Totally sexy (Sony DVP S 725)

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Product:	Sony DVP S 725
Date:	11/02/01 (160 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: reliable

Disadvantages: little too expensive

As everyone already knows, DVD is the video format of the future. Absolutely any DVD player will blow even the best VCRs out of the water. So, what is the advantage of buying a relatively expensive player like this rather than one of the low-end Samsungs/Wharfedales of this world?

In terms of picture and sound quality, the difference between even the very best and very worst DVD players is fairly slight. Sometimes the colours appear a little more vibrant, but you have to see them one after the other to tell the difference. The real advantages, you see, are features and compatability.

Were I to buy a cheap DVD player, I would live in constant fear of another 'problem' disc coming out, and not playing on my budget machine. 'The Matrix' was one such disc, and look at all the problems that caused! Basically, it's worth the extra money for the peace of mind.

Of course, the build quality is also better. Like most Sony products, it looks very 'solid', and feels as if it's worth the price you paid for it. Additionally, the drive itself is of the highest quality I have ever seen - very quiet, and with great loading times.

The two SCART sockets should be enough for anyone, but an S-Video output is also available. Personally, I find that an RGB signal over the SCART gives better results than S-Video, but there are those who disagree. The player has a built in Dolby Digital decoder, but I use the coaxial output (although an optical is also available) for connection to my seperate Yamaha A5 amp. I find that this gives better results than the on-board decoder, and allows me to get DTS sound as well.

Overall, an exceptional machine.

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