Connectivity
- ColorStream PRO component video output
- A/V output (mini-pin)
- A/V input (mini-pin)
- S-video output
- coaxial digital audio output
- ATAPI PC interface (requires optional ATAPI card)
- mini digital audio cable
- D-2 cable (ColorStream PRO)
- mini A/V cable (2.5mm to RCA)
- AC adaptor/charger
Just about every possible connection is included. There's a component cable for hookup to progressive-scan or standard (interlaced) TVs, plus a simple coaxial cable to pipe the Dolby Digital/DTS/PCM bitstream to an A/V receiver. The SD-P1000 also has a set of A/V inputs, so you can use the LCD (liquid crystal display) as a monitor for external sources. Although Toshiba provides an ATAPI cable, you must purchase an (optional) ATAPI adaptor card if you want to use the SD-P1000 as a DVD-ROM drive for your PC or laptop.
Look & Feel
With its iMac-like turquoise design accents, the SD-P1000 is an attractive player, albeit one that's above the norm in terms of weight and thickness. As noted, there are ergonomic problems. The biggest one is the disc-open mechanism, which is electronic rather than mechanical. That means you must first turn on the power so that you can open the lid to insert or remove a disc. Powering up simply to change a disc is annoying, especially if you're on the road and you want to conserve battery power.
There are no fast-forward/rewind/scan, chapter skip or display buttons on the main unit, so you'll need the remote control (which is sized for home use, not portable) to access these common functions. Needing a remote control for travel is ridiculous given that you're usually within arm's reach of the player and, therefore, of the controls.
The lithium-ion battery pack is shaped like a sausage. It hooks onto the rear of the player, an arrangement found (and since abandoned) on early generation Panasonic models, such as the DVD-L50, and on the current Aiwa XD-DW1. Today's units have much slicker-looking battery packs.
Unfortunately, the battery didn't sit as securely on my test unit as it should have. I often had to reset the battery to make sure its contacts were secure so that it could recharge properly. The battery has to be attached to the player to be recharged, which also is awkward.
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