3rd: Laserdisc Players Recommendataion
Phil Kim
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Laserdisc Players Recommendation (1993 3rd Edition)
The recent entries in this update include Sony MDP-800, Denon LA-2100, and
Kenwood laserdisc players.
For this review, I did a retest on every players [featured here] by
visiting the laserdisc players dealer. I used the same television I have
(Sony KV-27V55) which I calibrated it to the identical picture settings.
I used The Empire Strikes Back (The Definitive Collection, CBS/Fox) and
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (CAV Stereo Laserdisc, Touchstone). For audio
measurement, I had to use the headphones hooked up to the A/V selector.
In addition to other laserdiscs, I used 2001: A Space Odyssey (CAV Special
Edition, Voyager).
Reviews by Phil Kim (Internet: ki...@rpi.edu)
Table of Content___________________________________________________________
Laserdisc features Page 2
Pioneer laserdisc players Page 3
Sony laserdisc players Page 4
Panasonic laserdisc players Page 5
Other laserdisc players Page 6
Laserdisc features_________________________________________________________
Before buying a laserdisc player, you should be familiar with the
laserdiscs itself. Laserdiscs offer up to 60% sharper image than VHS
tapes and with more vibrant color. In addition to standard analog audio
track, laserdiscs may have digital audio track, which delivers Compact
Disc (CD)-quality audio performance.
There are two types (CAV and CLV) and two sizes (8" and 12") of
laserdisc. CLV (Constant Linear Velocity, or Extended Play) laserdiscs
operate in similar way as CDs. CLV laserdiscs hold up to 60 minutes and
10 seconds (for NTSC) worth of pictures per side. Laserdiscs are double-
sided (at least for 12" media), which means you can store about 2 hours of
pictures per platter. With CLV laserdiscs you cannot freeze frame and
playback images at various speeds (unless the laserdisc player is equipped
with digital effects capability). As with Compact Discs, however, you may
pause, scan forward or reverse, and chapter search (similar to track
search in Compact Disc). CAV (Constant Angular Velocity, or Standard
Play) laserdisc offers about half the capacity (about 30 minutes or 54,000
frames per side) of CLV laserdiscs. On the other hand, this format allows
high quality freeze frame and multiple speed playback.
All current laserdisc players can play CLV and CAV laserdiscs in both 8"
and 12" sizes. Many laserdisc players are "combi-disc" or "multi-disc"
player type, which plays 3" and 5" Compact Discs and rare 5" CDV (Compact
Disc with Video). In addition, some players also offer following features:
Automatic side change changes the side of a laserdisc without user
intervention, which takes 12 to 20 seconds,
depending on the player.
CD changer with CD carousal design, players with this feature
can change up to 5 CDs.
Chapter programming similar to random track programming on CD players.
Clear scanning allows visible scanning with CLV laserdiscs by
alternating between a still image and a black
frame.
Digital Comb Filter or 3-line digital logical comb filter, this
circuitry is used to separate luminance and
chrominance signal to be fed into S-video output
connector.
Digital special performs multiple speed playback on CLV laserdiscs
effects on CLV at lower quality than it is possible with CAV
laserdiscs.
Digital Time Base an advanced form of Time Base Corrector (TBC)
Corrector which decreases jitters more efficiently than
mechanical TBC.
8-bit digital field freeze frame on CLV laserdiscs at lower quality
memory than it is possible with CAV laserdiscs.
Jog dial by spinning a dial knob, one can advance and
review frames.
Shuttle ring by rotating a self-centering ring, one can scan
images [in both directions] with greater control.
S-video output since laserdiscs are encoded in composite format,
primarily televisions with inferior Y/C separators
may benefit by using this output.
Time/frame search searches for particular time (for CLV laserdiscs)
or frame (for CAV laserdiscs) instantly.
Toslink output digital optical audio output for audio systems
capable of digital audio compression and expansion.
There are also Karaoke laserdisc players which I won't discuss here. I do
not recommend Karaoke laserdisc players to movie buffs as they offer
limited laserdisc features at higher prices.
