Panasonic CT-27DC50 27" TV-DVD Combo

Amazon.com Review

With the CT-27DC50, you get all you need to start enjoying the exciting world of DVD in one compact piece. A built-in DVD-video player and 27-inch-diagonal screen with a PanaBlack picture tube make a wonderful team and a solid display of Panasonic's video engineering prowess.

This combination is perfect for anyone looking to conserve space or sidestep the hassle of hooking up separate components. The picture is very good (if a little oversaturated) right out of the box, and between the separate DVD and TV setup modes, Panasonic provides ample means for adjustments and fine tuning of the image.

Couch potatoes, in particular, will love this set. You can use the remote to do everything from switching between TV and DVD to adjusting the volume and tone controls, to turning off the set's speakers so you can listen through your stereo or home theater speakers. A headphone jack is convenient for private listening, though the quality is poor--hissy even with the volume at its lowest.

Panasonic did make trade-offs in quality and design to accomplish the mating of components represented here, most tragically in the placement of the optical digital-audio output jack. The base of the output is flush with a lip on the unit's back panel, making it impossible to hook up any but the thinnest optical cables, ruling out the use of quality brands like Monster Cable and Acoustic Research. So, if you want to enjoy Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1-channel surround sound, take this into consideration. While we were impressed with the quality of the analog audio outputs when routed through a hi-fi system, we don't recommend using the DVD player as a CD player for the simple reason that the screen must be on when a disc is playing, and the lives of picture tubes, however long, are finite. (Some may find the high-pitched whine of the tube's flyback transformer intrusive, but this is inherent in all CRT sets.) If you do decide to play CDs, you should know that the CT-27DC50 will play standard CDs, CD-RW discs (rewritable), but not CD-Rs (write-once). Even if you don't have a home theater system, you can still thrill to high-quality audio courtesy of the virtual surround-sound feature. It simulates the surround-sound effect using the unit's slightly above-average stereo speakers and works with all Dolby Digital-encoded discs.

Getting back to what this combi-set does best, the manufacturer's PanaBlack picture tube technology goes a long way toward eliminating the glare of ambient light. The glass in PanaBlack picture tubes is darker than that of conventional tubes, assuring high contrast and accurate color reproduction. Contrast can be heightened--again via the remote!--using the set's black-level adjust.

The three-line digital comb filter accurately separates the color from the black-and-white information. Working with three lines of picture information also helps remove dot crawl and hanging dots, both horizontally and vertically.

The set is equipped with a built-in stereo decoder that can receive both TV stereo and Separate Audio Program (SAP) broadcasts where available. Furthermore, front- and back-panel AV inputs add serious flexibility to the system, letting you keep a VCR or DIRECTV system plugged in at the back while still having the option of plugging a camcorder in at the front.

We're delighted with the lighted remote, which is small and shows in red the command being applied when a button is depressed. One potentially confusing aspect of the remote is that buttons double up on commands, and getting the hang of selecting either "TV" or "DVD" before pressing the buttons took a while.

All things considered, the ease of setup, the quality picture and sound, the convenient inputs--these things, for most people, anyway, will outweigh the CT-27DC50's minor drawbacks. --Michael Mikesell

Pros:

Sleek, compact design
Backlit remote control
Front-panel menu operation
Good sound from analog outputs
Plays CD-RWs
Fixed or variable audio output
Bass and treble adjustment from remote control

Cons:

Digital-audio output will only accommodate the flimsiest of cables due to space mismanagement
TV screen must be on in order to use the DVD player as a CD player
Does not play CD-Rs
Poor-quality headphone jack

Amazon.com Product Description

The Panasonic CT-27DC50 is a combination DVD-video/CD player and 27-inch-diagonal color TV. It features simulated surround sound that works with Dolby Digital 5.1-channel discs. This unit comes with a built-in stereo decoder so you can receive TV stereo and separate audio program (SAP) broadcasts. It also offers dbx noise reduction that fine-tunes sound with appropriate stereo separation.

