Old **** needs DVD choices for new TV

HB27
HB27 Posts: 1,518
edited January 2010 in Electronics
Ok, I am not into surround but I just bought a new 42" Panasonic Viera 720p this week and thinking about getting a better DVD player.
I currently use a Toshiba DVD VCR combo player. I don't watch much TV at all but occasionally like a good movie. AGAIN NOT INTO SURROUND.
What is a good DVD player to match up with the Viera for my limited watching?
Harry
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,459
    edited January 2010
    How much do you want to spend? you can get a great DVD/SACD/DVD-A player for $100-$200 on the used market. Oynko/Pioneer to name a couple.
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited January 2010
    I have no idea of what I need. I only need a DVD player and nothing else. I guess what I need depends on how much I'll spend.
    Just to watch DVDs in no larger than 720p I wouldn't think too much.
    I don't do any gaming, listening to audio, surround, anything other than I'll pop in a DVD only. No special extras needn't apply I think???
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  • grif32
    grif32 Posts: 267
    edited January 2010
    I would just invest in a BD player. They are pretty inexpensive now and would look great on your Panny Plasma.. IMHO I just don't see putting money in a cheap DVD player when you can spend $100 - $150 and get a good BD player that plays all DVD's..

    Just my 2 cents.
    (3) PS3's, Xbox 360, (2) Wii's and Nintendo NES
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited January 2010
    Harry, i'd just grab a cheap blu ray player. $100-$150 sounds about right.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited January 2010
    If you just want a very good picture, and not yet into blu ray, you could wait for one of the Toshiba HD-DVD's; they come up for sale once in a while, VERY cheap, and their upconversion for standard DVD's is hard to beat.

    Or check Amazon; pleanty of HDMI upconverting players for not much coin.
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    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited January 2010
    Pany BD-60 for about $129.00 new
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited January 2010
    I know squat about video.
    Is Blue Ray overkill? I was thinking UPconverting dvd would match with the 720p.
    Just guessing and clueless REALLY
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited January 2010
    HB27 wrote: »
    I know squat about video.
    Is Blue Ray overkill? I was thinking UPconverting dvd would match with the 720p.
    Just guessing and clueless REALLY

    Garbage in garbage out applies to video, too. ;)

    But think of it this way, get a Blu Ray player now, and some of them upconvert anyways. It'll play your DVDs, and if you want to try Blu Rays later, you're already set up. And trust me, on that display, you'll WANT to try Blu Rays.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited January 2010
    For a 42" Plasma, many people will say that they don't notice a difference between 720 and 1080. Just get the BluRay. You won't be dissapointed
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited January 2010
    Are there any special things I should look for? Options, etc..
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited January 2010
    I'm wanting to go out this morning and buy one before the football gets underway today.
    Thanks all for the info on these.
    Harry
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited January 2010
    Eh, i imagine you're just looking for something to handle the video aspect, and you'll take care of sound through whatever you're running that day, right? :p

    It doesn't really matter... just make sure it's got all the connections in the back you want. You'll be connecting it to the Panny via HDMI, and the rest you have to worry about is your standard audio stuff.

    I'd suggest one of the Pioneers, but if you're just looking for something to pop a movie in once in a while, i wouldn't really bother. danz1906 had a good suggestion. The cheaper Sonys aren't terrible, either.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited January 2010
    I think all BluRay players will give you excellent picture quality. If not into surround, it doesn't really matter if it has analog outs for all channels or not.
    I would look into loading time. Earlier players that can be found for cheap had very long loading times; not an issue really, but it can get annoying.

    I own the Oppo and love it, but it might be too much for what you want. Others that have experience with other players will chime in.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • Rodeo0530
    Rodeo0530 Posts: 797
    edited January 2010
    Since you have the Panny plasma I would also look at the Panny Blu Ray players. I have a 50" Panny plasma and I bought the Panny DMP BD-60 and it looks great on my TV. If you hook it up to the internet via ethernet, you can access a bunch of stuff through the Viera cast option. Amazon has it for $119 and free shipping right now. Just my opinion here.


    Front - Polk Audio Monitor 70
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  • packetjones
    packetjones Posts: 1,059
    edited January 2010
    Based on the comments you made before. "I don't do any gaming, listening to audio, surround, anything other than I'll pop in a DVD only" I would decide what i want to spend pick up anything that fits in this range. You could get a cheap dvd player for like $40. You could get a cheap BD player for $100. Budget is the deciding factor. I would recommend getting a BD player, even a cheap one.
    Front - RTiA5's
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited January 2010
    I'm going with a basic quality brand of Blue ray.
    Thanks for all the input, you've made up my mind.
    Harry
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  • apphd
    apphd Posts: 1,514
    edited January 2010
    If you haven't decided yet, I would go with a BD player as well, so if you ever get the urge to go Blu Ray you're ready to go. But I think to meet your current requirements you posted I would look for one of these:

    Toshiba XD-E500
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited January 2010
    That was my initial choice as I've never had a bad Toshiba cd or dvd player. Everyone is saying BRay so I'm headed out in a few minutes to pick up one at HH Gregg where I bought my TV.
    Thank you again,
    Harry
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  • anhchungdoan
    anhchungdoan Posts: 760
    edited January 2010
    HB27 wrote: »
    I have no idea of what I need. I only need a DVD player and nothing else. I guess what I need depends on how much I'll spend.
    Just to watch DVDs in no larger than 720p I wouldn't think too much.
    I don't do any gaming, listening to audio, surround, anything other than I'll pop in a DVD only. No special extras needn't apply I think???


