Full Version: dvd player recommendation
i purchased my sony dvd player aboot 4 years ago...sadly, it was expensive and doesn't have many of the features that newer, cheaper ones do. mine doesn't have progressive scan, so i need a new one. i don't know where to begin, there are so many to choose from. any recommendations? my sony has been very reliable, just a bit outdated. i want a quality brand with all the features. no more than $200.
I have an Aspire 4100, I paid 29.00$ for it after 30$ rebate from buy.com, this
thing is great, progressive scan and tons of functions found on models 10 times
the cost, I have been using it for about 4 months with no problems....
thing is great, progressive scan and tons of functions found on models 10 times
the cost, I have been using it for about 4 months with no problems....
I too have a Sony that is about 4-5 years old. At the time I think I paid around $325 for it, because it had a built in Dolby Digital decoder which was a rather pricey option way back then. I've found more Sony's than I'd care to mention that suffer from "no disk" and "C 13 00" errors. They are very tempramental, especially for the price. I've always noticed that the "cheaper" APEX and lesser name DVDs will take anything that you can throw at them.
I've had a DVD burner in my PC for about three years now, had one since my Sony was fairly new. The Sony would only play certain DVD-RWs, no DVD-Rs. It would play CD-RW but not CD-Rs. The APEXs would play anything.
My point, while I generally don't have one, is this...I agree with Medude. Today you can get a progressive scan DVD player with built in Dolby Digital, DTS, MP3, and many more options for less than $100. I've seen some for around $50-60 on newegg.com that have all of the decoders and component outputs. Don't necessarily be skeptical of a "cheap" DVD player.
I've had a DVD burner in my PC for about three years now, had one since my Sony was fairly new. The Sony would only play certain DVD-RWs, no DVD-Rs. It would play CD-RW but not CD-Rs. The APEXs would play anything.
My point, while I generally don't have one, is this...I agree with Medude. Today you can get a progressive scan DVD player with built in Dolby Digital, DTS, MP3, and many more options for less than $100. I've seen some for around $50-60 on newegg.com that have all of the decoders and component outputs. Don't necessarily be skeptical of a "cheap" DVD player.
I have two DVD players a Sony and an Aspire ad-1100. The Aspire was purchased from buy.com about 6 months ago for around $20 after a rebate and new customer promotion. The Sony (about 5 years old - s530d) is very picky about what dvds it will play. It always has been. The Aspire plays anything. It has a built-in Dolby Digital Decoder and is Progressive Scan. One thing that I really like about it is that it will play mp3's not only from cds but from dvds as well. That's a pretty rare feature. So I would have to agree with the others. I really think you would have to spend a sizeable chunk of money before you saw a difference from a cheap player.
If all you want is a good progressive scan DVD player, I would agree with the guys. Go cheap.
If however you have any interest in SACD or super audio CD's which feature Dolby 5.1 surround remixes of popular CD's, you might consider this Pioneer player. For $129 no one else can touch that price for a SACD player. The one hitch is that you need a surround reciever with multichannel input capabilities. It won't work with coaxial or optical digital inputs.
Imagine Pink Floyd-Dark Side of the Moon in Dolby surround....
If you have a DVI panel, there is this player by Samsung for $199 that has HD upconversion through DVI and SACD capability. (all SACD requires multichannel)
Happy shopping
If however you have any interest in SACD or super audio CD's which feature Dolby 5.1 surround remixes of popular CD's, you might consider this Pioneer player. For $129 no one else can touch that price for a SACD player. The one hitch is that you need a surround reciever with multichannel input capabilities. It won't work with coaxial or optical digital inputs.
Imagine Pink Floyd-Dark Side of the Moon in Dolby surround....
