0404HCC04 DVD/VCR Grouptest P

30/1/04

Page 120

GroupTest

A smart-looking deck, given the remarkable price tag

LG DV1010

149 (APPROX) N N www.lge.co.uk N OVERALL RATING ####
Look at that price. Now look again. Amazing, isnt it? LG has always been competitive on price, but with the DV1010 its taken things to a new soon as you switch the deck on. The deck then proceeds to set its own clock using teletext. Things get even better with the DVD setup menus, which are an exercise in clarity and simplicity. Excellent. On the negative side, the remote is too small and cramped, with nowhere near enough emphasis given to key buttons. Also, the system for picture searching through DVDs is ridiculously fiddly.
oversaturation. Hard edges seem a bit unstable and fizzy, though, and theres also quite a bit of dot crawl over fleshtones and single-tone backgrounds. Finally the image seems rather flat due to a lack of fine detail. LP recordings look much noisier, but at least colours and detail levels seem less adversely affected than wed expected. DVD pictures are impressive. Fine detail levels are unusually acute for such a cheap combi, theres good black saturation, colours are vibrant, and theres very little MPEG blocking noise.

Excellent

Average

Lab Report

extreme. The thing is, surely too much
quality has had to be sacrificed to hit the 150 marker, right?
Video jitter (6ns) Signal-to-noise ratio Composite (-70.9dB) Chroma AM (-72.1dB) PM (-68.5dB) Freq response @5.8MHz Composite (-1.42dB) Audio jitter (895.7ps)

Description

This is actually one of the most attractive decks in our roundup. It scores on three fronts. First, its not as deep as many rivals. Second, the two-tone colour scheme of dull grey plastic across the top half and shiny metallic silver along the bottom works a treat. Finally, the angled bottom half goes surprisingly well with the traditionally vertical top.
The audio on videotaped recordings is fair. Theres a likeable ripeness to the general tone that makes for an enjoyable surround sound experience, but clarity isnt all it might be. The DVD deck, meanwhile, is a broadly similar story. Theres plenty of character and richness to DVD and CD playback alike but, particularly on the CD side, subtle details arent always portrayed convincingly. Still, non-fatiguing sound is more important than subtle detail to the type of budget speaker systems this deck will probably accompany.

Distinguishing features

The DV1010 notches up a few brownie points by adding Kodak Picture CD compatibility and WMA file compatibility to its DVD-side playback list. Karaoke fans might appreciate the Vocal mode for use with Karaoke DVDs, too, while on the VCR side standouts are an Optimum Picture Response system for automatically adjusting playback to best suit the condition of a tape, a Video Doctor self diagnostic routine, and commercial skipping.
Video jitter (737ns) Signal-to-noise ratio Composite (-48.0dB) Chroma AM (-45.3dB) PM (-42.5dB) Freq response @2.5MHz Composite (-4.6dB)

Connections

The basics are covered without offering any extra flexibility. Which is to say theres a pair of Scarts (with RGB output possible from the DVD deck), a coaxial but no optical output for digital DVD G G G G G surround sound streams, two pairs of stereo audio outputs, the RF loopthrough, and front inputs comprising a composite video input and stereo audio input.

Compatibility

DVD-V DVD-A SACD CD MP3 WMA JPEG HighMAT CD-R CD-RW

G G G G G G G

Video CD Super Video CD DiVX DVD+R DVD-R DVD+RW DVD-RW (Video mode) DVD-RW (VR mode) DVD-RAM

Wrap up

An impressive DVD deck coupled with an average VCR wouldnt normally have us excited but in this LGs case, the level of performance is pleasingly better than weve any right to expect for under 150.

