Panasonic DVD-F86S

Panasonic DVD-F86S DVD Player Review

The Panasonic DVD-F86S A DVD/CD changer sure to please movie hounds and music aficionados alike, Panasonic's super-slim DVD-F86S 5-disc DVD player offers incredible format handling. It produces terrific images from standard DVD-Video discs, while also letting you play homemade DVD-R and DVD-RAM media (either yours or discs from your friends and family). On the music end, the player handles CD-R and CD-RW discs, including MP3 and WMA CDs, as well as high-resolution DVD-Audio (stereo mode only).

You also get cutting-edge features like digital "multi" re-mastering, which infuses CD music playback with interpolated high-frequency harmonics that wouldn't otherwise be present, and HighMAT (High-Performance Media Access Technology), a technology developed by Panasonic and Microsoft to ensuring digital media compatibility between PCs and consumer electronics.

The Panasonic DVD-F86S deck features a progressive-scan video processor that doubles the scan lines of an interlaced signal (from 480i to 480p) by scanning all 525 lines in 1/60 of a second for each pass. The higher-density video signal (designed for high-definition and HD-ready TVs) brings a film-like quality to DVD images. Composite- and S-video outputs accommodate most other televisions.

A feature called 4:4:4 signal processing converts recorded luminance and color-difference signals from 8 to 10 bits and upsamples color signal data, all with the aim of rendering vivid colors, flat luminance signal response, and minimal picture noise. The Direct Navigator and playlist playback features let you access navigation menus and custom playlists on DVD-RAM discs recorded on Panasonic DVD recorders.

DVD-Audio offers super high-fidelity (192 kHz/24-bit) sound. DVD-Audio discs provide incredible storage capacity and unique bonus materials not available on regular audio CDs. Most DVD-A discs offer both high-resolution surround-sound and high-res stereo (2-channel) programs; the DVD-F86S decodes only the stereo programs.

To appreciate full DVD-Audio resolution, you'll need to listen through the player's analog rather than digital outputs. For enjoyment of Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS 5.1-channel surround sound, feed the player's coaxial digital audio output to a compatible audio/video receiver The Panasonic DVD-F86S also boasts features like MPEG digital noise reduction (mosquito/block/3D), depth enhancer, audio-only function (video circuit off), picture mode selection, slow and fast audio playback, and Dialogue Enhancer (which boosts the volume of the center channel during Dolby Digital 5.1-channel presentations).

What's in the Box?

Panasonic DVD-F86S DVD player, remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, and a stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable.

What Features Does the Panasonic DVD-F86S Have?

� Color: Silver

� Disc capacity: 5

� Region playback: Compatible only with non-region-coded (code-free) discs and with discs coded for Region 1

� Progressive scan: Yes

� Switchable 480p/480i: Yes

� 3:2 pulldown: No

� Memory card slot: No

� Playback formats: DVD-Video (NTSC), DVD-Audio (stereo only), DVD-R, DVD-RAM, red book CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 CD, WMA CD

� Bass management: No

� MP3/JPEG combination playback: No

� Firmware upgradeable: No

� Aspect ratio control: Yes

� Dialog enhancer: Yes

� Integrated receiver: No

� Front-panel operation: No

� Quick play: No

� Multi-angle viewing: Yes (with applicable discs)

� Black-level adjustment: Yes

� Horizontal resolution: More than 500 lines

� HDCD decoding: Yes

� Video DAC: 54 MHz/10-bit

� Audio DAC: 192 kHz/24-bit

� Video signal-to-noise ratio: More than 65 dB

� Audio signal-to-noise ratio: 115 dB

� Chapter preview: Yes

� Custom bookmarks: No

� Frame advance: Yes

� Still/freeze frame: Yes

� Speed scan: 100x

� Direct Navigator: Yes

� Playlist playback: Yes

� Progress indicator: Yes

� Audio/JPEG navigation menu: Yes

� HighMAT compatible: Yes (Level 2)

� Still Picture Display (I/P/B): Yes

� Picture controls: Brightness, Color, Contrast, Gamma Correction, Sharpness

� Picture enhancements: Gamma correction, 4:4:4 signal processing, MPEG digital noise reduction (mosquito/block/3D), depth enhancer, 4:3 shrink function with letterbox zoom and shift, picture mode selection

� Audio enhancements: Multi Re-master processing, audio only function (video circuit off), slow and fast audio playback, dynamic range compression (for late-night movie viewing)

� Monitor select: Yes

� Bass Plus: No

� Jog/shuttle dial on unit: No

� Forward/reverse play: Yes

� Karaoke: No

� Multilingual support: Yes (English, Spanish, French)

� Remote control: Yes

� Parental controls: Yes

� Picture zoom: Yes (variable and auto)

� Changer type: Carousel

� Play exchange: Yes

� Recording capability: No

� Resume play: Yes (up to 5 discs)

� Sleep timer: Yes

� Reverse-frame step: Yes

� Slow motion: Yes

� Quick Guide setup: Yes

� Instant replay: Yes (Quick Replay)

� Text display: No

� VCR capability: No

� Audio outputs: 1 stereo analog (left/right), 1 monaural RCA subwoofer output, 1 digital-audio (coaxial)

� Headphone jack: No

� Video outputs: 3 (composite-, component-, and S-video)

� Surround-sound output: Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS 5.1-channel passthrough

� Simulated surround sound: Yes (Advanced Surround, V.S.S.--also works for headphone listening)

� THX-certified: No

� Energy Star-compliant: Yes

� Power input: AC 120V, 60 Hz

� Power consumption: 10 watts

� Item width: 16.9 inches

� Item height: 2.3 inches

� Item depth: 15.6 inches

� Item weight: 11.32 pounds

� Warranty: 1 year parts and labor

Conclusion

Panasonic DVD-F86S Super-Slim 5-Disc DVD Changer Player - Dolby Digital and DTS decoding Multi-mode playback capabilities 110 Volts AC Power Plug USA Panasonic USA Warranty - 90 Days Parts and Labor; 1-Year Parts. This is a great DVD Player. You really can't go wrong.

Best DVD Recorder Reviews Rating

9/10

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Panasonic DVD-F86S DVD Player Review
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