Multiple outputs (component, S-VHS, digital optical and RCA, 5.1 output, etc.); effective OSD setup; memory for settings; exceptional CD playback quality: great musical "presence", soundstaging, especially in reproduction of studio performances involving acoustics (jazz, some rock tracks, etc.)

Older machine with no DTS processing; incompatible with recorded CD-R's (as others note); a minor stutter in video playback, occurring once each on certain DVD's

This player was purchased after one of our two VCR's (Panasonic 4 head, HIFI) ended life prematurely due to problems with mechanics. At the same time my trusty Rotel RCD-855 CD player laser decided it had had enough. The 606 arrived double boxed from Abes of Maine (nice job!) and is one of the recent updates of the player. It carries the current Pioneer streamlined logo.

It took some time to find my way using the remote and OSD display mostly because the various functions and options are new to me. The manual was a bit confusing and I sometimes wonder if that isn't a problem of translation from the techies who wrote it into everyday English. I had the same difficulty with a Denon AVR purchased last year. It also could be me managing the switch from analog stereo components to micro-chip AV technologies.

Performance-wise I have been most impressed with the sound quality, since it was purchased equally as a CD player. Instruments, whether acoustic or electric, have incredible presence in the room with this player and there is the sense of hearing the music in the studio. We used to call that musical presence.

In terms of DVD playback I had one instance where it failed to play the sound track of one movie (Bad Boys with Sean Penn) perhaps because it had two laser tracks. This player seems to have a single laser since it will not recognize recorded CD-R's. It does have that second long "hiccup" when changing layers on some DVD's about twenty minutes into the film...things just stall for a moment and then continue. Aside from that and the problem with playback of one DVD, it's been great.

I would recommend it to others on closeout or used who are looking for a low priced, yet technically and musically above average player with lots of output options.

Similar Products Used:

None - first DVD player purchased or auditioned
Considered Phillips, Marantz, Onkyo, Rotel products

Built-in Digital Decoder, DTS compatibility, multiple outputs, ease of use

Can't play CD-R

This was the first DVD player I bought. Features that attracted me was built-in Digital Decoder, DTS compatibility, composite video, S-Video, component video outputs, optical and coax digital outputs. It seemed as this player could be integrated into any home theatre environment. Picture and sound quality are excellent. I had laser disc player for years, and DVD outperforms it hands down. Not mentioning VCR. Recently I started using digital coax audio output with my Marantz AV-9000 preamp. Every single DVD movie sounded so much better than analog outs. Because of the price ($379, performance and all the features it has I would highly recommend this player to anyone.

Giedrius

I use my LD player to play CD-Rs

Built-in 5.1 decoder, brightness presets, great video, lots of outputs, lots of features, nice player and remote design

Still looking...

I've had a DVD-ROM for a while, but then I decided that I've had enough of taking the computer out to hook it up to the T.V. so I went out a bought the RCA 5220P. It was the worst $200 I've ever spent. The remote sucked, no extra features, crap sound quality. 70% of my DVD's didn't work (The Abyss, The Matrix, Blade and numerous others). I took it back that day, and I was told about the DV 606D. Even though it was and extra $100 it had a built-in decoder. I bought it took it home and ever since the first day, I have had no problems with it. Even though it's been discontinued, you could probably find one on e-bay or where my friend got his, at Cash Converters for $175. Get it and you will not be disappointed.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer DVD-ROM, RCA 5220P

AC3 built in (dolby digital), DTS (sounds GREAT!!), 5.1 ch. output through digital, coaxial or independent rca outputs

none, really a great dvd

This unit has many advantages, it has the AC-3 decoder DOLBY DIGITAL, DTS (digital theater system) through optical output, 5.1 outputs for a 5.1 ch. receiver with these audio features the MATRIX DVD really cracked my walls.

As for video features, the component output (red, green, blue) is an excellent advantage if you plan on getting a widescreen tv or a monitor, but the s-video output does very well in standard tv with s-video input, the slow feature has a 1/16th. rate that can be paused and played in reverse. It has some picture settings that really do make a difference when watching different dvds.

The remote is very comfortable and nice.

CD's sound better than with regular cd players, no recordable CD reading though.

This is the superb choice before buying THX $$$ertified equipment.

Similar Products Used:

onkyo txd 575 receiver