    Grab a DVD player for your redbook playback if you are not into the bluray crap. Most BDP loading time is slow and the DVD upconversion is not up to par except for the $$$ Oppo 83. That's why I keep my Pio DV58 for redbook playback and the BDP95/BDP51 for BR playback in my Pio system.

    Don't forget to grab an in-expensive HDMI 1.3a certified.
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited January 2010
    OK, DO I need a HDMI cable just for DVD and Blue Ray? No receiver in the mix
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited January 2010
    Another vote for BD60. I bought one at Christmas time for present to my bro. Tweaked and set it up with his Samsung LCD. I have to admit that its picture is excellent.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited January 2010
    HB27 wrote: »
    OK, DO I need a HDMI cable just for DVD and Blue Ray? No receiver in the mix

    You'll run HDMI to the TV, and whatever you want to use to your pre/whatever you're using.

    So yeah, you need an HDMI cable. :)
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • HB27
    HB27 Posts: 1,518
    edited January 2010
    OK, On my way to buy the Player and hdmi.
    Thanks bunches guys!
    Harry GO COLTS!
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  • anton.chigurh
    anton.chigurh Posts: 239
    edited January 2010
    Go Colts!
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited January 2010
    HB27 wrote: »
    I know squat about video.
    Is Blue Ray overkill? I was thinking UPconverting dvd would match with the 720p.
    Just guessing and clueless REALLY

    No, upconverting will not come close to 720p. It will look good, but will not be the (near) equal of HD.

    Just buy a BR player and be done with it. The BR player will play all your current DVDs.


    Use HDMI from the player to the TV for best picture.

    Also, upgrade to a good surround system. You are really depriving yourself of the true benefit and enjoyment of today's movies by sticking with 2 channel movies.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • fluffy
    fluffy Posts: 71
    edited January 2010
    HB27 wrote: »
    OK, On my way to buy the Player and hdmi.
    Thanks bunches guys!
    Harry GO COLTS!

    let us know what you get... you dont need an hdmi for 720p but while you are buying you might as well get it incase you upgrade your tv.. but dont pay a big price for it...
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  • fluffy
    fluffy Posts: 71
    edited January 2010
    BlueFox wrote: »
    No, upconverting will not come close to 720p. It will look good, but will not be the (near) equal of HD.

    Just buy a BR player and be done with it. The BR player will play all your current DVDs.


    Use HDMI from the player to the TV for best picture.

    Also, upgrade to a good surround system. You are really depriving yourself of the true benefit and enjoyment of today's movies by sticking with 2 channel movies.

    i disagree. i play standard def dvd's on both my ps3 AND my pioneer bdp-51 and they both look fantastic especially if it is a newer dvd ( last 5 years or so ) . the ps3 looks marginally better than the pioneer when upconverting standard dvd's.

    i recently had a lotr marathon and played all of the SD extended versions through my pioneer and most people thought they were blu ray.. it saved me about a 100 bucks from buying them in blu ray.
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited January 2010
    I just got this Pioneer for back up use and WoW, I can't beleive the features and pic quality this little thing has! $58 shipped !!!:eek:

    http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DV-220V-K-1080p-Upscaling-Player/dp/B002HR6EQS/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1264365549&sr=1-3-fkmr0
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  • fluffy
    fluffy Posts: 71
    edited January 2010
    gdb wrote: »
    I just got this Pioneer for back up use and WoW, I can't beleive the features and pic quality this little thing has! $58 shipped !!!:eek:

    http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DV-220V-K-1080p-Upscaling-Player/dp/B002HR6EQS/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1264365549&sr=1-3-fkmr0

    damn.. that is nice...
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited January 2010
    fluffy wrote: »
    i disagree. i play standard def dvd's on both my ps3 AND my pioneer bdp-51 and they both look fantastic especially if it is a newer dvd ( last 5 years or so ) . the ps3 looks marginally better than the pioneer when upconverting standard dvd's.

    The issue is not whether upconverted DVDs look great. They do. The issue is that upconverted DVDs will not look as good as a HD BR DVD of the same movie. They won't, assuming you are using a HD TV. If one is buying a new DVD player then you may as well get a BR player.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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