Panasonic DVD-RV30 DVD Player

• Dolby Digital and DTS output
• Component-video outputs
• Virtual surround sound and dialogue enhancement mode
• High-speed smooth-motion scan
• 24-bit, 96 kHz audio digital-to-analog converter

While measuring a standard 17 inches wide, the DVD-RV30U stands just 3.25 inches high, making this model an easier fit than most for crowded equipment racks or TV stands.

Despite its diminutive proportions, this DVD player boasts exemplary image and sound reproduction, along with a host of extras. Pictures are delivered via component video as well as S-video and composite jacks. First-rate performance of Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic, and PCM/stereo sound tracks is achieved via an optical digital output and single pair of conventional RCA jacks, plus a surprising subwoofer jack.

The long list of desirable extra features on this unit includes several innovations that we've never come upon before. We appreciated how quickly play began when we loaded a DVD into this machine's motorized tray--bringing up picture and sound in as little as 5 to 7 seconds. In other players, the norm for disc initializing and start-up is closer to 10 seconds. (CD play starts more slowly in this machine, with an average 11-second kickoff for the first song.)

Impatient types will also appreciate the maximum 100x normal speed scanning, which renders surprisingly clear pictures onscreen. If you're not in quite such a hurry, double speed--the slowest of the five fast-scan modes--is accompanied by an intelligible soundtrack. (This trick play only works in the fast-forward direction and can be disabled.)

For late-night home theater viewing, when you don't want to disturb sleepers, the DVD-RV30U offers a dialogue enhancement feature. Designed so that intelligibility is not lost when the system is playing at a very low overall volume, this circuit jacks up the relative volume level of just the center channel.

Been hankering for a bit more rumble in the cinematic jungle than your stereo TV's mostly midrange speakers can provide? The DVD-RV30U offers another cool sound feature--a separate output jack for delivering otherwise lost low-frequency soundtrack information to a self-powered subwoofer. Because bass signals are nondirectional, low-level information extracted from both left and right channels is mixed by the player into one output channel, and only one subwoofer needs to be used.

Other neat Panasonic touches address the mating of this player to a stereo TV. The Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (VSS) circuit works remarkably well in expanding the imaging from a two-speaker setup. By tricking the ear with precise time delay and phase-shifting cues, it creates the impression of sound coming from the listener's sides. For best results with VSS, sit precisely centered between the two speakers, at a distance equal to four times the width from speaker to speaker.

The player's ergonomics are also thoughtfully executed. The front panel is clean and attractive, befitting its slim-line dimensions. Likewise, the remote is small and easily gripped, with buttons that are logically arranged and offer a good feel. Unfortunately, the buttons aren't backlit, and, in limiting button clutter, many of the DVD-RV30U's program play functions and customizable features are only accessible and adjustable onscreen. Fortunately, that's made easier with an onscreen, Windows-like toolbar display (with drop-downs) that runs across the top of the screen. We especially liked the neat slide-rule graphic that pinpoints the percentage of a program already viewed, as well as the proportion yet to be viewed.

The only place we think Panasonic has cut corners is in the jack pack--building in only one set of audio outs, with no coaxial digital out, and no headphone jack. If you can suffer these minor shortcomings, however, you'll find satisfaction galore in the DVD-RV30U.

Pros:

• Slim-line dimensions let it slip into tiny spaces
• First-rate picture and sound reproduction
• Outstanding array of video and audio trick play features
• Sensible remote control

Cons:

• No headphone jack and no coaxial output
• Remote isn't backlit
• Cinema enhancement mode produces minimal improvements