The diminutive DV-578A-S from Pioneer, in all probability, has been launched targeting the lower end of the DVD player market. This presumption carries weight when you consider that it doesn’t have any specific high-end features or for that matter any memorable addition to its virtual twin, looks wise, the DV-563 that was launched last year. It thus, possesses no potential threat to brawny higher-end models, like the Panasonic DMP-BD30EE, that are considered the final authority as far as high-end DVD players are concerned. The best part of the unit is that it is compatible with numerous formats. It effortlessly handles DVD-Audio and SACD discs, plus DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and CD-R/RW, in addition to MP3, WMA, and JPEG files. Then it is also priced pretty decently making it a viable option.

Another good point is that it has an amazing memory. For example, if you stop your movie at a certain time and return much later to watch it, it will start from where you left off. You can also even listen to a few CDs in between! The unit’s bass management feature, on the other hand, can cope with tiny satellite speakers, including the company’s own Energy Take 5.2 satellites.

It put on an impressive performance, as far as controlling image quality is concerned. The unit also posses reasonable connectivity and includes some popular options, like progressive/component, composite, and S-Video outputs, coaxial and optical digital audio outputs, and stereo and 5.1 analogue audio outputs. Furthermore, it has onboard built-in Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 decoders, which allow you to connect everything via the 5.1-channel analogue jacks. You should also be impressed with the unit’s small, gray plastic remote, largely because its minimalist functionality ensures that you can manage most of the features with a single click.