Panasonic DVD-RV31K DVD Player, Black
Poor Customer Support &amp; Audio Flexibility
I had problems with my unit from the beginning. The major problem was hooking up the audio. This unit has only one analog audio (RCA) line out and one optical digital audio line out; no coaxial digital out. From previous reviews I did not think this would be a concern since I would just hook it up to via optical cable. But BEWARE!<br />I could not get my digital optical hookup to work. After repeated calls to Panasonic's customer service, and getting various degrees of help from none to fair, it appears that my digital cable was broken. I haven't heard of this in previous reviews, but evidently, digital optical cables are know to break fairly easily. I could not get the digital optical line out to work after buying three cables and spending many hours of time. So, it may also be a defect in the unit, despite what customer support said. Another problem with digital optical is that some cables (e.g. Monster) have plastic protectors that are not easy to detect and when inserted in the stereo or DVD, may come off; or the cable type (round v. square) may not be fit correctly. I am told if the protector comes off, it is very difficult to get out. So, using optical cable definitely has pitfalls. Therefore, the best way to hook up audio, I found out, is through coax - which does not exist in this unit. <br />Without using the optical digital cable for audio, the only remaining option is the analog RCA connection. However, with only one set, you need to choose between connecting your stereo to either DVD or CD connections; you cannot connect to both since this unit doesn't have an extra set of RCAs. If someone else is using your system and does not know better, it causes a real problem. <br />Other nuisances are that the video menus do not seem to be as intuitive as with others (e.g. GE) and it takes some time for the CD/DVD disc to open/close and play. <br />Maybe I have a lemon, but because Panasonic skimped on their audio line-outs in comparison to many less expensive units, and their customer service is poor, I think it deserves a very low rating. I spent a lot of time reading most of the reviews on this unit and did not find the concerns I'm expressing. So, be careful. Even if the video works great, what good is it if you don't have excellent sound, or it takes you days getting this unit set up?