>Three questions:
>
>1. is the HLD-X9 a "better" unit than the XLD-X0? From your description
>   it would appear each has a different feature-set.

First of all, both players will not play CD, just standard NTSC LDs, 8"
or 12", and MUSE LDs. So the is no compromise in the clamping mechanism,
like there is in a combo CD/LD player. Both uses red lasers. Both are
have a very quiet, and smooth mechanical operation, no clanks, booms and
whirs. The HLD-X9 will play both sides, the HLD-X0 is a single side
player ( you will have to do the flipping yourself ). The HLD-X0 is a
hold no barrel, throw in everything and the kitchen sink design, the
HLD-X9 is a more practical design. As mention before I do not have the
service manual for the X9 so I can not give a detail description of its
working.

The HLD-X9 is a two years younger design, so it has a better Y/C
separation filter. In other words it ( X9 ) as a slight advantage when
playing NTSC discs. MUSE discs is probably best using the HLD-X0. I am
in the process of getting a new higher resolution projector at the
moment. When that has happened I will try to lend a HLD-X9 from one of
my friends and do a new comparison.

>2. do either/both the HLD-X9 and/or HLD-X0 have AC-3 RF output (and the
>   other digital outputs)?

The HLD-X9 has the following outputs; two composite, two Y/C, two
analogue stereo, two MUSE ( I do not know if I remember correctly it
might be just one MUSE output ), one Toshlink ( yech ), one standard
S/PIF coax, remote standard Pioneer, and finally one RF AC3. There is
also one input for standard Pioneer remote control.

The HLD-X0 has the same input and output, with the exception that I know
it has two MUSE outputs, one of the composite outputs is using a BNC
connector instead of a RCA connector, and finally it has a ATT ST
digital optical output.

>3. what is the "serious design flaw" of the CLD-99? I've never read
>   anything about this before you mentioned it.

If you look in the service manual you will find that in the CLD-99's
video noise reduction IC there is a 2D Y/C separation filter. The noise
reduction circuitry is placed in front of the 3D filter. If you peek
inside the CLD-97 or the HLD-X0 you will find the Y/C separation is done
before noise reduction and there is no Y/C separation done in the noise
reduction section, so that the good Y/C separation filter is doing the
Y/C separation job. If you switch off video noise reduction, the Y/C
separation filter in the noise reduction IC might be disabled, but do
not bet on it. Theoretically you can recombine luma and chroma and get
the same result as before the Y/C separation, but you can draw your own
conclusions. If you switch on video noise reduction, the chroma leg and
the luma leg of the video signal will have different signal paths, I do
not think I have to say anything more. I think the reason why the player
is constructed like this is Pioneer took the CLD-704 design and stuck on
a new Y/C separation filter instead of doing a complete new design.

>The reason I'm asking about the differences between the HLD-X9 and the
>HLD-X0 is because the only info I have about them (besides your comments) is
>in the booklet that accompanies the DOLBY DIGITAL EXPERIENCE laserdisc (from
>Japan)

All the documentation following the players is in Japanese, but luckily
all the OSD is in English and so are the remotes.

> LD PLAYER:
>
> LD-S9 Plays LDs =A5180,000 = US$ 1,272.78

This is also an interesting player, it has the same Y/C separation
filter as in the HLD-X9 and is a LD only player, better clamping
mechanism than the CLD-99. It also seems to be better build than the
CLD-99 and has a LD-G decoder if anybody cares.

> Hi-Vision LD/LD Players:
>
> HLD-X9 Plays HiV LDs, LDs =A5350,000 = US$ 2,474.85
>
> HLD-X0 Plays HiV LDs, LDs =A5800,000 = US$ 5,656.80
>
>Granted the HLD-X0 looks "about" the same size as the HLD-X9 (in the pictures
>and comparing the sizes of its knobs, etc.), but it's more than 2x the price
>of the HLD-X9. What accounts for that difference?

The HLD-X0 is a bit higher, but more than twice the weight compared to
the HLD-X9. One major mechanical difference is the HLD-X0 is using a
linear motor for its laser pickup, the HLD-X9 is using a conventional
one. If I ever get hold of an HLD-X9 service manual I will be able to
tell you more."

If you are interested in buying an HLD-X0 or an HLD-X9, I have a good
contact in H.K. I can refer you to.  I do not want to publish his name
and company in a public place like the newsgroup, I do not think he will
appreciate that.

Best regards,

Ivar.