Panasonic Japan unveils DVD-S97 (HDMI new 1.1, DVD-Audio Hi-Res Digital Out, DCDi...)

[cxdmn2004]

Panasonic officially announced the DVD-S97 in Japan today.
Sale date in Japan is October 15th. I heard available date of US model is Nov-2004.

Here are brief specifications and etc.


1) Conformation to a specification of HDMI's new version 1.1 Probably related news --> http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=449813
2) Video Faroudja DCDi [size=1](Press release of Panasonic Japan officially mentioned the DCDi (http://www.matsushita.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/jn040907-3/jn040907-3.html)) [/size]
Digital video output of 720p and 1080i up-conversion with HDMI
Panasonic original 4:4:4 color upsampling
216Mhz / 11 bit video encoder for analog video output
MPEG4 playback (SD Video(asf) / V : MPEG4 simple profile / A : G.726)
3) Audio High-resolution digital audio output of DVD-Audio with HDMI, 192 khz / 24 bit / 2 ch
High-resolution digital audio output of DVD-Audio with HDMI, 96 khz / 24 bit / 6 ch
Advanced Multi Remaster
Virtual battery operation power circuit
High sound quality parts of audio DAC, OPAMP and capacitor
Large-sized insulator for vibration control
HDCD & Dolby Pro Logic II
4) Etc. Depth Enhancer
Monitor Select
Digital Noise Reduction (Block NR, Mosquito NR, 3D NR)
0.6X, 0.7X, 0.8X, 0.9X, 1.1X, 1.2X, 1.3X, 1.4X variable speed playback with sound and subtitle
subtitle brightness & position control (manual and auto mode.)
5) Photo
A picture of the DVD-S97 at CEDIA 2004 : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=4346391&fullpage=1

6) User manual link : http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DVDS97.PDF

[Kris Deering]

That's cool. I am sure they will have one at CEDIA this weekend. I will report on it if they do.

[James W. Johnson]

I'll bet its going to be sweet if it does indeed have a Faroudja chip.....except god I am sick of silver, especially plastic painted silver, YUCK!
Silver must be selling because its seems dominate more than ever this year.

[Patrick TX]

There had better be a way to turn off that neon looking strip. That looks beyond distracting. The Panny receivers look to have the same light.

[Foxbat121]

But it does mention DCDi which is the patented technology used by Faroudja.

[Paul Bigelow]

Faroudja is there on the page: Look for Genesis and DCDi.

Painted silver / black plastic -- to me its all the same. Silver paint rubs off, black plastic scratches. Black plastic somewhat hides the rubs and scratches but it's still cheap.

Ah, the good 'ol days of brushed aluminum faceplates, glass inserts, metal knobs, bottom panels (sometimes painted). They don't make 'em like they used to (at consumer-friendly prices).

Paul

[Paul Bigelow]

Originally posted by Patrick TX
There had better be a way to turn off that neon looking strip. That looks beyond distracting. The Panny receivers look to have the same light.

If I recall correctly, the "strip" is actually part of a clear blue plastic disc tray -- which the DVD-S47 has.

Maybe there is a "kill illumination" feature like the DVD-XP50 has.

Paul

[Paul Bigelow]

Just to be certain, the HDMI 1.1 is backward compatible with HDMI 1.0 for 720p/1080i picture and sound, correct?

It's just that HDMI 1.0 devices won't be able to decode DVD-Audio, correct?

Paul

[PhilB]

Originally posted by cxdmn2004

* Photo : http://www.matsushita.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/jn040907-3/jn040907-3-1.jpg

Can't a company as big as Panasonic afford to pay some designers with talent to design their products. Panasonic's latest offerings are blah at best and border on sickening. I certainly would not want one of these in my equipment rack.

-phil

[Sango]

More likely the only way to turn off the strip is to purposely kill the LED light on it ehehh!! Looks cool actually.

Hmm, I'm wondering if the parts can be retro fitted into a RP82 chassis! ehheheh! =)

[Paul Bigelow]

If Panasonic teamed with Philips, the player could have the "Ambilight" feature!

Just kidding.

Paul

[Sango]

Here (http://www.worldlingo.com/products_services/worldlingo_translator.html) is a translator. Just put the press link in there and select the translating options.

It doesn't translate perfectly but it's something.

[Foxbat121]

Originally posted by Sango
More likely the only way to turn off the strip is to purposely kill the LED light on it ehehh!! Looks cool actually.

