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There is little doubt that the new DV-310 and DV-410V are neat looking DVD players, with the DV-410V giving consumers a simple connectivity solution via HDMI as well as video upscaling to 1080p for compatibility with new flat panel displays, but I am not convinced that it is desirable or necessary to have one in every room. The fact that a front panel USB port on both players gives consumers the ability to enjoy music, photos or video stored on a USB key in high quality doesn’t really persuade me as I just think that there are some times and places that you should just be able to switch off and get away from technology and enjoy a good old fashioned book, or even a conversation with another real person!

But that is just me. As DVD players go these have some pretty good features:

• Advanced Playback Capabilities The DV-310 and DV-410V provide playback of WMA and MP3 compressed audio files burned to a disc or saved to a USB flash drive, and have official DivX certification that allow users to playback high quality audio and video content stored to an optical disc.
• Superior Video Experience The DVD players take advantage of Pioneer’s renowned PureCinema 2:3 Progressive Scan technology that eliminates many troublesome image artifacts like jagged edges or excessive film judder.
• Surround Sound Audio Both new DVD players offer Dolby® Digital and DTS® decoding for 5.1 surround sound.
• Connect to Your Flat Panel Display Both offer quick connectivity and easy set-up with new 1080p HDTVs. The DV-410V eliminates the video conversions that take place between analog and digital signals when playing standard DVD to a connected HDTV and costs $99.
• Progressive DVD Player The DV-310 is the entry level DVD and takes advantage of Pioneer’s optical disc heritage to output premium picture and sound quality. It costs $69 and will be available in May 2008.

Via [Pioneer]