|
"The everyday consumer's guide to DVD & home theater" |
try NetFlix "Unlimited" DVD Rental Service - absolutely FREE |
||||
|
Stay current with the world of DVD, sign up for our free e-Newsletter |
|||||
|
General Features: - Home DVD player - Single disc player -
Plays
DVD-Video, Video CD, and - Region 1
Video Features: - 27MHz/10-bit video D/A converter
- Forward/reverse scan search -
Forward slow motion effects -
Reverse slow motion effects -
Forward/reverse frame-by-frame -
Zoom (3 magnification levels: - Bit-rate meter - Digital Gamma correction - Digital Super Picture functions
Audio Features: - 96kHz/24-bit audio D/A converter - Dolby Digital & DTS digital out - QSurround virtual surround sound
Convenience Features: - Program and repeat play modes - Resume feature - On-screen display - Parental lock feature - LED display dimmer (bright/dim)
Front-Panel Control: -
Play, stop-open/close, pause,
Remote Control: - Model #RRMCG1249AJSA -
Color-coded buttons and button -
Play, stop, pause, skip/search - Open/close tray -
Direct and numeric buttons for - QSurround virtual surround sound - Digital Gamma Correction - Digital Super Picture - Zoom -
Direct access to subtitle, audio track, -
Repeat and program play mode - Disc menu, title menu - On-screen player menu - Cursor control, enter - Fluorescent display dimmer - Display
- S-video (1) - Composite video (1) -
Stereo analog outputs (1) - (No component video output) - (No optical digital audio output)
- Video horizontal resolution: 500 lines - Video S/N ratio: 60 dB - Audio S/N (CD): 95 dB - Dynamic range: DVD (linear audio): 94 dB CD audio: 94 dB - THD (CD): 0.006%
Power Requirements: - 120V A/C, 60 Hz - Power consumption: 14 Watts - Energy Star compliant - Auto power-off function
Weights and Dimensions: - Weight: 6.0 pounds -
Dimensions:
Included "Accessories": -
Remote control, supplied with -
composite video and stereo audio
Warrantee: - Parts: one year - Labor: 90 days
Dates: Introduction to Market: June 2000 Review date: Sept. 8, 2000 Last update: Sept. 17, 2000
Other: Country of manufacture: Malaysia
List price: $ 250.00 Est. retail price: $ 200.00 Best
prices:
|
|||||
| Sharp
DV-710U DVD/Video CD/CD Player |
|||||
|
Manufacturer: Sharp Model:
DV-710U
Market Introduction: June 2000
MSRP:
$250.00 Best Prices:
only $169.99 at CameraWorld.com |
|||||
|
Performance: B- Video: B- Audio: C+ Features: B Ease of Use: B Remote: B Build Quality: C+ Value: B
Summary:
The DV-710U is Sharp's new (for year 2000) entry-level DVD player
High
Points: + Zoom feature with 3 magnification levels + Large color-coded buttons on remote control + Bit-rate meter
Low
Points: - Disc transport is quite slow, particularly when navigating the DVD menus - Lower audio performance for both CD and DVD playback - Audio digital output is down-sampled to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz (not full 96 kHz output) - No component video outputs or optical digital audio output
- Resume feature isn't user-friendly - Warrantee for labor expires after only 90 days
|
|||||
|
Sharp offers two new home DVD players for the model year 2000: the DV-710U ($250 MSRP) which we review here, and the DV-770U ($300 MSRP) with Dolby Digital decoding and component video output. The DV-710U features Adaptive Digital Gamma Correction, Digital Super Picture, QSurround Dolby virtual surround sound (from QSound Labs, Inc.), and Dolby Digital and DTS digital output. In addition to the usual repertoire of DVD-Video, audio CD, and Video CD, the DV-710U can play Karaoke CDs.
The appearance of the DV-710U draws mixed feelings. While the silver disc tray and the round gold feet favorably accent the look of the player, the label "Dolby Digital / DTS Digital Out" above the disc tray and the faux brushed aluminum trim plate around the LED display window detract from the player's appearance. Otherwise, the faceplate looks nice and simple with the usual logos (e.g., Dolby Digital, DTS, compact disc, QSurround, Energy Star) designating the capabilities of the player.
The picture quality is OK when viewed on a 27-inch direct-view TV. However, when viewed on our 61-inch rear projection TV in our home theater system, we noticed that the picture is quite grainy, particularly around the edges of objects. Motion artifacts became quite pronounced at times. Overall, we were not pleased with the picture quality displayed on our rear projection TV.
