DVD-VIDEO PERFORMANCE
Maximum white-level error: +8 IRE
Setup level: +7.5/0 IRE (switchable)
Luminance frequency response
(re level at 1 MHz)
at 4 MHz +2.6 dB
at 5 MHz +1.6 dB
at 6 MHz –1.4 dB
at 6.75 MHz (DVD limit) –1.9 dB
Onscreen horizontal resolution:
540 lines
In-player letterboxing:
poor

CD AUDIO PLAYBACK
Frequency response:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.15, –0.09 dB
Noise level: (re –20 dBFS, A-wtd) –73.8 dB

The picture this combo’s DVD player produced was “hot” in a couple of ways. The maximum-white-level error was very high, which is likely to drive a picture tube into various types of misbehavior on very bright areas of an image. This can be corrected using the TV’s contrast control in conjunction with a DVD test disc. There was also a large boost (the highest we’ve measured) in the midrange of the luminance frequency response, which produced a sense of hyped-up picture detail. Turning down your TV’s sharpness control may produce a more accurate picture. The CD performance was good if not stellar.
— David Ranada

DVD-VIDEO PERFORMANCE
Maximum white-level error: –7 IRE
Setup level: 0 IRE
Luminance frequency response:
(re level at 1 MHz)
at 4 MHz +0.26 dB
at 5 MHz +0.26 dB
at 6 MHz –3.1 dB
at 6.75 MHz (DVD limit) –4.4 dB
Onscreen horizontal resolution: 540 lines
In-player letterboxing: poor

CD AUDIO PLAYBACK
Frequency response:
20 Hz to 17.9 kHz +0.12, –3 dB
Noise level: (re –20 dBFS, A-wtd) –73.2 dB

As a DVD player, the PlayStation 2 had the best overall audio and video measurements in this group. The CD frequency response did roll off sharply a little short of 20 kHz, but this won’t be audible with most program material. On the video side, the 0-IRE setup level is a hint that you should calibrate your TV for proper black level (use a DVD test disc). And, as with the Neon player, the –7-IRE maximum white level may be meant to minimize the possibility of burn-in with picture tubes, which is more of a concern when a TVis used to display computer graphics. — D.R.

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.