0403wv19 Sony DAV-SC8

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ON TEST: SONY DAV-SC8 DVD home cinema system 650

Crowd puller

Sonys new all-in-one DVD system boasts stunning looks and a spec sheet to raise eyebrows. David Smith finds out if it can deliver the goods
If awards were handed out on the basis of looks alone, we wouldnt even need to switch the DAV-SC8 on. Its gorgeous. Being a Sony, the DAV-SC8 is an SACD system, with no provision for DVD-Audio discs. If youve made up your mind in this format dispute (its hardly a war), this may be good or bad news for you. Most people will be more interested in the DAV-SC8s credentials as a home movie system. The unit is sleek, despite housing a hefty 5 x 100W of amplification for the satellite speakers. This is thanks to Sonys S-Master digital amplifier technology. Connections at the rear include an RGB-capable Scart socket, but there is no provision for S-video signals. Composite video and stereo analogue audio are well catered for, and there is an optical digital audio input for connecting another deck or games console (but there is no electrical digital audio input). Speaker sockets are colour-coded, which should help in setting up the system. The DAV-SC8 can deliver Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic II and DTS decoding. Sound modes can be accessed using the remote and comprise Auto Format Direct (which automatically detects the sound format of the source material), Pro-Logic, Pro-Logic II Movie, Pro-Logic II Music, Cinema Studio EX (A, B and C), Hall, Jazz Club, Live Concert, Game and 2-Channel Stereo. For the most part, the Auto Format Direct mode is the one to go for, but the Cinema Studio EX modes are worth a mention. They generate five sets of virtual surround speakers and aim to reproduce the acoustic characteristics of various actual production studios.

DESCRIPTION

Lots of buttons but easy to use
An unusually attractive sub complements the satellites
This output pipes bass to the active sub
As already mentioned, this is a beautifully designed system, but that beauty comes at a cost. In the world of modelling that cost might be endless dieting and a few procedures at the hands of a plastic surgeon. In the case of the DAV-SC8, the cost is a frustrating half hour getting the speakers mounted on their stands. This is fiddly and a little exasperating, but the end result is well worth it. The four floor-standing satellite speakers can be positioned at a range of heights on the stands, according to taste. The centre is a smaller, horizontally laid out affair, while the subwoofer, far from being the usual ugly sister of the family, is imposing and attractive in its own way. The satellites all house a pair of 70mm mid-range drivers and a single 25mm tweeter. The subwoofer carries a 200mm cone and is magnetically shielded, although you are still advised not to place it too close to the TV screen. The main unit steals the show, however. This is a gorgeously slimline box with a seductively curved fascia and a brushed aluminium casing. Control buttons are suitably neat and discreet, while the disc bay doesnt feature a tray, but daintily takes the disc from your hand and draws it inside automatically.
speakers on their stands. You can boost or cut output from individual channels (from -6dB to +6dB) and a test tone generator helps you check on progress. The subwoofer has the luxury of an output dial, so it is easy to boost or trim bass output without having to delve into an
WHATS GOOD Performance; design WHATS BAD Music playback PICTURE. SOUND. FEATURES. EASE OF USE VALUE.%%%%%.%%%%%.%%%%%.%%%%%.%%%%%

OPERATION

After youve assembled the floor-standing speakers and had a cup of tea (believe me, youll need one), set-up is a blessedly straightforward affair. An onscreen display allows you to access all of the standard set-up parameters, including screen ratio, language and subtitle preferences and video output (which can be set to composite video or RGB). Speaker settings include high or low options, which will depend on how high you have mounted the
VERDICT A highly capable movie system with stunning looks
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SPECIFICATION

FEATURES Plays: DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW (video mode only), SACD, VCD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, JPEG, MP3; Dolby Digital/Pro-Logic II/DTS decoding; trick play functions; parental lock; AM/FM RDS tuner; screen saver; dynamic range control; remote control; onscreen display; 5 x 100W amplification; 135W active subwoofer SOCKETS 1 x Scart (RGB-capable); 2 x composite video inputs; 1 x composite video output; optical digital audio input; 2 x stereo analogue audio inputs; 1 x stereo analogue audio output; subwoofer socket; AM/FM antennae connections; speaker sockets DIMENSIONS Main unit: 380(w) x 60(h) x 337(d)mm Satellites: 250(w) x 1,196(h) x 250(d)mm Centre: 379(w) x 125(h) x 85(d)mm Subwoofer: 230(w) x 390(h) x 475(d)mm WEIGHT Main unit: 4.2kg Satellites: 3.62kg Centre: 1.07kg Subwoofer: 14.5kg CONTACT Sony www.sony.co.uk

Also consider.

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onscreen menu. The sub also carries a mode dial, which can be set to Movie (which boosts bass signals) or Music. Once the set-up procedure is complete, you can peruse the features on offer. Playback options are standard, including repeat modes, programmed play and freeze frame. Slow motion is available in two speeds, but there is no zoom. Throw in JPEG and MP3 compatibility, not forgetting the AM/FM RDS tuner, and you have a pretty impressive package.

