Onkyo DV-SP800

[Edmundo]

The rest of the world is just now discovering what we've known for awhile: Onkyo's top-of-the-line player is a killer! In the February 2003 issue of Home Theater, reviewer Chris Lewis admired the DV-SP800's flexibility and fine video and audio performance: "The player's [picture] resolution was outstanding — probably the best I've seen from a player anywhere around this price."

Audiophiles who want to enjoy thrilling multichannel music on SACD and DVD-Audio discs no longer need to buy two separate players. Onkyo's DV-SP800 is our first "universal" player with SACD and DVD-Audio capability! The increased realism of SACD and DVD-Audio discs isn't only due to their capacity for additional channels (up to six). Each channel offers significantly higher resolution than on a standard CD. And if you don't have a surround sound setup, you can still enjoy the many SACD and DVD-Audio titles with high-res stereo mixes. What a treat to hear CCR's rockin' Cosmo's Factory on SACD, then follow it with the Ray Brown Trio's Soular Energy DVD-Audio in ultra-high-res 192kHz/24-bit 2-channel mode.

Audio purists who want to hear every delicate detail can opt to switch off the video circuitry and fluorescent display to eliminate potential low-level interference when listening to music discs. Another bonus for music lovers is the headphone jack with volume control — a really useful feature that's nearly extinct on current DVD players.

The DV-SP800 is THX Ultra certified, meeting Lucasfilm Ltd.'s super-strict standards for accurate home theater sound. It has built-in multichannel decoding for Dolby Digital and DTS. Since you'll be using the DV-SP800's 5.1-channel output to connect to your A/V receiver anyway (it's the only way to hear multichannel music on SACD and DVD-Audio), you can simplify setup by letting the player decode both music and movies.

As mentioned above, the DV-SP800's DVD picture quality is spectacular, thanks to selectable interlaced/progressive-scan output and ultra-precise video processing circuitry, including a 108MHz/12-bit video D/A converter. All this audio/video performance is encased in an anti-resonant steel case. With its well-designed controls, learning remote, and cool blue front-panel lighting, Onkyo's DV-SP800 is destined to be a movie (and music) star!

Key Features:
THX Ultra certified
plays DVD-Video, DVD-R & DVD-RW, and Video CD
plays SACD, DVD-Audio, CD, CD-R & CD-RW, and MP3 CD-R & CD-RW
108MHz/12-bit video D/A converter
selectable interlaced/progressive-scan component video output
(progressive-scan requires a compatible TV)
de-interlacer with 3-2 pulldown processing
built-in Dolby Digital/DTS decoding with 5.1-channel output
bass management for Dolby Digital, DTS, and SACD
2 optical and 1 coaxial digital outputs for Dolby Digital/DTS/PCM
(96kHz/24-bit-capable)
2 sets of A/V outputs (2 composite, 2 S-video, and 1 480i/480p component video)
headphone jack with volume control
multibrand learning remote
Direct Digital Path
192kHz/24-bit audio D/A converters
audio S/N ratio 118 dB
17-1/8"W x 3-5/8"H x 14-1/4"D
warranty: 1 year parts and labor
designed for use with "Region 1" coded DVDs