Home > Consumer Reviews > Yakumo XL2 5.1 Channel Multi-region DVD Player [With Scart Lead]

Bought this along with the SVA 2818, one for present, one for myself. Put simply, after testing I went for the Yakumo. Looks and feels better than the SVA (SVA still outstanding value though. Check my review for it on it's own reviews page!!!!!)

On testing, they were both on PAR with what they could playback. I tested the following.....
DVD
DVDR
VCD
SVCD
XVCD
XSVCD
CD
CDR
CDRW
MP3
JPEG (pictures)

and probably any other types you can think of, apart from MPEG4(DivX)

I would say the Yakumo's output was slighty better, especially with VCD's, SVCD's etc. The CD Tray is quiet in operation, and the buttons on the machine & remote respond immediately, and are solid feeling. The remote is quite large, but that's not a complaint, because it's packed with functions, inc standby! (Some players in this price range lack this for some reason!).

Main important features..
LCD - Displays DVD/CD/VCD details
NTSC/PAL/Multi selector - playback NTSC on PAL & ViceVersa
Pan scan - smoother resolution on playback. Ideal for Plasma/LCD
RGB output - better output via scart
Resume - pick up where you left off, if you press stop
PBC - Playback controls when playing VCD, SVCD etc
Zoom - 1/4x 1/3x 1/2x 2x 3x 4x
16:9/4:3 selectable
various Video & Audio output selections
Coax Digital out
Composite out
Scart out
Comes with Scart Lead, Composite-A/V cables & Remote.

Summary, If you're new to DVD, or are buying another for yourself, or even a present. Whatever the reason, BUY THIS PLAYER!!!! At £35, can you go wrong? Trust me when I say the bigger brand names are ripping us off!! Buy this player, and you'll see exactly what I mean.

Spurred on by other reviews I bought this player for my daughters bedroom, and what a gem it has turned out to be. Armed with the manual, a cool temper and several hours of quality time to set up (based on previous experience with our lounge setup), I had it connected to her phillips TV via the scart (included), and to her Hifi for stereo sound (cables also provided)in a record five minutes, including three minutes to reflect on why I wasn't experiencing the inevitable picture/audio setup problems! The instruction manual is actually quite useful for a change and provides comprehensive setup and operating instructions. Sound and picture quality are as good as my £150+ branded player and plays music CD's effectively. Graced with more features than you can remember what they do, zoom, shuttle, freeze frame etc (those things no one ever uses unless you are under 12) The build quality is very solid, the design slim and neat. I am amazed, and you will be too it looks, feels and operates like a much more expensive player. End result one very happy daughter. Happy viewing.

.. when you can have this superb multi-region player for the same price if not less? Plays whatever I've thrown at it. Scene skipping is lightning fast, as was Amazon's five day delivery (arrived in 2!).
Build quality is much better than your average budget player. Having a SCART lead, AV leads thrown in makes this deal better than anything else I've found either in-store or on the 'net. If the low price is making you think there must be a catch - there isn't. Just buy one.

I originally bought a Samsung 709 back in 1999/2000 and paid to have it chipped when I bought it. Total cost £270....

I am lucky enough to have a dedicated home cinema room with 5.1 Dolby Digital and an Epson TW1-H Projector. However the Samsung would not play DVD-R (Recordables). (I use Apple's wonderful iDVD to author DVDs of the kids etc).

So I looked at getting a cheap player to stick with the TV in the front room.

Checked out the reviews on Amazon and ordered the Yakumo.

It arrived two days later. WOW! Fantastic player, it was plumbed in and running within 10 minutes.
I discovered that by using a SCART to Component Lead, the picture quality on the Yakumo, is far better than my 709, so guess what?

Yep the Yakumo now acts as my Cinema DVD Player and the Samsung is relegated to the front room.

Here is how I would categorise the Yakumo:

Build Quality 9/10
Picture Quality 9/10
Remote Control Design 7/10 (Though not that bad!)
Value 10/10
Manual 8/10 (Menu settings could be explained better).

Only fly in the ointment is the fact that region 1 films on DVDs can be a little bit "jerky" due to the differing NSTC/PAL standard. I seem to remember there being some switches you can alter but haven't tried them yet. Tha does not mean they are unwatchable. far from it, But the Samsung just plays them a bit smoother.

If you are in the market for a mid-range (in terms of quality) DVD Player at a bargain basement price, then I would without any shadow of a doubt reccommend the Yakumo..

BTW I have tried it on DVD-Rs and it plays them with no problems, haven't tried DVD+R or Dual Layer DVD+Rs yet....

Amazing player. I have tested A LOT of cheap DVD players and this wins hands down over ALL the supermarket cheapies and other Chinese built stuff in this super-budget price range. Why?:

1 Amazing build quality - as good as my Pioneer - better than the other cheapies

2 Responsive remote - its a little ungainly but not uncomfortable to hold and works very well.

3 Plays all recorded media - C-DRs, VCDs and especially ALL DVD-Rs - even the cheap ones which can freeze or cause navigational difficulties on the other cheap (and not so cheap) machines

4 TOTALLY silent in operation

5 Multi region out of the box

6 True NTSC output on American discs and a superb PAL conversion if your TV can't handle NTSC signal - keeps sync with sound etc, - all switchable 'on the fly' from the remote

7 Excellent picture quality - full RGB output if you want it

I am a VERY picky so and so and this cleans up on ALL the most important areas. I almost wish I had the need for another one!

Why are you still reading this?! - take it from someone who knows - and get one ordered NOW!! You'll love it!