Looking for an affordable new dvd player

LordCloud · « **on:** 4 Jan 2005, 09:51 pm »

I've been out of the home theater loop for many a moon, I'm still not back in but I need a dvd player with a good picture. I'm getting a hdtv and I want a new dvd player to go with it. Right now I watch movies on my Xbox but that doesn't output a progressive picture in movie mode. Where should I start, I have seen umpteen dvd players for under a hundred that do progressive, but I don't know anything about the current models and how great the picture is. Thanks a lot guys.

jermmd · « **Reply #1 on:** 5 Jan 2005, 12:05 am »

Zenith DVB318. For significantly less than $200, this video upconverting player is probably the best for the money. Does your new player have component in? You need the original firmware and component in to take advantage of the video qualities this player offers. If you want to spend more, there are many more options and many more will be coming out soon.

See this thread for more info:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=400480

Joe M.

jermmd · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 Jan 2005, 12:19 am »

If you were willing to spend $1700 on a DVD player, the Onkyo DVSP1000 is arguably the best there is.

Joe M.

Dan Driscoll · « **Reply #3 on:** 5 Jan 2005, 04:50 pm »

The latest Secrets DVD Shootout results are a good place to start.

LordCloud · « **Reply #4 on:** 5 Jan 2005, 11:01 pm »

Ok, there's a hd dvd player at Circuit City for $199. what's the deal with these, it's supposed to be able to upconvert a signal to 1080i. Anyone have any experience with any of these types of players?

JuanR · « **Reply #5 on:** 5 Jan 2005, 11:30 pm »

Panasonic s-97-s and toshiba-v592 if you using HDMI, or Sony dvp Ns975v if you are using component video. All are upconverted, The Toshiba at BB for $199, the other 2 at J&R for less than $300. They work well with DLP, also if you want, take a look at avsforum.com and look on dvd`s. there is an article from secret of home theater about those players, The Denon 3910 is probably the best also for music, but more expensive and and at the end of the year the new blue ray will be in the market(HD).

LordCloud · « **Reply #6 on:** 6 Jan 2005, 01:08 am »

I think once I get my new tv, and a few other things paid for, I'm going to look into the Toshiba.

Dan Driscoll · « **Reply #7 on:** 6 Jan 2005, 05:17 pm »

Quote from: LordCloud

Ok, there's a hd dvd player at Circuit City for $199. what's the deal with these, it's supposed to be able to upconvert a signal to 1080i. Anyone have any experience with any of these types of players?

Upconverting DVD players are not the same thing as High Defintion DVD players.

The reviews (user and pro) on upconverting players have been mixed. Results also seem to be very dependent on the display. Personally, I'm going to pass on upconverting players and wait until true HD-DVD come down to a reasonable price.

JoshK · « **Reply #8 on:** 6 Jan 2005, 05:27 pm »

Is there any software released in HD-DVD yet?

Charles Calkins · « **Reply #9 on:** 6 Jan 2005, 05:39 pm »

Lord Cloud.
My first DVD player cost $650. No progresive scan. It was an early Sony model. My newest DVD olayer with progresive scan cost $90 at Walmart It is a panasonic. Between the two of them I couldn't tell any difference in picture quality. I gave the Sony to my daughter about four years ago. It died so I bought her a cheepo DVD player and the Picture looks fine.

Cheers
Charlie

LordCloud · « **Reply #10 on:** 6 Jan 2005, 06:48 pm »

Quote from: Charles Calkins

Lord Cloud.
My first DVD player cost $650. No progresive scan. It was an early Sony model. My newest DVD olayer with progresive scan cost $90 at Walmart It is a panasonic. Between the two of them I couldn't tell any difference in picture quality. I gave the Sony to my daughter about four years ago. It died so I bought her a cheepo DVD player and the Picture looks fine.

Cheers
Charlie

My first dvd player was a $650 Sony as well. I think it was the 2nd one they released, before component was available. I am not a vidophile, but I would like to get a great picture for a small amount of money. I think I may just keep watching movies through the trusty XBox. I may also just try a cheap progressive player.