Dvd Players Best Price!

Denon DVD-3930CI A/V Combination DVD/DVDA/SACD/CD Player with Realta T2 HQV

2009-12-31T22:02:00.001-08:00

Denon DVD-3930CI A/V Combination DVD/DVDA/SACD/CD Player with Realta T2 HQV
From Denon

The DVD-3930CI DVD player has many of the same features and processing offered in Denon’s flagship series players. The back panel is fully loaded with all the connections most installers and home audio/video enthusiasts need to connect to a high-end audio/video system. Component connections are offered in the standard RCA type connection and in the more commercial BNC type connection. The HDMI output now supports resolutions up to 1080p for compatibility with current HD displays. In addition, the DVD-3930CI offers all video outputs live, for multiple connection/zone configurations. Add to this the multiple video and audio adjustments provided using the included fully backlit remote, and you have a player that you can calibrate precisely and easily operate in either daylight or theater light conditions.
Amazon Sales Rank: #53677 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Denon Model: DVD-3930CI Dimensions: 27.82 pounds

Excellent DVD performance, buggy DivX When I was on a market for the good DVD player the Denon 3930CI was a clear choice. It was consistently rated as the best DVD player one could get. After using the player with DVDs of various picture quality I can only confirm it. I tested it against Sony PS3 and Oppo 980 and Denon would always give me the best picture quality. With good DVDs Denon always gives a better color reproduction with bad DVDs after using Picture Adjust menu one can fix pretty much any DVD playback problem. Realta HQV really shines with bad MPEG encoding; digital noise filter is just superb. Denon's default playback settings assumes that you only have a perfect DVDs in your collection, so sharpening, saturation, filters are all off. You have to be willing to learn how to correct imperfections using Picture Adjust menu. If you don't want to learn this complex player then you would be better off with something less expensive. Sony PS3 default settings for example are more user friendly. Now bad news, well at least for me. DivX playback on 3930 was one of the key features I was looking for. I have a huge library of DivX files and Oppo 980 plays them all with absolutely no problem at all. Denon 3930 unfortunately just fails miserably here. Denon's DivX decoder produces motion artifacts. If I stop playback - picture looks perfect, unfortunately transitions from frame to frame produces ugly zigzag lines and painful to watch. Latest firmware did not fix this problem. I may get the newest Oppo 983 just to get the best DivX scaled to 1080P of my Mitsubishi Diamond 52" LCD. Audiophile grade SACD player I had high-end 60lb $2500 Sony SCD-777ES SACD player and Oppo 971 DVD player. Due to upgrade to a new Blu-ray player, I need an extra space so decision is to consolidate the SCD-777ES SACD and Oppo 971 DVD into one high-end SACD/DVD player. I tried out the value Oppo 980 & 981, but its SACD performance is not the same level as Sony SCD-777ES. I tried $1200 Sony DVP-NS9100ES; good DVD but the SACD sound quality is not Audiophile grade yet. I heard a lot of good thing about the Denon 5910 (discontinued) so I ordered Denon top of line DVD-3930Ci. I am so glad to report that its SACD performance is superb. It has the nuance and details as my current Sony SCD-777ES. Plus, its DVD performance is slightly better than the Oppo. It also plays DVD-A. Now, I am really enjoying my B&W Nautilus 801 speakers. Playing them really well Didn't know how much difference a good player makes with my DVD's. This one showed me the light. It's big, it's bulky, but boy what a blast to use. Hooked up with HDMI, Logistic universal remote controls it, and I just sit back and watch movies with out the hassle and edgy video like before. Well worth the investment.

Panasonic SC-HT900 Home Theater System with 5-Disc DVD Changer

2009-12-30T22:02:00.001-08:00

Panasonic SC-HT900 Home Theater System with 5-Disc DVD Changer
From Panasonic

Panasonic SC-HT900 is a Home Theater System with built-in 5-DVD changer and Surround sound speaker system.PRODUCT FEATURES:DVD-Audio Compatibility;Dolby Digital Decoder;DTS Decoder 2;Dolby Pro Logic Surround (Pro Logic II);FM/AM Digital Synthesizer Tuner;Audio Inputs;Cinema Mode;Dialog Enhancer;Multi-Channel Sound Field;Sound Field Control (SFC);Compatible Media Formats: VD-Audio, DVD-Video, DVD-RAM/DVD-R 4, CD, CD-R/RW 5, Video CD, JPEG, MP3, WMA, HighMAT;Progressive Scanning;Super Surround Sound.
Amazon Sales Rank: #70213 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Panasonic Model: SC-HT900 Dimensions: 85.00 pounds
The SC-HT900 handles the audio end of your home theater, providing surround sound decoding, amplification, and playback through a specially matched six-speaker system (left, center, right, left and right surround, and low-frequency subwoofer). Its versatility with media playback--from DVD-Video and DVD-Audio to MP3/WMA CDs and JPEG image CDs--means you're never far from favorite movies, music, or digital photos. The five-disc carousel system's DVD-Audio playback offers super high-fidelity (192 kHz/24-bit) sound. DVD-Audio discs provide multichannel and stereo sound, incredible storage capacity, and unique bonus materials not available on regular audio CDs. DVD movies look and sound great through the system's 54 MHz/10-bit video decoder, video depth enhancer, progressive-scan video output (for use with high-definition and HD-ready televisions), and Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS discrete 5.1-channel surround decoding and rendering. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. This feature can only be appreciated on high-definition and HD-ready TVs. The speaker set includes four specially designed "tallboy" floorstanding speakers (front and rear left and right) powered by 35 watts each, a 140-watt center-channel speaker (critical for handling most of a movie's dialogue), and a powerful, 150-watt subwoofer optimized for unobtrusive placement. The left/right/surround speakers stand 41 inches tall, a height designed to align them with a television screen for seamless sound/image matching. All speakers are magnetically shielded to protect your TV from distortion induced by the speakers' magnetic fields. A digital-synthesized FM/AM tuner lets you listen to favorite radio stations. What's in the Box DVD player/receiver, 4 slim "tallboy" speakers with detachable stands, 1 center-channel speaker, 1 powered subwoofer, and all requisite basic cabling.
Feature Packed with great sound Very attractive system with many features. Progressive scan DVD player looks great on my projector, thanks to the high end video circuitry in the 5 Disc DVD changer. Sound is very clear and accurately reproduced though the six speakers. Movie dialogue comes through very naturally. Does a fine job at decoding Dolby Surround. Movie "bass" effects are clear and pronounced through the active subwoofer. I've tested this system in store next to an expensive Bose and the quality is more or less comparable. It is a known fact Panasonic DVD players are among the best in the business. Many more expensive DVD players(costing considerably more than this system) made by other brands use Panasonic internals for their players. All DVD players must contain an MPEG decoder. In addition, progressive scan DVDs must contain a special device called a deinterlacer. Interlaced video frames are sent to a television in two pieces, by first drawing all of the odd lines, then the even ones. The deinterlacer essentially doubles each frame of video(producing a very defined picture) by filling in missing information. That is the true meaning of "progressive scan." This is the basis for HDTV, and be aware that your (Projector,TV,LCD) must be able to display HDTV or progressive to take advantage of this great feature. As with any other product, deinterlacers vary in quality and must be able to handle various film encodings. Panasonic uses top notch internal hardware to perform the deinterlacing(DCDi) and decoding. The results are spectacular!Don't expect the bass to blow your ears out - no system at or near this pricepoint will. The subwoofer is powered but yet conservative (but more than other systems in its class). Don't buy this unit to play at maximum volume. System can be cranked up to loud but not extreme voulme. Sound will be more than enough for rooms

Sony DVP NS315 - DVD player

2009-12-29T22:02:00.001-08:00

Sony DVP NS315 - DVD player
From Sony

With its slim design and variety of features you'll love watching movies or listening to CDs on this Sony DVD player. Connect it to a compatible TV using the component video outputs and you'll see a clear, vibrant picture. Custom parental control keeps you in charge of your children's viewing capabilities and the advanced SmoothScanM-^Y mode keeps everything flowing while you jump around to different areas on a disc. You can also play a variety of formats including CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW and MP3.

Make favorite movie moments come alive with Sony's slim-design DVP-NS315B DVD player. The player has high-quality component-video outputs and Sony's Precision Drive 2 system, which maintains quality audio/video performance even when discs are scratched or warped. The DVP-NS315B is compatible with just about every disc format out there, including DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW (video mode), CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 CD. BNR (block-noise reduction) minimizes choppy image distortion during scenes where the whole image changes quickly. SmoothScan and SmoothSlow modes provide clean playback of DVD in slow motion and scan speeds. Top-of-the-line component-video outputs help minimize line scan and digital artifacts on compatible advanced televisions, and composite-video and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television. The back panel offers one output each for composite-video, S-video, and component-video. A 10-bit video DAC with 27 MHz processing ensures accurate video with smooth gradations of color and contrast. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio output for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. Built-in 96 kHz, 24-bit linear PCM decoding extracts the full performance of all the linear PCM audio formats in CD and DVD-Video. You can also process two-channel sources for surround sound--Digital Cinema Sound DSP reproduces the precise acoustics of acclaimed Hollywood mastering stages. TV Virtual Surround System generates the effect of surround sound speakers, even when you're limited to the stereo speakers inside your TV. Instant Replay jumps back 10 seconds and commences play. It's great for those times when you miss a line of movie dialogue or when you just have to see that dance move again. Custom parental control locks playback of user-designated discs with a four-digit code, whether or not the discs carry an MPAA rating.
Great DVD player with a future! I just purchased this DVD player about a week ago, and I've been very pleased with the purchase. For those of you who just want to put a DVD in and play it, this is a perfect player for you. If you stop the DVD and turn off the player but don't remove the DVD, it'll start playing from the same spot when you turn it on again. S-Video, component and digital coax outputs, as well as RCA outputs, make this a DVD player with a future, as does the fact that it can play MP3's, CD-R and RW and DVD-R and RW discs. The surround sound feature is wonderful, particularly if you just want to use your regular stereo TV - the surround modes make it sound like you're surrounded by speakers, even though the player is using only the two speakers in your TV. (It also hooks up to a full stereo system, providing Dolby 5.1 sound if your receiver supports it.) As well, one of the surround options (Night Mode) plays everything at the expected level except for explosions, rumbles, and other neighbour-disturbing sounds, which it cuts the volume on. Great for late night viewing! The player also features video enhancement, with dynamic contrast and colour adjustment through five video options. The remote is somewhat disappointing, with the play, rewind, etc. buttons placed counter-intuitively above the menu navigation "disk" in the centre of the remote. It is, however, fine for most people. Note that the remote offered with the 315 doesn't control other TV's, etc. Only Sony ones. I understand the model 415 comes with a universal remote, if you need one. All in all, a very satisfactory player for the price, with crystal clear picture and audio. I should also mention that I'm using this player with standard RCA audio and video hook-ups, and the picture and sound is still great - much improved over my VCR, or even satellite. Highly recommended for the mid-range consumer. Nice Low-Endish Player I didn't really have any intention of replacing my old JVC XV-501 DVD player - despite being several years old, the size of a truck and generating enough heat to keep a home snug and warm during even a Wisconsin winter, I had yet to encounter anything it couldn't play and it had, for its age, a pretty decent feature set.However, then along came the Superdrive in my PowerMac and suddenly I could create my own DVD-Rs. Except the XV-501 couldn't play them. Disaster!My mission - to find a DVD player that was cheap (as in non-expensive) rather than cheap (as in you've never heard of the manufacturer, the name on the box and the name on the casing don't match and the thing burns your house down after six months).The DVP-NS315 fit the bill perfectly. It's very reasonably priced, downright petite (less than half the height of the player it replaced) and it manages to be no-frills without leaving anything important out. I've got it hooked up via S-Video and RCA audio, but when the time comes for my trusty Trinitron to give way to something large, flat and expensive, it's got all the necessary bits round the back to hook it up to.If it's got any flaws at all, it's in the slightly bizarre remote design, and the matching slightly bizarre menu system. They're not broken or bad, just...different.In short, a nice little player for someone who, like me, wants to watch DVDs but has no particular need to hook it into a home theatre system that costs as much as a car. Plus, of course, it plays DVD-Rs just fine, so I can marvel at my mediocre iDVD creations. Nice player - Sony finally adds MP3 capability This is a good solid basic player witha few features that you actually can and will use. Plays DVDs well, no issues to speak of (yet) and it offers component outputs in addition to regular outputs. It plays DVD, CD, CD-R(W), and my favorite, decodes MP3. The MP3 software work just like a normal CD player (track numbers and all that), so you don't have to have the monitor on to play MP3s. It does have a nice GUI if you do want to use the monitor, though. Nice added touch. I've enjoyed the unit so far, but since it's a newer model, I will post again if I have additional comments. Only 4 stars because it most of its features are operated from the remote only :(. Don't lose that remote.

RCA RC5240P DVD Player

2009-12-28T22:02:00.001-08:00

RCA RC5240P DVD Player
From RCA

This RCA DVD Player will play DVDs but is also compatible with Audio CDs, CD-R/CD-RW, VCDs and MP3s. While watching your favorite movie, enjoy 720 pixels per horizontal line for crystal-clear detail and picture clarity. That is more than twice the definition of standard VHS. Enjoy CD Quality Sound and dynamic range compression (quiets loud explosions and increases dialogue) when you begin discovering the advantages of your DVD player.
Amazon Sales Rank: #79623 in Consumer Electronics Brand: RCA Model: RC5240P Dimensions: 3.25" h x 17.25" w x 11.75" l,
RCA's RC5240P DVD player is excellent fuel for your digital media desires. It plays not only DVD-videos, but also audio CDs, CD-R/CD-RW, video CDs, and even MP3-encoded CDs so you can listen for many hours at a time. Component- and S-video outputs offer clearer, sharper pictures (with compatible TVs) than standard composite-video, and even with a standard connection, you'll enjoy 720 pixels per horizontal line with your favorite DVDs--more than twice the definition of standard VHS. Enjoy convenient dynamic-range compression (which quiets loud explosions and effectively increases the dialogue level) with Dolby Digital-encoded programs--that's the lion's share of all DVDs--and an optical digital-audio output will transmit true 5.1-channel surround sound to your Dolby Digital-decoding surround receiver. Black-level adjustment lets you tailor the player's image to your viewing environment, deepening the blacks for higher contrast in nighttime or theaterlike environments. Playback features include multiple repeat and programming functions, multi-language/subtitle capability, parental controls, and multi-angle viewing (with compatible discs). A DVD/TV remote control is included with this player. RCA provides a 90-day labor and one-year parts warranty.
GOOD DVD PLAYER I just bought this DVD player yesterday night at Radioshack and figured I would write a review on it to set some people's minds at ease, because when I was looking at reviews for DVD players to see which one to get, there were alot of people who said that certain players would freeze in the middle of a movie or the sound would drop out. Well, last night after hooking up the player to my TV (it took me a whole 10 seconds) I watched the Godfather Part I straight through and had no problems. Also, I should mention, I dropped it on the cement floor of my basement from about 5 feet and it works fine, it just has a scratch. The only complaint I have is that you can't access menu's without the remote and the remote was no where to be found in the box of my DVD player and that made me mad because I couldn't view any of the deleted scenes or any of the other special features. I was able to watch the movie, though, and that is a good thing. Anyway, I hope this helps you. Great Player for one who is searching!!! This little player has it all. And what a job it does. It has a very low price that is good for people with the tight budget. This little machine will really impress you (it did to me)has all the features that you need plays mp3 and all of your cd-R/RW disc's.This machince is one of the best out there for a price like this!!!! so with that said, If you are looking for a great dvd player that is affordable look no further!!!! Discs get unusually hot Not bad,It does all it says it does.dvd,vcd. Not to many bells and whistles though.user interface for mp3s is lacking. does not list entire file name. Letters are blocky. Not exactly like having windows media player on your tv. discs get unusually hot,hopefully doesn't become a problem. I bought it because my tv & sourround sys are also rca,for that I like it, one remote.Basically priced well for what it does but if you dont have other rca equip. might as well try some other brand.

Yamaha DVD5750 Progressive Scan DVD Player

2009-12-27T22:02:00.001-08:00

Yamaha DVD5750 Progressive Scan DVD Player
From YAMAHA

When it comes to high-performance disc players for your home stereo or home-theater surround system, few competitors can match Yamaha's critical attention to fine design and engineering details. Be it audio or video play, this player lets you make choices to customize your using experience. And they make it simple. From its well-written user-guide to its friendly remote control, this is a player that you will enjoy. NTSC/PAL Progressive Scan, 108MHz/12-Bit Video D/A Converter for High Picture Quality, Video Picture Modes, CD Upsampling, Versatile Format and Disc Compatibility, MP3, JPEG, DivX and WMA Multisession Playback with Navigation Display.
Amazon Sales Rank: #48878 in Consumer Electronics Color: BLACK Brand: Yamaha Model: DVD5750 Dimensions: 2.00" h x 17.00" w x 12.00" l,
The factory-reconditioned single-disc DV-S5750 lets you watch DVDs, listen to CDs and even view digital photos right on your TV. It also plays DivX-formatted movies that you burn to discs--allowing you to burn up to 5 full movies on DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW media. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. With its high-resolution filter the 10-bit video D/A converter delivers faster video signal processing for enhanced picture quality, minimizing digital artifacts. It also offers 24-bit/96kHz PCM audio compatibility for excellent audio playback. The parallel audio/video output lets you connect the DVD player via Composite, S-Video and/or Component Video and Audio outputs, to watch and listen simultaneously from each connected device. This feature is ideal for multi-room applications and facilitates connection of your DVD-Video player. Audio enhancements consist of an audio-direct switch and CD upsampling playback (to an incredible 1,764 kHz) to give you the best-possible sound quality from your standard audio CDs. MP3 features include the ability to play multisession discs and mixed-format MP3/JPEG CDs. It's also compatible with WMA audio. Other features include: Multiangle (9), multiaspect and multisubtitle capabilities Child lock function (DVD and VCD) and parental lock function (DVD only) to prevent children from seeing unwanted material Digital picture zoom lets you select an area of the picture and magnify it, or increase the viewable screen area for letterbox films 5-disc memory Program play, sleep functions, CD Text display, screen saver Outputs: 1 coaxial digital audio, 1 composite video, 1 S-video, 1 component video, 1 optical digital audio, 1 RCA audio (L/R) 12 on-screen display languages What's in the Box Factory-reconditioned DVD player, remote control (with batteries), power cord, printed operating instructions
You can't go wrong with the Yamaha DV-S5750 There aren't a lot of reviews out there for this player so I thought I would write one based on the my experience during the last couple of months. First of all there is nothing that hasn't played on this unit since I bought it and that includes multiple DivX formats, DVD's that my old player wouldn't play, etc. It also appears that the picture quality is actually improved making lower quality video like DivX look better than it is. I have not experienced syncing problems with audio or glitches in the video. All controls are easily adjusted via on-screen menus and therefore the face of the unit remains clean and basic. The sound quality of CD's is incredible using quality components to accompany it. I use a digital connection and have yet to try the upsampling function for analog sources. The bottom line is although you can buy cheaper DVD players that provide the same functions as this unit, in my research, you can'not get a better buy on a quality unit with solid components that are assured to last, and provide quality video and sound. Very pleased. Nothing fancy, but flawless for what it does. Sold my progressive scan PS2 that I used for DVD/CD playback and replaced it with this. Wow. WOW. Wow. I am cynical when it comes to product reviews regarding increased picture & sound quality simply by changing any particular component but no more. VIDEO - hooked up via component (mid-priced cables) to my Toshiba 34HF85 CRT & set to progressive scan. Put on Return of the King EE.....And? The closest to film quality I've ever seen. Smooth, warm, no jaggies, no macroblocking or video noise to speak of. Elegant is not an odd word to describe the picture quality. AUDIO - Even better results than the video. Using a mid-priced optical cable to my older Yamaha DTS receiver & playing several audio CDs I'm hearing increased sonic details in songs that I have never heard before. Again, words such as elegant, warm, vibrant, smooth, NATURAL are all choice words to describe the quality of sound. It's not a cold, nor digital/processed sound but more closer to, well REAL. I have and always will be a huge fan of Yamaha products. There's no showing off with smokes & mirrors; no extraneous bells and whistles that most people even really need. Their prices may be a bit higher but you get what you pay for; the most accurate, natural warm sound & vision from machines that are digital, cold & processed; all 1 & 0s. What it's giving is something closer to us, REAL. And it is worth every cold penny. Highly Recommended. P.S. - Make sure you keep the Black Level set to ON in the setup menu. It works. Everything except SACD Ever since I discovered this player in the summer of 2005, I have been highly impressed with how much it met both my normal and oddball demands. As a student of Musical Theatre, Opera, Classical vocal and choral literature, and Jazz and Classical piano, DVD-AUDIO capability is of great importance to me because there are a lot of titles especially in the Classical genre available in this format. One thing that sets this player apart from the other manufacturers' players is Yamaha's CD UpSampling feature. For those titles which are currently only available on CD and possibly will never be released on DVD-AUDIO and/or SACD, this option converts standard CDs to the quality of DVD-AUDIO. On the Musical Theatre, Opera, and choral side of things, this player is capable of playing both NTSC (North American) and PAL (European) DVDs on corresponding as well as opposite TVs. For certain titles in these genres, the North American editions are either four percent slower in tempo and picture movement and flatter in pitch than the European editions due to the method of PAL-to-NTSC conversion used by the distributors of such DVDs, or do not include as many bonus features as their original European counterparts. Sometimes, it can be the other way around, except the European editions might be four percent faster and sharper and have less bonus material than their original North American counterparts. On both ends of the spectrum, if the audio pitch is corrected without changing the audio speed to keep the picture and sound in synch, a subaudible breaking-up effect may be noticed as the result of slight artifacts from slightly bending or stretching the pitch in the conversion process. However, because of this player's bicompatibility with both color systems, I have the freedom to choose and purchase whatever editions are the best. Although it is not in the manual, this player can be made multi-region compatible including RCE DVDs. Turn on the DVD player. Make sure there are no discs loaded. With the tray open, using its supplied remote control, slowly press 99990. Wait for the 'Region 0' message to disappear. Close the tray. In conclusion, if you are looking for a DVD player with wide compatibility, you have come to the right place!

Audiovox D2017 10.2-Inch Slim Line Portable DVD Player

2009-12-26T22:02:00.001-08:00

Audiovox D2017 10.2-Inch Slim Line Portable DVD Player
From Audiovox

Audiovox D2017 portable DVD player gives you the ability to enjoy a home theater experience away from home. Make time fly on a road trip, commute to work or plane ride. Portable player has a 10.2-inch LCD high resolution monitor offering the ideal 16:9 aspect ratio viewing. Portable player comes with two headphone jacks allowing two people to enjoy movies in privacy. For multiple viewers, player has built in stereo speakers with stimulated surround sound. Enjoy more than DVDs with portable player capable of playing CD, MP3, CDR, CDRW and Picture CD. Enjoy personal videos and pictures with built-in USB and 3-way card reader. Player features top loading disc access making it easy to switch between different movies. Included is built-in high capacity rechargeable battery offering up to three hours of battery life perfect for any plane ride. Player comes with car cabling and car power adapter (used by plugging into cigarette lighter) allowing for unlimited use on car rides. Also included is credit card size remote giving you the ability to control player from any distance.
Amazon Sales Rank: #21591 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black Brand: Audiovox Model: D2017 Released on: 2007-06-01 Dimensions: 6.37" h x 1.68" w x 9.57" l, 5.00 pounds Native resolution: 10.2 Display size: 10.2

do not buy Cost cutting in many places is evident with this unit. The screen resolution is 800x480 , but not as sharp as other players with high end screen display. The unit does not have a true last scene memory function , but one that is totally useless for resuming a program from where it previously stopped. Why is this done-- cost savings ? Also, the AV input does not work .I would stay away from this player completely pleased This was just what I needed....we're using this strictly for long road trips and so I wanted a big screen for the kids. This included a nice case and decent ear phones. For the money, I think this was a great purchase! There are better choices Note: This review applies to the Audiovox D2017PK. Not sure if the D2088 is the same or not... Pros: ---- * You get a 10 inch 800*480 resolution screen, a bag and two headphones for the money. * The player is very compact. It is as big as it needs to be to contain the screen and no bigger. * The battery is external which means you can get an additional battery, if you can find one. * The player supports PAL format DVDs and has a region free hack available. (See other review). Cons: ---- * I did a side by side comparison with this player and the Philips PET1030. By comparison, the Audiovox has pale colors and a less sharp screen. * No portable DVD has good audio quality using the built in speakers. The Audiovox has average built in speakers, beating the Sony FX820 (which I also tried and sent back), but not as good as the PET1030. * Sound quality using good quality Headphones was very disappointing. * Battery life is suspect. Other reviewers have already commented on this. I was not able to test this as my battery was bad and lasted all of 15 minutes on a full charge. This made this purchase an automatic return. * No proper bookmark or position memory. If you turn the player off and on again, your DVD will start from the beginning. The instructions do claim to have this feature, but this is what you have to do to use it. 1) Switch the DVD player to auxiliary input (this turns of the DVD rotation). 2) Close the lid (This turns off the DVD display). Note that the player is still using some battery in this mode and is not truly off. * Some features, such as picture settings are only available using the remote. Not available using the controls on the player. Conclusion: ----------- * Worth considering if you want something cheep for the kids in the back of the car. * No worth considering if you want the best quality picture and sound.