According to Sharp, the Adaptive Digital Gamma Correction feature automatically adjusts the color in the dimmer parts of the picture based on the brightness of the video image. Additionally, the Digital Super Picture feature enhances picture sharpness by automatically compensating brightness and contrast settings, clarifying outlines and details, and reducing video signal noise. Each enhancement has three different "on" settings, allowing you to adjust the level of compensation, and you'll need to as the results will vary among DVDs. Our preference is to disable both features. The Gamma correction makes the darker areas of the picture too bright, while the Super Picture feature makes the picture too sharp, sometimes at the cost of even more artifacts.
The DV-710U has three forward and three reverse fast scan speeds (2x, 8x, and 32x). The fast scan works OK in any speed and in either direction, though we did notice the letterbox edge jumping up and down while scanning at 2x (not exactly the smoothest scanning picture we've seen). There are three forward (1/2x, 1/8x, and 1/16x) and two reverse slow motion speeds (1/2x and 1/8x). Forward slow motion is smooth, but reverse slow motion is somewhat jerky. The player would reverse four frames, then pause slightly, then another four frames, then pause slightly,... repeating this pattern. This seems to indicate that the video processor is not optimized for reverse slow motion. Additionally, during transitions between forward to reverse slow motion, the picture tends to be jerkier since it would advance a few frames forward before changing direction to reverse, making the playback especially jerky.
Using the bonus features in the "Men In Black" Collector's Edition DVD, we were able to verify that the DVD angle change feature performs smoothly with the typical delay time of about one second before actually changing to the desired angle.
The DV-710U outputs Dolby Digital or DTS bitstream via the coaxial digital audio output (for decoding by a digital A/V receiver with Dolby Digital and DTS decoder). If you don't have a digital A/V receiver and have to use the analog stereo outputs, you'll have to settle for slightly inferior sound quality, since the audio specifications of the DV-710U are well below those of the average DVD player in this price range. If you're connecting the DV-710U to a digital A/V receiver via coaxial digital audio cable (an optical digital audio output is not available), you will get decent audio performance (though Sharp notes that the digital audio output is down-sampled from 96 kHz to 48 kHz).
In case you were planning to use the analog stereo output pair, we gave a selected set of CDs a listen in this configuration and found that at low listening levels, the audio performance sounds acceptable. However, at higher near bone-rattling sound levels, background noise becomes apparent and makes listening at these engaging sound levels unpleasant to our ears. The DV-710U's significantly lower signal-to-noise specification (lower is undesirable) explains what substandard performance that we heard. (This model's signal-to-noise ratio for audio CDs is 95 dB, compared to the average player's 115 dB.) The brief crescendo music passages of the "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack" and "Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture" CDs lack the same level of impact, when played on competitive DVD players. The audio performance is disappointing if you're counting on using the analog stereo output.
On a brighter note, the DV-710U comes with Sharp's QSurround Virtual Dolby Surround Sound feature which simulates a surround sound environment with just two speakers. This feature is nice if you don't have a real surround sound system. We're not big fans of virtual surround sound but it's an interesting alternative to just stereo, and QSound Lab's QSurround is about as effective as any simulated surround sound system we've heard to date.
This player offers many of the most common and practical features for a basic DVD player. In addition to the video and audio features already mentioned, the DV-710U includes:
The resume function of the DV-710U isn't as intuitive or useful as those of competing models. With many other models, you simply press "stop" (or even just turn the unit off) if you have to discontinue playback. When you want to resume where you left off, you simply press "play" again and playback continues from where you left off, even if you turn off the unit. With the DV-710U, you must press the "resume" button on the remote (effectively book-marking the current location) then press "stop". To resume playback from the point you had designated, press the "resume" button (not the "play" button as in other players). This resume function seems counter-intuitive.
The large remote control has color-coded buttons and logical button groupings, both makes the remote easier to read and understand. The buttons themselves are quite large, making them easy to locate and press. All features of the DVD player can be accessed directly from the remote control buttons or through the player's menu system (by pressing the "Function Control" button). The remote's common disc transport buttons (e.g., play, stop, pause, skip, and scan) are located on the lower half of the remote control.
Navigating the menus is slightly cumbersome, because the "enter" button is not well integrated with the cursor control buttons. Unlike many remote controls where the "enter" button is located in the middle of the cursor control buttons for easy operation, the DV-710U's "enter" button is actually offset to one corner, outside of the cursor control cluster. This configuration requires you to move your finger off of the cursor control buttons to press the "enter" button, then back again if you're still making additional selections.
Additionally, the remote control can't control other audio or video components (such as a receiver or TV--Sharp or otherwise) and doesn't have glow-in-the-dark buttons for easy operation in a dark room.
The Sharp DV-710U is pretty easy to use (aside from those items previously noted). The operation manual is clear and well written. It shows how to operate each feature with thorough illustrations: example screen shot drawings and a diagram of the pertinent remote control buttons used in the operation. Most common settings have reasonable default factory values, making the set-up process quick and simple for most consumers.
