WHC40.24sony_dvpns92

29/11/05

12:49 PM

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Upscaling DVD players>GROUP TEST
SACD playback facilities Numerous video settings with several preset modes

Sony DVP-NS92V 220

The video upscaling is effective, but the picture doesnt quite pack the punch to elevate this deck into Best Buy heavyweight territory
With its sleek good looks, the Sony DVP-NS92V mid-range upscaler is a stunning model, the silver version being a particular vision of design. The socketry at the rear is comprehensive. Alongside the essential HDMI output, you also get component video outputs, an RGB Scart and S-video and composite video backup. Audio connections see the provision of optical and electrical digital audio outputs, alongside 5.1-channel sockets for SACD playback. There are also simple stereo outs. The DVP-NS92V will play DiVX files and there is a registration code for VOD movies. MP3 and JPEG files are also invited. Upscaling options are output via the HDMI connection and are the standard 720p and 1080i variants. You can also opt for an unscaled 480/576p signal.

RATINGS

STYLE FEATURES PICTURE SOUND VALUE OVERALL EASE OF USE ####$

Sensitive touch

The onscreen menu is basic and perfectly straightforward but the remote is overly sensitive. Press the
button and you are likely to zoom through two options rather than simply step on to the next one. Ease of use is also slightly hindered in that the HDMI connection defeats the Scart RGB output. You also have to stop playback to switch between different HDMI output options. The resume play function helps here, allowing you to look over the same scene via different settings, but its easier to be able to watch a still frame and rotate through the options. There is a pseudo surround sound option for using the deck with a twin speaker system and various choices for fuller speaker packages. There is also a very useful AV sync function for clearing up lip-sync issues. Video settings are plentiful, with several preset modes and adjustments available for brightness, colour, hue and sharpness, as well as further controls for block noise reduction (BNR) and halo reduction (MNR).
THERES A USEFUL AV SYNC FUNCTION FOR CLEARING UP LIP-SYNC ISSUES
An RGB feed of Fantastic Four was very enjoyable, with excellent colour rendition and some impressive detail, although strong vertical lines exhibit more fizzing than we would like. Dimly lit areas are not a problem for the Sony DVP-NS92V, as colourful, high-contrast graphical elements look like they are jumping off the screen. Switching to an HDMI signal (480/576p to start with) does not alter the picture dramatically. If anything, there is more fizzing around some verticals and skin tones take on a slightly unnatural appearance. The picture looks a little artificial and loses impact.
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TEST SCENE

> >Fantastic Four
Scenes with strong vertical lines highlight the benefits of video upscaling, with dot crawl and fizzing largely banished

AT A GLANCE

FEATURES HDMI output Video upscaling DiVX VOD playback SACD playback PAL progressive scan CONNECTIONS HDMI output Component video output RGB Scart output S-video output Composite video output Optical digital audio output Electrical digital audio output 5.1-channel phono outputs Stereo audio output www.sony.co.uk 08705 111999

Long engagement

Engaging the 720p setting, the image greatly clears up. The disturbances around strong vertical lines is mostly cleared up and skin tones settle down. The image becomes more stable and deep, with a pleasing tone. At normal viewing distances the picture looks solid and detailed, but a switch back to RGB reveals the 720p signal to be superior and cleaner. Upping the ante to 1080i sees more improvement, losing the fizzing. Overall, a good result but not an eye-popping one, but it really isnt fair to expect genuine high-def quality from upscaling DVD players. Coupled with good sound, the DVP-NS92V is a mid-range contender that improves on RGB-delivered images I
The DVP-NS92V also plays DiVX files
As well as the HDMI output, there are component video outputs too
A clean, tidy but sensitive remote

WHC JANUARY 2006 61

Sony HDMI SA-CD/DVD Player DVP-NS92V
Hong Kong, September 12, 2005 Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited today expanded its HDMI SA-CD/DVD player line-up with the latest addition, the DVP-NS92V, offering the best AV entertainment at a good value and with a wide range of advanced technologies. The new DVP-NS92V has a host of high performance features including Sonys unique Precision Drive Pro technology for superb video playback capabilities, wider format compatibility and superior picture quality. It also comes with Precision Cinema Progressive technology and 12bit/108MHz Video DAC to further enhance video performance. The DVP-NS92V delivers crisp and powerful SA-CD multi-channel sound thanks to its Super Audio CD (SA-CD) converter that offers 5.1 plus 2 channel analog outputs. The HDMI terminal features a 720p/1080i up-scaling function that is capable of transmitting images of up to 1080i high definition video signals and delivering superior sound quality for outstanding visual and audio performance for home theatre enthusiasts. The HDMI full digital audio and visual signal transmission maintains the best Signal-to-Noise (S/N) level and ensures perfect AV signal quality. Key features of the DVP-NS92V are as follows: Upscaling function by HDMI: the SD video signals 480i/p and 576i/p can be upgraded to HD video signals 720p and 1080i respectively; Precision Drive Pro technology provides superior picture and audio quality, wider format compatibility and superb playability. Twin Laser Pick Up & Dynamic Tilt Compensation ensures stable playback under any disc conditions even with distorted or vended discs; Precision Cinema Progressive (NTSC/PAL) provides the best signal source to ensure vivid detail and seamless pictures Video DAC: 12bit/108MHz; Video Up-scaler Audio DAC: 192 kHz/ 24bit Digital Out Multi-channel Super Audio CD and Stereo Super Audio CD playback Sonys unique Fast Play / Slow Play with Audio feature allows users to easily control playback speed and make the video content more interesting. Users can manually select speeds with regular-pitched, distinct audio. With Fast Playback, users can watch long programs in a shorter time. Slow playback is useful for studying foreign languages.
Copyright 2005 Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Ltd. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Compatibility with more disc formats: DVD-Video DVD-R DVD-RW (VR w/ CPRM/ Video Mode) DVD+R DVD+RW DVD+R DL (Dual Layer) SVCD VCD CD CD-R/RW MP3 / JPEG (CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW) and Kodak Picture CD Decoding Formats: Dolby Digital, DTS, SA-CD and MP3 AV SYNC Function Output Terminals: HDMI Terminal x 1, Component x 1, S-Video x 1, A/V x 1, Coaxial digital/ Optical digital x 1, 5.1 ch. Analogue Audio x 1, Analogue Audio x 1, SCART x 1 Dimensions (W x H x D) 430 x 55 x 237mm Weight 2.11 Kg
The DVP-NS92V will be available from mid-October at a suggested retail price of HK$2,480. For customer enquiries, please contact the Sony 24-hour customer service hotline at (852) 2345-2966. ###