Hmm, I'm wondering if the parts can be retro fitted into a RP82 chassis! ehheheh! =)

If it's like the SA-XR30 receiver I have, the strip can be turned off by a click of remote button.

[pdubyu]

This is great news! I'm now counting the days until someone reviews this unit. :)

[JeffDM]

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
Faroudja is there on the page: Look for Genesis and DCDi.

Painted silver / black plastic -- to me its all the same. Silver paint rubs off, black plastic scratches. Black plastic somewhat hides the rubs and scratches but it's still cheap.

I have a silver Panasonic DVD-CP72 and the paint doesn't rub. I have yet to scratch it. I'm not sure about the better chassis at consumer friendly prices, I think that might be nostalgia combined with forgetting the original sale prices of those devices, and forgetting to factor inflation.

[Wesley Hester]

About time. I've been waiting and it may have finally paid off. Hope to replace my Panasonic RP-91 with this unit. This may be my transition player from component to HDMI. I'm counting the days until I have this player in my hands. :-)

[Frode]

You know, whining about the silver color and the neon strip is kind of the last thing I'd have expected to see in this forum when Panasonic finally came back into the fold and released a Faroudja equipped player again. Heck, if you're that upset about it, take a screwdriver and some spray paint - voila, rainbow colors if that so pleases even ;).

Let's worry about the audio and picture quality first, and then worry about the visual design later.

Back on topic, cxdm pretty much translated most of what was on that page. There was a couple of things he missed though:

- user adjustable sharp picture zoom up to 2x. Also has an auto mode.
- remote control with support for major TV name brands, not just panasonic. This appears to be a strict function of the remote itself, and not using the HDMI port.

Outputs:

1 composite
1 s-video
1 component (both interlaced and progressive - no HD support)
1 D1/D2 port (japanese standard for analog component)
1 analogue stereo output
1 set of 5.1 analogue outputs
1 digital coax output for audio
1 optical outpuf for audio
1 HDMI 1.1 port.

If anyone have any specific questions that may not have been answered I can try and translate the specific point in the press release. Keep in mind though a lot of it is just plain marketing speak (market leader this and that etc) so it may not have the answers you seek.

[Patrick TX]

Panasonic finally came back into the fold and released a Faroudja equipped player again.

Yes, they did. They used to be one of the only ones with Dcdi. Now, there are bunches of players with it. What excites me is the "auto" mode. If it's like the RP91, they will have something VERY special there. If it just pillarboxes 4:3, it's still a good thing. All the 1910 people will be crying the stretch blues if it pillarboxes on an upconvert (like the Momitsu).

[Paul Bigelow]

Originally posted by JeffDM
I have a silver Panasonic DVD-CP72 and the paint doesn't rub. I have yet to scratch it. I'm not sure about the better chassis at consumer friendly prices, I think that might be nostalgia combined with forgetting the original sale prices of those devices, and forgetting to factor inflation.

The finishes vary in quality. As long as one avoids too much physical contact today's painted finishes can hold up OK -- just keep the chemicals off it. Even "real" aluminium scratches fairly easy. The real solution is to take care of the equipment.

The metal front panel and knobs is part nostalgia combined with a deep appreciation for quality mechanical construction. I do remember the sale prices of the past and even bought some of the "classic" equipment when new. The problem isn't so much the price as it is availability. Much of the high-end that offer the quaility construction do not offer the features found in "plastic" gear. A few components combine both aspects but the choices are limited -- there used to be so much more to choose from.

Anyway, I'm really looking to the DVD-S97S. -- it looks like Panasonic has awakened. Hopefully, the wait will be worth it. I'm thinking the combination of the 'S97 and the SA-XR70 is going to be a real winner.

[Sango]

I maintain my cosmetic part of the chassis very well on my RP82 and RP56s. When I bought my other 82s and RP56s, they had cosmetic damage to the front and I basically just replaced them with new ones and that was it. Basically there isn't anything to worry if you get a accidental scratch to the cosmetics since you can replace it.

[Sango]

I noticed the S97 is listed on Panasonic Japanese (http://prodb.matsushita.co.jp/product/info.do?pg=04&hb=DVD-S97) and UK (http://www.panasonic.co.uk/dvd-players/dvds97ebs/index.htm) site.

[Patrick TX]

I am sure they will have one at CEDIA this weekend. I will report on it if they do.

Hey Kris, ask them where the XR70 receiver is!

[Paul Bigelow]

The SA-XR70 is slated for release in October.

