Good LD player to lookfor - DVDfile.com forum for DVD, Blu-Ray, and HD-DVD

glossybear · 11-07-2001, 09:13 AM

I've decided to try and hunt down a LD player to round out my HT and was wondering what I should look for in a player.

Chris in OC · 11-07-2001, 04:06 PM

At the very least, you'll want a player that plays both sides of the disc without you having to flip the disc yourself. Other than that, try to get one that gives you stop motion and frame advance with CLV discs. (I forget what they call this, but "digital video" sticks in my mind.) These are usually high-end players, but you might be able to find a good used one without spending too much.

I have a Denon LA-2300 that I've been happy with. It's more on the basic side, with disc "flip" and memory re-start being the extent of its tricks, but it's a good, solid player that's given me no problems.

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Trust me -- I know what I'm doing.

***Wirehed*** · 11-07-2001, 04:56 PM

I have a Pioneer DV-919. It does everthing you should ever need. I have never had a problem with it, it plays every disc I have ever thrown at it. It is also a DVD player and they are still readily available, new even.

tomdkat · 11-07-2001, 05:48 PM

Yep, I also have the DVL-919 and I'm happy with it. The LD folks over at AVS Forum basically slam the video performance of this combination player and recommend the CLD-704 and/or the CLD-99 (I believe) as better U.S. alternatives.

Of course, if you want the absolute BEST LD player video performance, get a Japanese Pioneer HLD-X9 (I believe it's called). I hear the Japanese LD players video (with good LD transfers) can rival DVD video performance, in some cases. Usually anamorphic DVD wins the video battle, but some LDs on the high-end players, like the Japanese ones, will produce amazing video output.

The cool thing about the DVL-919 is it has Dolby Digital and dts digital outputs (optical and coax) so you can enjoy AC-3 (Dolby Digital 5.1) and dts 5.1 encoded LDs, like Star Wars Episode I (the audio will FLOOR you), Jurassic Park (dts), Jackie Brown (dts), etc.

Good luck!

Peace....

***1138*** · 11-07-2001, 05:56 PM

Uh, how much did you guys get the DVL-919 for? From what I can see online, it seems pretty dang expensive for getting a LD player these days.

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1138 - DVD File Forum Greeter/Moderator
It's not that I'm lazy, it's that I just don't care.

***Wirehed*** · 11-07-2001, 06:49 PM

I bought mine when it came out and paid, I think, $1400.

tomdkat · 11-07-2001, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Seamonkey:
I bought mine when it came out and paid, I think, $1400.

I bought mine in January 2000 and paid $999 at the Good Guys. That was when I opened my Good Guys account....

Peace.....

slade · 11-08-2001, 03:13 AM

So do any of you know about the DVL-700?

these are going on ebay for about $350.

Would it be able to replace my DVD player or is it too early in the format and therefore lacking in features?

How about as an LD player, any concerns there?

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It’s amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving.

***chlngr1970*** · 11-08-2001, 09:34 AM

The DVL 700 is a good LD player, but lack the dts DVD capability, or component video outputs of jsut about any new DVD player for half as much. If dts is no matter, try and find its replacement, the DVL 909. You at least have the component video output for DVD.

I too have the DVL 919, and am more than satasfied with its performance.

hope this helps

j

------------------
Co-Moderator
Software Forum
Was it a dream where you see yourself standing in sort of sun-god robes on a pyramid, with a thousand naked women screaming and throwing little pickles at you?

tomdkat · 11-08-2001, 06:04 PM

Also, the DVL-700 has OLDER firmware than the DVL-919, so some newer DVDs might not play correctly. If this is PURELY for LD playback, you should be fine.

I don't know how the LD video performance of the DVL-700 compares to the DVL-919. Still, if you can find a CLD-704 or CLD-97 or CLD-99, you might want to try one of those as I believe the LD video performance is better than the DVL-919, which tends to be a little "noisy", from what I've read on AVS Forum.

Still, I LOVE my DVL-919 and will NOT be getting rid of it soon.....

