DVD Player recommendations: Discuss DVD player recommendations here

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by dvdzrkool

Tomdkat, just out of curioisty, what is your take on NAD DVD players? I saw one in a store today and I know nothing about them.

NAD gear is expensive and is considered fairly "high-end".

They make DVD players and A/V receiver and AMPs and stuff...

I don't know much more than that BUT I think there are some forum members who have had some experience with NAD gear.

Peace...

[dvdzrkool]

Ok then, I'll put this out to anyone who can answer. I saw a NAD T512DVD/CD player in a local sound outlet today and I'm curious if there's anyone out there that has experience with this player or knows someone who does? It's approximately the same price as the Marantz DV4300 and the Denon DVD910 so I'm assuming it at least in the same ball-park quality-wise.

Any takers?

Cheers...

[dvdzrkool]

Just found out Vinc ships to Canada now. Just might have to get me a D1 (or D3 when they are available)

Cheers

[Hockey Mask]

tomdkat: This is for you. I am looking for a new $160 or so DVD player. 5-disc changer would be nice but not if it will trump pic. quality. Sound isn't as important. I have a 43" Hitachi, projection, 16:9, HDTV ready. I don't want a list of what are "good" buys. I want to know what you would spend your $160 on. (And if it means spending $100 on a player and $60 on discs that is fine too) You know far too much compared to me for me to pick one of your 5 finalists.

Also...is the progressive scan that much better than a non-progressive for the TV I have. Is it like going from videotape to DVD? Cable to Dish? How much of an improvement is it? Honestly, my first and second DVD players perform fine but I can see where the video could improve and that is the only reason I am shopping for a new player. Does my television NEED a progressive scan player?

Thanks for you time.

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by Hockey Mask

tomdkat: This is for you. I am looking for a new $160 or so DVD player. 5-disc changer would be nice but not if it will trump pic. quality. Sound isn't as important. I have a 43" Hitachi, projection, 16:9, HDTV ready. I don't want a list of what are "good" buys. I want to know what you would spend your $160 on. (And if it means spending $100 on a player and $60 on discs that is fine too) You know far too much compared to me for me to pick one of your 5 finalists.

Well, I don't know any more than a number of others here so I'm sure between all of us we can come up with a good recommendation for you. Please post the model number of your Hitachi and preferably a link to the set so we can read it's speces, etc. $160 for a 5-disc changer might be a challenge but it might be possible.

Let me do some poking around and I'll post some suggestions. I don't know what your requirements are (outside of wanting a 5-disc changer) so it's hard to post a "this is THE player for you" recommendation. Do you care about WMV or WMA playback? What about MP3 playback? My gut is telling me to seek out a Panasonic DVD-CP72 (I believe that's the model for the 5-disc changer) but you'll have to find one on eBay and it will probably cost more than $160 BUT it would definitely offer the video performance you seek.

I'll post more later.

Peace...

[Hockey Mask]

Thanks for the speedy response...

My television is a 43FWX20B...(I have no idea how to post a link to anything) As you can see my ignorance isn't limited to DVD players. Thank you for your patience.

[tomdkat]

Check out the Denon DVM-1805. This unit is a 5-disc changer with Faroudja processive scan processing. It's been replaced by the Denon DVM-1815, but that DVM-1815 costs more than your current budget.

You can read about the DVM-1815 here.

You can read about the DVM-1805 here.

If I were you, I would seriously consider this one. I don't know what kind of "warm fuzzies" you need about that seller, but that looks like a good price on that unit. I know we're leaving your budget, but this is a good unit to look at, at least for video processing. I've read where the changer on the DVM-1815 was "loud" but outside of that the player performed well.

I'll post more in a bit.

Peace...

[Hockey Mask]

Thanks again...that definately gives me a good starting spot. Is progressive going to be noticibly different? Definately worth the upgrade?

Also, would it be wiser skipping the 5-disc changer to get the price down more to my budget? If so...Single disc for $160. Which one?

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by Hockey Mask

Thanks again...that definately gives me a good starting spot. Is progressive going to be noticibly different? Definately worth the upgrade?

Sorry about that.. I completely missed that part of your original question.

I'm not sure what you would consider to be a "noticably" different video image but given the examples you cited in your original request, I doubt the difference in video image you might see you would consider to be "substantial". That's just a guess not knowing anything about you or how sensitive your eyes are, etc.