This unit's built-in DVD player also plays your CDs. And depending on the DVD, you can listen to your videos in up to eight different languages and view subtitles in up to 32. You can also select from up to nine different angles for a unique viewing experience.

A Panablack fine-pitch picture tube gives the CT-27DC50 high-contrast, accurate color reproduction that also reduces ambient light. The three-line digital comb filter separates color from black-and-white information. It has more than 600 lines of horizontal image resolution to make DVD viewing twice as sharp as standard VHS. Panasonic also includes a horizontal-edge correction control.

This combination unit has a built-in clock that has an auto-on/off function, sleep timer (30, 60 or 90 minutes), alarm, and automatic adjustment for daylight-saving time. You can program the clock to wake you to a TV program, CD, DVD, or its standard alarm.

A lighted universal remote is supplied. It includes standard channel selection and controls most program features. The major function keys on the keypad light up for five seconds, making it easy to operate in the dark.

Panasonic provides a warranty of a year on parts, 90 days on labor (U.S. only). The Panablack picture tube is covered by a two-year warranty (U.S. only).

Customer Reviews:

I LOVE this TV/DVD/CD.......2002-05-17

I purchased this TV a year ago ~ as a moving out on my own/birthday gift;) ~ initially I went looking for a small TV/VCR combo & compact stereo/CD player... and then I saw her ~ the sliver/gray case is very attractive (and expensive looking) & the front input (as well as back) a great for when I decide to dust of & use the VRC & video game systems.

The biggest selling pint for me was the ability to play DVD & Audio Cd's (but not CDR's) the "screen saver" is kind of weak (blue DVD logo) compared to some others I have seen (cool graphics), but not a huge issue for me. And it has a front headphone jack!

Picture quality is exceptional, compatible to a flat screen for considerably less $$$! DVD play looks phenomenal & (antenna - no cable for me) TV is surprisingly good. Also, its weird but, it appears to be bigger being bigger than 27" I have concerns about the DVD tray breaking & opted for an expended 2 year warranty (in home if you can get it ~ she is very, very heavy!) ~ which I have not had to use. Treat it kindly, press button to open & close (don't push close ~ that's a safety lest it gets bumped ~ not for normal use). Sound is fantastic ~ if you set it to expanded stereo.... Setting this TV up can be simple as plugging it in & going thought set up (under 5 minutes) or take time to read the manual & set all the additional features to you preferences ~ it's worth the time & effort! ...

The remote is great (kind of complicated ~ you will have to read the manual to figure it all out ~ the manual is very user helpful with step by set instruction on how to do things) with light up buttons for easy use in the dark (I love that!).

Panasonic's toll-free customer service was also excellent ~ quick & very helpful, helping with the DVD screen saved problem I had ~ I didn't have a problem; I just expected something a bit more exciting .

I love this TV & so do all my friends ;)

Do NOT buy this unit!.......2002-04-10

I purchased my unit in December. The picture and the DVD were great. Right up until the 90 day warrantee ran out.

The DVD unit will not return the disc. The disc remains inside the unit. This is not an uncommon problem with this unit.

I have just been informed that the on-site repair will run [expensive], if I am lucky.

If I had it to do over again, I would buy the DVD as a separate unit.

This 27" TV/DVD is a great value!.......2002-01-10

I bought this combo after initially looking for just a DVD player...after being veered off into the television area, this one caught my attention. The screen is not flat, but provided a great picture on the display model. The size was perfect for my entertainment center, clearing the sides by about 1 1/2inches all around. The built-in DVD worked smoothly with the TV, and the price clinched it for me (I got it at an electronics store, where it was being cleared out to make space for newer models).

This TV has front & back AV inputs, which is wonderful for those who have many things plugged into their TV...I have DirecTV, a VCR and two game systems, and the continual plugging and unplugging from my old tv was becoming tiresome...now I can plug the GameCube into the front when I want to use it, while keeping the DTV/VCR plugged into the coax port (or move them into the rear AV) & leaving the PS2 (now being saved from use as a DVD, hopefully extending it's life) in the rear, or even plugging the PS2 in front and doing a quick & easy swap when I want to switch game systems. I'm no techno-phile, but setup was very easy on this TV...the hardest part was carrying the 80LB monster in!

