Onkyo DV-SP1000 THX Ultra DVD /CD / SACD / DVD-Audio Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I always think spending 2 grands on a dvd player is outright ridiculous. After researching and drooling over the specs of this Onkyo reference dvd player, I decided to jump into the bandwagon. I placed an order online and spent one sleepless night, "Do I really need to spend this much on a dvd player?"
Got it from Onecall for $1499 (gave me free shipping to keep me from cancelling the order the next day.
All that feeling went away as soon as I received and opened the box. I thought I was picking up a high-end receiver. Dont even try to lift it if you have existing back problem, it weighs a ton. Faceplate is simple yet very attractive. Side panel has bar type stabilizer that'll remind you of a bodybuilders ribcage.
It has an extremely solid construction. You gotta see it in person to appreciate.
Setting up is a breeze. It must have been engineered with end-users in mind. OSD menu is simple and easy to navigate. It comes with an intuitive backlit remote ..sturdy & classy too. This is where Denon could learn a few lessons (they make such a cheap-looking remote controls).
DVD-Audio and SACD performance is mind-blowing using 5.1 channel analog audio. This player even has an extra pair of surround channels for 7.1 set-up. I took the following for a spin: Eagles' Hotel California(DVD-A), Grover Washington's Winelight(DVD-A), Roxy Music Avalon(SACD), and Beck Sea Change(SACD). They all sound very clean, smooth and crystal.
On the video side this baby did not disappoint. I connected the player to my fairly old Sony RP HDTV using HDMI-to-DVI Monster cable( I got it for half price in ebay). Setting the resolution to 1920x1080i 16:9 60Hz, the picture is nothing short of amazing. And this is on default picture settings. I tested the following DVD-Video: Desperado Superbit, North By Northwest and Disney's Jungle Book 2. Colors are vibrant and images are life-like. No jagged edges seen. The player uses O-plus Flexscale video scaling. (Denon 3910 uses Faroudja video scaler but picture quality looks washed out). This unit even features a dedicated connections for your interlaced and progressive scan outputs.
Bonus features (that you always enjoy from cheapo dvd players but missing in high-end units) includes ability to remember point of last disc played, a screen saver and the ability to handle virtually any disc format. I threw in my backup movies recorded in DVD-+R/RW. They all played perfect. And finally it's THX certified if that matters to you.
I called customer support once for some technical question and I was very pleased with their response. Warranty is 1 year parts / 1 year labor -in home service if bought from an authorized dealer.
I rate Onkyo DV-SP1000 5 out of 5 stars for its superb and unsurpassed video and audio performance.

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You might wondering why this DVD player is selling at about 10-times more than most DVD players. Onkyo DV-SP1000 is an audiophile grade DVD player designed to deliver optimal performance from a wide variety of audio and video disc recordings. Part of this is due to Onkyo's VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) and FlexScale, which enables video scaling of DVD discs from 480i to 480p/720p/768p and 1080i, offering superior audio and video playback that other manufacturers can't match. You'll find all of this contained within a THX Ultra certified component that's ready to deliver a sensational standard of audio and video to your home-theater system. Let's consider the video scaling system, average DVD players have progressive-scan which translates to 480p video. Most HDTV is defined as 720p or better. Average DVD players synthesize images to appear as if they were HD but, actually, are simulations. VLSC, on the other hand, is designed for true image quality. Specification ratings of many models are written to display the ideal, the ratings for the DV-SP1000 are real and supported by the finest quality circuits and parts to assure that audio and video are imparted with maximum integrity. When you're looking for the best out of home-theater, these are significant issues. Exclusively for Region 1 coded DVD format discs. The DV-SP1000 also includes a bidirectional RS-232 port and IR in and out jacks for compatibility with control systems. 2 sets of A/V outputs (composite, S-video, one 480i and one 480p component video) i.LINK IEEE 1394 DV in/out jacks (for use with compatible components)Onkyo Illuminated, pre-programmed learning remote controlAudio signal-to-noise ratio -118 dB4-mode display dimmer on console THX Ultra certificationUnit Dimensions -17-1/8W x 4-13/16H x 14-3/4D / About 27 pounds Onkyo USA 1 year parts & labor warranty