You know, I just stumbled across this exact same review over in AudioReviews.com - and we do mean the exact same text, don't we? I also have to agree w/ Herman & Prpixel that it would seem that the individual unit you purchased is defective (even from your own text you point out that some obvious stuff does not work as documented in the manual). Now I'd be the absolute last person to say that any manufacturer gets it right 100% of the time, but in my semi-limited experience with Yamaha gear so far they seem to do as well as or even better than most others on this.
It seems a little harsh to review a defective unit this way. It's accurate to point out that you got a defective sample, but to review this model in a number of venues based on such a likely defective unit does seem unfair to me, too. Was there a display unit available that you could have used to compare your findings to and to see if you had a singular bad sample or if these problems are more common to the DVD-S1500? If these are universal problems w/ S1500s then you've provided a valuable service and we all thank you. If you were unlucky to get a bad sample then in fairness (and if possible) a balanced follow-up should follow (again, if & when possible). I look forward to your further reporting on the 1500.
It seems a little harsh to review a defective unit this way. It's accurate to point out that you got a defective sample, but to review this model in a number of venues based on such a likely defective unit does seem unfair to me, too. Was there a display unit available that you could have used to compare your findings to and to see if you had a singular bad sample or if these problems are more common to the DVD-S1500? If these are universal problems w/ S1500s then you've provided a valuable service and we all thank you. If you were unlucky to get a bad sample then in fairness (and if possible) a balanced follow-up should follow (again, if & when possible). I look forward to your further reporting on the 1500.