PERFORMANCE

Scooby Doo reveals the DAV-SC8 to be a superior picture provider. Spooky Island looks scarily real, with detail aplenty and rich, luxurious colours. There is no evidence of bleeding or digital artifacts. Trick-play functions are smooth, but its a shame there is no zoom
to tinker around with. The freeze frame is rock solid, but there is no manual frame advance you have to select one of the slo-mo modes which advances one frame at a time. The audio performance is also good. Steering is accurate and the soundstage is spacious and enveloping. The subwoofer is nicely restrained at lower output levels but can be asked to thump if thats what you want. The satellite speakers produce a rather clinical sound that may not be to everyones taste, it must be said. The impression is that there isnt much in the way of mid-range output and the danger is that if you dont utilise the sub enough, you will be left with two separate levels to the audio performance. This impression is reinforced on music sources. Perhaps because
when you switch the sub to Music mode, the boost to the lower frequencies delivered in Movie mode is cut, the result is rather sterile and The Kings of Leon sounded a little brittle. On the plus side, volume is not a problem. This system can crank out the decibels without breaking up, although this is more enjoyable with movies than music.

CONCLUSION

Sony has given us a beautiful system that does a fine job on movies but isnt really up to the task of high-quality sound. This makes the provision of Super Audio CD something of a white elephant the system simply isnt good enough to get the most out of this format. If its movies youre after, however, this is a competitively priced system that simply demands an audition
Stylish looks matched to superior performance
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0409WHC11 SYSTEMS GROUP TEST

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Mega Test Systems

TEST SCENE

OPEN RANGE

T BESY

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IN MY SIGHTS As Kevin Costner dispatchs an escaping villain with a well-aimed bullet in the back the Sony handles the images very well, with exceptional colour levels
The Sony DAV-SC5 isnt the cheapest system here, but those extra pennies mean great features and looks. Not quite as pricey as Sonys more up-market DAV-SC8, the DAV-SC5 boasts the same main unit as its sibling. Sony has cut the price by hooking up the SC5 with a more compact speaker system, but no corners have been cut when it comes to performance. The slimline main unit crams in all the systems amplification and comes up with some top features too. Apart from Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound capability, Super Audio CD (SACD)

DAV-SC5 350

is also included. Theres Dolby Pro-Logic II processing for converting regular CDs and other stereo sources into near-digital 5.1 surround sound and the system is equipped to cope with picture CDs containing JPEG images. Connections include sockets for external stereo sources and picture signals are output in either RGB or composite video mode via a Scart socket. A digital optical input allows for connection to a games console or a Sky+ box. Colour-coded cables make setup a doddle and Sonys usual top-notch on-screen menus provide everything you need. Picture-wise, images have all the vibrancy that we have come to expect from the big-name brand, with stunning resolution and intricate details. Pictures via the RGB Scart showed exceptional colour levels while quality via the composite connection is still very good indeed. Sound is also very impressive and the satellites and subwoofer provide plenty of ambience while the centre speaker places dialogue firmly on the screen. This is a true star of a system. Its a little more expensive than the real budget systems here, but worth every penny.

RATINGS

Style Ease of use Features Picture Sound value Overall ##### ##### ##### ##### ##### ##### #####

WHC VERDICT

A good-looking package at an attractive price with an impressive features list and excellent picture and sound performance. Also plays SACDs, which is a real bonus

RS EDITO## #

## ICE CHO

Toshiba

SD-63HK 365
The distinctively-styled SD-63HK system is the result of Toshibas collaboration with American specialist audio company KOI. Its a collaboration that has clearly paid off, as the system fills the room with a well-balanced sound that could easily rival more costly setups. The soundstage is very expansive, with the satellites and subwoofer providing plenty of gusto and energy with DVD movie soundtracks. The SD-63HK includes the usual surround sound format suspects (Dolby Digital and DTS) as well as Dolby Pro-Logic II for converting stereo material from CDs and TV programmes into convincing near-digital surround sound. Connections include top-notch component video outputs, an RGB-enabled Scart, S-video and composite video sockets. Picture quality provides adequate support for the Toshs impressive audio performance, with vibrant colours and high levels of detail. Toshiba may have made a bit of a slow start with its all-in-one home cinema systems (this is only the third), but the SD-63HK certainly makes up for lost time and its funky styling makes it one of the more distinctive one-boxers around.

Panasonic

SC-DP1 230
The Panasonic SC-DP1 is another two-speaker pseudo surround system, with cute looks and a price that is very appealing. It resembles a micro hi-fi system more than it does a home cinema setup, so can it cut the mustard when it comes to home cinema? Dolby Digital and DTS sound decoding is included, along with Pannys Advanced Surround Sound technology to create a 5.1 surround sound from two speakers. Theres also DVD-Audio and JPEG image playback. Picture connections include an RGB Scart, S-video and composite video. Unfortunately the SC-DP1s pseudo surround effect is almost non-existent, even with Advanced Surround Sound processing, and its no substitute for 5.1 sound. Panasonics reputation for strong DVD images is upheld however, and SC-DP1 boasts vibrant colours and plenty of detail. But resolution is a bit below par, with the Panny struggling to cope with fast motion. We are constantly amazed by what manufacturers manage to cram into the tiniest components, but the SC-DP1s bargain basement price appears to have compromised too much to warrant a badge.

Minor sound flaws aside, Toshibas good-looking flagship model makes an excellent system at an attractive price
Attractive micro-sized system with DVD-Audio playback and excellent picture quality. The virtual surround performance is disappointing, but its a great price

64 WHC September 2004