|
 Pioneer
DV626
Review written by Steve Ulrich on 28-Dec-1999
Appearance/Style
Similar, though the 626 has more buttons on the front.
The GUI
The main diffference here - an improved GUI on the 626 - which is far
more advanced and sophisticated than the 717. (and this really makes me
lean toward it if your re-seller has a negligible difference in price
between the 717 and the 626). The remote control on the 626 is a sturdier
design, and feels more robust than the 717's. The jog/shuttle dial feels
alot less flimsy and plastic, and a tad more comfortable in the hand.
Video
One thing that the 626 does have over the 717 though is the trick play
functions appear to be enhanced - the fast forward and reverse is smoother.
But again, its a matter of personal taste as to whether this is important
to you or not. The picture quality is meant to be better, I really couldnt
notice the difference between the two (and I watched both on Wega TV's,
same model, with the same settings).
Audio
I didn't get the opportunity to test the sound, though I can imagine there
would be little to no difference between the two - the issue is whether
you really want onboard dd/dts decoding. Personally that wouldnt be a
selling point, as with DTV on the horizon we will need a DD capable amp
anyway. Note: the 626 has virtual dolby digital as opposed to virtual
dolby surround - if anyone can notice the difference with the speakers
in your TV I would be surprised...
In General
Overall, the two players are very similar with two main things separating
the 626 over the 717. The GUI and
the fact that the 626 has COMPONENT (YPrPb) VIDEO output whereas the 717
has R-G-B video output (via SCART) .
As some TV's, like Sony WEGA, accept Component, whereas others, like the
pioneer RPTV take RGB this should be seriously considered in determining
which player is the best suited.(thanks to Matt G for adding this).
If you can get the 717 for a cheap price, go for it, as the
picture and sound quality on this machine is incredible for the money
you pay. Don't forget to ensure your tv is set up correctly - it makes
a world of difference (e.g. artifacts versus no artifacts at all, etc).
| Pioneer
DV626 DVD/VIDEO CD/CD Player
Features |
|
Video
output:
|
10
Bit Video Processing re-quantizes 8 bit video data to 10 bit video
data prior to D/A conversion process |
| 10
Bit Video D/A Converter converts 10 bit video data into equivalent
analog signal with minimum conversion error |
| Dolby
Digital, MPEG Audio & DTS (digital output) |
| Audio
output: |
24
bit resolution Audio D/A Converter with 96kHz sampling frequency -
Audio Signal to Noise Ratio: 000 dB |
|
Other
notable features:
|
Accurate
Digital Servo with Automatic Jitter Adjustment
|
| Video
DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) |
| Virtual
Dolby Digital with TruSurround |
| New
Joystick and Jog Dial Remote with illumination |
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