Standard DVD Benchmark Performance

The Pioneer BDP-51D was tested from HDMI outputs as well as component video outputs and varying results were observed from the different outputs. From the HDMI outpus the BDP-51D passed most of the Secrets benchmarks applying correct processing to 3-2 and 2-2 cadence material. The only real hicups the player experienced was with material with choppy edits or with incorrect progressive flags. The BDP-51d showed itself to be motion adaptive.

From the component video outputs the player exibited different results and was unable to correctly display any of the 3-2 cadence material or switch between video and film modes. HDMI would be the preferred choice of outputs with this player.

The BDP-51D did not exhibit any issues with any of Secret's chroma upsampling error tests from either HDMI or component outputs.

HD Video Benchmark Performance

The HD performance of the BDP-51FD was respectable. On the upside, the player was able to properly convert 1080i material with both 3-2 and 2-2 cadences, there were no problems with pixel cropping, and it applies significant diagonal filtering. On the downside, the BDP-51D didn't show enough of an amount of digital noise reduction to pass the noise reduction test. Click on the chart below to enlarge it.

Usability

The BDP-51D exhibited poor performance with sluggish operation and a very slow layer change that was greater than two seconds.

Core Video Performance

Measurements were taken at 1080i from the analog outputs using our Tektronix oscilloscope. The Pioneer BDP-51FD exhibited good performance in the core tests with a white level measured at 101 IRE, no problems with pixel cropping, and the ability to display blacker than black content. The BDP-51FD's frequency response had a gradual rise up to the highest frequencies which translates to displaying a minor amount of ringing in fine detail.