Review of latest DVD player from Yamaha DVD-S663

Yamaha, fundamentally known to be in audio business, has also ventured into the area of video and Is spinning out impressive lineage In this domain as well.

First look
People familiar to Yamaha AV receivers won't find anything fresh In the DVD-S663. While being at par with players from most of the other manufacturers available in the market, the Yamaha player packs a bit of that exclusive Yamaha aesthetic value as well. The sleek all-titan finish with the three tuning forks and Yamaha written in silver really gives It a classy look. Though made for modern-day homes (with rounded corners) it won't be a mismatch to any traditional styled interior setting as well. On the contrary, with its robust silver stands it will just as effortlessly blend into such a setting.

Technical aspects
As already mentioned, on the technological aspect, the S663 may not offer anything exceptional by any means. Nonetheless, Yamaha has made sure that they pack the player with all the prototypical features that one would expect — and more importantly, make It equally easy for the end user to use. It comes with a 1080p compatible HDMI output for both video and audio. So if you still haven't invested in a Blu-ray player and yet would want to get a feel of the HD world (up conversion), then the S663 can surely help you with that.


Next, on the connectivity front, apart from the HDMI. the S663 houses all the conventional options like the component, S-video and composite video out accompanied by a stereo video out. Yes, It does not have a 5.1 analogue audio out, which leaves you with no option but to use it with a receiver If you want to enjoy surround sound. On the other hand, It does come with a USB port, which has become a standard for all the DVD players. And it really does make your life very convenient as you don't have to bother making CDs and DVDs for you can just dump your favorites on the USB drive, plug it in and enjoy. The S663 is also compatible with DivX video and DivX Ultra* video formats along with MP3 and WMA for audio and JPEG for Image playback. As far as reading discs is concerned, the S663 can deal with: DVD-Video, Audio CD, Video CD (VCD). Super Video CD (SVCD), DVD-RW/- R/-R DL, DVD-RW/-R VR with CPRM, DVD+RW/+R/+R DL and CD-R/RW.

Another interesting feature is the two viewing modes that can be selected for optimum viewing on widescreen monitors via HDMI — the Super wide mode helps minimize distortion with a 4:3 picture by non-linear stretching wherein the centre position of screen Is stretched relatively less than the sides of a 16:9 screen. This way, the view modes help the player reproduce a more sensible picture instead of most of the other players which just end up stretching the picture abruptly.

Remote control convenience
Using the remote for the S663 won't be any different than using a mobile phone — It's almost of the size of one. The small size makes it really handy wherein all the buttons are within your reach. Although the remote does not have any backlight, you don't have many buttons to play with other than some very important ones (like in this remote) which make it perceptive and easier.

Viewing experience of S663 DVD player from Yamaha
It is an up scaling DVD player that can upgrade a standard 480p video from a DVD to HD quality 1080p signal. It performs excellently in all sections from resolution to sharpness. While playing 'Harry Potter And The Order of Phoenix'. for Its black tones throughout the movie; as when it comes to up scaling, it's the content in the blacks that are most difficult to reproduce for most of the players. Also, in due course most of the players end up adding a lot of noise during the up scaling process. But the Yamaha was really doing very well on this front. The up scaled images were adequately smoothened and had no trace of digital noise added on to the image, resulting in crisp and clean image. Although the S663 moved through the scenes like butter, it did throw up minor judder issues, especially during the long panning scenes. On the other hand, one very good feature of the player was its ability to reproduce realistic colors with no excess saturation and a very balanced temperature.

Bottom Line
Consumers may well be aware that at this price-tag. you may opt for a Blu-ray player instead. Yamaha S663 does not give you a lot of goodies at the heavy price-tag of 16k. At the same time, it performs fairly well at what It's supposed to do — it balances out with its accurate up scaling, without adding any noise by itself and improving the overall Image quality and also packs in a lot of style and persona on the aesthetics aspect.

LG's BD370 Blu-ray player review

First Look
The squarish, belt-buckle shaped Blu-ray symbol at the centre of the front panel wil attract your eyes at the first instance. What's interesting is that it glows blue at its centre when pressed, as its presence isn't just for propaganda purposes, but for turning 'On'/ 'Off' the power too. On either side of it are two, even more well hidden buttons, namely for 'Eject' and 'Play'. The blackness of the player is appealing standard, but the brilliant use of inconspicuousness buttons is praiseworthy. On the right half of the front panel (appears clear), is a flap that hides some more transport controls and the USB port. The back panel has been kept very minimal, which you will definitely like.

