Review on 📀 Panasonic DVD-F87K: 5 Disc Progressive Scan DVD Player in Sleek Black Design by Matthew Sutton

I picked this little beauty to replace my old and finicky 5 disc CD player and single disc DVD player. Now I have a breather at the old entertainment center, even my old record player can creak there every now and then. When I saw that I couldn't connect the toaster without help, I asked my faithful soulmate to solve the mystery of the setup. In non-technical terms, that is to say in plain language, here is what you need to know about this powerful machine: 1. The manual requires a lot of work. This is not user friendly and does not protect against idiots. The same goes for the square silver remote control.2. It's easy to set up if you already know how to do it. (We have a component video connection to a TV and a digital coaxial connection to a receiver.)3. There is great sound from CDs and DVDs. Movies like The Master and Commander have literally moved you with 5.1 channel surround sound, and CDs have never sounded better. It's just as convenient as a 5-disc CD changer, just like a 5-disc DVD player, except that to play more than one CD, you must first put it in "CD mode". It can easily play different types of media like audio CD, MP3, DVD and other mysterious formats - just insert discs and listen.6. The video quality is very good on a regular TV. You can set up various preset image quality modes or customize them to your liking if you are a techie or hobbyist. If you're having a hard time making a decision, ignore this option.7. The player is full of options, but you'll have to explore them yourself, which can be a bit confusing until you get the hang of it. Read the instructions you say? See point 1 above.8. The screen displays information for MP3 and Photo CDs, with different views available for the content. (groups/folders or entire playlists)9. I can't say anything about the progressive scan function because I don't yet own an HD or HD-ready television. (Still waiting to win the lottery) 10. It's supposed to play DVD-Audio discs, but you need 6.1 channel inputs on your receiver to play them. Unfortunately, our receiver doesn't have these inputs, but again, I don't have enough DVD-Audio discs. and sounds great to me. All in all a very good player, perhaps excellent considering the price. Amanda Richards October 1, 2004