Product Description

DVD Player with built-in dolby digital decoder and 5.1 channel output. Plays DVD's, Audio CD's, and Video CD's.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #100416 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: DVPS530D
• Dimensions: 3.75" h x 17.00" w x 13.50" l, 7.50 pounds

Features

• Component-, composite-, and S-video outputs
• Plays DVD-video, CD digital audio, and video CD; offers CD and DVD Text
• Dolby Digital decoder with 5.1-channel output, virtual enhanced surround
• Advanced DSP servo system for superb auto-tracking
• Advanced smooth scan picture search with front-panel jog/shuttle dial

Amazon.com Review
Ready to take the DVD plunge? A great entry-level DVD player, Sony's DVPS530D DVD/CD/CDV player doesn't skimp on the extra features often found in higher-priced models. This player delivers high-quality video and audio, scoring points for Sony's attention to detail.

Many DVD consumers don't have a complete surround sound system, which is necessary to experience Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound. Sony's Digital Cinema Sound System enhances the separation and sound quality of the audio for those with less-than-ideal acoustic environments. For example, the DVPS530D can play movies in an enhanced surround mode that simulates rear speakers in their absence.

For those who want to take the deep-end plunge into digital sound, the unit contains a built-in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel decoder that delivers surround sound with superior dynamics and frequency response. We were impressed with the easy to understand setup controls, which helped us correctly configure our speaker placement. The resulting Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound rocked the room.

While the sound is something to shout about, it is the picture that really deserves a second look. The DVPS530D contains four-tap filters for its letterbox conversion. This achieves greater stability than two-tap filters because it reduces interline flicker and jagged edges in the picture.

The unit also includes several advanced modes that let you seek out specific DVD scenes with the touch of your remote. The clean digital picture quality stays intact when you freeze the frame, advance frame-by-frame, and use slow motion and smooth scan modes. As an added bonus, the player is compatible with both music and video CDs.

If you are ready to commit to DVD but don't want to empty your savings account, the Sony DVPS530D is a good bet.

Pros:

• Good quality sound and video
• Built-in Dolby Digital decoder
• Smooth picture during scanning and slow-motion

Cons:

• Does not allow slow forward and reverse
• Lacks quick-access drive feature found in higher-price Sony models

Customer Reviews

They Blew It & They Know It.
I'm a SONY freak. From my XBR projection set to my pro-DV cameras at work, it's all SONY. I love the company but they, like anyone else, can drop the ball once in a while. The lip-sync problem gets worse as time goes on because newer DVD releases employ the latest MPEG-2 codes which these players were not properly set-up to decode. So SONY will now pick-up via FED-EX any 530-550 player still under warranty and install a new processor chip and firmware and deliver it back home within 2-3 weeks free of charge. (Not Bad, right!) However, a buddy of mine had this done and it still has the lip-sync problem! Oh Nooooo! ..as Mr.Bill would say.

Not sure what I'm going to do. My player is 3 months old. One other thing, this player will not play CD-R and CD-RW discs, the new PIONEER 626D's will. You may want to look into this one. I wish I did. Good luck out there!

Sony _will_ fix the sync problem
I've had this player for a few months now, and loved everything about it except for the occasional sync problem. Sony has fixed the problem on newer versions, and if you buy an older one you can take it to a Sony service center for a free fix (it requires a firmware update). A bit of a hassle, but it is free and they'll mail it back to you for free when it's fixed.

Sony DVP-S530D: Powerful performance, no compromises...
The S530D has been a peerless performer since joining my home theatre system. The 5.1 Dolby Digital surround is crystal clear, and the image quality is stunning. I have experienced the sync problem on one of the first six discs I've tried ('Clerks'), and it disappeared after restarting the disc from the beginning of the chapter--certainly nothing that would make me want to return or service the unit. The unit has the look and feel of a tremendous piece of equipment. Fire it up with 'The Matrix', 'Seven' or 'Austin Powers' and impress your friends...