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Features
> Carousel 5-disc changer.
> Yamaha PlayXchange system.
> Dolby Digital compatible.
> DTS Surround compatibles.
> 10-Bit Video DAC.
> 96-kHz 24-Bit Audio DAC.
> Component video outputs.
Pros
> Convenient play system
> High build quality.
Cons
> Remote is a bit fiddly.
Ratings
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Distributor
Yamaha Music Australia
Tel: 1800 682 705
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Yamaha DVD-C996
5-disc carousel DVD changer and player
Recommended retail price: $999 (inc. GST)
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Reviewer: Richard Morgan
It's amazing what you can buy for under a grand on the local DVD player market. Take the Yamaha model DVD-C996 for example: it caters for all surround sound processing formats and requirements, uses the latest audio and video digital to analogue conversion systems, has component video output and can handle five discs at the same time - all (and more) for $999.
Like its music CD counterpart, the DVD market is almost ruled by single drawer (disc) players. Multi-disc machines are not so much a novelty because, if they're like the DVD-C996, they are bona fide pieces of advanced technology and more a rarity or noteworthy.
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The fact that this particular unit comes from one of the main home theatre players in the world adds loads of credibility too. In fact, Yamaha has a solid track record and a lot of commercial success in multi-disc CD players and its experience is being used to good effect in its DVD players.
The DVD-C996 houses five discs that rest in recesses on a large turntable, The turntable rotates in a carousel fashion allowing loading and removal of discs. Importantly, the disc alcoves are clearly labeled so that even under low light conditions you can easily see which recess you're loading the disc into - believe me when the lights are low you'll appreciate this small detail.
The action of the drawer is smooth and surprisingly quiet considering the size of the carriage. The drawer actually extends a healthy distance from the front fascia to allow safe loading and unloading of discs and minimise the chance of scratch damage.
You can mix and match DVD-Video and music CD discs to your heart's content because the machine automatically switches to the correct decoding system. This means you can have a DVD-Video disc in two receptacles, a VideoCD in another and two conventional music CDs in the two remaining slots, and all will replay beautifully.
I mainly used the multi-disc facility for consecutive play of five music CDs during dinner parties and gatherings with friends, but on a couple of accessions I chose my discs properly, loaded them into the play hit the random play button and let it play all night.
However, the player won't recognize CD-R format discs, which means I can't enjoy my Tea Party compilations and have to go back to the original discs and skip tracks where appropriate, but I guess that's not such a hardship considering the flexibility in other areas.
Yamaha's PlayXchange function is a carry over from its CD multi-disc player design and a very worthy one at that. Basically it lets you exchange discs in the carousel while one is playing and you'll be surprised how often you'll use the feature. There are minimal controls on the player itself, but the slim line remote works quite well despite the fact that some buttons are a tad fuddly to use and it's hard to read the labeling in low light. The display is quite informative and relatively easy for 20/20 people to read.
Audio connection is via digital optical or coaxial facilities (with minimalist RCA analogue backup). Video is outlet via composite connectors, S-Video and (fanfare) component video outputs. It's unlikely that you'll need any more facilities in any application save esoteric home theatre systems.
Yamaha is a world leader in processing chip technology and its implementation (I can vouch for this fact since I've seen it first hand), so it stands to reason that the processing systems are in place on the DVD-C996 to make picture and sound quality first rate (10-Bit Video digital-to-analogue conversion and 96-kHz 24-Bit audio processing).
Pictures produced by the DVD-C996 are very good by any standards and in particular for a mid-market carousel design. The textures and hues in Gladiator came across very well, while detail was pretty darn good. Importantly, it was maintained across the varying patinas in the movie. No hassles in the sound department either.
Yamaha has made the DVD-C996 with precision. It's sturdy, reliable and works beautifully. It also offers a strong range of features and the flexibility of a 5-disc DVD changer at a good price. It's an ideal multi-player choice. The fact it's a Yamaha earns it Brownie points too.
What really impressed me after living with the DVD-C996 for a couple of months was how much I missed its convenience when it was removed from system. It's a large unit due to its form and function and although its perhaps not the sexiest player on the market it's solid, reliable and totally functional. Overall excellent value and convenience.
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