Philips DVD701AT DVD Player

DVD player sales are at 10 million units and counting. If you've yet to discover the best way ever to view movies at home because you're intimidated by price or by the complex features you may have read about on some models, your wait may be over. Philips has designed a terrific machine called the DVD701AT that we found to be nearly perfect for the first-time buyer.

Setting up the DVD701AT is an exceptionally straightforward task, thanks to Philips's intuitive OSD (onscreen display), clearly written owner's manual, and simple yet effective remote control. Even novice users should be hooked up, adjusted, and watching movies within a short span of time.

Philips offers a nice array of cabling options. Video connections may be made by either composite or S-video cables (see the FAQ for tips), while coaxial and optical digital audio outputs are available (use coaxial if you can for the best sound). Additionally, the unit also includes analog stereo audio outputs. Note, however, that the DVD701AT does not offer a headphone jack.

If you're looking for a single player for multiple formats, the DVD701AT will do that too. It plays DVD-video, audio CDs, Video CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs.

We like simple remote controls and found the one here to be a winner. Small and clutter free, this unit even highlights the OSD buttons with small icons, so with the touch of one of four buttons you can change subtitles, language tracks, camera angle, or titles and chapters--a very cool touch!

The DVD701AT's picture and sound quality are excellent, certainly among the best we've seen in this price range. Color balance, detail, and clarity are so far above VHS that it's no contest. The sound quality is very good too, with a slight overall warmth being added to music discs and movie soundtracks. Although a simulated surround feature is included, it's not particularly effective and should be but a steppingstone to true surround sound, or used in situations where more than two speakers is impractical.

The Philips DVD701AT is a very nice achievement. It's easy to use and works very well. We recommend this player as a great way to get into the DVD format. And it's price is so reasonable that you'll even have money left over to start your DVD library. --Wayne Garcia

Pros:

• Terrific picture and sound quality
• S-video outputs
• Coaxial digital output
• Plays CD-Rs and CD-RWs
• Nice remote

Cons:

• No headphone jack

The Philips DVD701AT DVD player features discrete dual-laser optical pickups and CD-R/CD-RW compatibility, making it a great basic audio-video system. The multifunction remote allows you to control all the basic features of video playback, such as stop/play/pause, slow mode, skip, or repeat. The digital-to-analog (D/A) converter converts the digital video information in 10- bit format, versus 8- or 9-bit. The DVD701AT also incorporates a 24-bit audio D/A converter, versus 16- or 20-bit. The TruSurround 3-D sound creates virtual surround effects with a two-speaker system. A unique parental approval system permits play of only preauthorized discs, unless a special user-defined PIN code is entered. The player will remember up to 80 disc preauthorizations, allowing unrestricted playback of these discs.