Instant Expert Advice. -JustAnswer
Entered CNET Catalog: 09/08/2003
SKU: DAV 3900
Manufacturer: Polaroid Corp.
Manufacturer description
Polaroid is the worldwide leader in instant photography. The company supplies instant cameras and films; digital imaging hardware, software and media; identification systems; and sunglasses to markets worldwide. PRODUCT FEATURES: DVD player and digital amplifier combo; Progressive Scan and interlace switch; DVD, CD, MP3, CD-R, CD-RW, Picture CD / JPEG image compatible; Five satellite speakers and 1 subwoofer; Composite Video, S-Video, Y / Cb / Cr output; Digital Coaxial and optical output; AM / FM radio function; Easy access, front panel headphone jack; Total 500 watts; Slim shell of 2.9" in height for DVD / Amplifier Combo; Remote control.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/18/2003
The 3900's space-efficient main unit measures a trim 17 inches wide and 12.5 inches deep. Although it looks exactly like an ordinary DVD player, it also contains a 5.1-channel receiver. The box's build quality and uncluttered face don't hint at the system's oh-so-reasonable price.
Incredibly, the five 4-inch-tall sats and the solidly constructed subwoofer bear a striking resemblance to the models in the 2002 Sony Dream systems, such as the DAV-C450. The sub is a fairly large beast at 15.5 inches tall, 14 inches deep, and 8.75 inches wide. Polaroid didn't specify the driver sizes.
You can start using the 3900 without delving into the menus or the user manual. In our tests, the kit sounded fine straight out of the box. And thanks to the well-designed onscreen displays, advanced setup was easy, too.
The tidy little remote was also above average. It felt right, and aside from the volume control, all the buttons were well positioned.
The 3900's minimalist feature set at least includes progressive-scan video output. The passive sub gets its juice from the receiver, whose 500-watt power rating seems wildly optimistic.
With three stereo hookups (two inputs, one output), one coaxial and one optical digital-audio in, and a headphone jack with its own volume control, the 3900 gets a passing grade on audio connectivity. Video is more problematic, however. The unit sports component, composite, and S-Video outputs, but because it lacks inputs, you can't use it to toggle between your VCR, DVR, DVD recorder, and cable box. That burden falls to your TV.
The 3900 spins CDs, DVD-Video discs, and the other standard formats, along with all the recordable DVD variations except DVD-RWs. Also welcome are CD-R/RWs and MP3-encoded CDs.
Dolby Digital 5.1 is the only type of surround processing available for DVDs. Despite the DTS logo on the 3900's front panel, that standard is missing in action; the machine refused to play the soundtracks on our DTS-encoded discs. The system will output DTS on its digital connection, but that approach requires an A/V receiver--huh? Fortunately, virtually every DVD has a Dolby soundtrack, so the absent format isn't a total downer. You don't get even Dolby Pro Logic for CD surround; it's limited to four channels.
We started our DVD evaluation with the hit musical Chicago. The sound of the big production numbers was commendably brassy, and the straight dramatic scenes were lively and detailed. The 3900's loudness and bass capabilities proved only fair, but they're probably more than adequate for the cozy bedrooms and the relatively close spaces (smaller than 200 square feet) where this little HTIB will work best.
We next watched the Frailty DVD, a truly creepy thriller about a psycho murderer who brings his two young sons along for the kill whenever the mood strikes. During the executions, the film's mostly atmospheric soundtrack strikes terror in the audience, and the 3900 delivered the goods. Dialogue came across surprisingly well balanced, though the center speaker tended to emphasize sibilants.
The 3900's CD performance wasn't as satisfying. Bass-heavy albums such as Moby's Play didn't overload the sub, but the satellites strained a bit at moderate and loud volumes. With more-acoustic music from Bob Dylan, the sats betrayed their wee stature and sounded lightweight. Samsung's HT-DB600 offers a big step up in sound quality, especially on CDs.
A shoot-out between the 3900 and the Sony DAV-FC7 put the Polaroid's talents in perspective. The Sony, listed at $600, has a cooler swooping design, a five-disc changer, more oomph on DVDs, and sats that generate bigger and warmer (maybe too warm) audio on music. But the FC7 certainly didn't sound more than twice as expensive as the 3900.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 User Rating: 
6/10
Awesome starter set
Pros: Good sound quality, excellent picture quality. Functions are more than enough.
Cons: Occasionally volume doesn't reduce.You must turn it to 0 and then reset the level
User Rating: 
3/10
Broke after 6mos - no longer serviced
Pros: Sound is quite good. Great deal, for an intro home theater system
Cons: The front channels became overcome w/ static after ~6mos. Called Polaroid (866)289-5168 and was told they no longer make/carry/service this unit. Therefore, the only option was to pay the $50 shipping to return for a refund.
User Rating: 
10/10
Excellent sound/pic for the money..
Pros: Excellent sound Nice pic Dirt cheap Great system for the money is the bottom line!
Cons: Not the best....but far from the worst.Better suited for a small room.People will complain if they use this in a bigger room.Dont let this fool you.
