer PDP 4350 plasma. The supplied cable looked pretty flimsy so I got a mid level HDMI cable with gold tips and shielding. I am not sure it is worth the extra 100$ but I didn't want to risk it with the cheap looking cable supplied with the unit. I am using a toslink optical cable to connect with my Denon AVR 3805 which connect to Bowers and Wilkins inwalls, satelite and round sub. I am very pleased with the DVD unit and it's integration with my current system. It is easy to use, even though I have not delved into the manual yet to explore the features.
Most of my ProntoPro remote settings from my old panasonic work for the current machine. To my surprise, the open tray command on my Prontopro from my old panasonic works this new unit. This is a surprize since this button does not exist on the supplied remote. I like the open tray remote function alot since I never can find the right buttons on the face of any unit I have and I rely on my pronto to do everything.
This is my first HDMI application. HDMI is amazing. Since I have moved my Xbox 360 component inputs to the back of my Pioneer receiver I have some input issues which are solved with a remote menu. I have to enable the HDMI to use the DVD and disable the HDMI to use the components for the xbox 360 since these share the same input. This is just growing pains and it is tolerable until I write a macro to do all this on my ProntoPro. Regardless this is not an issue with the near flawless Panasonic S97.
This is a great unit at a great price. I was considering spending 1000 - 2000$ on a Denon or Pioneer elite DVD. I also considered a budget Pioneer DV 588a. The S97 is a great buy and has the same features and similar performance as the more expensive units. I am happy with my choice with the S97 which has all the features I need. I researched this unit using the sites below.
1. Cnet
2. http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=&manufacturer=0&maxprice=0&deInt=0&mpeg=0
3. http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/PanasonicDVDS97p1.php