If you have a DVI panel, there is this player by Samsung for $199 that has HD upconversion through DVI and SACD capability. (all SACD requires multichannel)
Happy shopping
wow, it's amazing how cheap those are! i would love to play mp3's on it. have a question. it says on buy.com that the aspire ad-1000 has dolby digital and dts outputs. does that mean it doesn't decode dolby? it may be worth it to pay a little more for the ad-1100 since my reciever doesn't decode dolby (i think).
so you guys have had those aspire dvd players for 4-6 months with no problems? there were a couple reviews where the image stopped working, but most customers still bought another one because they liked it. i guess for the price it's worth a try.
so you guys have had those aspire dvd players for 4-6 months with no problems? there were a couple reviews where the image stopped working, but most customers still bought another one because they liked it. i guess for the price it's worth a try.
I've had no problems with mine at all. I've probably watched 100 movies on it at least so I think I've gotten my moneys worth by now. The internal decoder was the primary reason I bought the ad-1100. My HK receiver has 5.1 inputs. Personally I think it sounds a little cleaner than the Sony it replaced. Of course it may have something to do with not having to hear the disc spinning any more. If you are looking for a cheap player I definitely recommend it. The first Apex used to be the cheap player of choice when you could hack it to remove the Macro-Vision and make it region free but lately I haven't heard good things about them. I also know two people with broken Cyberhome dvd players (one a recorder) so I think I would stay away from them too. I am certain that there are broken Aspire dvd players out there but mine keeps chugging along.
If you are looking for a cheap player I definitely recommend it. The first Apex used to be the cheap player of choice when you could hack it to remove the Macro-Vision and make it region free but lately I haven't heard good things about them. I also know two people with broken Cyberhome dvd players (one a recorder) so I think I would stay away from them too. I am certain that there are broken Aspire dvd players out there but mine keeps chugging along.
QUOTE (DeathRay64 @ Sep 9 2004, 04:49 AM)
...If you have a DVI panel, there is this player by Samsung for $199 that has HD upconversion through DVI and SACD capability. (all SACD requires multichannel)...
Does anyone know if these DVI outputs are compatible with computer monitors? I thought I'd heard someplace that they used some sort of encyprtion, and require a monitor/TV that supports it. I think it was called HDCP or something.
Brett
Good question, now that you mention it I remember that discussion also. Thank you for bringing that up as I would hate to be responsible for someone buying an incompatible player.
It is beyond my knowledge whether this player may have compatibility issues, hopefully someone can enlighten us about this.
It is beyond my knowledge whether this player may have compatibility issues, hopefully someone can enlighten us about this.
Good thing I read this, I was about to buy one tomorrow.
I bought a cheap one today, but it didn't play any of my BRAND NEW disc's. So I was planning on going back tomorrow and buy a expensive one instead. Was thinking of the samsung-dvi player.
:angry: stupid low budget players
But now I think I'll wait on the answer of the DVI question.
please, oh wise one
enlighten us!!
Phillips 642 play DivX movie.....for under 70$....One of the best DVD compatobility out here
QUOTE (Brett @ Sep 10 2004, 09:15 PM)
QUOTE (DeathRay64 @ Sep 9 2004, 04:49 AM)
...If you have a DVI panel, there is this player by Samsung for $199 that has HD upconversion through DVI and SACD capability. (all SACD requires multichannel)...
Does anyone know if these DVI outputs are compatible with computer monitors? I thought I'd heard someplace that they used some sort of encyprtion, and require a monitor/TV that supports it. I think it was called HDCP or something.
Brett
And to make matters even more difficult, for an lcd to be hdcp compatible, which dvi cable would it need? I believe there are two different dvi cables that will work with our lcd monitors, i may be wrong.
Your concern about dvd players/dvi/hdcp are genuine, i've been reading a lot about it lately but without paying much attention. There are differences with older dvi-dvd players vs the newer ones and i believe its hdcp related. Better find out for sure before dropping a boatload on this stuff.
Edit: Not sure if anybody checks the hot deal thread but i posted this non-dvi divx-capable upscaling dvd player: http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=...99&loc=111&sp=1 . Its a lite-on 2001 rebadge and it upscales to 720p/1080i for only $69 shipped.
It also has a sizeable fanbase at the avs forums as well: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread....ighlight=DP501M
WOuld this upscaling capability be of any use to us using 15 inch screens with XGA resolution? If it upscales to 1280/720p would we not get an out of range error on our monitors?
