|
 Toshiba
SD-2108
Review written by Angelita Falvo on 15-Dec-1999
The arrival of the
Toshiba SD-2108 was quite important for two reasons:
- It was one of the
first DVD players to feature component outputs (Y/Cb/Cr Video Out jacks
for the ultimate picture quality), and
- It actually plays
audio CDs as well as (if not better) than many standalone CD players.
Until its release, most DVD players were not noted for their ability
to reproduce 2 channel stereo sound.
The 2108 has all
the now requisite features:
- Dolby Digital (AC-3)
and DTS output
- Optical, coaxial
and analog Audio Out jacks
- Component, S-Video
and analog Video Out jacks
- 96kHz sampling,
S/N ratio of 116dB
- On-screen display
- Zoom facility
- 3-D sound enhancement
(enjoy virtual surround sound with only two speakers)
The
Toshiba SD-2108 comes in a classy champagne finish. This is a DVD player
for home theatre lovers who demand the highest quality sound. Matched
with a decent amplifier and speakers the Toshiba will play movies with
excellent visual and aural reproduction.
Video noise
is not apparent with good source material, and picture quality is razor
sharp. If the different types of connections are used, it is possible
to see the improvement in clarity when moving from S-Video to component
output, but only on high end televisions and projectors. The "blood"
scene from Blade is an example of the unit’s ability to accurately display
vivid colours (including black) without any hint of bleeding, as well
as exceptional shadow detail.
Audio quality
is what sets this machine apart from most of its competitors. Dolby digital
and DTS movies literally come alive, as gunshots seem to whizz past you
ear, or explosions threaten to demolish your house! However, to really
appreciate how good the sound is, pop in your favourite audio CD. You
might be surprised with the new sounds you’ve never heard before, or the
level of detail across multiple layers of sound.
The remote control
is notable for two reasons. Firstly, Toshiba use a large "direction
button" to navigate through the displays. Second, there is a sliding
cover that hides buttons for Zoom, Random playback and the number keys.
This can make the remote a little awkward to use. Most irritating though
is the fact that none of the buttons are backlit, so it is difficult to
find the correct button quickly in the dark.
All in all,
the Toshiba SD-2108 is a high quality DVD player that is perfect for the
serious home theatre buff who demands excellent picture AND sound reproduction.
At the time of this review prices ranged from $1,000 to $1,200.
| Toshiba
SD-2108 DVD/VCD/CD Player Features |
|
Video
output:
|
PAL
625/50, PAL 525/60 |
| Component,
S-Video and analog Video Out jacks |
| Audio
output: |
Dolby
Digital (AC-3) and DTS output |
| Optical,
coaxial and analog Audio Out jacks |
| 96kHz,
24 bit D/A convertor, S/N ratio of 116dB |
|
Other
notable features:
|
On-screen
display
|
| Zoom
facility |
| 3-D
sound enhancement (enjoy virtual surround sound with only two speakers) |
|
