Watch your favorite movies anywhere with this portable DVD player. The sleek, 7-IN LCD screen can display movies in conventional or widescreen format, while the S-video output delivers smooth progressive-scan images.
Enjoy your favorite movies wherever you roam with Panasonic's portable DVD-LS50 multiformat DVD player. Featuring a 7-inch screen, the 16:9 aspect ratio DVD-LS50 enables you to watch movies in widescreen format or conventional 4:3 formats such as letterbox and pan-and-scan. The LCD can be manually adjusted to a variety of different angles that can accommodate a wide range of viewing positions. The DVD-LS50 also features built-in stereo speakers, a rechargeable battery with a battery life of up to 3 hours, audio output for Dolby Digital and DTS, and a remote control.
In addition to DVD video discs, the DVD-LS50 is compatible with DVD-Audio, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, video and audio CDs, MP3, WMA, and CD-R/-RW discs. It also supports HighMAT (High-Performance Media Access Technology), a technology codeveloped by Panasonic and Microsoft that improves the method of storing, arranging, and playing back digital photo, music, and video collections on recordable discs, such as DVD and CD recordable media.
With the high-speed, 5-step Smooth Motion Scan feature, you'll get crystal-clear forward and reverse scan at 100 times normal speed at its highest setting. The Cinema Mode function lessens glare, providing colors that are more cinemalike, and picture resolution that is gentler to the eyes. It also improves the visibility of details in dark scenes by automatically adjusting picture contrast, and helps to suppress color smearing as well. The Dialogue Enhancer feature increases the center-channel volume relative to other channels, making movie dialogue easier to hear and understand.
The DVD-LS50 has 1 composite A/V out and a 3.5 mm headphone minijack. It offers advanced virtual surround sound, headphone surround sound, and optical digital audio output for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound--making this road warrior a complete solution for your home theater as well.
Tech Talk
Dolby Digital: Digital audio compression technology developed by Dolby Laboratories that provides the same 5.1 discrete channels of high-quality digital audio found in Dolby Digital cinema audio systems. Because all of the channel data are recorded discretely, Dolby Digital offers good channel separation and little sound deterioration due to the digital channel data processing. It conforms to 5.1-channel surround sound. The rear channel is stereo, and there is a discrete subwoofer channel.
DTS: Digital audio compression technology developed by Digital Theater Systems that conforms to 5.1-channel surround sound. The rear channel is stereo, and there is a discrete subwoofer channel.
What's in the Box
Panasonic DVD-LS50 portable DVD player, remote control, batteries for remote control, rechargeable battery, and AC adapter.
1 Error code H03 requires replacement with reconditioned unit.
I was disappointed to learn that my DVD player had only a 90 warranty on labor. For no reason error code H03 appeared requiring me to send the unit to McAllen Texas for service. The service center informed me it would be $90.00 plus S&H for a remanufactured unit. The unit was only six months old and probably had less than 100 hours on it. I purchased Panasonic paying a $100 dollars more than other similarly equipped models hoping to avoid this type of issue. The unit performed nicely during its short life, I hope I get more mileage from the replacement.
2 Great DVD Player
I received this player as a gift at Christmas and I have been nothing but ecstatic about it's operation. I am military and constantly deployed, so I use it quite often, at least once a day. Also, many others do the same and I have compared with quite a few. The biggest differences that I notice without really sitting them right next to each other pondering the question are the build and the sound quality. First, the build is awesome! The adjustments available with the screen make watching a movie easy where ever you may be. Second, the sound quality is amazing for such a small player. The built in speakers are loud enough to use anywhere I've watched, when compared to other players that headphones or speakers were necessary. I've owned the player now for about 5 months now and have had absolutely no problems whatsoever. So if you are in the market for a great player, I highly recommend this one. You won't be disappointed!
3 Worthless warranty
Given as a Christmas gift the player stopped working in April. Wish I'd read the fine print. Only 90 days warranty on labor. Returned to Panasonic per the instructions. Their solution - another $100 to replace with a reconditioned unit. $100 versus $300 for new? I'll replace the player but it won't be a Panasonic.
4 Wonderful DVD player
I bought this DVD player for my son at least 6 months ago. I was going to buy the Mintek, but I was too worried about the reliability problems. This DVD player costs much more, but you get what you pay for. The picture quality is fantastic. Probably one of the nicest features is the movable screen. This enables proper veiwing angle from almost anywhere. The screen doesn't just move up and down, the base detaches, and can be moved all around. The only problem I have had, is that when getting into the car in mid-winter, the picture is very dark until the unit warms up. I have a feeling any player would do this.