The only real drawbacks are that while it will play CD-RW's, it won't play CDR's (!!!); also, the remote is a bit confusing, and takes a lot of getting used to. You have to remember to press the appropriate TV/DVD select button before using that devices' features, which can get very confusing.

Overall, easy set-up, excellent out-of-the box sound and picture make this a great value.

a great buy.......2001-12-30

I just got this TV/DVD combo today.... With tax, it came to $... I got it home and all I had to do was plug it in, connect the cable and turn into the human couch potato. Max time of installation was 15 minutes, including lugging the 80 lb. machine up two flights of stairs! No fussing with different cables and cords...which is nice if you're like me (not a techno-nerd).

This is my first DVD player, but it seems relatively easy to use. The remote is handy, with all the buttons where they seem they should be.

The TV picture is clear and the sound is okay.

I was debating between buying this TV/DVD or the Toshiba flat-screen 20", which was $..cheaper. The Panasonic won out, though, because I thought the additional 7 inches of viewing was worth it.

Overall, I would recommend this TV/DVD combo for someone who is too busy to worry about cords and connection cables. It is a great first-venture into the DVD world.

This was money well spent!.......2001-01-23

The Panasonic CT-27DC50 TV/DVD is a quality piece of equipment. I just got it a few days ago, and I was impressed by the sharpness of the DVD playback. It takes a while to understand the remote control unit as it has a lot of buttons to learn and the owner's manual is a little vague on descriptions, but the picture itself is great and the quality of the sound is excellent. I, for one, am glad that it ISN'T a flat screen TV, as reflections would be a big problem. I have no hesitation to recommend this one.

Average customer rating:

No problems with this one

Excelent, and best Picture,

Sceptre X7 Komodo II 17" LCD Monitor (White)

Manufacturer: Sceptre Technologies, Inc
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All Monitors | Monitors & Projectors | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
17-Inch | LCD | Monitors & Projectors | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Monster Cable JP ULPC HP-6 U-Link USB 1.0 Cable (6 ft., White)

Tripp Lite BC Pro 600 Surge Protector

HP Q2419A High Gloss Laser Paper for HP Color LaserJet and Mono-Chrome Printers

Creative Labs Inspire 6600 6.1 Computer Speakers (7-Speaker, Black)

Product Features:

1,280 x 1,024 resolution

Rich 400:1 contrast, 250-nit brightness

Wide 150-degree horizontal viewing angle

Kensington lock ready

Detachable base

ASIN: B000071WDO
Release Date: 2002-10-15

Product Description

Winning over numerous awards on LCD flat panel and CRT monitors and notebooks, Sceptre is well recognized as a leader in its field by the computer industry. Manufacturing world-class products is just the tip of Sceptre's iceberg. What unfolds the key to Sceptre's success is understanding and providing the different services to each of its partners and channels, which entails the trust of many.PRODUCT FEATURES:Flicker and static-free;Less than VLMF radiation standard;Plug and Play (DDC1 & DDC2B);Consume 30,70% less power;Panel- & base-detachable;Kensington lock-ready;Ergotron arm-compatible.

Amazon.com Product Description

Looking for a high-quality yet affordable LCD monitor? This flat screen TFT LCD from Sceptre Technologies provides a brilliant onscreen image and takes up little desktop space. A maximum resolution of 1,280 x 1,024 and a fine 0.264 mm dot pitch provide a crisp, detailed picture that's ideal for a wide variety of applications, such as gaming, high-end graphics, word processing, and more. The 400:1 contrast ratio and 250 cd/m2 of brightness combine with over 16 millions colors to present a vibrant, true-to-life image, while the anti-glare, anti-static screen coating cuts down on unwanted glare and resulting eyestrain. A number of useful onscreen controls are provided, so you can easily adjust the settings to your environment and personal preference.

