DVD Combo - In The Lab

DVD-VIDEO PERFORMANCE
Maximum white-level error: -7 IRE
Setup level: +12 IRE
Luminance frequency response:
(re level at 1 MHz)
at 4 MHz +0.43 dB
at 5 MHz +0.43 dB
at 6 MHz -1.9 dB
at 6.75 MHz (DVD limit) -3.1 dB
Onscreen horizontal resolution: 540 lines
In-player letterboxing: poor

CD AUDIO PLAYBACK
Frequency response:
20 Hz to 3.78 kHz +0.35, -3 dB
Noise level: (re -20 dBFS, A-wtd) -62.3 dB

There are two problems here. The visible one stems from the way-off setup level (it should be no higher than +7.5 IRE) and the low maximum white level (which may be a deliberate attempt to minimize picture "burn-in" with picture tubes). Combined, these traits produce a flat-looking picture lacking sparkling highlights and missing blacks as well as the darkest grays. It may not be possible to correct for these traits with the picture controls in every TV. On the audio side, the frequency response starts rolling off in the low treble, which is a serious limitation.
- D.R.