Zenith DVB318 1080i Progressive-Scan DVD Player
Nice 1080i via component after downgrading firmware, 3.5 stars
I received my DVB318 from amazon this week, and it had a June 2005 manufactured date.  It had the newer firmware that does NOT allow 1080i over component (it will kick you back down to 480p even if you set it to do 1080i).  I found the firmware file named LV700i1.bin on the web, renamed it to lgromout.bin and burned it to a CD-R in data mode using Roxio Toast on Mac OS X.  Popped it in the DVB318 and successfully updated the firmware.  I am now able to play standard DVD's in 1080i over component video.  If you don't want 1080i via component, you can still get 1080i via DVI without updating the firmware.   <br /> <br />My old DVD player is a Panasonic 480p progressive scan.  My TV is a 30\\" widescreen Panasonic HDTV CRT.  The 1080i picture from the DVB318 is noticeably better than the 480p on my old player.  It's obviously not \\"true HD\\" like what Blu-ray/HD-DVD specs promise, but the DVB318 produces perhaps the best picture one can squeeze out of a standard definition DVD.  In conjunction with my TV at 1080i it does a better job at showing the contrast in dark areas, which were sometimes too dark in 480p.  Also, much of the compression artifacts (dots) you see in the dark areas from mpeg2 encoding appear to be less noticeable at 1080i.  Be sure to readjust your TV's color/brightness/contrast settings when you switch to 1080i from 480p for optimal viewing.   <br /> <br />Some positive features: <br />+ Compared to 480p, 1080i picture has better edge definition and flicker-free motion. <br />+ Auto-play feature.  When this feature is enabled, the player will start playing the longest title on the disc (typically the main feature) about 15-20 seconds after you pop in a disc, thereby skipping all the trailers, commercials, studio warnings, and menus.  Very nice feature.  <br />+ Scene memory.  If you eject a disc during playback and put it back in, or turn the power off and on, it will remember where you left off.  <br />+ Programmable remote with 3-digit codes for VCR, CATV, and TV.  Nothing fancy.  Limited usefulness. <br /> <br />Some minor negatives about the DVB318: <br />- There is no way to see the Time Remaining when playing a DVD title.  You can only see the Time Elapsed.  But it does show which chapter you're on and total number of chapters. <br />- Does not display subtitles or output audio when scanning at 2x.  My old Panasonic 480p player could do both.  Not really necessary, but comes in handy occasionally when watching a boring movie. <br />- Unconventional button layout on the remote takes a little getting used to. <br />- Simulated 3D sound does not sound very 3D or good.  Stick with normal audio setting or use Dolby Digital/DTS. <br /> <br />Lastly, do not buy this player if you're looking for 480p only.  There are better 480p players out there, and most likely will cost less than the DVB318.  The main reason to buy the DVB318 is for 1080i over component (at least it was for me).  If that's what you're looking for, you will not be disappointed. <br /> <br />Please note that your mileage may vary depending on the type of TV you have (projection, DLP, CRT, LCD, plasma, etc), and the type of connection you use (DVI vs component).  I have not used DVI, so can't comment on that.