Price Paid:  $900.00 from Local store

Summary:
This is my first dvd player. I buy it in feb 2001. I love the remote control and the sliding door at the first time a saw it and after a year i still like it and everything is working great. This dvd player is user friendly very easy to set up. I love the two set of s-video output and et two digital output (coax and optical). This is a great interlasse dvd player its just to bad they did not make a progressive scan player in that time frame but nothing is perfect.

Strengths:
easy to set up and to use. two set of s-video out and two digidal out put (coax and optical)

Price Paid:  $354.00 from Air Force Exchange

Summary:
This player was a steal for me price wise. It offers all the functions of its time. DD/DTS out, multi-angle, GUI setup. I've been using it regularly for 2 years and it has never had a hiccup, no pixelation, or strange picture fluctuations. As long as the user knows how to set up a T.V. properly and coordinate that setup with the DVD player, the picture is perfect. No user discernable flaws. Pro's can find defects in any players picture, or T.V. for that matter, but I will argue that you cannot get a better one then from this DVD player, comprable....maybe....better......no.
The remote is fine, it has always received good reviews in mags, it has a simple well functioning design, with a little style.

Strengths:
Performance, connections, style

Weaknesses:
None detected

Similar Products Used:
reviewed many

Summary:
I think this dvd player is more sought after for matching it up with the other Kenwood Silver series of receivers and cd changers. It is made in Japan - unlike most other Kenwood products that come from China, therefore, I think it was made for Kenwood by another company (maybe Matusiba) but that is a guess as it looks to have many of the features you find on Panasonic products. No excuse for no power on and off on the remote. You must be sure to change the factory setting (if you have a 4.3 TV) to 4.3 pan and scan then letterbox. Remote looks sleek but uses the same buttons for many things. Also a display button is on the side of the remote to turn off the display on the front of the unit. You must on the menu bar - set the picture setting to F or fine for the best picture from the unit as stated above. The worst thing is that you must set it EVERY time you change a disk!!! I have seen much better players and preformance with dolby digital and DTS decoders built in them. If you must MATCH the Silver this is the unit, though a new one is coming - may be this month that is silver. If you do not have to match that silver - look elsewhere for more features and a better picture and easier use.

Strengths:
It is silver! Wow! It goes with all the other silver series receivers and cd changers.

Weaknesses:
No power on or off on the remote. Remote looks cool but not functional. Badly written manual. Surely outclassed by many other dvd players in it's price range. Must always select picture mode - soft - normal or fine. Fine is the one to go with when using componet video or S-video.

Similar Products Used:
Sony 550, Tohisba 3109 and Proscan 8680

Summary:
This player sports a silver space-age cosmetic look as does it's remote. It has a motorized drop-down panel(ala Pioneer Elite DV-09). An outstanding GUI located at the upper portion of TV screen permits adjustments without picture viewing interference. This is a player which sits along side other high-end players in it's price point. Has output capability for Dolby Digital & DTS bitstream, 24bit96khz, virtual surround mode capability, 2 s-video,2 composite, 2 analog,2 digital outputs (Tos & Coax),and component video.The remote resembles something out of Star Trek, slim and comfortable to use.
This player is rock solid in picture presentation. Sharp, well saturated colors without any smearing. You can fine tune the picture setting in three step configuration; soft-fine-normal. The sound coming off the digital outputs into a highly capable AV/reciever or processor will blow you back several feet and have your little neck hairs stand up and take notice!
I have compared this player to the Sony DVP-7700 and Toshiba Cinema Series 9000, and in all honestly must say that it equals the Toshiba and projects a sharper more refined picture compared to the Sony. This is one player I'm proud to display in my rack. A unique looking piece of hardware & an exceptional electronic marvel!!! I highly recommend you audition this player!