DVD player Help

WacT · 07-07-2000, 09:29 AM

I know there have been previously posted DVD deals on this page so Im looking for a little help. I want to find the cheapest, reasonable quality DVD player but dont really know anything about them. Anyone have any suggestions? (Extra bonus is it sells at Value America cause I have about $60 value dollars there) Thanks in advance for any advice!

G_Sup · 07-07-2000, 09:34 AM

Look for the Toshiba 1200, I've seen those going in the $150 to $200 range recently. Keep in mind that if you ever plan to go with a home theatre system (5.1) then cheap isn't the way to go. Suprisingly, I found a Sony DVP530 online going for only $229 (I paid $350 for it) which is an AWESOME deal. This has 5.1 outputs and a very solid reputation. Good luck!

jameslee · 07-07-2000, 09:36 AM

We could probably help you find the best DVD player if you told us a little bit about your entertainment system. What kind of inputs does your television have? What kind of amp do you have? Are you looking for 5.1 sound or just virtual surround?

This information will help you find the best DVD player for you for the right price.

Doofy · 07-07-2000, 09:38 AM

What's 5.1 sound?

WacT · 07-07-2000, 09:43 AM

Unforunately, Im not the most electronically technical guy so Im not sure of all of the answers. However, I know I do not want to get a player that would restrict enhancement of my entertainment system. Right now all I really have is a 53" RCA dual tuner rear prjection TV. There is no additional sound system, however that is definetly something I will be getting in the future.

I dont really know what 5.1 sound is, but it sounds like something I would want since in the future I would definetly like to have a "movie theater" like experience.

I hope this helps a little.....I guess the summary is that Im looking for a pretty good quality DVD player at a good price (isnt everyone!)

Thanks again for the help!

G_Sup · 07-07-2000, 10:03 AM

WacT, 5.1 is a sound format in which most DVD's are made today. 5.1 means 5 speaker + 1 sub, or left, right, center, left surround and right surround, + (hence the .1) 1 sub. When listening to movies decoded in 5.1, each speaker is designated a sound giving you the sound that the movie was designed to portray in the theaters. IF you have a 53" TV then I would definately opt for a DVD player that has these outputs. OF course you will also need to get a good reciever that is 5.1 ready as well, but at least for now you'll feel good that your player has those compatibilites. Below is the link for the Sony I was refering to. It is a great player and has recieved excellent reviews across the board. Just make sure that you get a player that has the 5.1 outputs in the back of the unit (it will have 6 RCA outs).
http://www.theweb-shop.com/main/dt_d...sp?sku=7902906

[This message has been edited by G_Sup (edited 07-07-2000).]

smeakim · 07-07-2000, 10:26 AM

Well I don't have a home theatre system except for my piecemeal system. I bought a APEX600A DVD player. No it does not have the loophole everyone is talking about. It is really good though. I have it hooked up through my TV and Stereo. You have to have audio jacks and if you have S-Video Output it is even better. It retails at Circuit City for about 169-179. I have had no problems with movies such as the Matrix or others. It also plays regular cds, video cds, and mp3 cds. It also has Karaoke function. I love it so far and watch probably three to four movies a week. Also it comes with all the cables and everything you need. You don't need to go out any buy anything extra.

jameslee · 07-07-2000, 10:37 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>I want to find the cheapest, reasonable quality DVD player...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

and

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>I dont really know what 5.1 sound is, but it sounds like something I would want since in the future I would definetly like to have a "movie theater" like experience.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ahh, the best of both worlds. Do you want a player that's cheap and will work fine with your existing equipment or do you want a player that more expensive and has the options available if you decide to get better equipment?

Gotta make the call sometime. =)

WacT · 07-07-2000, 10:44 AM

Hehe, its a fine line.....How bout one that is good enough to do most everything well enough so a joe like me doesnt notice he is missing a key feature, yet doesnt cost me an arm and a leg.

Additional note - I have DirectTV (dotn know if that causes any problems with the input/outputs etc.....

frnkjeng · 07-07-2000, 10:57 AM

Best Entry Level DVD players from the reviews I've read are..

Sony 360
Toshiba 1200
Pioneer 525

all can be had for around 200...

i6s1 · 07-07-2000, 11:43 AM

I have a Samsung 709. A lot of people bag it, but I like it. The best thing about it was that it was free. If you see one of these for $150 or so, get it.

damonal · 07-07-2000, 12:15 PM

Can somebody explain the difference between Dolby ProLogic and Dolby Digital 5.1? I have a ProLogic system with L, R, C, RR, and RL channels (no sub, but I have the jack) and I'm wondering what the difference is....