If desktop space is a scarce commodity in your home or office, the X7 easily detaches from its base to become wall-mountable. Plug and Play connectivity means that this monitor is ready to use right out of the box; setup is easy and hassle-free. The X7 also features built-in speakers and a wide 150 degree horizontal viewing angle. Compatible with PC only, the X7 comes backed with and one-year parts and labor warranty.

Customer Reviews:

No problems with this one.......2003-05-12

Have had no problems so far. It has clear picture, no distortion, good colors. Feels so much better than my old CRT!
I'm never going to own another CRT again.

Excelent, and best Picture,.......2003-01-01

I purchase this monitor from Amazon, and before I review few Panels monitor, and the picture wasen't clear like thes one,
this monitor have clear and bright picture, contrast and bright
I have to use only in 26 and 30 is the best picture, I think better than famous brand, and the price better you can't find for 17", I'm filling very,very happy and lucky
(no dead pixels, nothing wrong)
if you plane by a Panel check this one.

Product Description

SimpleTech features a comprehensive line of hard drive upgrades for popular portables by Toshiba. The company designs its hard drive upgrades with your portable's special power and space requirements in mind. So you can be sure you're installing a hard drive that meets the performance and technical specifications set by Toshiba.This hard drive is designed for Toshiba Satellite 1555CDS, 2060CDS, 2065CDS, 2100CDS, 2100CDT, 2105CDS, 210CT, 2140CDS, 2140XCDS, 2180CDT, 2510CDS, 2515CDS, 2520CDS, 2520CDT, 2530CDS, 2535CDS, 2540CDS, 2545CDS, 2545XCDT, 2550CDT Celeron, 2590CDS Celeron, 2590CDT Celeron, 2590XDVD Celeron, 2595CDS Celeron, 2595CDT Celeron, 2595XDVD Celeron, 4030CDT Celeron, 4030CDT-NT Celeron, 4060XCDT, 4070CDS/CDT Celeron, 4080XCDT, 4080XCDT-NT, 4090XDVD Celeron, 4090XDVD-NT Celeron, 4100XCDT, 4100XDVD, 4100XDVD-NT.

Average customer rating:

Orange works better...

Sony Clie T655 16 MB Handheld Device with USB Cradle (Sunset Orange)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All Handhelds & PDAs | Handhelds & PDAs | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Targus PA870U Universal Wireless Keyboard

Product Features:

Fast, 66 MHz processor and a slim, .5-inch chassis with 16 MB of RAM and 4 MB of flash ROM

Bright, high-resolution TFT color display (320 x 320)

Jog-dial navigator permits access to phone numbers, notes, and more while keeping your other hand free

Synchronize with your PC using included HotSync cradle; compatible with Windows PCs

Expandable via optional Memory Stick cards

ASIN: B00007KJWC

Product Description

Now you can really set yourself apart with this striking PEG-T665C. The Palm-powered PEG-T665C handheld features a high-resolution color screen for superb picture quality and a built-in MP3 audio player for your personal entertainment. Super-slim aluminum body is durable and elegant. The Memory Stick media expansion slot provides virtually unlimited storage space for all your favorite applications and data. The unique jog dial navigator provides easy access to most of your stored information. Plus, now you can remotely control your audio and video products using the AV remote control software! Very unique. Very Sony.

Customer Reviews:

Orange works better..........2003-01-10

Ok so this item is the same as original T665. The only thing that is different is that it's a limited edition orange color. I think that this just ads little bit of personality to this PDA. But let's get to the performance of the item. It is a fast PDA. Nothing supersonic but it gets the job done. It nicely syncs with my Outlook and keeps track of about 1000 emails. Phone book software can be little more graphically enhanced but it does the job as well. Battery life is not the greatest one but solutions are available out there that can make your life easier. I do not use this PDA for games or MP3s. I use it for work. I'm a programmer and I work as an EMT in my spare time. I use this organizer in the field noting down patient assessments or looking up medical terminology and in the office I use it to keep track of my schedule, time, expenses, email and contacts. Very useful software that comes with this unit is World Clock. I saw a version of this software being used with old Psion organizers. It allows you to set different alarms for different days with different times. I love it. Simple application yet very useful. Comes with load of extra software that will satisfy every user out there. Another nice this is that I have a Sony digital camera and sometime I view the pictures I took right on my Clie.