[norikel]

Based on some intel from a friend of mine who works at Panasonic in Canada:

"The DVDS97 is scheduled to be launched in November 2004 in Canada.
It appears that it is going to be introduced for a selected period of time only (Nov to March 2005) due to the possibility of technology changes being introduced in early 2005."

Read into that what you will...

[ButchW]

Has there been any mention of price?

[Foxbat121]

US$299

[Frode]

I wouldn't know about the US price, but the Japanese web site has it as TBA for now.

[pdubyu]

The press release at the beginning of the year stated the price was going to be $399 MSRP.

[Sango]

The initial press (http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/pressroom/cont2.asp?Filter=12&cont_id=578) release here dated January states 299.95.

[pdubyu]

Sango,

My mistake. Thanks for the link. I got it confused with the XR-70 in my head.

[James W. Johnson]

I hope its nice, if so Ill pick one up at some point.

[csimington]

To fully utilize the DVD-Audio function of this player, does my receiver need an HDMI input? Or will the digital optical output carry all of the same sound as the HDMI output?

[Paul Bigelow]

No DVD-Audio through optical -- only six-channel analog and HDMI.

[cpc]

Still awaiting reviews, particularly from "Secrets". Also hoping for a 5 disc carousel boutique player or Yamaha knock-off of this Panny S97.

[Paul Bigelow]

Not out yet. Probably November. Though I was hoping for mention or two of it if the player showed up at CEDIA.

[baipai]

Man! with all the bell and whistle this machine is no good for me. My projector has no HDMI to take advance of hd from this machine. I wish they would out put hd signal thrue component out put.:(

[Paul Bigelow]

They wont. HDMI can be converted to DVI (still need HDCP), if that helps.

[cxdmn2004]

Here is the DVD-S97 pic at CEDIA 2004. DVD-S97 is at the middle of the pic.

1 of 1.

[Paul Bigelow]

These look like the black DVD-S97 paired with the black SA-XR70. Is a bit of the silver DVD-S97 just below these components?

What's at the top? An HD PVR, perhaps?

[Sango]

The black one looks quite slick! I gotta compare both colors in person before I decide which one to pick!

[cxdmn2004]

Originally posted by Paul Bigelow
These look like the black DVD-S97 paired with the black SA-XR70. Is a bit of the silver DVD-S97 just below these components?
What's at the top? An HD PVR, perhaps?
I'm sorry, the CEDIA picture is from elsewhere. ;) I just think the box at the top is a STB tuner for the new Onyx Plasma which is probably not equipped with PVR function, but who knows? And don't get too excited, everybody. It's just a DVD player. :)

[mallu2u]

- Will this player have video adjustment controls?
- Can the Pannys be made region-free?

[lancestorm]

How soon will we know about the pillarboxed 4:3 upconvert?

[WynsWrld98]

No SACD decoding? sigh...

[Paul Bigelow]

No SACD decoding.

[PooperScooper]

Panasonic has more or less said "over our dead body" wrt supporting SACD. :)

larry

[WynsWrld98]

which is a very stupid position. Players that can play both DVD-Audio and SACD is the way to go since titles often are only available on one of these formats...

[Spoffo]

<<Can the Pannys be made region-free?>>

Obviously, I don't know about the new models, but historically the good Panny players (XP-50, RP-82, etc) have been pretty easy to mod. It requires a firmware mod and the addition of a small chip, which is easy to do DIY if you're competent with a soldering iron. www.jvb.nl will sell you the complete kit with good directions for about $75, or if you're chicken about the soldering, you can ship it to them and they'll install it for something like $120.

I've done several of these Pannys DIY, and they work as adverrtised: completely region-free and macrovision and digital copy protection free, so you can back up your discs on a DVD recorder.

[Sango]

I agree here. It should possible to be modified. I still wonder if the SVC Disc trick will work thou! If it does, it would be a good idea!

[Foxbat121]

Originally posted by PooperScooper
Panasonic has more or less said "over our dead body" wrt supporting SACD. :)

larry

Sony said the same thing.

which is a very stupid position. Players that can play both DVD-Audio and SACD is the way to go since titles often are only available on one of these formats...

Say that to Sony.

[Q of BanditZ]

Someone feel free to correct me on this. Looking at the features and suggested price, I see this unit as a direct rival of the Denon 2910 and Yamaha s1500. Yes or no?

Whoops! Scratch that:

I see that SACD is conspicuously absent, just like Harman Kardon's DVD31 will be. These two units will be rivals, then. On a lonely little island.

