Sony DVP S335

Sony DVP S335 ... players to be the same size as the VHS machines they're supplanting. In fact, since almost all DVD owners also have a video as well, it makes sense for DVD hardware to be as slimline as possible so that the space under the TV isn't completely clogged with boxes. Sony's DVP-S335 has taken this thinking to heart. Feasibly, you could rest it on top of your video under the TV and still have room for the essentials of modern life like an amp or the cable/satellite box. The S335 replaces the older S325, and fulfils the same role in Sony's DVD range - to provide a quality entry-level player that can handle additional hardware as its owner upgrades. The basic outputs provided are more than enough to let new owners plug and play; the two SCARTs (one of which allows RGB signal output) and S-Video socket both give excellent results, and if your TV is really bottom-of-the-barrel stuff there's a composite video plug as well. Even if you're limited to basic stereo sound, a subwoofer socket has been added just to give that extra bit of punch to the audio. Running through the standard stereo outputs, the S335 actually provides very good sound even without additional help. Like many players in this price range, it features a virtual surround option (called VES in this case) which does a reasonable job of simulating additional speakers. However, where the S335 takes off is when you connect up a genuine surround system. It offers DTS as well as the usual Dolby Digital 5.1 via both coaxial and optical, and, it has to be said, does an exceptional job with both of them. While it might not be quite up to the standards of something like a Denon, it is several hundred pounds cheaper, and the only complaints it will generate will be from your neighbors. The picture quality of the S335 is actually an improvement over its predecessor. The S325 wasn't bad by any means, but it had some minor flaws. These have been fixed in the S335; even if you're using nothing more than the composite output the picture is strong and sharp, with good color reproduction. Switch to an RGB output and you get rock-solid results that certainly wouldn't look out of place on a player costing a lot more money. The player is easy to use, with Sony maintaining the simple 'Magic Pad' setup system from the S325. One change is that several functions (like Shuffle and A-B Repeat) can only be chosen from within the Display menu rather than directly from the remote. This might seem awkward, but realistically, how often does anyone use A-B Repeat? No fiddling around with codes on the remote - just put in a new disc and away you go. The S325 was a good, basic player. The S335 is better. It's an evolution of the older machine, and as such is well worth the money. It may be lacking in bells and whistles, but for no-messing DVD playback it's an excellent choice.