Panasonic DVD-S27K

Panasonic DVD-S27K DVD Player Review

Panasonic's surprisingly affordable Panasonic DVD-S27K DVD-S27S DVD player handles just about any optical media format available, from standard DVD-Video to DVD-R, DVD-RAM, CD-R and CD-RW, MP3- and WMA-encoded audio CDs, and even JPEG picture discs.

A handy feature called Quick Replay jumps back seven to 10 seconds in case you miss an important bit of action or dialogue, while high-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz audio processing and 10-bit/54 MHz video processing ensure vivid sound and picture from all compatible sources.

Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the Panasonic DVD-S27K 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 result? Higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. S-video and standard composite-video outputs offer compatibility with nearly all televisions; use a video modulator (not included) if you have an older TV with only a threaded coaxial audio/video input.

Panasonic's 10-bit 4:4:4 Signal Processing converts recorded luminance and color difference signals from 8 to 10 bits and upsamples the color-signal data, delivering striking colors and a flat luminance signal response for high resolution and minimal picture noise.

The unit offers audio features like Dialogue Enhancer (which boosts the volume of the center channel during Dolby Digital 5.1-channel presentations) and a coaxial digital-audio output for channeling DTS and Dolby Digital surround sound to a surround-decoding audio/video receiver. The Panasonic DVD-S27K player performs Dolby Digital and DTS decoding and fold-down to 2-channel for stereo listening (letting you enjoy the higher-quality DTS soundtracks even if you don't have a surround listening system), and Advanced Surround (V.S.S.) simulates a surround sound effect using only your front 2 speakers (left/right).

Slow and fast audio playback lets you hear program sound even when you're scanning or watching in slow motion.

What's in the Box?

Panasonic DVD-S27K DVD player, a remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, and a stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable.

What Features Does the Panasonic DVD-S27K Have?

� Color: Black

� Disc capacity: 1

� Region playback: Compatible only with discs coded for Region 1 and for All Regions

� Progressive scan: Yes

� Switchable 480p/480i: Yes

� 3:2 pulldown detection: No

� Memory card slot: No

� Playback formats: DVD-Video (NTSC), DVD-RAM, DVD-R, video CD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 CD, WMA CD, JPEG image CD

� MP3/JPEG combination playback: No

� Firmware upgradeable: No

� Aspect ratio control: Yes

� Dialog enhancer: Yes

� Integrated receiver: No

� Quick play: No

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

� Black-level adjustment: Yes

� Horizontal resolution: More than 500 lines

� Picture enhancements: 4:4:4 Signal Processing, picture controls (Brightness, Color, Contrast, Gamma Correction, Sharpness)

� Video DAC: 54 MHz/10-bit

� Audio DAC: 192 kHz/24-bit

� HDCD decoding: No

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

� Audio signal-to-noise ratio: 115 dB

� Dynamic range (video): Information not available

� Dynamic range (audio): DVD-Video: 100 dB, CD: 98 dB

� Custom bookmarks: No

� Dynamic-range compression: Yes

� Direct Navigator: Yes (when playing back a DVD-RAM disc only, this feature allows you to use the navigation menu on the disc that was created using a Panasonic DVD recorder)

� Playlist playback: Yes (when playing back a DVD-RAM disc only, this feature allows you to use the custom playlists on the disc that were created using a Panasonic DVD recorder)

� Quick setup guide: Yes

� Frame advance: Yes

� Still/freeze frame: Yes

� Jog/shuttle dial on unit: No

� Forward/reverse play: Yes

� Speeds: Up to 200x normal speed (high-speed scan)

� Karaoke: No

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

� Remote control: Yes

� Picture zoom: Variable and auto

� Recording capability: No

� Resume play: Yes (5 discs)

� Sleep timer: Yes

� Reverse-frame step: Yes

� Slow motion: Yes

� Instant replay: Yes

� Progress indicator: Yes

� VCR capability: No

� Audio outputs: 1 stereo analog (left/right), 1 digital (coaxial)

� Headphone jack: No

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

� Surround-sound output: Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel passthrough

� Simulated surround sound: Advanced Surround, Headphone Surround

� THX-certified: No

� Front-panel inputs: No

� Power input: AC 120V, 60 Hz

� Power consumption: 8 watts

� HighMAT compatible: Yes (Level 2)

� Energy Star compliant: Yes

� Item width: 16.94 inches

� Item height: 2.19 inches

� Item depth: 8.94 inches

� Item weight: 4.2 pounds

� Warranty: 1 year parts and labor

Conclusion

S27K DVD-Video, DVD-RAM/DVD-R CD, CD-R/RW, Highmat Level 2 WMA, MP3, Jpeg, Black - DVDS27K / PANDVDS27KS27K DVD-Video, DVD-RAM/DVD-R CD, CD-R/RW, Highmat Level 2 WMA, MP3, Jpeg DVD PlayerDimensions�16-15/16w x 8-15/16d x 2-3/16hShpg. Wt.�7 lbs.Progressive Scan�Advanced10-bit Video D/A ConverterStill Picture DisplayDialogue EnhancerDolby Digital & DTS Compatible OutputAudio D/A Converter�24-bit/192KHzForward & Reverse Scan�x200, 5 speedsCD/CD-RW Playback�MP3/WMA/DVD-RAMRemote Control�UniversalOn-Screen Menu IconsVideo, Component Video and S-Video OutputsDigital Audio OutputHorizontal Resolution�500+ linesPicture ZoomEnergy Star CompliantThis product does not allow copywrited DVDs to be transferred onto tape.Black

The Panasonic DVD-S27K is a terrific DVD player for the price. The quality of the scanned output is much better then most of the el cheapo dvd players on the market.

Best DVD Recorder Reviews Rating

8/10

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Panasonic DVD-S27K DVD Player Review
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