Hitachi DVP725U
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CNET Editors' Review
The good: Excellent progressive-scan video performance; zoom mode; solid MP3 support; nice value.
The bad: Subpar anamorphic conversion; no aspect-ratio control; uninformative display.
The bottom line: If you want a high-quality progressive-scan picture without breaking the bank, the Hitachi DVP725U delivers.
 Editors' note:
The rating and/or Editors' Choice designation for this product has been altered since the review's original publication. The reason for this is
simply the general improvement of technology over time. In order to keep our ratings fair and accurate, it's sometimes necessary to downgrade the ratings of older products relative to those of newer products. |
... Expand full review
The rating and/or Editors' Choice designation for this product has been altered since the review's original publication. The reason for this is
simply the general improvement of technology over time. In order to keep our ratings fair and accurate, it's sometimes necessary to downgrade the ratings of older products relative to those of newer products. |
Now that the price of progressive-scan DVD players has dipped to less than $200, you might expect video quality to plummet as well. You'd be wrong--the majority of progressive-scan decks produce excellent video by most standards, and the Hitachi DVP725U is no exception. In fact, it's one of the best-performing sub-$200 DVD players that we've tested.Now that the price of progressive-scan DVD players has dipped to less than $200, you might expect video quality to plummet as well. You'd be wrong--the majority of progressive-scan decks produce excellent video by most standards, and the Hitachi DVP725U is no exception. In fact, it's one of the best-performing sub-$200 DVD players that we've tested.
Retro cool
The DVP725U uses retro styling to stand out from other DVD players on the shelf. Its three-inch height cuts a streamlined profile on any rack. A chrome strip adorns the disc drawer, and below that sits a rectangular mirror that lights up with the blue LED. A false jog dial offers menu access, though it seems to exist more for cosmetic purposes than for function, like the fins on an old Caddy.
Speaking of retro, Hitachi chose to include a 1/4-inch headphone jack complete with a volume-control dial. The remote deserves kudos, too; its well-laid-out buttons are centered on a big cursor control. Users with smaller hands may have to stretch to reach the Play button, but we found the remote's size nearly ideal.
The menu system delivers its information without frills, icons, or explanatory text, which may confuse some new users. We were also a bit disappointed in the mirrored front-panel display. Though it looks cool, the old-school LED doesn't convey much important information, such as the current chapter or the sound format.
Just enough extras
The DVP725U's feature set is relatively modest. It won't accept DVD-Audio discs or Super Audio CDs, although it did play our test DVD-Rs, DVD+Rs, and DVD+RWs--but not DVD-RWs. This Hitachi can play MP3 CDs efficiently, with quick loads and fast response time, and it incorporates an onscreen menu that shows up to 27 characters of the filename. You can set the DVP725U to play an entire CD's worth of MP3 tracks at random.
The DVP725U can also zoom, complete with a nifty visual aid that helps you control which section of the image gets magnified. Unfortunately, the player doesn't include aspect-ratio control. Therefore, owners of some older wide-screen sets--which can't resize progressive-scan sources--should probably choose a different player.
The back panel includes A/V and S-Video outputs, optical and coaxial digital-audio outputs, a component-video output, and a switch to select between progressive-scan and interlaced picture modes. Naturally, progressive-scan images aren't viewable without a progressive-scan-capable TV. Hide Review
CNET Senior Editor David Katzmaier reviews TVs, and has done so for more than 10 years. He augments his observations on picture quality with objective measurements, reproducible calibrations, direct comparisons to competing products, and a universal test methodology. He is also, contrary to rumor, mostly human. Mostly.
User Reviews
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"Beat out by a $30 DVD Player" By
Pros: Extra large remote so you can easily find it stuck between the couch cushions
Cons: Cannot play DVD+R, DVD+RW, SVCD, HVCD but a $30 player from Wal-Mart can. Good luck trying to find specs on website
"Great and cheap" By
Summary: I got one about 3 weeks ago and paid only $175. But picture is exellent. Not sure about the support yet. I have not had to use it and hope I don't. I use Acoustic Research Master Series component cables to connect it to my new SONY 36XBR800 TV.... Expand full review
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