Technical aspects
The B0370 can be used to playback Blu-rays and DVDs primarily, but can also spin the occasional DivX, JPEGS and MP3s, if need be. Using the USB port, you can easily hook up your memory sticks to the player without having to go through the hassle of burning CDs/DVDs off your computer. It comes with one simple HDMI port on the back panel, along with the standard component/ composite video ports. There is also an Ethernet port to hook up the player to the internet or a local network for Blu-ray extras and file sharing respectively.

LG's OSDs have really gotten a lot better in these Blu-ray players. Here, It's tinted in blue with white text that's easy to read and even easier to navigate through. If you slide a disc in, the player won't bother you by going to its 'home menu' but would rather play the disc straight. However, If you like to switch inputs or the type of data you want to read (Including YouTube videos off the internet), you have the choice of going to the player's menu and studying it religiously. Here, you can also tweak the player's settings, especially the display and audio features.

Remote control Convenience
Just like the front panel, the idea of 'hiding buttons under flaps' has spilt over to the remote. On the top, 2/3rd of the remote features are well organized and spaced out buttons that protrude from the rather frail plastic body, sufficiently enough to withstand the test of time. On the bottom l/3rd is a black flap that you will initially be not aware of, until the remote accidentally fell to the floor and the flap flicked open. In that chamber there are more buttons; although the fact remains that their importance is nowhere close to the buttons placed outside.

Viewing experience of LG's BD370
The picture quality from the very first frame is exquisite, even though the animation is 2-D, stunning 1080p video quality, from the sharpness to the saturation. You will not find a single flaw compare to use the PS3 as basis for reference, this player's video quality was just as good.

The BD370 has the ability to increase frame rate to 60fps, for better clarity during the fast moving shots, but that again, just like digital televisions, tends to destroy the film-like quality of feature films. At the same time, the DVD quality is a couple notches below optimal as the player tends to Introduce a bit of pixilatlon as the upscaler on the player cranks up the resolution to 1080p. This was more apparent particularly during the darker sequences than the lighter ones. In the process, the sharpness also takes a beating, but the skin-tones remained spot on. Add to this the DivX that gets the player a little drowsier, starting with the time it takes to initiate the disc that extends well beyond a minute.

Bottom line
For Rs 17.999. the BD370 Is an affordable bet for sure, and It delivers in the Blu-ray department quite spectacularly. Even the aesthetic value of the BD370 is an added bonus. It also looks far better than some of the bulky looking options available. So, if you are looking at a Blu-player that Is aesthetically pleasing with user friendly options, besides delivering on audio-visual reproduction front, the BD370 would certainly meet your interests, quite reasonably.

Get ready for the stylish hatchback from Ford - Figo

Ford recently is going to launch the new Figo in New Delhi at the global launch for this hatchback, specially made for Indian conditions. Conscious of the challenge it has to face, Ford India is trying to put everything behind its new hatchback.

First look
Though Figo is essentially a re-skinned derivative of the previous-generation European Fiesta hatch on which the Indian Fiesta saloon is based, but on the first look it is smoking HOT!

The Figo, which shares key elements of Ford’s Kinetic Design language with the Mondeo, Focus and the latest European Fiesta, is quite a looker. Like the Ikon and Fiesta, the Figo has also been designed and engineered partially based on concepts developed by Ford Australia, exclusive for a Ford hatchback meant for the Indian market.

The Figo’s nose is particularly characteristic and bears a strong similarity to other ‘Kinetic’ Fords with a slender upper grille and a large and upturned lower grille which impart a sense of energy and action even in photos. The lights have that long-drawn-out back look and are outstanding.

The 3.8-metre-long Figo has splendid proportions, improved by muscular wheel arches and strong character lines that run across the sides. From the rear, the high-mounted vertical tail-lights and rear quarter-glass hark back to the Fiesta hatch and Fusion here. However, a different tailgate, totally new tail-light plan and a smooth, stout bumper give the Figo a striking and modernized look. It looks modern and the styling should attract the customers in the hatchback segment.

The Figo will have brand new interiors, which means a fresh instrument panel, seats and trim. According to Ford insiders, the interiors are anticipated to set new standards for small hatchbacks, combining class-leading aesthetics and functionality. The Figo is likely to have a comparable quantity of passenger room as its saloon siblings and it is built on the identical 2486 mm wheelbase as the Indian Fiesta and Ikon. Boot space is estimated to be comparable to the Fiesta hatch or approximately 253 litres.

The Figo is likely to be available in three trim levels but it’s not sure if it will bear Ford’s expressions of Exi, Zxi or Sxi. It’ll bear the same suspension set-up and a hydraulically assisted power steering as in the current Fiesta saloon.