Apex AD-1600 DVD Player

2009-12-25T22:02:00.001-08:00

Apex AD-1600 DVD Player
From APEX

The AD-1600 DVD video player is a player for digital video disks conforming to the universal DVD video standard. With it, you will be able to enjoy full-length movies with true cinema picture quality, and multichannel sound. Unique features of this compact player include an S-video output, selecting of sound track and subtitle languages and of different camera angles (depending on the disk). What's more, Parental Control lets you decide which disks your children can watch. Your player supports audio CD's, and the new MP3, WMA, JPEG format and Kodak PCD. You will find your player remarkably easy to use, by way of the wireless remote control and on screen display you view from your TV screen.
Amazon Sales Rank: #49199 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Apex Model: AD 1600 Dimensions: 11.75" h x 2.80" w x 12.60" l, 6.50 pounds
Apex made a strong name for itself in the DVD arena based on kitchen-sink features and rock-bottom prices, and the AD-1600 is clearly a child of this philosophy. Apart from its appealing price, the player handles almost every disc type out there, from DVD-Video to CD, MP3-CD and WMA-CD to HDCD, and even JPEG image and Kodak Picture CDs. The unit also comes with a remote control, an owner's manual, a stereo analog audio/composite-video interconnect, and two AA batteries. Video Features The AD-1600 offers something unique to Apex players: support for both NTSC (North American) and PAL (European) video formats, so long as the region encoding allows (discs must be encoded for Region 1 or all regions). A screen saver keeps paused images from burning into a television, and parental controls help keep young eyes off mature discs. Picture zoom lets you focus on scenes in greater detail, and the unit's fluorescent video display is snazzy and easy to read. Audio Features The AD-1600 is compatible with standard CDs, audio CD-Rs and CD-RWs, and discs encoded with MP3 and WMA (Windows Media) audio files. It even decodes HDCD (High-Definition Compatible Digital), a 20-bit system used on many commercial CDs to deliver better sound than is possible through standard CDs. Connections The back panel offers one set of left/right analog-audio outputs for compatibility with stereo Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. This unit also supports both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel formats through a single coaxial digital-audio output for direct connection to a surround-decoding AV receiver. The back panel offers one output for S-video and two standard composite-video outputs, so you can channel one output into a different room.
True work-horse I love Apex, I've been buying Apex players for years now - and I've convinced many, many friends to follow. There are more features in this player than just about any high-end player for three times the cost. I always feel bad when a friend buys a player w/o talking to me first, especially Sony - as they don't handle VCD's that well.Just a quick word on VCD, SVCD format. You may have never heard of them - but it's the MP3 of the future. On your home computer - with nothing more than 50cent CDR's, a video capture card, and a cd burner you can be creating your own movies! It's wonderful! Then you burn them in VCD format and Apex players will play them (not all Sony's, even those that say "VCD" work with home media).I'm slowly converting all my home videos into VCD format - that's why I'm such a big proponent of these players. I want all my friends and family to be able to enjoy the home videos that I produce.Another application for VCD format is Digital Cameras. I can put all my new photos into a VCD formated disk (once again - 30-50 cents each) and it will play in the Apex player like a slideshow. You can even zoom and pan through the photo. It's so much nicer to view digital pictures in your living room rather than dragging everyone to the computer. This Apex player is truly the media hub of my living room.Plus - MP3 format - for parties, I just burn a few disks that have up to 10 regular ablums on them and I leave them in the living room. I don't have to worry about people messing around with my cd collection - and you can create a single disk with 10 hours of music on it and never have to worry about changing disks again! great player for unbelievable price This player plays everything. Although an adequate display for mp3 playing is lacking (no ID3 tags, just filename), its main function is playing DVDs. It does that very well. JPG function and the VCD function which I have also tested work very well. The remote control is kind of small and cheap looking. However, the silver player looks nice and slick, and for [the price] is a STEAL. No other DVD player on the market plays all of these options in a better fashion. Also of note,-No optical digital out (only coaxial).-No firmware upgrade availabe. -Does not come with S-video cable.-Video and Audio quality are crisp and clear! Good bang for you buck This is an excellent DVD Player which was able to handle everything I threw at it. It loads the media fast. Asside form the good features, the remote has a cheap look to it. Holding and working the remote feels very awkward. The buttons that you'll be using the most often, (Play, Stop, Forward, etc) are all positioned in the very bottom. The Forward, Reverse, Stop, Pause buttons are far away form the Play button so expect a lot of jumping around with the remote. The MP3 and WMA playback is great but lacking some simple features which makes it annoying. There is no Fast Forward or Rewind with both MP3 or WMA files. There is no ID3 tag support for MP3s. They are just displayed using the filename of which, 8 or 10 characters are displayed. The play screen is dull beyond belief. Just a blue screen with trackname and directories. Something better could have been done. All in all, the player lacks some features and looks cheap but for the price that it is, this is a very good deal.

Panasonic Car Audio CQVW100U 7-Inch In-Dash Car DVD Receiver

2009-12-24T22:02:00.001-08:00

Panasonic Car Audio CQVW100U 7-Inch In-Dash Car DVD Receiver
From Panasonic

7-Inch 2 DIN Dolby Digital, DivX Video Receiver, Bluetooth/HUB Ready
Amazon Sales Rank: #1809 in Car Audio or Theater Brand: Panasonic Model: CQVW100U Dimensions: 11.00 pounds Display size: 7

Panasonic car audio I love it.. its awesome. very fine picture quality, nice features, very easy to use, works great with ipod.. i really like it.. There is one draw back.. " No Remote" it plays movies,video songs almost everything.. I think Remote is your main thing while watching movies.. In my point of view ' It really need a remote '.... very nice for the price i like it, it does what i need... it just seems like the older models had more features. such as surround sound, equalizer seemed a little better. but the picture is good, sound is good, it is a nice tv for the price. fulfills my needs just fine Quality Product and Great Amazon transaction I am very pleased with this Panasonic model. For the price, it does everything I need. Dvd for my daughter to watch and also back-up camera ready for my work trailers. This is replacing an older Panasonic model (6503) in which the screen went out. This one is supposed to be heat friendly. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles as the previous model, but for the price I am going to buy another one for my wife's car. Also, my transaction with Amazon was great. Great price and good shipping. Liked the tracking feature. THANKS!

XO Vision XO1947BT 4.3-Inch Touch Wide Screen Motorized Single Din DVD Bluetooth Receiver with USB/SD and AUX Inputs

2009-12-23T22:02:00.001-08:00

XO Vision XO1947BT 4.3-Inch Touch Wide Screen Motorized Single Din DVD Bluetooth Receiver with USB/SD and AUX Inputs
From XO vision

Amazon Sales Rank: #1557 in Car Audio or Theater Brand: XO Vision Model: XO1947BT Dimensions: 1.90" h x 7.00" w x 7.00" l, 5.65 pounds
The XO Vision XO1947BT is a great unit that can do it all. It features built-in Bluetooth capabilities as well as DVD and video playback. The impressive front panel houses a 4.3" LCD touch screen, a USB port, a auxiliary input, and a SD Card slot. No matter what form you have your music and videos, the XO1947BT can give you the playback that you need. If you are ready for a large in dash display for your single DIN radio, then here is your solution. A great way to add multimedia to your vehicle. Click to enlarge. Mobile Theater The XO1947BT's 4.3-inch motorized touch screen display provides a crystal clear image, allowing you to watch movies in the comfort of your car while pumping out 200 watts of power. Move the screen up or down for the optimal viewing angle. The XO1947BT will play just about anything, with support for DVDs DVD-R/RW, CD, MP3, MP4, WMA and AVI formats, so you can take all your favorite media with you. You can even view your favorite JPEG images, complete with slideshow and zoom functions. Bluetooth Built-In Bluetooth allows you to receive calls using the touchscreen and built-in microphone. Dial numbers directly from the touchscreen and leave your cell phone stored in your pocket. USB/SD The XO1947BT features USB and SD inputs conveniently located on the front of the unit, allowing you to easily play your songs off your flash drive or SD card. 4.3-inch motorized touch screen display provides a crystal clear image and optimal viewing angle. USB, SD, and auxiliary inputs for versatile connectivity. Input/Output On the front of the device, the auxiliary input lets you connect iPods, MP3 players, and other external audio devices to hear them through your system. A rear auxiliary backup camera input, video input, two audio inputs, and two video outputs are also included. AM/FM Radio There are those of us who still listen to the radio. The X403BT features an AM/FM radio with 30 presets, auto scan, and other modern radio functions. Plenty of Power The XO1947BT boasts 208 watts of peak power (52W x 4), and includes front, rear and subwoofer 2V preamp outputs for expansion. Detachable Face The face is fully detachable so you can take it out with you when you leave your car. Includes carrying case. Remote Control Control the XO1947BT with the included wireless remote, giving you access to all unit features, or directly from the unit itself. One-Year Warranty The XO1947BT is covered for a year after purchase. What's in the Box XO Vision XO1947BT receiver, Carrying case for detachable face, Remote control, Mounting bracket, Wiring harness, Mounting hardware, User's manual
Good deal for the money It came quickly. Does everyting it is supposed to, easy to install. Instructions were kind strange . touch screen works pretty well, although its not as interactice as i would have hoped, alot of time its more easy to just use the remote. dvd plays nice screen looks good it is probally better not to watch the widescreen as it cuts out alot of the picture on an allready small screen. It also only reads up too a 2gb sd card but thats no big deal to me. bluetooth works well but it is an external mic so youll have to find a place to run the wire. all and all not bad bang for the buck POOR PACKAGING, PREVIOUSLY RETURNED UNIT I bought this from Amazon due to my previous dealing with them. However, THIS TIME I got a 'used, returned' item in VERY POOR packaging. The box was NOT factory fresh. Some items were loose, others opened and not resealed or resealed poorly. I paid for NEW, but got USED. VERY disappointing!!!!! Now for the BAD news... this happened TWICE in a row. The second time I just returned for REFUND. I will be VERY HESITANT to order from Amazon again. They totally LACK Quality Control in their shipping dept. Again, Very disappointing.......

Samsung DVD-V4800 Progressive-Scan DVD/VCR Combo

2009-12-22T22:02:00.001-08:00

Samsung DVD-V4800 Progressive-Scan DVD/VCR Combo
From Samsung

Enjoy the convenience of watching your favorite DVD movies while maintaining your investment in all those VHS tapes you recorded in the past with Samsung DVD-V4800.
Amazon Sales Rank: #95052 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Samsung Model: DVD-V4800 Dimensions: 3.30" h x 16.90" w x 10.00" l, 7.70 pounds
Enjoy the convenience of watching your favorite DVD movies while maintaining your VHS tape investment with the Samsung DVD-V4800 DVD/VCR combo. It also enables you to access MP3 digital audio and JPEG image files using the multiformat memory card reader. Other features include front A/V inputs, compatibility with CD-R/RW discs, and a 4-head VCR with digital auto tracking. On the DVD side, the 10-bit digital-to-analog video converter is combined with carefully selected analog components to ensure accurate reproduction of the original DVD image. The EZ View letterbox eliminator enables the removal of the black letterbox bars on 4:3 TV screens with the push of a button on the remote control, while the Motion Zoom feature allows extreme magnification of selected screen areas, without distortion even as the movie is playing. With the 2x speed audio playback, you can easily find the exact moment on the disc that they are searching for. The 4-head VCR offers a hi-fi audio system and an MTS stereo tuner system that deliver Dolby Surround compatible sound from encoded videotapes and stereo broadcasts. The digital autotracking feature automatically adjusts video-head position for optimum quality (manual adjustments are also available). The HQ and Luminance Noise Reduction (YNR) circuitry improve signal-to-noise ratio by as much as 1.5 dB for a signification improvement in playback quality. Jet Picture Search allows clear viewing of video at an incredible 7x normal play for SP tapes, and 21x SLP recordings. The DVD-V4800's analog L/R audio terminals provide Dolby Surround-encoded audio for superb stereo sound, or complete surround sound when connected to a Dolby Pro Logic receiver. The Phantom Surround Processor can be used to deliver a rich simulated surround-sound effect through just two speakers, and is ideal when the DVD-V4800 is connected to a traditional 2-channel stereo television. The component-video output is the ideal way to connect to either your analog and digital televisions. The DVD-V4800 also has 2 composite-video inputs (1 front, 1 rear), 1 composite-video out, 1 RF out, and 1 coaxial digital and 1 optical digital audio out. The DVD-V4800 is compatible with DVD movie and CD audio discs, as well as CD-R/RW discs with MP3 digital audio and JPEG image format files. The multiformat memory card reader is compatible with Memory Sticks, SmartMedia, Secure Digital (SD), and MultiMedia (MMC) cards. Now you can show off your latest digital photos by simply inserting your camera's memory card into the DVD-V4800's card slot. Tech Talk Progressive scanning: Progressive scanning displays all the horizontal lines of a picture at one time, as a single frame. A progressive scanning DVD player converts the interlaced (480i) video from DVD into progressive (480p) format for connection to a progressive display. It dramatically increases the vertical resolution. Component video: Video signals with three channels of separate information that make up the picture. There are a couple types of component video, such as R/G/B and Y/Cb(Pb)/Cr(Pr). What's in the Box Samsung DVD-V4800 DVD/VCR combo, remote control, 2 AA batteries, and printed operating instructions. With its slim design and easy input access, the Samsung DVD-V4800 can help you enjoy viewing your old home VHS videos or the latest DVD release. You can also view your digital photos easily with the built-in multi-card memory slot. Features: Slim design 480p progressive scan video output Multi-card memory slot compatible with Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital Card, SmartMedia Card, Compact Flash, and MicroDrive DVD player and HiFi VCR combo Picture CD and JPEG CD viewer MP3, CD-R/RW playback capability Letter box eliminator--EZ View Plays DVD/CD/VHS/S-VHS (SQPB) Front A/V inputs
Great Value for money I bought the unit a few days ago and Works great. DVD player plays all formats as mentioned. I have some CD-R/VCD/CD-RW from different countries and it could play it all. VCR is pretty good too, however some noise through the coaxial. Memory reader is a cool feature, reads Sony Memory Stick well. Slideshow is a good feature. Universal Remote is nice, operates TV/VCR/DVD as well. Compared to V4600 reviews, I think Samsung has done a good job with this model. It is compact and slick compared to some other brands. Issue: "Memory Stick Pro" could not read Sandisk 256mb. Also, photoviewer in general is very slow. This is a great value for money ! Just a poorly-designed unit So, as soon as I get it home, I only get sound from the right channel when using a DVD, but both when playing a VHS. So that means there's an internal fault somewhere with the DVD player. Also, I've never seen a DVD player where pressing Menu while a DVD is playing, brings you to the system menu, NOT the DVD's menu. That is ridiculous. My unit is definitely going back, and will be replaced with a Sony or something else NON-Samsung. Very dissapointed. Horrible remote. Have had this for several years. The player actually works okay for both VCR and DVD use. However, the remote control is so poorly designed, I rarely use the unit. The buttons are small, and as another reviewer commented, pressing menu takes you back to the main setup, and you have to start over. It's too bad, because as I said, I have had no technical issues with the DVD play, VCR play, or memory card. You will regret buying this unit. I use component hookup for my DVD, and have the sound connected to a Sony receiver control center. No technical issues at all. Still only a one. What a horrible remote.

Sony DVP-NS400D DVD Player

2009-12-21T22:02:00.001-08:00

Sony DVP-NS400D DVD Player
From Sony

Sony DVD Player
Amazon Sales Rank: #97452 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Sony Model: DVPNS400D Dimensions: 10.00" h x 2.75" w x 17.00" l, 6.30 pounds
From Digital Living Today If you're looking for an entry-level DVD player with all the features you need to be up and watching movies late into the night, look no further than the Sony NS400D, a new model from Sony that incorporates the latest advances in DVD technology in a budget-priced unit. On the audio side, a Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder allows the NS400D to take advantage of the latest Surround Sound technology in your home AV system. Adjustable channel controls (uncommon in a unit of this price) allow you actually to optimize the sound reproduction in your specific listening environment. On the video end of things, the 400d packs in a plethora of features, including an impressive new digital technology that both sharpens the image and keeps it looking natural. On-screen menus allow you to control everything with ease from the multi-feature remote. An enhanced Bookmark feature makes it easy to set placeholders for up to 50 DVDs. Sony's Precision Drive 2 and Dynamic Tilt Compensation allow for better tracking of imperfect disks. A variety of outputs, including S-Video, Optical digital, Coax digital, Dolby 5.1 and analog stereo top off this feature-packed, budget-friendly DVD find from Sony.
The Best Bang for your Buck. I own three other DVD players and am familiar with a friend's, and none of them have performed for me quite so well as this one. Its sheer number of options in almost all aspects of DVD (and CD music) enetertainment along with flexibility in terms of control and viewing make this a great deal all on its own. Having had so much experience with other players, I had soon put this one through its paces.The remote control is large and solid, its weight comfortable to the hand and reassuring of the quality that went into its making. The buttons are intelligently placed rather than just shoved on where they would fit and the are all of high quality and comfortable to press. After only two days of use I can already find most of the options without having to search for them, which is good since there is no sort of backlighting or glow in the dark plastic.Advancing to different tracks on the DVD is very fast, no slow down when trying to access the next scene like I have sometimes seen with cheaper players. The rewind and forward buttons are part of the flexibility I previously mentioned. There is the option to SCAN the disc with multiple speeds x3 as well as a push and release SEARCH for when you just want to scan back a few seconds. This way you aren't bothered pressing the SCAN button then rushing to press the PLAY to stop it. Just press and release when done.I won't go into all the features, but it includes everything you'd expect a DVD player to have. Slow motion with multiple stepped speeds similar to the SCAN in both forward and reverse. Angles and subtitles and audio options along with shuffle, repeat, and programmed playback for listening to CDs. Time and chapter searches, noise reduction (for DVDs that tend to pixilate) and a picture sharperner/softener. The only oddly lacking feature would be the absence of a zoom button.A nice feature that my previous DVDs didn't have is the automatic saving of settings for the DVD you're viewing. The player will save your settings for up to 50 DVDs automatically. Once you get past 50 it just overwrites the oldest one saved so that any you watch on a regular basis will always be set how you like. This way you don't have to mess with menu and audio/picture options everytime you sit down to watch a movie. There is also a 9 screen splitscreen option that you can use to speed up searches during playback, view scenes from each chapter if the DVD doesn't offer this on the menu, and view all the different angles available at once.Audio options are many and varied, allowing not only for the selection of the number of speakers and types (front, back, center, subwoofer) but also for the size of the speakers and the distance of each from the viewer for optimal sound performance. In addition to this there are various sound setups for theater quality sound in a variety of styles. There's even an option to make your music CDs sound like you're in the best seats at a concert hall in Venice. There is even a setting for viewing DVDs at night which will keep you from having to constantly adjust the volume during the loud scenes.There is also a DTS converter of some sort, I haven't figured out the logistics of it yet... but apparently you can achieve DTS sound without the need of a receiver that will supply such. There are also S-Video hookups for ultimate screen performance as well as YPR connections for an even better picture and more accurate colors.There is only one thing I can really find against the player. The menus are big and rather ugly. The saving grace here is they are very easy to manipulate to do what you want quickly and get them off of your screen.All in all this is a great DVD player, and I am very glad that the folks I talked to got me to buy this one instead of the one I had in mind. I haven't even begun to touch on all of the other keen things this player can do, but if you're not convinced by now... well, there's nothing I can do but invite you over to see this thing in action in person. You won't be disappointed. This SONY DVD Player is One Great Player with much to offer This SONY DVD Player is AWESOME! I just want to rate this NEW SONY DVD Player (DVP-NS400D) which is a AWESOME DVD player! I just replaced my SONY (DVP-S560D) for this model which is the new player that replaced my last years model. They are almost the same except for this one looks more futuristic plus a few little extras nothing major. I am a SONY guy and i can truly say after researching other DVD Players in comparison to this SONY model, This one blew the competition away! The first thing is the Built in Dolby Digital Decoder which gives your surround system that Awesome Movie Theater Sound, if you have a system with 5.1 Dolby Digital outputs. Now be sure your surround system has DOLBY DIGITAL otherwise you are spending more money on a DVD player that can only experience true Theater 5.1 (Dolby Digital) Sound with a DOLBY DIGITAL Receiver. Now i did not know what the big differance was but than i started researching the differance between DOLBY PRO LOGIC and DOLBY DIGITAL and i discovered DOLBY DIGITAL is the latest technology that the Movie Theaters use. The differance is amazing. Now dont get me wrong even if you do not have a DOLBY DIGITAL receiver you will still get Awesome sound. This SONY model does have more features such as Virtual 3d Surround, which allows you to choose different sound modes (Normal Surround, Enhanced Surround, Virtual Rear Shift, Virtual Multi Rear, Virtual Multi Dimension) to give your movies a different effect. A very important feature, even if you do not have a surround system because this Feature Gives Your speakers on your tv the effect of Virtual Rear Speakers, which simulates a surround sound system. It also has a feature called DVE (Digital Video Enhancer) as the value increases from 1-3 the outlines of images on your TV become Crisper and more defined. For those True MOVIE DIE-HARD Fans who are wondering if this has DTS outputs for the best possible and that exact theater sound, Yes it does. These are just some of the stand out features that i really appreciate! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this SONY DVD Player, it will AMAZE you with the PICTURE and SOUND Quality and all the Extra features and you don't have to pay an arm and a leg for it either! BUY this DVD Player you will not regret it! SWEET This is my first DVD player, but could never justify buying one to play on my 25" TV. I finally bumped up to a Sony Wega 32", which is also SWEET. This Sony DVD player is packed with features and tweaks. Having a built in Dolby Digital decoder is great, but what makes it stand out is that you can actually tweak all the six speakers. I already had a digital ready Sony receiver so the setup was pretty simple. The sound and picture that this player produces is amazing and sometimes scary. I picked up the phone a couple time, and I swear my doorbell rang:) With excellent sound production and an amazing picture, makes it a great buy at a good price.

Pyle-View Adjustable Headrest w/Built-in 7" TFT Monitor & DVD Player - Gray (PL7DHRG)

2009-12-20T22:02:00.001-08:00

Pyle-View Adjustable Headrest w/Built-in 7" TFT Monitor & DVD Player - Gray (PL7DHRG)
From Pyle

Get the most from the seats in your car by attaching the Pyle PL7DHRG adjustable headrest with a built-in 7'' TFT monitor and DVD player. Able to play both DVDs and VCDs, this player also comes with mp3-playing capability and a built-in FM radio. All functions can be adjusted by remote control. Professional installation strongly recommended. Built-in Mini Speaker Aspect Ratio - 16 - 9 Wide Screen 1440x234 Resolution Video Input Systems - AV1,AV2,PAL/NTSC Full Function Remote Control Professional installation strongly recommended
Amazon Sales Rank: #4585 in Car Audio or Theater Brand: Pyle Model: PL7DHRG Dimensions: 13.00" h x 6.00" w x 15.00" l, 5.95 pounds Display size: 7

Very bad quality products I purchased these headrests and from the box one of them did not work properly (screen faded to black after a couple of minute4s playback). the other worked for just a few months. I also had a pyle in dash dvd player whose screen damaged only few months after installed with very few usage. Pyle products are not good quality at all.

Jwin JD-VD736 Portable 3.6-Inch DVD Player

2009-12-19T22:02:00.001-08:00

Jwin JD-VD736 Portable 3.6-Inch DVD Player
From JWIN

jWIN JD-VD736 features a 3.6" TFT color LCD with ultra modern design, a super slim profile, crisp sharp images, high brightness and impressive picture quality to entertain you anywhere you want to go or want to be. Make your choice to watch a movie, listen to favorite music, display your photos, or to play SD card images and sounds.
Amazon Sales Rank: #40991 in Consumer Electronics Brand: jWIN Model: JD-VD736 Dimensions: 6.50" h x 1.30" w x 5.30" l, 2.09 pounds Display size: 3.6

Kudos and Cautions and Clues The review below mine by Koots is entirely accurate, so I won't duplicate his info much. Read it and take it as reliable. Now here's some stuff he doesn't cover. There are only two reasons to favor this portable over others in its range. The reasons can apply in tandem, or independently: First: the unit looks totally innocuous on public transportation (translation: it doesn't cry out "Steal me!"), because from even a short distance away, it appears to be a standard CD player. Second: It is arguably the most compact portable standard-DVD player on the market, and should fit nicely into a purse, shoulder bag or slim case. KUDOS Indeed, for long rides on subways and busses, the VD736 is a joy -- especially if you're too tired to read and don't want to waste time just waiting for your destination. The progressive scan picture is computer-monitor sharp; and when you don't need to use earphones, the onboard speakers are surprisingly sharp and clear and even loud (for the unit's size, that is). Because VCDs are not a popular medium in North America, the packaging and specs don't let you know that the VD736 is VCD compatible ... but it is. And with the small (but satisfying) picture, the artifacting that makes VCDs inferior to DVDs is virtually eliminated. As Koots reports, the VD736 is made EASILY region free (check the jWIN hacks at videohelp-dot-com) -- and mine was region free right out of the box. CAUTIONS: Where the JD-VD736 disappoints is aspect ratio. To wit (and by the way, I have corroborated all this with the reviewer Koots, below, just to be certain my particular unit was not behaving uniquely): (1) EVEN IF YOU SELECT 4:3 (PAN/SCAN) from the "TV Type" setting, the unit screen does NOT yield a nearly-squared off picture (a.k.a "Full Screen" view) with bars left and right. Rather, it stretches the image slightly to fill the widescreen window. This is less distracting than it sounds, but for those who like to watch DVDs of TV shows recorded in 4:3 aspect, it may be an unacceptable compromise. (This display of images meant to be 4:3 occurs in all settings.) (2) Where widescreen is concerned, results may vary, depending upon how old a particular DVD is: (a) Older widescreen discs were meant to accommodate standard TV screens, and the top/bottom letterbox bars were often part of the image. The jWIN portable therefore will not remove these bars; and as with 4:3 disks, will spread the image to fill the unit screen -- so depending upon whether the image is widescreen or letterbox, there may be image compression. (b) Newer widescreen disks, that are meant for widescreen TVs (the DVDs that require a player-output adjustment for viewing on traditional TVs), yield an accurate picture, for the most part. I do not know if these anomalies obtain if you use the VD736 both as a portable AND as a shelf player connected to a standard set. I have to assume that, as the latter, it functions without idiosyncracy ... but you should check. I'm not entirely sure I'd've bought mine had I known about the aspect ratio characteristic in advance. At the very least, I'd have researched a few more units before deciding this was the most practical for me, because I have a decent collection of TV show box sets. The kind of video you like to watch most might well be a factor in your decision. CLUES Battery life is about two hours, thirty minutes, the battery is built into the unit (as opposed to being a detachable accessory), and the recharge time is slow. I've not clocked it, but it's not comparable, say, to recharging a laptop. It may even be close to a 1:1 ratio (one minute of recharge to one minute of play). The unit ships with a peel-off label on the screen. This is a no-stickum self-adhesive label that works rather like a Colorforms piece (remember Colorforms?), so it always re-adheres nicely to the screen. DO NOT THROW THIS LABEL OUT. When the unit is not in use, or in its cloth carrying case, the label is a terrific little screen protector, which should prevent scratches, in most events. I love Amazon, but I bought my VD736 direct from jWIN's "eJWIN" site ... your wallet will appreciate the significant difference. This player can be multi region... This player can be multi-region and you can find the code anywhere on the net. I have personally played region 1, 2 and 3 with no problems. It comes with dual voltage/hertz ac adaptor, car charger and, again, can play all regions in either PAL or NTSC format. It also comes with the A/V cables to hook up to a TV and cheap earbuds which I'm sure everyone will replace. Finally, it comes with a credit card remote (you will NEED to access all features) and a medium thickness carrying case (cloth bag) which is adequate to prevent scratches, but will not protect against impact or pressure. Invest in a clean screen protector and you have a great unit. For those interested, you can FF up to x32 which is nice also. I have not tried out the SD playback capability yet, so I don't know if it plays back SD video in adition to audio and photos. As of yet, I don't know the rechargable battery playback time yet or how to order additional batteries. I will change my review rating when I learn these items. Until then, I give it a 3, but it definitely deserves a 5 for versitility. -Koots Gegol! Gegol! Super small and easy to carry with you I just got one of these and is it ever SWEET! It's about the size of a personal CD player and fits in my purse easily! I don't usually take my other portable DVD player when I travel by air as it is just one more large thing to carry. This little guy will be in my purse on my next flight!