Anyone know of a good DVD player (or a DVD player) that can connect to a VGA cord?
If your going to watch movies a person really needs true dolby 5.1 . It has outputs for every channel. Then again remember the above post about needing a receiver with 5.1 inputs. That is 5 seperate outputs from the dvd player to go to 5 seperate inputs on your receiver. There should be a test speaker mode built into your dvd player to test your speaker setup. It says front right ,front left , etc... or it will just put a tone out to each speaker with the speaker highlighted on your tv screen.
also if you don't have a subwoofer for your surround sound setup then get one. I've had a surround sound system for several years with 10 inch speakers but until my son bought me a sony subwoofer (10 inch 100 watt self powered) I didn't know what was missing. I recently bought another 150 watt 12 inch sony self powered sub.They set right beside my couch on each end. Now my house ROCKS!!
I have a sony dvd player and a sony receiver (600 watt 6.1 with sub output seperate) and Polk front speakers with a polk center channel speaker. My rear speakers I have some very old mini- Advent speakers which sound seasoned to me so I may wait to update them later to polk.
In making a purchase I like to read the reviews of other people and tech places that are on the web.
just my 2 cents. Good luck on your decision. CS
also if you don't have a subwoofer for your surround sound setup then get one. I've had a surround sound system for several years with 10 inch speakers but until my son bought me a sony subwoofer (10 inch 100 watt self powered) I didn't know what was missing. I recently bought another 150 watt 12 inch sony self powered sub.They set right beside my couch on each end. Now my house ROCKS!!
I have a sony dvd player and a sony receiver (600 watt 6.1 with sub output seperate) and Polk front speakers with a polk center channel speaker. My rear speakers I have some very old mini- Advent speakers which sound seasoned to me so I may wait to update them later to polk.
In making a purchase I like to read the reviews of other people and tech places that are on the web.
just my 2 cents. Good luck on your decision. CS
Actually, you do not require doldby 5.1 on the DVD player to get surround sound. If you have a decoder/receiver with digital input, then all you need is a digital output on the DVD player. You only require 5.1 output on the player if it is a SACD player and you wish to play SACD media with full 5.1 output, as the standard does not allow for digital output (copy protection?).
Chris
Chris
Softmodded xbox 
Prog scan, dolby digital optical out, hi-def output via a vga connection, can handle high def divx up to 720p. Xbox costs 150 euro, mod is free. optional 300 gig hard drive costs 150 euro.
Check out xbmc for compatibility with different types of media as well, it plays nearly every codec mp3, nero digital, divx, xvid..... And they've just incorporated milkdrop into it...
Prog scan, dolby digital optical out, hi-def output via a vga connection, can handle high def divx up to 720p. Xbox costs 150 euro, mod is free. optional 300 gig hard drive costs 150 euro.
Check out xbmc for compatibility with different types of media as well, it plays nearly every codec mp3, nero digital, divx, xvid..... And they've just incorporated milkdrop into it...
For $200, you can get the Oppo 971; it has recieved some pretty good reviews lately...
Oppo 971 Review
DVD Benchmark Comparisons
Oppo 971 Review
DVD Benchmark Comparisons
QUOTE
* High resolutions include 480p, 540p, 576p, 720p, 1080i
* Up Convert from 480i to 720p/1080i
* DCDi by Faroudja. Video is analyzed on a single pixel granularity to detect presence or absence of angled lines and edges, which are then processed to produce a smooth natural looking image without visible artifacts (jaggies).
