At £3,000 it ain't cheap, but then perfection rarely is. Marco Bilello is blown away by Tag McLaren's sublime DVD32FLR
Tag McLaren's DVD32FLR is a mini-me version of the mighty DVD32R (December '01 issue). It uses the same main printed circuit board and power supply circuitry but, unlike its big brother, sports a front-loading mechanism. It also carries a colossal £3,000 price tag. Let's find out whether it's justified...
The DVD32FLR boasts a mass of technology under its bonnet and weighs in at a hefty 9kg. It's also taller than most DVD decks, because it must accommodate the suspended lead-weighted DVD transport mechanism and front-loading tray above the main printed circuit board.
Build quality is exemplary. The front panel is constructed from 17mm thick aluminium for maximum rigidity. Despite its ample proportions it's still a fine looker and is blessed with a minimalist design, affirmed by the tiny circular manual control buttons.
The DVD32FLR is one of the few DVD players to sport a DVI output. This pipes digital images to compatible displays such as plasmas and projectors. Our sample was fitted with the prog scan module PSM192, although this is also available as an upgrade for £1,095. When installed, the component video BNC connectors and DVI output deliver PAL or NTSC progressive scan signals.
The module also alters some of the rear socketry. The S-video and composite video outputs become inputs to the PSM192 and there's an additional DVI output connector. Component video phono outputs deliver interlaced images, while S-video and composite video outs are also present. With such extensive options, a Scart socket is not deemed worthy of inclusion.
Digital audio socketry is well covered (see Specifications) but there are no analogue outputs. Tagtronic BUS connectors allow the player to communicate with compatible products, relaying remote commands to kit outside the IR range.
These ports are also used for firmware upgrades, which are available from the Tag McLaren Audio website (see spec box). A DVD-Audio hardware upgrade is planned and the rear panel has vacant ports for analogue 5.1-channel output.
The backlit learning remote is sizeable and, while it provides access to a host of features and controls, it's a little tricky to use. Buttons are well labelled but tightly packed into odd positions. They also carry out more than one function, which can be confusing.
There's nothing magical about the Setup Wizard, which provides a laborious guide through the essential settings. The menus are overloaded with text and respond sluggishly to button-presses on the remote.
You have to choose between component video or S-video/ composite video output, disabling whichever isn't selected. If the PSM192 is installed you also have to configure the outputs by inputting codes on the remote. This is clearly explained in the manual.
A real treat is the variety of test patterns for optimising your display with output from the player. Disc compatibility is good, although MP3, VCD and DVD-RAM discs won't play ball.
Performance
The mixed lab report belies the DVD32FLR's incredible picture prowess. Subjectively, it's most impressive with the PAL progressive DVI output. The all-digital feed produces extremely bright and vivid images, with excellent detail in dark scenes. There's sublime definition to shaded areas of the picture, which isn't visible when using S-video or interlaced component video output.
The contrast is impeccable, delivering fulsome images with raven blacks and gloriously rich colours. The high-grade Silicon Images Sil504 progressive chip supplies spectacularly smooth and controlled moving images that are free from artefacts and noise.
Detail is less impressive with the slightly darker interlaced component video output, although the picture is cinematically smooth with accurate colour rendition.
The DVD32FLR is a wonderful CD player, too. Playback is incredibly natural and robust with lashings of detail - on a par with most moderately priced CD decks. Multichannel DVD soundtracks are hard-hitting and punchy.
In conclusion, the DVD32FLR is a stupendous performer. Pictures via the DVI output must be seen to be believed, while multichannel DVD and CD audio are both sublime. Minor operational glitches aside, there's very little to criticise. If you can afford the whopping asking price, you're buying straight into home cinema heaven.