Picture

Recordings made in standard mode look fair to middling. On the good side, theres pleasingly little grain, and colours are both vibrant and well-contained. Whats more, they dont fall prey to

Operation

Things get off to a good start when auto tuning kicks in automatically as

FEATURES

Specifications: MP3 playback: Yes DTS/Dolby Digital capable: yes/yes RGB Scart output: yes; Front AV jacks: yes; Timer: seven-event, one month Dimensions: 430(w) x 97.5(h) x 293(d) Weight: 5.1kg
120 H O M E C I N E M A C H O I C E

2/2/04

Page 125

RANKING

1. JVC HR-XVS20 2. LG DV1010 3. SHARP DV-NC65 4. SANYO HV-2XE 5. BUSH DVHS1
W SALE NOOR CALL F ON ST PRICE! BE
PLASMA TV LCD TV DVD / DVDR

CONCLUSION

The good news about this group test is that none of the combis feature really poor DVD decks as we might have expected them too. The bad news is that none of them manage to be equally good with DVD as they are with videotape, or vice versa. But thats not to say that we couldnt spot a clear pecking order. Bringing up the rear, for a start, is definitely the Bush model. Although its by no means a bad DVD performer, its VCR section is limited and its lack of features extraordinary. Fourth place goes to the Sanyo. Not that its a bad DVD/VCR, but it seems very overpriced considering it shares so much in common with the much cheaper LG DV1010. The bronze medal we give to the Sharp DV-NC65. This is the second most accomplished VCR in the group, but is sadly let down by a disappointingly average DVD effort. It could also do with being a bit cheaper especially, again, in light of the extraordinarily affordable LG. And its this LG model we keep banging on about that grasps the silver medal firmly in its paws. Its a decent enough DVD/VCR combi, especially when it comes to DVD playback. But that price point really is revolutionary, and leaves its rivals out in the cold. All, that is, except the JVC HR-XVS20. This may not have the bank balance appeal of the LG model, but it packs a helluva punch on the performance side. We feel duty-bound to point out that you could get a DVD recorder (the Philips DVD-R70) these days for as little as 300. But if its definitely tape you want, then the XVS20s S-Video feature helps it deliver VCR picture quality the rest can only dream about I

CAMCORDERS

SEPARATES

HOME CINEMA

Ratings
Bush DVHSHighs: DVD pictures, price Lows: VCR pictures, key missing features Picture (DVD) Picture (VCR) Sound (DVD) Sound (VCR) Features Overall

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Digitech Electronics is a new name in the world of leading-brand home electronics. You'll find a massive and constantly updated range of products and we invite you to phone, visit our store or go on-line so we can provide you with up-to-the-minute low costs. At Digitech Electronics, we pride ourselves on offering the highest level of services on

Choice, Care & Cost

We will not be beaten - call us last!
JVC HR-XVSHighs: S-VHS pictures, VCR sound Lows: Dark DVD pictures; odd socketry arrangement; size Picture (DVD) Picture (VCR) Sound (DVD) Sound (VCR) Features Overall

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#### ####12
Leading Brands Latest Models FULLY AUTHORISED DEALER
LG DVHighs: Price, DVD pictures, price, menus, price Lows: Soft VCR pictures, remote Picture (DVD) Picture (VCR) Sound (DVD) Sound (VCR) Features Overall

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Nr Hounslow East station

Sanyo HV-DX2E 260 Highs: DVD pictures, menus Lows: Soft VCR pictures, remote, price Picture (DVD) Picture (VCR) Sound (DVD) Sound (VCR) Features Overall

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WE ARE HERE
Sharp DV-NCHighs: VCR performance, connectivity Lows: DVD pictures, remote control Picture (DVD) Picture (VCR) Sound (DVD) Sound (VCR) Features Overall

### #### #### ###

Digitech Electronics Limited 69 High Street, Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 1RB T 1200 F 3338
sales@digitechelectronics.com

Car Parking nearby

###12 ###12
1200 www.digitechelectronics.com

034 EHC 07 Group Test

5/4/04

2:29 pm

Page 32
>>The Group Test DVD/VCR Combis
This model is a good overall package, at a highly attractive price
150 The LG is the lowest price model in the test, but can it deliver?