* Plays DivX® 5, DivX® 4, DivX® 3, and DivX® VOD video content (in compliance with DivX Certified™ technical requirements)
* Plays XviD and .SRT, .SMI, .IDX and .SUB formats
* Pre-pixel Motion Adaptive De-interlacing
* Patented FilmMode Processing C Used for proper de-interlacing of 3:2 and 2:2 pull down material
Functions:
* DVD Video/Audio, Divx/MPEG4, VCD, SVCD, CD, HDCD, DVDR/RW, CD-R/RW, Kodak Picture
* Super Error Correction with Twin Laser and Intelligent Laser Wavelength Control
* PAL / NTSC discs
* Automatic Screensaver
* Parental Control Function
* Menu Driven Setup Screen
Video:
* 108MHz/12bit Video D/A Converter
* DVI Output
* NTSC / PAL Output
* Screen Aspect Ratio 4:3 and 16:9
* Smart Video: Sharpness/Contrast/Brightness/Saturation Adjustable
* Multi-Angled View
* Multi-Language for On-Screen-Display
Audio:
* 192 KHz Sampling Frequency, 24-Bit High Quality Audio DAC
* Dolby Digital Down-mixed 2-Ch Stereo (L. R)
* Built-in Dolby digital Decoder, Dolby Digital (AC3) 5.1 Channel Output
* Built-in DTS Digital Decoder, DTS 5.1 Channel Output
* Dolby Digital/DTS/LCPM Bitstream Output
* 3D Surround (Virtual Surround): Concert, Live, Dance, Techno, Classic, Soft
Power Supply:
* ~~110V - ~~250V, 50Hz/60Hz AC Universal Power Supply
* Automatic Short Circuit Protection
Connectors:
* Analog (Mixed 2 Ch) Stereo (Left, Right) Audio
* S/PDIF (IEC-958) Coaxial/Optical Digital Audio
* Component Video/Composite Video/S-Video
* DVI
* 5.1 Channel Audio
* Up Convert from 480i to 720p/1080i
* DCDi by Faroudja. Video is analyzed on a single pixel granularity to detect presence or absence of angled lines and edges, which are then processed to produce a smooth natural looking image without visible artifacts (jaggies).
* Plays DivX® 5, DivX® 4, DivX® 3, and DivX® VOD video content (in compliance with DivX Certified™ technical requirements)
* Plays XviD and .SRT, .SMI, .IDX and .SUB formats
* Pre-pixel Motion Adaptive De-interlacing
* Patented FilmMode Processing C Used for proper de-interlacing of 3:2 and 2:2 pull down material
Functions:
* DVD Video/Audio, Divx/MPEG4, VCD, SVCD, CD, HDCD, DVDR/RW, CD-R/RW, Kodak Picture
* Super Error Correction with Twin Laser and Intelligent Laser Wavelength Control
* PAL / NTSC discs
* Automatic Screensaver
* Parental Control Function
* Menu Driven Setup Screen
Video:
* 108MHz/12bit Video D/A Converter
* DVI Output
* NTSC / PAL Output
* Screen Aspect Ratio 4:3 and 16:9
* Smart Video: Sharpness/Contrast/Brightness/Saturation Adjustable
* Multi-Angled View
* Multi-Language for On-Screen-Display
Audio:
* 192 KHz Sampling Frequency, 24-Bit High Quality Audio DAC
* Dolby Digital Down-mixed 2-Ch Stereo (L. R)
* Built-in Dolby digital Decoder, Dolby Digital (AC3) 5.1 Channel Output
* Built-in DTS Digital Decoder, DTS 5.1 Channel Output
* Dolby Digital/DTS/LCPM Bitstream Output
* 3D Surround (Virtual Surround): Concert, Live, Dance, Techno, Classic, Soft
Power Supply:
* ~~110V - ~~250V, 50Hz/60Hz AC Universal Power Supply
* Automatic Short Circuit Protection
Connectors:
* Analog (Mixed 2 Ch) Stereo (Left, Right) Audio
* S/PDIF (IEC-958) Coaxial/Optical Digital Audio
* Component Video/Composite Video/S-Video
* DVI
* 5.1 Channel Audio
yeah i've heard good things about the oppo. i read that secrets review a while ago and i forget who are behind oppo but it's someone sizeable.
the main thing i'd look for (in any dvd player not specific to your situation) would be: dvi, 12 bit/108mhz video dac, 24 bit/192khz audio dac, upconverting and high def support. the oppo has all of these and the chassis looks nice to boot.
the main thing i'd look for (in any dvd player not specific to your situation) would be: dvi, 12 bit/108mhz video dac, 24 bit/192khz audio dac, upconverting and high def support. the oppo has all of these and the chassis looks nice to boot.
