Digital Trends

Toshiba SD-V392

July 18th, 2004 | by Dennis Barker

Setup and Testing

Connection is easy and straight-forward.  There are two ways to hook-up this model to your system.  If you have a standard TV without component video inputs, simply use the DVD/VCR common AUDIO (L/R) and VIDEO jacks located on right side of the back panel.  Within this square, you will find composite video and audio out RCA-type jacks.  Also within this square, there are standard audio and video inputs jacks and antenna/cable RF.  Using this configuration, all signals (both DVD & VCR) are passed through these outputs. 

However, if you want to take advantage of the improved S-Video or superior component video outputs for DVD playback only, you'll have to employ the connections found on the left-side of the player.  In turn, there is a switch for progressive scan (if you have an HD-capable television capable of displaying progressive scan images).  There are also digital audio outputs (coaxial & optical) here as well for attachment to an audio system for superior aural quality.  Just remember, that if you use the component video or S-Video, you will have to change the input selector on your television each time you want to use the DVD player.  If you don't want to hassle with changing video inputs of your television or you are not interested in using component video now, simply use the common AUDIO and VIDEO jacks.  Of course, you can always just use the RF out jack on the back of the SD-V392 and set your television to either Ch.3 or Ch.4, but you will not receive any audio or video signal improvements.

As a long-time fan of Toshiba products, we were dutifully impressed with the SD-V392.  Like other Toshiba DVD players, this model lived up to its reputation of producing excellent images from both movies and music videos.  Aurally, this model passes both Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks.  Recording television programs was a simple and easy process for the SD-V392.  Just remember to “hit” the ‘Timer Rec' button on the remote at the end of the programming process. 

Video images were excellent for a VHS VCR at both SP and SLP (slowest) speeds.  19 micron technology does work, and can be readily seen when compared to other VCRs that don't use the technology.  An added bonus here is that DVD or CDs without copy protection can be copied onto a VHS tape.  This may be just the thing for recording some of your child's favorite DVDs onto tape for long car trips.  As well, for those of us that can't stand commercials, the commercial skip button is a handy feature that quickly advances the tape in 30-second increments for each tapping of the key on the remote.

Conclusion

One of our frustrations with this player (and most others) is the fact that you are penalized for using component video by having to change inputs each and every time you want to watch a DVD.  The whole purpose of using a progressive scan DVD player (with a progressive scan television display) is to have the highest quality video signals currently available.  For some people, it's cumbersome to constantly switch back and forth between TV inputs. The same is true also with audio because digital audio outputs only pass DVD audio signals (if they are tethered to an audio system).  The VCR's sound is only passed via analog audio jacks.  If you have a home theater system, you are using two sets of inputs for one product. 

Otherwise, with that caveat out of the way, the Toshiba SD-V392 is an admirable performer bridging “the best of both video world” producing some of the best images from any recently tested DVD/VCR Combo.  As long as you don't mind switching video and audio inputs each time you want to watch DVDs, we can easily recommend Toshiba's SD-V392.  It will make an excellent replacement VCR (so that you can continue to record your favorite television programs plus playback your favorite VHS videos).  It gives you the added bonus of bringing you into the 21^st Century with a top-of-the-line progressive scan DVD player.  Image quality is among the best available.  To us, this makes for a perfect combo!