New Panasonic F87 dvd player: dvd-audio, HDCD and........Pro-Logic II?? (1 Viewer)

[LanceJ]

As one of the HTF's dvd-audio fan boys I feel it is my duty to make y'all aware of this new player coming out soon. See it here at Crutchfield.

FYI: In case anyone is wondering, according to a Highfidelityreview.com article concerning this year's CES show, Panasonic has no intention of building sacd capability into any of their players.

Anyhoo.............

Maybe it's not a giant sonic revelation, but the HDCD decoder is still nice to have (check the fine print on your CDs and/or their labels: for example, several 311 CDs are encoded with this system).

But I don't understand the addition of the DPLII feature--is this something to be implemented (i.e. encoded) onto CDs or older stereo-only soundtrack dvd movies in the future?

AND HALLELUJAH......they replaced the previous microscopic fluorescent display with a normal-sized one & equipped it with a number pad for individual track selection for CD playback, one of my pet peeves concerning dvd players (I hate using the remote for every single stinkin' function :frowning: ).

Due on March 31.

LJ

 

[John Kotches]

LJ:

DPL-II can be applied to stereo audio discs to output derived surround information. In addition, it can be applied to DD2.0 movie soundtracks to extract Dolby Surround information.

So it is a somewhat useful feature, although I think I'd rather let the receiver do the job myself.

Cheers,

 

[Rodrigo Mansill]

HDCD in Panny? That's really new. I even think it's almost a dead technology because the recent aparition of DVD-A and SACD. But it's a really a good point to add that kind of support.... does any other new Panny model has it too?

 

[HienD]

HDCD is really popular in asia so the inclusion of it is no surprise. Too bad they couldn't release a sacd/dvd-a player.

 

[David Judah]

It can be encoded specifically, in addition to the things John mentioned. Info. on the encoder is here(specs)and here (overview).

DJ

 

[LanceJ]

I just learned this player has no optical digital output--bad news for all those people that own "old" receivers with no coaxial digital inputs (like my own Technics SA-DA8 from 2001).

Any ideas on why Panasonic did this?

:frowning:

LJ

 

[John Kotches]

Nope, no idea whatsoever other than saving a few $$$.

They do make optical to coaxial convertors, I've seen them for about $50, I think Audio Authority is one company that makes them.

Cheers,

 

[Adil M]

I concur it's saving a few bucks, and making a few by pushing the fact that you can always use the HDMI connection in conjunction w/ their new Panasonic Digital Receivers for all formats.