Peace....

slade · 11-08-2001, 08:37 PM

thanks guys. I mostly looking b/c I don't believe Lucas is going to ever release the original Star Wars again and I want to have a widescreen version with the best pic/sound possible (also want a few other titles on LD). So, I can't justify spending $1000 on a DVL-919 just for Star Wars. I'll check into some of those other models at e-bay.

Any other suggestions about where else to look?

Thanks!!! (and I'm sure this is all very helpful to glossybear too

).

------------------
It’s amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving.

tomdkat · 11-08-2001, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by slade:
thanks guys. I mostly looking b/c I don't believe Lucas is going to ever release the original Star Wars again and I want to have a widescreen version with the best pic/sound possible (also want a few other titles on LD).

Dude.. Star Wars will make it to DVD... just probably NOT soon enough for the fans who want it...

I have ALL of the Star Wars releases on LD and the Special Editions are cool......

eBay as about as good a place as any. The Star Wars box sets all have AC-3 digital audio so any player you get should either have an AC-3 output (probably an RF output which means you will need an RF demodulator) OR it should be modifiable to support AC-3. There are AC-3 kits available that you can get.

If I were you, BEFORE I buy anything scour the "DVD and LD Hardware" forum at AVS Forum for info on used LD players. There is much more LD activity over there than here.

As for the DVL-919, you can find them for WELL under $1000 these days....
http://www.savinglots.com/lotprod.asp?item=DVL919 http://www.epinions.com/elec_Home_Th..._redir_att__~1 http://www.bestbuydigital.com/dvl-919.html

Of course, an older LD only player will be closer to $200 - $500 in price (depending on brand, features, etc) and those should be easily found on eBay.

Good luck!

Peace.....

Chris in OC · 11-08-2001, 10:21 PM

Tom, there's little doubt that Star Wars will make it to DVD eventually, but it's unlikely that Lucas will ever release the original versions in that format. I suspect that's what Slade was referring to.

Slade, the SW THX CLV laserdiscs (original version, second WS release) should be pretty reasonable. Until very recently, Ken Crane/DVD Planet had new, sealed copies for $10 each.

------------------
Trust me -- I know what I'm doing.

tomdkat · 11-08-2001, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris in OC:
Tom, there's little doubt that Star Wars will make it to DVD eventually, but it's unlikely that Lucas will ever release the original versions in that format. I suspect that's what Slade was referring to.

Are you saying that only the Special Editions will probably make it to DVD? If so, I understand his point.....

Peace......

slade · 11-09-2001, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tomdkat:
Are you saying that only the Special Editions will probably make it to DVD? If so, I understand his point.....

Peace......

That's what I'm saying.

While it would be simple and logical for Lucas to release both on the same DVD with seemless branching I'm sure he won't, so I'll be going for the LD version.

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It’s amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving.

tomdkat · 11-09-2001, 06:07 PM

Hey glossybear, here is some info for you (and you to slade):
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...threadid=91130

Peace....

slade · 11-26-2001, 10:43 PM

Wondering if anyone knows about these editions of Star Wars on LD? Are there better editions out there that I should hold out for?

(I realize this is a bit off-topic, but it kind of fits within our discussion adn I'm too lazy to start a new thread).

edit to add link: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI...tem=1298946112

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It’s amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving.

[This message has been edited by slade (edited 11-26-2001).]

***chlngr1970*** · 11-26-2001, 11:46 PM

it depends on what you are looking for...If you want DD sound...you have to get the SE....

If you want the ORIGIONAL cut of the film, IE not the recut with the added/changed scenes, you go for the THX copies, such as this

What you have to determin is, do you want the origional cut of the movie, or the SE.

hope this helps

j

------------------
Co-Moderator
Software Forum
Was it a dream where you see yourself standing in sort of sun-god robes on a pyramid, with a thousand naked women screaming and throwing little pickles at you?

tomdkat · 11-27-2001, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chlngr1970:
What you have to determin is, do you want the origional cut of the movie, or the SE.

Or in my case, BOTH!

Peace.....

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Lenny Nero · 11-27-2001, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by slade:
Wondering if anyone knows about these editions of Star Wars on LD? Are there better editions out there that I should hold out for?

