Group test: Upscaling DVD players

Overview Price: £2,700 More info: Denon Size (WxHxD): 43.4x17x43.2cm Weight: 19kg Disc compatibility: DVD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R , DVD+RW, VCD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-A, SACD, MP3, WMA Video outputs: Composite, S-Video, RGB Scart, component, HDMI, DVI-D Progressive scan: PAL/NTSC Audio outputs: Phonos, optical digital, coaxial digital Denon DVD-A1XVA Big enough in size to warrant its own postcode and costing over three times more than its nearest group rival is Denon's DVD-A1XVA. Maximum 1080p upscaling immediately sets it apart from the others, although another bonus is the inclusion of a DVI input along with HDMI for simultaneously hooking up to an extra HD source, such as a projector. As with the Marantz there's tons of other connections including analogue audio outputs for 5.1 surround sound as well as the usual set of digital connections. Also like the DV7600, the DVD-A1XVA is a universal disc player with support for SACD or DVD-Audio discs. Even though there's enough user definable tweakery to gratify the most hardened tech geek, we loved the way the DVD-A1XVA cuts right to the chase and automatically sets the resolution to match your screen (in our case that was 1080p - yup we're particularly smug about that). The results? Outstanding. Colours are bold and amazingly natural with image sharpness the likes of which we simply haven't ever come across before from a standard DVD source. Sure it's not quite 'proper' hi-def, but it's very close. We were also impressed with the DVD-A1XVA's treatment of poorly mastered material - detail poured from every pixel on our grotty old copy of Ghostbusters, giving it a stunning new lease of life. Speaking of waking the dead, audio performance is absolutely thunderous, although only a dedicated surround system will truly show this off. You'll also get fine results from more modest 720p/1080i upscaling, although we'll stress that 1080p is where the DVD-A1XVA really shines. Okay, so you're going to need top draw equipment to get the most from the DVD-A1XVA, but if you're the kind of person who's willing to pay £2,700 for a DVD player then this probably won't be too much of an issue.

Verdict Plus points Unrivalled upscaling performance, excellent connectivity, beautifully made Minus points It's a lot of dosh for a disc spinner

Overview Price: £600 More info: Marantz Size (WxHxD): 44x9.6x30.6cm Weight: 5kg Disc compatibility: DVD, CD, CD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-RW, VCD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-A, SACD, MP3, WMA Video outputs: Composite, S-Video, RGB Scart, component, HDMI Progressive scan: PAL/NTSC Audio outputs: Phonos, optical digital, coaxial digital Integrated decoder: No Marantz DV7600 Although the forthcoming Marantz DV6001 may consign it to the history books, for now the DV7600 is the company's premier mid-range model. Like Denon's DVD-A1XVA it's a universal player with support for SACD or DVD-Audio discs. It may not be as imposing as the DVD-A1XVA but it's still an impress-your-mates unit; built like a tank and armed with an extensive range of connections. Although this doesn't include DVI, unlike the budget models in this test it will accept HDMI to DVI leads - handy if you have an older non-HDMI equipped HD-ready screen. As you'd expect from a player in this price range, there are plenty of settings to get the most from its 216MHz/12Bit video DAC. There's no 1080p on offer, but its 720p/1080i upscaling should suffice for most. With 1080i selected and harrowing thriller flick Saw in the tray we instantly noticed excellent depth to the shadowy images, with natural film grain visibly reduced. After a while though it felt like the picture was a little too smooth, if anything bordering on soft. Even with non-HDMI images, this niggling problem was still evident. Although about six times more expensive than the two budget players, it's fair to say that the DV700's upscaling isn't significantly better for it. On the audio front however, the Marantz is far more confident. You'll need an amp with an HDMI input to get the best from it, but the DV7600 can really spew out some multichannel power. Overall then, upscaling isn't quite what we'd hoped for considering the price, but strong audio performance and overall quality craftsmenship more than turn things around.

