This is the first of three reviews I will be posting on Sony DVD players (and 2 recorders).

Sony DVP-NS575P - Set-top DVD Player
Sony VRDVC10 - Direct DVD Recorder/Player Click Here
Sony DRU-710A- Internal Dual Layer DVD Recorder/Player Click Here

Expect the other 2 reviews later this week or early next week.

Since I just got a new TV (thanks Dell) I figured it was time to ditch my el-cheapo Set-top DVD player and get one that could output to my high res TV. My HDTV cable box uses a DVI output and since my TV only has 1 DVI input I decided my DVD player should use component. The 575p has a MSRP of $89.99. That price is reasonable IMO for what it offers.

Features:
[quote author=“SonyStyle”]
•  Precision scan output (480p) 
•  Precision Driveâ„¢ 3 System compensates for flaws in DVD discs
•  DVD-RW/-R (Video Mode) DVD+RW/+R DVD-VR (VR Mode-W/CPRM)Playback2
•  JPEG/MP3/CD-R/CD-RW Playback1
•  12 Bit Video DAC with 54Mhz Processing
•  Dolby® Digital and dts® Decoding Compatible
•  96 kHz/24 bit Digital Output
•  Multi-Disc Resume -6 disc
•  Custom parental control - 40 discs
•  Remote control with limited multi-brand TV control - compatible with most major brands
•  DVD/CD text
•  12 bit video DAC with 54Mhz processing
•  192 kHz 24 bit digital to analog converter
•  Dolby® Digital and dts® coaxial output
•  TV Virtual Surround - 4 surround modes
•  Block Noise Reduction
•  Digital Video Enhancer
•  Custom Picture Mode
•  Title and Chapter Viewer
•  Advanced SmoothScanâ„¢ and SmoothSlow modes
•  Instant Replay and Instant Search
•  Full 3-2 Reverse Conversion
•  Component Video Output
•  S-Video Output
•  Composite Video Output
•  Analog Audio Output
•  Coaxial Digital Output
•  Precision Cinema Progressiveâ„¢ Technology
•  Precision Driveâ„¢ 2 System
•  MP3 Playback

This is by far not the best set-top Sony offers, but I wanted to balance price with quality. I don’t mind watching DVDs on my 2.5” PVR, so having the highest quality video isn’t my main concern. One of my main concerns, however, was the fact that this could play DVD-R and DVD+R (and both RWs).

Pictures:

For some reason I forgot to take a full pic of the unit, sorry. I’ll take one tomorrow and update.

Experience:

At first glance the unit is tiny. It’s not APEX tiny, but its shorter then I expected. The unit is sleek, very symetrical even though the left bay is the only one that opens. On the back the outputs are clearly labled. What I found odd was the progressive scan switch. For some reason even if you use component output, if you don’t move the switch it won’t automatically turn on progressive scan. Doesn’t make sense to me, but ok. Also, unless you use component output, progressive scan will not function.

I flipped the switch, plugged in the component cables (by the way, only standard RCA is included) and turned on the machine. Setup is simple, asking a few questions about your TV and the language settings.

If you have a DVD in the drive it will (or can, your choice) display the DVD cover art. You can play Mp3s and watch your PhotoCDs as well as put the images to music.

As far as DVD playing goes, I found the quality to be above what I expected. My DVDs looked razor sharp (even though it was only 480p).

Another interesting point, the included remote has several basic TV functions (power, volume, input) so that you can just use your DVD remote and not need 2 remotes (assuming your other remote does not allow for DVDs). It worked fine with my Dell TV.

I tested the unit with my retail DVDs, several +R DVDs, several -R DVDs, and one -RW DVD. All of them played perfectly. I did not try a Mp3 or JPG CD as I will most likely never use them.

Conclusion:

You can get an el-cheapo DVD player for around $30 (maybe half that with rebate) but for the extra $50 you get a player that offers a bit more. It is a solid unit with just enough features to command the price. If your in the market for a player, this one is worth a look.

Erik

I have one of this machine’s predecessors in both design and features, the NS725P, and it’s been a solid performer for two years with no problems at all. I’ve had good experiences with Sony’s DVD players and will continue to use them in the future, though I wouldn’t mind seeing a Faroudja deinterlacing chip thrown in at some point.

Here’s a pic of the full face of the unit:

Erik

[quote author=“tifosiv122”]Since I just got a new TV (thanks Dell)

You probably mentioned it elsewhere, but what model did you get and what do you think of it?

[quote author=“Drachen”][quote author=“tifosiv122”]Since I just got a new TV (thanks Dell)

You probably mentioned it elsewhere, but what model did you get and what do you think of it?

I might not have mentioned it anywhere. It’s Dell’s new w2600 (26” LCD HDTV Ready). Their new line of LCD TVs actually support DVI, unlike their former line. So far, so good. The picture quality is great but the sound is better then I expected. It’s just that good IMO.

MSRP of $1,800…on sale for around $1,400ish.

Erik