Do I need a new DVD player?

[theyeti]

I have a Sony DVP-S530D player which I got in November of 1999. I like it. It works fine and I have not had any trouble with it.

The reason I am asking is I just got a Sony STR-DE885 receiver and I am wondering if my DVD is a bit out-of-date.

I have been doing some research and the only major feature my player does not have is progressive scan.

So do I need a new player? Has technology really advanced that much to justify $250. - $300. for a new player?

Also are all-region players worth the money? How do they compare with R1 players?

Thanks for the help.

[MrTony]

I would think as long as your player works and you're able to connect the digital output from the player to your receiver, there's no reason to buy a new one.

I'll let someone who knows about multi-region players tackle that one.

[chipmac]

You only would want to upgrade your player to progressive scan if you also have a HDTV or digital tv that can accept that signal. These types of tvs have their own circuitry built in to do this but for DVD viewing it's preferable to do it in t he digital relm before in gets converted to analog at the TV.

[octopus1256]

Originally posted by theyeti
Also are all-region players worth the money? How do they compare with R1 players?

Since you have a R1 player, then no, a Multi-region player is not a great idea. For someone like me who lives in the UK (R2) and has to wait several months after the US gets DVDs, then Mutli region players are good ideas. But since R1 DVDs are the only type to receive early release and best features, keep your player. You can get it chipped if you do fancy buying out-of-country DVDs, but you're more than likely to be able to get them at home.

IF your DVD player has Dolby Digital and DTS then, I would say that it will last you until it breaks down, about four or five year perhaps. Then you can buy a DVD recorder when they come down in price - if you feel there is a audio and video benifit then you can use the Sony else where.

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by octopus1256
IF your DVD player has Dolby Digital and DTS then, I would say that it will last you until it breaks down, about four or five year perhaps.

If your player does NOT have dts support, you can "upgrade" to an interlaced-only player that does for <= $150 or a progressive scan capable player for <= $200.

If your TV can't support a progressive video signal, than stick with an interlaced-only player (or your current player) and by the time you're "ready" to "upgrade" to a progressive scan player the offerings should be much better than the units currently on the market, depending on when you're ready to upgrade.

Good luck!

Peace.....

[theyeti]

Yes, the DVD player does have DTS. I will keep it and upgrade to DVD-R when they are affordable ($300 or so). I just wanted to make sure I was not missing something.

The only reason I would get an all-region player would be to get the first and second seasons of Futurama, I can't wait.

Thanks again for your help.

[Wirehed]

Originally posted by octopus1256
Since you have a R1 player, then no, a Multi-region player is not a great idea. For someone like me who lives in the UK (R2) and has to wait several months after the US gets DVDs, then Mutli region players are good ideas. But since R1 DVDs are the only type to receive early release and best features, keep your player. You can get it chipped if you do fancy buying out-of-country DVDs, but you're more than likely to be able to get them at home.

Ummm... I'm in region 1 and I love my region free player. There are tons of releases not available in R1 that are worth owning, and there are quite a few DVDs that are better in a different region, Hong Kong Legends for instance.