Also, would it be wiser skipping the 5-disc changer to get the price down more to my budget? If so...Single disc for $160. Which one?

if you skip the 5-disc changer, you can get good progressive scan DVD players from Toshiba, Pioneer, and Sony for less than $160. Even the new line of Panasonic DVD players will probably suit your needs well. If you want to try DVD-Audio as well as SACD, the Pioneer DV-563a would definitely be worth looking into.

Here are some DVD Players at BestBuy you might want to check out:

Panasonic DVD-F65K
Pioneer DV-563AS
Sony DVP-NC665P
Toshiba SD-4900
Toshiba SD-3950

Those players probably won't yield the same level of video performance as the Denon I mentioned but at those prices at bestBuy it's worth trying each one until you find one you like.

I don't think the Panasonic DVD-F65K uses the same de-interlacer as the Denon (or the Panasonic DVD-CP72) but you might find it to perform "good enough" for you. There are some Toshiba SD-3950 and SD-4900 owners here who can comment on those players. If you search here for those players you can also find previous discussion.

I own the Pioneer DV-563a and I think the video performance is good. I have little experience with Sony DVD players.

BestBuy has a great return policy so I suggest you read the specs on the players above and see what things you like (like MP3 or WMA support, JPEG picture viewing, SACD support, etc) and make a prioritized list of players and buy them from BestBuy and return the ones you don't like. Still, I would recommend checking out that Denon unit first.

I'm sure others will comment on the above as well.

Peace...

[brinkoftime]

I have the Harman Kardon DVD 101. This is a progressive scan player and in the short time I've owned it I must say that this player is phenomenal! The remote is OK and is probably the weakest link in the package. It is a beautiful, high-end looking player and matches my AVR130 perfectly. The picture quality is sweet and so is the audio. Here is a link to the specs: http://www.harmankardon.com/specific...%20101&sType=C

I also got a great deal on this item at Circuit City. It retails for 349.00, but I snagged it open-boxed for 199.00!!

If you are in the market for a new player check out the professional reviews on this beauty and take my word for it, you won't regret it.

[drzeus]

I can't keep up with all this technology, it moves at such a rate! So I'd appreciate a bit of help folks.
I want to buy a dvd player that will take advantage of the 5.1 ch inputs I have on my stereo (Technics sc-eh750, has DTS encoder built in but not a Dolby decoder (I think), all speakers ready for home cinema- bought in the days when I had spare cash!). It can't be too expensive up to about 150Euros or so praps a bit more depending.

As many formats as poss. really, not too fussed about mp3, and as my stereo has 5 cd places and great sound I am not fussed about the dvd players ability to play cds but I would like good cinema sounding audio.

I have an old tv, no scart, no svideo, has video in - audio out tho, an Hitachi circa 1994. But when I have saved all over again, I am not going for 32" tv's etc, I want to go for a projector (why have 32" when you can have the entire lounge width!)

A lot of the dvd players I have lloked at on line don't seem to have 5.1 outputs AND jpeg viewing, or am I missing something? I would like jpeg ability as we have a digicam.

I did see the Umax/Yamada here (in greece) at the right price but then i read it may not have such great picture) Any comments? I want the surround sound but not at the expensive of the picture! I would like to wait for one of the pioneers or panasonics to come down in price but the trouble here is often as soon as a newer model appears the old ones just vanish, really.

Also if a plyer says 5.1 ch. and has the dolby decoder but doesn't have the 6 outputs on the back, when you connect it up (cos my technics has a L-R input from dvd too) do you get the 5.1 audio then? I am confused about that. Is there much difference in 5.1 going to two outputs-inputs and 5.1 going to 6 outputs-inputs? Someone to clarify that would be great (cos i have found plenty in my price range that would be ok for the 2 o/p - i/p.
The Yamada is out of stock at the mo so I am waiting until the 20th Feb anyway (trying to be oh so patient!!)

Many thanks for your help
DZ

PS since i have been using the grey matter a little - so if my technics has DTS decoder onboard and has 5 discrete inputs (as well as the simple dvd 2 ch input) what are my bargain value but good quality options - i really like the pioneers and toshibas)

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by drzeus

I want to buy a dvd player that will take advantage of the 5.1 ch inputs I have on my stereo (Technics sc-eh750, has DTS encoder built in but not a Dolby decoder (I think), all speakers ready for home cinema- bought in the days when I had spare cash!). It can't be too expensive up to about 150Euros or so praps a bit more depending.

