Panasonic DVD-S77S vs. DVD-S97S

[nikon]

I can't find many changes from the dvd-s77s to the dvd-s97s. Anyone know what sets the dvd-97s apart?

[BuffBakerGA]

According to www.frys.com, about $50 :D

I dunno, according to secrets, the S77 scored higher than the S97 but state that the S97 is more refined... I bought the S77 because I didn't think that the word "refined" was worth the extra $50...

[Rich Malloy]

I agree that the "Secrets" distinction between these two players seems, well, less than instructive. I also dismissed it.

But there are differences... or at least there were. The original build S97 also output a PAL signal (but not a PAL>NTSC converted signal), but I believe Panasonic may have "de-featured" the more recent build S97s in this regard. And while the stated specs from Panasonic indicate somewhat better audio response on the S77, the S97 also includes on-board DPL-II decoding.

It seems the only difference worth mentioning between these two players is the price and the PAL capability of the S97, assuming it still has this (and assuming that your monitor will display a PAL signal such that you could take advantage of it). If your monitor is prone to macroblocking like the Panny plasmas are known to be, then perhaps the added "refinement" of the S97 might render it somewhat less evident. But I'm not sure if I really believe that to be true.

[smithsonga]

I found my S97 to be an improved, sharper picture than the S77. Cant quantify...but same movie, same scene...I was trying to focus my PE7700 with the S77, awesome picture with S97...go figure.

(HDMI connection, 720p upconversion)

Jim

[nikon]

thanks all for the feed back anyone else find the same thing as smitjsonga?

[karlsch]

smitjsonga:
I'm interested in the S97S. There is no manual available for download. Can you answer these questions?

Is "Position Memory" easy to use? If you simply stop play and turn off the player does it remember your position?

What is "Quick Replay"?

[karlsch]

[QUOTE=AkaStp]You can download the manuals for the S97 and the S77 from the support page of Panasonic's web site.[/QUOTE]

No you can't. This is what you get:

DVD-S97S
.Sorry, an online operating manual is not available for this model.
Please contact Product Support -1-800-211-PANA (7262) for
more information.

[nikon]

[QUOTE=karlsch]No you can't. This is what you get:

DVD-S97S
.Sorry, an online operating manual is not available for this model.
Please contact Product Support -1-800-211-PANA (7262) for
more information.[/QUOTE]

I really don't want this to get off track so please start up another post or PM each other if you have anything else about the manuals.

[nikon]

Akastp thanks for all your help!!!! I know it is a public forum, I PM you becouse I wanted to try to keep this post on track but you could not understand that could you? Thanks

[BuffBakerGA]

I currently have the S77 and after reading I might bump up to the S97...

Here's my question: Can you use the optical/component audio with the HDMI? I want to connect the DVD player directly to the projector via HDMI output to DVI input on the projector (HDMI to DVI adapter) but I want my audio connected via an optical/component audio to go to my Yamaha RXV-2500 receiver for 5.1 Dolby Digital. Can you set the video to HDMI and the audio to optical?

[theoryzero]

[QUOTE=BuffBakerGA]Can you use the optical/component audio with the HDMI? I want to connect the DVD player directly to the projector via HDMI output to DVI input on the projector (HDMI to DVI adapter) but I want my audio connected via an optical/component audio to go to my Yamaha RXV-2500 receiver for 5.1 Dolby Digital. Can you set the video to HDMI and the audio to optical?[/QUOTE]

Yes, this is what I do. HDMI to the TV and optical to my receiver. Should be noted that for DVD-A's, the optical connection only does stereo, if that is important to you.

TZ

[Rich Malloy]

[QUOTE=theoryzero]Yes, this is what I do. HDMI to the TV and optical to my receiver. Should be noted that for DVD-A's, the optical connection only does stereo, if that is important to you.

TZ[/QUOTE]
And it only does stereo 24/96 or 24/48 via optical/coax, not stereo 24/192.

[ImJacksAmygdala]

[QUOTE=BuffBakerGA]I currently have the S77 and after reading I might bump up to the S97...

Here's my question: Can you use the optical/component audio with the HDMI? I want to connect the DVD player directly to the projector via HDMI output to DVI input on the projector (HDMI to DVI adapter) but I want my audio connected via an optical/component audio to go to my Yamaha RXV-2500 receiver for 5.1 Dolby Digital. Can you set the video to HDMI and the audio to optical?[/QUOTE]

I can do this with the S77... Is this why you want to upgrade to the S97? I think the menu options are exactly the same for the features both players provide.

[ClickCardo]

[QUOTE=theoryzero]Yes, this is what I do. HDMI to the TV and optical to my receiver. Should be noted that for DVD-A's, the optical connection only does stereo, if that is important to you.

TZ[/QUOTE]

TZ, is the DVD-Audio optical in stereo true for just the S77S or both?

CC