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Features:

General Features:

- Home DVD player

- 5-disc carousel design with 
     disc exchange feature

- Plays DVD-Video, Video CD, and
   audio CDs

- Region 1

Video Features:

- 27MHz/10-bit video D/A converter
- Forward/reverse scan search

- Forward/reverse slow motion effects

- Forward/reverse frame-by-frame 
     advance

- Digital Cinema Mode

- Still picture display (I/P/B)

- Auto switching field/frame still

- Black level control

- Component video output

Audio Features:

- 96kHz/24-bit audio D/A converter

- Built-in Dolby Digital decoder

- DTS digital out

- Advanced Virtual Surround Sound 
     (AVSS)

- Dialogue Enhancer

- Dynamic Range Compression

Convenience Features:

- Program, random, and repeat
      play modes

- Chapter preview

- On-screen menu icons

- Parental lock feature

- Resume play

Front-Panel Control:

- Play, stop, pause, skip/search 
     forward/reverse, open/close

- Disc select, disc skip

- Disc exchange

- Numeric buttons to select 
     chapter/track, cancel

- Advanced Virtual Surround Sound 
     (AVSS)

- Digital Cinema Mode

Remote Control:

- Model #RAK-DV965WK

- Color-coded buttons and button 
     groups

- Glow-in-the-dark buttons

- Play, stop, pause, skip/search 
     forward/reverse, 

- Open/close tray, disc skip

- Disc exchange

- Numeric buttons for random access 
     to chapters/tracks

- Advanced Virtual Surround Sound 
     (AVSS)

- Digital Cinema Mode

- Direct access to subtitle, audio track, 
     and angle options

- Repeat and play mode buttons

- Disc menu, player menu

- Cursor control, enter

Outputs:

- Component video (1)

- S-video (1)

- Composite video (1)

- Stereo analog outputs (2)

- 5.1-channel audio output (1 set)
- Optical digital output (Toslink) (1)

- Coaxial digital output (1)

Specifications:

- Audio S/N (CD):  115 dB

- Dynamic range:

     DVD (linear audio):  102 dB

     CD audio:  98 dB

- THD (CD): 0.0025%

Power Requirements:

- 120V A/C, 60 Hz

- Power consumption: 16 Watts

- Energy Star compliant

- Auto power-off function

Weights and Dimensions:

- Weight: 11.2 pounds

- Dimensions: 
     16 15/16" (W) x 
     4 15/16" (H) x 
     14 11/16" (D)

Included "Accessories":

- Remote control, supplied with 
     2 AA batteries

- A/C power supply cord

- composite video and stereo audio 
     cables

Warrantee:

- Parts:  one year

- Labor: 90 days

Dates:

Introduction to Market:  July 2000

Review date:              Aug. 19, 2000

Last update:               Aug. 29, 2000

Other:

Country of manufacture:  Singapore

List price:                     $ 400.00

Avg retail price:           $ 350.00

Best prices:
   $249.99 at CameraWorld.com
   $279.94 at 800.com
   $299.88 at Amazon.com

click image to zoom

click image to zoom

Manufacturer: Panasonic

Model: DVD-CV50 5-Disc
   DVD/Video CD/CD Player

Market Introduction: July 2000

MSRP:                         $400.00

Avg. Retail Price:        $350.00

Best Prices:

   only $249.99 at CameraWorld.com
   only $279.94 at 800.com
   only $299.88 at Amazon.com

 

Performance: A-       Video: A-             Audio: A-                    Features: A-

Ease of Use: A          Remote: B+        Build Quality: B        Value: A

Summary: This is Panasonic's new (for year 2000) full-featured 5-disc DVD 
   player with superb video quality and many convenience features.  This 
   model incorporates a built-in Dolby Digital decoder, Advanced Virtual 
   Surround Sound (AVSS), Digital Cinema Mode for cinematic picture 
   quality, Dialogue Enhancer for more audible dialog channel, a 
   glow-in-the-dark remote control, and a disc exchange feature that allows 
   access to 4 discs while the 5th is playing.  For the retail price of $300, the 
   DVD-CV50 represents an exceptional value.

