Audio Performance
I found that when using the XV-NP10S's digital audio output connection to the Yamaha HTR-5490 AV receiver, I found no obvious faults in the audio signal, although I would say that the audio does lack the subtleties of a good high-end DVD or CD player.Using both the digital optical audio and digital coaxial connection, the digital audio bitstream seemed to be transferred intact. In addition, the analog stereo output signal from the when used with standard CDs appeared fine as well. I found the stereo or surround imaging was quite good from all CD and DTS disc material I tested.
Lastly, In terms of format playback compatibility, I found that the XV-NP10S's had no trouble reading CD-Rs, DVD-Rs, or DVD+RW discs, in addition to standard DVDs and CDs.
Video Performance - Region 1 and Code Free
I also connected the XV-NP10S to an Syntax Olevia LT32HV LCD television using progressive scan component inputs. In the 480p progressive scan mode, the JVC was on visually on par with KISS DP-470 DVD Player and also performed much better than the Tatung DV-990 Code Free DVD player (non-progressive).
In addition, when using the S-video and composite connections between the JVC and the Syntax I found the typical signal degradation from progressive component one would expect, but once again the JVC definitely outdid the Tatung Code Free unit in terms of motion tracking and contrast.
In terms of Code Free compatibility, the JVC played all of the region 2,3, or 4 discs I had available. The PAL-to-NTSC conversion was very good; much better than the Tatung, and did not exhibit any motion or audio-synch artifacts. I could not visually tell I was viewing a PAL disc. In addition, both Region 1 Ed Wood NTSC DVD and the Region 3 Ed Wood NTSC DVD, looked visually identical; the region coding issue did not affect video quality.
Pros and Cons of the JVC XV-NP10S Code Free DVD Player
The XV-NP10S had five standout features:1. The remote control and on-screen menus are very easy to use.
2. The Owner's manual is well illustrated and easy to understand.
3. The XV-NP10S has good playback flexibility. It plays just about every disc format except for SACD and DVD-Audio.
4. The built-in digital camera memory card reader is a great bonus and I found it easy to use after a brief glance at the owner's manual. Tip: Make sure front panel cover is closed before viewing images.
5. Automatic Region code detection and PAL-to-NTSC conversion on code free version works great, there is nothing you need to do after loading your disc, just play.
Here are some things I found lacking in the XV-NP10S:
1.There is an intermittent DVD menu glitch -- selections sometimes don't display properly.
2. There is an unnecessary 480i/480p video signal selector on rear panel, it should on the front panel or accessible via onscreen menu/remote control.
3. The XV-NP10S has no SACD or DVD-Audio compatibility.
4. The XV-NP10S has no upscaling feature via DVI or HDMI output. However, I would not have expected this feature at this price point.
5. The digital camera card reader does not accept Memory Stick Pro or Memory Stick Duo.
Go Code Free!
As far as the code-free modification went, I was able to play DVDs from several regions, including Asian Region 3, European Region 2, and Brazilian Region 4 discs. In addition, I found that the XV-NP10S did a very good job converting PAL system discs for viewing on a standard NTSC television display and video projector. I also found no audio-lip synch issues on PAL disc playback.
The only major drawback I found was an intermittent glitch with DVD menu displays, which appears to be a JVC glitch and not related to the code free modification.
Having experience with several code-free DVD players, I found that the hardware modified code free version of the JVC XV-NP10S deserves a good look if you are considering making the move to code free DVD and expand your DVD viewing experience.
I give the JVC XV-NP10S Code Free Version DVD player 4.5 out of 5 Stars.
