Features:
- ColorStream Pro progressive-scan video output for outstanding DVD picture quality (when connected with an HD or HD-ready TV)
- Optical and coaxial digital-audio outputs pass Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround sound (for use with compatible AV receiver)
- MP3-CD (CD-R, CD-RW) playback
- 3:2 pulldown reconciles 30 fps DVD-Videos with 24 fps movie content
- Offers picture zoom and 3D virtual surround (which simulates surround sound through two speakers, even the stereo speakers on your TV)
Description:
Toshiba's SD3805 DVD-CD changer is bursting with quality, features, and nice design touches that enhance movie watching and listening to music. In our evaluation, the SD3805 won points for its ColorStream Pro progressive-scan video, quality analog-audio outputs, good MP3 navigation, convenient "top menu" feature, and detailed picture zoom (up to 6x!). Whether your living room is currently home to a high-definition-ready or full HDTV, or you're merely thinking of "someday," the SD3805 is equipped to deliver the full potential of DVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, providing higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. The "top menu" button zips past the FBI warnings, previews, and other pre-menu annoyances written into many commercial DVDs. Disc marker lets you set up to seven points on a disc for easy reference, and the player recalls the points with beat accuracy, but resets the memory as soon as you load a new disc. With a surround receiver capable of receiving a 96 kHz digital input, the SD3805 can be set to output a full 24-bit, 96 kHz audio signal, whereas most players down-convert to 48 kHz at the digital output. When the unit plays MP3 CDs, its onscreen display shows just enough of a track's title information for you to see the artists' names and the song titles. Direct track selection is inactive for MP3 discs (use the menu-navigation buttons to select tracks), but the repeat feature works fine. Direct-track access is lightning-quick on audio CDs. The player's only serious drawback is one common to many multidisc changers: it's a little slow when loading discs, changing discs, and even powering up. And because there's no direct-disc access from the remote, you have to hit "disc skip" repeatedly to go from disc one to disc five. But for patient souls seeking a beautiful combination of features, quality, and affordability, the SD3805 is a great choice. --Michael Mikesell Pros:
- Easy setup
- Exceptional progressive-scan video output
- Quality analog and digital audio outputs
- Top Menu function a real time saver
- Good MP3 disc navigation
- Simple remote control design
Cons:
- Slow to switch and load discs
- No direct-disc access from remote
- No MP3 direct-track access
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