Plays anything you stick into it (well...besides the obvious)
Written: Jul 13 '01
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Pros: Out performs nearly every dvd and laserdisc on the market, sexy as sexy can be
Cons: No progressive scanning, price is very steap
The Bottom Line: While the high cost renders it silly for the average Joe to purchase, audio/visual enthusiasts will have a ball.
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| Hitomi's Full Review: Pioneer DVL-91 DVD Player |
I cannot believe how amazing this player is! I already own the gorgeous DVL-919 (the de-spiffy-fied version of the Elite DVL-91), and got a chance to evaluate this player when it finally went down on price (it's normally like $1200, but I got it for $650). While not a HUGE leap over most DVD players...it still has its advantages. It's left to the buyer as to the length their audio/videophile-ness will take them (and their wallets).
This sucker plays EVERYTHING
That's right, nearly everything you stick in it will play. Laserdisc, DVD, VCD, CDRs, CDRWs...etc...
I, unfortunately, haven't gotten the chance to test SVCD (Super VCD) on the system. SVCD compatiblity isn't something to worry about. SVCDs are rare and kind of pointless. Vcds, however, play quite well. On similar players, images that skipped and garbled, run significantly smoother. Burned VCDs, depending on the source quality, can evoke beauty if squished together correctly (a program called TMPGEnc allows one to tamper with video image quality before slapping it to a VCD-meaning you can create near-DVD-esque-ness {ain't I creative?})
Anyways, no matter how many forms of media it supports, what's the point if the quality of the DVD and laserdisc is trash? Rest assured, it isn't trash. In fact, the DVD and laserdisc quality is SO great, I'm hard pressed to find a player that bests it. Sony's top DVD models can't even perform as well. The best Pioneer laserdisc player (unless you are rich enough to order the new Japanese imports, but we're talking over 2,500 smackers) can't touch it...
One feature this, as well as many other Pioneer models, contain is an option to set the image to its source. Hmm...that was confusing, wasn't it? Allow me to explain. Let's say you were watching a cartoon, ok? With the DVL-91, you can set an option to produce the image in "animation mode", triggering a more bright and lush screen. When viewing a Hollywood movie, "cinema mode" can be to use--creating a darker, more theatre-esque experience. If one is unhappy with "animation" or "cinema", they can rish back to the "default mode". These options, honestly, aren't the milk in the cow's udder, but they sure are neat little options.
It's one sexy hot love machine. One that you can enjoy, stroke, stick stuff in, and fondle without guilt (or risk of diseases! ^_-)
One problem I HAVE had with the video quality is the tendency of DVDs to garble up when another component is placed on top of the player. This has only happened once or twice....
Sound
What can I say about the sound? Well, for starters, it's amazing. Hands down better than any other DVD player I've come into contact with (and that's A LOT).
-Laserdisc sound-
The laserdisc sound is great, much better than the sound present on any other laserdisc player I've owned (the CLD-d99, CLD-a100, CLD-79). DTS laserdiscs performed even better than DTS DVDS. When attached to a receiver, the capability of laserdisc to produce amazing audio is made even more apparent. I was blown away.
-DVD sound-
For some reason....DVD sound doesn't strike as breath-taking as laserdisc sound. Why is this? I have no idea. However, it surely out-performs other models (including the high-end Sony ones...)
Remote
The remote is beautiful and practical. Then layout is nice, it lights up, and even supports jog/shuttle. No complaints here.
Installation
Easy smeasy! Hookup up to you tv by use of s-video, component, or RCA inputs. The DVL-91 has 2 s-video hookups, 2 RCAs...and 1 component. If you're new to installing things to your television, the manual is very clear and easy to follow. if your television supports it, I recommend installing the player via component or s-video--for the video quality will rise.
Give it some thought
Although this player is amazing in every aspect, it may not prove to be worth it in many people's eyes. For what it's worth, I think the price is amazing, yet the average Joe will not be able to afford it. You can get very similar products for a good 400 bucks less. And besides...laserdiscs are dead (I prefer them to DVD for some reason though ; p). If you have the cash, GET THIS player over ANY other DVD player. If, however, you are short on the dough....I recommend you go with a cheap Panasonic or another Pioneer model (they are cheap yet beautifully delicious).
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $650
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Epinions.com ID:
Hitomi
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Location: Houston, TX
Reviews written: 51
Trusted by: 61 members
About Me:
I am the magical dumpling poodle. Actually, I hate poodles. I am candy corn.
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