Since I'm still waiting for my Panasonic LX-900 to return, I've decided to put together a different LD capturing setup.
Part 1: The LD Player
LD Player Requirements:
1. Pure analog video output
2. Minimal CLV smear
3. Cheap!
4. "Balanced" video noise density
5. At least 420 lines of horizontal resolution and at least 46dB video SNR
The only LD player that I can afford (after all of the money I've spent on my Panasonic LX-900) which meets these requirements is the Pioneer CLD-1010. I've already acquired one and had it professionally calibrated and reconditioned by Kurtis Bahr.
Here's a blurb on it:
Ty Chamberlain said:
The CLD-1010 is a totally solid state player with a CCD Time Base Corrector. It also incorporates the same, superior analog video noise reduction circuitry that is contained in the LD-W1 and the Pioneer Elite LD-S1. The laser uses the Accu-Focus system, and achieves a .55 micron laser spot for 420 lines of resolution. In addition, the LaserRF amp is attached directly to the pickup, for RF-noise rejection. The player also incorporates Video Noise Coring, that eliminates video noise (snow) in dark parts of the picture. This helps tremendously with imperfectly pressed CLV/CAA Extended Play titles. One extra special aspect of the CLD-1010, and what sets it apart from all other Solid State LD players, either before or since, is its Laser Diode uses a RED laser of 6228 Angstroms. No other LD player or CD player with a Diode Laser has used a red laser. Red Lasers are VERY expensive and difficult to produce. But, they achieve an incredibly tight beam, and have excellent noise rejection. Plus, the red color of the laser makes most scratches and blemishes on the surface of the disc invisible to the photo diode system. Strangely, Pioneer never talked about this feature nor did they promote it.
Here's another quote from Ty:
disclord said:
I have a DVL-700 modded by MSB, an LD-1100, a CLD1010 and Sony Lasermax Pioneer LD-700 clone and none have CLV smear on my Sanyo Z3 projector, Toshiba LCD 1080p flat panel or my Sony 35 inch XBR Wega.
gumbyandpals on LDDb claims that the CLD-1010 exhibits a little CLV smear. Here's a quote from a PM from him on LDDb on that:
AntcuFaalb said:
Does your CLD-1010 exhibit any CLV Smear?
gumbyandpals said:
It does, but very minimal
About the same as the ld-s2 if you've seen that. Less than a Cld-95 or 97. Drastically less than a cld-d704.