I like it. The load time is really quick, the picture quality is great and the sound is awesome. Pretty easy interface on the remote control, too.

DTS, On-Screen-Menu, Remote, Speakers used indicator on the display, Coax and Optical out, two sets RCA outs (good for second room), SVHS/Composite/Component video outs, fast/slow scan with audio, and doesn't appear to suffer the common problems of other DVD players.

Does not automatically switch to PCM for audio CDs (actually makes a difference in sound quality), need to manually pick 5.1 track (why can't they make this automaticly part of the disc scan/menu setup), menu access is slow, gets warm to the touch after an hour, and cannot adjust PCM/bitstream on the "fly".

I would have never considered getting a stand-alone DVD player (owned the Creative Lab) except for the fact that Creative never answered and of my Emails (sent about 20-30) about whether if they will ever come out with a card or software upgrade to allow the Creative player to do DTS pass-thru or if they will come out with a card with Component Video out. Picture wise the Panasonic is softer (on both the SVHS/composite outputs), audio is slightly lower in the bass (confirmed after setup with the DVD Essentials test disc and Radio Shack SPL meter a 2 db off, I wonder if it's just the Creative being off?), and even with the menu set for bitstream the player will still default to the DPL track (or 2-channel) of some of the discs played. The only disc that this player has had a problem playing is "Saving Private Ryan" in which I have a light glare (like watching thru a window) and a temporary freeze which really I blame the DVD instead due to this player not having problems with some of the troublesome DVDs that others reported. Personally I like the remote and the On-screen displays compared to some of the other DVD players I've seen at the stores (the ones above are ones that either my friends or I have owned which in all cases I setup). If you have a remote extender then this player can also transmit information up to three different areas simultaneously (main room thru SVHS/digital output, and other two rooms composites). The only other thing to mention is that the component stream video if used will require that you flip a switch in the back and thus disabling the SVHS or component video outputs and thus limiting your ability to do use it for multi-room. The audio on this is actually better than most entry level CD players but not to the level of good player that is about $100+ more. Personally if your AVR or Preamp has DD decoding this is a very good player for the money offered, other wise I suggest a player with a decoder built-in that has a sub-crossover to match your current speaker setup. I think this is the best budget player that a person can buy for under $300 if you intend to use some DTS sources, otherwise if you can live without tech support then get the Creative Labs as it seems to me at least to have a superior video and audio performance for a lower price of course you would have to live without a remote.

Similar Products Used:

Creative Labs Encore PC-DVD x5, Toshiba 3109, and Pioneer 414.

Component Video, Optical AND Co-Ax Digital Outputs; 2 sets of RCA AV outputs, good compatibility, seamless layer changes, VSS is excellent if you don't have a surround setup

Small remote buttons

Overall, I'm very happy with the unit. It's played rental DVDs excellent, and I have had no problems with the unit at all. Great sound, love the dialogue enhancer.

Tried the VSS settings when I went over to my parents' house to show them a movie; they worked really well on a 2-channel AV unit.

You would do yourself well by purchasing this product.

Similar Products Used:

JVC 501

Great picture, great sound, easy set-up, reasonably priced.

My particular unit has no weaknesses.

The picture quality and sound from this unit(played through my Kenwood VR-309 receiver)are spectacular. The remote and on screen menu system are very easy to use, you'll have it up and running in no time at all! No need to worry about having the right connection to your Dolby Digital receiver, this player has both coaxial and optical digital outputs. It also has component video output in addition to composite and S-Video, all for a very affordable price. Last week Circuit City had an unadvertised special on this model for under $225 and 6th Avenue Electronics was selling it for $199! At these prices this is an incredible buy! If you're serious about getting a DVD player, turn off your computer now and go get one before they sell out!

Similar Products Used:

Sony DVP-S300

Great Picture...Fast Loading...Price...Component and S-Video outputs...

None so far

Why waste money on a more expensive machine? Unless you are an "Audio Geek", the Panasonic A120U will do everything you need it to do, especially for the price. I say this giving the fact that my HTS already has DD and DTS built in.