High Points: 
   + Terrific picture quality during scan search, slow-motion and frame-by-frame 
      advance in forward and reverse
   + Useful Cinema Mode and Dialog Enhancer features

   + Glow-in-the-dark remote control

Low Points:
   - Carousel disc tray exhibits vertical play in its closed position
   - Warrantee for labor expires after only 90 days

Overview

As part of Panasonic's fourth generation of home DVD player offerings for model year 2000, the DVD-CV50 is a full-featured 5-disc DVD changer featuring built-in Dolby Digital decoding, Digital Cinema Mode, Dialog Enhancer, and Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (AVSS).  Panasonic also offers a similar 5-disc front-loading DVD changer model, the DVD-CV40, without a built-in Dolby Digital decoder, without the glow-in-the-dark buttons on the remote, without component video outputs, and without coaxial digital audio output for $50 less.  The DVD-CV40 model is more appropriate for those of you who already have or plan to buy a digital receiver (with Dolby Digital and DTS decoding), don't need a carousel-type of disc changer, and don't need the component video connection to the TV.  Having said that, most of this review should apply equally to the DVD-CV40 model, except for the lack of those features just mentioned.  The DVD-CV50 model replaces last year's (1999 model year) DVD-C220.

Why consider a 5-disc DVD changer?  Many consumers have enjoyed the convenience of 5-disc CD changers and since DVD players can play audio CDs as well, many consumers are opting for the convenience of 5-disc DVD players.  Changers offer non-stop playback of music and movies, which is particularly handy if you decide to watch a double or triple feature on a rainy weekend.  Panasonic offers you the choice of a front-loader changer design (DVD-CV40) or a carousel changer design (DVD-CV50).

The DVD-CV50 (and its "sister" DVD-CV40 for that matter) can play the basic assortment of DVD-Video discs, Video CDs, and audio CDs.  Neither model can play CD-Rs, according to their user's manuals.

Video

The picture quality from the DVD-CV50 is detailed and sharp.  The colors are accurate and saturated, rendering good skin tone.  Watching the "Pleasantville" DVD (a film shot primarily in black and white with the occasional colors added in through the use of special effects), we were able to confirm that the black and white presentation was excellent--true gray shades with no hint of unintended color.

Like most current Panasonic DVD players, this model offers a Digital Cinema Mode feature.  When enabled, the Cinema Mode softens the resolution and enhances picture detail in dark scenes, making it ideal for watching movies.  This player also has a black level adjustment, enabling you to choose the "Darker" setting which is recommended if you use the component video connection to your TV.

Not only is the picture great during normal playback, it remains steady and clear during search scan, slow motion, and frame-by-frame advance.  Speaking of which, this player features a full complement of disc transport options: forward and reverse scan search (five speeds in each direction, up to 100 times faster than normal playback), forward and reverse slow motion (five speeds in each direction), and forward and reverse frame-by-frame advance, all with clear and steady transitions.

As much as the DVD-CV50 is capable of presenting a great DVD picture, we did notice that there is no bit rate meter (to see how much data is coming from the DVD at any moment in time), and no video noise reduction feature (useful on poorly-made, noisy DVDs).  The lack of these features are minor, as they are seldom used.

Audio

This DVD-CV50 includes a built-in decoder for Dolby Digital, with full 5.1-channel adjustments for speaker type (large/small), loudness, and delay time.  (Recall that the built-in Dolby Digital decoder is not available on the DVD-CV40 model.)  If you don't have a surround sound system, the Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (AVSS) feature will simulate a surround sound environment with just two speakers.  We're not big fans of virtual surround sound but it's an interesting alternative to just stereo, and Panasonic's AVSS is about as effective as any simulated surround sound system we've heard to date.

Panasonic offers a Dialogue Enhancer feature that increases the volume of the center channel by 6 decibels (dB), effectively making the dialogue easier to hear.  This is particularly useful since we occasionally encounter movies where the music and sound effects can overpower the dialogue.  This feature only works if the DVD title features a soundtrack that is more than two channels (e.g., 5.1-channel mix or Dolby Pro-Logic).  

Since this model plays audio CDs, we gave a selected set of CDs a listen and were very pleased with the CD playback quality.  The sound is balanced and bass extension is deep.  Unfortunately, CD-Rs cannot be played back in this model, according to the owner's manual.  Complementing its full array of audio features is a complete set of audio output (see sidebar at left for the complete list).