Pioneer laserdisc players__________________________________________________
Although Pioneer is responsible for laserdiscs' success, its players are
not necessarily the best buys. Nevertheless, Pioneer is a highly
competitive market player in which it dominates.
CLD-S201 ($300-535) 24 chapter programming, clear scanning, remote
video: very good control, shuttle ring on the player, and
audio: good time/frame search.
ergonomics: good Pros: low price, shuttle ring, CD-direct tray.
Cons: somewhat confusing design, no shuttle ring
on the remote.
In short: an inexpensive wonder.
CLD-M301 ($375-650) CD changer, 24 chapter programming, clear
video: very good scanning, remote control, and time/frame search.
audio: good Pros: low price, carousal 5 CDs changer, digital
ergonomics: good signal processing.
Cons: no shuttle ring, average performances,
somewhat confusing design.
In short: spend $75-90 and get more competant
CLD-M401.
CLD-M401 ($450-760) CD changer, 24 chapter programming, clear
video: excellent scanning, remote control, shuttle ring on the
audio: very good player, S-video output, time/frame search, and
ergonomics: good Toslink output.
Pros: outstanding performances, carousal 5 CDs
changer, shuttle ring, digital signal
processing.
Cons: slightly expensive, a bit overcrowded front
panel.
In short: an outstanding CD changing combi-player
marred by few flaws
CLD-D502 ($450-760) Automatic side change, 24 chapter programming,
video: excellent clear scanning, remote control, shuttle ring,
audio: very good time/frame search, S-video output, and Toslink
ergonomics: good output.
Pros: low price, fast side change.
Cons: less than intuitive front panel.
In short: the lowest priced side changing
laserdisc player.
CLD-D702 ($700-1,200) Automatic side change, 24 chapter programming,
video: excellent digital comb filter, digital special effect with
audio: very good 8-bit digital field memory, digital Time Base
ergonomics: good Corrector, remote control, jog dial and shuttle
ring, S-video output, time/frame search, and
Toslink output.
Pros: competitive price, illuminating remote
control, solid performances.
Cons: less than accurate digital special effects,
overcroweded front panel.
In short: one of the lowest priced high-end
laserdisc players on the market.
Pioneer also markets reference quality, expensive Elite-series laserdisc
players, which deliver better performances with higher durability than
CLD-D702. They perform full-digital effects with CLV laserdisc, which
means superior digital special effects on CLV laserdiscs, but slightly
artificial normal playback when compared to analog laserdisc players.
Sony laserdisc players_____________________________________________________
With tentative design and prices, Sony is now the second most popular
laserdisc player manufacturer. By employing high density liner converter,
Sony laserdisc players often deliver superior digital audio reproduction
than Pioneer. Sony laserdisc players, as with Panasonic, feature more
pleasing clear scanning on CLV laserdiscs than Pioneer, which alternates
with moving images with a black frame, rather than alternating between a
still image with a black frame. They are feature-packed with solid
performance and potent (but crowded) remote control. They tend to be less
robust when handling CDs than Panasonic and Pioneer, however.
MDP-455 ($350-600) 20 chapter programming, clear scanning, digital
video: very good comb filter, digital Time Base Corrector, remote
audio: excellent control, shuttle ring, S-video output, time/frame
ergonomics: very good search, and Toslink output.
In short: one of the best low-end laserdisc
players with attractive digital audio performance
and near-complete feature list [for a low-end
laserdisc player].
MDP-600 ($550-800) Automatic side change, 20 chapter programming,
video: very good clear scanning, digital comb filter, digital Time
audio: excellent Base Corrector, remote control, shuttle ring on
ergonomics: very good the remote, S-video output, time/frame search, and
Toslink output.
In short: very competitive laserdisc player with
minimal Karaoke features (auto pause, microphone
jack with echo).
MDP-800 (upto $1,200) Automatic side change, 20 chapter programming,
video: very good digital comb filter, digital special effects with
audio: excellent 8-bit digital field memory, digital Time Base
ergonomics: very good Corrector, remote control, shuttle ring, S-video
output, time/frame search, and Toslink output.
In short: Sony finally enters high-end laserdisc
player market with this potent player with very
attractive digital special effects with CLV
laserdiscs.
