We complete our look at Toshiba’s new range of upscaling DVD players, with the top of the range Toshiba SD-590.
Aesthetically, the Toshiba SD-590 is very similar to the SD-490, with it’s clean, and slim profile managing to look high quality, despite the relatively low price. The only difference you’ll notice visually is the USB socket on the front, which is also the main feature that the SD-590 boasts over the SD-490. The built in USB socket enables you to play MP3, DivX and Jpeg files directly from your USB stick and is an important next generation feature that makes the SD-590 a much more flexible device than just a simple DVD player. As with the 490, the display is clear and bright, if a little small, and general build quality is spot on. In additionto the USB socket, the 590 also has the usual connections with a single HDMI, component, digital co-axial and scart sockets.
The player also features the REGZA link so owners of Toshiba televisions will also be able to control multiple Toshiba devices from the same remote control.
Of course, the Toshiba also able to decode Dolby Digital and DTS sound so you can enjoy the full home cinema audio experience, and with its ability to be able to upscale standard DVDs to 1080p, you’ll get a high video experience too.
What to consider before you buy the Toshiba SD-590 DVD Player
This top of the range player is lacking very little, but the Toshiba XD-E600, although more expensive, offers higher quality upscaling.
Why you should buy the Toshiba SD-590 DVD Player
The online prices for the SD-590 are currently very similar to the SD-490, and with the additional feature of the USB socket, this makes it by far the best option of the two, and highly recommended. Rating: /5
The Panasonic DMP-BD50 marks an important milestone in the short life of Blu-ray players. As well as supporting the latest BD-LIVE profile, it is also the player that has got many enthusiasts have to finally take notice of the format. We find out why.
The BD55 is the bigger brother to the DMP-BD35 just as the BD50 was to the BD30. It is slightly different this time around as the little brother is a very credible alternative to the BD55, whereas the BD30 didn’t tick all the boxes to make it a product we wanted to review and recommend. The BD35 lacks very few features compared to the BD55 – however, some of these are likely to be very important for some of you.