The distinctive-looking DVD-S2700 is part of a double-act. The Laurel to the brand's Hardy RX-V2700 receiver, it's styled to match both the latter's award-winning performance and it's distinctive aesthetics. For owners of that particular receiver, it seems a perfect match, but how does it stand up when viewed in isolation?

The S2700 is a high-end offering with a custom install-friendly RS232 control port on the rear panel. Also on the back are a full complement of AV outputs. The HDMI v1.1 output can go all the way to 1080p, provided your screen can rise to the challenge.

Predictably, this upscaling is not supported on the component output, too. Perhaps more regrettable is its inability to deliver 480i/576i over HDMI. Delivering SD over this single digital cable would have been a significant boon for those who prefer to use an outboard scaler, or simply choose to let their panels do the upscaling.

In audio terms, the S2700 offers a full 5.1 set of phonos. This is essential for Super Audio CD and DVD-A hi-res multichannel audio. An added bonus is that it also caters for Dolby Digital and DTS DVD soundtracks.

You'll also find optical and coaxial outputs for pumping raw bitstreams to off-board AV gear. In addition, audio (two- or 5.1-channel linear PCM, or bitstream) is also available on the HDMI output. Useful, then, if your amp acts not only as an HDMI switcher, but can also siphon off audio from the connectors. But beware: you can't use the other digital outputs if 'audio-over-HDMI' is active, as I discovered after much cable-checking!

Features

This is an undeniably expensive player, but while clearly advanced, the V2700 is conventional rather than cutting-edge. Faroudja's familiar DCDi deinterlacing is built-in, as is the certified ability to play subtitled DivX software, and MP3/JPEG/WMA files.

The Analog Devices video DACs benefit from noise-shaped video (NSV) technology, but such benefits will, of course, be lost should you opt for the HDMI connection. Features available to both output types are comprehensive video adjustments, and a TV-like non-linear 'stretch' feature that fills a 16:9 screen with a 4:3 picture.

Audio-wise, the S2700 plumps for Cirrus Logic CS4398 192/24 audio DACs. Yamaha made its consumer reputation in sound so I'm pleased to see that this tradition has been upheld with an 'audio direct' mode and a separate power supply for the analogue audio.

But while it packs in the features fairly well, there are none of Yamaha's trademark DSP goodies on the 5.1 analogue output. Indeed, you don't even get Pro-Logic II decoding - a useful upgrade for older amplification - and, as a result, the audio from stereo (2.0) discs emanates from the front left and right channels only.

Note that most AV amps operate in 'straight' mode with an external 5.1 source, feeding audio directly to the power amps via the volume control. If you want surround from two-channel DVDs, you'll have to use either digital or the separate two-channel analogue connection. This, of course, wastes another input.

Configuration is straightforward - all of the expected output, language, parental control and hi-res audio options are present. Unfortunately, you only have a choice of NTSC/60Hz or PAL/50Hz when setting video output. A third 'auto' option would be welcome, especially if you have made your player multiregion.