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

DVDs used for playback tests included scenes from the following: Kill Bill - Vol1/II, Pirates Of The Caribbean, Chicago, House Of The Flying Daggers, Underworld, Passionada, Moulin Rouge, ED Wood, and The Mummy, as well as video content on DVD-R and DVD+RW discs recorded on DVD recorders. Also included: A sample HVD 720p disc titled LePeuple Migrateur (The Traveling Birds)

Other-than-Region 1 coded DVDs included: Crying Freeman (Region 2 - PAL), Le Pacte des Loups (Brotherhood of the Wolf - Region 2 PAL), Arizona Dreams - Region 2 PAL), ED Wood (Region 3 Version - NTSC), Godzilla Vs Mechagodzilla 2002 (Region 3 - NTSC), Godzilla Vs Megaguirus (Region 3 - NTSC), Sem Limite Para Vingar "Ricochet" (Region 4).

For audio only, various CDs included: HEART - Dreamboat Annie, Nora Jones: Come Away With Me, Lisa Loeb: Firecracker (HDCD), Blue Man Group The Complex, Telarc: 1812 Overture. DTS discs included: Queen: Night At The Opera/The Game, Eagles: Hotel California , Sheila Nicholls: Wake. Also included: The Corrs: In Blue (Dolby Digital). In addition, music content on CD-R/RWs were also used.

The Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD video test disc was used for more precise video performance measurements.

Disc compatibility was excellent. Commercial DVDs from several regions, DVD-R/DVD+RW discs, CD/CDR/RW/HDCD/DTS format discs, and an 720p HVD Disc played without a glitch.

HDMI and Component video outputs at 720p setting were used in conjunction with a Syntax LT-32HV 720p LCD Television, and Samsung DVD-HD931 for direct 720p upscaling comparison to the 2085.

Using the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD video test disc in this setup, the 2085 produced mixed results, with the Samsung 931 outperforming the NeuNeo in performance tests in HDMI/DVI output mode (the 931 has DVI direct out - the 2085 has to convert HDMI to DVI) and also in 480p component output mode.

NOTE: The Samsung 931 does not feature upscaling through component output. The 1080p function of the 2085 was not tested.

The 2085's component output produced best results, in both standard and upscaled resolutions. One shortcoming - somewhat dimished video quality when adapting the HDMI output to a TV with DVI input; It would be nice to offer both output options.

In terms of detail and color, the 2085 faired well. However, moire and jaggies elimination during motion were average. Video noise reduction tests revealed some background video noise, but was not excessive.

The component video output yielded better black levels and more saturated color than the HDMI-to-DVI connection. This may be the result of converting HDMI to DVI. In terms of overall video quality, the images produced by the 2085 looked better using the component video connection option, rather than HDMI.

The built-in PAL/NTSC converter worked very well, and was bolstered by both 720p/1080i and Code Free DVD compatibility.

Audio Performance

Audio performance of the HVD2085 very good. Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound options worked very well, with excellent imaging and depth.

In the playback of standard CD material, the HVD2085 showed no signs of obvious audio artifacts, faithfully reproducing the dynamics and frequency range of the recordings used.

A minor disappointment was the lack of DVD-Audio/SACD playback. With the 2085 having 5.1 channel analog outputs, the inclusion of DVD-Audio/SACD would have made the 5.1 channel analog outputs more practical - especially at the advertised price point.

What I Liked - What Could Be Improved

Strong Points of the HVD2085:

1. Good DVD/CD disc playback compatibility, PAL/NTSC conversion, and Region Code Free play. Another plus: The inclusion of HVD format playback compatibility.

2. 720p and 1080i upscaling options available through both HDMI and Component Video outputs.

3. Inclusion of PC-monitor output option.

4.Stylish, easy to set up and use. Rear panel connections are clearly labeled.

Features that could be improved or added:

1. Video and upscaling performance, including HDMI-to-DVI connection conversion needs some tweaking.

2. No DVD-Audio or SACD (Super Audio CD) playback compatibility.

3. Remote control not backlit.

4. Limited controls on unit itself. If you lose or misplace your remote, the front panel you only has options for on/off, eject, play, pause, and stop.

5. Very small, hard-to-see, front panel display.

Final Take

The NeuNeo HVD2085H is a smartly-styled, feature-packed, easy-to-use, DVD player.

Features such as 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling, especially through component outputs, make this unit an option for HDTV owners.

In addition, both Region Code Free DVD playback, with full bi-directional PAL/NTSC conversion, gives the 2085 even more flexibility.

Despite some inconsistencies with regards to video performance, the 2085 none-the-less produces an overall good image on DVD movie material and is worth checking out. I give the NeuNeo HVD2085 3.5 Stars out of 5.