DVD players come in all types of configurations, including DVD/VCR combos, players that play MP3 CDs, Multi-region players, and DVD players that are also DVD recorders.
However, a new DVD player configuration is becoming popular, DVD players that can play both of the new high resolution audio formats: DVD-Audio and SACD. Check out the latest crop of affordable Universal DVD players.
Pioneer DV-79AVi DVD Player
The DV-79AVi, the Elite Flagship DVD Player, offers the most advanced digital video and audio processing for the best possible DVD playback performance. Here"s a few of the technologies that put the the DV-79AVi in a class all its own.
OPPO DV-970HD 720p/1080i High Definition Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI
Universal DVD Player Features:
- Superior compatibility with DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD (SACD), DivX®, Xvid, Audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD and other digital audio and video media/formats
- Official DivX® Certified product, certified to the Home Theater Profile
- Plays all versions of DivX® video (including DivX® 6) with standard playback of DivX® media files
- Plays XviD and .SRT, .SMI, .IDX and .SUB format
Video Up-Conversion Features:
- High definition up-conversion with film-like picture quality to up-convert 720x480 interlaced video encoded on DVD discs to 480p/720p/1080i
- High-quality pure digital video and audio through a single HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable
- Multiple high definition video formats through HDMI and component outputs*: NTSC: 480i/480p/720p/1080i; PAL: 576i/576p/720p/1080i (* Component output for CSS-encrypted DVD discs (almost all commercially pressed DVD discs) is limited to 480i/480p only.)
- Compatible with HDTV, HD-Ready TV, HDTV monitors and projectors
- For more information about DVD video up-conversion, please read our white paper article Getting the Most out of DVD on an HDTV Display
Optimized Audio Features:
- Optimized analog audio circuitry for great audio quality
- Built-in Dolby Digital decoder with individual 5.1ch and down-mixed stereo outputs
- Optical and coaxial digital audio outputs for Dolby Digital, DTS and Linear PCM
- Unique "Audio Only" mode with video processing turned off for perfect acoustic fidelity
- 3D Surround (Virtual Surround): Concert, Live, Dance, Techno, Classic, Soft
- Built-in equalizer, channel trim and channel delay functions
Compatibility Features:
- PAL/NTSC disc and TV compatible with automatic or manual system conversion
- Compatible with CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW and DVD+R DL* (* Playability of self-recorded discs may vary depending on media and formatting software types)
- Enhanced dual-layer disc support with fast layer change
- Wide range universal power supply (~100V-240V, 50/60Hz AC)
Standard Video Features:
- Progressive scan component outputs (YPbPr)
- Composite video and S-Video outputs for standard TVs
- Supports screen aspect ratio 4:3 (standard) and 16:9 (wide-screen)
- User adjustable video controls: Sharpness, Contrast, Brightness, Saturation, Hue and Gamma
- Multi-angle view
Convenience Features:
- Special disc tray - thin, flexible and strong. Can tolerate some bending without breaking.
- 4-in-1 flash memory card reader compatible with Memory Stick, Secure Digital, Multi-Media Card, and SmartMedia (MS/SD/MMC/SM)
- USB interface for expanded connectivity
- Smooth and easy navigation of photo albums, music collections and video files on DVD, CD, flash memory cards and USB disks.
- Selectable subtitle and audio tracks
- Discrete ON/OFF remote control IR code for programmable universal remote controls
Connectors:
- HDMI - High Definition Multimedia Interface: 1
- Component Video (YPbPr/YCbCr): 1 group (3 connectors)
- Analog Stereo Audio (Mixed 2-Channel Left/Right): 1 group (2 connectors)
- Analog 5.1 Channel Audio: 1 group (6 connectors)
- S/PDIF (IEC-958) Coaxial Digital Audio: 1
- S/PDIF (IEC-958) Optical Digital Audio: 1
- Composite Video: 1
- S-Video: 1
Accessories Included:
- High-quality certified HDMI cable with ferrite core and gold-plated HDMI connectors
- Remote control with "glow in the dark" keypad (batteries included)
- Stereo audio cable
- Composite video cable
- User manual and warranty information
DV6600 Progressive Scan Universal DVD Player
Quality universal players are difficult to find. But the DV6600 combines universality and quality in a uniquely Marantz fashion. It handles movie DVDs, DVD-As, SA-CDs, conventional music CDs, recordable CD-R/-RWs, VCD 2.0 discs, MP-3 and WMA audio discs, even JPEG picture discs!
