film-like picture quality, tweak capability

slow layer changes, glitches in audio with certain titles

I originally got this player and mated it to a Sony KV-36XBR400. And just loved the picture and sound. Then I rented "The Insider" and about halfway through, the player flipped out. Locked up. Took it back. Played fine through elcheapo unit at video store. Took it back home. Played fine. Strange. Later noticed several glitches on my own (brand new) copy of T2. Ended up exchanging the unit for a new one. No problems. But--and I'm looking for feedback here--I swear it doesn't have the rich, warm sound I thought I was getting with the first unit. I tend to be really picky and sensitive early on with a big purchase and am trying to convince myself that they shouldn't/can't sound differrent....Any experiences out there with the audio portion of this player?

Similar Products Used:

toshiba 9200, sony 9000ES

Progressive Scan, 3:2 pulldown, Legatto-Link DAC audio, film-like video

None

Having tried the fantastic Sony 9000ES SACD/DVD player at home as the current benchmark in the industry, I can honestly say that I feel that this player (DV-37) equals or exceeds the 9000ES in terms of video and sonics for the money. The folks at Bryn Mawr thought I was nuts when I returned the 9000ES in favor of the Pioneer Elite DV-37 (In addition to Sony and Pioneer Elite DVD changers DVP-CX850D,and DV-F07 respectively).

Why did I make this decision?:

1. I use my DVD player as a CD player and preferred the Pioneer Elite DV-37's warmer Legatto Link DACs(Digital to analog convertors)to the Sony models. I personally prefer the warmer sounding audio that this unit produces and now use the DAC's in the Pioneer Elite (run via the analog outputs to my Sony 777ES receiver) over the digital output that utilizes the DAC's in my Sony 777ES receiver (run via the coaxial output through an Ensemble Digiflux cable.) The Sony 9000ES is fantastic though in Super Audio CD mode and blew the Pioneer away in this department. However, I did not like the "staying power" of this format in the face of DVD-audio. I felt that the players were equal in regular CD playback and as I mentioned, it came down to the warmer, smoother sounding Pioneer Elite which I preferred (this is a matter of personal preference).

2. I felt that the Pioneer Elite provided an absolutely stunning performance in video quality. I totally agree with the previous review by Mindsink... you really need a HDTV ready monitor to really appreciate this DVD player. Its progressive scan output via the component video is mind-numbing. I felt that it rendered a more film-like presentation than any player I demoed. I too am running it with Monster 1000cv component video cables (which are well worth the money). This combination yields amazing results. I won't go into details.... just watch the Patriot DVD, Men In Black, etc. to notice how vibrant the colors are, the lack of grain/artifacts. To really test it, try Private Ryan as this is a difficult DVD for most players (a lot of artifacting on most players). Again, the Sony models (mostly the 9000ES) were excellent in my opinion as well... just another matter of preference. You'll find Sony players soften the picture more while the Pioneer Elite's are more detailed.

3. Value- If cost were no object, I'd probably have considered the Sony 9000ES more carefully (simply for the SACD ability). But it was hard for me to deny the fact that the Pioneer DV-37 equalled or exceeded this player in several areas for almost 50% less.

Give the DV-37 a demo at home if you have a HDTV capable monitor. It's line doubler is better than those found in most mid priced HDTV's and its sonics will make it easier for someone who wants to use their DVD player for 2 channel listening.

For an excellent review of this unit check out E-towns review by Lawrence Ullman. This is a very credible source on an excellent review site. Note the settings that Ullman uses... I set my player up in the same fashion and noticed immediate improvements.


Associated Equipment:

Pioneer Elite DV-37
Panasonic CT-32HX40 HDTV
Monster 1000CV component video cables
Sony STR-DA777ES Home theater receiver
Ensemble Digiflux coaxial cable (for 5.1 playback)
Synergistic Research Alpha Sterling interconnects
B & W 601S2 L/R front speakers (biwired)
B & W CC6S2 center channel speaker (biwired)
Synergistic Research Quad Alpha speaker cable
Paradigm ADP-150 surround sound speakers
Mirage FRX-S8 subwoofer
Use Vibrapods underneath DVD player and subwoofer
Use Polycrystal cones underneath receiver
Monster Power HTS-2000 line conditioner

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Elite DV-F07, Sony 9000ES, Sony DVP-CX850D

