Price Paid:  $450.00 from Fingerhut

Summary:
I would not recommend this player to anyone. I've seen numerous complaints on the same problem with model on other sites. I bought my son a cheap G.E. player that has lasted longer & played better. For the price charged, I feel I was ripped - off.

Strengths:
Great sound, nice features, great cd player

Weaknesses:
Piece of junk, picture freezes after 20 minutes viewing(heat build-up ?), no support from jvc

Similar Products Used:
sony, ge

Summary:
JVC XV-511BK After watching "Arlinton Road" tried to view alt. ending. DVD locked up. Can no longer view Pvt Ryan or Arlinton Rd (locks up).However Bakara plays just fine.(Dolby Digital & all.???

Strengths:
When working, great sound and video.

Weaknesses:
Support- JVC web site doesn't mention DVD support & each 800 number refers you to the other one. The telephone number listed in the book for factory service center locations in NJ is no longer in service!!!

Similar Products Used:
None

Summary:
I like my 501 except for an audio dropping problem experienced in my unit as well as a few others here. 20 reviews (under another title) and 4 problems does not bode well for QA at JVC. It a feature-laden machine, but I cannot endorse something that interferes with the function for which it was designed.
BTW, my experience with the audio skipping is most noticeable on dts DVDs. Dragonheart skips at least 15-20 times throughout the movie, and even a
few times on the 'Digital Experience' intro!

Summary:
For me it was a close call between the Pioneer DV414 and the JVC XV-501BK. I like the fact the Pioneer is cheaper ($299 at CC versus $359 for JVC at Good Guys), can play CD-Rs and has coax out (the JVC cannot play CD-Rs and only has optical out); however, the JVC unit has a much nicer GUI, display, remote, and extra features (zoom, multiple speed forward and reverse). Both have DTS and Component out. The JVC unit has 4 DVDs in the box (Lost In Space, Wedding Singer, Pinocchio, and Deconstructing Harry). This may or may not mean anything but the JVC unit is also heavier than the Pioneer.
I demoed the Pioneer DV414 at the Good Guys and noticed a lip-syncing problem on the Pinocchio DVD. I wasn't sure if it was the player or the DVD, but I've subsequently heard of others on online audio forums who have noticed the same thing independently so I decided against this unit. (Note: many 414 owners have not seen this problem.) Going with the JVC was a little risky because it is newer and there hasn't been much mention of it on the forums (although what was posted has been positive except for a reported glitch playing Video CDs which doesn't bother me).

Now that I've watched a half-dozen DVDs on the JVC, I must say that I'm amazed at the picture and sound quality of this unit. The JVC GUI/remote takes a little getting used to but after a few minutes you really get to appreciate it. The remote has a 4-way joystick for easy navigation and can control your TV as well. To be fair, I haven't tested this unit with a DTS DVD yet.

If I could do it over again, I would have liked to bring both units home and test them out side-by-side. I probably would have gotten the DV414 if I hadn't heard the negative things about it amongst the many positive things. It seems that people are either really happy with their DV414, or they notice problems with it. Perhaps if the JVC unit was as popular, the same would be true. As it stands, I'm happy with my decision although I miss the CD-R capability. No glitches to report. I would definitely stay away from the Toshiba 2108 unit, however, due to many reported audio glitches noted in the forums.

Pricing Note: As a point of reference-- The Good Guys will "wheel and deal" with you. I was able to talk the salesman down to $369 from the $399 advertised price on the JVC. I also got my Yamaha RX-V795 receiver there for $659 ($799 advertised), although that required substantial haggling.

I'm giving the JVC 4 stars (I would have given it 5 if it could play CD-Rs!)

John