Product Description

Slim (1.7" high) 1080i DVD Player; Multi-Format Disc Playable including DVD Video DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, VCD, Audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, JPEG, Kodak Picture CD, MP3, WMA

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #47772 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Zenith
• Model: DVB318
• Dimensions: 16.90" h x 1.70" w x 9.40" l,

Features

• Slimline DVD player with 1080i HD output and DVD, DVD-RW, DVD+R/+RW, CD, CD-R/RW, WMA-, JPEG-, and MP3-CD playback
• Progressive-scan technology produces superior, crisp, clear images on high-definition and HD-ready TVs
• Moveable zoom allow user to view images in greater detail; 4x to 16x range
• DVI, component-video, S-video, and composite-video outputs
• Measures 16.9 x 1.7 x 9.4 inches (W x H x D)

Amazon.com Product Description
Don't be fooled by its slim, 1.7-inch chassis: Zenith's DVB318 DVD player delivers big-time entertainment. The firmware-upgradeable DVB318 handles most media formats and delivers them to both standard- and high-definition TVs. Play your MP3 and WMA CDs, homemade DVDs, JPEG image CDs, and of course your commercial DVDs--all will look and sound great.

Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the DVB318 is set to deliver the full potential of your DVDs. A special video processing circuit upconverts all DVD signals to high-definition 1080i (more than a thousand lines of horizontal resolution) for use with compatible televisions. And, if you're using a DVI-compliant high-definition set, feed your TV the DVB318's DVI (digital visual interface) output for a direct digital connection between your source and your monitor.

The unit also performs progressive scanning at slightly lower resolution. Referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, progressive scanning creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. Composite- and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television.

A single set of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio outputs (1 each coaxial and optical) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. The player's onboard 96 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog audio converter ensures optimum decoding of all disc formats.

If you don't have a surround receiver or six-channel speaker setup, you can still make every movie night the ultimate experience: the player simulates surround sound through two speakers (even the stereo speakers on your TV). Other features include CD-ROM-upgradeable firmware (for compatibility with future formats and features), full-motion picture zoom (4x to 16x), random and repeat playback, closed-caption support, and accommodation for interactive story (and multi-story) DVD programs.

What's in the Box
DVD player, DVI cable, S-video cable, stereo analog audio/composite-video interconnect, remote control, battery (AAA x 2), operating guide, registration card, warranty card.

Customer Reviews

DVB318 - Performance Exceeded My Expectations
Late in April 2004 I purchased a Zenith HDTV receiver - C27V36, Zenith HD receiver - HDV420 and Zenith DVD player - DVB312, as my initial foray into the HDTV world. In early January 2005, I became aware fo the Zenith DVB318 DVD player which promised a 1080i DVI upconversion of the standard 480p DVD format. At less than $ 200.00 with a Faroudji chip (as was also present in the HDTV receiver) the DVB318 also would allow me to also utilize the DVI connection on the Zenith HDTV receiver. The DVB318 (as connected to the above system) has surpassed my highest expectations for delivering an remarkably enhanced quality to my DVD playback. The DVB318 unit I received has a build date of October 2004. Initially, after connecting the DVB318 to the Zenith HDTV receiver, I was disappointed with the image quality, which seemed no better than the DVB312 which I'd earlier used with the sytem. The "upconversion" button on the front of the case, when depressed did not appear to alter the displayed image, making me wonder if I had received a defective unit. (...). The operations manual did not provide a hint to solve the problem I had encountered. To access the 720p or 1080i modes, one first turns on the HDTV, then turns on the DVB318 - WITHOUT a DVD disk in the player. After the initial welcome and DVD screen is displayed on the HDTV, depress the "upconversion" button - the screen display will show a signal adjustment to the 720p mode. A second depression of the "upconversion" button will bring the screen display into the 1080i mode. For some reason, following the same procedure with a DVD disk in IN the unit will not allow you to make this initial upconversion adjustment. It appears that the upconversion adjustment only needs to be done once, when using the DVI connectors. It does not appear that this process needs to be repeated each time the DVB318 is turned on - so apparently the 1080i selection is held in the system's memory. As for the image quality of standard 480p DVDs played on the DVB318 at the 1080i setting - the quality is Superb in every aspect and far exceeds my initial expectations for the unit.

excellent for upconversion through component video
Just bought Zenith DVB318 to go with Infocus X1a projector. Here are few observations, that may be helpful to undecided:
1) This is an excellent player for upconversion through component video. There are only handful around and this is probably the best choice. And a good lookin' one
2) For upconversion through DVI I would probably go with Denon 1910 for its better sound.
3) There is noticeable difference in 1080i picture quality over 480p. Don't expect true HD, but you can see sharper and more detailed images (like objects in the background for example).
4) If you already own a good progressive DVD player (Faroudja or better equipped) you should be fine, without throwing extra cash around. Otherwise especially with larger TV sets or projectors - this player is a great value for the money.
5) The latest version (mine is dated October 2004) lacks the component video upscaling. However, downgrading the operating software (older version is freely available on the net) will enable the component video upconversion and multi-system capability. Sweeet!

Best Electronic Purchase Ever!!!
I easily connected the DVB318 to my Panasonic LCD HDTV and was completely amazed at the difference it made. I connected mine with the furnished DVI cable and was rewarded with a picture that rivaled even Discovery HD Theater. I am aware that it is not true High Definition, but the picture quality when using the 1080i upconversion is close enough that I can't readily tell the difference. This player easily out performs any player I have ever had with some costing 3 times as much. Hats off to LG Electronics who manufactures the Zenith.