Toshiba D-R4 Multi-Drive DVD Recorder

2009-12-18T22:02:00.001-08:00

Toshiba D-R4 Multi-Drive DVD Recorder
From Toshiba

Toshiba's Multi Drive D-R4 DVD Recorder offers recording and playback of DVD-RAM, DVD-RW or DVD-R media. The unit features the EASY NAVI portal, ColorStream Pro Component Video outputs and five different recording modes.Multi Drive D-R4 DVD recorder features Digital Cinema Progressive Scan output, Multimedia playback for JPEGs and MP3 titles, and a Zoom mode.
Amazon Sales Rank: #49159 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Toshiba Model: D-R4 Dimensions: 6.22" h x 17.72" w x 20.55" l, 8.00 pounds
A happy meeting of high quality and high value, Toshiba's Multi-Write D-R4 is not just a full-featured progressive-scan DVD player that handles your DVDs, CDs, MP3/WMA music discs, and JPEG-filled recordable discs. It's also a DVD recorder capable of storing up to 6 hours of audio/video on a single-sided 4.7 GB recordable DVD--whether broadcast programming or copies of your home movies to share with loved ones. The D-R4 offers the flexibility of recording on both DVD-RAM--perfect for instant chapter access and for multiple re-recordings--as well as DVD-R, the most widely compatible of the many DVD formats (great for sharing camcorder footage with loved ones). DVD-RW compatibility lets you erase and rewrite, though relatively few players and computer drives will play back DVD-RWs. DVD-RAM discs can be read, written, and erased more than 100,000 times. When recording, the D-R4 captures the first video frame and displays it as the chapter mark. You can then designate chapter marks with custom screen captures or thumbnail images of your choice. The D-R4 also lets you generate and save custom playlists using any title and chapter. Each list of desired footage can be separately titled and edited (for removal of, say, commercials) and then seamlessly played back. Time Slip lets you use your DVD recorder like a personal video recorder, or PVR. Because of DVD-RAM's fast transfer rate, you can view the recorded portion of an ongoing program from the beginning, while still recording the show in progress. The D-R4 features a 181-channel cable-compatible tuner and 2-month, 36-event programming. And, in addition to recording new video content, the D-R4 lets you transfer and even enhance your favorite video recordings to durable, space-saving discs--a terrific way to archive, preserve, and access your movies and family videos. The unit's EASY NAVI menu simplifies operation by giving you direct access to key operations such as locating and playing back of recorded content. For top-of-the-line playback, the D-R4 is equipped with a 10-bit/54 MHz video digital-to-analog converter capable of great color purity and detail. When connected to a high-definition or HD-ready television through its ColorStream Pro component-video outputs, the D-R4 delivers Toshiba's Digital Cinema Progressive picture. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. The D-R4 also has Toshiba's Digital Cinema Progressive feature, which performs 3:2 pulldown detection and reversal. DVD mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture. The deck's abundant connections include multiple composite- and S-video inputs and outputs, stereo analog (left/right) inputs and outputs, and an optical digital-audio output for use with a compatible digital surround receiver. What's in the Box DVD player/recorder, a remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, a stereo analog audio/composite-video cable, and an RF coaxial video cable.
Can't use just any DVD in this recorder. I just purchased the Toshiba D-R4, it is my first foray into DVD recording. I like the Toshiba brand and I liked the price, I purchased Sony DVD-RW media with it so I could start recording, this is going to replace my VCR. Well first you have to format the RW media in the recorder, reminded of 1984 when we had to format 1.44 diskettes. Well once I got the box opened and read the manual they, Toshiba, recommend you use JVC DVD-RW 2X version 1.2. Well I had my Sony DVDs so I started formating, it was a no go three DVDs later every one of them failed could not format. The next day I called support and they recommended I try JVC or Memorex brand. So I had to run around to 4 stores before I found Memorex DVD-RW, I never saw JVC brand. The Memorex worked fine and I am recording now but why oh why don't they have a label on the box or include one of the DVD brands that work with the machine in the box, the store I bought the recorder at only carried Sony brand DVD-RW. So be aware if you want to use the machine after you buy it get JVC or Memorex brand DVD-RW discs, of course you can use DVD-R or DVD-RAM I have not tryed those yet. Also watch the + and - signs, the Toshiba only uses DVD- not DVD+. It seems to work fine, it is more complicated than a VCR, way more options. Hope this helps. Update: This was a lovely recorder however it was unreliable, there were often times I would find it had not recorded a timed recording I had setup, it got very frustrating and I ended up replacing it with a Panasonic. The new one was not as easy to use as the Toshiba but was way more reliable. Also, I setup the Toshiba as a spare and got the firmware update DVD from Toshiba, BAD IDEA, ruined the unit. It never worked after the update. Now have Philips DVD recorder with hard drive it is the only way to go, I don't need DVD copies so this works perfect for me. Still miss that Toshiba D-R4 though. Excellent Unit Excellent Unit! It does most everything I wanted, and a few things I had not even thought of. If you use DVD-RAM discs, you can do great stuff on this unit, like marking the commercials as chapters and them removing them after recording the show, and playing the currently recording program from the beginning even though it is recording farther along. (You can also watch a different program on the disc instead.) Of course, these discs don't play on most other DVD players, so you need to use DVD-Rs instead and give up these features if you want a disc that can play anywhere, but it is great to have these features for discs which will only be played on this and compatible units, and for everyday recording. I had purchased a Panasonic DMR-ES10K originally, and had problems with it playing the second half of my DVDs and with bad support. (See the Panasonic DMR-ES10K for more details.) I exchanged it for this, and am very happy with the Toshiba unit. In comparison to the Panasonic, it is the same price (slightly less in fact), and has almost exactly the same features as the Panasonic. As a double-check before buying it, I called Toshiba support to ask them about disk editing, and a technical support agent answered within about 30 seconds and answered my question. So the support is there too. Most importantly, it plays all my DVDs fine. But also, after trying it, I found several features in the Toshiba that had not been on the Panasonic, to my pleasant surprise. They include: - A "zoom" feature, which lets you magnify part of the screen to see something you are interested in - A "replay" button, which backs up an amount you can set to hear again what someone on the show said, see something cool again, etc. This is a feature I had missed in my previous DVD player from my TiVo. Replay is much more useful than rewind, wait, play, try to get the timing right. - Shows how long a program is, and what % you are through it. The Panasonic showed how far you are into the program, but not how much time is remaining or what % you are through it. In deciding whether to finish a movie now or hold the rest for later, this is pretty helpful information. - Will record timer programs even if you forget and leave the DVD recorder turned on, so long as there is a disc loaded with space on it. - It even has free shipping, which the Panasonic does not. In the end, I was quite glad the Panasonic had problems, so I would find the Toshiba D-R4 instead and get these additional features for free. The only issue I found on the Toshiba is that it is only available in silver (which doesn't match all my black Audio Video components well), but that is a pretty small issue. Clear and simple. This is not a simple DVD recorder to operate, and by no means does it have a manual easy to understand. I think it could have been written much more effectively. The recorder itself has menus that often require you to step through stages of the menu again after selecting a menu action. It does not always return you to the most convenient point in the menu. This can be frustrating. Each menu requires you to refer to sub menus. Again, it gets complicated. Three or four different buttons on the remote take you to particular menus. There is no consistent simplifed procedure. Sometimes you'll wonder what the heck is happening because the recorder does not always clearly tell you on screen. The only indicator you may get is an icon lighting up on the face of the unit. And those icons are not very large. So is it simple? No. Is it user friendly? No, can't say that either. It is more complicated than it needs to be. However even with these negatives, I am going to keep mine because it records an excellent picture and has features that are quite nice once you figure them out. * Even on the six hour mode, my VHS tape copy to DVD was as good or better than my original. * There is a zoom feature. This is not only just a two or three times magnification. You can get very close zooming into a point on your picture. You can then continue at any speed, including slow motion, and it will maintain that desired magnification. When you like, you can move your zoom point to a different part of the picture. It will lose resolution as you get closer and closer, but it is quite nice to have the feature. * There is an instant replay feature. You can set the number of seconds you would like it to back up. I have mine at 5 seconds. It backs up 5 seconds for every press of the button on the remote. If I want to back up 15 seconds, I simply press the button three times. Your one-press choice can be set for 5-10-30 seconds, or for 5 minutes. Combining the zoom, slow motion and this replay, you can see the possibilities. * Editing is easy. It can be done by using the pause button. Each time the pause is pressed, it creates a picture thumbnail of the image on the screen at the time the pause is pressed. All these points are then displayed for you showing each picture. Simply select those you don't want and delete them, or pick those you want and hook them together. You can even make a playlist of your favorite segments and create a DVD of only those segments. Obviously you can see how easy this also makes it to edit out commercials. DVD RAM is the type of disc you must use for this. * You can pause a live TV broadcast and resume from wherever you left off. The live picture can be frozen for 15 minutes. * You can select a desired segment of a disc and replay only that segment over and over. You can set the starting point and ending point of the segment. * A feature I particularly like is the ability to hear sound on fast forward playback. I use the recorder for daily recording of television programs. This recorder can play the picture at a rapid speed but still have sound. This is very handy for things I want to speed through. The voices will sound like chipmunks but you can very clearly make out what is being said. I really like this feature and use it a lot. * Lastly, this unit is very thin. Can squeeze in anywhere. The air vents are on the back, none on the top. NOTE: Copy protected programming or tapes are very likely not to record on this machine. I encountered it on tapes that I paid for and just wanted to transfer to disc. We should not be prevented from making recordings for our own use, we should have every right to make a DVD. There is a solution to this. A video enhancer. This eliminates the problem. Sima is a popular brand. Therefore since this problem can be circumvented, I haven't found it a reason to return this recorder. As for the discs you should use....very simple. (MAXELL)........ -RAM 2x .....required if you want to edit. Sold at Wal-Mart. (TAIYO YUDEN) -R 4x .... Sold online. High quality and very inexpensive. Many recorders now are priced at approximately what this one costs. However many of them will not have the features I described above. Toshiba is a top brand. If you can get through the initial difficulty of learning the operation, you will find the quality and features a very good value.

Koss DVP2161 Compact DVD with MP3/CD Player

2009-12-17T22:02:00.001-08:00

Koss DVP2161 Compact DVD with MP3/CD Player
From Koss

Koss's broad product base is continually evolving in support of newer technology and changing market trends. A particular focus and strength is the development of technology that enhances the consumer's lifestyle. Koss is fully integrated with operations in design, development, manufacturing, marketing and sales to provide the consumer with exciting leading edge quality products at a great value.PRODUCT FEATURES:DVD Video, VCD, CD Audio, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 CD Compatible;Dolby Digital 5.1 output (pass-through);DTS surround sound audio pass through;Component, S-Video, and Composite Video Outputs;Optical Digital output;Headphone Jack;LCD display (displays Track and Time of Disc playing);Full Function Remote Control;DC 12V with AC Adapter (only) supplied;Parental Controls and PIN Lock;Hi-Resolution Video output;Multi-screen Format options (TV Aspect Ratio's);Drop Down Menu Controls with Active Navigation;Fast Forward and Reverse;Slow Forward and Reverse;Zoom Controls;Top Panel Button controls;Fully featured CD Audio and MP3 CD Menu Controls;Multiple Language Formats;Subtitle Option (when present on DVD movie);Power Switch.
Amazon Sales Rank: #40784 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Koss Model: DVP2161
Ideal for plugging into a television, computer, or car screen, the compact DVP2161 offers full-featured DVD and CD playback from a device about the size of a softcover book. While not quite portable in the traditional sense--the unit has no screen and requires AC power--the DVP2161 is much easier to move around, set-up, and use than a traditional component DVD player. And it handles not only DVD-Videos and video CDs, but music, too, from standard CDs to home-burned CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and MP3-encoded CDs. Full-featured audio CD and MP3 CD menu controls simplify operation, and a handy top-panel LCD shows track and time of disc playing, letting you use the device even if it's not plugged into a television. Top-of-the-line component-video outputs help minimize digital and line-scan artifacts on compatible advanced televisions, while composite- and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio output (Toslink optical) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. Other features include parental controls (with PIN lock), picture zoom, drop-down menu controls with active navigation, and a full-function remote control. What's in the Box DVD player, remote control (with batteries,) stereo analog audio with composite-video interconnect, and AC adapter. Features include: DVD Video, Video CD, CD Audio, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 CD Compatible Dolby Digital 5.1 output (pass-through) Dolby Digital output (Stereo down mix) DTS surround sound audio pass through Component, S-Video, and Composite Video Outputs Optical Digital output Headphone Jack LCD display (displays Track and Time of Disc playing) Full Function Remote Control DC 12V with AC Adapter (only) supplied Parental Controls and PIN Lock Hi-Resolution Video outpu Multi-screen Format options (TV Aspect Ratios) Drop Down Menu Controls with Active Navigation Dynamic Range Control (for night-time listening) Up to 8x Fast-Forward and Reverse Slow Forward and Reverse Zoom Controls Top-Panel Button controls Fully featured CD Audio and MP3 CD Menu Controls Multiple Language Formats Subtitle Option (when present on DVD movie) Power Switch Package Includes Remote batteries, 3-Prong RCA Connector Plug, and AC Adapter
A Lightweight... I bought this player about three months ago, and here's my experience with this unit. -Design: 4/5. The unit is sharp-looking, with a nice silver chrome finish that's pretty durable. I have the purple "hip hues" version and despite its toy-like appearance it stands up pretty well to wear and tear, and the "psychedelic" look is unique. A point off for the lack of functions on the unit itself; it's pretty much play, stop, a/b view, fast forward and reverse. Everything else is on the remote, which could have matched the look of the unit a bit more. -Portability: 5/5. Small, sleek and easy to transport. Great if you want a unit that you can easily move from room to room, bring to a friend's place, or, of course, for traveling. Setup with the audio/video outputs (or s-video) is a snap for the majority of televisions and adapters are easy to find for monitors without a/v inputs.-Picture Quality / Sound: 4/5. Despite some limitations with Dolby 5/1 and surround sound (this won't give you the same bang in that area as most standard-sized players) the stereo audio is excellent on this unit. My dvd of "Showgirls" played with Cristal-clear sound ;), and Ditto for its mp3 playback, which comes with a nice onscreen display which lays out any folder structures your pc or mac creates on the cd-rom. More good news: the picture quality is superb, as good as any full-sized unit. Color and definition are outstanding. I hooked this up to a 27-inch monitor and played a DVD of "Last Tango in Paris" and it looked as good as on a full-sized Sony DVD deck which was connected to the same tv.-Performance: 2/5. And now the bad news...the majority of disks should play on this deck. However, the sad truth is that this unit will reject a good number of DVDs. I've been able to play about 90% of DVDs on this deck. Another 5% had problems with skipping or, most aggravatingly, picture freezing. The other 5% won't run at all on this deck, not even registering a DVD menu. The motor will turn, the player will struggle to register with the material, and after a couple of attempts the unit gives up. This player seems to play single-layer DVDs very well, which don't offer a lot of special features (i.e. only a trailer, a couple of stills). I tried to play my Criterion copy of "In the Mood for Love" which is packed with a fully rendered menu and special features; it was a disaster, the player couldn't even register the DVD menu. A rental copy of John Carpenter's "The Thing" which didn't have any noticeable scratches only played about fifteen minutes of the film, then froze. Another DVD which had a small scratch froze in the last five minutes and would only continue if I skipped ahead to the next chapter. On the upside, the majority of disks I've tried on this player have played acceptably, with only occasional problems (see below). It's just sad that the temperamental nature of this unit would generate more suspense in keeping you wondering if it will make it through a whole movie than anything in the actual film you are watching. -Engineering: 1/5. It's amazing that this thing made it through product testing, if that was even performed on this model. As others have mentioned, one of the major reasons this player malfunctions so much is that it doesn't have proper ventilation. It overheats, so after 1.5 to 2 hours of play (if not sooner) the picture will begin freezing and skipping. If you are watching a disk of television shows in half-and one-hour chunks, that might be fine, but curling up with three hours of "Apocalypse Now Redux"? Not too darn likely. And if your DVD is loaded with special features, the demands placed on this little cutie will cut your viewing time even further. All the special features - slow mo, step frame, a/b view, chapter search - work as they should (although you can only access most of them on the remote, so don't forget that if you plan on traveling with this player). Overall, the player's tendency to overheat renders it unacceptable for all but the lightest applications. Considering the possibilities of DVDs, that's a huge liability. Also, the remote's buttons are tiny and take some extra pressure to activate---and compared to my other vcr/satellite dish remotes, its lack of range is annoying. Basically you have to aim it directly at the unit, since it seems to have problems when used at angles. -Suggestions: as others have mentioned, the ac adapter packed with the unit is really bad. Replace it with a compatible adapter from Target or Radio Shack and performance will improve. Some users have mentioned cutting a hole and installing a small fan---for the mechanically uninclined like me, this is not an option. The ac adapter heats up if it's plugged into the socket even when the unit's off, so unplugging the AC adapter from the socket between uses greatly improves performance. Also, setting the unit on top of a well-ventilated area helps, especially if air can pass under the bottom. Overall, it's a commendable attempt by Koss to produce a small, portable DVD player for multiple purposes and situations. Had the design/engineering team resolved the player's basic problems - overheating, incompatibility with some high-performance DVD software, and erratic performance with even basic functions - this would have been a winner. Too bad. It could've been a contender. Great little dvd player! This pint-sized dvd player does almost everything that all the big boys do. This is about one-third the size of a regular dvd. It has a head-phone jack for personal listening. It's very light. To tell you the truth, when I looked at the brand name I was kind of skeptical to get this player. Usually I'm a Sony guy, but the price and size were right. The picture is just as good as any of the other dvd's I've seen. That goes for the sound as well.It also has a lot of features not found in other dvd players. One of which, you can select a portion of a scene and view it over and over again by a button called "A-B." Very useful if you want to examine a part very closely without having to rewind then play then stop, then rewind and so forth. Another feature is being able to view a "Scene" over and over again. This baby's got a volume control also within the dvd player. That way you don't have to switch between controllers so much. It's also NTSC/PAL compliant and VCD 2.0 compatible too. Another thing is that if you burn a cd with jpeg pictures (a type of format that pictures can come in) you can view them on this player. You can take digital pictures, burn them, then view for your family and friends to see on the tv. It also tells you on the screen what scene you're looking at if you press |>|. It also has an optional optical digital output for exceptional viewing (if you don't know what I'm talking about don't worry, just know it's there).Basic features are Dolby Digital 5.1, MP3 playback, CD/CD-R/CD-RW, Parental controls, zoom. It also has a small LCD screen to tell you which scene or time the dvd is playing. It comes with an AC adapter, A/V wires, and a very handy remote. There's pretty much a button for every feature which is handy for quick clicks. It has S-Video output. Handy buttons on top of the case also for play, stop, rewind, fast-forward, etc.Small quirks that I have with this player are that it is a bit flimsy. It also gets a bit warm after playing a movie (but I guess that's with any dvd player). There also is no DTS surround sound, but for many that feature won't be needed, I know I won't utilize that.Overall, I am very happy with this dvd player. I bought it because in my dorm room there isn't much space for a bulky heavy one so when I saw this I grabbed it. Plus, mailing it back and forth between my school and home won't be as expensive this this light and small package. It was a very reasonable price for such a small player. It may look small and dinky but inside's got a full fledge dvd player. If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive small light dvd player, with some extra features (not found in some of those other brands), opt for getting this one. RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY! In short: this item is so bad that I'm actually amazed that Amazon is carrying it. In fact, giving it one star is far too generous! Sure, the price is alluring, but please -- PLEASE! -- read the overwhelming number of other negative reviews regarding this item and believe them. I have an extensive (and scrupulously tended) DVD collection (i.e., no scratches, no duds), yet the Koss unit has trouble regarding 9 out 10 discs it's asked to read. The picutre either drops out completely (leaving the tell-tale blue screen) or simply freezes on whatever image in on screen at the time. No amount of coaxing or encouraging will solve this problem. One wonders how, in good conscience, Koss could release this dismal piece of engineering. I've seen much better units in electronics stores for less -- do a little searching and your extra effort will be repaid handsomely that way. If you don't want to feel frustrated or foolish (for having paid money for this piece of junk), save your money and go somewhere else!

Pioneer AVH-P5100DVD 7-Inch Touchscreen Single-DIN DVD Multimedia A/V Receiver

2009-12-16T22:02:00.001-08:00

Pioneer AVH-P5100DVD 7-Inch Touchscreen Single-DIN DVD Multimedia A/V Receiver
From Pioneer

7-inch Touchscreen Single-DIN DVD Multimedia A/V Receiver
Amazon Sales Rank: #617 in Car Audio or Theater Brand: Pioneer Model: AVH-P5100DVD Dimensions: 3.60" h x 20.40" w x 13.20" l, 9.90 pounds Display size: 7
The Pioneer AVH-P5100DVD In-Dash DVD Multimedia AV Receiver with 7-inch Widescreen Display and Detachable face. Now Playing In A Dash Near You This is what Drive-In Movies were supposed to be. Audio/Video players improve on CD Players by adding a nice large touch screen. With features like video control and improved iPod interface, taking your favorite movies, music, and other media on the road is better than ever. The Pioneer AVH-P5100DVD In-Dash DVD Multimedia AV Receiver with 7 Inch Widescreen Display and Detachable face. Click to enlarge. Safe and Secure The AVH-P5100DVD has a fully motorized flip-out 7-inch wide touch screen, allowing it to fit in the same amount of dash space as your radio. This unit also has the added benefit of having a fully detachable face, increasing the security of both the player and your car. Use your iPod in the car, without the added headache It's easy! Simply plug your iPod directly into the unit using the CD-IU205V iPod cable, and you are ready to rock and roll. Touch slide scrolling, Alphabetical Hi-Speed Search, Album Art, and improved Link Search make it easy to find your music. Your Personal Touch Give your player a more personal touch. Select among five display colors and 112 key panel illumination to match car interior lighting, color, and design. Back connections of the Pioneer AVH-P5100DVD. Now playing in a dash near you: Your calls, CDs, DVDs, your iPod and more. Fed up with your Bluetooth headset? Here's a better hands-free solution. Use the available CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation. The unit acts like a speakerphone, channeling the sound through your car speakers which makes the call sound better. It also automatically mutes your music so that you'll never miss a call. Note: Optional CD-BTB200 adapter required What else does this model have to offer? The AVH-P5100DVD also includes additional features like built-in AUX input for your media devices. Features that are designed to expand your system, customize your experience, provide superior sound quality and easy operation. 2 RCA Hi-Volt preouts for adding on external amps and speakers simplify system expansion. Play your MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC and even DivX files from CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, or USB Device. Built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier for excellent sound quality, minimal distortion and efficient power handling. Supertuner IIID advanced analog and digital processing assure superior imaging, less distortion and noise, and stronger, smoother broadcast signal reception. What's in the Box Pioneer AVH-P5100DVD, wiring harness, installation hardware, operation manual, installation guide, warranty sheet
pioneer avh-p5100dvd this unit does what it's suppose to do. this is the first ipod radio in my truck i've owned. let me say this unit may be easier to work and go through your music then the ipod itself. a friend hooked up his ipod classic to it with thousands of songs, and found anything you wanted in the snap of your fingers. the video podcasts and dvd's played just like a dvd player, it played great. you can adjust the picture sizing several different ways. this 7in screen gives me a bigger picture to look at my video podcasts vs the ipod touch screen. i haven't really read the manual that comes with it, although the manual looks very detailed to tell you everything about the unit. i've figured almost everything out just by playing with it, very easy to use. the one concern i had about listening to music from my cd's to music stored on a ipod was sound quality difference between the two. the sound my mp3 player on my home stero unit was a lower sound than my cd's. so when it was first installed, i played some music from a cd i like, and from the same music from the cd on my ipod player. i'll say i was very happy with the sound i got from my ipod compared to the cd. the loudness, and bass boast on the pioneer makes a big difference. plenty loud enough, and the quality is very good. i've had it for a month, and i'm loving it. the place i got it installed had the same unit for $679.00 and amazon had it for $482.00. by the time i bought the unit, the remote, and the ipod cable, and the install, it came out the same price as what the car store was selling it for. very happy with my purchase. nice head unit in all I have purchased this head unit and so far im pleased with it. I had to install a spacer for the unit to allow the screen to fold out and not bump into the top of the dash in my car. the tilt screen can be adjusted a little but still it bumped so the spacer was needed. the function of the touch screen is nice and easy to use. dvd's are crystal clear and the bluetooth adapter works with the head unit great. (although i had to get a new cell phone that was compatible.) the Lg Shine, with AT&T would not pair. So i purchased a Blackberry Curve II. No problems now. Phone book sync works nice . PIONEER CAR DVD RECEIVER EXCELLENT DEVICE EASY TO USE, WHEN YOU LEFT THE CAR IT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE A DVD SCREEN, DETACHABLE FACE, PERFECT CONNECTION AND INTEGRATION TO IPOD, SOMETIMES IT DOESNT CHARGE THE IPOD. GREAT SOUND, NOT EXPENSIVE. RECOMMENDED TO BUY WITH IPOD CALBE CONNECTION.

