Panasonic RP-56 vs 62S
 

I know that the Panasonic RP-56 had the Sage/Faroudja chip in it. Since it is now discontinued does the new RP-62S have the same chip? I would hate to assume it and find out the hard way later.

I'm interested in this one because it has the good video capabilities and can play MP3's in a random order. I wish it would display jpeg images also. I looked at the new JVC 500bk that did play jpegs but it took almost 45 seconds to draw the image on the screen! And even then it didn't look good. Is there another player besides the Panasonic that might do what I need and keep me under $200?

Ripped from CES 2002 Page:

"Once-exotic progressive DVD playback is now standard throughout Panasonic's new slate of single-disc DVD players, which all now incorporate the Sage/Faroudja deinterlacing introduced in last year's DVD-RP56, to be replaced in May/June by the $229 DVD-RP62..."

Thanks a bunch! I want to get it today but needed to know that!

Wow, I didn't think I'd notice much difference but I swear the picture is better than my old 5 disc panasonic c220. I don't have a Digital TV yet but wanted the capability for progressive scan when I do get one. I already put in one of my MP3 disc's and hit the random button. It is better than having a jukebox. I just wish it would play jpeg images. Does anyone know if all the players display jpeg as poorly as the JVC 500BK? Am I missing something without it or are they all slow and low res?

I went to a Home theater shop I used to go to a lot that I really trust and they actually opened one up to confirm that the new RP-62s had the Sage chip in it.

Strange that the price went down on this player also.

I must say i am very happy with mine and my $85 dollar misprice made it that much better :D

Sorry this isn't really an answer to your question, but wanted to chime in because I have the RP56 and am really happy with it. Got it for Christmas and have watched dozens of movies, no problems! I do agree that it would be really nice to have one that could display jpegs, though. That may be the one feature I miss on this one.

The RP-62 does have the Sage Chip in it. The picture quality is similar to that of the 56.

The RP-62 has some changes including: thinner case and new remote designs, time remaining indicator and quick replay feature.

The price drop is the cheaper, better technological improvement thing. -wink-

This thing is sweet - I'm listening to random MP3 files on a CD-RW right now! My wife and I just finished watching Ali, and the picture IS leaps and bounds over my old Panasonic A110!

The RP-82 is just above the $200 mark and depending on your needs and receiver, might be worth the few extra bucks. You get the addition of DVD-RAM capabilities, a few extra video options, and Coax as well as Optical digital outputs (the RP62 only does Optical).

The RP-82 is also a DVD-Audio player. It's street price is around $220.

OK, I'm going to return my RP62 tomorrow and get the RP82. For only $50 more and with the added features, it's worth it.

BTW, I did return my other player and now have the RP82! One note to folks - pictures I've seen make the player look silver and black, the front panel is actually chrome and highly reflective!

Any chance of you opening it up and checking for the fl2300 chip? ;)

I have the RP-62. It's a good player. There are many as good. I have noticed some "lag" in the optical audio. Mouths sometimes move a split second before the sound. Oddly, it's not all the time, or even often.

gotapex...

No way, bud! I have a call in to Panasonic on the progressive capabilities of the RP82.

RockyMtnBri,

Hehe, I was kidding. I wouldn't do that either.

If you get a chance, ask them what chips are used though. Hopefully, the technician you talk with will know. I kind of doubt it's the fli2300.

No problem with this on my 62. Do you have all settings set for optical on both the player and your receiver?

Ditto... No problems with audio on my RP 62 either...