Panasonic DVD RP56 DVD Players
Panasonic DVD RP56 DVD Players
USER REVIEWS
[Jan 31, 2005]
dochroch
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Excellent component output without any annoying video artifacts. 2x scan with sound (a big benefit) Cinema/dialogue one-button features
Weakness:
Clearly, this is a piece of junk in terms of reliability and build quality. No screen saver. I bought this used as an open box/ return at BestBuy. Boy, was *that* a mistake! Within four months, I developed severe pixelation problems, and back it went to the factory (under parts but not labor warranty)...so, it cost me $45 plus shipping to get it fixed...then Panasonic sent it back broken again, so I had to reship to Panasonic. What a pain! Since then (at least a year), it's been fine. In fact, except for having troubles reading moderately scratched disks, the player is flawless and delivers a great picture. In fact, when I A-to-B'ed the RP56 agains the new Denon 2910 with component out, the Panasonic was equally good. Similar Products Used: Denon 2910 |
[Nov 03, 2003]
jkroha
Casual Listener
Strength:
When working was fine, ok pic, cheap.
Weakness:
Dies at 15 months, DO NOT buy a used one, think alot of peeps dumping em on EBay and such, mine might test fine but after 20 min screen goes black. Well am posting my first ever review as I come here to shops, bought based on good eary reviews here, well like many others at month 15-16 now and its fried, goes black screen randomly. I must be spoiled, all my other equipment is much older and fine, expected more, so off to research. Have bought 3 other panasonics for friends (diffrent models) hope they last longer! While it worked only annoiance was the delay on switching platters. Similar Products Used: Panasonic um 30 something DVD, non progressive scan working fine as Christmas present to parents (Yes I gave my used one to em, I'm cheap) |
[Aug 24, 2003]
bradglenn
Audio Enthusiast
Sounds like I am luckier than most. Bought this unit almost two years ago with a pana 47 HD rear projection tv. Up until today, I have been raving about the picture quality. I do think it is the best picture I have seen from a dvd player under 400. But today, got the dreaded ho2 error message. Any of you that have been able to fix this on your own, please email glenngarbage@sbcglobal.net Thanks |
[Jul 13, 2003]
Julio
Casual Listener
Strength:
Good value at the time of purchase. Lots of features and formats supported.
Weakness:
Chintzy remote control. Short pause when the player moves from one layer to another on multi-layer disks (not a big deal). Audible vibration when accessing certain parts of the DVD (usually menu items, etc.; not that big of a deal and does not affect picture or sound output). I've had my player for about 3 years now and have not experienced any trouble. Picture quality seems good and the features of the player seem to be comprehensive and well thought out. Similar Products Used: None. |
[Jul 01, 2003]
lockman
AudioPhile
Strength:
Features, overall picture quality, sound reproduction when used with high quality external DAC
Weakness:
Picture is not as sharp as other players I'm also a little confused about the mixed reviews. Since I recently bought a Mitsubishi 46" widescreen HDTV I figured I owed it to myself to at least upgrade to a progressive scan player. After seeing a shootout of several palyers in a high end video magazine I decided on this player. This replaced a Toshiba player that did not have progressive scan. The Toshiba (not sure of what model, but I bought it when DVD players came down to the $500 level) had an exceptional picture quality. I don't think the picture is as sharp with the Panasonic, that is my only complaint. It meets or exceeds my expectations in every other area, in fact I am now using it as a stand alone transport for CD use teamed with a CI Audio DAC and upgraded powesupply it is giving me good enough sound quality to allow me to sell my $3,000 Cary CD 303/100 player that I was also using as a transport. Similar Products Used: Toshiba |
[Jun 02, 2003]
Mike
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Works good for a year or so.
Weakness:
Ghetto $30 JVC VCR's last longer. This product was great for the first year and a half. Then BAM. HO2. First, I'd like to say this product was great and I couldn't imagine it would EVER not work. Then randomly one day, it broke. There is no excuse for any product that costs over $100 to break in less than 5 years. I went and bought a ghetto JVC VCR 4 years ago and it's still running strong. It cost $30 back then and it didn't break. Now why is it that I can have something so cheap and worthless to work that long and not the DVD player that was supposedly by a better brand? No more Panasonic for me... Similar Products Used: Playstation 2 DVD Player. And it's better. |
[Apr 14, 2003]
stigler
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Picture quality
Weakness:
MP3 playback slow read time Doesn't read MP3 file tagging Last song played memory Bought this player thinking, made in Japan, must be good. Picture quality is good, but player is very fussy about cleanliness of the disc. Almost every disc rented has to be cleaned before it will play without skipping. Now I'm having problems with it playing MP3 files, skips and beeps through most songs that when played in my truck player are fine. Also takes forever to read disc info. Can't believe it won't read the song tags and display them on the screen, and will not hold the memory of the last song played. Kind of frustrating when the cd has 130 songs on it. I would not recommend this player for mp3 use. Similar Products Used: Toshiba SD1300 |
[Apr 08, 2003]
opieie
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Outstanding picture quality
Weakness:
None Had to write this review after reading some of the negative reviews as of late im not sure what is wrong with the people writing these reviws but ive had this dvd player for a year and a half and have beat it to death and I have never I repeat NEVER had one single problem with and anyone who trys to say the picture is garbage must not understand how to use it I did direct blind comparisions between this and several very high end dvd players one that cost ten times as much as this one and everyone always picked the panasonic imagine that now I can't speak for the longivity of the loading tray except I have not had a problem and I just bought another one tonight at Ultimate for $49.00 could not pass it up for that price just to have a backup. Similar Products Used: Sony, Meridian, Proceed, EAD |
[Mar 29, 2003]
Marcel Lambert
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Quietness while playing
Weakness:
Mp3 tracking and reading could be inprove This was given to me by the store as a promotion when I've bought a big screen TV. It became my DVD player and my main CD player and I’ve been using it everyday for 15 months without problem. I must also admit that I’ve have never given a break to this player and it seems like it is the trick it must be use. I was very surprise to see all those peoples complaining about the picture quality and also with the sound quality. The sound on mine has been excellent and the picture has been sharp and clear but good quality cable must be use. This is my second DVD I’ve sold my JVC that kept on breaking but I had extended warranty but again this is new technology so remember like every mechanical item use it or it’s going to break. |
[Mar 14, 2003]
rick
Casual Listener
Strength:
pretty
Weakness:
large and unreliable Bought what i thought was excellent good value dvd 15 months ago. After reading these reviews i believe i should have gone with cheaper choice. Had the HO2 error today. Based on frustration and the success of Jasons review, i went inside case to see what i could find. With power turned off i lubricated all exposed gears-light wd40, spun top cd holder and dusted with compressed air. It is working fine for now. My best guess may unbalance cd cassette enough to through it off track? |