With recognized mechanical from the Fiesta, the Figo is anticipated to do extremely well in the ride and handling section. And one can only hope for Ford to provide it with the same 1.6 engine to make the most of its capable chassis!

Technical details:
The Figo will be initially available with two engine categories — petrol and diesel. The diesel engine will be the same 1.4 Duratorq 68bhp motor, which powers the Ikon and Fiesta saloons. Amazingly quick to respond at low speeds and very economical, it should go well with the urban driving conditions that the Figo will cater to. Ford is updating this engine to meet the forthcoming Bharat Stage IV emission norms and for better drivability and economy.

Performance wise , it will be lively due to its superior power-to-weight ratio (Figo is likely to be 100kg lesser weight than the Fiesta). The Figo also gets a new all-aluminium 1.2-litre petrol engine, which is basically a scaled-down edition of the 1.4/1.6 Sigma petrol engines that power the Fiesta. Apart from engine alikeness, the Figo will share common structural design like double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and an aluminum block with its siblings. Though Ford has not revealed details of the Figo’s power trains, the 1.2 is predictable to develop utmost power between 70bhp and 75bhp.

These information may not seem remarkable amidst other high-revving 1.2 petrol engines but Ford’s stress is on drivability and economy. Ford insiders state that the petrol version will astonish owners with its low-end torque and quick to respond nature.




Bottom line
Ford is launching the Figo to Indian clients from the plank of affordability. So it has to be low-priced to buy and economical to run. Prices will only be announced next year ahead of the car goes on retailing but company sources point to that Ford is setting up to launch the Figo at a competive price. Ford has targeted the base Hyundai i10 as its price yardstick, which equates to Rs 3.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The 1.4 diesel Figo is aimed at the Indica Vista diesel and can be predictable to sale at around Rs 4.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

As of now, this means excellent value for such a great and fashionable hatchback, which certainly belongs to the finest end of the hatchback segment.

Summary of Ford Figo:
Expected to launch in: March 2010 Estimated Price: From Rs 3.6 lakh to Rs. 4.6 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi Engine types available: 1.2 petrol and 1.4 diesel Suspension (F/R): Macpherson struts/ twist beam axle Estimated maximum power (petrol): 70bhp — 75bhp

Samsung - affordable version of Blu – ray player BD-P1600 review

First Look:
It Is evident that the BD-P1600 is for those people who care only for the performance of the product and little else. The 1600 is a relatively small player with a black finish and with a glass flap for the front panel. Behind this flap lie all the transport buttons on the right along with a USB port and the display placed at the centre with the drive unit on the left.

Technical aspects:
Looking at the modest price that you have to pay for the BD-P1600, most of us would think that Samsung must have peeled off all the key features to fit it in its budget. Surprisingly enough, not even a single feature has been scrapped from the P1600. It Is a Profile 2.0 player, so you can take full advantage of the BD-Live feature present on most Blu-ray discs these days. On the compatibility front, they proudly claim to play any DVD/ Blu-ray disc titles with advanced readability technology known as the Rolling Actuator technology, where the lens angle is such that it is able to read just about any disc. Apart from that, the player can also read H.264. VC-1, HD JPEG. MP3, WMA and DivX file formats from the two onboard USB 2.0 ports. This kind of flexibility extends even to its connectivity front, wherein you get a component video out, an S-video output, an optical video out, a 5.1 channel analogue audio out, an HDMI out and also an ethernet port.


The BD-1600 Is wireless LAN ready, which means that if you have a wireless network In your house then you can stream data directly through the player. On the audio decoding front the 1600 is fully equipped to decode all Dolby and DTS formats including Dolby True HD and DTS HD. and finally, it also Incorporates Samsung's Anynet+ feature. So if you already have any other Samsung equipment in your house like a TV, then the player will quickly sync to it.

Remote control convenience:
Samsung fans will recognize the same remote the company has packaged with most of its products for the last couple years. The slender shape featuring an unusual tail and a black glossy finish is quite attractive. This one is sweetened with Braille-like nubs on the buttons that enable the user to navigate in the dark. And it also has the backlight — so that's really a good add on.

Viewing Experience of BD-P1600:
P1600 cope well with vibrant with vivid colors while the scenes are faster and grander this change as it reproduced all the jazzy colors with great accuracy and consistency. The player executes an absolutely clean and swift transfer of all the different discs. Its transport is very swift. which was not only quick in movement (considering other players) but is also swift in loading the discs and get going. Otherwise, with most of the players, the waiting period for discs to load can drive you up the wall. Also the setup menu, unlike most other players is in hi-def and on a more practical note, very easy to use.
There will be no instance of the player adding any noise or artifact of its own to the image. The chase sequence in the tunnel, with lots of layers in the dark areas, is a scene where you can easily spot such artifacts (if added by the player). But those scenes is dealt very efficiently by the player. While up scaling, at times where it had to deal with too much Information in terms of light and color at the same time, the player lagged a bit in interpolating the internal frames while up scaling and hence making the image look a tad pixelated.