Power Acoustik PADVD-360 In-Dash DVD Players without TV Tuner

2009-12-16T16:02:00.001-08:00

Power Acoustik PADVD-360 In-Dash DVD Players without TV Tuner
From POWER ACOUSTIK

In-dash DVD player.
Amazon Sales Rank: #943 in Car Audio or Theater Brand: Power Acoustik Model: PADVD-360 Dimensions: 6.20" h x 2.00" w x 6.40" l, 4.60 pounds

Sony SLV-D500P DVD/VCR Combo

2009-12-16T10:02:00.001-08:00

Sony SLV-D500P DVD/VCR Combo
From Sony

DVD meets VHS in this dynamic combination component- Sony's SLV-D500P Combination DVD and VCR Player. Experience vivid DVD entertainment and the ease of VHS recording. Features include JPEG Digital Picture Playback (CD-R/RW), a Quickset Timer Dial, VCR Plus+ Programming, Cinema Illumination, a Multi-Brand TV Remote Control, and Progressive Output for DVD (480P). Also enjoy DVD, DVD+RW/+R, DVD-RW/-R (Video Mode) Playback, and CD, SVCD, VCD, CD-R/RW & MP3 Playback - you'll see and hear the difference Sony technology makes. Performance and convenience combined the SLV-D500P.
Amazon Sales Rank: #69266 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Sony Model: SLV-D500P Dimensions: 10.00 pounds
Enjoy multiformat convenience and high-end video quality with this classy, versatile combination DVD player and VCR. Sony's WEGA-styled SLV-D500P handles just about any conceivable media format, from VHS and S-VHS tapes (which it renders at standard VHS resolution) to DVD-Video, video mode DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW to MP3 CD and JPEG picture CD. Enjoy your library of VHS videos and your digital media files all in the comfort of your living room or bedroom. Whether you already own an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the SLV-D500P can deliver the full potential of your DVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. Other DVD features include a 54 MHz digital-to-analog converter, disc bookmarking, picture zoom, parental lock, and a screen saver. The VCR section offers everything from one-month, eight-event advance programming to commercial skip. Your camcorder or gaming console plugs right into the front panel for hassle-free connections. Its four-head design ensures smooth slow-motion play (forward and reverse) and clear still-frame images, and with hi-fi sound the unit records and plays back stereo audio tracks. Its 19-micron heads deliver the clearest possible picture when recording or viewing in EP (extended-play) mode. VCR Plus+ simplifies advance programming, commercial skip makes it easy to zip past commercials and unwanted "coming attractions," and the built-in Quickset timer dial lets you program the VCR with just a quick turn of the wrist (press the Quickset dial, then turn the knob to set the date, start time, stop time, and channel). Connections with combo units are often inconvenient, forcing you to use separate video hookups for each section (DVD, VCR), a problem for some TVs. This player has it figured out: a single RF or composite-video connection to a television will display either the DVD or the VCR signal, depending on which format you're viewing. If you want to view DVDs in S-video or in component-video (either interlaced or progressive-scan), you will need to use two inputs, however, as the device will not upconvert the signal from the VCR to either of those higher-resolution formats. It's a different deal for audio: you can listen through a single set of stereo analog-audio cables for each component (one is supplied), or if you want to enjoy DVDs in discrete 5.1-channel surround sound, you can send the DVD's audio to a compatible audio/video receiver and a multichannel speaker system through a digital-audio interconnect (either optical or coaxial, not supplied). The unit also comes with an RF cable that will transmit VHS/DVD audio and video to your TV, a multilingual onscreen display (English, Spanish, French), and a multibrand TV/DVD/VCR remote control. What's in the Box DVD/VCR combo, remote control, remote batteries (two AA), user's manual, stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable, coaxial video cable, and warranty information.
Easy to Use - High Quality I had already ordered a Sony SLV-D300P DVD/VCR Combination player, when I read the uniformly bad Amazon.com customer reviews. Apparently, the SLV-D300P had a significant problem with skipping on all but the newest DVDs. Having learned to respect the accuracy of Amazon.com customer reviews, I sent the SLV-D300P back and ordered its slightly more expensive ($$$-$$$ more) successor, the SLV-D500P. I figured that if Sony had created a lemon, they would fix the problems in the newer model. I was not disappointed. The SLV-D500P is easy to set up, easy to use, and has excellent picture and sound quality. Most significantly, I have had no problems with skipping with over 3 dozen DVDs, including new, used, and from the local library. I have encountered no negatives with this product, and would highly recommend it, particularly for its relatively affordable price. Decent for the Price, But... I just took delivery of the Sony SLV-D500P DVD/VCR Combo earlier today. Contrary to some other reviewers' experiences, my unit has no noise issues whatsoever. The picture quality with both DVD & VCR is decent, but I do have some quibbles:1) The DVD output doesn't offer 3:2 reverse pulldown for watching DVDs of films [movies] (which have a different native frame rate than video, & require this feature to avoid nasty visual artifacts.) The Phillips combo offers this at the same price, but has gotten bad reviews for other reasons.2) The VHS output doesn't offer an S-Video Out jack, so one is forced to use the lower-quality Composite or Antenna Out jacks.3) To use the Component Video outputs (which yield the best quality) of the DVD player, you must turn on the "Progressive" setting, which, despite a button for it on the front panel, is frustratingly difficult to do, and often requires repeated attempts. (And the DVD output will be scrambled until you do.) And then you must turn it off again when using the VCR, or the VCR picture will be scrambled!4) The remote is terrible! (32 buttons of the exact same size [tiny] and shape, which do eveything from selecting channels to controlling system settings.) Don't even try to use this in the dark!If you can afford the space, buy a separate DVD & VCR - you'll be glad you did, & you can buy both for the same total cost. If you don't have the space, as I didn't, this will do. This unit is NOT loud! After I ordered the SLV-D500P, I read the review belowabout the unit being loud. I was a little worried,but after I received the SLV-D500P my fears were put to rest. It isn't loud at all,either this guy got a bad unit or is reviewing the wrong product.First we tested a DVD-R that we made using ouriMac SuperDrive. It worked wonderfully. The picture quality is excellent, but be sure to modify the built in sound settings if you don't have surround sound, because the volume willappear relatively quiet compared to your TV audiounless you modify the DVD player settings to say Audio: TV. Then it will sound fine. We are using this DVD Player with theSony KV-27FS100 Flat Panel TV. This combomakes an excellent relatively low cost, but quality,Entertainment System.

Denon DVD-757 Progressive Scan Universal DVD Player

2009-12-16T04:02:00.001-08:00

Denon DVD-757 Progressive Scan Universal DVD Player
From Denon

Home Theater Series DVD Players and Changer
Amazon Sales Rank: #80411 in Consumer Electronics Color: black Brand: Denon Model: DVD757 Released on: 2006-08-01 Dimensions: 8.00 pounds
The DVD-757 is endowed with technolog to unleash the full impact of DVD-video picture quality. The DVD-757 also uses 11-bit, 216MHz video D/A converter to faighfully preserve the delicate low-level signals often lost during D/A conversion. With these advanced video image technologies, the DVD-757 will reproduce with the highest resolution, DVD images on Plrogressive-compliant monitors and projectors. In addition to these features, the DVD-757's HDMI port supports multi-channel DVD-video and DVD-audio output when connected to HDMI compliant equipment. For around, it is high quality audio D/A converstion and Digital Bass Management that will bring out the best of not only super audio CD and DVD-audio discs, but your entire CD collection as well. The DVD-757 offers outstanding performance and advanced connections for the custom installer making hookup and setup a snap. The RS-232C serial port and serial IR ports allow for integration with third party control systems. The HDMI digital video output has selectable scaling up to 1080p for compatibility with today's HD displays. With the multitude of video and audio playback decoders in the DVD-757, it will surely become the universal player of choice for many home theater systems. Feature List HDMI interface with multi channel audio HDMI is the only interface in consumer electronics that can carry both uncompressed high-definition video and uncompressed multi-channel audio in all HD formats, including 720p, 1080i, and even 1080p. An all-digital, uncompressed signal translates into the highest quality video and audio, seen and heard, direct from the source. DCDi by Faroudja Progressive Scan technology represents a vast improvement over the interlaced scanning method used in TV broadcasts and other conventional applications, as it can proce3ss around twice as much video data to produce a sharper, noise-free picture with finer details. High-definition video images are faightfully displayed with optimum naturalness and beauty. Now, this DCDi technology that was available only in the higher-end DVD players has been included in Denon's affordable DVD-757. The DVD-757 has a feature of manual IP detection mode selection. Even if a dVD-video disc was mastered with wrong progressive flag or withouut a flag, the user can select a mode (Auto1, Auto2, Video1, 2, or 3) to enjoy higher performance of picture quality. DVD-Audio/Video, super audio CD universal player 11 bit, 216 MHz high resolution video D/A converters Bass management for HDMI output DVD-R/RW playback With the increasing presence of DVD recorders, consumers are increasingly recording audio and video material onto DVD discs. These discs can be played back on the DVD-757. CD-R/RW (MP3 / Windows Media Audio 9 / JPEG / Kodak Picture CD) The DVD-757 supports the CD-R/RW format. It plays finalized CD-R/RW discs (single-session or multi-session) containing MP3/WMA9 audio files. It also reads still photos in the Koda Picture CD or JPEG format taken by a digital camera. WMA is an audio compression format developed with Microsoft technology. It claims to offer the highest quality sound available in the industry. If WMA is used to compress a music CD on a PC, for instance, using the new Encoder 9, the quality of sound at 48 kbps is said to be equivalent to that of the original cD. 24-bit, 192-kHz high resolution audio D/A converters Picture zooming (x2 or x4) During play, when you press the Zoom button on the remoted control, you can enlarge the picture by 2x or 4x. Use the cursor to move the enlarged viewing area up, down, to the left, or to the right. A wealth of playback functions The DVD0757 includes a wide variety of playback functions, such as Resume Play, for returning to the Pause position on the disc after the playback was restarted, Slow Play, Repeat Play (A-B, Chapter, Track, Disc), Randopm Play, and Program Play. VSS (Virtual Surround Sound) Enjoy envoloping surround sound using just one pair of speakers. Discrete remote control commands for Power On/Off Aluminum front panel The DVD-757 features a front panel that is made of strong, high-grade aluminum. When combined with a Denon A/V surround amp of uniform design, the matching front panels give a touch of elegance to any decor. Color component video output> The DVD-757 provides color component video (Y, CB/PB, CR/PR) output that ensures the best reproduction of fine color detail with today's high-end video monitors and large screen projectors that feature component video inputs. This connection method provides the best video quality compared to "S"-video and composite video connections. 2 MB buffer memory This unit is equipped with a 2 MB buffer memory to ensure that both picture and sound are played without interruption when the DVD disc shifts from layer 1 to layer 2, or in the rare event of a pickup dropout. Picture adjustment function Brightness/Contrast/Color/Gamma Correction/Sharpness Aspect ratio function for correct image displays When you want to view video images with an aspect ratio of 4:3 on a 16:9 Progressive TV monitor, the DVD-757's Aspect Ratio function converts the images to the correct aspect ratio so that you can enjoy high-quality Progressive output on your screen. This function also converts 16:9 images for output to 4:3 TV screens. RS-232C control Icon based on-screen display A simple press of the Display button on the remote controller lets you see the current operating status of the DVD-757 within an easy-to-read display on screen. The various operations and settings are easily changed using the remote controller while monitoring the screen display. 24 bit/96kHz PCM digital output capability PCM, Dolby Digital and DTS Digital output Auto power off Remote IN/OUT terminals
Very good DVD player. Rather than go into the features of this machine(you can read about those in the product description above), I'll just write that this DVD player does an excellent job of rendering both digital images and sound. Although it is just one step above Denon's entry-level DVD player, it nonetheless bristles with technological features expected in this price range and beyond and its performance shows it. The instructions are well-written and setup is very straightforward. Operation is easy. The display is in Denon's typical blue-lit clarity and is simple and easy to read with no ambiguity. The remote is mostly well-designed, but the separation of Open/Close and Mode from the other operational buttons such as Play, FF, Rewind, etc. is not intuitive and a bit annoying. (I solved this issue with a universal remote.) The picture modes, angle and zoom features, and search modes are really useful and add to the enjoyment of watching a movie. The buttons press inward with a high quality resistance and feel and the DVD tray opens and shuts smoothly and quietly. Everything about this machine exudes attention to detail and quality manufacture. Good as it is, I'm giving it only four stars because it is handily beaten by the Oppo 981HD both in features and in price. (I recently purchased the Oppo and it's just amazing.) Nonetheless, this Denon is no slouch and would be an excellent DVD player for a modest to mid-priced home theater system. Recommended. Poor quality Poor quality, stopped working in 6 months, expensive to fix. Expensive to start with. Does not play all of my CDs or DVDs. Was great until it broke This was an excellent DVD player for the 3 or 4 moths that it lasted. I bought it as a refurb and it performed beautifully for a while. Now it skips, freezes and has various other screw ups. I would strongly suggest that you not buy this or any similar DVD player from denon.

Samsung DVD-L25 Hand Held Mini DVD's Player

2009-12-15T22:02:00.001-08:00

Samsung DVD-L25 Hand Held Mini DVD's Player
From Samsung

Samsung offers this new ultra portable DVD player, which plays Mini-DVD's and displays images on a bright 2.5" TFT LCD Color screen to deliver a highly Mobile DVD viewing experience. The DVD-L25 uses a rechargeable Ni-MH Battery for 2.5 hours of playback, and supports standard Alkaline Batteries as well. It can also play MP3 / WMA Audio files and can display JPEG images (digital-photos). This is among the tiniest DVD format players available.
Amazon Sales Rank: #17731 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Samsung Model: DVD-L25 Number of items: 1 Dimensions: 10.00" h x 2.00" w x 17.00" l, 1.44 pounds Display size: 2.5
One of the smallest portable DVD players available--at 4.3 x 6.7 x 1.3 inches--the handheld Samsung DVD-L25 also sports an incredibly cool rounded design with an integrated, bright 2.5-inch TFT LCD color screen. It plays 8cm (3.5-inch) Mini-DVD discs (not standard, full-sized DVDs), so you'll need to record video and audio content from your PC or disc library to Mini-DVD disc. The DVD-L25 will also play MP3 and WMA digital audio and JPEG digital photo files as well as 8cm (3.5-inch) Mini-CD discs. It runs on 4 AA batteries and includes rechargeable NiMH batteries for up to 2.5 hours of playback. It also is powered by the included AC adapter. It sports and easy-to-use joystick controller on the front of the unit, as well as a small speaker. It includes a single headphone jack. What's in the Box Portable DVD Player, rechargeable NiMH batteries, battery charger, AC adapter, printed operating instructions
Not as Advertised The system (as of 9 Sept 2006) is incorrectly listed as a "Samsung DVD-L25 Portable DVD Player with 3" Screen" This discription is wrong: The unit does not have a 3" screen, it has a 2.5" screen. This can be verified on samsungs web site which states: "Samsung offers this new ultra portable DVD player which plays Mini-DVDs and displays images on a bright 2.5" TFT LCD" Also this "DVD Player" will not play standard size DVDs. It is technicaly a "Mini DVD player" and will only play the special 3" mini DVDs used in DVD video cameras. Getting beyond Amazon's deceptive advertising practices the unit has several issues: Battery life is horrible. It is advertised at 2.5 hours but I am getting considerably less. While the batteries are rechargeable it is a hassle as they have to be removed from the unit. While blank media abounds publishers have abandoned the mini-DVD format, anything you play on the unit you will have to "burn" yourself. For a portable unit it is VERY sensitive to any vibration. For best viewing place on a table or other stationary surface. It looks toylike but this is not for younger children. There are too many buttons, no "hold" mode (the buttons are always active), the main control is a finicky joystick and a nasty "put an eye out" warning if you lift the lid to look at the laser. Good Buy Pros: Great for long trips Cons: batteries will die quickly if not correctly charged. SCREEN SIZE I never realized how small a 3" screen was until now. When my kids were watching the cartoon on a recent trip they resembled a football huddle. The price is so great, I might buy a second player as a early birthday gift. SOUND Sound quality is surprisingly quite good. However, I didn't find the "enclosed" headset in the box. Of course, I did buy the item "used" which is always a risk. Fortunately, like most people with small children I have lots of extra headsets. BATTERY LIFE The player says it can last for approximately 2.5 hours, however, I have had it last only 5 minutes after charging all night. Other: Can't play standard DVDs. Your recorded news, music videos and the like will all need to be transferred to the 8 centimeter Mini-DVD Format [DVD-L25]. Overall, this was a great deal and one of my better investments. best Birthday present I bought this product for my little boy for his birthday to use while on dialysis and to and from dialysis. It is a 2 hour drive one way to the dialysis unit and 4 hours for the treatment, so 3 times a week I have to have 16 AA batteries for the trip. I was amazed at the picture and sound quality. Other parents in the unit really liked it too, they are purchasing it for their child. I'm trying to find an adaptor for it so when in the unit we can plug it in. I found the blank mini DVDs with 1.4 gb here on Amazon and with the program I have on my computer, I can put 2 hours of video on each DVD (An Entire movie or 2 movies if they are Cartoons). Even though this was the only present my son received for his birthday that he didn't ask for, this is the one he loves the best. I'm purchasing more of these for my other children for their birthdays.

Philips DVDR3355/37 DVD Recorder with 6 Hour Digital Video Recording

2009-12-15T16:02:00.001-08:00

Philips DVDR3355/37 DVD Recorder with 6 Hour Digital Video Recording
From Philips

DVD Recorder, up to 8 hour record, DVD+RW, Divx, Dual layer recording
Amazon Sales Rank: #69734 in Consumer Electronics Color: Silver Brand: Philips Model: DVDR335537 Dimensions: 6.00" h x 15.00" w x 20.00" l, 9999.00 pounds
Enjoy all your favorite DVD movies in flicker-free presentation and record your favorite TV programs to disc--via the built-in NTSC TV tuner--with the Philips DVDR3355/37 DVD Recorder. Philips makes it easy to create recordings and helps eliminate any confusion over disc format with dual-media support, enabling you to use DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW discs to record up to six hours of MPEG2 compressed video on a single-sided disc. For playback, it's compatible with VCD, SVCD, CD-R/RW, MP3-CD, and MP3-DVD disc formats and the EG2, MPEG1, Divx (3.11/4/5/6.x), and MPEG4 compression formats. It also supports simultaneous playback of JPEG pictures and MP3 music, enabling you to run a photo slideshow with music playing in the background. For setting up timed recordings, the DVDR3355/37 uses the VCR Plus+ system. All you need to do to program your video recorder is to enter the "Pluscode"--a single code of up to nine digits (but usually less)--that is printed next to each TV program in most TV guides. This unit also includes a Firewire port (also known as i.LINK and IEEE 1394) on the front, enabling you to easily connect your digital video camcorder and download video and audio directly to disc in their original digital quality. Recording and disc editing features include chapter marker, insertion, divide, erase, manual chapter marking, one-touch record, and selectable index pictures. Other features include a 20-event, 1-month programmable recording, daily/weekly repeat recording, Dolby Digital encoding, and tri-lingual menu display (English, French, Spanish). It offers the following video and audio connections: Composite AV (RCA) In: 2 (1 front) Composite AV (RCA) Out: 1 S-Video In: 2 (1 front) S-Video Out: 1 Component Video Out (Y PB PR): 1 RF In: 1 Coaxial digital audio Out: 1 Firewire: 1 What's in the Box DVD player/recorder, remote control (with batteries), AV cable, RF cable, printed operating instructions
Turns on randomly when timer is programmed! First DVD recorder I have owned. Bought it for Christmas. Easy to install and set up. But, when I programmed it to record a future show and put it in stand-by mode (per Philips' instructions)the damn thing would come on at random times and stay on. I had it all of two weeks and called Philips. They said "it's not supposed to do that." I had to pay to ship it back to Arkansas for repair, where they kept it for two weeks and did NOT notify me when they were shipping it back. Got it back and guess what? They didn't do a damn thing to it! Still the same problem. Called Philips and asked why they didn't fix it. (Even the gal I talked to in their Phillipines call center knew why I sent it in for repair.) Even included a letter re-stating the malfunction. No matter. They didn't do a damn thing. Went up the chain of command with Philips but they wouldn't budge. They want me to send it BACK AGAIN so they can have another chance to fix it! I told the gal in Canada that I couldn't possibly be the only one with this problem and now that has been confirmed. It's going back to my home theater guy tomorrow and he can use it as a boat anchor. I'm getting a SONY and will NEVER buy a Philips product again! I loved it until it began to randomly shut itself off God, what a frustrating experience. It began a month ago when I began trying to find a DVD recorder that actually worked. I was ecstatic when I found and tested this model, and used it for three weeks ... until it began to randomly shut itself off (and back on again). That's right. You're recording a show, the screen goes black, you get the Philips splash screen, and then it dawns on you that your recording is finished - not where you wanted it to finish, but at the random point it decided to reboot itself. I would have given this 4 stars until tonight, when it rebooted three times in about an hour. It's going back to the store in the morning. Rated 3 stars because there's always hope with firmware upgrades The following are my issues with the DVDR3355: Sometimes a recording on DVD-R media did not allow Fast Foward or Rewind. There was a similar issue that a firmware upgrade was meant to resolve: Before the upgrade all finalized DVD-R could not be FF on the device but would be perfect on another player. Now it became erratic: sometimes it's possible to FF sometimes it's not (even on other DVD players), which is frustrating. When the EDIT menu is poped-up I cannot FF or FRW because the remote buttons to do that are the same to navigate the menu system. It's a pain trying to find the index picture if you've missed it because you can't go back without exiting the Edit menu, which brings another issue: Exiting the EDIT menu always makes the device to UPDATE the disk, regardless if you did any actual edit or not. This is such a simple software issue to resolve that I can't believe philips did not make it into a firmware upgrade yet. I can't change the video aspect unless there is no disc on tray or tray is open. I can't accept that an expensive device like this one does not let me change the display aspect "on the fly" like any (unexpensive) other DVD player around (including DVD players from philips) My brother owns another DVDR3355. He lost unique, very important recordings (the 2006 world cup final for instance) that took 2 hours recording because the UPDATE of the disk failed after the STOP was pressed. His device also did not seems to be able to record successfully on DVR-RW media from philips (and perhaps any other brand). My own device do not have this problems tough. There seems to be impossible to RECORD in 16:9 aspect (widescreen). I own a Widescreen digital camera (Panasonic PV-GS59) but I've found no way to record on my DVDR3355 in widescreen using the front CVBS inputs (I did not tried the other inputs nor the MiniDV input - firewire - because I did not own a DV cable yet - and yes, I made sure the camera was outputing int 16:9 before you ask :-) ). Many operations are DAMN TOO SLOW. Ejecting a DVD can take up to 30 seconds. Boot up can take this or much longer (up to 1 min). If I tried to Eject just after powering on, the device seems to freeze. If I operate too fast the remote, the device sometimes seems to freeze for up to 1 min (one time even requiring me to click the power button on the device because the remote wasn't responding). I think the firmware of this unit and it's menu system to be pretty much in beta stage and still too much stupid. Overall I liked the unit because I really wasn't expecting too much from it, but I was TOO MUCH disapointed by the firmware and Menu/Operation. I was very satisfied with my previous philips players and found them simple to use, but this DVDR3355 usage is cumbersome. I also thought that this device would be full of new features because it was such a modern concept, but instead it was a rather primitive DVD player compared to more "ancient" pure DVD players. This device is really a recording one and do not replace your (old) top-notch DVD player / Home Theater system. If it was not for the menu and firmware I would rate it 4 out of 5, which means that a future firmware upgrade could make me this happy. Today, with the menu and firmware issues I will rate it 2.5 out of 10. Since I did never own any other DVD recorder to date (not counting PC based ones) I can't be sure if there is a DVD recorder that is better than this unit today.

