The Sony DVP-NS3100ES/B DVD/SACD player is part of Sony's exclusive Elevated Standard product line (hence the ES in the product name). With an HDMI connection, DVD up-conversion and the superior quality and 5-year warranty of the ES line, the DVP-NS3100ES/B is a worthy disc player. However, like other Sony players, this unit is not compatible with DVD-Audio, so it cannot be considered a universal player.

The single-disc DVP-NS3100ES/B delivers great video playback performance. When linked to a compatible HDTV, the HDMI connection allows DVD up-conversion, displaying DVD at a 720p or 1,080i. Keep in mind that this is not the equivalent of high-definition programming, as the up-conversion does not add any details from DVD's standard 480 lines of resolution. If your TV doesn't have an HDMI input, connecting the DVP-NS3100ES/B via its gold-plated component video output lets you watch at progressive scan (480p) levels, provided your TV is compatible.

In addition to DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW, the DVP-NS3100ES/B plays high-resolution SACD audio discs. For the purist possible audio signal, the video circuits and front-panel display can be turned off to prevent any interference during audio-only playback. Sony was one of the primary developers of SACD, which is in direct competition with the other high-resolution audio format, DVD-Audio, so perhaps this explains why the DVP-NS3100ES/B doesn't play DVD-Audio. This unit is also compatible with CD, CD-R/RW and MP3 files burned to CD but not DVD.

The DVP-NS3100ES/B is loaded with tons of other video features, including I/P conversion, vertical edge compensation and noise shaping. On the audio side, speaker time alignment lets you adjust for an acoustically imperfect room configuration. In addition to the HDMI and component video outputs on the rear panel, the DVP-NS3100ES/B has two S-video outputs, two composite video outputs, coaxial and optical digital audio outputs and a multichannel discrete 5.1 channel output for SACD.

This unit offers excellent video and audio performance, backed up by a strong warranty. It isn't universal, but the Sony DVP-NS3100ES/B is a high-performance disc player.


Pros: HDMI output, DVD up-conversion, generous 5-year warranty
Cons: Doesn't play DVD-Audio, doesn't play MP3 burned to DVD

Warranty
5 years parts and labor