Bottom Line:
At a reasonable price-tag of Rs 26.990, it fulfills the criteria that we look for in a Blu-ray player. It's updated with the BD Profile 2.0 — so you can take full advantage of all the Blu-rays that you buy. The P1600 also provides decent flexibility in terms of connectivity with all the onboard i/o ports and also the wireless LAN. Finally about the picture performance, it makes sure that you get the cleanest and the most truthful transfer devoid of any noise and artifacts.

Review of Philips BD3000 – an entry level and affordable Blu - ray Player from Philips

Philips has a launched a line up of Blu-ray players. Here is the review of Philips BD3000, an entry level product from them.

First look:
Looking at its price (Rs 16,990), one would mostly expect some compromise In quality as compared to the other products available in the same range. But not In case of the Philips BD3000. as Its design religiously follows the form factor of the other higher priced products from the same range (namely the BD7500 and the top end BD9000). The delicate black that flows throughout the curvy exterior and the cautiously embellished front panel gives It a very classy appearance. What caught the attention is the large display on the front panel. The build quality is also praiseworthy as the strong metallic casing makes it feel more substantial than what you would expect from a small disc player like this.



Technical aspects:
Though Philips has managed to put through a classy looking player,
what has affected their budget constraints is the features that the BD3000 comes with. While it comes with all the basic amenities to enjoy your Blu-rays, it still lacks in some aspects which could make your experience even more Interesting. For instance, the 3000 can decode a 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD soundtrack but cannot deal with the DTS HD Master Audio stream. That leaves you with no choice other than watching Blu-ray discs with Dolby TrueHD soundtracks only.

On the connectivity front, it does offer the conventional options like the HDMI, component, composite and coaxial out for audio. But the BD3000 lacks a multi-channel analogue output. It does have a USB port, but unfortunately that's on the rear side, which usually is considered to be awkward. But looking at its small size, the BD3000 does not look like you will have to take much effort to plug In the USB drive. Also, once you have plugged in a USB drive, you can only use it to store any downloaded content using the BD Live feature (Profile 2.0). Unfortunately you cannot play any media files like MP3, WMA, DivX and JPEG. If you want to play any of these files, you will have to burn them onto on a DVD or CD first.

On the brighter side, the player also offers a range of presets (Vivid, Cool, Action and Animation) plus an enhanced black level setting for you to tweak the picture according to your liking.

Remote control convenience:
It couldn't be any easier to control the BD3000 with the supplied remote thanks to its carefully arranged buttons. A tad smaller than the normal Blu-ray remotes,
It accordingly houses relatively fewer buttons than what you would see on a lot of other remotes for Blu-ray player. The best part is that the controls are intuitive and thus very convenient to use, especially the menu and playback controls being close by, that enables easy navigation.

BD 3000 – viewing experience
You will be impressed by the cheerful startup menu. The large text fills the screen with the eye-catching icons that mark the options, whereas the cursor zips around quickly unlike a lot of other players, where the cursor needs a couple of minutes at least to process the signal that it is supposed to move.

While playing the Blu – ray disc you will notice the screen is even more colorful than what it was for the menu screen. Not overpowering at any time, the colors were rightfully balanced with optimum temperature throughout the entire movie.
Another element that will make your experience sensible was the sharpness that the player executed in its transfer.

It is quite easy for most of the players to reproduce the picture sharply in animation, which the BD3000 perfectly executed, but fascinatingly, it maintained the sharpness even for some very fast paced scenes from the Blu-ray of 'Tokyo Drift', and that is really admirable. The transfer is swift and smooth as it do not show any trace of judder or latency at any point of time, particularly in the car races and constant fast motion sequences on the screen.

What's more, the player exhibits good detail throughout the movie, especially the shadow areas in the night scenes.

There will be times at which you will experience substantial noise, which will be aggravated when the player attempts to upscale standard definition content to HD quality i.e. 720p, 10801 or 1080p.

Bottom lines:
BD3000 is an entry level product from the range of Blu-ray players that Philips has launched recently. So accordingly, its price is quite competitive as compared to other Philips players and also most of the other manufacturers. Naturally it comes with a disadvantage of having fewer features than most of the other players like the DTS Master HD decoding or, a 5.1 analogue out or media playback through USB device. Nevertheless, the best part of BD3000 is that it does its standard tasks effectively, and the price is also one of its major advantage.