JVC XV-SA70BK DVD Player, Black
All That's Gold Sometimes Does Glitter !
I have had the pleasure of owning this JVC product for almost a year. What caught my attention was the progressive scan technology and the DVD-Audio feature along with the slim and sleek updated gold \\"high tech\\" appearance. JVC is one of a few handful of companies willing to give the owner a decent and legible on screen guide for video/audio set up complete with nifty and colorful graphics (love that picture in window screen display so you don't miss the action). JVC's earlier DVD models did have some serious lock up issues as I was the unfortunate owner of their big bulky model XV-501 ( had to have that one repaired in less than 3 years due to laser/motor burn out and lock up disfunction). It looked very expensive and sported a video fine processor feature which allowed you to really sharpen the picture detail quality by a large noticeable degree, which is simplified in the newer models.<BR>On the XV 75 model, while the user can really fine tune color, tint, etc. without having to go through the tv's own picture controls, tweaking the picture to complete and preferable sharpness cannot be done to noticeable extremes like the older models. It allows for some sharpness but there is very subtle change or differences to make the viewer go wow ! Overall, the picture produced is very clean and substantially detailed on my 27 inch RCA (the poor man's Sony Wega) analog set, though. I have not had the luxury of trying the progressive scan feature on a high def set, yet (that's another item for my Christmas or B-day gift list of things I want BADLY !)...<br />The DVD-Audio decoding portion takes awhile to get used to (though it claims to be high resolution and of higher calibre than regular 2 channel stereo, the sound is rather soft).The dedicated .1 bass is wonderful when connected to the right sub (Velodyne, JBL, Infinity, anyone ?)Excellent DVD Audio discs to audition for the aural workout are The Blue Man Group Audio Surround Mix, Sting's Ten Summoner's Tales in DTS anda limited JVC Free dvd audio sampler ! Again, don't expect the earpiercing highs or mids. The sonic characteristic of DVD Audio is meant to have a \\"soft\\" and warm almost high resolution analog sound rich in deep bass (unlike that heard or felt with normal stereo). And the different effects or instruments to be heard placed around you will blow the mind (hopefully not the eardrums). The new DVD Audio format is indeed a new venue that requires getting aurally accustomed to. Also, heed my warning, YOU MUST HAVE A DECENT SUBWOOFER CONNECTED for the .1 LFE bass; otherwise you will get a very hollow soft sound not worthy of trading for regular stereo. Also, another major important ingredient is a voice matched and powerful center channel (3 way preferred). You will be amazed how many dvd audio recordings put the singer or instrumentalist dead center (another debate for another time).  One drawback is that you cannot use a graphic equalizer on these newer digital receivers that must accompany dvd players like the JVC Dvd-audio player; you shouldn't need to, the sound produced by this new digital equipment is almost sonically perfect !<br />The reason for the 4 stars is that the laser can be sensitive meaning that if there is a microsopic scratch that is ignored by other players it may be picked up by this one and cause lock up or major macro blocking/tiling.  I found this out with my Chasing Amy dvd which has a flaw on it's surface yet plays that same flawed section effortlessy on another dvd player.This may be due to the player's small or limited correction error buffer circuitry. Also, when I first bought the machine the system would lock up and not start up again or shut off unless i unplugged it (rebooted ?). Must have broken in properly because the problem has disappeared !<br />Overall, this JVC player wins my vote of approval in both video and audio processing functions. Remember, this player is packed with all sorts of goodies that previously were only exclusive tothe Denons, Yamahas, etc. etc....