Details
The DVP-S3000's front panel provides more functionality than many DVD players, yet it retains an uncluttered and stylish appearance. All menu options are controlled via the remote control or directly from the front panel and displayed on your TV screen. The large fluorescent screen on the unit's face plate displays playback information such as the chapter (track) and elapsed time. As an energy saving feature, the player automatically shuts off when it is not in use for 30 minutes.
The DVP-S3000 provides analog and digital (coax and optical) audio outputs. However, to fully appreciate Dolby Digital DVDs or DTS encoded CDs you must use the digital output to the digital input of a preamp/receiver with the appropriate decoder. Both composite and S-Video outputs are provided, though, I highly recommend using the S-Video output for a cleaner, more detailed picture. Since, most manufacturers include S-Video connectors on TVs and A/V preamps/receivers, you will most likely be able to take advantage of this option.
Unlike a CD player, a DVD player requires a few minutes of set-up before you can pop in a disc. Use the Initial and Custom Setup menus to select the aspect ratio of your TV (4:3 or 16:9), select your preferred language and indicate the type of outputs you are using (analog or digital). It's possible to give Dolby Digital priority by setting the player so it automatically defaults to the 5.1 datastream, or you can choose to downmix the 5.1 soundtrack into stereo. Additionally, you can engage DRC (Dynamic Range Control) which reduces the dynamic range for playback in situations where extreme dynamic range is either not desired or not appropriate.
Sony, one of the driving forces behind the DVD format, has added the DVP-S3000 to its DVD player line up. Featuring a 10-bit video digital-to analog converter, an exclusive MPEG-2 decoder and a Dual Discrete optical pickup, the DVP-S3000 will appeal to consumers looking for high quality audio-video performance on a modest budget.
Downside
The DVP-S3000 doesn't have component outputs, which break out the chrominance and luminance into three separate wires to avoid signal loss, resulting in a cleaner more detailed picture with increased depth of field and color saturation. Of course, to benefit from the component outputs, you must have a TV or projector with the appropriate inputs. If you are considering a new TV purchase or planning the eventual step up to a front screen projector, pick up the ($1100) DVP-S7000 instead, for the added improvement that component video will provide. Moveover, the DVP-S7000 provides digital video noise reduction and equalization which directly improves the overall picture quality.