Panasonic DVD-A120 DVD Player
Excellent DVD Player
I had initially purchased Pioneer DV525 which is also a nicemodel in the sub $300 range. However I switched to A120 because Ineeded a DVD player which could switch &quot;black level&quot;. DV525 doesnt have that option. Also 525 is noisy compared to the A120. I have played over 30 Dolby Digital 5.1 DVDs (mostly rented)and did not find a single glitch either in picture or audio. There was no lip sync problem either. The picture quality is great (I have a Sony WEGA, which also makes a difference!). As far as audio is concerned, it plays regular audio CD perfectly (almost). However compared to 525, it is slightly behind in &quot;crispness&quot; of the sound. I have the player hooked to a Yamaha Dolby Digital receiver via an optical cable (Monster)and the S-Video goes straight into the WEGA. The disc loading time is also very small which is nice.You don't have to wait for ages to get the disc loaded. One aspect of A120 which I did not like is that you cannot change the audio/video settings while you are playing the disc. The Pioneer DV525 does let you change picture modes and audio settings while the disc is being played. Also, I wish the A120 had an amber display instead of white. Oveall an excellent buy for sub $200 price. I dont think any other player would come even close to this ! If you can get it for even sub $230, BUY IT.