Features 

This player offers a whole host of the most wanted and practical features for a carousel multi-disc DVD player design.  In addition to the video and audio features already mentioned, the DVD-CV50 includes:

• Program play: you can program the player to playback any sequence of any chapter of any disc in any order you wish

• Repeat play: designate if you want to repeat the playback of certain chapters, titles, or entire discs

• Random play: leave it up to the player to pick which chapter of which disc to play

• A-B repeat play: you designate two points A and B, and the player repeatedly plays back between the two designated points

• Resume play: picks up where you had to stop playback, even if you turn off the unit (a "must-have" feature)

• Parental lock-out feature: help restrict viewing movies with certain ratings (e.g., PG-13, R, etc.) as supported by each DVD

Remote Control

The remote control has color-coded buttons and logical button groupings, making the remote easier to read and understand.  The buttons themselves are marginally big enough to make it reasonably easy to operate.  The remote's common disc transport buttons (e.g., play, stop, pause) and menu navigation buttons (e.g., arrow and enter buttons) are glow-in-the-dark.  Since we prefer and frequently watch movies in a dark room, we cannot emphasize enough how useful the glow-in-the-dark feature is.  

The remote itself is medium in size and most commonly used disc transport control buttons are located in the upper half of the remote.  All features of the DVD player can be accessed directly from the remote control buttons or through the player's menu system (by pressing the "Display" button).  Unfortunately, the remote control can't control other audio or video components (such as a receiver or TV)--Panasonic or otherwise.

Ease of Use

Overall, the DVD-CV50 is easy to use.  The operating instructions are well-written with clear and helpful diagrams.  As with most electronic equipment, we highly recommend reading the instructions, but particular so with this feature-packed 5-disc carousel unit in order to get the most of it.  Most common settings have reasonable default factory values, making the set-up process as quick and simple as possible for most consumers.

For the initial set-up, press the "Action" button on the remote control and the graphical, icon-based menu helps guide you through the configuration of TV aspect ratio (only requires changing if you have a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio TV), Dolby Digital speaker settings (with adjustments for speaker type, delay, and balance/relative loudness), parental lock setting, digital audio output settings (e.g., PCM down conversion, Dolby Digital setting, enable DTS bitstream output), desired audio track setting, the default subtitle selection, menu language selection, color and position of the on-screen display menu bar, audio during search (on/off) setting, digital range compression, and still mode and still picture display, and front panel fluorescent display brightness (bright, dim, dim during DVD/Video CD playback).

As an alternative to using the dedicated buttons on the remote, you can use the icon-based on-screen display to view the status of various settings and change them using the cursor control buttons.  Generally, navigation of the menus and changing settings are simple and straightforward, thanks to the clear and user-friendly on-screen menu icons.  Additionally, a fair number of front panel buttons (e.g., play, pause, stop, skip/search, disc select, disc skip, disc exchange, numeric buttons for random access to chapters/tracks, Advanced Virtual Surround Sound (AVSS), Cinema Mode, and sequential/repeat/play modes) allows you to make certain changes without the use of its remote control.

5-Disc Carousel Operation

Press the "open/close" button on either the remote control or front panel and the carousel tray slides out (in about 2.5 seconds) to simultaneously expose and allow access to two discs.  The carousel tray mechanism is quick as it rotates to allow access to all of the disc slots.  After loading up the carousel tray, press the "open/close" button again and the tray closes and the player looks for the presence of a disc.  It turns the illuminated disc indicator of the appropriate number ("1" through "5") orange if a DVD is detected, green for a CD or Video CD or as yet-to-be-determined disc, and black (unlit) if no disc has been detected in that slot.

The disc exchange feature, an indispensable feature common in today's carousel players, allows you to play one disc uninterrupted as you open the disc tray to load or re-load the other four disc slots.  To change the disc that's currently playing, simply press the "disc exchange" button and out pops the carousel tray with the disc (that was last played) in the front-left position.  While playing a disc, you can change to another disc simply by pressing the appropriately numbered disc number button (e.g., "Disc 1", "Disc 2", "Disc 3", etc.) on either the remote control or front panel.  This operation takes about 11 seconds, regardless of which of the other four discs you select.

With multi-disc changers, you can watch a number of DVDs (or listen to CDs) non-stop.  With a 5-disc DVD changer, you can watch about 10 hours of DVDs non-stop (assuming an average of two hours per movie, and as much as 15 hours if you load all five slots with 3-hour movies).  Physiologically, none of our staff members can go that long, at least not without a couple of restroom breaks (ha, ha!).  Nevertheless, the intention of 5-disc changers is to place a mix of favorite DVDs and CDs for quick and always-ready access.  

