Need help with a DVD player

[sheldonm]

I'm in the market for a DVD player, that will be used mostly for viewing movies. I don't want to spend a ton of $$$ but want something that will not be outdated in a month. Any ideas???\

Thanks,

Mark

[Claude]

I would recommend getting a player in the $200-250 price range from a known brand, they have a better value than $100 noname players from the supermarket.

Since this is a music board, I specifically recommend the Sony DVP-NS305 and Pioneer DV-454 which have 192kHz sound concerters, something that is not common in the $200 range. The sound is very good even for music listening. Both play MP3-CD-Rs as well. That's what I'm using my Sony for most of the time.

But I don't know if these are available in the US, as a lot of japanese brands have different product lines for every continent.

The only area where outdating would play a role is the ability to play the various recordable DVDs. There are many different formats available and a lot of DVD player don't support all of them. If you don't plan to burn movie DVDs this is not an issue.

[Kevin Bresnahan]

Sheldon, you have to give us your budget! Price is probably the biggest driver in many buying decisions. I can easily recommend the DVD "combo" player I just bought: the Pioneer Elite DV-45A

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pioneer/CDA/HomeProducts/HomeProductDetails/0,1422,92158,00.html

If it's really "DVD-only" that you're interested in, there are so many out there, I don't know that I could do your question justice. You might be better off buying a magazine that rates them?

Later,
Kevin

[Kevin Bresnahan]

Double post?? That's a new one for me... I meant to edit.

[sheldonm]

Thanks for the tips, Claude. Kevin, I would like to keep it to $200 or so. We don't really rent that many movies, but want something decent when we do. I also don't really know all the capabilities of what these machines can do, so it's hard to say exactly what I want. I just don't want to buy something and find out a week later that I didn't get something I should have.

Thanks again,

Mark

[andreimatorin]

Get an xbox with a DVD kit.... it's just as good as high end DVD players and u can do other stuff on it like listen to music u ripped onto the hard drive... and i'm not sure, but i've heard it allows you to play video games as well...

[jazzypaul]

I use my PS2 for that now, and it's a lame set up. The X-Box might be a better sitch because it's an actual computer and all, but really, you're better off, especially if you're in a home and not a dorm room, to just get everything separate. Let everything do the job it was meant to do, and you'll be surprised how well everything works.

[MickJagger]

sheldonm, check out the Toshiba SD4800. This is a really cool DVD player! My dad has one and I love it! As soon as I can get the cash, I'm goin' right out to buy one! It has everyhting you could want in a DVD player all for around $240.00. At least that what I think my dad paid for it. He got his at Best Buy when it first came out which was like a year ago. It has progressive scan, DVD-Audio playback, MP3 playback, and lots more! If you happen to check back in on your thread, I highly recommend checking this player out! And on another note, don't buy a Xbox or a PS2 if you want a DVD player, they suck for that let me tell you. Go and buy a good DVD player, you will be happier that you did, trust me. Hope this helps.

[Kevin Bresnahan]

If I were given a $250 budget, I would get the Sony DVD/SACD combi-player over the Toshiba DVD/DVD-Audio combi. I like the DVD-Audio discs I have as they sound much improved over their CD counterparts, however, there are slim, slim pickins for Jazz on DVD-Audio. SACD is a different story altogether. There are probably over 150 great Jazz titles already out there (one being "Kind Of Blue":)).

Besides, the Sony, while not the best DVD player I ever watched, had perfectly acceptable video performance. And it has progressive scan too. I believe the model number of the currently available ($250) one is DVP-NS755V. I would check around though... I think Sony's new models are just coming out. Typically, Sony improves each model and cuts the price every year. Also, once the next year's models hit the store shelves, they slash the prices on the old ones. I bet you'll be able to pick up the 755 for under $200.:)

Later,
Kevin

[sheldonm]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the imput. I printed your tips and will now go shopping!!!