Pioneer DV-490V-S DVD Player with HDMI Output and 720p/1080i Upscaling

Testing Setup - Software

Pre-recorded standard DVDs used included scenes from the following: Serenity, Aeon Flux, The Cave, Kill Bill - Vol1/2, Pirates Of The Caribbean, Valley Of Gwangi, Underworld, Moulin Rouge, Zathura, The Corpse Bride, and The Mummy, as well as video content on DVD-R and DVD+RW discs recorded on DVD recorders.

For audio only, various CDs included: HEART - Dreamboat Annie, Nora Jones: Come Away With Me, Lisa Loeb: Firecracker, Blue Man Group The Complex, Telarc: 1812 Overture. DTS discs included: Queen: Night At The Opera/The Game, Eagles: Hotel California, Sheila Nicholls: Wake, Alan Parsons: On Air. 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 also used for more precise video performance measurements.

Performance

As a standard DVD player, the Pioneer DV-4980V-S offers slim slyling that can fit in just about any space. The Pioneer DV-490V-S also offers extensive DVD playback options.

I found the unit very easy to set-up, with easy to use menu options and easy-to-use remote.

I found that standard DVDs, DVD-Rs, and +RW discs discs played easily. I was also able to easily play a disc encoded with Divx files, as well as a home-recorded VCD. CD, CD-R/RW and DTS music disc playback was also very consistent.

The HDMI output of the DV-490V-S also worked well with both the straight HDMI connection or with the an HDMI-to-DVI-HDCP connection, via a cable adapter.

Using the HDMI output at both 720p and 1080i output settings in conjunction with the Samsung LN-R238W 23-inch LCD-HDTV (HDMI) , Syntax LT-32HV 720p native resolution LCD Television (DVI-HDCP), and using the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD video test disc, the DV-490V-S produced mixed results.

In terms of detail and color, the DV-490V-S faired very well. However moire and jaggies elimination during motion on the tests examples was poor. Some background video noise was also present, but on par with many DVD players I have tested. Take these issues into consideration if using this DVD player with a large screen (such as a video projector) as these factors become more visible.

Despite some lack of good performance on jaggies and moire detection, the DV-490V-S, on the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark test of how it could display moving horizontal text over video actually performed as well as the Samsung DVD-HD931, which has a Faroudja video processor and better than the Toshiba HD-XA1 HD-DVD player, which is a true high definition player and costs $799.

The moving horizontal text was very smooth on both the DV-490V-S and the Samsung DVD-HD931, but the HD-XA1 produced severe line artifacts within the text.

Audio performance of the SV-490V-S was very good. Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound options worked well, with excellent imaging. In addition, the audio pass through via the HDMI connection was fine.

What I Liked About The DV-490V-S

1. 720p and 1080i Upscaling via HDMI Output provides boosted video performance when used with HD-compatible televisions.

2. Good overall detail and color reproduction

3. Extensive playback flexibility - most disc formats except for SACD and DVD-Audio

4. Very stylish, compact design allows placement just about anyplace.

5. Easy to use onscreen setup menus - Easy to understand User Manual

What I Didn't Like About the DV-490V-S

1. Jagged edges visible on finely detailed images.

2. Poor moire pattern elimination during fast motion.

3. No SACD or DVD-Audio compatibility

4. Remote not universal

5. No digital optical audio output, only digital coaxial.

Final Take

The Pioneer DV-490V-S is a great basic DVD player, offering not only CD and DVD playback, but, with its HDMI output and 720p/1080i upscaling, you can take advantage of the increased capabilities of an HDTV. In addition, other useful features, such as Virtual Surround for those that don't have a home theater system, its JPEG/MP3 Slideshow function, as well as Divx file playback, make the DV-490V-S a great deal for $99.

Despite some issues with moire and jaggies, for a DVD player in this price class, the HDMI upscaling is effective, especially, when used with a flat panel television. The DV-490V-S is worth considering for use in a basic home theater system with an HD-Compatible TV.

With a little improvement in the video processing area, with regards to jaggies and moire detection, this player could have been real five star unit.

However, for what it does do for $99 dollars, I give the Pioneer DV-490V-S 4 stars out of 5.