Performance

As noted in the Video and Audio sections above, the A/V performance of the DVD-CV50 is very good.  The disc navigation delays (that is, the time from when a button is first pushed until the action is completed) are relatively quick as you press the "skip chapter" button and use the cursor control buttons to navigate through the DVD menus.

In our layer switch tests, this model exhibits good performance.  Most layer switches are only slightly noticeable, momentarily pausing the picture for a fraction of a second as the laser re-focuses on the second layer.

Outputs

The DVD-CV50 comes with a complete set of outputs--one set of component video output, S-video output, composite video output, digital optical (Toslink) output, digital coaxial output, stereo analog output (two sets if you're not using the 5.1-channel analog output), and 5.1-channel analog output for 5.1-channel (Dolby Digital) ready receivers.  Yep, it has all of the different kinds of connections you could want.

Build Quality

The build quality appears to be about average.  The carousel tray does exhibit some vertical play (i.e., slop, movement) in its closed position, though this doesn't appear to affect the disc handling performance of the player.  The unit has an attractive gold-colored ring around each circular foot, resembling those of more expensive units.

Competitive Models & Value

Of all multi-disc DVD changers ranging from 2-disc capacity to 301-disc capacity, we think the 5-disc (or 6-disc) carousel design would be most appealing to consumers.  This is a very competitive market, as almost every DVD player manufacturer offers its own version(s) of a 5-disc (or 6-disc) DVD changer.  Many offer similar features, but some of the features that other players offer that the DVD-CV50 doesn't have are:

• Disc memory functions that keeps the playback preferences (e.g., choice of audio track, programmed playback, etc.) of your favorite discs

• The ability to connect and logically link a second changer unit to make them operate as one logical unit (for example, the Sony DVP-C670D, approx. $450)

• The Yamaha DVD-C900 (soon to be replaced by the Yamaha DVD-C996 in October 2000) allows access to four discs while the carousel tray is open

In the area of video and audio performance (regardless of disc capacity), some other models include:

• Zoom video feature allowing you to see a larger image

• Bit rate meter to monitor the data rate transfer

Finally, in the area of remote control features, some other models include buttons for controlling your TV and/or receiver.  We mention this so that you would be aware of other features that may interest you, or realize that the DVD-CV50 has all the features that you need.

Overall, the DVD-CV50 is an excellent value at approximate $350 at retail.  It comes with a whole host of convenience features, including a built-in Dolby Digital decoder, component video outputs, and glow-in-the dark remote control buttons.  Its sister model, the DVD-CV40 (a front-loading 5-disc changer without the built-in Dolby Digital decoder, component video outputs, coaxial digital audio output, and glow-in-the-dark remote control buttons) is about $50 less ($300 retail).  At these prices, stepping up to a solid performing 5-disc DVD changer (from a single disc player) is definitely an option worth considering.  The added convenience may make it seem worthwhile.

Recommendation

The Panasonic DVD-CV50 is a solid performing 5-disc carousel DVD player offering first-rate picture quality with excellent scan search, slow motion, and frame-by-frame advance in either forward or reverse.  These features are so good that they rival the performance of the highly-regarded Sony DVD players.  The carousel transport mechanism is responsive which makes this changer a breeze to use.  For about $350 retail, the DVD-CV50 is a bargain that is hard to beat.  In fact the only way you could really save any additional money would be to buy its slightly more affordable sister model, the Panasonic DVD-CV40 front-loading 5-disc DVD changer (that is, if you could do without the built-in Dolby Digital decoder, component video outputs, coaxial digital audio output, and glow-in-the-dark remote control buttons). 

Buy the Panasonic DVD-CV50 5-disc DVD player at:

Support this site: buy through our links.
 

only $249.99 at

CameraWorld.com

only $279.94 at

800.com

only $299.88 at

Amazon.com

Crutchfield

DVD-CV40
only $289.99 at

Buy.com

Contact Information: 

   Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094

   call toll-free: 1-800-211-PANA (7262)

   visit www.panasonic.com

Visit the Panasonic DVD web site.

Did you find this product review helpful?  Let us know your thoughts, send an e-mail to us at Feedback@TimeForDVD.com

Used In Testing: The following DVDs were used in testing this DVD player: A Bug's Life, Tarzan, Meet Joe Black, Pleasantville, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Fleetwood Mac: The Dance.  The following audio CDs were used: Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture, The Best of Fourplay, and Celine Dion's The Colour of My Love.  

Calibration: Our home theater equipment was calibrated with the Video Essentials DVD.

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