Movies with clarity of sound and vision (Pioneer DV 535)

Member Name: skyeman

Product:	Pioneer DV 535
Date:	27/01/01 (452 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quality of images

Disadvantages: Sensitive to smudges on discs

Getting started with this machine was simple. We connected the scart socket to the back of thetelevision and we were ready to go. Nothing more complicated that that.

The DVD player was a prize from those nice people at Zoom, so we did not shop around for any particular features. We were not even looking to get a DVD player, but here we are. The proud owners of a new machine and we have accumulated 7 discs to date - thanks to sales and special offers.

What we really like - being simple peopele - is the fact that we no longer have to spend hours looking for that bit we really liked in the film. Each section of the film is listed as a chapter and all you do is punch in the chapter number and it takes you straight there. What a great time saver. This also helps if you have to stop watcing a film for visitors etc. Note the number and restart. The handet has a "last memory" button which allows you to return to the right spot even if the disc has been removed and the DVD player switched off.

The sound quality is brilliant. This unit converts Dolby digital and Mpeg audio formats into the linear PCM format, without the need for a decoder. I assume this is an advantage as it is higlighted in the handbook. Sound engineers can tell me later the advantages. All I know is that when the building blew up I got a fright as the sound was crystal clear and engulfed the room. As I am a bit deaf this was a novel experience for me - hearing everything being said.

So far none of the discs bought have offered multi - angle viewing, but I look forward to using this capacity and seeing the film from a different perspective.

One thing we did notice and that is sensitivity. One disc would not play past the introduction. Using an approved cleaning cloth we wiped the disc at the edges where there was a minor smudge. After that the disc played beautifully. We will have to beware how we pick up the discs and ensure they stay clean

Th
e films we have watched to date have been crystal clear - in image and sound. Flicking through the chapters is great. It will be really good when we can record DVD. I for one will be clearing my racks of VHS and compiling them into a stack of discs. In the meantime I look forward to watching more films with great clarity.

Summary: