Introduction As largely evidenced by the huge selection of titles at retail
mega-outlets such as Tower and Virgin, reports of the Laserdisc's death
have been greatly exaggerated. According to Pioneer, who has invested
heavily in both Laserdisc hardware and software for the past fifteen
years, Laserdiscs will happily coexist with DVD for several more years
(how many more is anyone's guess). To that end, Pioneer keeps the
passion alive with products such as the Elite DVL-91, a combination LD,
DVD and CD player.
The Laserdisc portion is essentially identical to Pioneer's Elite
CLD-79, part of their current product line. However, the addition of a
DVD player turns the DVL-91 into an all-purpose player that should
satisfy your optical video playback needs for some time to come.
The unit, with its stylish rosewood side panels and elegant, shiny,
black Urushi finish, is essentially the same height as any Laserdisc
player, but contains a separate tray to accommodate CDs and DVDs. The
DVL-91 provides 'both-sides play' for Laserdiscs and a dual focus laser
pickup for playback of dual layer DVDs. The newly designed graphical
user interface for setup and menu options is easier to read and
navigate. It is possible to program the specific playback order by
track or chapter on any medium. The slightly restyled remote is simple
to operate and sports the familiar jog-shuttle wheel. Installation
There are plenty of output connectors on the DVL-91. For video, there
are two composite connectors, two S-Video connectors and a set of
component outputs. Everyone by now knows that component outputs provide
the absolute best DVD picture, but if you're between generations on
your TV set, you may only have an S-Video (best choice for Laserdiscs)
or composite input.
For audio, there are two sets of analog outputs, plus four digital
outputs. There are both a coax and an optical output for PCM or a Dolby
Digital (AC-3) bitstream. There's also an extra coax output for PCM
plus a Dolby Digital (AC-3) RF coax output required for Dolby
Digital-encoded Laserdiscs. All audio and video connectors (except
optical) are gold plated for optimum conductivity.
The
PCM outputs pass any DTS bitstream that is present. Like Dolby Digital,
the DTS bitstream requires a decoder to ensure proper playback.
Assuming you have all the proper decoders in your processor, the DVL-91
allows playback of Dolby Digital and DTS encoded CDs, DVDs and
Laserdiscs as well as standard two-channel sources. (To playback Dolby
Digital-encoded Laserdiscs, the DVL-91's RF output must be patched to
the RF input of your processor.)
If your processor is
equipped only for Dolby Digital, you can add a stand-alone DTS decoder
such as the Millennium 2.4.6 by connecting the DVL-91's PCM output to
the decoder's input to pass through the DTS bitstream.
Evaluation
The DVL-91 incorporates a 20-bit, 96 kHz digital to analog converter
(DAC), though it is bypassed in favor of the processor's DAC when the
digital outputs are employed. Of course, this is necessary for playback
of 5.1 audio sources. In the event your processor allows a direct
analog signal (no additional conversion) you can take advantage of
Pioneer's DAC for a very pleasing and spacious sound, particularly on
two-channel, 20 bit sources such as Jesse Cook's Vertigo (Narada) or
any JVC XRCD compact disc. The video portion provides a 10-bit video
DAC and a digital TBC (time base correction) to prevent video jitter.
For superior Laserdisc performance, a three-line digital comb filter is
incorporated plus adjustable digital NR (noise reduction) to control
luminance (brightness) and chrominance (color), reducing noise inherent
in Laserdiscs.
Laserdiscs will always be hampered by their analog NTSC picture, but
performance can be tremendously improved when using the S-Video
connection. The component outputs only improves performance for DVD.
Unless you have a relatively new TV, chances are you don't have
component inputs and will have to be satisfied with an S-Video
connection for both mediums.
The Laserdisc picture quality is fantastic when using the S-Video
connection. With the composite output, edges start to blur and bright
colors tend to exhibit more blooming effects. However, when you pop in
a DVD, you can immediately see the difference between the two formats.
With DVD, skin tones are more accurate and natural, where even wrinkles
and pores become visible. The edges are far more exacting with a
film-like sharpness. There is no blooming of any kind, not even in reds
or yellows; in general, colors are far more vibrant. (It should be
pointed out that, because my television configuration, this review was
based only on the S-Video output so you can image how much I am looking
forward to replacing my TV with a new digital ready set that
incorporates component inputs.)
Conclusion
At first blush, it seems that the DVL-91 is the perfect
product--personally, I fell in love with it. Not only did it solve the
space limitations in my rack, it effortlessly played every type of
optical software in my A/V library.
However, I'm obligated to evaluate products from all points of view and
I realized that the DVL-91 might not be perfect for everyone. For
instance, if you're ready to get into DVD but already have a relatively
new Laserdisc player with all the proper outputs, the DVL-91 is
probably more than you need. On the other hand, if you're new to the
home theater world due to the emergence of DVD, you might not be
interested in building a Laserdisc library.
So, who needs the DVL-91? Any Laserdisc buff that needs an upgrade
machine for Dolby Digital/DTS playback and is also ready to join the
DVD revolution will find the DVL-91 a 'must-have.' Not to mention that
while more and more titles are being released on DVD, there are still
some studio holdouts who are not releasing movies on DVD yet, leaving
you no choice but to continue building your Laserdisc library. At
$1800, you can't go wrong with a unit that will accommodate all your
audio and video needs well into the new millennium.
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As largely evidenced by the huge selection of titles at retail
mega-outlets such as Tower and Virgin, reports of the Laserdisc's death
have been greatly exaggerated. According to Pioneer, who has invested
heavily in both Laserdisc hardware and software for the past fifteen
years, Laserdiscs will happily coexist with DVD for several more years
(how many more is anyone's guess). To that end, Pioneer keeps the
passion alive with products such as the Elite DVL-91, a combination LD,
DVD and CD player.