5 Best DVD ever!
I really like this DVD. The picture quality is excellent, and it's a really dependable maker. It really is a life saver for my carpools - keeps all the children happy and quiet! I also use it at night to watch movies, when my family is using the TV. I have also played my MP3 & CDs on it, and the sound quality is incredible. Worth every penny!
6 Glad I Spent a Little More...
We wanted a portable DVD player to entertain the kids on long drives and keep my Elmo-addicted baby happy. After researching several of the 7 inch models, looking at picture and sound quality, price & durability, I was down to either the Polaroid or this Panasonic model. The Polaroid was much less expensive: but you get what you pay for. Almost every review I read described a mechanical problem. My husband convinced me to spend a little more and get this Panasonic. So far, it's awesome. We took it on a road trip (4 hours in the car with 2 kids) and it was a life-saver. My husband called it an "electronic pacifier."
Anyway, the design is great. Very compact, but durable. The player was easy to use right out of the box. Within 30 minutes, I was playing movies, digital photos, and MP3s. The sound is great, even in the car (brought headphones on the trip, but never used them). The battery life seems long. We were able to watch a full-length movie in the hotel on battery and it worked fine (comes with cables to hook up to a TV). Bought a power inverter for the car and works like a champ. We somehow already have small scratch on screen but with the picture quality being so good you can't even tell. Love the full-size remote control, and being able to tilt the monitor is great for car use (reduces glare).
I was concerned that this player didn't come with all the stuff the others do, and the higher cost. But this player is definitely worth it in quality and durability.
7 Didn't last long
I had great expectations when I purchased this unit, based on enthusiastic reviews here and elsewhere. And, indeed, the unit performed very well, with great features and very good sound and picture quality. I was proud to own it and I relied on it to keep me entertained during my many travels. Then, one sad day, some three months after purchase, an error message appeared in the screen, and the CD stopped spinning. I brought the unit to the shop where I had bought it, and they told me they had to send the device to Panasonic, and that it would be back shortly. That was almost a month ago, and I have heard nothing since. Hopefully I will get it back soon.
I would hate to detract people from choosing this unit based on my experience which could just have been back luck, because it truly has a great picture quality. However, for me personally prospects of a trouble-free experience with a virtually new unit have been shattered. I am disappointed, and now I read of another reviewer here who seems to have had a similar experience. I hope this is the only thing that will go wrong with this unit.
8 Very short "shelf-life"
During the 3 months that I was able to use it, the player was well worth the investment. However, during the viewing of a DVD, an on-screen error message appeared and the player stopped. The manual provided a "solution" which did not work, and tech assistance would only give me locations for service. It is now in for repairs, and of course, the 90 day warranty for labor was invalid by about a week when the problem happened. Awaiting for a final cost estimate. Based on all the positive reviews (particularly @ the Circuit City site), I made the purchase. Now, it may have been a poor decision.
9 Terrific player
I spent a long time studying what was out there. I ended up buying an Initial from Wal-mart, at a very good price. 9 inch screen. Well, it lasted 2 days and quit working. I returned it and did some more research. After reading all the reviews, I concluded that Panasonic was the best choice and Amazon had the best price. It plays everything I have and I have had no problems with it. With headphones, the sound is spectacular. I wish it had come with a car adapter but it doesn't. I can't understand why the adapters are so expensive ($150 from Panasonic). Also a spare battery is very expensive, but I knew all this going in.
Excellent quality, design and numerous choices on the remote control. You can't go wrong with this little gem.
10 Perfect for the plane or long drives
I did a lot of research before I purchased this unit. I was afraid of the off brand models after reading some reviews and decided to stick with a name I recognized. The Panansonic LS50 had good reviews from experts and end users so I went with it and was not dissapointed. The picture is good, controls are fairly easy to use and with medium screen brightness you can get about 2.5 hrs of video before the battery runs down. Right now Circuit City has an $80 rebate and Panasonic has a rebate for a free airline adapter and travel case. Hurry if your in the market!
11 Great for long flights
We purchased this DVD player prior to returning to Asia, where we currently reside. We got it for my 18 month old. It worked great. He won't watch regular TV, only the Wiggles or Sesame Street. He also won't wear the headphones we got to go with it, but we were able to keep the sound at a level where he could hear but our fellow passengers could not. We cross the Pacific 2-3 times a year and this will be the indespensible item in the toy/activity bag.
12 best player in the market
i was looking for a portable lightweight player to watch at work and after looking at other lesser known brands i decided to go for the panasonic.its full of features plays all the formats very attractive lightweight incredible picture.the best feature this player has is the innovative viewing styles which accomodates whichever position your sitting.am so happy with my player i called it my baby.but beleive me its not a toy!!go and buy it!!
