The Panasonic DVD-S35 - Definitely Worth Your While

I have to admit that often when I’m in the market for some new gadget – it is not with features in mind, but rather with aesthetics – I can’t help it, I’m a market researcher’s dream. I like things that are sleek, shiny and pretty to look at – and more importantly, I like things within my budget. With the influx of new DVD gadgetry on the market – prices on nicer models are coming down and that is how I find myself with the Panasonic DVD-S35.

My previous experiences with DVD players has lead me to getting what I hope will prove to be a more reliable brand of DVD player and one that doesn’t require a PhD to work. Going into my search for a new machine, I knew that I wanted something that had progressive scan, and not because I know what progressive scan really is, but because in my readings – I learned that the picture one gets with progressive scan is significantly better than with regular DVD players. I also know that unless you have a high-definition or digital television, you might not really get to see the difference.

Another feature that I wanted and got was the ability to playback mp3, wma, cdr and cd-rw formats since this silver beauty was going in my bedroom and I’m without a stereo there. So far, I’ve had zero problems in playback and I’ve played all of the aforementioned formats with the exception of cd-rw. The “Panasonic DVD-S35” also has a jpeg viewer, which I’ve not fiddled with, since it’s really of no interest to me – but it’s there if one were to be so inclined.


She’s Got The Look

Like I said, I’m an aesthetics girl and I really like the way this machine looks. Of course it’s a bit trendy to have silver components, but it just had more zing than the black model. It’s only 2.4 inches tall and is very lightweight, which is great because I don’t want a lot of bulky things in my entertainment center. The remote control is nice, nothing to write home about – the buttons are easy to find and the text on the remote is clear, that’s all that matters to me.

Boring Details Here

I’m not a real numbers and hookups girl, although hooking this up was a breeze (she said, as she watched her husband put it together). But, I do realize that those things are important to some folks, so the player has an s-video out and component video out. Another important thing that I found out was, that in order to utilize the progressive scan feature, you’ll need to use the component video out. There are also options for an analog as well as optical out for the audio.


What’s In The Box

1 shiny new DVD player
1 shiny new DVD player remote control and thumbs up for including 2 batteries to power said remote
1 audio/video cable (standard)
1 power chord to get you going

But, Does It Work?

Yeah it does, and it works well. All I was really concerned about was that I’d not have to replace this in a year, that the picture quality was good and that when I hooked up the audio to a surround sound system – that it wouldn’t sound crappy and so far – 2 of the 3 have been met (I haven’t had this gem a year yet).

I like the super zoom feature that Panasonic has included and that you can fast forward at warp speed through all those crappy scenes in “Glitter”. The only downside so far has been the need to purchase better output chords, but that’s minor if you look at the price as well as what you’re getting overall.

- Final Thoughts -

For right at $100 – there are few DVD players out there to compete with the number of features you get on the Panasonic DVD-S35. It’s got looks, function and a bunch of neat functions that make it more than a value for the dollar. It’s nice enough to satisfy someone who’s into gadgets, but not so complex that people like myself get lost in words and features. Definitely a gift that will keep on giving.