Ok,
It seems everyone likes what they have, and I am no different. I have 4 different dvd players and a recorder but I must say that I like my cheapest player the best. It is a Philips DVP642 that I got at BBuy online but now I have seen them at Wallyworld. The main reason I bought it was that it will play ANYTHING ! From dvix to VCD and SVCD even windows media I have tried hard and can not find a thing It won't play. Although it will cost more than the $29 models I think it is well worth the $59 I paid for it. I think Wally has it online for around $68 you can't go wrong.
Brilea
It seems everyone likes what they have, and I am no different. I have 4 different dvd players and a recorder but I must say that I like my cheapest player the best. It is a Philips DVP642 that I got at BBuy online but now I have seen them at Wallyworld. The main reason I bought it was that it will play ANYTHING ! From dvix to VCD and SVCD even windows media I have tried hard and can not find a thing It won't play. Although it will cost more than the $29 models I think it is well worth the $59 I paid for it. I think Wally has it online for around $68 you can't go wrong.
Brilea
http://www.yamakawadirect.com/288_detail.shtml
Yamakawa DVD-288K/VGA Product Information
High-end, feature loaded DVD player
Progressive scan video signal
S-video & composite-video outputs
Supports both NTSC & PAL TV standards
Vacuum Florecent Display (VFD) status display
Plays MP3 music tracks from all supported media
Digital photo slide shows from all supported media
Built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 & DTS (digital theater sound) decoders
RCA analog audio outputs (stereo L/R)
Both optical & coaxial digital audio outputs
Multi-region capable (play DVDs from anywhere in the world)
Karaoke feature (with dual microphone inputs)
VGA support (connect to computer monitor or projector)
On screen menu (multi-lingual)
Full-function remote control
Upgradable firmware
Yamakawa DVD-288K/VGA Product Information
High-end, feature loaded DVD player
Progressive scan video signal
S-video & composite-video outputs
Supports both NTSC & PAL TV standards
Vacuum Florecent Display (VFD) status display
Plays MP3 music tracks from all supported media
Digital photo slide shows from all supported media
Built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 & DTS (digital theater sound) decoders
RCA analog audio outputs (stereo L/R)
Both optical & coaxial digital audio outputs
Multi-region capable (play DVDs from anywhere in the world)
Karaoke feature (with dual microphone inputs)
VGA support (connect to computer monitor or projector)
On screen menu (multi-lingual)
Full-function remote control
Upgradable firmware
http://www.neodigits.com/body/product/HVD2085/feature.asp
NeuNeo HVD2085 High Definition DVD Player
The main features of this player are as below:
Upscale any DVD playback into high definition resolution.
Supports 4 different high definition video outputs -- Component, HDMI, VGA and DVI(via HDMI->DVI cable). Component output supports high definition in 720P, 1080i and 1080P.
VGA output supports high definition in SVGA, XGA and SXGA.
HDMI output supports high definition in 720P, 1080i, SVGA, XGA and SXGA.
1080P (1080 Progressive Scan) is supported ( via component only. HDMI 1080P support will be available via firmware upgrade).
PAL 720P/1080i ( 720P/1080i @ 50hz ) is supported.
HDCP is not required
NeuNeo HVD2085 High Definition DVD Player
The main features of this player are as below:
Upscale any DVD playback into high definition resolution.
Supports 4 different high definition video outputs -- Component, HDMI, VGA and DVI(via HDMI->DVI cable). Component output supports high definition in 720P, 1080i and 1080P.
VGA output supports high definition in SVGA, XGA and SXGA.
HDMI output supports high definition in 720P, 1080i, SVGA, XGA and SXGA.
1080P (1080 Progressive Scan) is supported ( via component only. HDMI 1080P support will be available via firmware upgrade).
PAL 720P/1080i ( 720P/1080i @ 50hz ) is supported.
HDCP is not required
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