DVD-C750 Video Performance Tests

Testing and evaluating a DVD player's performance with test discs and various display devices is somewhat subjective to the reviewer's interpretations of the test results and are not absolutely scientific. Thus, the review should be used as a guideline only. For the review of this DVD player, the performance was based on the player and the display monitor. I used the new Hitachi VS810 70"LCD, the new Hitachi 55 HDT51 55"plasma, and the Phillips 30 PW850WH 30"HDTV - all of which were calibrated as close as possible to ISF reference standards. For the test and evaluation of the DVD-C750 I used Avia and Silicon Optix HQV Technology benchmark DVD test discs.

All tests were performed with the DVD-C750 set in progressive scan mode.

Resolution Test

With Avia, I checked the resolution capabilities. The 6.75MHz pattern in the test is clearly visible and well defined as shown in the photo lower right corner. After the resolution check, I proceedED to the black level test using Avia's pluge test pattern. The ability to display correct black level is an important part of a DVD player's performance. Correct black level settings will preserve shadow detail and improve the depth and contrast of an image. Viewing the pluge pattern, I noted that when the DVD-C750 is in the factory default setting, Black Level Enhancer set to OFF, and the picture settings set to standard, the black level was way too low and the image was washed out. The blacker than black pluge was clearly visible. I entered the set up menu and selected the Black Level Enhance to ON. Note, you cannot see the change made to the image because the setup menu is layered over the DVD image. After exiting the setup menu, I immediately noticed that the black level had improved. The blacker than black pluge was now barely noticeable and the image was no longer washed out. This is the setting I recommend for most installations.

Re-entering the set up menu, I selected the Personal picture setting. I began adjusting the Brightness and Contrast; exiting the setup menu after each adjustment to see what effect it had on the displayed image. It was tedious to enter and exit the set up menu after each adjustment, but I could find no other way to make the fine adjustments without the setup menu being present. I was able to calibrate the black level to a near perfect setting but I could not get the DVD-C750 to pass absolute blacker than black. The level that I was able to obtain was close, but not perfect.

Audioholics/HQV Bench Testing Summary of Test Results