Kenwood LVD-930R (1993–1995)
The Kenwood LVD-930R is a double-sided automatic-reproduction LaserDisc player from the early-to-mid 1990s. It was sold in Japan in two versions: a black model at ¥120,000 (around 1993) and a gold model with wooden side panels at ¥138,000 (around 1995). It is a big machine. It weighs 12.3 kg, measures 476 × 149 × 450 mm, and draws 35W.
The video section was the headline. Kenwood used a 4fsc 8-bit digital timebase corrector. It converts the video FM signal into 8-bit digital data, stores it in memory, and uses a crystal oscillator to correct the timing. That removes jitter from disc warpage, deflection, and eccentricity. The TBC locks to the color signal multiburst at approximately 14.3 MHz, which Kenwood claimed gave an extremely high-purity multiburst and excellent color reproduction. A four-balanced multiple FM detector protects the S/N ratio during demodulation. The newly added S-terminal keeps luminance and color separate, and each gets its own D/A converter just before output to reduce cross-color and dot interference. Horizontal resolution is rated at 425 lines, video S/N at 50 dB or better.
The audio side uses a PDM conversion, left/right independent bit-stream 1-bit D/A converter. The surrounding circuitry has 8fs digital filters, noise shapers, and switched capacitors. The specs are strong: frequency response of 4 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.5 dB, dynamic range of 90 dB or more, S/N of 102 dB or more, and THD of 0.0025% or less (all EIAJ). Wow and flutter sits below the measurement limit of ±0.001% W Peak.
The included remote, model RC-LVD930R, is a JOG & SHUTTLE unit. It offers CD direct function, introscan, delete random play, CD/LD edit functions, frame number/time conversion, an improved FF/REW lock key, and an M-SHOT function. The player is built for 100 VAC, 50/60 Hz, which confirms it was made for the Japanese market.
Documentation on this model is moderate. The English service manual circulates as a PDF, and a current Russian auction listing shows one unit at ₽30,000. No period reviews, owner impressions, or detailed market positioning have surfaced in the archive. Common failure points and maintenance notes are undocumented as well.
Known specs in brief:
- Type: CD/CDV/LD player, double-sided automatic playback
- Video: 4fsc 8-bit digital TBC; 425 lines horizontal resolution; 50 dB+ S/N
- Audio: 1-bit PDM D/A converter (L/R independent), 8fs digital filter
- Frequency response: 4 Hz–20 kHz ±0.5 dB (EIAJ)
- Dynamic range: 90 dB+ (EIAJ); S/N: 102 dB+ (EIAJ); THD: 0.0025% or less
- Dimensions: 476 × 149 × 450 mm; 12.3 kg
- Colors: Black (¥120,000, c. 1993); Gold with wood sides (¥138,000, c. 1995)
Similar items on eBay
No exact Kenwood LVD-930R listings are live right now — these searches show current Kenwood and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.