Few things that may change your mind about this product that I found out after purchase:

- MP3s need special memory stick. You can't use standard blue one you have to use one called Magic Gate memory stick.
- Stylus is small and tiny. When on the run it's hard to operate.
- Battery becomes concern if you use it a lot. I have a mobile charge unit for my car so I'm doing fine with that
- There are special new hard cases available for this unit. They are GREAT! but in order to sync you need to keep taking your Clie out of them which is a hassle. I guess they were design so you go out and buy new sync cable.
- Screen is much better than anything I expected. Yet I smacked a protector on it just in case.
- Controls are small. For people with big hands it may be small hassle.

As you can see I'm not pushing this product to the limits. I'm just using it everyday over and over again and I find it very reliable. Also I like the limited edition orange version because it stands out and if I lose it it's easier to spot.

Average customer rating:
SimpleTech STT-T9000/128 128MB Memory Upgrade for Toshiba (Non-ECC)

Manufacturer: SimpleTech Technology
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All PC Memory | PC Memory | Memory | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

One of the top three least expensive ways to make a marked improvement in your computer's speed and performance

Guaranteed to be as good or better than the memory that came originally with your computer

Specifically designed and engineered to follow industry's stringent memory specifications, then tested with multiple system types to guarantee compatibility

Delivers an overall enhanced performance for your computer

Highest quality assurance rating available - ISO9001 Certified

ASIN: B00006HUP4

Product Description

SimpleTech provides one of the most complete offerings of performance memory solutions in the industry, unsurpassed in quality, performance, and price. With over a decade of design and manufacturing expertise, SimpleTech knows what it takes to build quality and reliability into every memory solution. SimpleTech takes the complexity out of choosing the right solution for your system. With support for hundreds of desktop, notebook, workstation, server, and printer models, it offers thousands of memory upgrades made for your system.This memory is designed for Toshiba Portege 4000 PIII SpeedStep; Toshiba Portege 4005 PIII SpeedStep; Toshiba Satellite 1000-S157 1.066GHz Celeron; Toshiba Satellite 1000-S158 1.066GHz Celeron; Toshiba Satellite 1005-S157 1.066GHz Celeron; Toshiba Satellite 1900-OFS 1.6GHz P4; Toshiba Satellite 1905-S277 1.6GHz PIII; Toshiba Satellite 3000-Q65 1.0GHz PIII-M; Toshiba Satellite 3000-S304 1.0GHz SpeedStep; Toshiba Satellite 3005-S304 1.0GHz SpeedStep; Toshiba Satellite 3005-S307 1.13GHz SpeedStep; Toshiba Satellite Pro 6000 1.0GHz PIII SpeedStep; Toshiba Satellite Pro 6000 1.13GHz PIII SpeedStep; Toshiba Satellite Pro 6000 1.2GHz PIII SpeedStep; Toshiba Tecra 9000 1.0GHz PIII; Toshiba Tecra 9000 1.13GHz PIII-M; Toshiba Tecra 9000 1.2GHz PIII-M (PT900U-091RE0); Toshiba Tecra 9000 1.2GHz PIII-M (PT900U-091V40); Toshiba Tecra 9000 866MHz PIII-M; Toshiba Tecra 9000 933MHz PIII-M.