I just don't see any point for a company to do one high rez and not both. Seems like a needlessly incomplete product to me, especially since plenty of other companies are putting in both high rez formats on a increasing basis.

"Oh noes! We're against Sony! We're not going to support SACD!" Then you won't be getting business. Dumb... :rolleyes:

[PooperScooper]

Foxbat,
Can you elaborate a little? Sony has stopped making SACD players? Or did you mean Sony said the same thing about DVD-A? Which seems to be the case.

larry

[Paul Bigelow]

I'm not going to sweat out the DVD-A/SACD thing. I have a few DVD-A and no SACD. PLENTY of good 'ol CDs. DVD-A only on the 'S97 is fine with me.

[Sango]

I'm not worried about DVD-A/SACD myself because there is no music which I want which are on that format as well so CDs will be the way to go for me until then.

About 1 more month to go for S97 to come!! yeh!!

[Paul Bigelow]

If the Panasonic Japan site date holds, the first players should be available in Japan October 15.

[mallu2u]

Interestingly, Good Guys included the new Sony 975 player on their flyer past weekend. Here is the link: http://goodguys.crossmediaservices.com/goodguys/default.aspx?action=browsepagedetail&storeid=2415632&rapid=76267&pagenumber=5&listingid=-2097778077&ref=%2fgoodguys%2fdefault.aspx%3faction%3dbrowsepagelarge%26storeid%3d2415632%26rapid%3d76267%26pagenumber%3d5

[Foxbat121]

Originally posted by PooperScooper
Foxbat,
Can you elaborate a little? Sony has stopped making SACD players? Or did you mean Sony said the same thing about DVD-A? Which seems to be the case.

larry

Sony is the leader in SACD camp while Panasonic is the leader in DVD-Audio camp. Neither will adopt other formats in their own products in the foreseeable future.

[Q of BanditZ]

^ Ah. That explains it. I didn't know Panasonic was the DVD-A leader.

[Serick]

Anyone have an opinion on whether SACD or DVD-A is the better format? I recall reading a post somewhere that raved about DVD-A over SACD.

Ultimately, I suppose the better format will be the one that wins the battle. Given Sony's history of losing these battles (aka beta), perhaps DVD-A is the way to go.?.?.?

[chumbley]

When it comes to consumer standards, better has nothing to do with winning.

Jeff

[Serick]

Good point Chumbley. I didn't mean to suggest that the better format will ultimately prevail. Cases in point - Betamax and MacIntosh.

But, the better product to buy will be the one that ultimately wins the marketplace battle since that's the format that future cd's/dvd's will follow.

[Foxbat121]

There's hardly any format war yet. My local BB has one rack of DVD-A and one rack of SACD compared to hundred racks of CDs. It's too early to tell.

[Clepto]

seems like we've had a topic switch, so I thought I'd chime in.

rumor mill buzzes with the potential that Sony may drop SACD. The advent of dual-disc, may be what ends up pushing SACD out of the market. Sony has had a history of backing the loser, even if it was 'better' (; If Dual disc becomes problematic, there's also talk about just packaging 2 discs, one DVD-A, and one CD.

Acura has a DVD-A option in their RL I think... Getting into cars which have multi speaker systems, may help to spur DVD-A into the forefront as well.

Also, I'd imagine the royalty fees would make it easier to only support DVD-A, given the option between SACD and DVD-A.

[tn1]

Anybody, have any comments on the how the 6-channel audio will be on this dvd player? Also, has panasonic ever include dts and dd decoding on a dvd player before and how good has the sound quality been? I am just curious because I want an upconverting dvd player that plays RAM, but an trying justify the possible high price tag of this unit. My current receiver works but has a DTS bug.

[ZZtop]

This may not be the best place to post this, but in reading the thread, I wondered if this dvi interface will work with the dvi port on the Aurora A303 card sold for the Pioneer 503 plasma's.

I ask because of the metnion dvi and dvi-hdcp.

If I remember everything I have read, dvd players look for that hdcp or they won't display the video via HDCP. Anyone?

[Q of BanditZ]

If it's not HDCP compliant, you're out of luck. Mainstream brands are going to be very strict on this.

[gregoryperkins]

Not sure if this is posted anywhere, but the info is up on the panasonic site now.

http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=11251&catalogId=11005&itemId=71539&catGroupId=11059&displayTab=O&surfModel=DVD-S97S&surfCategory=DVD%20Home%20Players

[sanjoseskater]

Here are the specifics for you to contemplate!