Verdict Plus points Excellent audio performance, robust design Minus points Slightly soft images, even with upscaling

Overview Price: £120 More info: Panasonic Size (WxHxD): 43x4.3x25.1cm Weight: 2.2kg Disc compatibility: DVD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, VCD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-A, MP3, WMA, JPEG, DiVX Video outputs: Composite, S-Video, RGB Scart, component, HDMI Progressive scan: PAL/NTSC Audio outputs: Phonos, optical digital, coaxial digital Panasonic DVD-S52 You can pick up the DVD-S52 for under a ton if you look around. After the immaculate looks of the Marantz and Denon, this is unsurprisingly quite a comedown, with a somewhat bland grey livery and flimsy loading tray. But of course DVD players aren't made to be gawped at (well, not at this price anyway), performance is what primarily matters. As well as 720p and 1080i upscaling via its HDMI socket, we were impressed to find the DVD-S52 offers DVD-Audio and DVD-RAM playback amongst the usual formats. Another bonus is the remote which is decked out with a ton of handy features. Although navigating through the set-up menu is a little sluggish it's great to see so many tweaking options on offer at this price bracket. Similarly, performance is really very good indeed. At 720p it confidently handled the fast-moving jungle of King Kong and brought a satisfying depth of colour to proceedings. Although a close call, we'd say it just about egded out Sharp's DV-SV97H for HDMI performance, with slightly less picture noise in evidence. When switched to 1080i, visuals weren't quite as vibrant as 720p, but still hugely satisfying nonetheless. If you prefer function over form you'll find this to be an extremely capable player. Offering the perfect balance of features and performance at a very reasonable cost, the DVD-S52 is a real winner.

Verdict Plus points Excellent upscaling, good range of features, competitively priced Minus points Dull design

Overview Price: £80 More info: Sharp Size (WxHxD): 42x4.9x25.5cm Weight: 2.2kg Disc compatibility: DVD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, VCD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, MP3, WMA, JPEG, DiVX Video outputs: Composite, S-Video, RGB Scart, component, HDMI Progressive scan: PAL/NTSC Audio outputs: Phonos, optical digital, coaxial digital Sharp DV-SV97H For the even more cash-strapped hi-def junkie look to Sharp's DV-SV97H, which at £80 is pretty much the cheapest upscaling player you'll find. No great surprise then that a few design corners have been cut, and while the player's slimline looks are fine, the remote's platicky casing reeks of the bargain bin. Look beyond the aesthetics though and this is a really decent player. Although lacking many of the features of its rivals, you still get 720p or 1080i upscaling via HDMI, DivX compatibility and the usual smattering of analogue and digital outs. Set-up couldn't be simpler with a menu screen that is easy to navigate, although ultimately somewhat limited. Switching between desired screen resolutions was less hassle than some others, and when initially set to 720p on a 32in TV, the DV-SV97H put in a sterling effort. With zombie-fest Shaun Of The Dead in the player, colours were noticeably bolder and the teeming masses of bodies were even more strikingly vivid. On a larger 46in 1080-line screen the DV-SV97H was understandably a little way off Denon's 1080p master machine, but it still managed to put in an assured 1080i performance. Using the optical out, audio performance was equally as accomplished too. If you're saving your cash for a dedicated HD player and want a quick upscaling fix, the DV-SV97H generally punches above its weight in terms of performance and is definitely one to consider.

Verdict Plus points Dirt cheap, good upscaling Minus points Tacky remote, lacking features

Final verdict With such a wide disparity in price and specification it was always going to be tough to pick out a single winner, and for the purposes of this test the priority is how well the players perform at upscaling DVD content. Marantz's DV7600, although a mighty fine player, didn't give significantly better upscaling than its far cheaper rivals. However it's worth remembering it's very much a universal player, offering supreme audio performance along with exemplary build quality and features. Sharp's DV-S97 is a real plucky contender and upscales well, although it perhaps lacks the necessary features to push it all the way to the top. Denon's DVD-A1XVA is an unbelievably powerful machine and for performance, easily outshines the others in every respect. However, hand on heart we can't say it's enough to wholly justify the hefty price tag, and you're also going to need some seriously high-end kit to get the best from it. Therefore, we're giving Panasonic the top spot. Although obviously not class-leading in terms of raw power or performance, it offers excellent upscaling and throws in a couple of useful features that contribute to a great value all-round package.

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