Top-of-the-line component-video outputs help minimize line scan and digital artifacts on compatible advanced televisions, while composite- and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television. The back panel offers one output each for S-video, and component-video, and a pair of composite-video/stereo analog audio (left/right RCA) jacks in the event you wish to feed the same signal to two televisions. In any case, a 10-bit video DAC with 27 MHz processing ensures accurate video with smooth gradations of color and contrast.

Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio outputs (one each optical and coaxial) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. The player's 96 kHz, 24-bit linear PCM decoding extracts the full performance of all linear PCM audio in the CD and DVD-Video formats. You can also process two-channel sources for surround sound: Digital Cinema Sound DSP reproduces the precise acoustics of acclaimed Hollywood mastering stages, and the TV Virtual Surround System generates the effect of surround sound speakers, even when you're limited to a TV's stereo speakers.

Instant Replay jumps back 10 seconds and commences play. It's great for those times when you miss a line of movie dialogue or when you just have to see that dance move again. Custom parental control locks playback of up to 50 user-designated discs with a four digit code, even if the discs don't carry and MPAA rating.

Other features include random play, repeat play (including A-B repeat), program play (up to 99 tracks), resume play (picks up where you last stopped--even if power is turned off--up until you open the disc tray), slow motion, scan search, and a screen dimmer to give you that theater-like blackness during video presentations.

What's in the Box
DVD/CD player, a remote control (RMT-D130A), two AA batteries, a five-foot composite-video/stereo analog audio interconnect, a user's manual, Registration Card, and warranty information.

The unit was very easy to set up. Up and running in minutes, with a very intuitive interface. No real learning curve to overcome for basic playback use. Playback of DVD offers crisp picture and sound with no skipping, or frame loss. CD playback is great as well. Several great simulated surround audio options that sound pretty groovy, even without an actual hookup to a surround system.

Remote is functional, but not overly-impressive. Allows for you to program it for use with one other device, presumably your television or sound system. Control functions for the secondary device are pretty limited. Power and volume, basically. I do wish the fast scan function offered more speeds, but you can still blow pretty rapidly back and forth through segments you wish to skip. Remote does have a great feature that allows you to skip forward or back to the next scene marker on the disc. Other units I'm familiar with only have buttons for this function on the unit itself, and not on the remote.

The price point is a little higher than some other 5 disc changers I've seen on the market. However, I've had some bad experiences with lower priced units. I would say that the $50 - $60 extra bucks you might pay for this player will more than pay for itself in reliable, enjoyable use.

If you're looking for an affordable unit for general use, I'd say buy with confidence.


Simple to use   December 18, 2001
 15 out of 19 found this review helpful

Granted, I am not an audiophile, but I did alot of research before building my first modern era home entertainment system. I eneded up with a Sony receiver and this Sony DVD player. I already had a Sony TV that I practically stole, so I kept i all Sony. Never having a DVD player before in my life, it was very easy to use. It has never skipped, plays music and video very well. The picture is crystal clear, when used with the S-video. The only thing I didnt like about it and most other players, is that, I dont like paying extra for the CDR and CDRW play back. I format all my music to work in any CD player. Its very simple to do on any modern computer. I also didnt like paying for Pro Logic and DTS decoding, when i allready have that in the Receiver. But its nice to have it, if you are going to just spend less on a receiver/amp without the decoders.


In for second repair   January 18, 2002
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

The unit I bought began freezing and pausing during DVD and skipping during CD play after the 30 day trial period. I sent it back to Sony repair center and they tagged a different problem (jittery picture) which they claimed they fixed. When I got the unit back, the original problem was still there along with a new problem, jittery picture. While I await it's repairs once more, I have read several other reviews from Sound and Vision readers and Audio Review to see that my problem is not unique. Others have reported the same problems. There is some serious defects or flaws in this unit making me wish I never bought it. That said, I do like all the features if I can just get a unit that doesn't fail.


Five Stars--One Per Disc   January 4, 2002
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

I recently had to replace an older DVD player and found that this one has all the features I could want. This model does not have all of the fancy Pro-Logic effects that many models now have, but as long as you have a newer reciever, those options should already be available. No need to pay for something you don't need.


still not sure...   June 13, 2002
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

pros: sony quality, supposed to be the best at playing damaged discs, instant replay feature

cons: no zoom button, doesnt play mp3s, remote is awkwardly laid out