A fine player for your money
Written: Sep 04 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: great picture and sound, good 16x9 downconversion
Cons: lack of multiple scan speeds, mediocre remote
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| bamorse's Full Review: Pioneer DV-333 DVD Player |
I've been fortunate enough to use the last two generations of pioneer entry level players (the 414 and 525) for the past two years or so, and when the need to purchase my own player arose, I jumped at Pioneer's newest model, the DV-333. I'm glad I did. Everything that's good about those previous Pioneer models is equaled in the 333.
Picture quality is quite good, with the player's component inputs providing clear images with what looks to be very accurate, subtle color. If you have a standard 4x3 television, this is probably the player for you, because the downconversion for 16x9 enhanced video signals is very sharp without the constant artifacting that other players (notably Toshibas) exhibit. S-video and standard composite outputs are also offered, but go with the component inputs if your TV is properly equipped.
Sound quality from the player is quite good as well. The player features both optical and coaxial digital outs, as well as the usual stereo out jacks. The player supports Dolby Digital and DTS out, and hasn't suffered from any audio dropouts or lip synch problems on any of the 50 or so discs I've spun on it since purchasing the player.
As for the player's reliability and compatibility with difficult discs, the player passed with flying colors. Seamless branching on titles like Fox's The Abyss and Artisan's Terminator 2: The Ultimate Edition have worked flawlessly, and I haven't experienced crashes or pixelization on any of the approx. 50 titles I've screened.
If the player has any flaws, it's probably more a case of missed opportunities to improve some aspects from previous models in this line by Pioneer. The remote control is still somewhat cramped, although a little easier to handle than the 525's remote. Also, the player's setup menus are easier to reach now, but some of the default settings are still odd. For instance, the player is, by default, set for 16x9 Widescreen TVs, even though most buying the player don't own those. Finally, there are still an extremely limited number of scanning speeds available on the DV-333, so you don't have many options in regards to speeding back and forth through a film or program.
In closing, there are a lot of budget priced DVD players on the market right now, but in the entry level player field, the DV-333 probably provides the best bang for your buck. At around $250 at most retailers, it is not the cheapest, but if you own a 4x3 television, it's probably the best looking picture you're going to get, with enough audio options and reliable performance with difficult discs to keep you happy for years.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bamorse
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Location: College Park, MD
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 2 members
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