Samsung DVD-V1000 DVD-VCR Combo

2009-12-15T10:02:00.001-08:00

Samsung DVD-V1000 DVD-VCR Combo
From Samsung

Samsung's DVDV1000 DVD-VHS is designed for maximum versatility and convenience. This "Dual Deck" unit allows users to add both an elaborate DVD Player and a fully functional VCR to your home theater system in less shelf space. This versatile DVD/VCR enables users to play their favorite VHS tapes and all disc media such as audio and video CD's, CD-R and DVD. The DVD-V1000 is easy to connect using only one set of cables and is easy to control both the DVD player and the VCR with the convenient joystick remote control. The DVD-V1000 includes the latest component video output terminals for the best video resolution and its DTS compatible optical and coaxial digital audio output terminals complete this ensemble.
Amazon Sales Rank: #93407 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Samsung Model: OUTLET-DVDV1000 Dimensions: 4.00" h x 17.00" w x 16.25" l, 12.50 pounds
Combine the best of two worlds of video into one component--and save space--with the Samsung DVD-V1000 DVD-VCR Combo. You can even watch a DVD while simultaneously recording a TV program to the VCR. The DVD features include component-video out and dual laser pick-up system, while the VCR side features 4 heads, hi-fi stereo, 400x speed rewind, and front A/V input jacks for downloading video from a camcorder. You can also use the Samsung DVD-V1000's DVD player to play back audio CDs as well as CD-R discs that you burn from your PC with MP3 audio files. It's also compatible with VCDs. DVD features: 10-bit video digital to analog converter and 27MHz advanced digital filter Playback of 96KHz/24-bit sources DTS digital output for DTS-enhanced DVDs Continued audio during 2x speed playback VCR features: Playback of S-VHS tapes at better-than-standard resolution. 16-event/1-year timer recording Time-remaining counter, real-time counter Overall system features: Composite, S-Video, and component-video outputs for high connectivity and optimum performance RF inputs and outputs for connection to all TVs--new or old Records from DVD to VHS (unless DVD is copy protected with Macrovision) English/French/Spanish onscreen programming Remote controls both DVD and VCR decks Tech Talk Four-head VCR: A VCR requires two video heads to record a picture. With four heads, a VCR can perform special effects like slow motion and freeze frame, and it is optimized for recording and playback in both the SP (2-hour) and SLP (6-hour) modes. You'll also get a better picture from rental videos with a four-head VCR. Hi-fi VHS: The standard VHX format with Dolby Surround Pro-Logic encoded in the stereo audio channels, which produces near-CD-quality sound. You'll need an A/V receiver with Dolby Surround Pro-Logic decoding to take full advantage of this feature. VCD: Video CD (VCD) is a video standard that can store audio and video to a compact disc (rather than a DVD disc) using MPEG-1 compression. You can fit up to 74 minutes of video with audio onto a VCD-formatted CD, but you can expect the video quality to be similar to that of a VHS videotape. What's in the Box Samsung DVD-V1000 DVD/VCR combo, remote control with two AA batteries, RCA cable for audio/video connection, RF (radio frequency) antenna, and user's manual.
Great VCR, poor everything else If you don't own a DVD player yet, you won't know much of what you are missing. The quality of the VCR portion of the product is excellent, and the DVD playback is also fine. No need for an RF modulator, as everything you need to connect to TV's old or new is in the box. Get an S-Video connection ASAP, though.Most problems start when you go to use the thing. Others have mentioned problems with the remote and menu functions; I, too have had situations where I had to turn it all of, and try it all again until it worked.The biggest irritation will be to electronics buffs who chose this because other models were too high. If you have a DVD in the drive and turn the unit on, it will start the DVD no matter what you are trying to do. In the middle of getting the news? It will play the DVD. Switching to catch the latest MTV video? It will play the DVD. And forget RESUME functions. Turn the player off and you have to find your chapter anew. We have started to eject the DVD on turning the unit on if we want the VCR channel to stay on screen. Big irritation - big.For the VCR side, until you PLAY a VHS tape the VCR display is not shown on screen (tape status, etc.). The controls on the remote are poor, and although it does double-function for your TV I wish some buttons were just TV and some buttons were just VCR. You will know what I mean when you see how small and oddly placed some of the remote functions are.At a slightly lower price this product would be a great value; at the current price it isn't worth it, but does the job for a 2nd DVD player in the home to get rid of that old, yucky VCR you have had for years. Good basic Combo - I just got this yesterday. It is my first DVD player. It was a snap to set up and works just great! I had it up and running in 10 minutes. I was looking for a combo DVD/vcr since my TV only accepts 75 ohm co-ax composite video , I didnt want the hassle and extra expense of adding the RF modulator and switcher, I would have needed, if I purchashed a dedicated DVD player. This unit fits the bill. I had considered the Panasonic 4741 and 4761 but they are (...) more expensive than this unit. Normally, I would never have considered anything from Samsung, but this product was the right features at the right price. I found the instruction manual to be well written and easy to understand. Although I am using the Composite video output, I find the picture quality to be outstanding even with my not- very-good-quality - Phillips-Magnavox 25" color stereo - 'El- cheapo TV'. Audio quality is also very good. Obviously , this unit was NEVER intended to be a Videophile's heart-throb. Ignore the nit-picking Video-tech snobs , this unit was not intended for them. BUT If you are an average Joe - like me, who just wants to watch a movie without obsessing and getting all twisted up about the 'Spec's, or hasseling a bunch of cables and interface connections, this unit will do the job just fine. Since I haven't had the unit very long, I can't vouch for reliability. A few reviewers seems to have had problems after a couple of weeks , so I will update this review after I have lived with it for a while. For now, I couldn't be happier!! Way to go Samsung! Perfect for average user This player is perfect for the average user (as I said in the title). It combines a good ... DVD player with a good VCR ..., saving space and electrical cord confusion. DVDs play perfectly, exactly the way they are supposed to, without skipping or anything. While there are no special frills or anything, it does exactly what any normal person wants out of a DVD player; plays DVDs without skipping or screwing up. In addition, the DVD player can play audio CDs, including ones with MP3 files on them. This means you can listen to 10 straight hours of music without pushing a button, as long as you also have a CD burner.The VCR part is great (or at least much better than the 12 year old VCR we had previously). It has 4 tracks in it, which means when you pause it, you dont get those little white lines all over the place. Even better, you can record from a DVD onto a VCR (but not vice versa) provided the DVD isn't safe protected.As far as ease of use goes, I only had one problem with the entire thing. When you first connect it, it tries to auto-detect the time and what channels you have. For some reason, it couldn't find my antenna, which forced me to tell it what the time was, as well as what the channels were, manually (adding about 2 more minutes to the 5 minute procedure of setting this thing up).I don't have tons of experience with DVD players, so I can't say this is the best DVD player on the market. I would be lying, because I have nothing to compare it to. However, it fits the average user's needs perfectly. If you want like ultra amazing picture that you need to zoom in 8x to notice, you might want to shell out that extra $... for one of the newer ones. But for now, this is perfect.

Panasonic DVD-F65S Super Slim 5-Disc DVD Player , Silver

2009-12-15T04:02:00.001-08:00

Panasonic DVD-F65S Super Slim 5-Disc DVD Player , Silver
From Panasonic

It's a digital world. A world where sound surrounds you and pictures dazzle the imagination. It's a world where the excitement of the movies is captured and brought to life on a simple five-inch disc - the size of a CD. Welcome to the incredible world of DVD. As a leader in digital technology, Panasonic made possible and forever changed the face of home theatre. Panasonic has packed big-screen excitement into the world's smallest and lightest DVD player.The DVD-F65S is a progressive-scan 5-Disc DVD-Video changer with DVD-RAM/R, CD-R/RW, MP3, WMA, HighMAT and JPEG playback.
Amazon Sales Rank: #79580 in Consumer Electronics Color: Silver Brand: Panasonic Model: DVD-F65S Dimensions: 2.38" h x 16.94" w x 15.69" l, 8.68 pounds
Early Adopters Pick: April 2003 The world's slimmest 5-disc DVD changer. Turn an entertainment room into a multi-disc, multi-format paradise with Panasonic's super-slim DVD-F65K five-disc DVD changer. The player offers incredible format handling, from standard DVD-Video to DVD-R and DVD-RAM, CD-R and CD-RW, and even support for MP3 and WMA CDs. You also get high-tech features like digital re-mastering, which infuses CD music playback with interpolated high-frequency harmonics that wouldn't otherwise be present, and HighMAT (High-Performance Media Access Technology), a technology developed by Panasonic and Microsoft to ensure digital media compatibility between PCs and consumer electronics. The deck features a progressive-scan video processor that doubles the scan lines of an interlaced signal (from 480i to 480p) by scanning all 525 lines in 1/60 of a second for each pass. The higher-density video signal (designed for high-definition and HD-ready TVs) brings a film-like quality to DVD images. Other video enhancements include Cinema Mode (which diminishes glare and improves the visibility of details in dark scenes by automatically adjusting picture contrast), Depth Enhancer (which reduces image background noise), and Hi-Speed Smooth-Motion Scan (which enables fast-forward/reverse at up to 200 times normal speed, offering a quick way to access desired scenes). The DVD-F65K also boasts audio features like Bass Plus (which enhances bass when you connect the player with an optional subwoofer), Dialogue Enhancer (which boosts the volume of the center channel during Dolby Digital 5.1-channel presentations), and an optical digital-audio output for channeling DTS and Dolby Digital surround sound to a surround-decoding audio/video receiver.
Replaces two components I previously had a Sony 5-disc DVD changer which did not play CD-R. So I had to keep my old CD player. The DVD-F65S replaces both of these components and is slimmer than either. Plus picture quality is far superior. -LikesI like the progressive scan output on my HD-ready TV. The picture has an almost 3D quality to it. I noticed an immediate difference compared to my Sony player which was no slouch itself. The sound quality is excellent, though I think this has more to do with my receiver. I like the feature set and the ability to play my burned VCD's and MP3's. Plus the price is incredible for what you get. The best deal on a progressive scan DVD changer bar none.-DislikesI would prefer to have access to all controls on the unit itself as opposed to on the remote only. I think all players should have menu access available on the player in case you can't find the remote. The buttons that are on the player are quite small and feel flimsy. The display is almost useless from my regular viewing position. Thankfully there is an onscreen display if needed. The owners manual does a poor job of explaining some of the unique features of the player. Finally I would have liked to have a remote that could control the volume of my TV and/or receiver. But for a list price of $ (I paid [less $] including tax & shipping) it is hard to really fault this player.Note that the editorial review has a couple of errors. The DVD-F65S does not include Depth Enhancer or Bass Plus (It has no other audio outs except for the stereo analog and optical). But it does include the Cinema modes and Dialogue enhancer which I feel are more important and useful. This DVD Player is MultiTalented It plays DVDs, CDs, CDRs and MP3s, allowing our family to retire a CD player, move the old DVD player to the basement and begin listening to MP3s at dinner. Great combo, and the five disk tray minimizes switching. The remote is very easy to work and the on-screen displays are easy to navigate. Didn't even pick up the manual it was that easy. It's also very slim, taking up little room in our entertainment center.There may be others just as good, but it's hard to imagine one better for the price. Give this one a look if you are in the market. Great overall disc player I actually had to special order this one from my local electronics store based on a lot of research. I'm pleased that I did every day.The picture quality seems very good with rich colours. Sometimes it is abit slow navigating through menus but I've never had a problem with playback. The picture quality on every movie I've played has been very good. But this isn't really why I bought this player.The real kicker on this player is for those of us who have discovered DVD-Audio discs. If you don't know, DVD-A is a high-resolution audio format that encodes up to 6 channels of very high quality audio on a DVD disc. The quality of these discs (most of these discs) is stunning and if you have it hooked to a quality home audio system, you will realize a depth to your music that you never heard with regular CDs.The video from this player is as good as most others, but the audio coming from anything you put in is far superior to other players that are even close to this price range.I recommend this player to anyone who is critical about the audio quality coming from their speakers rather than just the image quality on their movies.

PHILIPS DVP3140 SILVER - ALL REGION CODEFREE MULTI SYSTEM DVD PLAYER WITH DivX. PLAYS DVD'S FROM ANY COUNTRY ON AN AMERICAN TV.

2009-12-14T22:02:00.001-08:00

PHILIPS DVP3140 SILVER - ALL REGION CODEFREE MULTI SYSTEM DVD PLAYER WITH DivX. PLAYS DVD'S FROM ANY COUNTRY ON AN AMERICAN TV.
From Philips

Your dream player with flawless, true-to-life picture quality and the ability to play virtually any disc! The Philips DVD player delivers your movies and music entertainment experience.
Amazon Sales Rank: #19039 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Philips Dimensions: 1.50" h x 8.20" w x 14.20" l, 6.00 pounds

Multi-region is hidden! I bought two of these and was disappointed to find they were both Region 1 only...until I did this: 1. Make sure there is no disc in the player. 2. Turn power off and on again. 3. Open the tray. 4. On the remote, hit 9879 and then 0. This changes unit to Reion 0, meaning it'll play all regions. 5. Hit OK on the remote. A little too early to really review, although it seems to play everything well and has a slim, small footprint that's easy to slip atop other boxes. Remote, for once, has decent-size transport buttons that an old fart like me can see without glasses, a real plus. Easy to use, does what it is supposed to do!! I was struggling with my old Coby multi-region player which had the cumbersome requirement of having to take out the disk and punch in an on-screen code to get it to accept region 1, 2 or 3, then put the disk back in. If you got the code wrong, your TV picture got corrupted and kept scrolling. Also, subtitles kept dropping off the screen during dialog. Needless to say I was very unhappy with the old Coby. I bought this Philips to replace it, and I am happy and amazed that I don't have to enter a code for a different disk region. It plays the DVD without losing the subtitles, exactly the way it was intended. It is reasonably priced, light-weight and easy to use. After playing a region 2 DVD, I tried a region 1 DVD (with subtitles), and it made the transition with no problems at all!!! Highly recommended if you have disks from different countries in different formats. The only slight drawback is that the remote control does not have a button to open/eject the disk. But since you have to manually insert or remove the disk, it's not really important. You can shut the player off from the remote control; you just can't eject the disk. Works Great I purchased this DVD player so my son could watch DVD's my family ship over from the UK. I put in the code as advised by one of the other reviewers and it works great.

Pioneer AVH-P4000DVD 2-Din DVD Multimedia AV Receiver

2009-12-14T16:02:00.001-08:00

Pioneer AVH-P4000DVD 2-Din DVD Multimedia AV Receiver
From Pioneer

The AVH-P4000DVD is smartly designed to expand your system, customize your experience, provide superior sound quality and easy operation. Pioneer's AVH-P4000DVD plays various digital compression formats from DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW discs, and easily connects to a variety of digital audio devices. Play your MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC and even DivX files from either CD-R/RW or DVD-R/RW.
Amazon Sales Rank: #1013 in Car Audio or Theater Brand: Pioneer Model: AVHP4000DVD Dimensions: 6.25" h x 7.00" w x 2.00" l, 4.00 pounds Display size: 6.1
Get your media on the road with Pioneer's AVH-P4000DVD, an in-dash double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver with 6.1-inch widescreen display. With versatile music and video playback, modern features--like USB Direct Control or DivX support, a built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier, and plenty of expansion options--it's the perfect way to turn your vehicle into a mobile entertainment center. 6.1-Inch Touchscreen Display The AVH-P4000DVD boasts a 6.1-inch TFT LCD touchscreen with QVGA (480x234x3) resolution. Navigate your media and system settings from the touchscreen, and make it your own with customizable display and key panel illumination. Versatile Multimedia Playback Enjoy your favorite DVDs while parked with the full-featured DVD player, or add a back-seat screen for your passengers to watch as you drive. The AVH-P4000DVD will play DVDs, DVD-Rs, video CDs, and even DivX files burned to CD or DVD (or from a USB device). You also can use the A/V input to attach external devices like video game systems. As for music, you can enjoy your favorite CDs, or listen to MP3/WMA/AAC files from either CD/DVD data discs or a USB device. USB Direct Control for Unparalleled Flexibility Take control of your networked life with the ability to have two devices connected at same time--iPod and also USB memory device. USB 2.0's capability allows nearly limitless expandability for portable media players and USB memory devices. iPod Direct Control (CD-I200 required) Connect your iPod to the AVH-P4000DVD for direct control of iPod audio and video menus, functions and selections via on-screen touch panel. This makes song access and search extra-quick and easy. The headunit keeps song, artist, time, and album information displays very clear and user-friendly, and control is exceptionally easy with the touchscreen control. In addition, Pioneer has developed the following new features to make using your iPod in the car extremely easy and convenient: Link Search--While listening to a specific artist you can hold "List" button down and it will pop up folders containing that specific artist. Passenger Control Mode--Allows passenger to use the iPod directly to browse and select music, while connected to the headunit for playback. AM/FM Radio Always have your favorite stations at hand with 18 FM and six AM user presets. Best Stations Memory Setting your radio presets can be a real pain while you're driving--especially if you're in an unfamiliar area. So, let the tuner do the work for you by activating the Best Stations Memory (BSM) function. The tuner will seek out the six strongest stations in the area and set them into the tuner presets. Dial in Your Sound Use and customize EQ curves, adjust the 3-band parametric equalizer, or change loudness settings to get the perfect sound. AUX-In Connection Use the built-in AUX input for connecting any portable digital player or other external auxiliary devices. For extra-convenient access, the AVH-P4000DVD has this input on the front panel. Full Featured and High Performance The AVH-P4000DVD is smartly designed to expand your system, customize your experience, and provide superior sound quality and easy operation. Two RCA Hi-Volt preouts for adding on external amps and speakers simplify system expansion. Built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier for excellent sound quality, minimal distortion and efficient power handling. Supertuner IIID advanced analog and digital processing assure superior imaging, less distortion and noise, and stronger, smoother broadcast signal reception. Available Bluetooth Wireless Technology Use the available CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation, including talking via the headunit's microphone and your vehicle's speaker system. The system automatically mutes any other audio during incoming or outgoing calls. Rear-View Camera Capability Keep an eye on your backside using the optional Rear-View Camera (ND-BC2 or ND-BC20PA): While you're in reverse the rear-view camera can be in full screen. A unit equipped with the optional rear-view camera adds a level of safety and assurance you can rely on. In addition to keeping you and your family safe, this feature also makes maneuvering in tight spaces easier. Ready to Expand The AVH-P4000DVD also is compatible with Pioneer's XM and Sirius satellite radio tuners, HD radio tuner, TV tuner, CD/DVD changers, and more. What's in the Box Pioneer AVH-P4000DVD, trim ring, wiring harness, USB cable, installation hardware, operation manual, installation guide, warranty sheet
Extremely good product!! this deck is most def worth buying... its pioneer quality so you know you're getting the best for your money.. the display is bright crisp for day time use.. and automatically dims at night so as not to be too bright.. has tons of features all listed on the pioneer site... it fits extremely well in my double DIN dash space in my 2000 honda accord.. it works flawlessly and touch screen is very responsive.. shows dvds extremely well along with just about every other video and audio file types Pioneer avhp4000 dvd I have had this unit for 3 weeks now, and I am very impressed with it. I moved up from a 7800mp, and I am so glad I did. The touchscreen is very responsive, and is visible in all lighting. The unit plays any format of music or video(even my ipod video podcasts). Sound quality is awesome. The ipod control is very fast. The new ipod controller is a vast improvement from the one I had on my 7800mp. XM integration is nice. I recommend the GEX-20 so you get the 3 line display. I am considering adding on a rearview camera. The unit looks great in my Saturn Vue. I highly recommend this solid unit for it's price and functionality. LOVE IT! Bypass Safety lock-out instructions here For the price, this is definitely one of the best non-nav DVD headunits out there. Pair this with the optional Bluetooth Adapter (CD-BTB200) and optional Ipod Adapter (CD-I200) and you have yourself a very complete system (minus Navigation). For setting this up to view DVD's while driving (bypass safety lock-out), you'll need to get a standard 5-wire automotive relay and wire it up per these instructions: 1. connect "30" to the parking brake wire from the headunit 2. connect both "86" and "87" to ground 3. connect "85" to the remote turn-on wire from the headunit What this does is send a pulse to the headunit to trick it into thinking you've turned on the parking brake. If you simply connect the parking brake wire to ground only, it will not work. The DVD, CD, Radio, Ipod, and Bluetooth functionality on this headunit are all great! The touchscreen is very responsive too. One of the best features is the ability to change both the external buttons and the on-screen display (OSD) colors to match your factory interior gauge lighting. My 2008 Subaru STI comes with all red interior lighting so I selected the AVH-P4000DVD to have red buttons and red OSD. PROS: - Ipod controls w/ CD-I200 are amazing: mimics real Ipod controls on the screen (Except for scroll wheel), responsive, and charges Ipod while docked - Bluetooth Module (CD-BTB200) works well as long as you update the software of your phone (I needed a software update on my Blackberry Pearl 8100 to get it to work properly) - External Volume knob, very helpful - Clear 6.5" screen, dims when headlights are on for night viewing - Touchscreen very accurate and responsive - External button and OSD screen colors can be customized to any interior (Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Violet) for factory look - DVD playback is great - Easy to use interface Cons: - only 2 pairs of preouts (front and rear/subwoofer) - No navigation, but that is why its so cheap - No remote control comes standard (optional CD-R55) Just get it. You'll love it.

Onkyo DV-CP706B 6-Disc DVD Player (Black)

2009-12-14T10:02:00.001-08:00

Onkyo DV-CP706B 6-Disc DVD Player (Black)
From ONKYO

Taking the checklist to the DV-CP706 is a simple way to reveal its all-around home theater appeal. You can begin by noting its capability to store, change, and play up to six video and audio discs. Then, add another check mark for being the first Onkyo six-disc changer to be able to upscale standard DVDs all the way to high-definition 1080p resolution. And should you connect this player to an A/V receiver with highly advanced scaling capabilities, you can also choose to output the video at a native resolution of 480i. It also employs Onkyo's VLSC circuitry for noise-free digital-to-analog audio signal processing, along with user-friendly control functions such as disc navigator. Add to that an impressively robust build - with an isolated circuitry layout to minimize digital noise, a solid fascia, and an ultra-quiet loading mechanism - and you have a six-disc changer that will provide years of move and music entertainment perfectly tailored to your needs.
Amazon Sales Rank: #9849 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black Brand: Onkyo Model: DVCP706 Dimensions: 3.56" h x 17.13" w x 16.94" l, 11.70 pounds

Love this machine We've had this product just a few weeks, but are quite pleased with it. The only snag was when we hooked it up to both our receiver (with RCA analog jacks)and our new HDTV (with an HDMI cable)so that we could play our CD's through our receiver and our DVD's through the television. The problem was in hooking up the TV. We received a picture but no sound. Talking to our tv technician was of no help. We figured the problem out through trial and error, namely that the Onkyo's menu had a variety of sound options, to include some that we had no idea what they were for. One option, I believe it was the "PCM" option, did the trick when we turned it on. Apparently this option lowers the kHz frequency of the output so that it is compatible with the television (whatever all that means). Once I clicked that option on, the sound came through the TV. These instruction booklets all assume that consumers understand these technical terms, so you have to be something of a detective to finally figure it all out. Now everything (finally) works. Excellent player; tons of options Purchased for parents who are not tech-savvy (was somewhat of a worry with setting this up), and are huge movie fans. (They like movies so much, they even sleep to them...) I wanted to make sure the DVD changer supported both their new TV (HD) and their old, CRT tube TV. And this certainly fit the bill. The setup is very easy. (I was able to help with the setup over the phone in minutes.) However, the ease of setup doesn't mean that it is lacking options; there are plenty of options that are available to tweak the sound, the picture, etc. But for just getting the machine playing DVDs (maybe not optimally, but playing nonetheless), it's simple. When visiting, I was able to see and hear this player in action. It's mostly silent itself, and had a picture/audio quality that was adequate for how it was hooked up - using the composite cables ("RCA cables" - red and white for audio, yellow for video.) When using an HDMI connection, everything really came to life, stepping into the modern world. On a side note (in regards to some negative reviews here) - Amazon.com *is* an authorized seller of Onkyo products (the "refurb" version part - Warehouse Deals or whatever, likely is not.) If there's a problem, I can't see how you wouldn't be covered by either Amazon or Onkyo. I had actually purchased this same unit from another online vendor, and the DVD sounded like it was going through a meat grinder when it was playing. Returned it, bought from Amazon and the new one is working great... bottom line: Onkyo is a very quality and reputable brand, but no brand is going to be perfect 100%. Would definitely purchase again. ****************UPDATE, September 2009********************* This unit is now receiving "Cannot Read Disc" errors pretty randomly. It may not work on a disc, but the next time you try, it works fine. We tried cleaning all the discs, but after purchasing a few brand new DVDs and having the error, it's going to head back to Onkyo. Meanwhile, the $30 backup cheapie DVD player still works... bummer. ****************UPDATE, November 7, 2009**************** We finally got around to taking this in for warranty work. The nearest authorized service center was King Audio/Video (Redmond, WA.) The service folks were very pleasant and professional... after about 10 days, they called us up to come pick it up. (Apparently, Onkyo also covers shipping charges once the item is repaired, but we decided to just pick it up.) Now, this is back to being a fantastic player. It's quieter than it was before, and it plays ALL DVDs, even if you can see some visible damage (scratching and such) on it. If others are experiencing the disc read errors on older/scratched DVDs, I'd recommend getting it repaired while under warranty. (The problem eventually gets worse to where it won't even read a brand new DVD.) Yes, it's unfortunate that you have to get it repaired. But on the other hand - that's what the warranty is for, and now this this is working GREAT. Truly doesn't play most rental and high-use DVDs As previously posted, this unit will NOT play rental (or even mildly scratched) DVDs. Which is a problem because a number of our DVDs are kids movies and they get scratched with repeadted use. All the problematic DVDs play perfectly fine on a cheapo ($20) DVD player but this "high-end" unit is too much of a prima donna for these DVDs.

