|
 YAMAHA
Yamaha will be introducing two new DVD players this year. The
two new models are the DVD-S510, and the DVD-S1200, with prices
$299 and $999, respectively. The DVD-S510 will be compatible with
CD-R/RW Discs, and has a multiple zoom feature with 3 settings (1.33,
2, 4 times). Dolby Digital, DTS, and PCM bitstreams are passed thru
its optical digital out. Also, the DVD-S510 is compatible with DVD-Video,
CD, VCD, and SVCD.
The DVD-S1200 is Yamaha's new DVD-Video/Audio player. This player
handles DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, CD, VCD, and Super Video CD. Progressive
Scan output is another added bonus feature, and dual laser optical
pickup and a 3:2 pulldown converter also compliment the DVD-S1200's
impressive repertoire. Dolby Digital, DTS, and PCM bitstreams are
passed thru its optical digital out. 10-bit Video DAC, and 192kHz/24-bit
audio DAC will insure state of the art processing. There is one
cool feature on both new models. This feature is a screen saver
that dims the picture 75% in pause mode that will prolong the life
of your display tube. Both should be shipping within the next couple
of months. (Official Site)
PANASONIC
Panasonic is rolling out 8 (yes, 8) new DVD players to ship within
the next 3-5 months. All the models have disc stabilizers to keep
the DVD from unnecessary movements while being played, and they
all are CD-R/RW playback compatible. The DVD-RV31 ($250) is a very
no frills DVD. Dolby Digital and DTS bitstreams are passed thru
its optical digital out. The DVD-RV41 ($250) has a built in Dolby
Digital decoding but DTS is nowhere to be found. The DVD-RP56 ($300)
is a Progressive Scan output DVD. The DVD-CV51 ($300) is a 5-disc
DVD/CD changer. Dolby Digital and DTS bitstreams are passed thru
its digital optical outputs. The DVD-RP61 ($300) has Progressive
Scan outputs, and also is DVD-Audio compatible. This DVD player
has an internal Dolby Digital and DTS decoder built-in.
Moving up to the above-$500 level is the DVD-CP71. The CP71 is
a 5-Disc DVD/CD changer, Progressive Scan DVD player with the ability
to play DVD-Audio. The Dolby Digital and DTS decoder is built into
this machine as well. Next up is the DVD-RP91. This $800 DVD player
comes a bit more loaded than the previously mentioned Panasonic
players. The RP91 does Progressive Scan and DVD-Audio, but has upgraded
video DAC. The Video DAC is 54 MHz/12 bit (the majority of DVD players
on the market just have 10-bit Video DAC processing.) Also included
is a MPEG DNR for VCD, and DVD-RAM VR playback.
Panasonic's showcase DVD player is the final one in the roundup.
The DVD-H2000 ($3,000) does it all. It has a 54 MHz/12-bit discrete
input Progressive Scan capability, DVD-Audio, built in Dolby Digital/DTS
decoder, DVD RAM VR Playback, and a state of the art RGB palate
control feature. The DVD-RV31, DVD-RV41, DVD-RP56, and the DVD-CV51
are due to ship in March. The DVD-RP61, DVD-RP91, DVD-CP71, and
the DVD-H2000 will ship in May.
 SAMSUNG
Samsung announced 7 new DVD players at CES. The DVD-M101 ($199)
features component video outs, and a slim design. The faceplate
is only 2.6 inches high, and the DVD player is only 17” wide. Availability
for the DVD-M101 is scheduled for February. The DVD-M201 ($199)
adds a dual laser pickup for enhanced visual and audio quality.
This player also plays CD and CD-R, and will be shipped in February,
as well. The DVD-M301 ($230) reads DVD, CD, CD-R and has a MP3 decoder
on board to play your favorite MP3 music. Once again, this unit
has a February shipping date. The DVD-M401 ($350) has dual outputs
and dual laser pickups for use with DVD, CD, CD-R, and MP3 discs.
This will be part of the Tantus line from Samsung. Availability
on the DVD-M401 is set for March.
The DVD-C601 ($250) is a basic 5-disc DVD/CD changer that will
be available in April. The DVD-A901 ($400) is Samsung's entry into
DVD-Audio. In addition to DVD-Audio, the DVD-A901 decodes HDCD material
and for your eye candy, does Progressive Scan. The ship date for
the DVD-A901 is August 2001. The DVD-V1000 ($400) is a combo DVD
and VHS player. Of course, due to the encryption scheme you can't
copy DVD onto VHS, but it is a handy all in one device. The DVD-V1000
also plays DVD-Video, VHS, CD, CD-R, MP3, and S-VHS. This combi-player
is due to release in April.
SONY
Every year Sony puts on a multi-media spectacular to introduce
their new line of products for the upcoming year. The demo is about
20 minutes in length and it is very glamorous and very glitzy. It
also gives you a chance to rest your feet from running around the
convention floor, as well. But I digress...
Sony introduced 4 new DVD players at the Show this year. The DVP-NS300
($199) can be purchased in Black or Silver. Dolby Digital and DTS
bitstreams are passed thru its digital optical outputs. The DVD-NS300
has CD-R/RW disc playback capabilities. The DVP-NS400D ($249) also
has CD-R/RW capabilities with a Dolby Digital/DTS bitstream that
is passed through the digital optical out.
The DVP-NS700D ($399) has a Progressive Scan output, and as with
the previous two players uses Dolby Digital/DTS processing thru
the digital optical outputs. Finally, the last new Sony DVD for
2001 is the DVP-NC600 ($349) is a 5 disc DVD/CD changer with Dolby
Digital/DTS processing, once again, from the digital optical out.
All of these products will be out in April or May of this year.
PIONEER
Pioneer has 3 new products available in 2001. The DV-343 ($299)
is the replacement for the DV-333. The DV-343 is a DVD/CD/VCD player
with 96kHz/24-bit Audio DAC, and 27MHz/10-bit Video DAC. Dolby Digital/DTS
processing is performed thru the optical digital out. Twin Wave
laser pickup for CD/Video, CD-R/RW playback is used for better performance.
The DV-C603 ($399) is a 5-disc DVD/CD/VCD changer with Progressive
Scan. This player has the same Audio and Video DAC as the DV-343.
The DV-434 has 3D Surround with SRS, and Dolby Digital/DTS processing
done via the digital optical out.
One of the most expensive DVD players of 2001 is Pioneer Electronics
flagship DVD player due out this July. It is the DV-AX10. For a
cool $5,500 (approximate/TBD) it can be yours. Pioneer calls it
the most advanced DVD available, who can argue. Actually, they may
be right. Not only does it do DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DTS/Dolby Digital
decoding, but it also does SACD. Yes, this player does both DVD-Audio
and SACD. It has Pioneer's Pure Cinema Progressive Scan with 54
MHz/10-bit video DAC. For the SACD and DVD-Audio the processing
is two-fold. In the Front Left and Right channels, the Audio DAC
is at 192 kHz/24-bit, and in the Center Channel, Surrounds, and
Subwoofer, the audio processing is at 96 kHz/24-bit. The DV-AX10
has copper shielded isolated construction and a double airlock shielded
door for better performance. Unfortunately, this puppy was only
for display purposes and not used as a demo†bummer.
»
MORE
|
