Pioneer's DV-626D is ideal for home theater enthusiasts who want a DVD player with excellent video performance, good sound quality, and plenty of inputs. What makes the DV-626D especially enticing, however, is its built-in 5.1-channel decoder that plays both Dolby Digital and DTS DVDs.
The DV-626D delivers a crisp, detailed picture with vivid, natural colors and a pleasing, filmlike presentation. As with other players from Pioneer, sharpness is outstanding--so good, in fact, that you'll probably want to lower the sharpness control on your TV to avoid image "grain," which is similar to the graininess found on an enlarged photographic print. A digital noise-reduction (DNR) circuit enhances quality even more.
Audio quality is better than on most other machines. Well-recorded classical CDs reveal a clarity and delicacy that comes closer to live music than most CD players are capable of demonstrating. High frequencies are open and airy, with little of the hardness or brightness associated with inexpensive digital gear. High-end audiophiles can run the Pioneer's digital output into an outboard digital-to-analog converter to achieve better sound, but the sound doesn't improve by much.
In addition to its impressive audio-video performance, the DV-626D has an overwhelming assortment of convenience features, including a full array of gold-plated audio-video jacks in the rear. Five video outputs (two composite, two S-video, and one component-video) ensure the ultimate connection with any TV. Two pairs of stereo outputs take advantage of the machine's splendid digital-to-analog converter, while two digital outputs (coaxial and optical), facilitate the use of outboard stereo or surround processors or audio-video receivers that bear the Dolby Digital and DTS logos. Six RCA jacks provide access to Pioneer's superb multichannel processor, which decodes not only Dolby Digital soundtracks, but Digital Theater Sound (DTS) as well. For those consumers who don't yet own 5.1-channel audio-video systems, Pioneer offers "TruSurround" circuitry, which simulates multichannel surround using only a pair of stereo speakers.
The DV-626's comprehensive front-panel display reveals the multitude of features included with this machine. For starters, you can use push buttons on both the remote and the front panel to dim or completely turn off the display, which is great if you find the LED distracting. The front panel also displays status indicators for Dolby Digital, DTS, Virtual Surround, and DNR. You can control virtually every parameter of audio and video performance from the remote, which is one of the best handsets we've seen. With it, you can adjust the subwoofer, center channel, and surround speaker levels; special effects; multiple languages and aspect ratios; and advanced programming options. The remote also has a remarkably versatile jog-shuttle dial, which enables you to scan discs at various user-selectable speeds. About the only missing ingredient on this DVD player is a headphone jack.
Consumers who demand the last word in control and convenience will be hard-pressed to find a more capable DVD player than the Pioneer DV-626D.
