Replacing my DVD player

apc

I've seen this one at Costco for $120. Here's a link to the specs:

http://www1.epinions.com/Sony_DVPNS71HP_HDMI_Upscaling_Single_Disc_DVD_Player_Silver


Seems to do the upscaling and HDMI stuff. Is there anything else I should consider feature-wise?

Pablo

There are a million things to consider when getting a new piece of equipment. The first is what YOU are looking for. Do you want a great picture, great sound, or just something to play movies and music. If you already spent thousands on your audio/video stuff, I wouldn't skimp on the DVD player. If everything is just average, and you really don't care how it looks or sounds (or can't really afford it), go for something cheap.

There are a million other things to consider. It's not if it has a feature, but what it does to acomplish it. Internaly there are audio processors, video processor, upscaller and which ones and how it uses them makes the difference.

I bought my DVD player about a year or so ago for about $600 and I noticed a huge difference between the picture and sound from my old toshiba. I don't know anything about the one you are looking at, but at $100 range, I don't know if there is a big difference between what's out there.

I'm sure some else here should have some advise on a good $100 player.
Good Luck.

apc

Thank you Pablo. I appreciate your point. Problem is, I don't know anyone who has a really nice DVD player. I would like the opportunity to compare cheap and good side by side. Just blew most of my wad on a new 50" plasma and a PureAV device to protect it. Always inclined to let price be a driver and it's a hard habit to break. I'd like to understand how the better unit IS better; that is, are they made of better components?

Pablo

I'm really no expert on this, but did a bunch of research before I bought my unit and learned a bunch. If you look up some of the higher end units and search what people are saying about them, you will pick up a lot of info. One of the things that come up the most is the chip set being used for the video processing. The better the chip set, the better the picture quality, the better the blacks, the better the colors. Of course the best processors are the most money. Just looking at Denon's top 3 players, they use 3 different chip sets. I can get a little more into detail, but again, I'm really no expert and would hate to give wrong info.

Comparisons are tough because you rarely get 2 different players hooked up to the same set (hooked up the same way). If you want to be sneaky, you can always buy 2 players, bring them home, hook them up and bring back the one you don't like (just make sure they will take it back opened).

Do you have a decent sound system yet? What do you have?

apc

Again, thanks for the insight. I'm learning more by the minute. The more expensive units have to have better 'guts' but I don't know enough about what to look for. Will consider the 2 unit comparison, although they would have to be ordered as all we have in town is BB and CC. Only independent audio shop closed years ago. My speakers are fine for my ears but could be upgraded when funds permit. The biggest problem I face is space - where do the speakers fit. Plus there's always the WAF. I'd love to replace my Polk sub with a big SVS, but no room...

Early B.

You're making this purchase decision too complicated. Just buy a $150 Oppo DVD player and be done with it.

apc

Ha! I was waiting for the Oppo fanclub to show up. They've gotten alot of attention lately. Sounds like everyone is happy with the quality.

shawn474

I've got the Oppo 981 and have absolutely ZERO complaints. I like it very much and it has most features of all the higher priced, big name players. You won't be disappointed if you choose Oppo.

Shawn

Maurice

^^^^
I've got a 981 also. Great player. Matches and in some areas supercedes my former player which was Sony 999ES that retailed at $1100.

AndyGwis

wait for some Toshiba HD-A2s to come back down to $199 on crutchfield, or get one on valueelectronics.

For $200 or just over, you get HD-DVD player, solid upconversion of standard dvds, and at least 5 free HD-DVDs.

For $200, that's a lot.

Bill Ayotte

I would say in this case you are better of with the Oppo...I bought a used Marantz DV-8300 for $350 a while ago, and I am still loving it everyday....I would buy an Oppo, and the worst that can happen is you don't like it and start researching what to sink some serious coin into...This many people liking the Oppo can't be wrong...

Bill Ayotte

AndyGwis wrote: »

wait for some Toshiba HD-A2s to come back down to $199 on crutchfield, or get one on valueelectronics.

For $200 or just over, you get HD-DVD player, solid upconversion of standard dvds, and at least 5 free HD-DVDs.

For $200, that's a lot.

I just got a HD-DVD player for $99 today at CC while I was getting my replacement DLP....5 Free movies, and he threw in a stand for my new DLP (the old one had an integrated stand) and a 4ft HDMI cable....:eek: Can't wait till it gets here tomorrow:D

Sorry for the derail, now back to the Oppo love fest....:D

AndyGwis

Which HD-DVD player did you get for $99? new, used, refurb?!?! And a stand?

That's a ton of good stuff for $99. WOW.

Bill Ayotte

AndyGwis wrote: »

Which HD-DVD player did you get for $99? new, used, refurb?!?! And a stand?

That's a ton of good stuff for $99. WOW.

I'll pm you the details...:D

shawn474

BA,
PM me the detials as well! Spread the wealth, man.

Shawn

Early B.

AndyGwis wrote: »

wait for some Toshiba HD-A2s to come back down to $199 on crutchfield, or get one on valueelectronics.

For $200 or just over, you get HD-DVD player, solid upconversion of standard dvds, and at least 5 free HD-DVDs.

For $200, that's a lot.

Wow. That's a great deal.

I think I'm gonna wait a little while longer to purchase an HD-DVD player -- maybe until Xmas. Hopefully, the war will be over by then or dual format players will be available in the $200 - $300 price range.

Bill Ayotte

shawn474 wrote: »

BA,
PM me the detials as well! Spread the wealth, man.

Shawn

cool....;)

PSOVLSK

Now that just purchased the Toshiba HD-A2, I probably need to sell my Denon DV557. I just bought it in March from Circuit City and I really like it, but I really can't justify keeping it. If you're interested in buying used, pm me and maybe we can work something out. I understand if you're not interested, just thought I'd throw it out there for you.

If you really want to buy new, I'd agree with AndyGwis. HD DVD for $199 plus 5 free movies...a no brainer if you're in the market for a DVD player...IMO.