I chose the Panasonic over the Sony 330 and the Toshiba 2109 and I will never look back. With the documented lipsink problems of the Sony and the lack of outputs on the Toshiba, the choice was easy.

The remote is not that bad, the buttons ARE small but you get used to it.

Similar Products Used:

First DVD Player

I chose this product over the Sony 330 and the RCA 5220p. After reading about Sony's lip sync problem, and RCA's other problems, I decided on the A-120U. Although I have only used it since Christmas, I think it is a great player. It plays just as good as my brother's higher-end Sony player ($1200 model). I can't see spending that much more money on another player given how fast technology keeps on changing. I'm sure there will be features available on 4th generation DVD players that we will all wnat to buy next year. Anyways, I have played the Matrix, Terminator 2, Ace Ventura, StarGate and Out for Justice. They all ran smoothe as can be. I have it running with a Panasonic CT27SF-36 TV. The combination is killer. Picture quality is very clear. A plus goes to the forward and reverse speeds (5 speeds). Like everyone else says, the remote has small, clumped together buttons, but once you get the "feel" for it, its ok. The unit feels light and hollow, but it doesn't bother me. I highly reccommend this DVD player to anyone in the market for a great machine. I got it for $199 at the Wiz with a price match from 6th Ave Electronics. If I could, I would give it 6 out of 5 stars for value. It has most everyhting you want (all the outputs) for under $200. It still gets 5/5 overall rating even though the remote has tiny buttons.

Coax AND Optical digital audio outs, DTS AND Dolby Digital,
2 RCA audio outs, 2 RCA video outs, component video outs

No zoom.

Great so far, except...

I've been using this on multiple TVs & VCR pass-through set-ups and have had no problems until I set it up on my home system. I have an ancient TV and low-end VCR; it's set up to enter the VCR through its RCA jacks and then travel to the TV via cable. There's a very weird problem with this set-up. The color is fine during the stand-by "Panasonic DVD" screen, but when any DVD is played, it goes B/W for 10 or so seconds, and then color for 5 or so seconds. It does this even while "fast-forward"-ing. It's very weird and frustrating.

I'm not ruling out the possibility that I damaged it while moving it from one location to another. I'm going to test it on another set-up. I just wanted to let everyone know that this problem might exist, though.

Similar Products Used:

None.

Great picture, on scerren display, Dolby digital and DTS decoding, cool looking idle screen,digital display, universal remote, Virtual sound stage mode(read my reviwew to figure out what this is)

so-so price of 299.99 on amazon.com

This is great DVD player! I am currently using it with,...

-500 watt Technics Dolby Digital reciver w/DTS
-Technics SL-PD5 5 CD changer
-DCM Graphic Equilizer
-Panasonic VHS Dolby NR VCR
-Panasonic DVD A120U
-Toshiba "38 in (Great TV!!)
-DCM KX-12 Series 2 Speakers (The best speakers ive ever owned, see my review!!)
-Bose 2.2 DTS speakers
-(3 pair)Bose 141(center chanel)

This system will blow you away, Those DCM's really rock and the DVD player helps! I owned a Sony DVD pretty much the same crap but a year older, I hated that thing!!!!! I have really always disliked sony already. I love my panasonic, and have never been happier with all of my equipment.

Similar Products Used:

Sony DVP-S530D

Picture and Price

Remote

This dvd is a great buy for the price. As low as $229 on some sites. Check out my simon for locations

I originally wanted a '99 Sony DVD but the Panasonic caught my eye a month early. I have had good success with Technic/Panasonic in the past so decided to give the A-120U a try. First of all, DVD makes VHS hard to tolerate. I (in error) originally thought that DVD would only make action flics better but even dialog and background music is considerably improved. You must have Dolby Digital though...try the movie in DD 5.1 or DTS then switch the output to something like 2-channel Dolby Pro-Logic...it stinks. I just wish the local Blockbuster would get more DVD's. Anyway...about the Panasonic. I recommend it...afforbable and a decent product. Very clear picture and sound. Only had it "pause" once...otherwise has performed flawlessly. I give it 4 starts only because the A-120U is towards the bottom of Panasonic's offerings and therefore can't be perfect...can it?