A DVD/CD changer sure to please movie hounds and music aficionados
alike, Panasonic's super-slim DVD-F86K 5-disc DVD player offers
incredible format handling. It produces terrific images from standard
DVD-Video discs, while also letting you play homemade DVD-R and DVD-RAM
media (either yours or discs from your friends and family). On the music
end, the player handles CD-R and CD-RW discs, including MP3 and WMA CDs,
as well as high-resolution DVD-Audio (stereo mode only). You also get cutting-edge features like digital "multi" re-mastering,
which infuses CD music playback with interpolated high-frequency
harmonics that wouldn't otherwise be present, and HighMAT
(High-Performance Media Access Technology), a technology developed by
Panasonic and Microsoft to ensuring digital media compatibility between
PCs and consumer electronics.
The deck features a progressive-scan video processor that doubles the
scan lines of an interlaced signal (from 480i to 480p) by scanning all
525 lines in 1/60 of a second for each pass. The higher-density video
signal (designed for high-definition and HD-ready TVs) brings a
film-like quality to DVD images. Composite- and S-video outputs
accommodate most other televisions.
A feature called 4:4:4 signal processing converts recorded luminance
and color-difference signals from 8 to 10 bits and upsamples color
signal data, all with the aim of rendering vivid colors, flat luminance
signal response, and minimal picture noise. The Direct Navigator and
playlist playback features let you access navigation menus and custom
playlists on DVD-RAM discs recorded on Panasonic DVD recorders.
DVD-Audio offers super high-fidelity (192 kHz/24-bit) sound. DVD-Audio
discs provide incredible storage capacity and unique bonus materials not
available on regular audio CDs. Most DVD-A discs offer both
high-resolution surround-sound and high-res stereo (2-channel) programs;
the DVD-F86K decodes only the stereo programs.
To appreciate full DVD-Audio resolution, you'll need to listen through
the player's analog rather than digital outputs. For enjoyment of Dolby
Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS 5.1-channel surround sound, feed
the player's coaxial digital audio output to a compatible audio/video
receiver
The DVD-F86K also boasts features like MPEG digital noise reduction
(mosquito/block/3D), depth enhancer, audio-only function (video circuit
off), picture mode selection, slow and fast audio playback, and Dialogue
Enhancer (which boosts the volume of the center channel during Dolby
Digital 5.1-channel presentations).
What's in the Box
DVD player, remote control, remote batteries, a
user's manual, and a stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video
cable.