EmmaCat · 07-07-2000, 02:53 PM

I recently ordered the Konka KD 1800U dvd player from Mobshop and I think it's the bomb.

http://www.mobshop.com/cycles?cycle_id=297447

frnkjeng · 07-07-2000, 03:26 PM

IMHO the most important feature of an entry-level player is that it play ALL DVDs. Nothing pisses me off more than a DVD that just won't play. Especially with the newer DVDs that have seamless branching, (ID4, Stuart Little)

----
Dolby ProLogic is a four channel system but only two of the channels are discrete (the left and right main front speakers). The center channel and the surround channel information is actually blended in with the main left and right channels in the recording process and extracted on playback.

spigidygak · 07-07-2000, 06:54 PM

For some more info on differentiating Dolby Digital and DTS check out this article. http://www.bargainflix.com/news/answ...answerman1.asp

------------------
And at band camp. . . http://www.geocities.com/bandtour99

BigDamnHardboiled · 07-08-2000, 02:18 AM

Don't worry about missing features with a cheap one or paying too much for an expensive one. The Sony DVP-530 has all the features, including built in Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder, so you can have the have the true home theater experience even if your receiver is only "5.1 ready". The price is entry-level (about $250) but the performance is top-end. Look in all the reviews, you'll find this model is the bang-for-the-buck champion.

spigidygak · 07-08-2000, 02:28 AM

Don't forget though, dts is better quailty than dolby digital.

------------------
And at band camp. . . http://www.geocities.com/bandtour99

G_Sup · 07-08-2000, 09:49 AM

The Sony DVP 530 also has DTS. At $227 this player is a steal considering you couldn't find it for under $350 6 months ago.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

07-07-2000, 09:29 AM	#1
WacT Plebe Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 3	I know there have been previously posted DVD deals on this page so Im looking for a little help. I want to find the cheapest, reasonable quality DVD player but dont really know anything about them. Anyone have any suggestions? (Extra bonus is it sells at Value America cause I have about $60 value dollars there) Thanks in advance for any advice!

07-07-2000, 09:34 AM	#2
G_Sup Lieutenant Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: CA Posts: 262	Look for the Toshiba 1200, I've seen those going in the $150 to $200 range recently. Keep in mind that if you ever plan to go with a home theatre system (5.1) then cheap isn't the way to go. Suprisingly, I found a Sony DVP530 online going for only $229 (I paid $350 for it) which is an AWESOME deal. This has 5.1 outputs and a very solid reputation. Good luck!

07-07-2000, 09:36 AM	#3
jameslee Lieutenant Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 409	We could probably help you find the best DVD player if you told us a little bit about your entertainment system. What kind of inputs does your television have? What kind of amp do you have? Are you looking for 5.1 sound or just virtual surround? This information will help you find the best DVD player for you for the right price.

07-07-2000, 09:38 AM	#4
Doofy Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: NY, NY, USA Posts: 163	What's 5.1 sound?

07-07-2000, 09:43 AM	#5
WacT Plebe Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 3	Unforunately, Im not the most electronically technical guy so Im not sure of all of the answers. However, I know I do not want to get a player that would restrict enhancement of my entertainment system. Right now all I really have is a 53" RCA dual tuner rear prjection TV. There is no additional sound system, however that is definetly something I will be getting in the future. I dont really know what 5.1 sound is, but it sounds like something I would want since in the future I would definetly like to have a "movie theater" like experience. I hope this helps a little.....I guess the summary is that Im looking for a pretty good quality DVD player at a good price (isnt everyone!) Thanks again for the help!

07-07-2000, 10:03 AM	#6
G_Sup Lieutenant Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: CA Posts: 262	WacT, 5.1 is a sound format in which most DVD's are made today. 5.1 means 5 speaker + 1 sub, or left, right, center, left surround and right surround, + (hence the .1) 1 sub. When listening to movies decoded in 5.1, each speaker is designated a sound giving you the sound that the movie was designed to portray in the theaters. IF you have a 53" TV then I would definately opt for a DVD player that has these outputs. OF course you will also need to get a good reciever that is 5.1 ready as well, but at least for now you'll feel good that your player has those compatibilites. Below is the link for the Sony I was refering to. It is a great player and has recieved excellent reviews across the board. Just make sure that you get a player that has the 5.1 outputs in the back of the unit (it will have 6 RCA outs). http://www.theweb-shop.com/main/dt_d...sp?sku=7902906 [This message has been edited by G_Sup (edited 07-07-2000).]