Picture quality,sound quality, build quality and appearance, value

remote

I just replaced my 3 year old 1st generation Toshiba DVD player with the DV-37. Recently I upgraded my television to a Mitsu WS65857 rear projection HDTV. The Mitsu has progessive scan inputs for progessive scan dvd players. The picture quality with the DV-37 is awesome. There are no scan lines and the picture is filmlike. I am glad that I awaited the DV-37 because earlier I was considering buying a Sony 7700 or Pioneer Elite DV-09. I love the elite finish and build quality. The sound on CD's is pretty good but not as good as my Sony 701-ES cd player. I highly recommend the DV-37.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba 3006, Sony DV-7000

Setup, Looks, Quiet, Features

Need better description of the video adjustment settings

I just bought this player a few days ago. I have it connected via Component Video (Transparent cables) to a Sony XBR400. The picture is better than my old Panasonic interlaced SVHS. Even though the picture is good, I am having difficulty getting a great picture from this player.
Does anyone else have the DV-37 connected to a XBR400 that could give me their settings? I would appreciate the help.
I'll write a full review after doing some more tweaking.
Pioneer needs to provide a better description of their video tweaking settings.

Similar Products Used:

Panasonic, Sony

Progressive scan,audio

none

If you have any questions how to tweek your DV-37 go to:


http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_1/dvd-benchmark-pioneer-dv-37-dvd-player-3-2001.html

Great picture, great sound, 3:2 pulldown, coax digital out

The remote stinks, and the unit has a little trouble with difficult materials

I bought this player to replace my Nakamichi DVD-10 mostly because I wanted something that could provide progressive output and a coax digital output to free up my optical port for the ps2. I am so far very impressed with the picture quality, although it has some problem with saturated reds bleeding a little and if something is encoded badly it doesn't look very good, but as long as you watch average or top notch transfers you're okay. I was very impressed with the audio performance, supposedly that's where the dvd-10 is supposed to excel, but this unit beat it hands down. Watching the Beastie Boys Video Anthology was like a whole new experience, the bass was boomier and the treble was much clearer.

Similar Products Used:

Nakamichi DVD-10, a couple of sony players, a cheap denon, and apex

Exremely crisp clear picture. Gorgeous appearance

None

I couldn't believe the quality of the picture. I have an old TV, but it does have a S-Video input and the picture quality was unbelievable. The player was easy to use right out of the box, the manual is basic and to the point. The remote is a little different, but like anything new I'm getting the hang of it. This is my first DVD player and I could have started with a less expensive piece of gear but I'm glad I went with the Elite, there is no buyer remorse here.

Similar Products Used:

My first DVD

overall video and audio performance. build quality.

none

I have lived with this unit for almost a year now and it out performs any other DVD player I have ever had hooked up. I have seen people nitpick the progressive scan outut for chroma bug problems, but if I did nothing but still frame the opening credits of Toy Story, I might complain as well. However, I live in the real world, and not some ISF calibrated universe created by Joe Kane.

Of course, compared to the first DVD player I owned, and most other Sony DVD players, the DV-37 has a sharper and more vibrant picture. The Denon was a great player for me at the time, but I started noticing some odd digital artifacts with all of the titles I owned from New Line Pictures. That is why I ended up with the Elite DV-05. It seemed to be the only player that played all of my troublesome discs without any odd software/hardware problems. However, after having the 05 for about six months, I started noticing a lip sync problem with certain discs -- most notable on Talking Heads Stop Making Sense.

When I heard about the DV-37 and saw a preliminary picture, I was immediately interested and sold my DV-05. I bought the 37 without ever auditioning it, and I have never been disappointed in its performance.

Anyone who wants great performance out of a DVD player should seriously look into the DV-37. Anyone who still frames Toy Story and thinks of Joe Kane as the next Jesus should look elsewhere.

Similar Products Used:

sony dvp-s7000, denon dvd-3000, pioneer elite dv-05

Excellent DVD display. Progressive Scan that works with the Pioneer Elite Pro-610HD wonderfully.

Won't play Akira without freezing. A little slow changing accessing some features and changing layers. Cheap Remote.

Once again, this is a real winner. I love the tweaks available in the setup and the picture is clear, sharp bright and as close to film as I have ever seen.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba DVD players

Video and Audio Clarity

Remote is hard to navigate.

I have a Mitsubishi Theater Wide HD TV. Thought I had a clear picture with my last DVD. (Phillips) Not even close. So I bought a Sony......ah, not a bad player, but not even close the the picture quality of the Pioneer. As for the audio, I used new Star Wars DVD. The pod race scene is perfect for testing sound separation. You can hear each individual pod (they all have different sounds) and the transition of the surround sound is awsome. I also tested the sound on audio CDs. They play extremely well also. For the money, I don't think you can beat this machine!

Similar Products Used:

Sony and Phillips