The Marantz audio tradition now includes internal Dolby Digital and DTS decoders. Six 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters make everything sound exceptionally lifelike. Shut off the DV6600’s video circuitry completely for the purest audio signal path possible. Internal bass management circuits route DVD-A and SA-CD audio channels directly to the proper speakers.
Video technology includes advanced 3:2 pull down circuitry and wide bandwidth video D/A converters for exceptional picture quality. Composite, S-Video, and component outputs? Progressive scan? Of course!
Connectivity options include a variety of audio and video outputs. There’s a D-BUS connector for total Marantz system control. The three-year warranty increases your peace of mind. Would you expect anything less from Marantz?
- Plays Back DVD-Video/Audio, SACD-Stereo/Multi-channel, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-R/RW, SVCD, VCD, MP3, WMA9, JPEG and DivX Discs
- Progressive Scan with 3:2 Pull Down Film Detection
- HDMI Output
- Scaled 480p, 720p and 1080i output from HDMI
- 108MHz/12-Bit Video D/A Converter
- 192kHz/24-Bit Audio D/A Converters
- Faroudja DCDi
- Audio EX Mode (Video circuit and Front Display Off)
- Dolby Digital®
- DTS® Decoder
- On Screen Display
- Zoom Mode
- Parental Control
- Auto Power Off
- Discrete Power On/Off Commands
- Component, S-Video, Composite Outputs
- 5.1 ch Analog Audio Output
- Stereo Analog Audio Output
- Digital Audio Outputs (coaxial, optical)
- D-BUS (RC-5 In/Out) Remote Connection
- Aluminum Front Panel
- Device Remote
DPC-8.5
Multi-Format Capability
In addition to offering playback of high-resolution SACD and DVD-Audio discs, this changer reads MP3, CD-R/RW and DVD-R/RW. Integrated bass management tailors the audio signals to best match your speaker configuration. Audio discs may even be played back randomly for hours of uninterrupted music.
Outstanding Audio Quality
Performance is not sacrificed for the convenience of holding six discs. With high-resolution digital-to-analog converters, which incorporate our exclusive Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry, you are guaranteed the superb audio quality your home theater deserves. For maximum flexibility, programmable Dual Direct Digital Paths are used to carry this signal straight from the disc to the on the rear panel.
Superior Video
The DPC-8.5 has the power to produce stunning video images with increased dimensionality, getting the most out of your DVD collection. It features Direct Progressive Scan, which includes 2-3 pull-down processing for smoother video from film-based sources, a high-speed Video DAC, and video outputs that are all active simultaneously.
Convenience
An intuitive icon-based, on-screen display makes setup and operation very user-friendly. Load in six of your favorite music discs for true Random Play of conventional CDs, SACDs, and MP3 encoded discs. Harnessing all of this technology are a preprogrammed, multi-brand remote control and unmatched system integration features.
Onkyo DV-SP502 DVD Player
Want to experience multi-channel surround sound movies and hear your own music blissfully transformed with the latest audio formats from a Progressive Scan Universal player? Onkyo’s DV-SP502 provides the perfect source if you do. By incorporating Onkyo’s exceptional ‘build quality’—embracing high quality component such as 108 MHz/12-bit video and 192 kHz/24-bit audio DACs—with design considerations, the DV-SP502’s performance has not been compromised. And to crush any misconceptions that this is a mere DVD-Video CD player, the DV-SP502 also supports revolutionary music formats—Super Audio CD and DVD-Audio—played back through stereo or 5.1 multi-channel analog output, as well as your favorite MP3/WMA/JPEG files through DVD-R and DVD-RW. With such versatile multi-capabilities, the DV-SP502 will keep your entertainment options open for years to come.
Yamaha DVDS1500 DVD Player
The DVD-S1500 is compatible with both DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD. These multi-channel music formats provide a surround sound music experience that is much more natural and lifelike than normal stereo. It delivers sound quality that is superior even to some more expensive players for a number of reasons. It uses high performance 192kHz/24-bit audio DACs for all channels. The Super Audio CD and DVD-Audio circuits are completely independent and optimized for each format (the Super Audio CD circuit is extremely simple and straight). This guarantees highest quality with both types of disc (format selection is provided). An Audio Direct can be selected to ensure that no interference from the video circuitry can affect the sound.
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