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DVDS97.PDF

-Derek

[Tly]

Do we think this is going to be better than the Xp-30 for PQ? Will this have macroblocking issues? What do we think this will cost?

[Q of BanditZ]

Lots of goodies at this price range. Very good first impression here...

[Sixr]

Audio delay, is this a first in a DVD player?

[Sango]

Nope because the DVD-RP82 has it. I do believe some other models have it as well.

[bfdtv]

It will have automatic scaling for 4:3 letterbox DVDs (on widescreen displays).

Excellent!

[HoustonGuy]

Everyone is concerned about audio. Why in Gawds name do you not care more about video quality on this model? That blows a lot of minds. Is not the main function of a DVD player to reproduce video accurately from a DVD disc? That being said , there is no way this unit will exceed the Panny XP30/50 or RP82 when it is tested by Kris Deering.

[Tly]

Originally posted by HoustonGuy
That being said , there is no way this unit will exceed the Panny XP30/50 or RP82 when it is tested by Kris Deering.

How do you know this? Serious question.

[dsmith901]

Originally posted by Tly
How do you know this? Serious question.

Don't you know? HoustonGuy is psychic!

[Paul Bigelow]

All speculation with a bit of knowledge added by the recent addition of the owner's manual on the Panasonic site.

When the player becomes available, the answers will be forthcoming.

[Tly]

Someone mentioned that this version of the Faroudja chip has macroblocking issues (whatever those are) whereas the older generation (XP-30, 50, etc.) don't. Is that one reason why the XP-30 might be better?

[leecrane]

only thing that worries me is there is no mention of DCDI in the entire manual, not even a trademark notice. I guess we shall see.

[crf]

From what Kris Deering said in his review of the Denon 1910, the FLI 2301 chip has the macro-blocking problem; so if the S97 uses this chip, I would expect the same. The FLI 2310 chip (in the more expensive Denons) does not have the problem.

By the way, if the S97 uses the 2301 chip, the Denon 1910 would be a better buy by about $30 ($300 vs $270). Since Denon has been priced more highly than Panasonic in the past, this would be unusual.

I think today is the date of the S97's release in Japan (10/15).

[Axatax]

The FLI 2310 chip (in the more expensive Denons) does not have the problem.

Oh?

[jeeper78]

Wow, looking at the manual, it appears that even if this player has the HDMI -> DVI 'black crush' problem, you could eliminate it manually with one of the 2 selectable color ranges when the HDMI output is in RGB mode. I guess the only question left is the one of macroblocking. This is definitely getting high on my wish list.

[Tly]

Did the XP-30 suffer from black crush?

Can someone point out a link to me so I can find out what macroblocking is? I found much discussion about but not an actual definition of what it is.

tks,

Ty

[Notti]

No Japanese online stores seemed to be shipping the S97 yet when it was supposed to be available today. So I looked around and read that somebody who pre-ordered the S97 in Japan was told it would be delivered on 10/22. So in one more week in Japan, maybe.

[jeeper78]

Originally posted by Tly
Did the XP-30 suffer from black crush?

Can someone point out a link to me so I can find out what macroblocking is? I found much discussion about but not an actual definition of what it is.

tks,

Ty

macroblocking (4th paragraph) (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=DVD+Player&manufacturer=15&maxprice=300&deInt=Faroudja&mpeg=0)

[Tly]

Originally posted by jeeper78
macroblocking (4th paragraph) (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=DVD+Player&manufacturer=15&maxprice=300&deInt=Faroudja&mpeg=0)

Ah, thank you very much. So if I used an EDTV plasma (displays 480p natively) I wouldn't have to worry about this since the display wouldn't be scaling?

tks again!

Ty

[EricScott]

Am I reading the s97 manual correctly - does this player on play DVD-R and NOT DVD+R DVDs? All of my recorded DVDs are +R and as I much as I'd like this player I don't think I'll get it if I can't play any of my burned DVDs.

Specifically lists +R as not playable. I understand Panasonic wanting to support their own formats but not playing +R is pretty stupid if you ask me.

[hoodlum]

Tly,

The Panny would not need to scale vertically due to the matching 480 pixels, but horizontally the Plasma does 852 where 480P represents 720 horizontally.

There may still be some Macro Blocking. Has anyone tried the 1910 with the Panny ED?

[bfdtv]

Do we know yet whether the Panny will feature the FLI 2310 like the high-end Denons or the 2301 like lower-end models?

