Audio Video News

Not too long ago you couldn't find progressive video output on any DVD player for less than $2000. Ditto for 96kHz or 192kHz digital sampling rates in the audio section. Now you can have both for substantially less than a grand.

JVC's XV-D723GD DVD player offers just about everything a home theater enthusiast could ask for: high-bit/high-sampling 10-bit/54MHz video DACs, inboard Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, high-resolution multichannel audio output, and progressive scan video output for the best possible picture. The component video output is even switchable from progressive to interlaced for compatibility with all types of program sources and all types of display device.

An onscreen graphical user interface makes navigating the player's menu a breeze. Special effects that are accessible via the remote control include strobe, zoom, and multiple angle (when available in the source material). The remote also controls many popular brands of audio and video equipment.

The $900 player features separate power supplies for the digital and analog sections, and separate circuits for analog video and audio, for the lowest possible noise in both picture and sound. Further refinements include fiber optic and co-axial digital audio outputs for use with external decoders and processors when playing standard CDs. Users may find, however, that JVC's proprietary "1-bit P.E.M. D/D" multichannel digital audio converter with 192kHz/24-bit and 96kHz/24-bit resolution sounds better than any outboard gear they own. Video outputs include component (switchable progressive/interlaced), composite, and S-Video.

The XV-D723GD is compatible with DVD Video, DVD Audio, CD and Video CD discs, but not with Super Audio CD. The sleek styling is intended to make the player visually appealing in the most upscale environments. The XV-D723GD carries a manufacturer's one-year warranty on parts, and 90 days of labor.