For the initial set-up, press the "Setup" button on the remote control and the graphical, icon-based menu helps guide you through the on-screen displays for language set-up (default setting is English) and TV mode set-up (default setting is for 4:3 aspect ratio TV). If you prefer English for your on-screen display language and have a "regular" 4:3 aspect ratio TV, you really don't have to go through the initial set-up menus.
To access additional DVD player configuration settings, press the "Setup" button. You can set the parental lock feature, enable the audio compression feature (which effectively increases the average volume of Dolby Digital soundtracks to match that coming from an audio CD), choose the disc and on-screen display language settings.
As an alternative to using the dedicated buttons on the remote, you can use the "Function Control" screen to check and change the status of most settings. Press the remote control's "Function Control" button to activate this feature and you will see an on-screen display with an inset window showing the DVD picture in the upper right part of the screen. The on-screen display shows the status for: chapter, title, elapsed time, subtitle, angle, audio track, virtual surround sound, Digital Gamma, and Digital Super Picture. Additionally, there is a bit rate meter readout, which shows the instantaneous data transfer rate from the DVD.
The LED display doesn't show a lot of information at any given time. In fact, you have to toggle the display, using the "display" button on the remote, to show the playback mode (e.g., play, reverse, forward), elapsed time, title and chapter information, and disc format information (e.g., DVD, CD). This is quite inconvenient. However, the LED display is able to be dimmed for less distraction when watching movies in a dark room.
We previously said that the video performance of the DV-710U is satisfactory for all but the larger TV screens, and that the audio performance isn't as good if you're using the unit's analog outputs. Additionally, the disc navigation delays (that is, the time from when a button is first pushed until the action is completed) are slower than that of competing models. You'll have to wait a little longer than usual as you press the "skip chapter" and navigate the various DVD menus. We found this sluggish performance to be annoying at times.
In our layer switch tests, this model exhibits fair performance. Most layer switches are only slightly noticeable, momentarily pausing the picture for a fraction of a second as the laser re-focuses on the second layer.
The DV-710U is quite sparse when it comes to the type of outputs: one S-video output, one composite video output, one coaxial digital audio output, and one pair of stereo analog outputs. That's it. There's no optical digital audio output and no component video output.
The build quality appears to be about average (at best) for DVD players at this price range. In some areas, such as the analog audio circuitry and the slow motion video processing, the DV-710U comes up a little short when compared to other (albeit slightly more expensive) entry-level DVD players.
The entry-level DVD player market (i.e., models ranging in price from $150 to $250) is extremely competitive. Many competing models offer similar suite of features (and also better performance in some areas), but some of the features that other players offer that the DV-710U doesn't have are:
Some other notable DVD players in this price range include the Sony DVP-S360, Panasonic DVD-RV30, Pioneer DV-333, and Toshiba SD-1600, though they are a little more expensive.
Generally speaking, the Sharp DV-710U DVD player is a fair performer in the highly competitive market of entry-level DVD players. While it does have its nice features (e.g., zoom, nice on-screen display menu, well designed remote control, and a bit rate meter), it also seems to have more than its share of drawbacks (e.g., inferior picture quality when viewed on a large-screen TV, inferior analog audio circuitry, jerky reverse slow motion, counter-intuitive "resume" function). However, for the budget-friendly price of only $160 from on-line merchants, this model is worth your consideration if you're just looking for a very basic DVD player.
Buy the Sharp DV-710U DVD player at: Support
this site: buy
through our links. |
|||||
|
only $169.99 at |
|||||
|
Contact Information: Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2135 call toll-free: 1-800-BE-SHARP visit www.sharp-usa.com
Did you find this product review helpful? Let us know your thoughts, send an e-mail to us at Feedback@TimeForDVD.com
Used In Testing: The following DVDs were used in testing this DVD player: A Bug's Life, Tarzan, Meet Joe Black, Pleasantville, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Fleetwood Mac: The Dance. The following audio CDs were used: Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture, The Best of Fourplay, and Celine Dion's The Colour of My Love.
Calibration: Our home theater equipment was calibrated with the Video Essentials DVD.
Be sure to check out our DVD Player Buying Guide, Recommended DVD Players page, Special Savings & Discounts page for the current best prices, DVD Movie Reviews, DVD New Releases and DVD Upcoming Releases.
Support this site: when you buy on-line, please start at this site and click through the links above or through these links: Amazon.com, Buy.com, CameraWorld.com, Crutchfield, 800.com, hifi.com, and JandR.com. For a complete list of our affiliated on-line merchants, click here. |
|||||
|
E-mail: Editor@TimeForDVD.com Copyright © 2000-2001 TimeForDVD.com Web site created by: lama Internet Solutions |
Read our Terms of Use and Disclaimer and Privacy Policy Site optimized for 800x600 screen resolution Print at 85% scale factor |
||||