LG DV1010

HIS LG DECK WONT WIN MANY BEAUTY contests, being bereft of the popular mirrored fascia and having a dull front panel display, but it goes a long way to making up for that with its keen price. Its not apparent where corners have been cut either, because the connectivity and feature count are perfectly respectable. Youll have to manage without an S-video socket or optical digital audio output, but there are two Scarts (one of which outputs RGB signals), an electrical digital audio out and stereo analogue audio and composite video support. As is usually the case on these hybrids, there are also front inputs, with stereo and composite video sockets for connecting a camcorder. Setup is made easy by the user-friendly remote and the beautiful onscreen menu for the DVD. As is also usual on these beasts, the VCR menu is much more basic. The usual suspects are present as far as playback options for DVD are concerned, including a zoom that lives up to its name by blowing the picture up to 16x normal size. The VCR offers frame advance and slo-mo replay as well as the DVD deck, with a couple of unusual features also thrown in. Commercial Message Skip is an automatic 30sec fastforward option not terribly precise while Video Doctor and EZ repeat are more promising. Video Doctor promises to alert you to problems with the deck or tape, and EZ repeat is the same as the A-B repeat found on most DVD decks, letting you specify a section of programming to repeat twice. Recordings can be set in the usual variety of manners VideoPlus with PDC, Instant Timer Record or manual input and DVD-to-VHS dubbing is possible if the disc in question is not copy-protected. Home cinema audio is enjoyable, with surround soundtracks capably delivered to the amplifier, but CD performance would not be enough to convince the audiophile contingent that they had no need for a dedicated CD player. The VCR does an excellent job of recording in SP mode. There is inevitably a loss of quality from the original recording, but the picture retains a good level of detail and stability and colours are natural. In LP mode the picture deteriorates, making this an option to be exercised only when absolutely necessary. This is a commendable performance overall, with the VCR providing able support to the impressive DVD deck. When you consider the price, it is easy to forgive its plain appearance and focus instead on the excellent value for money. What we like about this DVD/VCR combi Very good DVD performance Commendable VCR performance What we dont like about this DVD/VCR combi Design LP VCR pictures
Aesthetic design is quite appealing
This is a paragon among remote controllers
The ever-handy set of front AV inputs
ESSENTIAL HI-FI & HOME CINEMA

2:36 pm

Page 40

MAKE MODEL

SPECIFICATIONS

Price Dimensions Tel Web

HITACHI DV-FP3E

SONY SLV-D950

TOSHIBA SD-33VB
150 430(w) x 97(h) x 293(d)mm www.lge.co.uk
200 435(w) x 99(h) x 218(d)mm www.hitachidigitalmedia.com
200 430(w) x 95(h) x 333(d)mm www.sony.co.uk
250 430(w) x 97(h) x 300(d)mm 08704 424424
www.home-entertainment.toshiba.co.uk

FEATURES

VideoPlus PDC Quasi S-VHS Zoom Dynamic Range Control Timer SP + LP EP NO YES NO x16 YES 7-event, 1-month YES NO YES YES NO x4 YES 8-event, 1-year YES NO YES YES YES x4 NO 6-event, 1-month YES YES (NTSC playback only) YES YES NO YES (not specified) YES 7-event, 1-month YES NO
We say: At this highly competitive price the features count is respectable, and the drab design is forgivable.

CONNECTIONS

Scart Component S-video Composite video Optical digital audio Electrical digital audio Front AV inputs RF aerial (RGB out)
We say: Were not sold on the design of this combi, but theres nothing badly awry in the features list and that 1-year timer is an eye-opener.

(RGB out)

We say: Edging out the Toshiba for best looks in this group test, the Sony is also strong in the features department.
We say: The Toshiba is well-specified and also one of the best-looking combis weve seen. Shop around for price reductions.

