Yamaha DVD-S2700WC Region Free DVD Player Review

Description: HD Upconverting, Hardware Modified Region Free DVD Player

Region Free Operation - 99/100

This is a region 1 player that has been converted to region free operation using the WorldClad WC-14H chipset. This hardware modification allows for seamless playback of Region 0-8 DVDs and handles PAL/SECAM to NTSC conversion so the player does not require any outboard video converter. There is no fiddling with teh remotes or power cycling sequences to change regions, you can take out a region 1 disc and put in a region 2 disc and the player automatically switches without requiring any more from the user. This sort of operation is what sets hardware modified region free players apart form simple software and firmware modifications.

Video Performance - 96/100

The Yamaha DVD-S2700WC converts DVD video to 720p, 1080i or 1080p when you use the HDMI output and the hardware inside the player does an excellent job of this, when using the HD upconversion the picture looks significantly better than it does when using 480p out of the component outputs or 480i over the composite. The video DAC does a great job with those analog outputs as well but the way to use this player is with an HDMI cable and an HDTV.

This player is the top of the line from Yamaha and it shows in the picture performance of this fine machine.

Other Considerations - 94/100

The Cirrus Logic CS4398 192/24 audio DACs wring every bit of sound out of the discs you put in the DVD-S2700WC delivering crystal clear audio that will put your home theater through it's paces.

Apart from just DVD video the DVD-S2700WC can play DivX VOD files, WMA files, JPEG photos, MP3 audio, DVD Audio and SACD.

Value - 87/100

At around $360 the Yamaha DVD-S2700WC is not inexpensive but high performance, top-tier electronics rarely are. As is the case with most things, you get what you pay for and with the DVD-S2700 you get excellent picture quality, HD upconversion, crystal clear audio and the ability to play back many differnt file formats. The WorldClad WC-14H chipset adds seamless region free operation.