HDMI output Progressive scan support DiVX playback Dolby Digital decoding Available in black or silver
DVD player Approx price: 120

On test

Cambridge Audio DVD86

Test Data

TEST READING RATING
Good Poor Excellent Excellent Average Excellent Excellent Good Good Good 3W (stby) 8W (Use) Video jitter: 5ns Audio jitter: 1869.0ps Video S/N ratio: (composite): 77.8dB Video S/N ratio: (S-video): 79.7db Video S/N ratio (component): 70.8dB Chroma AM: -74.5dB Chroma PM: -69.7dB Response @ 5.8MHz Composite: -1.6dB Component: -1.4dB S-Video: -1.2db Power consumption:
For a full explanation of test data, please see page 86

Details

FEATURES
HDMI/DVI output: Prog scan output: DVD-A/SACD: Multi-region from box? Dimensions: Yes/No Yes No/No No 430(w) x 55(h) x 263(d)mm 2.5kg
t looks as if the days of HDMI being a high-end feature are well and truly behind us. This cheap DVD player and were not being negative when we say that comes with just such a connection, allowing you the cleanest possible digital path between the information on your DVD disc and a HDMIequipped screen. As things stand theres little to differentiate this from more expensive players, particularly with HDMI onboard. As expected, theres no upscaling to 1080p, and this is a video-only player, so if you want the high-resolution sound of SACD or DVD-Audio (and lets face it, who doesnt?) then youll have to stump up another 80 for Cambridge Audios DVD89. However, this more affordable player does offer many of the same features as the DVD89, including Dolby Digital decoding via a sixchannel analogue output and progressive scan support for both PAL and NTSC, if you dont have the luxury of HDMI and need to use component video. It also has an RGB-capable Scart thrown in there so all the major bases are covered. The DVD86 is available in both black and silver and has a sturdy
aluminium fascia that really does belie the very reasonable price tag. Its also capable of playing CD-Rs loaded with MP3 tracks and DiVX movies, plus all the common avours of recordable DVD, except for the ever tricky DVD-RAM.

Also Consider >>

DENON DVD-1920 Another excellent affordable HDMI capable DVD player, but its not as good with stereo sound Reviewed issue 302 CAMBRIDGE AUDIO DVD89 Bigger and better brother of the DVD86, but itll cost you more Reviewed: Issue 310 And when its time for the movies to stop, the DVD86 can even make a good st of playing a tune. With Nick Cave Live at the Paradiso it performed very well indeed, with the 5.1 output offering a solid sonic performance. Switch to CDs and the sound is also good, with solid stereo imaging and reasonably natural sounding voices. So, while this player isnt breaking any new ground, and a few quid more will get you something thats considerably better from the same company, this affordable little number is more than competent, especially if you are using those all-important HDMIs Shaun Marin

performance

The rst thing you notice is how slick the operation is. The disc mechanism operates smoothly, the disc loads and menus are displayed with the minimum of fuss or time wasting. Wired up with an HDMI cable to a 32in LCD, the DVD86 performs very well, with impressive levels of detail and colour. Skin tones are refreshingly natural, and with the US drama The Wire, muted tones are delivered without any of the over-zealous tinkering some cheap players are guilty of. And tricky night scenes are relatively free of unsightly blocking and pixelation. But blow the picture up larger on, for example, a projector, and aws start to appear, with zzing around the main characters and some blockiness to the images. But then again, this is a 120 deck, and not really destined for use with a sevenfoot screen!

Ratings

WHATS GOOD
Fantastic build; stylish design; impressive picture; solid sonics; HDMI connection

Weight

WHAT IT PLAYS
DVD-Video; Dual Disc (CD/DVD); CD; MP3; JPEG; MPEG4 DiVX (v. 3x/5x); MPEG4 XViD; MPEG1 (CD, DVDRom); MPEG2 TS (CD/DVD-Rom); CD-R; CD-RW (Video/VR); DVD+R; DVD-R (Dual Layer); DVD+RW

WHATS BAD

Not so good on bigger screens

SOCKETS

HDMI ouput; component video; RGB Scart; S-video ouput; composite video; 6 optical and electrical audio outputs
Picture Sound Features Ease of use Value

VERDICT

Cheap and cheerful DVD player with impressive build for the money and great HDMI-delivered images

CONTACT

1230 www.cambridge-audio.com
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AWARDS>

Mid-price DVD deck

WINNER

Pioneer DV-696AV
Pioneers mid-range deck boasts excellent looks and a spec sheet that is simply bursting with features. As a universal player it will handle all disc types, and that includes DVD-Audio and SACD discs. The main selling point will be the HDMI output, which upscales to the now familiar 720p or 1080i levels. On this deck the upscaling really works. The picture is good on a regular signal, but engage upscaling and it reaches new heights, rewarding you with a deep picture that excels in dark, shadowy areas. The picture is still very impressive if you can only make use of the progressive scan component outputs or the RGB Scart colours are rich and detailed and there is nothing in the way of artefacting to intrude on your enjoyment. The DVD-Audio and SACD playback is pleasing, so if you like to dabble with these multi-channel sound formats the DV-696AV wont let you down. Movie soundtracks fare even better, being dynamic and hugely involving when fed to a good sound system. Dont forget DiVX, WMA, MP3 and JPEG compatibility, the zoom and slow-motion playback or the Virtual Surround Sound options all of which add value to a machine that is already a bargain.

COMMENDED

Cambridge Audio DVD86
If you like a deck to look like it cost you about 200 more than it did, this is the one for you, but the DVD86 is far more than just a pretty fascia. It delivers a wonderful picture, one that is enhanced noticeably when you engage video upscaling via the HDMI output. Movie soundtracks are delivered with conviction, while audio CDs are handled extremely well, making this a versatile deck that can serve audio enthusiasts as well as video fans.
which delivers a cleaner picture to screen. Video upscaling (720p or 1080i) adds slightly to the quality of the picture, while audio is very good on movie soundtracks and impressive on audio CDs.

Denon DVD-1730

The usual Denon design quality marks this player out from the start, and it backs up this favourable rst impression with a really impressive performance. The picture is solid through the RGB Scart or component video outputs, but even better via HDMI,

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