Panasonic laserdisc players________________________________________________
By concentrating on developing higher quality image and audio, Panasonic
has [mostly] succeeded in bettering Pioneer. Panasonic laserdisc players
deliver top-notch video and audio performances at competitive prices. All
three latest laserdisc players from Panasonic share similar design with
excellent ergonomics.
LX-200 ($400-600) 20 chapter programming, clear scanning, digital
video: excellent comb filter, digital Time Base Corrector, remote
audio: excellent control, shuttle ring, S-video output, time/frame
ergonomics: very good search, and Toslink output.
In short: the very best low-end laserdisc you can
buy. It may cost a bit more (it was recently
introduced to replace LX-101) but the price
should stabilize to compete with Pioneer CLD-S201
and Sony MDP-455.
LX-600 ($525-800) automatic side change, 20 chapter programming,
video: excellent clear scanning, digital comb filter, digital Time
audio: excellent Base Corrector, remote control, shuttle ring, S-
ergonomics: very good video output, time/frame search, and Toslink
output.
In short: the best laserdisc player with automatic
side change capability.
LX-900 ($725-1,100) automatic side change, 20 chapter programming,
video: excellent digital special effects with 8-bit digital field
audio: excellent memory, digital comb filter, digital Time Base
ergonomics: very good Corrector, remote control, jog dial and shuttle
ring, S-video output, time/frame search, and
Toslink output.
In short: owned by yours truly, a nearly flawless
laserdisc player. The only better laserdisc
players maybe Pioneer's high-end players which
cost twice as much.
Other laserdisc players____________________________________________________
A growing number of other manufactures market laserdisc players, including
Denon, Kenwood, Marantz, Onkyo, Optimus (by Radio Shack), Samsung, and
Yamaha. Most manufacturers modify their players from Pioneer designs
(some are more modified than others) with their own audio designs. Those
laserdisc players usually deliver superior digital audio reproduction than
Pioneer. Unfortunately, most feature shorter list of features with higher
price tag, thus they are generally not recommended.
Denon LA-2100 ($800) automatic side change, 24 chapter programming,
video: excellent clear scanning, digital comb filter, digital Time
audio: excellent Base Corrector, remote control, jog dial and
ergonomics: excellent shuttle ring, S-video output, time/frame search,
and Toslink output.
In short: derived from Pioneer CLD-D501, a
fantastic player with fabulous design.
Denon LA-3100 ($1,200) automatic side change, 24 chapter programming,
video: excellent digital comb filter, digital special effects with
audio: excellent 8-bit digital field memory, digital Time Base
ergonomics: excellent Corrector, remote control, jog dial and shuttle
ring, S-video output, time/frame search, and
Toslink output.
In short: basically what Pioneer CLD-D701
should've been.
Kenwood LVD-300 ($600) 24 chapter programming, clear scanning, digital
video: very good comb filter, digital Time Base Corrector, remote
audio: very good control, S-video output, time/frame search, and
ergonomics: very good Toslink output.
In short: similar to Pioneer CLD-D501, this player
offers solid performances with simplified design.
Kenwood LVD-820R automatic side change, 24 chapter programming,
($1,200) digital comb filter, digital special effects with
video: excellent 8-bit digital field memory, digital Time Base
audio: excellent Corrector, remote control, shuttle ring, S-video
ergonomics: very good output, time/frame search, and Toslink output.
In short: similar to Pioneer CLD-D701, this player
offers outstanding performances with simplied
design.
Marantz LV500 ($800) automatic side change, 24 chapter programming,
video: excellent clear scanning, digital Time Base Corrector,
audio: excellent remote control, shuttle ring, S-video output,
ergonomics: excellent time/frame search, and Toslink output.
In short: derived from Pioneer CLD-D501, it boasts
superior performance with quality design.
Yamaha CDV-870 ($750) 20 chapter programming, clear scanning, digital
video: very good Time Base Corrector, remote control, S-video
audio: excellent output, time/frame search, and Toslink output.
ergonomics: very good In short: although it boasts superior audio
performance with clean design, it is short on
features.