I don't know about the availability of this player in Europe, but you might want to check out the European version of the Panasonic S55S

Non-region 1 DVD player discussion really belongs in the "Off-World Colonies" so we can continue this discussion over there.

EDIT: drzeus, I started THIS thread for you.

Peace...

[drzeus]

Cheers - sorry it was in the wrong place!
Also discovered I in fact have NO DTS decoder onbard the Technics so back to square 1!


S55 is not available in Greece (unfortunately)
My above post was put in the right place ... where it has remained totally dead ... oh well ... made the best purchase I could anyway

[Madmartigan]

Well after 5 good years My Panasonic A110 is finally giving up on Me, so I'm now on the hunt for a new player if anyone can help.[*]I want to go cheaper this time around no more than 200 bucks and I don't buy online it has to be a player that I can buy at a store.[*]Picture and sound are most important to Me and I don't have an HD TV so progressive scan is of no concern.[*]I use S-video cable for picture and Monster optical for sound.[*]Also I'm not really concerned with what brand it is My A110 lasted me a long time so I don't mind getting another Panasonic any of the better brands will work I will not buy a G.E. or a RCA though.[*]I guess thats about it thank You for your time.

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by Madmartigan

[*]I want to go cheaper this time around no more than 200 bucks and I don't buy online it has to be a player that I can buy at a store.[*]Picture and sound are most important to Me and I don't have an HD TV so progressive scan is of no concern.[*]I use S-video cable for picture and Monster optical for sound.[*]Also I'm not really concerned with what brand it is My A110 lasted me a long time so I don't mind getting another Panasonic any of the better brands will work I will not buy a G.E. or a RCA though.

Great list....

Do you care about MP3 playback (from data CDs) or DVD-Audio/SACD playback? What about the ability to view JPEG, etc.? The Pioneer DV-363 plays WMA and MP3s but not DVD-Auddio and SACD, like the Pioneer DV-563a does. Both can be found at retail stores, like BestBuy, for under $200.

The Toshiba SD-3950 also plays WMA and MP3 files and should work well for you also.

The new line of Panasonic DVD players should also offer great interlaced video performance for very cheap prices.

I tend to recommend Pioneer for reliability but the Toshiba players have great Zoom capability and the Panasonics offer great "chroma upsampling error" free video peformance as well.

If you were happy with your A110, you might want to check out one of the new Panasonics (like maybe the S55) but any of the players above should suit your needs nicely.

Good luck!

Peace...

[Madmartigan]

Thanks for the advice Tomdkat I went up to Best Buy today and picked up a Pioneer dv-563a. I paid only 130 bucks for it seemed like a good deal and after the 15 minutes of set-up I was on my way to watching dvd's. I tried all of the dvds that my Panasonic A110 had problems with and the Pioneer had no problems with them at all. Overall I'm pretty impressed with the picture and sound of the Pioneer I think the picture is a bit sharper than My A110, the sound took some time to get right though when I put the first disc in (saving private ryan ) I noticed the bass was not as loud as it was on my A110 but after a few changes on my recevier and the player it self my bass is back to where it was before. So as you can tell so far I really dig this player and at 130 bones if its dead in 3 years I can throw it out and buy another.

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by Madmartigan

Thanks for the advice Tomdkat I went up to Best Buy today and picked up a Pioneer dv-563a.

Great! Now, please send me the address to where I should send the bill...

Peace...

[NailGun Massacre]

Hi...I need some help finding a DVD player.

I need it to be able covert PAL/NTSC on an NTSC television. I have run across some models online from places like codefreedvdplayer.com and regionfreedvdplayer.com and I was thinking about purchasing a JVC model number vx-n50.

I was wondering if there were any players that someone could reccomend which can play PAL/Multi-Region discs on an NTSC television (I won't list the model number of the TV...it's older than dirt and is getting replaced next week) that might be purchased at a store like Best Buy or Circuit City (I don't want to order off of the internet if I don't have to). I'm willing to spend a maximum of 200 bucks on the player.

Thanks...any help is appreciated

BTW:I read up on some CyberHome models and they seem like garbage accordin to Amazon.com customer reviews.

