NeoDigits Helios HVD2085 DVD Player
Neodigits Helios HVD2085
Summary
- Product Name: Helios HVD2085 DVD Player
- Manufacturer: NeoDigits
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: May 16, 2006
- MSRP: $199
- Specifications
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- Supports 1080P (1080 Progressive Scan), 1080i, 720P, 576P and 480P output, VGA output support 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768 and 1280x1024.
- Upscale DVD playback to high definition (1080p/1080i via component, 1280x1024 via VGA).
- HDMI pure digital interface.
- Supports 1080i/720p / 480p / 576p / 640x480 / 800x600 / 1024x768 / 1280x1024.
- Built-in high end level scaler delivers astonishing high definition image.
- System contains one 32bit Risc CPU, one 24bit video processing CPU and one 24 bit RISC audio processing CPU. Total power equal to 1Ghz Pentium CPU.
- Fast 16bit 149Mhz Video DAC and 192 kHz 24 Bit Audio DAC ( 32 bit/133Mhz Audio DSP).
- HDCP is not required for playing copyright DVD title in high definition mode.
- Brushed stainless steel front panel
Pros
- True 720p/1080i/1080p upconversion via component video outputs and HDMI
- Much improved remote control with helpful resolution and format buttons
- 480i support via HDMI
Cons
- Poor deinterlacing capability
- No flag-less 2:3 error detection
- Plasma-killing screen when powered up with no disc
- Slow response time (power up, eject, etc)
- DVD menu button lost in remote
- User manual STILL missing certain images (same missing images as NeuNeo player manual)
Introduction
I hope it’s never too late to say “I’m sorry”. At least, that’s how I feel about the new Helios HVD2085 DVD player. You see, I really judged this player harshly in its former incarnation under the NeuNeo moniker. Sure, it failed the HQV tests miserably and had a remote control that was designed by Fisher Price, but the fact of the matter is – I did not have the ability to play the unit in conjunction with a 1080p display. This time I do. Using the Westinghouse LVM-42w2 1080p monitor, I connected the reworked Helios DVD player and felt like I was seeing it again – for the first time. Make no mistake, this is pretty much a re-badged NeuNeo HVD2085, but I am seeing the player in a new 1080p-powered light. While it still has its share of drawbacks, there is at least more balance to the unit now.
