I purchased a Pioneer DV535 recently. On playback of region 1 and 2 discs, translucent vertical stripes appear to the left and right hand side of the screen.

I spoke to the distributor who suggested this is due to the player being fitted with macrovision anti-piracy components and not a fault. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

I've just posted a reply on the Home Entertainment section. I have a Pioneer DV55 and have the same problem. I bought a Multi-Region version and these normally come with the macrovision disabled. One thing I noticed is that if you eject the disc the vertical stripes still appear. Strange...

I replied to this in the other forum, so maybe take a peek there... sorry I can't be arsed to copy and paste it

If this is a 'feature' of this machine, that sucks!

It might be due to the mentioned antipiracy, but it shouldn't mess up your viewing, it's not like you're trying to record it after all!

If you decide it is the machine at fault I should complain and demand some satisfaction. Maybe there's a update for it. I guess it's a special modified model if its region 1 & 2?

Check it's not your system though, if it has several methods of connection to a TV (SVideo, 2 scarts, video etc) try all these and see if it's the same)

The TV I'm using is a Phillips Matchline 36PW95 (or something like that), it has a load of inputs and I've tried them all, preference being S-Video and a Profigold lead.

Funnily enough, the problem with the DV535 is still evident on the power up (pioneer logo) or setup screens and not necessarily exclusive to DVD playback.

I thought it could be something to do with the dynamic contrast or digital setup on the TV but this doesn't seem to be the case.

Seems a bit lame really (especially as pioneer have gone to the trouble of recognising this feature in the instruction manual disclaimer!!.

I wonder why the DV535 continues to get great reviews - is it my player?

Does anyone know of any hacks to turn the macrovision off to disprove this once and for all?

maybe look here and see if you can find out anything of sue : http://www.dvd.reviewer.co.uk/