Click here for more information This DVD player plays all NTSC/PAL DVDs in my collection flawlessly. It automatically detects the format and region of the inserted DVD and plays it without any further user intervention. I have no problem navigating the DVD menu of a PAL format DVD unlike my old all region/format dvd player. Another great quality of this DVD player is that it can play all Ghibli studio DVDs (NTSC Region 1) from the beginning to the end smoothly without any noticeable pause or freeze in the middle of movies (my Samsung DVD player often freezes in the middle of the Anime movies despite of the DVDs are meant for US distribution).
This DVD player has one set of RCA composite output and one set of component output in the back plus one HDMI output in the front. Since I am still using an old fashion TV, I do not know how good the up conversion of this player is. But, the picture quality is excellent. I chose this model because of the up conversion capability in case of my future TV upgrade.
The vendor shipped the item very quickly. One thing I did not find in the package was the mail-in registration card. I assume the vendor tinkered the player to make it all format/region and, thus, voided the manufacturer's warranty. Anyway, I would recommend this player to anyone who wants to watch PAL format DVDs or Anime movies. Panasonic DVD-S68 HDMI 1080P Up-Converting All Multi Region Code Zone Free PAL/NTSC DVD Player. Plays DVDs from all Regions: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 PAL NTSC RCE REA on ANY TV. FULL HD CONVERSION, USB Playback and REC for Music
This isn't a really fancy player, but it plays DVDs from all regions and converts between PAL and NTSC flawlessly. For the money, it's worth having one for those few DVDs that might not be available in the US or ones that you brought back after a stint overseas.
Although the picture on this DVD player is pretty good, the interface is clumsy, the remote is difficult to use, and most of all, the manual lies about its capabilities. My own problem is that although the manual claims the player marks the stopping point on a DVD when you press "stop," so that you can continue watching from the same point later, it does not do so. It starts from the beginning every time. If you watch part of a movie one night and plan to continue the next night, you will have to sit through the FBI warning and all of the previews and so on and then search for where you stopped. (Since the player does not show you chapter numbers on the display -- only elapsed time -- you cannot use chapter numbers to find your place). What a disappointment! Others have noted on the Amazon reviews for the basic model (without region-free conversion) that the player does not play all the types of discs claimed in the manual and advertising -- particularly, it does not play DIVX. But you wouldn't guess that either from the manual or from the specs on Amazon's page.
The biggest issue with this player is that it will not play DVD's with RCE (Region code enhancement). Easy way to check is to throw in a DVD by 20th Century Fox or Fox movies. You will see an image with 20th century fox and text that says "This disc is not formatted to play in your region". Quite disappointing. If someone else does not have this issue or found a workaround, please post up!
Panasonic DVD-S68 region free player.
I guess I fall into the category of those reviewers that like their player because mine works just fine too!
Perhaps one reviewer needs to ask for the software hack from his vendor to re-correct his player if it's not performing properly. I bought mine from Bombay via Amazon fulfillment! Out of the box; A-OK!
Down to my review now. Ok. 1st and foremost it plays my region 2 DVD's from France & the UK! It also plays my Korean imports and many are Pal 2! That being said I can stop now! Ha ha. But just a few more words.....
This is no Sony! Sony menu & interface have many more choices. This really is quite minimal in that respect.
So usually it will not playback from last stop. Sometimes but not always. Ok I can live with that as most DVDs have scene selections!
The remote IS SMALL. But I find I can get use to that too!
Those are the two biggest distracters and forgettable as far as I'm concerned.
Now this unit does have HDMI, but I use component cables because HDMI limits the control I have in picture sizing. In other words HDMI defaults to a FULL setting so I cant see "a film" in letterbox or 4:3 as it was produced, so therefore the cables!
Next, it is PROGESSIVE and that's great for most movies, but allot of titles look jerky in motions, like people walking etc. & the way to change that is to use the INTERLACED and those choices are on the units menu so if you see jerking motions switch over to the "interlaced" and they disappear! I cannot SEE the difference between Progressive or Interlaced so I certainly don't feel like anything is lost!
Also I've had no problems playing R. 2. & R. 1. back to back.
A reviewer said they have! I haven't & I've played about 25 DVD's half region 2, half region 1 without a hitch!
Lastly.... The quality of picture? I have a 52" Sony LCD and can not tell the difference from this player or my Sony standard player using my component cables! So it passes my tests and I'm quite pleased.
I was using my PC to watch region 2 and now I watch in comfort!
Pass the beer!
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