NeuNeo HVD2085 DVD Player with HDMI Output and 720p/1080i/1080p Upscaling

The NeuNeo HVD2085 is a DVD player with upconversion video output to either 720p/1080i via HDMI output and 720p/1080i/1080p via component output. If you own an HD-compatible TV with HDMI or DVI input, you can watch DVDs in higher resolution. This works well with Plasma/LCD monitors and DLP video projectors. The 2085 offers extensive playback options, including: Most recordable DVD formats/CD/CDR/CDRW/HDCD/MP3/JPG, and ability to play HVD 720p Discs (China's answer to Blu-ray and HD-DVD).

The feature package of the NeuNeo HVD2085 includes:

1. Single tray DVD player with DVD-Video, DVD+R/+RW/-R/-RW, HVD, CD/CDR/CDRW/CD-MP3/HDCD and JPEG playback.

2. Built-in video processing for 720p/1080i/1080p video upscaling via both Component and HDMI connections.

3. HDMI output (adaptable to DVI) for direct digital video connection.

4. Component video output for both standard and 720p/1080i/1080p output.

5. Computer Monitor Output (VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA).

6. S-video and standard composite video outputs.

7. Digital optical, digital coaxial, and two sets of analog audio outputs (2-channel and 5.1 Channel) that provide flexible audio installation options.

8. Supports both Dolby Digital and DTS pass-through; built-in Dolby Digital/DTS decoder option.

9. Switchable NTSC/PAL output featuring 720p/1080i @ 50HZ upconversion.

10. Wireless remote control - Easy to use On-screen display provides control flexibility.

Overview of the NeuNeo's HDMI Output and Scaling Features

HDMI stands for High Definition Multi-media Interface. To transfer the digital video signal from a standard DVD player to a TV, the DVD player must convert the signal from digital to analog, this results in some information loss.

However, the HVD2085 has the ability, with its HDMI output, to transfer the DVD's digital video signal directly, without conversion to analog. This results in a pure transfer of all of video information from the DVD to a HDMI or DVI (via a connection adapter) equipped TV. In addition, HDMI can transfer both video and audio signals.

Video Upscaling

The HVD2085 also features video upscaling. You can enable this unit to either feed the digital video signal as either 720p or 1080i (in addition to 480p) to your television. 720p and 1080i are the two main standards for HDTV display resolution. In addition, the HVD2085 can also output 1080p through its component outputs.

720p is essentially 1,280 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally and 720 pixels down the screen vertically. This arrangement yields 720 horizontal lines on the screen, which are, in turn, displayed progressively, or each line displayed following another.

1080i represents 1,920 pixels displayed across a screen horizontally and 1,080 pixels down a screen vertically. This arrangement yields 1,080 horizontal lines, which are, in turn, displayed alternately. In other words, all the odd lines are displayed, followed by all the even lines.

1080p, on the other hand, represents 1,080 horizontal lines displayed sequentially. This means all lines are displayed during the same pass. 1080p is the highest quality HD display format.

The Practical Side Of Upscaling

The capability of the HVD2085 to output a video signal in 720p or 1080i format allows its video output to more closely match the capabilities of today's HDTVs. Although this is not the same as watching your DVDs in true-high definition (current DVDs are not recorded in high definition), you will experience increased detail and color you didn't think was possible from a DVD player; at least until true high definition DVD players and movies come out. That is why the HVD2085 is HD-compatible.

Upscaling works best on fixed pixel displays, such as LCD or Plasma, the upscaling may result in harsh images on standard CRT and Projection sets. If your television has a native display resolution other than 720p or 1080i, the TV's video processor will rescale the incoming signal to its own specs, which can yield different results on the final, displayed, TV image. In order to take advantage of 1080p upscaling from a DVD player, the TV must have both 1080p native display capability and accept 1080p from an external source.

Setup of the HVD2085 with other components was very easy. The components used in this review included a Yamaha HTR-5490 6.1 Channel AV receiver, Outlaw Audio Model 950 paired with a Butler Audio 5150 5-channel power amplifier, Syntax LT-32HV LCD television and an Optoma H56 DLP video projector.

A variety of loudspeakers, including Klipsch B-3s, Klipsch C-3, Optimus LX-5IIs, a Yamaha YST-SW205 Powered Subwoofer, and additional speakers, in both matched and mismatched setups were used.

Comparison DVD players included a Samsung DVD-HD931 (DVI/HDMI Output Comparison), KISS DP-470, JVC XV-NP10S.

DVD Recorders used to make DVD-Rs and DVD+RW's: Sony RDR-HX900 and Philips DVDR985.

All connections, except cable TV connections, between components were made with Accell and Cobalt Interconnect cables.

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