0310WHC18 Sharp SD-AT1000

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DVD Upgrade

Sharp SD-AT1000H 270

Sharps stylish amplifier and speaker package will convert your DVD player to a full-on cinema system for under 300
f you already own a DVD player, Sharps SD-AT1000H surround sound amplifier and speaker package makes for a stylish way to upgrade to a complete home cinema setup. The tastefully designed and aluminium-clad main unit contains all the amplification and processing that youll need to turn DVDs and CDs into an impressive surround sound experience. This includes Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS decoding for surround material such as DVDs and Dolby Pro-Logic II processing, to convert stereo material from TV broadcasts, for example to a convincing near-digital surround sound experience. The SD-AT1000H is a sophisticated-looking piece of kit, with a cool blue display and shiny silver central volume control that give it
The SD-AT1000H has an instantly likeable sound that makes Iggy Pops Lust for Life sound both powerful and energetic
the kind of looks that demand to be caressed. It will also blend easily with any conventionally-sized DVD player. The satellite speaker and subwoofer package looks a little less stylish, as the five satellite speakers are rather larger and less discrete than the compact models that come with some one-box systems. The subwoofer, meanwhile, while it is not about to win any style awards, is still a reasonably compact model, and is fairly easy on the eye.
in fact, it refers to Sharps built-in digital amplifier, which claims to provide a more realistic surround sound experience. Setting this system up is straightforward, as it has colour-coded speaker terminals to ensure you make all the right connections. With the system installed, simply connect a DVD player via the optical or coaxial digital input at the back of the unit and, hey presto, you now have a full-on surround sound movie system.

Easy upgrade

Sharps 1-bit technology logo on the main units front panel could easily be a reference to the packages one-stop solution to turning an existing DVD player into a home cinema system. But

Control issues

External sources are well catered for too. The SD-AT1000H can accommodate other pieces of kit, which allows you to use it as a home entertainment hub for all your sources. Sadly, though, Sharps attention to detail and design does not extend to the systems remote control. It is grey, dull, and laden with buttons that make it difficult to navigate and almost impossible to use in the dark. There are no picture signals routed through the Sharp SD-AT1000H, so there are no picture performance concerns. But in terms of the Sharps sound capabilities, there is plenty to talk about.
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The SD-AT1000H has an instantly likeable sound that makes Iggy Pops Lust for Life track in the opening sequence of Trainspotting sound powerful and energetic. The system carrys the films distinctive and varied soundtrack along with a real sense of pace.

Eager to please

The subwoofer, meanwhile, is not the most accurate model around, and can sometimes have a hollow and artificial sound. But it still gives an enthusiastic performance that gives little PERFECT PARTNERS
cause for overt criticism, and is one of only a few models where we have had to lower its output level to tame its eagerness. The satellite speakers have a very sharp sound that means you can hear every last detail on a movies soundtrack. Its a very upfront and forward performance that creates an extremely wide soundstage and makes big soundtracks sound larger than life. Dialogue is clean for the most part, yet can sometimes be rather overshadowed by the main stereo speakers, which means TEST SCENES
that Ewan McGregor's all-important voiceovers that occur throughout the movie can sometimes be drowned out by the movies soundtrack. Theres also an annoying and ever-present background buzz, which can be heard during the films quieter moments, and the main units similarly audible cooling fan spins into action with regularity when demands on the systems amplifier are high.

GOOD POINTS

Faking it

With stereo music, the Sharp shows many of the same positive characteristics as it does with movies. But its over-enthusiastic sound and the sometimes rather unnatural-sounding bass from the subwoofer are still problems here, and Radioheads Hail to the Thief album is not given the treatment that it deserves by the system. The SD-AT1000H is sadly a little too synthetic-sounding for respectable hi-fi listening. At under 300, the Sharp SD-AT1000H's enthusiastic performance and good looks make it an effective way to unleash movie soundtracks. However, while its over-eager surround sound performance aims to please, it ultimately sounds too artificial for our tastes, and the constant fan noise and background buzz are unforgivable flaws. WHC
Stunning-looking DVD add-on, upfront and forthright sound that makes DVDs sound very exciting

BAD POINTS

Poor remote, over-enthusiastic sound may not appeal to all, fan noise and background buzz

DVD RECORDER & VCR

TRAINSPOTTING

OVERALL

The Sharp has an instantly dazzling sound, but minor flaws let its overall performance down

RATINGS

Style Ease of use Features Picture Sound Value Overall 5555555566 N/A 5555555566
FULL OF LIFE PANASONIC DMR-E50 380
Recording quality makes this Panny a great buy. And its packed with features, including DVD-RAM The Sharp has a Lust for Life, and carries Iggy Pops track along with authority and pace during the opening sequence

FURTHER INFO

Call 958 or visit www.sharp.co.uk

JVC HR-J695EK 130

Superb pictures, ease of use and an astounding array of features makes this budget JVC an amazing bargain

BIG TALK

The subwoofer may not be the most natural around, but gives McGregor's voiceovers lots of depth

"INSTANTLY DAZZLING SOUND"

u SDAT1000

Value for money:

399.95

So you already have a DVD player but fancy surround sound without having to buy a full system or bulky units? Well, Sharps new SDAT1000 is for you! Simply plug your existing DVD player into the back, via optical or co-axial, and away you go.
Key to the Sharps initial appeal is the sleek good looks. As What Home Cinema magazine put it, it has the kind of looks that demand to be caressed. The silver finished speakers are small enough not to be intrusive and the amplifier is incredibly slim compared to the more usual beasts of burden. Thanks to colour coded cables, wiring the system is easy, whilst the learning remote control allows you to cut down on armchair clutter by making the DVD remote redundant.
You might be forgiven for thinking that such a small case would make for a small power output, but youd be wrong. Due to cutting edge 1-Bit digital amp technology the SDAT1000 manages to pump out an impressive 100 watts per speaker. This gives an improbably big sound for such a compact package. What Home Cinema magazine went on to say that the sound was, upfront and forthright that makes DVDs sound very exciting. In addition the high tech specification means that, you can hear every last detail on a movies soundtrack. The Sharp features built in Dolby Digital, DTS and Prologic II decoders, and has three extra inputs for other sources. Yet whatever the source, What Video magazine stated that, effects are well steered by the amp. In other words this is a highly versatile piece of kit. Should you have had enough film watching, theres even a built-in RDS tuner with AM and FM reception. With its, instantly dazzling sound, sexy good looks and ease of use, the Sharp SDAT1000 would make any DVD player a fine partner. Home cinema heaven starts here.