Clarion VZ309 3.5-Inch Single-DIN Multimedia Station with USB Port

2009-12-14T04:02:00.001-08:00

Clarion VZ309 3.5-Inch Single-DIN Multimedia Station with USB Port
From Clarion Mobile Electronics

Amazon Sales Rank: #5 in Car Audio or Theater Brand: Clarion Model: VZ309 Dimensions: 1.97" h x 7.01" w x 6.54" l, 4.85 pounds
Clarion's VZ309 is a true multimedia station with a DVD/ CD receiver; USB connector that supports playback of MP3, WMA and JPEG files; front AUX inputs for portable audio players; and optional iPod audio and video playback (CCUIPOD2). The brilliant 3.5 inch display lets you control it all. All this in a small one-DIN package. caption Click to enlarge. Add the optional CCUIPOD1 to control your iPod from the source unit. 6 channels of preamp output to grow your system. Includes full-featured remote. Enjoy a Wide Variety of Media The built-in optical disc drive is compatible with DVD-Video, DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, CD-DA, HDCD, CD-R and CD-RW, so you're assured access to a wide variety of visual and musical entertainment. You can also play back MP3/WMA files from disc, complete with ID3-Tag display of artist/track info on the screen. 3.5-inch LCD Screen The 3.5-inch LCD displays operational status of your iPod, CD and DVD playback, radio functions and more. It offers maximum usability within minimum dimensions. iPod Playback Just connect your iPod to the VZ309 using the optional CCUIPOD1 to control your iPod from the source unit. Please see the Clarion website for iPod models that can beconnected. Front USB Input Grab a USB drive with some of your favorite MP3/WMA tracks and enjoy them right from the front of the unit. HD/SAT Radio Ready You can connect optional tuners and enjoy the benefits of high-definition and XM satellite radio. AM/FM Radio Catch up on the news or listen to your favorite stations. Get quick access to your favorites with 18 FM and 6 AM station presets. Auxiliary Input Use the front 3.5mm auxiliary input to connect external audio devices like MP3 players, etc. Rear AV Output A rear AV output allows you to send your signal to a second monitor in the back seat. Dedicated Rear vision Camera RCA Input Add a rear vision camera to see the area behind your vehicle, for added safety and convenience. Room to Grow With 50 Watts through four channels, and a 24-bit D/A converter, the VZ309 gives you great sound to start. But it also includes 6 channels of preamp output and a subwoofer volume control, so you can easily add external amplifiers and build a monster system. Remote Included A full-featured remote control is included. What's in the Box VZ309 Source unit, Mounting bracket, Removable face plate case, Trim plate, Remote control unit, Battery (CR2025), Owner's manual, Installation manual, Installation hardware
Receiver is good ONLY if you buy at Amazon's low low price!!!! To put it politely, I have been disappointed by the performance and feature set of this receiver. In fact, I thought it was so bad that this couldn't have been a product developed by Clarion. I think this is a re-badged Clarion which was designed/engineered by a low-tier manufacturer. The fact that the HD Tuner that works with this receiver doesn't work with any other seems to point in that direction too. But this is a review, so I will be specific about it. Usually, people write the positives and negatives when writing a review. I will do the same. So, here's what I like about it: 1. Looks: It is a handsome looking deck. I am not a fan of the flashing LEDs and rotating colors. This has very minimalistic and simplistic, OEM type design that complements the rest of the dash. 2. Build quality is great. Definitely does not look like a made in China item that you can buy at an auto parts store. 3. Nice, large screen - crisp and clear. 4. Sounds is good, although nothing earth-shattering for a 200W amp. 5. HD Tuner works well, get stations fast and clear. Now, before I list the things I don't like about it, let me explain something. A lot of people will mention a LACK OF FEATURE as a negative. I kind of find it unfair. I mean, before you buy something, you should know what features it has or doesn't have. For example, this receiver doesn't have Bluetooth. Now, it will be unfair for me to say this is a bad receiver because of that. On the other hand, things that are wrong with it, or designs that are inconvenient can be fairly mentioned in the list of CONS. So, I will start with it: 1. If you start your car before you attach the faceplate, the receiver will remain turned off. You have to press the power button to turn in on - every time. With most receivers, if you turned off your receiver before you remove your car keys, it will remain off until you turn in on manually. Same way, if you left your receiver turned ON, and turned the car off (remove keys), it will come on automatically next time you turn on ignition and put the faceplate. This doesn't do that. Very inconvenient. 2. The "power"/ON button is not lit when the unit is off. So, coupled with the issue #1, it is a major inconvenience at night. You come in, start the car, put the faceplate back on - and nothing. Now you will have to blindly look for the power button to turn it on. 3. If there is a CD/DVD in the drive, it will always start in the CD/DVD source, regardless of last source you were listening to when it was turned off. 4. USB slot is also not lit, so, inserting a USB drive at night takes a few tries. 5. Most of the buttons have more than one functions. One function is printed right on the button, the other function for the same button is printed right below it. However, ONLY the button is lit, not the print below it. For example, the power button also acts as the mute button. But when the receiver is on, only the power symbol is lit, not "MUTE" which is written right below it. It is true for all buttons with more than one functions. 6. The dreaded DVD-loop issue. If you switched to a different source or turned the unit off while playing a DVD, next time it will only loop in the chapter it was last playing. Definitely a bad programming issue. 7. If you "mute" the unit while playing a CD or songs from USB, the mute will be automatically canceled and sound will come back on after the next song comes on. Really annoying - specially if you are on the phone with someone and suddenly the music comes on. I know this is not meant to be or that it is not a feature because the mute symbol stays on the display, even though the sound is heard. Again, bad programming. 8. The faceplate anchor design is merit-less at best. It has two plastic anchors sticking out from the unit where the faceplate latches on. These are plastic anchors about 1" long and they are just sticking out. If one of the breaks, the whole unit is useless. I will post a pic to show what I mean. 9. Absolutely no display customization. What comes with is what you get - and what comes with it is nothing. You can't change the display color/wallpaper/font/size - nothing. 10. USB operation is ridiculous at best. It shows all the songs in one list and the only way to navigate through them without the remote is to go up and down, which is painfully slow. You can go folder to folder using the remote. With the "UP" and "DOWN" symbols being not lit, it's inconvenient at night. 11. If your mp3 folders have a pic such as an album art, this unit will get stuck at that, and it will ask you to put the parking brake on to view it - instead of just not showing the pic and moving on to the next song. If you have a lot of albums, you will need to manually remove all the album arts from the USB drive. 12. In the USB mode, it "eats" about 1 sec from the beginning of a song when it moves starts the next track. It's not as noticeable with the songs that start slow, but clearly annoying when a song starts out loud or with a beat, for example, Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. Don't know if this applies to CD tracks too. 13. It will recognize only 512 songs total in your USB drive. Now-a-days people have their whole music collection on a single chip. 512 songs limitation sets you back to 1999. 14. A lot of the DVD operations can only be performed using the remote. There are buttons on the faceplate that are inactive during DVD play which they could have easily put some functions on. 15. It is not compatible with all USB drives. I don't know which ones are okay but I have a USB drive that works fine everywhere but this gives me an error saying "UBS Bad". 16. No dedicated button for "search", meaning fast forward or reverse. So, if you want to FF a song or DVD chapter, you will have to press and hold ">>|" for about 5 secs and then it will do it only at 2x speed. Do the same again (another 5 secs) to go 4x. If you let go before that, it will just skip to the next song or chapter - and you will have to do it again. 17. The internal clock loses time like crazy!! It would be half to a minute behind in just a week. 18. No permanent brightness setting for the screen. All you have is Normal -> Dim -> Off, using the Dim button. You can't set the brightness to your liking. To make matter worse, the setting using "Dim" button is temporary. Once the unit is re-started (turn off/turn on), it goes to full brightness. 19. Finally, THIS UNIT IS SLOW!!! Navigating through songs or tuning stations, skipping songs, switching sources - much slower than even the cheapest receivers out there. Now, some of things that I would have love to see and I could expect in a $400 receiver: 1. This unit should have been AT LEAST bluetooth ready. 2. It has this huge, rotary volume knob which is also used for Bass/Treble settings by pushing it. I think this would have been more useful is this was programmed to be used as "Enter" button, and putting the "Bass/Treble" settings in the settings menu. Now, the "AS" button acts as enter which is not even lit. 3. When the ignition is on and the faceplate is not on, there is a little triangle blue LED that flashes to show where to enter CD/DVD. I wish this LED would blink all the time so it would act as a theft deterrent. 4. When you enter the "Settings" menu where you can change equalizer/loudness etc, the music stops. So, you have no way to instantly compare the effect of different EQ or loudness settings. Wish the music didn't stop. 5. The faceplate carry-case/box is CHEAP!!! They should have included a little better case. Like the title says, the only thing that makes things even is the ultra-low pricing of Amazon, which sometimes even include a free HD tuner. Otherwise, for more price I would suggest getting something else. Most bang for your buck! Screen/customization: Bright, vivid, and sharp but Clarion decided to keep customization to a complete minimum. For instance, when in aux mode you are stuck with a gray screen with the time and "AVin" displayed in the corner. I just turn off the screen completely to avoid it. Such a waste of a big beautiful screen. DVD player: Quick start up, strong motor, good quality, and plays where you left off. Sometimes it will run in a chapter loop after turning the car off and then on again. This happens periodically (1 out of 10 times) where there will be a chapter loop causing you to stop the movie and start it again. Edit: I have heard from others that it happens every time you turn the car on and off but this hasn't exactly been the case for me, definitely has problems though. HD radio: Locks into signals quickly and stays there, sounds fantastic. Info is scrolled on the bottom, again, waste of screen space. Sound Quality: Excellent sound through deck power and 2V outputs. I have power hungry component speakers so I use an external amplifier but the deck's power will work fine for most setups. I used to run a pioneer deck with 4V preamp outputs so I was a little concerned about how the Clarion's 2V outs (4v for subs) would compare but I was pleasantly surprised at the strength and quality of the signal. Just as loud and clean as ever, if not more so. Sound is mostly flat with a slight emphasis on bass (remedied easily.) Remote Control: Works well but don't lose it! You'll be crippled without it if you ever watch DVDs since most functions are controlled through the remote only. USB: Sucks, simple as that, they shouldn't have even included it if they couldn't do it right (only shows one list of songs, difficult navigation.) Edit: Someone has brought it to my attention that you can in fact switch folders using the remote. I stand by my opinion that it's still poorly implemented and will never be used by me. Rear Camera: Never tested, I'll definitely update this review once installed. Overall: This is a fantastic unit at Amazon's rock bottom prices. I cannot think of any other deck that even comes close to this feature set and quality for less than $200. At $129 with free HD radio, it's a no-brainer. It's simply the best deck that you can get for that price and feature-set. I thought the DVD player would just be a toy for me but I actually find myself using it quite often when waiting around (parked of course) and the screen and sound quality are a pleasure. My major complaint has to do with the lack of customization. You really can't control what plays on the screen at all, no backgrounds, no color changes, nothing. For less than $200 I really can't complain much but at Clarion's retail price of $400 before tax you would think they'd allow for a little more adjust ability. Another thing is the lack of a rear A/V input. Pretty lame when you have that screen just begging to be used! Pros: - Price (IF you get in on amazons $129.99 deal w/hd tuner) - Sound Quality - Picture Quality - (Good) DVD player - Price - Feature set - HD radio Cons: - A bit slow when switching sources (roughly 3-5 seconds.) - Lack of screen customization. - Lack of A/V input in the rear (there's video but no audio, very lame) - Cost of accessories (XM is pretty pricey) and rear camera is not included. People really shouldn't expect a rear camera to be included but I'm sure someone out there is going to be shocked when they find it "missing"... One more thing worth mentioning is that although the DVD function has a lockout so that you can only view media while the parking brake is up (lead from unit connecting to parking brake wire) it is ridiculously easy to bypass. Anyone can google it and figure it out for themselves, not the safest thing for "invincible" teenagers trying to watch The Fast and the Furious while driving... Clarion radio I bought this radio for my teenage son and have been most pleased with my purchase. It is very user friendly (I figured out how to use it without having to read the instructions) and a very versatile radio tumer for the price. What I like best about it is the DVD feature (which shows a very nice picture and is also easy to use) does not show on the screen unless the parking brake is engaged. Don't have to worry about my teenage son driving and trying to watch a movie. A definite plus for the teenage driver in your family!

Philips DVDR985 Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder and Player

2009-12-13T22:02:00.001-08:00

Philips DVDR985 Progressive-Scan DVD Recorder and Player
From Philips

Imagine being able to record from TV or digital camera directly on to a DVD. Imagine the possibilities; digital quality never degrades. Precious memories captured on digital video at the touch of a button. With the introduction of Philips Recordable DVD, the possibility is a reality with Dolby Digital Sound.The Philips DVDR985 records from TV in digital quality on ReWritable DVDs and copies your favorite camcorder tapes onto DVD for life. You get digital picture and sound quality for the ultimate viewing experience plus direct access to your recordings - no more winding or rewinding. Crystal Clear Pro progressive scan video provides razor-sharp pictures. Digital connection (i.LINK) enables high-quality copying from digital camcorders. Component video input (YPB/PR) ensures the best recording quality from analog sources. Edit your home movies easily with Favorite Scene Selection. Play DVD and audio-CD(R/RW); your recorded discs will play on most DVD-Video players! The Philips DVDR985 features a large display with disc-bar for instant disc content overview as well as a universal remote control.
Amazon Sales Rank: #73885 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Philips Model: 985
Based on DVD+RW technology, the Philips recordable DVDR985 delivers DVD-level video and lets you transfer your camcorder footage--birthday parties, holidays, vacations--on a DVD+RW or DVD+R disc. You then can play the recordings back on most existing and future DVD players. DVD+RW discs are great for editing and re-recording on DVDs, and a DVD+R is the lower-cost alternative for preserving special occasions like your daughter's wedding; it won't allow someone to mistakenly record over those treasured moments. A digital i.Link data transfer connection (IEEE-1394) transfers MiniDV camcorder video to DVD, preserving the footage in high-quality digital picture and sound. It also includes a component-video input, which offers a high-quality analog connection to turn your collections of VHS tapes into higher-quality digital recordings. To simplify recording so that anyone in the family can create a home movie, the recorders create an index picture screen automatically. Similar to a prerecorded DVD movie, the picture screen lets you see what has been recorded and how much disc space is available. With the push of a button on the remote control, you can start playing a recording--no winding or rewinding and no need for a visual search. Now family reunions, dance recitals, and little league baseball games can be captured in digital quality forever and enjoyed immediately. Using the recorder to capture your favorite TV show or baseball game on DVD is as easy as pressing a button. Any time during the program, you can press the record button, and the DVD recorder will start to time-shift automatically. And Philips DVD recorders not only record, they also offer convenient editing features that allow you to do linear editing directly on the recorder, using the TV as a display. In addition, the DVD+RW discs are interchangeable between PCs and TVs. You can record something with a camcorder, store or edit it onto a DVD+RW or DVD+R disc with a Philips DVD recorder, edit it through a Philips DVD+RW PC drive, and play it back on most existing DVD players or DVD-ROM drives. The next time you want to show someone at the office your improved golf stroke from your latest golf lesson, it may be as easy as popping the DVD into your computer. To ensure compatibilty between discs recorded on Philips DVD recorders, and for enhanced picture quality, the recorders make use of the same Variable Bit-rate Recording (VBR) system used for pre-packaged DVD-Video movies. This lets you enjoy the same digital quality you enjoy with pre-recorded DVDs. With four time settings, VBR adjusts the data rate of the recordings based on the amount of motion in the recorded material. The DVR985 also features a built-in TV tuner and an AC-3 decoder/encoder for superior sound quality. Philips DVD recorders also employ the Crystal Clear Pro Progressive-Scan system with a sophisticated Motion Adaptive System (DCDi chip by Faroudja), which corrects visual artifacts and optimizes the video image for superior pictures. In addition to DVD+RW, DVD+R, and DVD-Video discs, the DVDR985 is compatible with CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, S-VCD, and VCD discs.
The Best DVD Recorder on the Market I just can't let the last review go by without comment, especially given some plain errors in fact.>>On VHS input, it suffers from signal drop, skipping over dropped out audio and video.

HP 20x External Super Multi DVD (Lightscribe) HP1040E

2009-12-12T22:02:00.001-08:00

HP 20x External Super Multi DVD (Lightscribe) HP1040E
From Lite On

LiteOn's mission is to consistently meet or exceed its customers' expectations by providing solutions with outstanding performance, competitiveness, and punctuality.
Amazon Sales Rank: #18746 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Hewlett-Packard Model: Dvd1040e 20X Multiformat DVD Writer Dimensions: 9.80" h x 12.20" w x 6.00" l, 1.98 pounds

Good Writer, Lousy Nero Software Bundle Thought I would follow the instructions included with the writer. Installation went fine, the pc recognized the player. The install of the Nero software was a mess. It conflicted with the already existing burner software on my pc. The Nero software has limitations, the player as-is will burn to DVD-R. With the Nero software you lose that functionality, due to some sort of licensing conflict. What's the point of owning a writer, if the third party software doesn't allow you to write? I uninstalled the Nero bundle, but evidently it had made a change to my pc that would still not let the DVD writer to write. Had to perform a system restore, and now the writer writes to DVD-R. Yay! Thats what I wanted. Unfortunately the added feature of the software was going to be Lightscribe. But Nero bundled it into their all-in-one (all Seven-in-one!) executable, and doesn't allow for installing JUST the Lightscribe software. It's not that important a feature. If I want it so bad, I'll just buy a copy online, or just use a magic marker. Also, the Nero software wants you to associate all media files so that they run on it's software. Thats all your video files MOV, AVI, MPEG..., all your audio files mp3, wmv, wav..., all your image files BMP, JPG...(you have to deselect, to stop it from doing that) The HP writer seems to work fine, HP (IMO) made an error in selecting the Nero bundle to include with the writer. Great external drive Purchased this external drive 2 weeks ago because my internal drive was taking longer and longer to operate. As soon as I connected it to a USB port, Windows XP recognized it and assigned it as drive "G". It's worked flawlessly so far, both as a reader and a writer. Very much faster than my original internal drive which was only 8X. Finally got around to using the Lightscribe function, and I've got to say, it's pretty cool. The price is very reasonable, it's easy to install and operate, and I'm thinking of getting a second one to replace my other internal drive. Occasional problems reading movies. PS--June 2008 and I am still using this HP DVD-RW. I would give it 3 stars now. And so far, no other reviewer reports a reading problem. Maybe the problem was with my system. Also, I later installed an internal Sony DVD-RW and that now has no reading problems but intermittent writing problems. I've decided the best situation is to have 2 DVD drives from 2 different manufacturers. Where one doesn't work, the other generally does. So I would look mainly for a good price on a good brand, which would include this one. My original review follows, edited for brevity. ................................ This HP dvd1040 works fine for all reading of data and all writing of movies or data, but not for watching movies. I like to use my computer to watch Netflix rentals. Several times, a DVD has not played in this HP DVD writer, but has played in both my Acer laptop and my stand alone Panasonic DVD player. PS--In case you don't know, the 'lightscribe' label writer only works on discs with 'lightscribe' capability, which currently, seem to cost significantly extra. So long as this is the case, I just as soon pay less for standard discs, and to write my titles with an acid-free Bic Mark-It Retractable.

Magnavox MDV-460 DVD Player

2009-12-11T22:02:00.001-08:00

Magnavox MDV-460 DVD Player
From Philips

Amazon Sales Rank: #71476 in Consumer Electronics Color: Silver Brand: Philips Model: MDV-460 Dimensions: 6.00 pounds

not as advertised Bought it cuz it was cheap - you know the old saying! So true in this case. MIne doesn't even play mp3 disks and is very fussy about burned DVDs. Spend a bit more & get something that works! Dead after one year... I bought this unit at Target, because of the Magnavox name and the reasonable price point. I had a great experience with a TV I bought from them years ago... seems like they've gone downhill since then. As mentioned previously, there are not many features with this unit. It will not play movies with heavy use/ lots of scratches (i.e. many of the movies we check out from the library for the kids). It would just spin and spin inside and read NO DISC... one time I couldn't even get it to open again to get the movie out! Now after a year of trouble with this unit, it will not read any disc whatsoever. Great, another heavy, junky elecronic for the landfill! I will research our next player much better. Total junk and would never buy a Magnavox again! Staty away - designed to last 3 1/2 months I looked for an expensive replacement DVD player. Never really knew the right questions to ask - but I've learned the hard way. This DVD Player comes with a 3 month guaratee, so guess what happened after 3 1/2 months? After a brief phone call to Magnavox, it was very easy for them to politely tell me to take a hike - their interest in their product was over after 90 days, and it was now the 105th day. Be advised - find out about guarantees before you purchase, and find out if the Manufacturer stands behind their Product in any way, shape or form. Cheap can be expensive!

ClearPlay DVD Player with Free Trial Membership

2009-12-10T22:03:00.001-08:00

ClearPlay DVD Player with Free Trial Membership
From ClearPlay

Watch movies with the whole family! ClearPlay provides a new choice in movie viewing, smoothly editing out offensive content from regular DVD's according to individual viewing preferences. Your family can now enjoy all movies at your own comfort level.
Amazon Sales Rank: #31431 in Consumer Electronics Color: Black Brand: ClearPlay Model: CP-427b-USB Dimensions: 1.90" h x 10.00" w x 17.00" l, 3.00 pounds

Really works These Clearplay DVD players really do work. You can configure the settings you want and it automatically skips certain scenes and mutes certain words when the ClearPlay feature is turned on. It's done carefully so it's as smooth as can be expected. As long as I keep it up to date it supports almost all the movies I've tried (I've mostly tried recent PG and PG-13 movies). It makes watching movies together as a family a lot more fun instead of always worrying about "that one part." Of course some movies just aren't appropriate for kids with or without filtering, but the majority of movies are mostly good but with just a couple problem areas seemingly inserted just to ensure it wouldn't get the dreaded 'G' rating and be automatically considered a kids movie, even when that's not really the case. I originally had the older MaxPlay model and replaced it with this one which is a big improvement since you can update it using the standard USB flash drive they provide (the MaxPlay had to use a phone line to dial up and retrieve updates). I've contacted support on a couple of occassions and got a quick and helpful email response, so no complaints there. I haven't had any problems with audio or video as long as the unit is plugged in properly and configured correctly. I use the digitial audio and component video outputs so I'm not sure about the analog audio out, but I'd be really surprised if there was a widespread audio problem as another review seemed to indicate. A hum can be caused by almost anything, from RF interference to a grounding problem in the house wiring, or a just plain cheap junky TV in combination with certain types of equipment. I have had to "reboot" the unit once or twice by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging back in, but for the most part it works great, and it's by far the best option for viewing your existing DVD collection without the scenes and language you'd rather not watch/listen to. Works well, if it works at all I really am debating whether 2 or 3 stars. Read below and see why. In the end I give it 3 stars due to the good Customer service we have received most the time to resolve issues. Let me start to say that we really prefer to watch edited videos. In this, the DVD player works great-- no more language and nudity and swearing. We love it. Not seamless edits like Family Flix used to do, but does the job well enough that we don't mind. We wish it had HDMI output and quality, but we knew going into it that it didn't. The YPbPr works well enough for now, even hooked up to our HDTV. The only downside of our experience, unfortunately, was the amount of time and effort it took us to get a working player. We purchased the first about 6 months ago from Target, and it couldn't read any DVD's. We called Clearplay customer service, very helpful, and they told us they had a bad batch of DVD players go out with this problem and told us to return it to Target. Which we did. Then I decided I'd surprise my wife (who still wanted one) with one for Christmas. This time ordered from Amazon.com. Arrived quickly, sat under the tree, went to hook up on Christmas day and the DVD tray wouldn't open. At all. Could hear it trying, but it was locked or something. Opened up the case and fiddled with the mechanism, got it open and put a DVD in, read just fine, and played well. Went to open it up after, and it was locked back again. This was a mechanical issue, and after our first go around decided just to return it as defective merchandise. We got an RMA, returned it back to Amazon at their charge, and got our money back. Third try around New Years--bought it from local Christian Family Bookstore. Got home, player worked fine but memory stick did not. Talked to Clearplay again, first rep not helpful but second one was very much so, who sent us out a new memory stick that solved all the problems (curiously, a new USB stick from local electronics store did not, even when formated and copied files same). Now for past couple weeks, Clearplay DVD working great and filtering movies as advertised. Moral of the story--Quality of player itself is suspect at best (read = cheap) and many would not have the patience and fortitude to go through our experience. But if you do, or if Clearplay improves their product quality, then the end result is worth the money if you like movies but not everything Hollywood likes to add to them even when they are totally not relevant to the plot or enjoyment. More Fun For The Family! inappropriate language based on closed captioning info. It had served us well. However, we feel that we have "stepped up" to the next level of family friendly movie filtering with our ClearPlay Content-Filtering DVD Player because... not only does it filter inappropriate language, it also filters out inappropriate scenes (visuals) as well. Works great, nice quality picture, component out... We would recommend this product to anyone looking to protect their family from inappropriate material in DVDs while still having the ability to watch many of the Hollywood blockbusters that are available today!

Trutech® Dual 7" PDVD - (LMD-5702RT)

2009-12-09T22:04:00.001-08:00

Trutech® Dual 7" PDVD - (LMD-5702RT)
From Action Electronics

Amazon Sales Rank: #45768 in Consumer Electronics
Brand: TruTech
Model: LMD-5702RT

Excellent product for the price
This is the best buy for the money spent. All the reviews I read seem to be silly. If you expect Blue Ray quality and features for "Black Friday" prices, then this is not the product. This player worked right from the first time till now and I had absolutely no problems whatsoever.I would recommend this product to everyone who are looking for an economical way of keeping the kids occupied on long road trips..I also purchased the additional 3 year warranty just in case.

love it
We bought this about 5 months ago for a trip from Miami to Texas for out then 11 month old daughter. It was fantastic. We still use it everytime we go well anywhere. It's nice for around town or long trips. I would recommend this to anyone.

Ok for price but a pain in the rump!! You get what you pay for
Ok. This is not terrible. It is acceptable for the price I paid which was under $100 at X-mas time. Yes, under a 100 for the DUAL screen!!! The screen size is fine, quality is acceptable. MIy problem? You can't turn the volume up and down with remote, which is important when you have two kids in the back seat that can't do it themselves. MOST IMPORTANT HINT WHEN PURCHASING A DVD PLAYER? GET ONE THAT DOESN'T RESTART THE MOVIE WHEN YOU RESTART THE CAR!!
If I stop for gas and turn off the ignition,(not even all the way off, it is still in the "On" position)the kids have to start from the beginnning! Oh, and if they are watching it while the ignition is on but the car isn't running, it will restart AGAIN when you start the engine!!!
Also, my problem now is that I cannot get a screen connector cord replacement, which means only one screen is working right now. I'm waiting for someone to call me back (it has been a week)
I purchased this at Target and called them for support to get the contact info for "TruTech". I left a message for the person they put me in contact with and haven't heard anything. So, at this point, the price I paid made this a disposable Travel DVD system, since I can't get parts. I wouldn't pay more than $100 for this system.
Spend the extra $$ and get one that starts playing again where it was when you turned the car off.

JVC XV-N50BK Slim DVD Player , Black

2009-12-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

JVC XV-N50BK Slim DVD Player , Black
From JVC

This new JVC XV-N50BK introduces slim (45mm) and stylish design for a "all-in-one" player that people are looking for. Instantly you will notice the stylish blue illuminated front panel. The illumination is also dimmable when wanted. Not only does it play DVD & CD; it also plays the new CD-R/RW recordable CD formats, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW SVCD, VCD, JPEG, WMA and MP3 formats. Don't let the slim design fool you, the XV-N50BK is packed with many exciting features such as Express Play Start, New high-resolution GUI (Graphical User Interface), 3-D Phonic sound, variable and slow search, 6-Step zoom play, digest and strobe play, angle list and resume function. Optical and Coaxial digital audio outputs with Dolby Digital & DTS pass-through are provided for easy connection to any system.

Amazon Sales Rank: #65170 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: JVC
Model: XVN50BK

Early Adopters Pick: April 2003 JVC's XV-N50BK is the world's slimmest DVD player.

With its elegant slim-line design and ice-blue illuminated front panel, the XV-N50BK DVD player is not only versatile, but beautiful. And it handles everything from DVD-Video and standard audio CD to audio CD-R and CD-RW discs, MP3 and WMA CD, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and even CDs filled with JPEG image files so you can watch digital slide shows on television.

JVC's 1-bit P.E.M. D.D. audio converter achieves terrific sonic resolution with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The XV-N50BK has been optimized for the high sampling frequency of 192 kHz, providing an extra-wide dynamic range to realize the benefits of high-spec DVD sources. The model's 10-bit, 54 MHz video sampling frequency ensures detailed images and clear, pure colors for DVD movies. And, with seven parameters to adjust, the unit's Video Fine Processor (VFP) provides exceptional versatility in fine-tuning images to personal preferences. The player provides a choice of either optical or coaxial digital-audio output for routing Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1-channel surround signals to a compatible audio/video receiver.