(I realize this is a bit off-topic, but it kind of fits within our discussion adn I'm too lazy to start a new thread).

edit to add link: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI...tem=1298946112

There are definetly better editions, this is actually the worst you can get, they are Pan&Scan and no extras.

There are 2 nice boxsets, one new with the CGI butchered versions, which you should avoid unless you want the "enhanced", but the best one to get is the Definitive Collection, 9 laserdiscs, 18 sides, original widescreen versions, remastered, with digital THX surround sound, audio commentary by production designers and Lucas, with a bunch of behind the scenes interviews and photos, for each episode.
They go for around $100 though, I was lucky to get it for 70 bucks because the guy spelled the title of the auction "Starwars Difinitive laser disc collection" so LD, Laserdisc, Star Wars and Definitive containing searches didn't come up with it and I didn't have much competition.

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"All you need to make a movie is a girl and a gun." - Jean Luc Godard

tomdkat · 11-27-2001, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lenny Nero:
There are 2 nice boxsets, one new with the CGI butchered versions, which you should avoid unless you want the "enhanced", but the best one to get is the Definitive Collection, 9 laserdiscs, 18 sides, original widescreen versions, remastered, with digital THX surround sound, audio commentary by production designers and Lucas, with a bunch of behind the scenes interviews and photos, for each episode.

I have BOTH box sets and the original movies box has Pro-Logic sound (THX Mastered) whereas the Special Edition box (with enhancements) has AC-3 5.1 digital sound (THX Mastered).

Unfortunately, they were NOT able to utilize the surrounds much in "A New Hope" or "Empire Strikes Back", but I can understand that since the movies are SOOOO old anyway....

Peace...

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My DVD Profiler List

slade · 11-27-2001, 08:17 PM

thanks for the help guys. It sounds like I want the definitive collection b/c I want the originals (not SE--I can just wait for the DVDs there), in wide screen with the best sound available on the originals. And from what you've said, the definitive is the way to go there. (so, anyone got a set they wanna sell me?

).

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It’s amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving.

tomdkat · 11-27-2001, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by slade:
(so, anyone got a set they wanna sell me? ).

Well, I have BOTH box sets (as you all well know already) as well as the ORIGINAL LDs (NOT THX Mastered) which have either Stereo sound or ProLogic sound.

If you are curious to check these out, send me e-mail and I'll give you a SWEET deal on them!!! Honest!!!! I mean how can ANYONE argue with $7500 per LD? That's MORE than reasonable...

Seriously, e-mail me and I'll cut you a VERY good deal for ALL 3 LDs. Again, these are NOT THX Mastered and have either Stereo sound or *maybe* ProLogic).

Peace.....

------------------
My DVD Profiler List

Nightingale · 11-28-2001, 12:20 AM

Is the Pioneer DVL-919 the only LD player still made?

tomdkat · 11-28-2001, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nightingale:
Is the Pioneer DVL-919 the only LD player still made?

Nope..... I think Pioneer still makes the high-end Japanese HLD-X9 (I think the model is).

The DVL-919 is probably the LAST LD player Pioneer will make for the U.S. market.

You cna find CLD-97s and CLD-99s online (like on eBay) and it's been argued that those players offer a better picture than the DVL-919.

I love my DVL-919!

Peace.....

chrisw · 11-30-2001, 03:20 PM

Hi,
I also have the DVL-700, and I love it. However, about a year ago, I could not play a Christmas dvd, A Year Without a Santa Claus. After contacting Pioneer, a great company, and totally responsive and helpful, they told me I needed an E-Pron upgrade because the dvds are being manufactured differently with more info on them, and will continue to be. They told me the closest service area, sent me a letter for the tech, and paid for the whole thing. I have not had a problem playing anything since! It delivers a great LD picture. It is both side play, and flips to side two in less than 8 seconds!

....And, I have the cld-1010 in the bedroom which is an old model from 1987. Actually, I have two: my original I boxed away about a year ago, and one I got on ebay for $50.00! It is a great player in that it uses a red, solid state laser that no other model has used. It delivers a sharp picture, and has phenomenal video noise reduction. Both cld-1010's have performed flawlessly, and have never been to the shop. Pioneer knows how to build them sturdy. Go for either one of those two on ebay if you have the chance!

