Since the XP30 lacks aspect-ratio control, owners of certain older, wide-screen DTVs--those that can't resize a progressive image--will have to watch nonanamorphic discs in lower-quality interlaced mode. This player is also missing a coaxial digital-audio output. An optical output is available, as are jacks for component video, S-Video, video, and stereo audio.
Performance
In terms of video performance, the progressive-scan XP30's matches that of the XP50. The Mulholland Drive DVD that we used to test the XP50 also looked very good on the XP30. Detail and color were excellent, down to the reflections in the teardrop in an extreme close-up of Rita's face. We noticed very little noise in the shadowy scenes at the Silencio nightclub. The player rendered pans around Betty's Los Angeles apartment with minimal noise and no moving lines. Video sources appeared free of jagged edges, thanks to the Sage DCDi chip. Unfortunately, the XP30's conversion of anamorphic discs to 4:3 introduced motion artifacts and jagged edges.
The XP30 lists for $300, but you can find it for less than $225 online, which is still a bit more expensive than competing progressive-scan decks from Zenith and Toshiba. However, like the XP50, the XP30's combination of slick design and good video performance makes it a solid value. We have no problem recommending this player, particularly to those who don't care about DVD-A support.
