Opinion: What's the best DVD player out there for performance and price?

**brainsmile** · 09-16-2001, 08:21 AM

Hey Got|Apex community.

I'm looking into buying one that I will never complain about but I was surprised by the differing opinions of my friends so I thought I'd open it up for comment.

Does anyone have an opinion of what is a good DVD player.

So far I've heard that Toshiba, Apex and Sony are the top choices. But I don't know if they are reliable sources and I don't have any suggestions for model # either

Thanks for your input!

**giambona** · 09-16-2001, 04:09 PM

I just bought the Creative Labs PC-DVD Encore 12x with DVR3. I bought this b/c i've heard good things about this kit, and i've never had any problems with Creative products. Unfortunately, i found out after installing it thaqt the drivers for Win2k are still in beta. Every time I try to play a DVD my computer freezes.

**Leon** · 09-16-2001, 08:47 PM

Please tell us your price range, brainsmile. That would help a lot.

**ufcrusher** · 09-17-2001, 11:26 PM

Also what features are you looking for? Do you want Progressive scan, zoom features, DVD Audio, Super Audio, DVD-RAM playback, etc. I personally dont know who told you to get an apex, but apparently they are smoking something. As for the players, it all depends on what you want. You can spend anywhere from $150 (or less) up to a few grand. It all just depends on what features you want and what you want to spend.

**brainsmile** · 09-18-2001, 09:45 AM

something under $250... I don't mean a dvd drive for a computer mind you. I mean a dvd player for the TV

**froggystyle** · 09-19-2001, 09:08 AM

im in love with my panasonic dvd rv31k
it plays mp3 cds it plays cdr and rw
it plays vcds
its solid as could be
its got optical out
its good stuff
i do have to warn though here is no digital coaxial out
i bought a reciever that didnt have optical in only digital coax
and i ended up having to return the reciever for one that did
it does have the regular red white yellow rca output though. overall i think its fantastic i must say

**Leon** · 09-20-2001, 05:27 AM

Non-Progressive:
Toshiba SD2715

- MP3 Playback
- DVD/CD/Video/CD-R/DVD-R/CD-RW Compatible Playback
- 5 disc carousel
- Price: $206.99 - $15 Coupon = $191.99 at Amazon

Progressive:
Toshiba SD4700

- MP3 Compatible Playback
- DVD/DVD-Audio/CD/Video CD/CD-R/CD-RW/DVD-R Compatible Playback
- DVD and CD Text Compatible
- Super ColorStream Pro® Progressive Component Video Output with Cinema Mode
- Price: $269.99 - $15 Coupon = $254.99 at Amazon

**Leon** · 09-20-2001, 05:31 AM

Actually, check out all of these Toshiba models and see which one has the features you want.

DVD SD4700
DVD SD2715
DVD SD2705
DVD SD2700
DVD SD2300
DVD SD1700

http://www.toshiba.com/tacp/dvd_main.html

**brainsmile** · 09-20-2001, 07:31 AM

thanks for the suggestions leon. I'll check it out after I move in 2 weeks. YEA!!!

**streeter** · 09-20-2001, 09:56 AM

I go through these occasional moments when I do things totally on a whim. This is totally out of character for me and I ordered a DVD player(Philips DVD950AT) without researching because, because . . . . I just wanted to . . . . . do........... something......... totally out of character for me. Did I luck out or buy a 'back bedroom' model?

**Scooby_Doo** · 09-20-2001, 02:41 PM

The new Sony NS700P is Sony's latest progressive scan dvd player. Plays MP3's, CD-R's, VCD's, etc. - It is silver and matches there Vega TV's. The Video quality of this DVD player is at the same level as the high end DENON DVD players for half the price. The only feature it is missing is the ability to play Audio-DVD's. I just got mine at 800.com for $299 no shipping and you get a $50 rebate = 250. Or you can get it for about $268.00 from Buydig.com

**Leon** · 09-20-2001, 02:53 PM

The Philips (from what I've read) seems to be a pretty decent player with a lot of features. There are some problems with the unit pausing a lot. This may not happen with your unit, however. Good luck!

**Leon** · 09-20-2001, 02:59 PM

Originally posted by Scooby_Doo
The new Sony NS700P is Sony's latest progressive scan dvd player. Plays MP3's, CD-R's, VCD's, etc. - It is silver and matches there Vega TV's. The Video quality of this DVD player is at the same level as the high end DENON DVD players for half the price. The only feature it is missing is the ability to play Audio-DVD's. I just got mine at 800.com for $299 no shipping and you get a $50 rebate = 250. Or you can get it for about $268.00 from Buydig.com

I agree. If MP3 playback isn't a concern, then the Sony is definitely one to check out.

**Scooby_Doo** · 09-20-2001, 03:03 PM

According to latest Sound and Vision magazine the new Sony plays MP3 cd's. However it does not support the new DVD-Audio standard that came out.

**Leon** · 09-20-2001, 05:37 PM

Wow, cool! That Sony sounds like a killer deal! Too bad I can't find any reviews for it.

**Scooby_Doo** · 09-20-2001, 06:45 PM

Review of the Sony NS700P is in Sound & Vision October Issue - Current Edition. I just got it today so I will be watching Driven on it tonight - my Toshiba 3109 just died (particalizes whenever I watch movie after 20 minutes). So I will see if you can notice a diffence - I dont have a progressive tv set however.

**brainsmile** · 09-21-2001, 07:58 AM

Can you explain this? I don't know what that means. What is the price range on this?

Originally posted by Scooby_Doo
However it does not support the new DVD-Audio standard that came out.

**Scooby_Doo** · 09-21-2001, 11:08 AM

DVD-Audio offers a range of new features including even higher quality, surround sound, longer playing times plus additional features that are not available on CDs. DVD-Audio discs will be capable of carrying video, like DVD-Video titles, as well as high quality audio files and include limited interactivity. Capacity of a dual layer DVD-Audio will be up to at least 2 hours for full surround sound audio and over 4 hours for stereo audio.

Check out

http://www.dvd-audio.co.uk/intro.html

Feature DVD-Audio DVD-Video Comments

Audio bit rate (Mb/s) 9.6 6.144 DVD-Audio allows higher quality

MLP compression YES NO For higher quality & playing time

For audio-only players YES NO Important for mobile players

Copy protection YES NO Required by content owners

**ribitch** · 10-07-2001, 01:18 PM

Well i feel that the sony dvp-cx850d is the best, its a 200 disc changer that does almost everything you can imagine. The only downside is it doesnt do CD-R.

If you need CD-R compatability get the 860, which is the 300+1 from sony. Both great choices.

Check out www.audioreview.com they have the most info by far on the net to help compare, as well as user feedback

**gothamknight** · 10-07-2001, 02:57 PM

Check out the following article if you want a comprehensive review of the leading progressive scan DVD players:

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

As you can see the Panasonic DVD-RP56 is recommended, especially at its price point. I know Onecall.com is selling it for about $210 right now. Good luck!