Have a great day!

Chris

11-07-2001, 09:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
glossybear Actor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santa Cruz, CA	Good LD player to lookfor I've decided to try and hunt down a LD player to round out my HT and was wondering what I should look for in a player.

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11-07-2001, 04:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
Chris in OC Actor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: So Cal	At the very least, you'll want a player that plays both sides of the disc without you having to flip the disc yourself. Other than that, try to get one that gives you stop motion and frame advance with CLV discs. (I forget what they call this, but "digital video" sticks in my mind.) These are usually high-end players, but you might be able to find a good used one without spending too much. I have a Denon LA-2300 that I've been happy with. It's more on the basic side, with disc "flip" and memory re-start being the extent of its tricks, but it's a good, solid player that's given me no problems. ------------------ Trust me -- I know what I'm doing.

11-07-2001, 04:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
*Wirehed* Producer/Admin NSFW Off 'the list' Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Sacto, Ca --Near Galt, home of LeVar Burton	I have a Pioneer DV-919. It does everthing you should ever need. I have never had a problem with it, it plays every disc I have ever thrown at it. It is also a DVD player and they are still readily available, new even.

11-07-2001, 05:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
tomdkat Official Forum Warmonger "Dial Tone" Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hayward, CA, USA	Yep, I also have the DVL-919 and I'm happy with it. The LD folks over at AVS Forum basically slam the video performance of this combination player and recommend the CLD-704 and/or the CLD-99 (I believe) as better U.S. alternatives. Of course, if you want the absolute BEST LD player video performance, get a Japanese Pioneer HLD-X9 (I believe it's called). I hear the Japanese LD players video (with good LD transfers) can rival DVD video performance, in some cases. Usually anamorphic DVD wins the video battle, but some LDs on the high-end players, like the Japanese ones, will produce amazing video output. The cool thing about the DVL-919 is it has Dolby Digital and dts digital outputs (optical and coax) so you can enjoy AC-3 (Dolby Digital 5.1) and dts 5.1 encoded LDs, like Star Wars Episode I (the audio will FLOOR you), Jurassic Park (dts), Jackie Brown (dts), etc. Good luck! Peace....

11-07-2001, 05:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
*1138* Producer/Admin Careful, or I'll ban myself... Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: San Jose, CA	Uh, how much did you guys get the DVL-919 for? From what I can see online, it seems pretty dang expensive for getting a LD player these days. ------------------ 1138 - DVD File Forum Greeter/Moderator It's not that I'm lazy, it's that I just don't care.

11-07-2001, 06:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
*Wirehed* Producer/Admin NSFW Off 'the list' Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Sacto, Ca --Near Galt, home of LeVar Burton	I bought mine when it came out and paid, I think, $1400.

11-08-2001, 03:13 AM	#8 (permalink)
slade Film Class God Join Date: May 2001 Location: Oregon City, OR	So do any of you know about the DVL-700? these are going on ebay for about $350. Would it be able to replace my DVD player or is it too early in the format and therefore lacking in features? How about as an LD player, any concerns there? ------------------ It’s amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving.

11-08-2001, 09:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
*chlngr1970* Producer/Admin Tenacious "OB" Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Spanaway Washington	The DVL 700 is a good LD player, but lack the dts DVD capability, or component video outputs of jsut about any new DVD player for half as much. If dts is no matter, try and find its replacement, the DVL 909. You at least have the component video output for DVD. I too have the DVL 919, and am more than satasfied with its performance. hope this helps j ------------------ Co-Moderator Software Forum Was it a dream where you see yourself standing in sort of sun-god robes on a pyramid, with a thousand naked women screaming and throwing little pickles at you?

11-08-2001, 06:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
tomdkat Official Forum Warmonger "Dial Tone" Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hayward, CA, USA	Also, the DVL-700 has OLDER firmware than the DVL-919, so some newer DVDs might not play correctly. If this is PURELY for LD playback, you should be fine. I don't know how the LD video performance of the DVL-700 compares to the DVL-919. Still, if you can find a CLD-704 or CLD-97 or CLD-99, you might want to try one of those as I believe the LD video performance is better than the DVL-919, which tends to be a little "noisy", from what I've read on AVS Forum. Still, I LOVE my DVL-919 and will NOT be getting rid of it soon..... Peace....

