The Bottom Line
Pros
- 720p and 1080i Upscaling via HDMI Output
- Good overall detail and color reproduction
- Simultaneous JPEG/MP3 Playback for Slideshows.
- Very sylish, compact design
- Easy to use onscreen setup menus - Easy to understand User Manual.
Cons
- Jagged edges visible on finely detailed images
- Poor moire pattern elimination
- No SACD or DVD-Audio playback compatibility
- Remote not universal
- No digital optical audio output, only digital coaxial
Description
- Slim space-saving design is only 1-15/16th inches high and 8-7/16th inches deep.
- Plays DVD/DVD-R/DVD-RW (Video Format)/DVD+RW, CD/CD-R/RW, SVCD/VCD, JPEG/WMA/MP3, MPEG-4, and DivX.
- Simultaneous JPEG/MP3 Playback Slideshow function.
- Progressive Scan w/2:3 pulldown and 12-bit/108MHz video D/A converter provides smooth looking video.
- HDMI, Component Video, Composite Video, and S-Video outputs allow connection to most televisions.
- Video adjustment for Brightess, Constrast, Gamma, Hue, and Chroma Level. Color settings for HDMI.
- Digital Coaxial Audio output with DTS/Dolby Digital pass through; standard analog stereo outputs.
- On-board Virtual Surround Processing for those that do not have a home theater system.
- Wireless Remote Control
- Easy-to-Read User Manual
Guide Review - Pioneer DV-490V-S DVD Player with HDMI Output
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.
Using the HDMI output at 720p and 1080i settings in conjunction with a Samsung LN-R238W 23-inch LCD-HDTV, Syntax LT-32HV 720p native resolution LCD Television, 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.
Audio performance of the SV-490V-S was very good. Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound options worked well, with excellent imaging.
Despite some issues with moire and jaggies, for a DVD player in this price class, especially with its HDMI upscaling, the DV-490V-S is worth considering for use in a basic home theater system with an HD-Compatible TV.