[RedBaronF2001]

My picks for DVD players:

Under $500 street or MSRP:
Denon DVD-910
Panasonic RP-82
Panasonic RP-91
Panasonic XP-30
Samsung DVD HD-931 *When used with DVI to a DLPTV*

Over $500 street or MSRP:
Denon DVD-5900
Pioneer Elite DV59-AVi
Camelot Technology Roundtable 2
Lexicon RT-10
Faroudja DVP-1500

I'm sure I will think of more, but this is what's in my head right now. I have had first hand experience with most of these units (in other's theaters).

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by NailGun Massacre

I need it to be able covert PAL/NTSC on an NTSC television. I have run across some models online from places like codefreedvdplayer.com and regionfreedvdplayer.com and I was thinking about purchasing a JVC model number vx-n50.

If you look in the 'Off-World Colonies' forum you can find more info on region-free players and possibly recommendations for players that convert PAL to NTSC well.

Peace...

[Surf Monkey]

Okay Tom, recommend me a new player.

I just bought the Samsung 43 inch DLP TV and it's like a dream! WAY better than any RPTV I've owned or even seen. Now I need to replace my DVD player. I'd like to get one that includes the Sage chip-set and I'd like SACD playback too. Multi-disc would be cool but isn't required. Should I consider the Samsung with DVI output? I've heard good things about the DVI path but it seems like there isn't any choice when it comes to DVI enabled machines. Also, It would be nice to have an on board DTS decoder since my receiver doesn't have DTS and I'd prefer not to upgrade both DVD player and receiver at this time.

Thoughts?

[RedBaronF2001]

Originally Posted by Surf Monkey

Okay Tom, recommend me a new player.

I just bought the Samsung 43 inch DLP TV and it's like a dream! WAY better than any RPTV I've owned or even seen. Now I need to replace my DVD player. I'd like to get one that includes the Sage chip-set and I'd like SACD playback too. Multi-disc would be cool but isn't required. Should I consider the Samsung with DVI output? I've heard good things about the DVI path but it seems like there isn't any choice when it comes to DVI enabled machines. Also, It would be nice to have an on board DTS decoder since my receiver doesn't have DTS and I'd prefer not to upgrade both DVD player and receiver at this time.

Thoughts?

Without a doubt, the best DVD picture available for DLPTVs is with the Samsung DVD HD-931 using the DVI output @720p. I use this setup currently and it is phenomenal. The 931 will only output a digital stream for DD/DTS. If you really must have SACD & DD/DTS 5.1 through analog you might consider the Denon 2200 & 2900. These offer the DVDO solution for deinterlacing and will output 480i/p only via component. The DLP will then scale to 720p (its native resolution).

There are minor issues with the 931 (black "crush", hot whites (103 IRE)), but at $249 (BB, and online) you get DCDi & DVI. This player will play any disc I throw in it (DVD-R, CD-R, CDRW, etc...).

If you can wait, the new DVD HD-941 should be in stores by July (at the latest, hopefully) and it will include DVD-A & SACD playback. This player will output via HDMI (and DVI w/ adapter) @480p/720p/768p/1080i.

One option now is to get a good 480i player and let the Samsung scaler/de-interlacer do its duties. I recommend the Panasonic RP-91 and Sony DVP7000 & 7700 for this.

[Surf Monkey]

I think I'll wait for the DVD HD-941 (unless Tom tells me otherwise.)

[tomdkat]

Originally Posted by Surf Monkey

I think I'll wait for the DVD HD-941 (unless Tom tells me otherwise.)

Well, you must choose the path that is best for you but the HD-941 should offer you great video performance. The Zenith DVB318 is the "rage" over on AVS Forum right now. ~$200 - $250 price tag, great upconversion performance over component AND DVI video paths, along with Genesis (formerly Sage and Faroudja) de-interlacing and it's available today.

These units have been selling like hot cakes and one online e-tailer has not been able to meet the demand for this player.

The Denon DVD-5900 would be another great machine to consider, if you've got the cash for it. If you don't want to upgrade your A/V receiver at the same time, the 5900 is probably out of the question.

You can get A/V receivers that support ALL of the current audio formats for $300 - $500 so it won't have to be totally painful to upgrade both if you can. If you go with the onboard dts decoder, I don't think it will decode anymore than dts 5.1 where a new receiver could offer you dts-es discrete, es matrix, Neo:6, etc. Just something to consider.

Peace...

[Surf Monkey]

That Zenith looks like a good player. Not impressed with the reports on the build quality though. Also, I'd like to do DVD-A and SACD so I think I'll wait for the new Sammy.