Toshiba SD-V392 Review

By Dennis Barker
July 18th, 2004

Summary

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!

Full Review

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.

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.

Toshiba SD-V392 Remote Control 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

Specs

Product Features:

Plays DVD-Video, DVD-R, CD, CD-R/RW, V-CD, WMA, MP3 and JPEG files from CD
Simultaneous DVD playback and VHS recording let you watch a DVD and record a TV show at the same time
ColorStream Pro progressive-scan component video outputs deliver extraordinarily colorful images to compatible TVs and virtually eliminate dot crawl and flicker
Digital Cinema Progressive (3/2 Pulldown) delivers true film-like images to compatible TVs
4-head/19-micron head VCR system offers superior slow-motion playback and performance in SLP mode
S-VHS quasi-playback lets you view S-VHS recordings without a significant loss of quality
10-bit/54MHz video digital-to-analog conversion produces maximum color purity, detail and resolution
24-bit/192kHz PCM audio compatibility delivers ultra-warm, natural-sounding audio from virtually any disc source
Commercial Skip speeds you past recorded ads during playback
Auto Clock connects to your local broadcast source and keeps the time accurate
Coaxial and Optical TosLink Dolby Digital and DTS Surround Sound output
Optical digital output, coaxial digital output, composite video output, S-video output, component video output
DVD/VCR glow remote

Specifications:

· Warranty Terms - Parts 3 months

· Warranty Terms - Labor 1 year

· Product Height 3-7/8"

· Product Width 17"

· Product Weight 7-7/8 lbs.

· Product Length 9-7/8"

· Disc Capacity 1

· Progressive Scan Yes

· Dolby Digital Decoder No

· DTS Decoder No

· Simulated Surround Yes

· Optical Digital Outputs 1

· Coaxial Digital Outputs 1

· Composite Video Outputs 1

· S-Video Outputs 1

· Component Video Outputs 1

· 5.1-Channel Output No

· Stereo Audio Outputs No

· Zoom Feature Yes

· Remote Control Type Standard

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