Digital Trends

Toshiba SD-V392

July 18th, 2004 | by Dennis Barker

Introduction

Toshiba, who was one of the co-inventor's DVD technology and long a VCR technological innovator, now embraces the DVD/VCR Combo category as a market leader by offering a top-of-the-line model with both superior and innovative features.  It should be remembered that Toshiba was the first manufacturer to add component video (called ColorStream by Toshiba) to DVDs to improve picture image quality over the then standard S-Video.  As well, in the VCR arena, Toshiba was one of the first manufacturers to embrace ‘Auto Clock Set,' and 19 micron video heads.   The model SD-V392, which is housed a sleek silver cabinet with dark gray trim, is priced at $249.95 retail. 

Features and Design

While other companies have been producing combination products for years, Toshiba brings its expertise in both DVD and VCR areas to bear in this impressive SD-V392 DVD/VCR Player.  First and foremost, this is a progressive scan DVD player featuring 3/2 pull-down (what Toshiba calls Digital Cinema Progressive).   Progressive scan does several things to improve the video image over a standard DVD player.  While most standard DVD-Video players' process digital video information at a rate of 4:2:2, progressive scan DVD players utilize digital video processing that is done at 4:4:4 that doubles horizontal color resolution.  This provides greater, color detail and more brilliant colors.  Progressive scan DVD players also use something called “a reversed 3-2 pull-down algorithm.”  A 3-2 pull-down algorithm is used in transforming movies (shot at 24 frames/sec.) into NTSC videos that require 30 frames/sec.  The bottom line — progressive scan further eliminates NTSC artifacts such as jagged edges, flickering lines, the visible scanning structure, and shaky images producing a much smoother-looking image.  In turn, this player offers a 10-bit/54Mhz video digital-to-analog conversion for excellent color purity, detail and resolution.

Besides employing progressive scan technology, the SD-V392 includes a 24-bit/192kHz PCM audio digital-to-analog converter that helps deliver high quality audio playback for several types of discs.  The model also plays back CD-Rs, CD-RWs, MP3 & WMA-encoded discs plus the JPEG Viewer (using Photo CDs) enabling the user to display digital photographs on your television in the JPEG digital format.  Like most DVD players today, it plays back both Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks passing the signal via either digital coaxial or optical outputs.  As well, this model features Spatializer virtual surround for enhanced aural quality for two speaker set-ups.

On the VCR side of the equation, this model includes 4 Video Heads with 19 micron head technology and VHS HiFi Stereo.  19 micron head technology improves overall picture quality of recordings made at the slowest (SLP) speed for enhanced performance.  It does work making recording made at the slowest speeds more watchable.  As well, the V392 features S-VHS quasi playback allowing for S-VHS tapes to be played back on this machine.   Handy features include a 181-Ch. Tuner with 8-event/365-day programmability, commercial skip (that advances the tape in 30-second increments), and auto clock set that accurately sets the clock as soon as the unit is plugged in.   It comes with a 46-button remote with 6 control ‘glow-in-the-dark' keys.  It also has a front AV input for easy camcorder attachment.