13 MUST BUY
HOLY Sh** this thing is AWSOME...... The sound in this unit is incredible it supports DTS.. which is AWSOME,, The Picture is Unbelieble... and the best part is that you can change the screen angle.. the price is Excellent ,, thank you Amazon for having this product available... I don't work for AMAZON... trust me on that one... if you are looking for a excellent Dvd player look no further... really you won't be disapointed.. why save $1.00 for something that looks ok.. spend the extra $1.00 and have an Excellent product.. plays everything , DVD+ , DVD-R, extc..... it's also really light.. I love it.. one thing I didn't like is the price for the extra battery.. but hey its worth it..
14 Excellent Player
This is my first portable player and I am very happy with it.
First it plays all the disc's I throw at it. dvd+r and +rw.
It actually states in the manual that it does not play +r, but it does. The screen tilts, You don't realise how useful this is until you use it. The screen is very clear and the footprint of the unit is nice and small. Battery slots in nicely too.
the Sound via the headphones is excellent, speakers less so.
Battery life is not great, but it seems to be a common complaint with all these players.
Finally I have been very happy with my purchase, there are cheaper machines out there but the panasonic seems solid and well made. I would highly recommend it. Also with the car adaptor and bag as a mail in rebate.
15 Small, light, versatile and fantastic
I frequently take the 4 hour bus ride between New York and Boston and was growing tired of lugging my 7lb laptop to watch DVDs. I was also concerned about this $2000 work computer getting lost/stolen. So although it was tough to justify the cost because I already had something that was 'free' and had a 15" screen, I was ready to buy a portable.
When I first shopped a year ago, I really liked the look and feel of the Toshiba P-1200. But online reviews citing battery problems scared me away. And a guy in work had it happen to him. It just died. I was hoping they fixed it with the P-1400, but I still saw a few users saying they had battery issues. Meanwhile, the reviews for the Panasonic were glowing. Here were the pros and cons between the two:
- Toshiba $70 less vs. Panasonic
- Toshiba 3-3 1/2 hr battery life vs. 2-2 1/2 hr for Panasonic
- Toshiba credit card remote vs. big remote on Panansonic
- Toshiba comes with car charger, but Panasonic has charger AND case via rebate
- Toshiba 3.25 lbs vs. 1.75 lbs for Panasonic
So it came down to this. Should I pay more money for a smaller, lighter product that had better reviews, even though the battery life might be an issue. So I went to see them in person.
The result? No contest. The Panasonic is very small and very light. Much easier to toss in my carry-on messenger bag. And the screen is bright and clear. The coolest thing is how the screen can be contorted into so many angles, which is very helpful when the person in front of you reclines their seat halfway into your lap. Additionally, the remote is a non factor for me. I leave it at home. Why? The Panasonic has a very slick shuttle dial that lets you FF and REW through the DVD at different speeds.
In summary, I've used it on one bus ride and one flight so far and it's been great. While I don't want to completely diss Toshiba (I just bought an awesome 30" Toshiba HDTV), for my money the Panasonic has been the right choice.
16 Poor Quality or Bad Engineering
For the price I expected a better built product. I unpacked the unit and thought to myself that I better hold onto the receipt.... within 24 hours the screen went nearly black. Not sure why, I was running the unit off a car adapter AC Power Supply. We shut off the car while the player was in pause, and it never recovered... I would think that a portable unit should be able to handle interupted power supply issues.. As far as I'm concerned, its Junk. We'll be returing it Monday.
17 Great Product-Horrible Batteries
I have absolutely no difficulties with the product, it is wonderful. Finding batteries for it on the other hand is a nightmare. The shorter two hour baterries are simple to find, but I still have not found the longer life ten hour battery for this product. Without the ten hour battery you would be lucky to get through one dvd, so without it the LS50 loses it's appeal.
18 The Best Portable DVD Out There
I just purchased this unit after owning a 5" Panasonic DVD player. The chief differences between this unit and similar units of others brands are:
(1) The picture is much brighter and sharper
(2) The simulated surround sound using headphones (I use the
Koss Porta Pros) is much louder and the sound is more spacious and open
(3) This unit plays "marginal" DVD's with make other units skip
(4) The screen tilts to virtually any position making its use in planes or other tight spaces more flexible
(5) It is much more solidly built than its competitors
(6) It immediately recognizes the DVD that has been placed in the unit and adjusts the size of the picture automatically
(7) There is less wasted space around the 7" screen making the unit smaller and lighter..it is barely larger than the actual size of the screen.