11-08-2001, 08:37 PM	#11 (permalink)
slade Film Class God Join Date: May 2001 Location: Oregon City, OR	thanks guys. I mostly looking b/c I don't believe Lucas is going to ever release the original Star Wars again and I want to have a widescreen version with the best pic/sound possible (also want a few other titles on LD). So, I can't justify spending $1000 on a DVL-919 just for Star Wars. I'll check into some of those other models at e-bay. Any other suggestions about where else to look? Thanks!!! (and I'm sure this is all very helpful to glossybear too ). ------------------ It’s amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving.

11-08-2001, 10:21 PM	#13 (permalink)
Chris in OC Actor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: So Cal	Tom, there's little doubt that Star Wars will make it to DVD eventually, but it's unlikely that Lucas will ever release the original versions in that format. I suspect that's what Slade was referring to. Slade, the SW THX CLV laserdiscs (original version, second WS release) should be pretty reasonable. Until very recently, Ken Crane/DVD Planet had new, sealed copies for $10 each. ------------------ Trust me -- I know what I'm doing.

11-09-2001, 06:07 PM	#16 (permalink)
tomdkat Official Forum Warmonger "Dial Tone" Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hayward, CA, USA	Hey glossybear, here is some info for you (and you to slade): http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...threadid=91130 Peace....

11-26-2001, 10:43 PM	#17 (permalink)
slade Film Class God Join Date: May 2001 Location: Oregon City, OR	Wondering if anyone knows about these editions of Star Wars on LD? Are there better editions out there that I should hold out for? (I realize this is a bit off-topic, but it kind of fits within our discussion adn I'm too lazy to start a new thread). edit to add link: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI...tem=1298946112 ------------------ It’s amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving. [This message has been edited by slade (edited 11-26-2001).]

11-26-2001, 11:46 PM	#18 (permalink)
*chlngr1970* Producer/Admin Tenacious "OB" Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Spanaway Washington	it depends on what you are looking for...If you want DD sound...you have to get the SE.... If you want the ORIGIONAL cut of the film, IE not the recut with the added/changed scenes, you go for the THX copies, such as this What you have to determin is, do you want the origional cut of the movie, or the SE. hope this helps j ------------------ Co-Moderator Software Forum Was it a dream where you see yourself standing in sort of sun-god robes on a pyramid, with a thousand naked women screaming and throwing little pickles at you?

11-27-2001, 08:17 PM	#22 (permalink)
slade Film Class God Join Date: May 2001 Location: Oregon City, OR	thanks for the help guys. It sounds like I want the definitive collection b/c I want the originals (not SE--I can just wait for the DVDs there), in wide screen with the best sound available on the originals. And from what you've said, the definitive is the way to go there. (so, anyone got a set they wanna sell me? ). ------------------ It’s amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving.

11-28-2001, 12:20 AM	#24 (permalink)
Nightingale Supporting Actor Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Minnesota, USA	Is the Pioneer DVL-919 the only LD player still made?

11-30-2001, 03:20 PM	#26 (permalink)
chrisw Actor Join Date: Oct 2001	Hi, I also have the DVL-700, and I love it. However, about a year ago, I could not play a Christmas dvd, A Year Without a Santa Claus. After contacting Pioneer, a great company, and totally responsive and helpful, they told me I needed an E-Pron upgrade because the dvds are being manufactured differently with more info on them, and will continue to be. They told me the closest service area, sent me a letter for the tech, and paid for the whole thing. I have not had a problem playing anything since! It delivers a great LD picture. It is both side play, and flips to side two in less than 8 seconds! ....And, I have the cld-1010 in the bedroom which is an old model from 1987. Actually, I have two: my original I boxed away about a year ago, and one I got on ebay for $50.00! It is a great player in that it uses a red, solid state laser that no other model has used. It delivers a sharp picture, and has phenomenal video noise reduction. Both cld-1010's have performed flawlessly, and have never been to the shop. Pioneer knows how to build them sturdy. Go for either one of those two on ebay if you have the chance! Have a great day! Chris