07-07-2000, 10:26 AM	#7
smeakim Lieutenant Commander Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: CO Posts: 690	Well I don't have a home theatre system except for my piecemeal system. I bought a APEX600A DVD player. No it does not have the loophole everyone is talking about. It is really good though. I have it hooked up through my TV and Stereo. You have to have audio jacks and if you have S-Video Output it is even better. It retails at Circuit City for about 169-179. I have had no problems with movies such as the Matrix or others. It also plays regular cds, video cds, and mp3 cds. It also has Karaoke function. I love it so far and watch probably three to four movies a week. Also it comes with all the cables and everything you need. You don't need to go out any buy anything extra.

07-07-2000, 10:37 AM	#8
jameslee Lieutenant Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 409	<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>I want to find the cheapest, reasonable quality DVD player...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> and <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>I dont really know what 5.1 sound is, but it sounds like something I would want since in the future I would definetly like to have a "movie theater" like experience.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Ahh, the best of both worlds. Do you want a player that's cheap and will work fine with your existing equipment or do you want a player that more expensive and has the options available if you decide to get better equipment? Gotta make the call sometime. =)

07-07-2000, 10:44 AM	#9
WacT Plebe Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 3	Hehe, its a fine line.....How bout one that is good enough to do most everything well enough so a joe like me doesnt notice he is missing a key feature, yet doesnt cost me an arm and a leg. Additional note - I have DirectTV (dotn know if that causes any problems with the input/outputs etc.....

07-07-2000, 10:57 AM	#10
frnkjeng Ensign Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 41	Best Entry Level DVD players from the reviews I've read are.. Sony 360 Toshiba 1200 Pioneer 525 all can be had for around 200...

User Name
Password
Remember Me?

07-07-2000, 11:43 AM	#11
i6s1 Lieutenant Commander Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Vancouver Posts: 905	I have a Samsung 709. A lot of people bag it, but I like it. The best thing about it was that it was free. If you see one of these for $150 or so, get it.

07-07-2000, 12:15 PM	#12
damonal Ensign Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 9	Can somebody explain the difference between Dolby ProLogic and Dolby Digital 5.1? I have a ProLogic system with L, R, C, RR, and RL channels (no sub, but I have the jack) and I'm wondering what the difference is....

07-07-2000, 02:53 PM	#13
EmmaCat Ensign Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Petersburgh, Fl, USA Posts: 16	I recently ordered the Konka KD 1800U dvd player from Mobshop and I think it's the bomb. http://www.mobshop.com/cycles?cycle_id=297447

07-07-2000, 03:26 PM	#14
frnkjeng Ensign Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 41	IMHO the most important feature of an entry-level player is that it play ALL DVDs. Nothing pisses me off more than a DVD that just won't play. Especially with the newer DVDs that have seamless branching, (ID4, Stuart Little) ---- Dolby ProLogic is a four channel system but only two of the channels are discrete (the left and right main front speakers). The center channel and the surround channel information is actually blended in with the main left and right channels in the recording process and extracted on playback.

07-07-2000, 06:54 PM	#15
spigidygak Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Redlands & San Diego, CA. Posts: 5,882	For some more info on differentiating Dolby Digital and DTS check out this article. http://www.bargainflix.com/news/answ...answerman1.asp ------------------ And at band camp. . . http://www.geocities.com/bandtour99

07-08-2000, 02:18 AM	#16
BigDamnHardboiled Ensign Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 14	Don't worry about missing features with a cheap one or paying too much for an expensive one. The Sony DVP-530 has all the features, including built in Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder, so you can have the have the true home theater experience even if your receiver is only "5.1 ready". The price is entry-level (about $250) but the performance is top-end. Look in all the reviews, you'll find this model is the bang-for-the-buck champion.

07-08-2000, 02:28 AM	#17
spigidygak Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Redlands & San Diego, CA. Posts: 5,882	Don't forget though, dts is better quailty than dolby digital. ------------------ And at band camp. . . http://www.geocities.com/bandtour99

07-08-2000, 09:49 AM	#18
G_Sup Lieutenant Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: CA Posts: 262	The Sony DVP 530 also has DTS. At $227 this player is a steal considering you couldn't find it for under $350 6 months ago.