(8) It's battery is virtually internal, simply snapping onto a recessed area in the bottom of the unit. It appears to be "built directly into the unit"
(9) It's remote control is "full size" Although it occupies little space in my bag, it is much more user friendly than the small remotes that come with other units.
(10) It's price is only about $50 more than the competition, and given all of the above, it is well worth the difference, especially considering the "rebate package" which includes a case and a DC adaptor.
I bought mine at B&H Photo...The shipping charge is only about $10, and, although the delivery promises 3-5 days, I received mine the very next day (in CT).The price was also as low as any out there.
19 Wonderful DVD Player!
This little player has come in sooo handy. We recently moved to Alaska and bought this player for my 2 1/2 year old daughter to help pass the time on the Alaska Highway. It worked great, never failed, very clear picture and sound. My daughter also pushes the buttons to start the movie over and play some of the simpler games...and so far her "roughness" hasn't been any problem. We had to buy the car adapter and carrying case separately which wasn't cheap but definitely worth this awesome player. The remote does everything too which is a plus.
I bought a Mintek before this and it failed on the 2nd dvd played so I decided to pay more for a brand I've heard of. The Mintek came with all of its own stuff but it doesn't mean much when the player doesn't work.
20 Great quality and worth it
This Panasonic 7" portable DVD player is more expensive than no-name brands like Mintek or Initial, but it's also much better quality. The LCD screen is brighter and clearer (although you might want to turn down the brightness to conserve battery), the build quality is excellent (Mintek and Initial players often feel very cheap and flimsy), and the battery is smaller and lasts longer. The Panasonic also plays a lot of different formats, and the small speakers give pretty good sound for their size. Seriously, if you are gonna use a portable DVD player a lot, get this high-quality model instead of trying to save a few bucks on a low-quality brand.
21 Great Quality buy!!!!
I recently bought this portable DVD player thru Amazon and first of all - it arrived home much earlier than expected at a great price. I bought this after I did a lot of research on the internet and read a lot of reviews. The quality of the picture is great and this is the perfect size for lap-viewing. I saw the cheaper ones in the stores - and this one looks and feels solid. (...) - so since I wanted to travel right away, I carried it in a plastic lunch bag (fits perfectly in) and bought a car inverter for power. The remote is a standatrd size (not credit card size). And yes, it has two headphone jacks.
22 Panasonic DVD-LS50: Battery Bait & Switch?
Purchased two of these units, primarily for children to use during travel.
Positives: Both units have performed well and our 5 year old could operate hers with little "front-to-back seat" assistance, always a plus. Picture is fine in full light and sound with headphones is good. Our 10 year old daughter's initial reaction: "These are so cool!"
Negatives: Supplied battery is rated for two hours. We get about 2 and half hours. A DC adapter is NOT included, and this nearly essential accessory is $150. An accessory battery that lasts 4 hours is available...also $150. My solution: I purchased a DC to AC adapter ($50) and plugged both units in when the batteries were exhausted. A few more chords in the car but so far it works great. Make sure adapter is rated to handle your needs.
23 HOW DO I LOVE THEE. LET ME COUNT THE WAYS
After a lot of comparison shopping, I saw this DVD player at a store and thought it was the best picture I had ever seen. I decided to check Amazon, my old standby, and sure enough it was cheaper, no sales tax and no shipping. The player arrived today, and I love, love, love it. I also purchased a Panasonic DVD recorder, and I was thrilled to see that the remotes etc were almost identical; so I was already schooled. I don't think you will find a better picture, and with the two rebates from Amazon it's almost too good to be true.
24 light, well-built, great performance, features and battery
I bought this after noticing that the DVD player rental chain in many airports uses Panasonics exclusively, which to me says something about durability. Comparing this unit with Audiovox, Mintek and Magnavox, it is obviously much more solid. The great thing, though, is that for the same screen size, the unit is slimmer and lighter. The swivel screen makes it very easy to hang on the back of the driver's seat in the car for kids to watch, since it folds flat and won't protrude from the seat back. Others have noted short battery life. I took it on a plane trip from Alaska to Arizona and watched all of the extended version of The Two Towers (over 3.5 hours) and didn't run out of battery. I turned the brightness all the way down, but the picture was still very clear and easy to see in a darkened airplane. The great thing is that the battery is much smaller and lighter than other DVD players I've seen, and doesn't really add to the size or weight of the unit. This thing is great for viewing my CR-RWs with lots of family photos on them, as well as listening to MP3s or WMAs (it even recognizes playlists, although I haven't tried this out yet). The controls on the player allow you to easily operate it without the remote, except for specialized functions. With the free case and airplane/car power adapter offer through Amazon (I'm still waiting for mine), and Amazon's great price, you just can't lose with this. The only thing the Mintek has that this doesn't is A/V input, but if you don't need to play video games on it, it's not a problem. Don't waste your money on a slightly cheaper unit that doesn't even compare with this. You'll be glad you spent a little more.