VERDICT

Features Looks Picture Sound Value
We say: Connectivity is limited, but that is a consequence of the keen pricing. Whether the sacrifices are justified is your call. We say: A thoroughly commendable performance, especially in the DVD picture department. Budget buyers should be prepared to snap it up.
We say: Nothing to complain about here, and the provision of both optical and electrical digital audio outputs is useful. We say: This is not a bad deck, just a distinctly average one. If you shop around for bargains the value rating will improve, but better performance is available elsewhere.
We say: No component video outs, which is a shame on such an otherwise wellconnected deck.
We say: Excellent connectivity: component video outputs with prog scan, as well as an RGB capable Scart. We say: This is a mighty combi from Toshiba. The component video with prog scan is a real treat for DVD playback and the design is as good as weve seen for a DVD/VCR deck.

We say: This is top-notch performance at a competitive price. Throw in the natty design and youve got a winner.

OVERALL

Page 41

CONCLUSION

SAMSUNG SV-DVD55
200 430(w) x 94(h) x 265(d)mm 0168 www.samsungelectronics.co.uk

JVC HR-XVS30

230 434(w) x 101(h) x 318(d)mm 5000 www.jvc.co.uk

PANASONIC NV-VP31

200 430(w) x 89(h) x 266(d)mm 357 www.panasonic.co.uk
YES YES YES YES (not specified) YES YES (event not specified) YES n/a
YES YES YES & genuine S-VHS NO YES YES YES YES
YES YES YES x2 16-event, 1-month YES YES YES
HOOSING A NEW PIECE OF HOME cinema hardware is always a matter of balancing features, performance and price. In the case of a DVD/VCR combi this is further complicated by the presence of two major components. Our ideal model would feature an S-VHS VCR section, easy-to-use DVD deck with an RGB Scart and component video outputs with progressive scan images. None of the combis here offer that complete spec but lets consider each one in turn and see how well they do. Except for the JVC HR-XVS30, they all offer an RGB Scart (the best connection to use with a normal TV). The JVC has component video, which will allow you to display super-smooth prog scan images on a compatible display (LCD TV, plasma, projector or certain CRT TVs). The Toshiba SD33VB is the only model here with both component video and an RGB output. However, it lacks S-VHS recording and playback. Overall, bringing up the rear is the Samsung SV-DVD55. This has a decent VCR section but the setup procedure is complicated and the DVD performance average. Next is the Hitachi DV-FP3E, which delivers an acceptable performance in both sections but is rather plain looking and not great value. In fifth place is the Panasonic NV-VP31, this does have an RGB out but there is no S-video output (a great backup if your TV doesnt have an RGB input). The DVD performance is good but surprisingly for Panasonic, the VCR rates as just ordinary.
We say: Features are few and those available a little too well-hidden. Theres also too much manual intervention required for our liking.

(RGB out)

We say: The provision of S-VHS marks this machine out as the recording king amongst its rivals.
We say: Whats not to like about this accomplished deck? EP recording mode will really boost your tapes capacity.

(No RGB out)

We say: All the key players are present: RGB Scart, S-video and composite video.
We say: Pity about the lack of an RGB Scart, though the component video connection does lead to progressive scan pictures. We say: A great combi player with very good DVD performance and excellent VHS recording. Outstanding value for money.
We say: There are a few omissions here, but the most important connection, the RGB capable Scart, is present. We say: The VCR section tends to let down an excellent DVD counterpart. If VCR use is of only casual importance this deck is still worth an audition.
In fourth place is the JVC HR-XVS30, which is a Best Buy because it delivers the best video recording and has excellent DVD playback too, but the price is high and you must have a component video compatible TV to make the most of it.
We say: Complicated setup and average performance dont do enough to justify the price tag.
In third is the Toshiba SD33VB, with a great DVD playback specification and a fine performance rating across the board it looses out only in terms of value for money.
In second place is the LG DV1010. We like this for its ease of use and good performance; married to a spectacularly low price, its a real bargain.
The overall winner though is the Sony SLV-D950. Everything about this model smacks of quality the ease of use, fine aesthetic design and top quality picture and sound performance. Whats more, unusually for a Sony, it wont break the bank.