Panasonic DVD-RV31S DVD Player, Silver

Panasonic's DVD-RV31S DVD-video player delivers a combination of quality video and special features usually found only in more expensive players, if at all. Among many other features, the DVD-RV31S offers MP3 playback, robust connectivity, and an advanced version of Panasonic's simulated surround sound with proprietary Bass Plus technology and a dedicated subwoofer output.

This unit's state-of-the-art component-video outputs allow for digital video transmission to compatible video equipment. It also offers standard composite-video outputs and an S-video output. A built-in 27 MHz/10-bit digital-to-analog video converter maximizes picture quality from these outputs, while brightness, color, and contrast controls let you fine-tune picture quality.

A digital-cinema mode illuminates the picture and fine-tunes color, even in low-light scenes. Additional video features include one-touch cinema memory, freeze frame, frame advance, and black-level controls.

An optical digital-audio output channels a bitstream for DTS and Dolby Digital surround sound, fostering glorious home-theater sound when decoded with an appropriate surround receiver.

Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (VSS) simulates a surround effect using only your two front speakers. Furthermore, the DVD-RV31S's dialogue enhancer pumps up the center-channel output to emphasize a movie's spoken audio. A 96-kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog audio converter and dynamic range compression (for late-night viewing) complete the DVD-RV31S' robust audio arsenal.

If you're not quite ready for 5.1-channel audio but already have a powered subwoofer, you'll appreciate the versatility of this player's discrete subwoofer output. The DVD-RV31S's pair of analog-audio stereo outputs along with its subwoofer output simulate theatrical sound by setting up a two-channel-plus-bass output that sends all low-frequency information to your subwoofer.

A built-in stabilizer and twin-laser pickup offers improved playability with the DVD-RV31S. Playback formats include DVD-video, video CD, audio CD, MP3-encoded CD, CD-R, and CD-RW. (Please note, however, that MP3 playback may vary depending on the content and disc type used.)

For your viewing convenience Panasonic's high-speed scan comes with five speeds, and the player also offers chapter preview, updated onscreen menu icons, a front-panel jog-shuttle dial, and a multibrand remote control.

Panasonic's DVD-RV31S comes in silver and is Energy Star compliant. This model is covered by a one-year parts, 90-days labor warranty.