Sony DVP-S536 DVD Player

 

For some unaccountable reason Sony classify the DVP-S536 as an 'entry-level' player on its Web pages... Surely some mistake. While this machine has relatively few bells and whistles - over and above what's needed to play DVDs and audio CDs - it does have a built-in Dolby Digital surround decoder and a number of advanced playback features, and it really doesn't bear comparison with most other manufacturers' baseline players. At £370, the Sony DVP-S536 adds a fair few hard-earned pounds to the entry-level price of many DVD makers' players. The casework and styling is also a cut above the norm - and looks like it costs, too. To begin with, the front panel is a good deal narrower than usual, and it looks as though someone has actually given some thought to the control layout. Well done, Sony.

Picture quality is a top priority, with a three-stage video equaliser and digital noise reduction and it stores the user settings on up to 50 discs. In addition to 5.1-channel surround sound, it has a range of 3D and pseudo surround options called 'virtual enhanced surround' for two- and four-speaker set-ups. The on-screen displays are eye-catching and easy to use and the remote is a multi-brand device, able to control the main functions on a wide range of other makers' TV sets and AV amplifiers. Much better than many of the dreadful remotes featured elsewhere in this Mega Test.

 

All of the extra video processing and noise reduction has paid off and the DVP-S536 produces one of the sharpest pictures we've seen recently. Colours have added vibrancy and the image is never less than involving, even during dark or gloomy scenes. The only minor quibble we have is the sluggish layer change, which sometimes takes over half a second.

 

Sound quality is outstanding. Dolby Digital soundtracks come alive with head-turning effects and it's no mean performer when it comes to audio CDs, comparing very favourably with most mid-market and some high-end hi-fi players. You won't need reminding that you can get a perfectly decent DVD player with on-board Dolby Digital surround sound and multi-region playback for a good deal less than £370, but this is one of those occasions when paying over the odds really is money well spent.

 

XTRA INFO

Layer change used to be a big issue. Most discs have two layers of reflective pits arranged in a spiral. When the laser pickup reaches the end of the topmost layer on the outside edge, it refocuses on the second layer and starts to track back to the middle. This takes time, however most recent players use a range of tricks to minimise picture disturbance.