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

About.com Rating 3.5

By Robert Silva, About.com

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

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

Neo Digits

The Bottom Line

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

Features such as 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling, especially through component outputs, make this unit a flexible 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 measured inconsistencies in video performance, the 2085 none-the-less produces an overall good image and is worth checking out.

Pros

  • Plays most video and audio disc formats - including HVD format discs.
  • HDMI and Component output with 720p/ 1080i/1080p upscaling options.
  • Region Code Free.
  • NTSC/PAL compatible (bi-directional conversion).
  • Stylish look - Easy to set up and use - Undertandable User Manual

Cons

  • HDMI to DVI video output conversion somewhat disappointing.
  • Video performance test results mixed
  • No DVD-Audio or SACD (Super Audio CD) playback capability.
  • Remote control not backlit. - Limited controls on unit itself.
  • Very small, hard-to-see, front panel display.

Description

  • DVD player with DVD-Video DVD+R/RW/-R/-RW, HVD, CD/CDR/CDRW/CD-MP3/HDCD and CD-JPEG playback.
  • Built-in video processor/de-interlacer for upscaling to 720p/1080i/1080p.
  • 720p/1080i oupput through HDMI. 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling available through Component output.
  • HDCP compatibility not required for playback of DVD content in upscaled resolutions.
  • Digital optical, digital coaxial, and two sets of analog audio outputs (2-channel and 5.1 Channel).
  • Supports both Dolby Digital and DTS pass-through; built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoder option.
  • Switchable NTSC/PAL output (Including 720p and 1080i).
  • DVD Region Code Free.
  • Computer Monitor Output (VGA/SVGA/XGA/SXGA).
  • Wireless remote control. Easy-to-use Onscreen Menu Interface.

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

Overall playback functionality was excellent. The 2085 easily played commercial DVDs, several DVD-R/DVD+RW discs, as well as a selection of CD/CDR/RW/HDCD/DTS format discs, and also an HVD disc (A type of high-def DVD disc not playable on standard DVD players).

In terms of video performance, the Component connection produced the best results, in both standard and upscaled resolutions. One shortcoming was somewhat dimished video quality when adapting the HDMI output to a TV with DVI input; It would be nice to offer both connection options.

Using both HDMI and Component video at the 720p setting in conjunction with a Syntax LT-32HV 720p native resolution LCD Television, and using the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD video test disc, the 2085 produced mixed results.

In terms of detail and color, the 2085 faired very well. However moire and jaggies elimination during motion were average. With video noise tests, some background video noise was present, but not distracting.

I also found that the component video connection yielded better black levels and more saturated color than the HDMI-to-DVI connection. This may have been the result of converting HDMI to DVI. In terms of overall video quality, I found the images produced by 2085 looked better using the component video connection option, rather than HDMI. A closer look, using a television equipped with direct HDMI - at full 1080p upscaling, may be justified.

Audio performance of the 2085 was very good. Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound options worked well, with excellent imaging.

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