[Sutter_Cane]

With all this anticipation in the release of the S97, it got me curioius to know, how good are Panasonics receivers?

I'll be perfectly honest, I don't much about them. I've been reading up on the SA-XR50 and see that they've got the SA-XR70 fixing to be released sometime in November.

Can anybody please share with me what they know about the quality of Panasonics receivers? Can they measure up with Pioneer, Onkyo, Yamaha ect......?


Also, anybody know if the S97 as well as the SA-XR70 will be available in black?


Thank You

[Foxbat121]

I have SA-XR25 receiver and loves it. It sure beats my old Sony junk. From the reviews I read Panny digital receivers are comparable to those name brands if not better. It may lack some extra features other receivers have but it has done a good job on basic functionalities. The only problem with SA-XR series is that these receivers are slim and light and hence do not appeal to those uninformed that think heavy and bulky receivers mean quality.

[ZZtop]

Originally posted by bfdtv
Do we know yet whether the Panny will feature the FLI 2310 like the high-end Denons or the 2301 like lower-end models?

Unless they go out of there way to apply a fix, there is a well known black macroblocking bug in the 2310, so the 2301 would be a better choice in that regard. The Denons, of which I just retuned a 1910, all have it in the entire new line of dvd players, though depending on whether you use the DVI or component makes a difference in seeing it people have posted. Also in the 3910 and possibly the 2910 they have done some tweaking to minimize is.

[jeeper78]

Unless they go out of there way to apply a fix, there is a well known black macroblocking bug in the 2310, so the 2301 would be a better choice in that regard.

1910 (FLI-2301) test results (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=DVD+Player&manufacturer=15&maxprice=300&deInt=0&mpeg=0)

Same thing or worse with the 2301 chip.

[megamii]

One had to wonder why Panasonic had to delay the release of the DVD-S97. I wonder if it had to do with technical problems or with the Faroudja de-interlacing chip many of us are interested to know more about.

Too bad we do not have the ability to change the de-interlacing chip of our liking. Imagine replacing the FLI-2301 chip with the FLI-2310. Why DVD players, TVs, and home theater equipment cannot be custom-made like PCs?

[hoodlum]

Originally posted by megamii
One had to wonder why Panasonic had to delay the release of the DVD-S97. I wonder if it had to do with technical problems or with the Faroudja de-interlacing chip many of us are interested to know more about.

Too bad we do not have the ability to change the de-interlacing chip of our liking. Imagine replacing the FLI-2301 chip with the FLI-2310. Why DVD players, TVs, and home theater equipment cannot be custom-made like PCs?


But then we would have the dreaded blue screen of death and we wouldn't be able to give it the 3 finger salute! ;)

[Glen Graham]

Sounding like this unit will be a good match for the Panny AE-700 I just pre-ordered.

Of course, it is going to be frustrating to have to use my ancient (component out) Sony DVD player with the nice new FP, amps, speakers, Berklines, etc

[gmilne]

No mention of MPEG 4 in Panny specs - is MPEG4 the same as DivX

[Paul Bigelow]

The S97 supports MPEG4. Page 5 of the downloadable .pdf manual here:

DVD-S97 owner's manual (http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DVDS97.PDF)

Paul

[gmilne]

Thanks. Anyone know if Mpeg4 is the same as DivX?

[gmilne]

Is another model due out? Dealers seem to know squat.

[NoThru22]

Divx is a variation of mpeg4. This player will not play divx. I am sure which subset of mpeg4 it will play. It is very irresponsible of Panasonic to not include it in the specs.

[gmilne]

Thanks. I just bought the Oppo.

[geekrule]

I think it only play the micros**t variation of mpeg4.

[gmilne]

If the preceding post means that the Oppo only plays the ms version of MPEG4, is there a workaround .............either that or is there software to reformat my existing files in MS format to suit the Oppo? Which program would you recommend and what format would you convert the files to?

/g
Up With This I Shall Not Put.

[NoThru22]

gmilne, your post makes no sense.

[gmilne]

I edited my last post

[jriihi]

[QUOTE=gmilne]If the preceding post means that the Oppo only plays the ms version of MPEG4, is there a workaround .............either that or is there software to reformat my existing files in MS format to suit the Oppo? Which program would you recommend and what format would you convert the files to?.[/QUOTE]

No he meant that about S97. Oppo plays all divx,xvid etc with subtitles support. Everything i throw at oppo works. It also supports qpel and others.