Similar to those of the A-120U. Great product for the price.

Unlike the A-120U, the RV-30 won't access the Chapter of the DVD using just the numeric pad on the remote (keep giving the stop-sign layover disc). No coaxil connection (which is not really a problem, since I prefer optical connection anyway). The documentation can be improved.

Similar strength and weaknessess as the A-120U. Outstanding picture quality, and the sound is superb.

The only complaint I have is the Chapter access. I was a bit surprised when I was unable to access the Chapters directly via the numeric pad (I'm not sure if this feature was disable on all the RV-30 or just the unit I bought). First time I tried it, I thought I set it up incorrectly on the main menu. But when I look at the Panasonic A-120U's main menu and the RV-30's, they are exatcly the same. Now, I am resigned to the fact that the only way to access the Chapter directly (say from Chapter 1 to Chapter 18) is by pressing the display button first, then pressing the fast forward button once to C, and then enter the Chapter number via the numeric pad. This is very cumbersome.

So, instead of getting a 5-star rating for the RV-30's outstanding video and audio, I can only give it 4 stars for overall rating for the unit's inability to access DVD Chapter directly via numeric pad. But a 5 on the value rating.

Similar Products Used:

Panasonic A-120U, Pioneer DV-505

Great picture also fantastic CD playback

won't play CDR or CDRW. remote needs backlight since small buttons hard to locate in dark. No coaxial output

This is a follow up to my previous review. Great player. I found that the Dark/light variation was due to hooking player up through VCR since my tv only has 1 set of inputs and I have a Dish receiver VCR and this player. Macrovision causes brightness variation problem. Solved problem with $19.95 Recotron S-vhs switch from Amazon.com. No coaxial output but picture is so good with seperated audio video that there is no point in using a coaxial unless you have a TV with no AV inputs. Recomend this player highly.

picture quality, sound, features,

remote could be better - buttons very small & should be illuminated - will not play personal CDR's - needs another set of coaxial audio outputs

Excellent DVD player. It plays,so far, all of the major DVD title such as "the Matrix, Stuart Little and other all play with outstanding picture quality and sound. Loads of features for a player at this price. A great choice for a 1st DVD player.

Similar Products Used:

none

Price, silver, sub-out, fibre-optic out, video component, so many features, superb picture quality, clear CD sound, nice design

no speaker control (as in the RV60) for 5.1 systems, need to improve remote a bit.

Got this one a about a week ago and am amazed by it. The Matrix, Jaws, Green Mile were unbelievalbe. Crisp clear sound and rich bass reproduction. Bought it for 379 +tx . I probably won't buy another DVD player for years to come (I not enticed by or have the funds for the progressives). If you have a DD and/or DTS receiver, then this unit is all you'll need.
CD sound reproduction is as clear as my old Technics player.

One of my friends has the RV60. The only marked difference is the DD decoder and the 5.1 output. BUT, with a digital decoder in the receiver it makes no difference. Another friend has a similar Toshiba unit. I really don't think it is of the same value as the RV30.

Used with:
Panasonic GAOO 27
Technics 940
Infinity SM65
Bose center and surrounds
JBL ARC8 sub (hits pretty hard)

Excellent Picture and Sound! Great Menu System.

None

Overall the RV30, is a great value for the money, more features and as well it is Made in Japan, unlike the competition Sony.

The RV30 menu system is easy-to-use for both DVD and CDs and logically laid out as compared to Sony or Pioneer whose menu looks like it was slapped together as an afterthought.

For an entry-level player Panasonic has done a great job in both the picture and sound department. The specifications of S/N and Dynamic Range are better compared to Sony or Pioneer. There is definetly no pixel separation on the RV30, which I observed on the Sony.

Similar Products Used:

Sony S360 and Pioneer DV-333

Best picture and audio quality in price range.

For my viewing and listening pleasure, none.

During my search for a DVD player I tried out the Toshiba SD1200 and Sony DVPS360, and didn't like either of them. The Toshiba produced jaggies with downconversion and the Sony picture was quite soft. So I went out to purchase either the Pioneer DV-333 or the Panasonic DVD-RV30, and since I was unable to find the Pioneer, I chose this unit. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. The Panasonic doesn't offer any special features like zoom, but if you are like me and don't care about those things then you can't get a better DVD player in this price range.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba SD1200, Sony DVPS360

Excellent picture and resolution

The remote could be designed better so that key buttons had easier access

The RV30 has a better picture than all of the players mentioned. It has very, very good picture clarity, resoultion with minimal "grain" or artifacts. I should not that I was only able to use the Sony 330 for an extended period of time; I only used the others for a brief period. However, the RV30 still impressed me the most. The Sony gave a good picture, but was a little "soft" and not as sharp. Also, I felt there was a bit more grain - even with the Sony 360. The Pioneer came close - but the RV 30 was the top.

Similar Products Used:

Sony 330, Sony 360, Pioneer 333, Toshiba 1200

EXCELLENT PICTURE & SOUND.

THIS IS MY FIRST DVD. PICTURE & SOUND IS EXCELLENT.
SO FAR NO COMPLAINTS. I PURCHASED THIS FROM FUTURESHOP AT A PRICE OF $399 CANADIEN (INCLUDING 4 FREE DVD. I THINK FOR ME IT IS BARGAIN.

Similar Products Used:

NONE

PICTURE

Remote

After my Panasonic A-120U died (it had the famous IC Servo Error problem), I decided to buy a new player. I had it narrowed down to three choices: Sony 360, Pioneer DV 333, & Panasonic RV30. The Sony's picture was too soft looking for my taste and the Pioneer didn't have many options so I chose the RV 30. I am glad that I did. The picture is incredible, alot better than the Sony or the Pioneer. If you want not a good player but a GREAT player, buy the RV30.

Similar Products Used:

Panasonic A-120U

Picture, Sound, 100X Forward & reverse scan, optical & coax digital outs. DiD I mention Picture!!!!!!

Won't read CD-r, but buy a cd changer for 125.00 bucks and save this gem for DVDs!!!!!!

I returned my JVC Changer because it had problems changing discs, kept having to unplug re- set it. (stay Away from 555). I was going to get a toshiba 2150 or 1200 but they were out of them, and now I'm so glad! I got this panasonic which was 60 dollars cheaper and expected minimal performnce. Wow was I suprised the picture is better than I've seen on sonys 7700 reference model. I thought it can't be it was only 225.oo. I compared picture in store to pioneer 333 & toshiba 1200 & 2150. No comparison the panasonic some how seems so sharp and the colors seem perfect!!! I used to think all DVD players have the same picture quality, boy was I wrong. There is a difference and for 225.00 it doesn't have to cost a lot to be perfect.

Similar Products Used:

JVC mk555 3 disc changer