Average customer rating:
SONICblue ProGear 1000 SE - TM3200 400 MHz - RAM : 128 MB - HD : 5.6 GB - Win98 SE - 10.4" TFT 1024 x 768 ( XGA )

Manufacturer: SONICblue
ProductGroup: Personal Computer

Notebooks | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B0009MHK34

Product Description

ProGear is Frontpath's premier Information Appliance targeted to the vertical market segments. ProGear couples hardware and software to deliver one of the first ever wireless, truly portable, untethered, broadband-based products capable of enabling vertical partners to fully customize content. Frontpath's ProGear supports all rich media formats and offers a high quality 10.4" TFT display, X86 compatibility and a touch screen that will enable quick access to applications or the Internet. A virtual keyboard or handwriting recognition gives users the choice of input modes. Because of its ambidextrous design, ProGear can be used in either portrait or landscape modes.

Average customer rating:
Samsung Digimax V40 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer: Samsung
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Digital Cameras | Samsung Optical | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Digital Cameras | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
All Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
4 to 4.9 Megapixels | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Under 4x Optical Zoom | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Point-and-Shoot Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
All Samsung | Samsung | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Electronics Available for International Shipping | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

PhotoImpact 6.0

SimpleTech STI-CF/256 256 MB CompactFlash Card

Samsonite Worldproof 1.4 Digital Camera Bag -Blue/Black

Sony VCTR610 Lightweight Tripod for DCR-DVD201, 203, 403 & HDR-HC3 Camcorders

Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 [Old Version]

Product Features:

4-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 11-by-15-inch enlargements

3x Schneider optical zoom combines with 5x digital zoom for 15x total zoom

Macro mode; movie clips with audio; 2-inch rotating LCD screen

Store images on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (32 MB SD card included)

Powered by 2 AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable NiMH recommended)

ASIN: B0001G6UG6

Product Description

SimpleTech features a comprehensive line of hard drive upgrades for popular portables by NEC. SimpleTech designs its hard drive upgrades with your portable's special power and space requirements in mind. So you can be sure you're installing a hard drive that meets the performance and technical specifications set by NEC.This hard disk drive is intended for NEC Versa 2400, 2400CD, 2405, 2405CD, 2430CD, 2435CD, 2530.

Average customer rating:
SimpleTech SON-PCVL/64 64MB PC100 Non-ECC SDRAM 168pin DIMM

Manufacturer: SimpleTech Technology
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All PC Memory | PC Memory | Memory | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
All SDRAM Memory | SDRAM | PC Memory | Memory | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
64 MB | SDRAM | PC Memory | Memory | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

One of the top three least expensive ways to make a marked improvement in your computer's speed and performance

Guaranteed to be as good or better than the memory that came originally with your computer

Specifically designed and engineered to follow industry's stringent memory specifications, then tested with multiple system types to guarantee compatibility

Delivers an overall enhanced performance for your computer

Highest quality assurance rating available - ISO9001 Certified

ASIN: B00006HUWV
Release Date: 2003-08-20

Product Description

SimpleTech is a leading worldwide manufacturer of SDRAM memory products, offering upgrades for the latest Sony systems. Adding more SDRAM will improve the performance of your Sony system to open more applications simultaneously and run them quickly. System specific designing and testing means your SimpleTech SDRAM will have 100% compatibility.This memory is designed for Sony PCV-E302DS Digital Studio, PCV-E308DS Digital Studio, PCV-E314DS Digital Studio, PCV-E518DS Digital Studio PIII, PCV-J100 Digital Studio Celeron, PCV-J120 Digital Studio PIII, PCV-L400 Slimtop, PCV-L600 Slimtop PIII, PCV-L600S Slimtop PIII, PCV-L620 Slimtop PIII, PCV-L630 Slimtop PIII, PCV-L640 Slimtop PIII, PCV-R526DS Digital Studio PIII, PCV-R528DS Digital Studio PIII, PCV-R532DS Digital Studio Celeron, PCV-R536DS Digital Studio PIII, PCV-R538DS Digital Studio PIII, PCV-R539DS Digital Studio PIII, PCV-R545DS Digital Studio PIII, PCV-R547DS Digital Studio PIII, PCV-R549DS Digital Studio PIII, PCV-R553DS Digital Studio PIII.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics