Best Player under $1k? - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

Goober · 02-06-2002, 04:34 AM

Wondering what everyone thought is the best player under $1k.
The reason I bring this up is the last two players I've had would pause on layer changes. Anyone out there have a player that just plays a good movie without hassles? Crisp picture and awesome sound?

***Chromy*** · 02-06-2002, 05:26 AM

Pausing on layer changes? Is is pausing and stoping or just hanging for a tad and then proceding.

I haven't seen a player yet (even my HTPC) that doesn't hang for a few moments on a layer change.

For a sub $1000 player... if you have a HDTV and have a technical aptitude I would have to suggest a HTPC, a computer that you use the VGA output to drive your HDTV directly...

Chromy

***Wirehed*** · 02-06-2002, 05:35 AM

It seems to depend on the disc too. Some seem to take longer than others. Allthough I guess it could just be what's going on at the time, some are just better timed then others.

My wife and I always point them out, kind of like a game to see who can tell first.

My Marantz DV-18 is much faster than my Pionere DVL-919.

The Marantz should be available for just over a grand now, I think. You might want to look into it.

Goober · 02-06-2002, 02:25 PM

A good friend of mine has a first gen panasonic that doesn't pause at all. I guess I've always taken for granted that all players should just play crisp and clear throughout. I'm looking to purchase a new player and hand my older one down to my daughter. I live in northwest Montana so I don't have the luxury to view or test some good high end audio or electronics. I had to get permission from Paradigm to purchase out of state...kinda stinks!

tomdkat · 02-06-2002, 05:54 PM

I can't speak for HTPCs, but for standalone players, there are several options:

Panasonic DVD-RP56
Panasonic DVD-RP91 (if you can find one)
Pioneer DV-47a (to hit the streets soon)
Sony NS700P (I think that's the model)
Toshiba 4700 or 5700

and on and on..... What features are you looking for? Do you have a HDTV?

The Panasonic DVD-RP91 is a progressive scan player and has DVD-Audio support and upscaling of non-anamorphic material (useful for 16x9 displays w/ poor stretch modes).

The Panasonic DVD-RP56 is a VERY inexpensive progressive scan player and does NOT support DVD-Audio nor does it upscale non-anamorphic material. It DOES have the Sage/Faroujda video processing chipsets which produce stunning video output, especally on video-sourced DVDs.

The Pioneer DV-47a has a MSRP of $1,000 (or $1,200) which means you will be able to find it online for $750 - $900, once it hits the streets. It is a progressive scan player w/ DVD-Audio *and* SACD support and supposedly produces very good video output. There are a few discussions of this player over on the AVS Forum website.

I don't know much about the Toshibas or the Sony.

If you could list the features you want/need, then we could make better recommendations for you.

Peace.....

Goober · 02-06-2002, 09:06 PM

I don't have a HDTV yet

but Wife willing it won't be too long in the coming

. I was looking for a progressive scan, I have been taking a look at the Pioneers, the 444 and the 47a. It seems Pioneer models tend to be a better unit overall. I'm glad I found this forum while researching because it's been answering some questions I've longed to hear. The pauses while switching scenes have bugged me, but now I hear it's common place in most units.
I will be upgrading my receiver and speakers but to calm my wife's fears I'm doing it gradually, but she is becoming more receptive.

This is what I'm lookin forward to by summer:
Denon AVR-2802
Paradigm Reference CC(already have)
Paradigm Reference 40's or 60's for fronts
Paradigm Refernece 20's for rears
new turntable for all my lp's that have been sitting since the late 70's
and of course a new dvd player I'm undecided on.

tomdkat · 02-06-2002, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Goober
I was looking for a progressive scan, I have been taking a look at the Pioneers, the 444 and the 47a.

Be carefule with the DV-444 because there is speculation as to whether it is a "real" progressive scan player or not. The DV-434 was basically a joke (sorry if I offended any DV-434 owners) and for that price range, the Panasonic DVD-RP56 would be the way to go.

The DV-47a is anticipated to be a really cool player, even though it is STILL plagued with the chroma bug.

You might find THIS report of interest:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...-2-8-2001.html

The DV-444 *might* simply be an updated version of the DV-434.

Also, take a look at the Sonys, Toshibas, and Denons since those are also VERY good brands of DVD players.

Good luck!

Peace.....

Dr. Shrinker · 02-10-2002, 10:17 PM

I got a Panasonic DVD RP-56 for Xmas, after reading stellar revies of it elsewhere. I've got little to compare it to, and a pathetic home theater setup, BUT, I have to say the video quality is un-freaking-believable, especially for the price!

Goober · 02-10-2002, 11:43 PM

Tomdkat,
Is the 47a supposed to be a replacement with a firmware revision for the 47?

tomdkat · 02-11-2002, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Goober
Tomdkat,
Is the 47a supposed to be a replacement with a firmware revision for the 47?

The DV-47a is Pioneer's NEW 'beast' of a player which plays DVD/VCD/CD/CD-R/DVD-Audio/SACD is progressive scan and should MSRP for around $1000 - $1200.

It's MORE than just an upgrade to the DV-37 and there is no DV-47 (that I know of) outside of this new unit.

There is a detailed and somewhat heated discussion about this player over on AVS Forum:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...threadid=16822

I'm thinking about giving this player a try.....

Peace.....

Goober · 02-11-2002, 06:48 PM

Thanks, I greatly appreciate the help Tomdkat!

tomdkat · 02-11-2002, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Goober
Thanks, I greatly appreciate the help Tomdkat!

No problem. Even with the chroma bug, this player is apparently selling like HOT CAKES in Japan......

Peace......

highdef · 02-19-2002, 02:08 PM

So when is the Pioneer DV-47a being released here?
The AVS forum only refers to a foreign release of this unit.

Also, how does it stack up against Pioneer's Elite line of players?

tomdkat · 02-19-2002, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by highdef
So when is the Pioneer DV-47a being released here?
The AVS forum only refers to a foreign release of this unit.

Also, how does it stack up against Pioneer's Elite line of players?

I *think* the DV-47a is being released in the U.S. Either *this* month or within the next 3 - 4 months.

Peace.....

02-06-2002, 04:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
Goober Supporting Actor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Northwest	Best Player under $1k? Wondering what everyone thought is the best player under $1k. The reason I bring this up is the last two players I've had would pause on layer changes. Anyone out there have a player that just plays a good movie without hassles? Crisp picture and awesome sound?

02-06-2002, 05:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
*Wirehed* Producer/Admin NSFW Off 'the list' Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Sacto, Ca --Near Galt, home of LeVar Burton	It seems to depend on the disc too. Some seem to take longer than others. Allthough I guess it could just be what's going on at the time, some are just better timed then others. My wife and I always point them out, kind of like a game to see who can tell first. My Marantz DV-18 is much faster than my Pionere DVL-919. The Marantz should be available for just over a grand now, I think. You might want to look into it. __________________ The Order of the Zombie. The world's greatest zombie culture website. "Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wagn'nagl dominos" In his house in R'lyeh, dead Cthulhu waits for the pizza delivery guy.

02-06-2002, 05:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
tomdkat Official Forum Warmonger "Dial Tone" Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hayward, CA, USA	I can't speak for HTPCs, but for standalone players, there are several options: Panasonic DVD-RP56 Panasonic DVD-RP91 (if you can find one) Pioneer DV-47a (to hit the streets soon) Sony NS700P (I think that's the model) Toshiba 4700 or 5700 and on and on..... What features are you looking for? Do you have a HDTV? The Panasonic DVD-RP91 is a progressive scan player and has DVD-Audio support and upscaling of non-anamorphic material (useful for 16x9 displays w/ poor stretch modes). The Panasonic DVD-RP56 is a VERY inexpensive progressive scan player and does NOT support DVD-Audio nor does it upscale non-anamorphic material. It DOES have the Sage/Faroujda video processing chipsets which produce stunning video output, especally on video-sourced DVDs. The Pioneer DV-47a has a MSRP of $1,000 (or $1,200) which means you will be able to find it online for $750 - $900, once it hits the streets. It is a progressive scan player w/ DVD-Audio and SACD support and supposedly produces very good video output. There are a few discussions of this player over on the AVS Forum website. I don't know much about the Toshibas or the Sony. If you could list the features you want/need, then we could make better recommendations for you. Peace..... __________________ My DVD Aficionado List "At last we shall reveal ourselves to the Jedi, at last we shall have revenge!"

02-10-2002, 10:17 PM	#8 (permalink)
Dr. Shrinker Reverse Psychologist Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: "THE" O.C.	I got a Panasonic DVD RP-56 for Xmas, after reading stellar revies of it elsewhere. I've got little to compare it to, and a pathetic home theater setup, BUT, I have to say the video quality is un-freaking-believable, especially for the price! __________________ "I like the idea of a LEGO CGI movie, but the Bionicle stuff was just too dumb and difficult to follow." -- mtcarmel00

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02-06-2002, 05:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
*Chromy* Producer/Admin Coffee Boy Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Greater Seattle Area, WA	Pausing on layer changes? Is is pausing and stoping or just hanging for a tad and then proceding. I haven't seen a player yet (even my HTPC) that doesn't hang for a few moments on a layer change. For a sub $1000 player... if you have a HDTV and have a technical aptitude I would have to suggest a HTPC, a computer that you use the VGA output to drive your HDTV directly... Chromy

02-06-2002, 02:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
Goober Supporting Actor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Northwest	A good friend of mine has a first gen panasonic that doesn't pause at all. I guess I've always taken for granted that all players should just play crisp and clear throughout. I'm looking to purchase a new player and hand my older one down to my daughter. I live in northwest Montana so I don't have the luxury to view or test some good high end audio or electronics. I had to get permission from Paradigm to purchase out of state...kinda stinks!

02-06-2002, 09:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
Goober Supporting Actor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Northwest	I don't have a HDTV yet but Wife willing it won't be too long in the coming . I was looking for a progressive scan, I have been taking a look at the Pioneers, the 444 and the 47a. It seems Pioneer models tend to be a better unit overall. I'm glad I found this forum while researching because it's been answering some questions I've longed to hear. The pauses while switching scenes have bugged me, but now I hear it's common place in most units. I will be upgrading my receiver and speakers but to calm my wife's fears I'm doing it gradually, but she is becoming more receptive. This is what I'm lookin forward to by summer: Denon AVR-2802 Paradigm Reference CC(already have) Paradigm Reference 40's or 60's for fronts Paradigm Refernece 20's for rears new turntable for all my lp's that have been sitting since the late 70's and of course a new dvd player I'm undecided on.

02-10-2002, 11:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
Goober Supporting Actor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Northwest	Tomdkat, Is the 47a supposed to be a replacement with a firmware revision for the 47?

02-11-2002, 06:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
Goober Supporting Actor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Northwest	Thanks, I greatly appreciate the help Tomdkat!

02-19-2002, 02:08 PM	#13 (permalink)
highdef Actor Join Date: Mar 2001	So when is the Pioneer DV-47a being released here? The AVS forum only refers to a foreign release of this unit. Also, how does it stack up against Pioneer's Elite line of players?