Picture and sound ( when they're working ), and sexy looking even when they don't.

Obviously, reliability! Each time an H/K product craps out on me, I say " never again ". Then I see what the other brands offer at similar price points ( and, I mean retail for comparing - though I seldom pay retail ).
Actually, my longest lasting DVD player ( I have 3, the H/K, a Sony recorder, and a Sony 5 disc changer ) IS the 5 disc changer. Mind you, this was an exchange after TWO H/K CD changers crapped out during the one year warranty - and they were discontinued when the second one came back from service " unable to repair". The Sony changer does play SACD ( the first year it was offered ), but since Sony develloped SACD, they NEVER offered DVD-Audio on any of their pllayers! Also, progressive scan wasn't offered at that price point ( back in '91 ),
so I've tweaked it some with isolation and vibration add ons, but not too cost effective to have more in cables and tweaks than the component itself!
More to the point, if you buy a Harman Kardon, buy a good warranty, and sell it when you can't renew the warranty!

Actualy I own a DVD 48, which is the same player as the 47, but upscales to 1080p. I bought it instead of a Blu Ray player because
- I have a large collection of SACD's, and there's no way to play on a Blu Ray
-H/K's products typically sound better than others in their price range from other vendors

-I bought it to replace a Denon which lasted about a year and a half, after buying it to replace a Harman Kardon DVD 101, which didn't have SACD or DVD-Audio like the 47 and 48 ( both of which by the way are discontinued now! At least the DVD 101 lasted for two years before it crapped out! I've been on the retail side since 1979, back in the days of Harman's Citation Series, and just prior to my back going out they changed their " high end " pieces to the Signature series. I say that half kidding as Harman Intl. owns the names to such REAL high end lines as Proceed, LLexicon, and Mark Levinson! I pray those last longer than the H/K stuff!

Customer Service

Fair to lousy, depending on who you're fortunate to speak with, but for all the positive things I've said about Sony gear, their customer service is the worst I,ve come acrossed - as a customer, and as a dealer!

By the way, I failed to mention my $300 DVD-48 is less than 90 days out of their
" one year limited warranty " - and that story isn't done yet. That is why I felt fellow AudioReviewers deserved to know - even though there isn't a listing for th DVD 48 yet!

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba ( can't remember model ), Sony, H / K DVD 101, Denon ( can't remember model no. ),

Video quality
Audio detail
HDMI output
SACD & DVD Audio

Remote large

I purchased this player to replace an older HK DVD22 because of the HDMI and also for the SACD and DVD Audio. This is one fine unit. Audio is very detailed, rich and full. Video is great the upconversion is crisp and clear. The remote is a bit large but it wasn't an issue because I use a Harmony 890 remote. As usual a high quality piece of equipment from Harman Kardon. Would recomend to all.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Harman Kardon DVD22