25 GREAT PRODUCT
I just recently purchased the panasonic dvd ls 50 after doing extensive research on the web. There is no doubt that this unit is a bit more expensive than others with similar sized screans. However, the price difference is insignificant when one considers the quality of this unit both in terms of picture and construction. I just used the unit on transcontinental flights from Orlando Florida to Seattle Washington and it worked extremely well, didnt skip once during the flight despite some heavy turbulance. The only negatives are the battery life is short and an extra battery is necessary. Also the headphones are not that loud over the engine noise but a good pair of noise cancelling phones might negate this problem. In all an excellent machine
26 Very good product
I really like the Panasonic DVD-LS50. I've had it for a couple of days now. The picture is very sharp and the features are great. I highly recommend it. The only drawback is that the Battery doesn't last very long (approx 1.5 hours with th emonitor turned on to its brightest setting).
27 The Best Portable- Bar None!!!
Panasonic portable DVD players have the sharpest, clearest screens around! I bought a Toshiba to replace my old Panasonic, but what a piece of junk! The contrast was too high, and it skipped with the slightest bump! I saw the panasonic LS50 and was enamored. It plays DVDs, DVD-Rs that my Toshiba locks up on, MP3s in files (I like to put artists on one disc and then categorize them in seperate files by year of album release.) It plays DVD Ram, JPeg files (The Toshiba won't play any Jpegs over 300 dpi, this one does at least up to 600 dpi!,) and the flip screen is the coolest. I can finally watch a movie holding the player flat! Awesome! It has 2 headphone jacks, the 7" screen is crystal clear, No volume dial to move by accident- buttons are used, the only down side to this amazing player is that it doesn't offer a line in to use it as a monitor like my old Panasonic and Toshiba. (I use this feature when recording to my Panasonic DVD recorder.) The speakers sound great, as usual for Panasonic!The player is not heavy even with the battery. It is very hard to make this player skip! Panasonic is simply the best!!! The price is one third what I paid for my old 5 inch Panasonic years ago- what a steal!!!
28 My first DVD player
I just received this player on June 24, 2004. Since then I have watched several movies on it. I can't get over the crispness and clairty of the picture. It is so awesome!! You forget that you are watching a seven inch screen. We rode with it on the dashboard of our truck. Hitting bumps and potholes as we went. The player never skipped once.
I researched and read many reviews on other players. I am so thrilled that I decided on this one. I should receive my free carrying case in the mail shortly. That will be really nice to have.
If I had to give one negative about the DVD player, it would be that it is hard to see during the day. But this could be true for all DVD players.
29 Great player, great price
I bought this player from amazon.com for less than I could find ANYWHERE else, and I did my research.
I bought this player because I have a long daily commute on a train and my laptop was skipping when trying to watch DVDs. I couldn't be happier. I love the many different positions that you can fold the screen into. It plays everything I have stuck in it including DVD-Rs burnt on my Sony DVD burner. The player does a more consistent job playing discs than my playstation 2 does at home... discs that skip in my PS2 play flawlessly in the Panasonic player.
The only complaint I have is that when connected to my TV (4:3 aspect ratio) at home, it will squish widescreen formatted movies (everything is too tall) instead of displaying those black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. This is my own fault though because I should really have either a widescreen TV or a better DVD player than a playstation 2 =)
30 Great little portable dvd player
I researched many portable dvd players and this one came up best for the money. But since I got it after the rebate time ended, I didn't get the free car adapter and now I find it is quite expensive, $99! (which is why I give it the 4 stars)Otherwise, the picture is very sharp and lots of features offered. It also shows my Jpeg digital pictures! I am very happy with this panasonic product!
31 Best price for the brand, size and picture quality
I have been looking for a portable DVD player for the past couple months. Checked Sony, Toshiba and other brands. The only one comes close as far as picture quality is Polariod 7 inch, which sales for around 280 or so. But its size is bigger, and weights a ton. The ways you can place the LCD screen on this panasonic model is very useful and I don't see other brands offer the similar screen configurations. With the rechargable battery, this unit weights heavier compare to other name brands (sony, toshiba...). However the sound quality is great for those tiny speakers. So overall I will rate this unit a 5 star, while comparing it side by side with Sony, Toshiba, Initial, Polariod, and even with the Panasonic 9 inch model(clearer).
I hope this information helps you to choose the best portable DVD player on the market.