A high-resolution onscreen graphical user interface (GUI) allows Windows-like interactive operation with tool bars superimposed onto the TV screen for simple, point-and-click operation. Other conveniences include AV CompuLink (which optimizes performance when using the player in conjunction with other JVC equipment), Quick Start, 1.5x playback with sound, 13-step zoom, and screen fill (which zooms in on a DVD image to eliminate letterbox "bars" on the TV screen).

Im very analretentive about what I buy.
Im the type who researches exaustively about any product before I buy it. I know Im a freak compared to others but I usually end up with the best for what I have to spend. I bought this 3 weeks ago and I haven't noticed any stutter or any other issues. It plays and looks fantastic using component output. I have one week left before I can return it but so far Im pleased. I used the Playstation 2 and a Sony Portable DVD player before this one and the JVC blows them out of the water.

Not a Jvc fan
Im not a fan of JVC, however I am open minded and I checked this baby out really good before I bought it. I took a couple of my dvd-r's and a factory dvd with me. I was amazed when it played everything I threw at it. It doesnt play dvd ram however. I seen
no stuttering problem at all,must have got a good one. I ended
up buying it. Ive been a audio/video enthusiast for sometime and
this is my second progressive scan player. The one I took home is
a good one too, I havnt had a single problem with it so far. It
even displays the folders you put your windows media files in from your computer (Handy). The only reason Im not giving it 5
stars is I do agree with one other reviewer, The blue light on the loading tray is a little distracting, but when you dim it, it
can be gotten used too. I love the looks but I like the prformance alot better. If you Like JVC you will love this player
because its compu-link system will easily intigrate with your JVC
audio system. If your not a JVC fan like me you will love it for its price vs. the loads of features.

Great little player
I bought this player to replace an older Toshiba and an audiologic. I have tested this with 6 brands of DVD-R discs and one DVD+RW disc as well as various CDR's and it has worked without a hitch on everything. There are only two complaints that I have about this player so far that keeps it from a 5 stars in my eyes. First, it won't play mp3's that are put onto DVD's. I tried a $50 apex player and it did them fine. Second, when playing VCD's it says PBC in the display window and won't display the countdown timer like it does with DVD's. I really like to see how far I am into a movie. Aside from those two things it has been a great player and I only wish my TV would handle progressive scan. Oh, when they say slim, they mean slim. The thing is hardly taller than a VHS tape.

Audiovox D2010 Ultra Slim 10.2 inch Portable Wide Screen DVD Player with Wireless IR Headphone Transmitter, Remote and Audio (Analog & Optical Output, Video Output and Input)

2009-12-07T22:05:00.001-08:00

Audiovox D2010 Ultra Slim 10.2 inch Portable Wide Screen DVD Player with Wireless IR Headphone Transmitter, Remote and Audio (Analog & Optical Output, Video Output and Input)
From Audiovox

Ultra Slim 10.2 inch Portable WideScreen DVD Player with Headrest bag and mounting straps. Connects to most home TVs or monitors. DVD quality video anytime, anywhere. 12V power source adapter included for in car/boat use.

Amazon Sales Rank: #84850 in Consumer Electronics
Brand: Audiovox
Model: D2010

Horrible product
This item came promptly from the seller. However, the dvd never loaded and it made this horrible whirring sound as it kept spinning but never loading. Definitely do not buy this item. I will never buy another Audiovox product.

Samsung DVD-HD950 HD Conversion DVD Player , Black

2009-12-07T10:05:00.001-08:00

Samsung DVD-HD950 HD Conversion DVD Player , Black
From Samsung

Samsung's new DVD-HD950 high-def conversion DVD player is the perfect solution for anyone who has upgraded to HDTV and wants to get the most out of their DVD collections, too. Samsung has always been committed to embracing the latest innovations and capabilities in its DVD line, and these new up-conversion players ensure that consumers who have invested in HDTV get the very best in DVD video and audio playback as well.

Amazon Sales Rank: #45304 in Consumer Electronics
Brand: Samsung
Model: HD950
Dimensions: 2.30" h x 9.90" w x 16.90" l, 4.60 pounds

Samsung's DVD-HD950 single-disc, progressive scan DVD player enhances video performance by increasing the video resolution of ordinary DVD titles and up-converting them to HDTV compliant formats (720p/768p/1080i), enabling you to enjoy an HDTV compliant picture-roughly twice the resolution of progressive scan DVD players.

It's compatible with a wide range of disc formats, including DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-R/RW, VCD, SVCD, and Super Audio CD (SACD), as well as MP3, WMA, and JPEG file formats. Compression rates supported for MP3 are from 128-192 kbps and for WMA from 64-192 kbps. JPEG files can be seen in a slide show with intervals of 6, 12, or 18 seconds between images; and you can zoom in (2x or 4x) on an image or rotate it 90-degrees clockwise.

The bookmark function lets you mark and store up to three scenes at a time for easy recall. Instant replay shows you the previous 10 seconds of the movie again--in case you missed something important. Instant skip jumps ahead 10 seconds--in case you want to miss something. And parental control lets you set a password that must be given before a password-protected disc can be viewed.

The 720p/768p/1080i DVD Players greatly enhance video performance by increasing the video resolution of ordinary DVD titles and up-converting them to HDTV compliant formats. A normal DVD player outputs 480i (interlaced) video. Progressive Scan DVD players can roughly double that resolution by outputting 480p video. the HD players enable you to enjoy an HDTV compliant picture-roughly twice the resolution of progressive scan DVD players. It is not High Definition DVD, so it is not a new format and works with existing discs.

It features the following video and audio connections (which includes HDMI for uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface between the TV and any HDMI-equipped audio/video component):

Composite AV Out (RCA): 1
S-Video Out: 1
Component Video Out: 1
HDMI Out: 1 (HDMI to HDMI/DVI)
Coaxial Digital Audio Out: 1
Optical Digital Audio Out: 1

Tech Talk
SACD (Super Audio CD). Super Audio CD is a high-quality audio disc standard in which music is recorded in the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) format (where conventional CDs are recorded in the PCM format). Using a sampling frequency 64 times higher than PCM and with 1-bit quantization, the DSD format provides both a wide frequency range and a wide dynamic range across the audible frequency range, providing music reproduction that's extremely faithful to the original source.

What's in the Box
Samsung DVD-HD950, remote control, AAA battery, HDMI cable (with DVI connectivity), AV cable, printed instructions

Good Quality DVD Player. No DivX/XviD Support in US Model.
Video via the HDMI is excellent. Audio using the coaxial out is also crisp and clear. Definately an above average player. That said though, I do not see any noticable improvement using either 720p or 1080i settings and HDMI output compared to my other player (Denon DVD-3800) which is using component outs. I observed no difference between the HD950 and the Samsung DVD-HD850. Television used was a Sony HDTV KD-34XS955 34" WEGA. This player was purchased primarily for the HDMI capability and the DivX playback support I had read about in reviews. However, the version of the DVD-HD950 available in the United States does NOT support DivX/XVID playback. The HD950 image on the Samsung website does show the DIVX logo on the player, but the player shipped to me did not have the logo when it arrived. I verified the lack of DivX playback myself with many file types/settings and double checked with Samsung support.

Excellent midrange upconverting HDMI DVD Player
The black thin case is stylish The LCD screen is nice but bright and a fluorescent blue light shines around the power button. It would be nice if the light for the LCD screen could be turned off where you can still see the status of the DVD.

The remote control has many functions and the layout is logical. Each function on its control can be set as a default such as HDMI level, Screen settings, etc. The EZ view feature is nice which allows you to get rid of the black bars on certain DVDs without significant distortion.

Some features of the remote and DVD player are helpful, include the Replay and skip buttons (to speed through scenes or see the last 10 seconds when you dropped your napkin on the floor).

Set up with the HDMI cable was simple. Picture quality and sound are very good. The differences between 720p and 1080i are neglible. A noticeable difference is discernable between 420p and 720p. The default settings for sharpness and brightness make the picture too dull and soft (setting 3); Picture quality is improved when changed to setting 4.

It is not the best but a good value for the price.

Samsung DVD HD950
Appearance: The black version looks a lot better than the silver one-silver version looks cheap-black version looks elegant, blue LED halo around power switch, white backlit display-looks nice and crisp. Features: comes with HDMI to HDMI cable and HDMI to DVI cable-extra value! Plays SACD's-big remote control with lots of functions. DVD player menu allows to set up sharpness, color saturation and brightness output -especially of value for people with LCD or DLP projectors. The picture quality through HDMI is very good, but a bit too soft with the default setting. I ran it on my Panasonic PT AE700u, and personally preferred to set the projector sharpness to a value in between 9-11, rather than kranking up the sharpness of the dvd player. Blacks through the HDMI port are really black, for my taste almost to black, but you can adjust the brightness to your own preference. It also allows you to enhance the black level output through component output. U.S. version plays region 1 dvd's only. I read about a way to make it region free, but that would only allow to play PAL dvd's etc. through component out, not through the HDMI port. Output options are 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i.

Panasonic DMP-BD30K 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

2009-12-07T04:05:00.001-08:00

Panasonic DMP-BD30K 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
From Panasonic

Blu-ray means incredible full-HD images, breathtaking sound and 5x the data capacity of DVDs. Now Blu-ray means something else too: an entirely new movie-viewing experience, made possible by Final Standard Profile, which adds features never seen before, like four Picture-in-Picture modes including Enhanced Commentary (from directors and actors), Backstage Pass, Peek Behind the Animation and Audio Mixing. Combining a PHL Reference Chroma Processor with advanced P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing) imaging technology, UniPhier(R) — the Precise Digital Video processor — reproduces crisp, natural colors that are extremely faithful to the original movie. It does this by up-sampling the color information in decoded video signals, while the super high-speed P4HD up-converts content recorded in 480i/p, 720p or 1080i format to 1080p by correctly generating each pixel according to information drawn from up to 60 surrounding pixels. The image motion of each pixel is then categorized into one of 16 levels, from stationary to super fast. Image quality is further enhanced by Diagonal Processing, which creates smooth, sharp diagonal lines, and 3:2 Pull-Down, which optimizes the processing accordingly for film or video making the images look natural and lifelike. In addition, the DMP-BD30's HDMI output is Deep Color compatible, with 4,096 steps of gradation for even smoother, finer-quality images that meet Hollywood's stringent demands, so you can experience movies just the way they were meant to be experienced. With Precise Digital Audio, Blu-ray's beautiful images are complemented by exceptionally pure, accurate sound thanks to Dolby(R) TrueHD and DTS-HD(TM). UniPhier(R)'s advanced processing capability decodes these audio signals with high precision and outputs them in bitstream form with no degradation. It also brings re-mastering to Blu-ray for the first time, which compensates for data lost during the compression process creating a fuller, richer sound.

Amazon Sales Rank: #10410 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Panasonic
Model: DMP-BD30K
Released on: 2007-12-01
Dimensions: 2.40" h x 16.90" w x 12.40" l, 9.90 pounds

Blu-ray means incredible full-HD images, breathtaking sound and 5x the data capacity of DVDs. Now Blu-ray means something else too: an entirely new movie-viewing experience, made possible by Final Standard Profile, which adds features never seen before, like four Picture-in-Picture modes including Enhanced Commentary (from directors and actors), Backstage Pass, Peek Behind the Animation and Audio Mixing.

Images So Real, You Feel Like You're in the Picture
Combining a PHL Reference Chroma Processor with advanced P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing) imaging technology, UniPhier — the Precise Digital Video processor — reproduces crisp, natural colors that are extremely faithful to the original movie. It does this by up-sampling the color information in decoded video signals, while the super high-speed P4HD up-converts content recorded in 480i/p, 720p or 1080i format to 1080p by correctly generating each pixel according to information drawn from up to 60 surrounding pixels. The image motion of each pixel is then categorized into one of 16 levels, from stationary to super fast. Image quality is further enhanced by Diagonal Processing, which creates smooth, sharp diagonal lines, and 3:2 Pull-Down, which optimizes the processing accordingly for film or video making the images look natural and lifelike. In addition, the DMP-BD30's HDMI output is Deep Color compatible, with 4,096 steps of gradation for even smoother, finer-quality images that meet Hollywood's stringent demands, so you can experience movies just the way they were meant to be experienced.

Incredible Sound Completes the Hi-Def Experience
With Precise Digital Audio, Blu-ray's beautiful images are complemented by exceptionally pure, accurate sound thanks to Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. UniPhier's advanced processing capability decodes these audio signals with high precision and outputs them in bitstream form with no degradation. It also brings re-mastering to Blu-ray for the first time, which compensates for data lost during the compression process creating a fuller, richer sound.

HD Networking with SD Card
The convenient SD card slot on the DMP-BD30 allows easy viewing of hi-def videos and photos on your HDTV. Videos shot with a Panasonic HD camcorder are output in their original 1920x1080 resolution, while still images taken with a Panasonic Lumix digital camera are up-converted and output in 1920x1080 resolution1.

One-Touch Control from Your TV's Remote
With EZ Sync HDAVI Control, you can control your Blu-ray Disc player — and all your home theater components — with your TV's remote2. Simply press the EZ Sync button and select "BD Player" on the menu screen; the BD player's menu will be displayed and you can begin playback.

Manufacturer's Description -- July 20, 2008
Blu-ray with a Difference
Blu-ray means incredible full-HD images, breathtaking sound and 5x the data capacity of DVDs. Now Blu-ray means something else too: an entirely new movie-viewing experience, made possible by Final Standard Profile, which adds features never seen before, like four Picture-in-Picture modes including Enhanced Commentary (from directors and actors), Backstage Pass, Peek Behind the Animation and Audio Mixing.

Images So Real, You Feel Like You're in the Picture
Combining a PHL Reference Chroma Processor with advanced P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Processing) imaging technology, UniPhier — the Precise Digital Video processor — reproduces crisp, natural colors that are extremely faithful to the original movie. It does this by up-sampling the color information in decoded video signals, while the super high-speed P4HD up-converts content recorded in 480i/p, 720p or 1080i format to 1080p by correctly generating each pixel according to information drawn from up to 60 surrounding pixels. The image motion of each pixel is then categorized into one of 16 levels, from stationary to super fast. Image quality is further enhanced by Diagonal Processing, which creates smooth, sharp diagonal lines, and 3:2 Pull-Down, which optimizes the processing accordingly for film or video making the images look natural and lifelike. In addition, the DMP-BD30's HDMI output is Deep Color compatible, with 4,096 steps of gradation for even smoother, finer-quality images that meet Hollywood's stringent demands, so you can experience movies just the way they were meant to be experienced.

Incredible Sound Completes the Hi-Def Experience
With Precise Digital Audio, Blu-ray's beautiful images are complemented by exceptionally pure, accurate sound thanks to Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. UniPhier's advanced processing capability decodes these audio signals with high precision and outputs them in bitstream form with no degradation. It also brings re-mastering to Blu-ray for the first time, which compensates for data lost during the compression process creating a fuller, richer sound.

HD Networking with SD Card
The convenient SD card slot on the DMP-BD30 allows easy viewing of hi-def videos and photos on your HDTV. Videos shot with a Panasonic HD camcorder are output in their original 1920x1080 resolution, while still images taken with a Panasonic Lumix digital camera are up-converted and output in 1920x1080 resolution¹.

One-Touch Control from Your TV's Remote
With EZ Sync HDAVI Control, you can control your Blu-ray Disc player — and all your home theater components — with your TV's remote². Simply press the EZ Sync button and select "BD Player" on the menu screen; the BD player's menu will be displayed and you can begin playback.

Notes

JPEG and other still image sources converted to 1920x1080 resolution, while of high quality, will exhibit somwehat lower subjective image resolution than true, native 1080p full-HD sources.
This function is available for 2007 Panasonic home theater systems used with 2007 Panasonic flat-panel TV models.

FORMAT:	.
BD-ROM Playback	BD-Video (Final Standard Profile)
BD-RE SL/DL	BD-MV (BD-RE Version 3), JPEG
BD-R SL/DL	BD-MV (BD-R Version 2)
DVD Playback	DVD-Video
DVD-RAM Playback	DVD-VR, JPEG, AVCHD(H.264)
DVD-R/-RW/-R(DL)¹ Playback	DVD-Video, DVD-VR, AVCHD(H.264)
+R/+R(DL)/+RW Playback	Video, AVCHD
CD, CD-R/-RW² Playback	CD-DA, MP3³(CD-R/-RW only), JPEG(CD-R/-RW only)
SD Memory Card	AVCHD, JPEG

VIDEO:	.
P4HD (Pixel Precision Progressive Progressing for HD)	Yes
Precise Pixel Generation	Yes
16-Level Motion Detection w/ Pixel-Based Motion Adaptive	Yes
Diagonal Processing	Yes
3:2/2:2 Pull-Down Progressive Processing	Yes(3:2 Pull-Down Only)
i/p Conversion for 1080p⁴ Playback	Yes
Up-conversion to 1080p⁴ Playback	Yes
Video D/A Converter	148.5MHz/12bit
HD i/p Conversion	Yes
Progressive Scan	Yes
Digital Noise Reduction	Yes
Picture Mode	Yes (Normal/Soft/Fine/Cinema/User)
Picture Adjustment	Yes (Brightness, Color, Contrast, Sharpness, Gamma Correction)

AUDIO:	.
Audio D/A Converter	192kHz/24bit
Dolby Digital/Dolby Digital Plus Decoder	Bitstream output using required HDMI™ connection
Dolby True HD Decoder	Bitstream output using required HDMI™ connection
DTS/DTS-HD High Resolution/Master Audio Decoder	Bitstream output using required HDMI™ connection
Re-Master for DVD/CD	Yes (all formats)
Advanced Surround (V.S.S.)	Yes
Dialogue Enhancer	Yes
Dynamic Range Compression	Yes

CONVENIENCE:	.
EZ SyncTM (HDAVI Control 2)	Yes
Super Hi Speed Scan	Yes (x200)
Audio/JPEG Navigation Menu	Yes

INPUT/OUTPUT:	.
HDMI	Support version: HDMI V1.3 with Deep Color 1080p output: 24p(for BD-ROM only)/60p
Component Video Out (Y, PB, PR)	Yes
S-Video Out	Yes
Video Out	Yes
5.1ch Audio Out	Yes
2ch Audio Out	Yes
Digital Audio Out	Yes(1 optical, 1 coaxial)
SPECIFICATIONS:	.
Audio S/N	115dB
Dynamic Range	100dB
Power Source	AC 120V, 60Hz
Power Consumption	25W (approx)
Dimensions (H x W x D)	2⁵/₁₆ inches x 16 ¹⁵/₁₆ inches x 12⁵/₈inches
Weight	7.3 lbs

Footnotes

Discs recorded and finalized on DVD video recorders/cameras.
Playability may vary depending on the contents, discs and quality of the recording.
MP3 audio decoding technology licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson multimedia. For contents recorded on CD-R/RW media from CDs for your personal use. Playability may vary depending on contents and discs.
Availability of 1080p video sources is currently limited to sources such as Panasonic Blu-ray Disc players. HDMI connection may be required.

Great value for the money!
The Panasonic DMP-BD30K is the newest Blu-ray player out there and has most of the latest features including being 1.1 Blu-ray compliant.

Being a previous Sony BDP-S300 owner, I found some important advantages with the Panasonic. It may not be that important overall, but the Panasonic loads in about half of the time that the Sony player does. It has a sleek look with a drop down panel that exposes the disc slot. The Panasonic plays all the current audio formats such as Dolby Digital TotalHD which many of the older player do not. Of course, you need a current receiver to play these newer formats.

On the negative side, the worst is the remote. It has the strangest layout. Logic was not employed very well in the design. There are no lighted buttons as well. If you want to quit certain functions, you must first hit the "Return" button on the remote. Most other players have a return button on the specific function built right into the software. But with the Pansonic, you have to hit the remote to get out of it.

Overall, this player displays a superb high-def picture. Panasonic has cut a few corners from its previous models to keep the price at $500. But for the money, this is the one to get. Now if they would only fix that remote!!!

A Credit to Camp Blue
Being a relative novice to hi-def video, as well as format neutral, it's hard to review this type of product without dragging compared products in, but I'll try. I can say right off that Panasonic has taken the sting out of the higher price of Blu-Ray players with a good offering of features you won't find in the, um, more reasonably priced choice. Not the least of which is performance. After a bit of research, I went with Panasonic due to positive reviews and how I feel about the Panasonic name, which has been associated largely with video, unlike other manufacturers who try to spread themselves across a wider variety of products. It was a good call on my part, as things turned out. Startup is quick, around 15 seconds, and disc loading is snappy as well. Setup is quick and easy, and you have a choice for audio output of either optical or coaxial.

Other nice features of this player include variety of media: You can play not only standard music CDs (a given) but also MP3 discs. That's a lot of continuous music if you have your files burned to DVD. You can also view JPG digital photos from both disc and SD cards ... one almost frivolous feature allows you to run a slide show with music using both SD and CD functions. You can also view full resolution home HD video saved to SD; I don't have that type of camcorder yet, but it does take home video viewing to a whole new level.

One drawback that keeps this unit from being perfect, though not a biggie for me at this early stage, is no ethernet connectability for firmware upgrading. This means you have to download and burn upgrades to disc, and it's set up exclusively for Windows; being a Mac user, this kind of leaves me out in the cold. I did not encounter this problem with the other player. Though I have to say, this machine performs so smoothly right out of the box, the adage "if it works, don't fix it" is appropriate. Remember, high definition video players are more like computers, and if you insert a data file, especially one that's supposed to upgrade the machine, and it wasn't formatted properly to the disc, it could mean a trip to the service center.
For many of us with a large library of accumulated titles, upconversion is the bottom line/dealmaker. Some (not all) HD televisions have a built-in Zoom setting; my lower echelon model doesn't. Fortunately, the BD30K has its own zoom setting, which does a great job with letterboxed widescreen titles, filling the whole screen as opposed to merely stretching it horizontally, a weakness of earlier players.

Note: When I first wrote this review, the format wars were still raging away, and there was more comparison to HD-DVD players, which is now no longer relevant. I've revised the review accordingly, gotten a lot of use out of the unit since, and can honestly say I am still very satisfied with this purchase and the flexibility it offers, as well something should for the price I originally paid (about $500 retail), which has come down since. Panasonic does offer firmware upgrades you can download from their site, to stay updated with newer features available on some Blu-Ray titles. The link to updates is:
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Video/Blu-ray-Disc-Players/model.DMP-BD30K#

LOOK AT WHO GAVE IT A 1 STAR REVIEW....
First of all Amazon needs to go back to the old format that only allowed people who actually bought the product on Amazon to review it. I bought this product on ebay and so far I love it. The quality is amazing even for regular DVD's. I love that I can plug in the SD Card from my digital camera, the quality of the 12 megapixels pictures look terrific. The two people who wrote 1 star reviews for this product DO NOT EVEN OWN IT. Look at all their reviews, they trash anything blu-ray and give anything HD DVD 5 stars... bias. Anyway, for the price this is an amazing unit. Stay away from the other ones that might be around $300 (Sony, Samsung) because they are not using the final blu-ray format that allows for picture-in-picture (1.2) or the final one 2.0. This one is using the most up to date format, altough the 2.0 format will allow for content download from the internet, I am perfectly happy with this one (Thank you to the people who corrected my mistake with the format). The best you can do go get rid of reviews that are not "real" is to report them as "not helpful" or answer no to the question of "was this review helpful?". Oh and finally don't waste $100 on a Monster HDMI cable... mycablemart dot com has great quality cables for a fraction of what other retailers sell them for.

Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

2009-12-06T22:05:00.001-08:00

Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
From Samsung

Experience the Blu-ray difference with the SAMSUNG BD-P1500. You'll get incredibly detailed images with brilliant color in full high definition 1080p resolution. It's the only media capable of delivering true 1080p performance on an HDTV set. Its Anynet+ technology lets you control all your SAMSUNG AV devices from just one remote. The BD-P1500 lets you have it all. It's backward compatible with earlier formats. watch your current collection of DVDs or listen to audio CDs with the highest-quality sound available. 1080p resolution - Enjoy lifelike, vivid visuals and crystal-clear details with full high definition 1080p resolution when playing Blu-Ray discs HDMI keeps it simple by using a single cable wire to deliver the sharpest, richest images possible. Conveniently and easily transfer high-definition video and audio from your DVD player to your HDTV and other digital devices using a single cable. HDMI version 1.3 transfers deeper color and higher resolution, and handles new, compressed audio formats. Control it all with one remote - Anynet+ delivers streamlined, one-touch control over all your Anynet+ compatible devices such as the TV, AV receiver, and home theater Playback Media - BD-ROM / DVD-ROM / DVD-R / DVD-RW / AVCHD / audio CD Playback Formats - VC-1 / MPEG2 / H.264 DVD Upconversion DTS Decoder BD Profile - profile 1.1 USB 2.0 (for SW upgrade only) HDMI CEC Composite Video Outputs Component Video Outputs HDMI Outputs Optical Digital Audio Outputs Analog Audio Outputs - 2-Channel Built-in Ethernet connection - RJ45 USB Port Picture in Picture Dimensions - 16.9 in. x 3.3 in. x 10.8 in. Weight - 8.6 lbs.

Amazon Sales Rank: #70 in Television
Color: Black
Brand: Samsung
Model: BD-P1500
Released on: 2008-06-01
Dimensions: 2.30" h x 16.90" w x 10.70" l, 8.60 pounds

Manufacturer's Description -- July 20, 2008
Experience the blu-ray difference with the SAMSUNG BD-P1500. TheBD-P1500 lets you have it all - watch your favorite DVDs and blu-ray discs or listen to CDs with the highest-quality audio.

Full 1080p resolution gives you the most outstanding HD image quality.Enjoy a richer, bolder color palette via extended gamut YCC technology. HDMI 1.3 transmission bandwidth capabilities ensure the strongest signal fidelity, while the Ethernet connection lets you easily check for the latest firmware upgrades online. Control all your Samsung AV devices from one remote, via Anynet+ technology. And advanced audio compatibility, including DD+, and True-HD, offers premium sound, for the greatest HD experience.

CD & DVD Compatible
This blu-ray disc player offers state-of-the-art viewing with CD and DVD playback compatibility. Even as you take advantage of the latest video and audio advances, you can still enjoy all your existing media content.

Built-in Ethernet Connection
BD profile 1.1 interactivity lets you download the latest firmware upgrades and more with just a click of a button. Making firmware upgrades simple and easy, you can continually upgrade the BD-P1500 with the latest features.

Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby True HD
Immerse yourself in amazing sound. The BD-P1500 supports the new Dolby Digital Plus Audio format. It also supports uncompressed PCM Audio and Legacy dts 5.1 Dolby Digital. Dolby® Dolby TrueHD delivers powerful sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master, unlocking the true high-definition entertainment experience.

1080p Resolution
Enjoy lifelike, vivid visuals and crystal-clear details with full high definition 1080p resolution.

Easily Connect Your Digital Devices
Tired of tangled wires? HDMI keeps it simple by using a single cable wire to deliver the sharpest, richest images possible. Conveniently and easily transfer high-definition video and audio from your DVD player to your HDTV and other digital devices using a single cable. HDMI version 1.3 transfers deeper color and higher resolution, and handles new, compressed audio formats.

Control it All with One Remote
You're in full command with the BD-P1500. Anynet+ delivers streamlined, one-touch control over all your Anynet+ compatible devices such as the TV, AV receiver, and home theater. You can operate all of them with a single remote control. A true “plug and play” product, it comes with a Consumer Electronics Control feature that lets you operate SAMSUNG HDMI products with one remote control.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility	Playback Media	BD-ROM / DVD-ROM / DVD-R / DVD-RW / AVCHD / audio CD
Compatibility	Playback Formats	VC-1 / MPEG2 / H.264
A/V Quality	DVD Upconversion	Yes
	Dolby Dital Decoder	Yes
	DTS Decoder	Yes
	Dolby Digital Plus Decoder	Yes
	DTS HD Decoder	No
	Dolby True HD Decoder	Yes
Functional Feature	Local Storage	Yes
	Picture in Picture	Yes

	BD Profile	profile 1.1
Connectivity	USB 2.0	Yes (for SW upgrade and memory expansion)
	HDMI CEC	Yes
	Composite Video Outputs	Yes
	Component Video Outputs	Yes
	S-Video Outputs	No
	HDMI Outputs(Version)	Yes (1.3)
	Optical Digital Audio Outputs	Yes
	Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs	No
	Analog Audio Outputs	2-Channel
	Network	Yes (for SW upgrade only)
Product Weights & Dimensions	Dimension	16.9 inches x 3.3 inches x 10.8 inches
Product Weights & Dimensions	Weight	8.6 lbs.
Shipment Weights & Dimensions	Dimension	20.6 inches x 7.1 inches x 15.0 inches
Shipment Weights & Dimensions	Weight	12.6 lbs.

Answers to Basic Questions About Blu-ray

What is Blu-ray?
Blu-ray is a new optical disc format with over five and a half times the storage capacity of a standard DVD (25 GB versus 4.5 GB). A dual-layer Blu-ray disc can hold up to 50 GB of information. With that increased storage, movie studios can finally provide movies on disc in high definition, offering 6x the resolution or image detail of DVD and up to 8 channels of lossless (better than CD quality) digital sound. The new format can also provide interactive features that go well above anything ever offered before.

Is Blu-ray different than HDTV?
HDTV, or high definition television, is a new broadcasting format that offers widescreen, high resolution images offering 6x the resolution or image detail of DVD, with up to 5.1 channels of digital audio. Until now, the signals were only available through over the air transmissions (via an antenna), or through digital cable and satellite signals. You can not get HD signals from a standard video tape or DVD. An HDTV is a high resolution video display that is capable of receiving and displaying these HDTV broadcasts or images. Blu-ray is a complement to your HDTV. It's a disc media format that has enough storage to include an entire movie, plus soundtracks and bonus materials, recorded in the high definition format. You can play Blu-ray discs back on your HDTV and see the same, if not better image and sound quality as you do from HDTV broadcasts.

What kind of TV do I need to enjoy Blu-ray?
You can play back Blu-ray movies on any TV with composite video or better inputs (not RF), but to get a worthwhile benefit from the format over DVD you'll want to have a high-definition television, or HDTV, with a vertical resolution higher than 480p, and preferably higher than 720p. Most Blu-ray titles can deliver an image with a vertical resolution of 1080i or 1080p. The more horizontal resolution the TV can reproduce, up to 1920 lines or pixels, the better.

How are Blu-ray discs different than regular DVDs?
Blu-ray discs are the same size as DVD or CD, but use a blue* laser to store and read data as opposed to the red laser used in DVDs and CDs. The blue laser's shorter wavelength, combined with a smaller aperture lens and a thinner cover layer on the disc makes it possible to create a smaller beam spot size capable of storing and reading much more, smaller information on the disc. A single-layer Blu-ray disc can hold 25 GB worth of data, compared to 4.5 on a standard DVD. A dual layer BD disc holds up to 50 GB. This translates into the ability to store a full 1080p HD image. This has a resolution consisting of 1920 by 1080 progressively scanned pixels, compared to standard DVD's 720 by 480 pixels. In addition, Blu-ray has much wider bandwidth than DVD, delivering signals at speeds up to 48 Mbps, six times faster than DVD's 8 Mbps, and nearly 2.5 times the data of an HDTV broadcast's 19.2 Mbps. *technically, it's violet, but who's keeping track?

Will Blu-ray discs play in my current DVD player?
No. You will need a Blu-ray player to be able to read the smaller, denser information found on a Blu-ray disc.

Will I be able to play standar DVDs on my Samsung Blu-ray player?
Yes. Blu-ray players are backwards compatible with your standard DVDs. They can also play CDs.

Is Blu-ray the same as HD DVD?
No. HD DVD was a competing format with less storage capacity than Blu-ray. With Toshiba, its primary champion announcing on February 19, 2008 that they would end production of HD DVD products, the few companies that were supporting the format announced that they would instead create products for the Blu-ray format.

What does up-conversion mean?
Consumers have over 50 years worth of material in standard definition formats. Up-conversion is the process of taking that existing, standard definition material and converting it (lines and pixels are copied to some degree) to the higher resolution needed to display those signals on an HDTV. When done well, the process can often improve picture quality, though it can't increase actual resolution. The quality of the up-converter, included in everything from up-converting standard DVD players to Blu-ray players and HDTVs, can often determine the quality of the picture.

What kind of cables, connections do I need to have to make Blu-ray work?
You will need either a 3-wire analog component (typically labeled Y, Pr and Pb) or an HDMI digital video connection between the BD player and the TV. The HDMI connection is preferable. Not only will it provide better image quality, but it will pass along higher resolution audio and control information, as well. You may get limited up-conversion options with standard DVDs when using the component connection.

What is firmware and do I need it?
Firmware is like computer software, or the instruction set in the player that tells the hardware what to do under various conditions. Insert a disc, and the firmware tells the player to read the disc. Press the Play button and the firmware tells the player to play the movie. Generally speaking, the firmware is invisible to the end user. But Blu-ray keeps evolving, and new features keep being created. With each new feature that a movie studio comes up with, hardware manufacturers have to release new instruction sets, or firmware, to deal with it. Samsung's ability to easily update the firmware in their BD players makes them one of the best in the business.

Who supports Blu-ray?
At this point, nearly everyone supports Blu-ray. All the major movie studios have announced that they would support Blu-ray with both new and catalog titles. Thousands of movies and music videos are already available. Most major electronics manufacturers have been supporting Blu-ray since the format's beginning.

Can I rent movies on Blu-ray?
Yes. Blockbuster, Hollywood Video and Netflix, among other places, offer Blu-ray titles for rent.

Are my regular DVDs obsolete?
Not by the definition Merriam Webster would use. You can still play your regular DVDs on your Blu-ray disc player, so they're still useful, but you'll want to replace them with Blu-ray versions as they become available in the new format so that you can enjoy the improved image and sound quality.

Is the only benefit to Blu-ray the video quality? Why should I upgrade to Blu-ray?
You will probably upgrade because of the video quality, but you may also appreciate the improved sound quality available on some players as well as the advanced interactive features. Blu-ray offers the latest generation audio codecs that can play back up to 8 channels of surround sound with improved audio quality over that of standard 5.1 digital soundtracks. This includes Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS High Resolution and DTS Master Audio. Blu-ray also offers advanced bonus features that can include interactive game features or picture-in-picture commentary tracks, not to mention additional features that could be downloaded after the disc has been produced.

Do I need to buy a new home theater system?
You don't need a new audio system, but you should at least have a surround system (five speakers and ideally a subwoofer) with Dolby Digital or DTS audio decoding to hear the theater-like audio experience that is available on Blu-ray. Some BD players offer more advanced audio codecs that provide even better quality sound through up to 8 channels of surround.

What do all these audio formats mean?
You can hear better-than theater-like audio at home. As George Lucas has said, sound is 50% of the movie experience. With the right audio equipment, you can hear up to 7.1 channels of sound that is no different than what the recording engineers heard in the mixing room.

What's the benefit of 24p?
Movies are recorded on film at 24 frames per second (fps). Video is recorded and played back at 60 frames per second. Movies must be converted to 60 frames before being played back on your TV. Blu-ray discs record movie content in the original 24 frame format, and convert the signal within the player to output at 60 fps for standard HDTVs. Some current HDTVs, like Samsung's Auto Motion Plus 120Hz models, and undoubtedly more future ones, can accept and play back the 24 frame signal without the intermediary conversion to 60 fps, which can offer a smoother, more natural-looking image.

What does Profile 1.0, 1.1, 2.0 mean?
Blu-ray's specifications for video are broken into three profiles, each with its own set of hardware and software requirements. Profile 1.0 gave hardware manufacturers a grace period to create players that were capable of Blu-ray video playback, but didn't need to meet the final standard profile requirements. This grace period ended October 31, 2007. These players, while not able to take advantage of all of Blu-ray's promised extra content, will provide full 1080p video playback.

Profile 1.1, also known as BonusView, makes certain requirements mandatory: picture-in-picture, secondary audio mixing, a minimum of 256MB of memory (built-in or removable), and the incorporation of a virtual file system. Players created and sold after October 31, 2007 are required to meet the Profile 1.1 specification, and therefore will take advantage of 1.1-enabled bonus materials on certain BD discs.

BD-Live (Profile 2.0) makes mandatory all parts of Profile 1.1, but increases the memory requirement to 1GB and adds the hardware requirement of a network connection. This specification enables the even-more interactive web-based bonus material found on discs that provide such content.

Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notification.

Fine, basic player
I've been using this for 2 weeks now, and it's my first blu-ray player (no PS3). The good stuff: Excellent look, not too loud, amazing picture and sound. Working ethernet and USB port. (I haven't had to download any firmware or code updates, but I'm sure it'll work fine.)

Operations: No fan noise, no noise while playing, but during menu & loading, you hear some track-seeking which is audible at 10'... nothing offensive, though. I just noticed last night, after my 5th blu-ray a little flicker in in the bottom center of the screen during the credits of Juno... not sure if it's a bad disc or a player having a problem. It was repeatable, and the disc seemed clean. Lastly, the load time, eject time, etc seems just fine. Not instant or as fast a nice DVD player, but not noticably slow. I've heard alot about slow disc-loading, and if it is a problem on other players - it's not a problem on this one. Lastly, sometimes when you click on a menu instead of pausing, the screen with show a "progress-bar" for 2-4 seconds while the next manu loads, which isn't completely kosher, but doesn't bother me.

The so-so stuff: I'm giving this 5-stars because it's near-perfect at what it's designed to do for it's price, but it's not perfect. One reason to get a mid- to lower-cost player is to (duh) save money... if you're someone who has an older receiver that doesn't decode the two new DD and DTS formats, and (probably) doesn't decode multi-channel PCM, this player isn't for you. It only has stereo-out analog RCA plugs, not 5.1 or 7.1 analog outputs.

That means you can't bypass your receivers pre-amp to play the newer audio formats and let the blu-ray player decode them. My old Receiver (which I used the player with for a week) only decoded DD 5.1 (no DTS, and only 2-channel PCM to 48khz). This player lets you send a PCM stream to your receiver from an internally decoded DTS 5.1 signal, but this didn't work for me... as my player can't receive 5.1 PCM streams, it only saw it as 2-channel. At least the player lets you downsample 96khz PCM to 48khz, so that I at least got sound (Golden Compass only has DTS 5.1 or DTS HD Master).

With my new receiver, all formats work perfectly, all bitstreamed.

Some people perhaps are holding off for new receivers because they don't want to connect through the player's analog RCA 5.1/7.1 connectors - but this is probably mis-information. What you want to avoid is taking digital sound, converting it to analog, then back to digital, then back to analog... don't worry - you wouldn't be doing this. Basically you would be doing all your processing in the player digitally, then once it is sent out through the pre-outs to the receiver you'd bypass the receiver's processing and it would go straight to the amplifier (which is of course analog anyway).

So my conclusion for thos people with older (but good) receivers - this blu-ray player won't save you any money. The best savings would be to pay a little more for a player with 5.1 analog outputs and continue to use your existing receiver.

-Kevin Moore
Natick, MA

Great into to Blu-Ray
I had been waiting to jump into the HD media fray until a winner was declared and of course, that happened earlier this year. A lot of people recommended to me to get a PS3 for my blu-ray player but, for a variety of reasons, I decided I wanted a standalone player. After a lot of research, I settled on the Samsung BD-P1500. I had heard a lot of negatives about how Samsung had not been supporting their previous generation units but I was willing to get them a 30 day trial. I'm glad I did.

I purchased this over memorial day weekend so I've had it over a month. In that time, I've played maybe a dozen blu-ray discs and 3 or 4 DVD's. The only problem I've experienced that is attributable to the player is several extremely brief audio dropouts while watching Ratatouille. However, I updated the player's firmware last weekend and watched several scenes that would previously cause the dropouts and observed none.

I love the fact that it has an ethernet port for firmware updates and future BD 2.0 features. The player loads discs quickly in comparison to stories I've heard about other players. Picture and sound quality are outstanding (I'm able to use the HD audio features and it's frankly amazing).

This is a really good player and the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because there are VERY few products that would rate 5 stars in my book. Most things have at least a couple of areas to improve on. For the price, this is a really good player.

Very disapointing.
This unit has two design problems that I'm aware of. I'm surprised that Samsung hasn't already fixed these issues.

For reference, my unit has the latest 1.3 firmware as of 9/10/2008.

#1: The BD-P1500 has inherent audio drop problems on the HDMI interface. I'm not sure if the optical interface has the same issue(s); however, I wouldn't be surprised if it does. The audio bitstream will drop (silent) occasionally on most blu-ray discs that I've played. I believe there is a timing and/or bandwidth issue with either the firmware or hardware. This problem has been reported by many other BD-P1500 owners on various AV forums.

#2: The front display is extremely dim. When this unit is placed next to the Samsung HT-AS720 receiver which has the same display type, the BD-P1500's display looks terrible. The BD-P1500 has an option to adjust the brightness of the front display; however it doesn't work. The display is always too dim. This problem has also been reported by many other BD-P1500 owners on various AV forums.

Unfortunately, Samsung has not been able to resolve the audio drop issue as of 09/10/2008 so I'm concerned that they may never. If high quality reliable audio playback is important to you, then I suggest you research the BD-P1500 more before buying it.

Disney by Memorex DVD2000C DVD Player (Classic)

2009-12-06T16:05:00.001-08:00

Disney by Memorex DVD2000C DVD Player (Classic)
From Disney Electronics

The ideal accessory for either a living room or a child's bedroom or play area, Disney's red, Classic-styled DVD/CD player from Memorex is equipped to handle DVDs, CDs, homemade audio CD-Rs and CD-RWs--even content policing (parental locks let you prohibit specific DVDs). The set's high Disney fashion derives from its fun shape and cute, detachable yellow "feet." The player also includes an entertaining, Disney-designed screen saver and customized onscreen user interface. For added convenience for both parents and children, the player comes with not one but two remote controls: a full-function model and a simplified one for the kids (offering power, play, pause, stop, and forward and reverse chapter-skip buttons). A snazzy Disney logo enlivens the front panel, and kids will love the buttons arranged in the famous Mickey Mouse silhouette. Other features include a choice of composite- and S-video outputs, Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround output (for use with a a full-featured audio/video receiver), picture zoom, and multi-speed playback (forward/reverse). In the box: DVD player, 2 remote controls, 4 AA batteries, user's manual, stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable Disc capacity: 1 Progressive scan: No Playback formats: DVD-Video (NTSC), red book CD, CD-R, CD-RW Aspect ratio control: Yes Front-panel operation: Play, pause, forward/reverse skip, eject (no menu control) Multi-angle viewing: Yes Frame advance: Yes Still/freeze frame: Yes Multilingual support: Yes (English, Spanish, French) Parental controls: Yes Picture zoom: Yes Random play: No Recording capability: No Reverse-frame step: Yes Screen saver: Yes (Disney-designed) Slow motion: Yes Audio outputs: 1 stereo analog (left/right), 1 digital Headphone jack: No Video outputs: 2 (composite- and S-video) Surround-sound output: Dolby Digital 5.1-channel passthrough Item length: 10.6 inches Item width: 15.9 inches Item height: 5.6 inches

Amazon Sales Rank: #60164 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Classic Disney
Brand: Disney
Model: DVD2000C
Dimensions: 5.60" h x 15.90" w x 10.60" l, 5.90 pounds

The ideal accessory for either a living room or a child's bedroom or play area, Disney's red, Classic-styled DVD/CD player from Memorex is equipped to handle DVDs, CDs, homemade audio CD-Rs and CD-RWs--even content policing (parental locks let you prohibit specific DVDs). The set's high Disney fashion derives from its fun shape and cute, detachable yellow "feet." The player also includes an entertaining, Disney-designed screen saver and customized onscreen user interface.

For added convenience for both parents and children, the player comes with not one but two remote controls: a full-function model and a simplified one for the kids (offering power, play, pause, stop, and forward and reverse chapter-skip buttons).

A snazzy Disney logo enlivens the front panel, and kids will love the buttons arranged in the famous Mickey Mouse silhouette. Other features include a choice of composite- and S-video outputs, Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround output (for use with a a full-featured audio/video receiver), picture zoom, and multi-speed playback (forward/reverse).

Piece of Garbage!
My son got this DVD player as a birthday present this past July (2003) and it had trouble reading some DVD's. As of January of 2004 this piece of junk completely stopped working all together. It will not recognize or read ANY dvd's it just spins them. I have tried cleaning it but it will still not read. I even called Memorex who said that I would have to pay $100 to have it fixed (yeah, right). Anyway, it may look cute but it is completely unreliable and simply does not work. For shame, Disney for lending your name to such a shoddy piece of junk. AVOID!!

disney princess dvd player ...cute product...bad experience
My daughter received the disney princess tv, dvd player, and clock for her birthday last july. At first everything seemed fine. The product was very cute and the picture quality on the tv was very nice. the dvd player occasionally smelled of very faint melting wire and stopped playing because it could no longer read the dvds. I returned the dvd player to the store that it was purchased at and got a new one. the 2nd dvd player stopped working within 1 month. same smell only this time it shows a picture but no sound. the store does not want to return it and the warranty is up with memorex. my daughter is 3 and she is heart broken. she cried when the player broke and wants a new princess dvd player that works. I am very disappointed also, but I do not want to purchase the same player that will just break again. now she has the whole princess product line but cannot use the dvd player.

No problems...but...
We have had this DVD player for well over a year now with no problems at all...and we're talking about a kid who has scratched the heck out of every DVD he owns! Sorry to say it folks: But either you've got some bad luck in getting the one faulty product in the bunch...or your kids are doing something to the DVD player that they shouldn't.

Besides the complaints of reliability, I'm surprised no one else had pointed out the one thing that irks me to no end: The lack of arrows/menu control on the remote!! In other words...the remote has play, pause, stop, FF, RW...and that's it! I don't know what moron thought of this scheme. Let's see...I buy, say, Disney's Aladdin with a ton of extra features...and there is no way for the DISNEY DVD player to play them! Or even more frustrating: Let's say you pop in a televison series...like Batman the animated series... for example...there's no way to move the selection to play the other episodes!! You better hope that when you pop in a DVD, the highlighted selection defaults on 'PLAY MOVIE' or else your kids are watching whatever it does default to.

I haven't attempted to try an aftermarket remote...but I am completely dumbfounded on why they left selection arrows off. Kids made need things to be simplified, but they aren't stupid.

Soundstorm SD812TS 6.2-Inch Touchscreen In-Dash Double-Din DVD/MP3/CD Receiver

2009-12-06T10:05:00.001-08:00

Soundstorm SD812TS 6.2-Inch Touchscreen In-Dash Double-Din DVD/MP3/CD Receiver
From SOUNDSTORM

Soundstorm Sd812Ts 6.2-Inch Touchscreen In-Dash Double-Din Dvd/Mp3/Cd Receiver

Amazon Sales Rank: #6569 in Car Audio or Theater
Brand: Soundstorm
Model: SD812TS
Dimensions: 7.65" h x 11.30" w x 12.20" l, 8.07 pounds

Protron 7" Portable DVD Player - PDV-288 w/ Remote & Carrying Case

2009-12-06T04:05:00.001-08:00

Protron 7" Portable DVD Player - PDV-288 w/ Remote & Carrying Case
From Protron

Protron USA has designed a wide variety of portable DVD players to appeal to every taste and requirement. Every Protron portable DVD player features a clear, widescreen picture, and superior sound quality, whether the user is listening through the integrated speakers or the included headphone jacks.PRODUCT FEATURES:Parental Control "for Kids" Safe Viewing;Compact and Portable;Equipped with Dolby Digital.

Amazon Sales Rank: #91502 in Consumer Electronics
Color: SILVER
Brand: Protron
Model: PVD-288
Original language: English
Dimensions: 1.61" h x 5.87" w x 7.64" l, 3.30 pounds
Display size: 7

Great DVD Player
I own this player for about 3 years now and it is the most vercitile and helpful thing I own. It doesn't break down, the picture quality is great and it plays all formats and all region types. If you need a region free DVD player, this is it. You will not be dissapointed with it.

Good, Basic Portable DVD Player for NTSC/PAL!
This review is for; Protron 7" Portable DVD Player - PDV-288 w/ Remote & Carrying Case

I never heard of the brand PROTRON before, but once in a while I get surprising, good quality from off-brand names that I never heard of. I just use this little DVD player at my office to kill time during my lunch hour, but from the little time that I have used it I have been very satisfied with it. The main feature about this portable DVD player that I like is it's ability to play PAL DVD's (PAL 1 & PAL 2) in addition to NTSC DVD'S. The included charger also works with 100 to 240 volts electrical outlets, so the use of this DVD player is really universal and good if you are traveling out of the country. The charger fully charges the battery in about three to four hours and the battery runs for about two-and-a-half hours. When you want to switch from NTSC to PAL all you have to do is go to the main menu and select TV Systems to change the region. Easy! No funny codes or key presses to hack into!

The unit also has composite (RCA) audio & video jacks so you can hook up another device such as a camcorder. There is also a coaxial jack if you want to hook it up to audio systems (not sure why?) and one headphone jack. To top it off the remote is nice and thin like a credit card (works great too!). I recommend this DVD player if you just want a basic, portable DVD player with a good NTSC/PAL capability.

Hard working & sturdy dvd player
We have two of these and let me tell you, they have been to hell and back. Purchased three years ago, one player gets strapped onto my child's jogging stroller for daily walks. Its been dropped several times and continues to play. Great deal for the $49 we paid for them.

Audiovox D2016 10-Inch Hi-Fi Slim Line Portable DVD Player

2009-12-05T22:05:00.001-08:00

Audiovox D2016 10-Inch Hi-Fi Slim Line Portable DVD Player
From Audiovox

Audiovox Electronics #D2016 10.2" Hi-Fi Slim Line Portable DVD Player featuring two headphone jacks.

Amazon Sales Rank: #5942 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Silver
Brand: Audiovox
Model: D2016
Dimensions: 1.00" h x 9.00" w x 6.00" l, 5.20 pounds
Display size: 10.2

Keep the kids--or yourself--entertained on long trips with the Audiovox D2016 slim-line portable DVD player, featuring a flip-open 10.2-inch LCD with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. It also offers dual headphone jacks for two viewers (without having to buy a cable splitter), an E-Port for connecting a game console, and a Secure Digital/MMC memory card reader (for viewing image slide shows and playing MP3 digital audio). In addition to playing standard DVD movie and CD audio discs, it's also compatible with playing CD-R/RW discs that have been burned with MP3 audio files and JPEG pictures. Other features include a high-capacity rechargeable battery, built-in speakers, full-featured credit card-sized remote control, and car power adapter.

What's in the Box
Portable DVD player, remote control, AC adapter, car DC adapter, printed operating instructions

Even "big" kids enjoy a personal DVD player
I bought this for my husband mainly for airline travel. He loves the size of the screen and and the compact profile. He described the sound quality as very good. The battery lasts about 3 1/2 hours. Overall, an excellent value for the price.

An Excellent Item
The Audiovox D2016 is sleek and performs as well as it looks. It is easy to operate and battery setup is excellent. I have found the entire package to be very satisfactory with no complaints at all.

DVD Review
The best feature of this DVD player is the capability of connecting a USB device to view digital photos. The slideshow is somewhat on the slow side. The ability to adjust the screen contrast could be better for a sharper picture. Overall I like the product and would recommend it to others.

Audiovox D1812PK 8-Inch Portable LCD DVD Player with Car Kit

2009-12-05T16:05:00.001-08:00

Audiovox D1812PK 8-Inch Portable LCD DVD Player with Car Kit
From Audiovox Electronics

Audiovox Electronics 8" Widescreen portable DVD Player with carrying bag, headphones and mounting straps that can be used in a vehicle. Connects to most home TVs or monitors. t# D1812PK

Amazon Sales Rank: #36881 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Silver
Brand: Audiovox
Model: D1812PK
Dimensions: 5.00" h x 10.00" w x 11.50" l, 2.00 pounds
Display size: 8

Audiovox's slender, silver D1812PK portable DVD player features an 8-inch widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) LCD designed to match the image dimensions of your favorite movies. It's compatible with DVD-Video (PAL or NTSC), audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3-encoded music discs. You can even enjoy an onscreen slideshow of your cherished digital photos from recordable CDs filled with JPEG image files.

The D1812PK comes with a deluxe road kit featuring a carrying case that doubles as a headrest, 2 sets of folding, over-ear headphones (headphone audio splitter not included), a battery-saving vehicle DC power adapter, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides around 2 hours of playback (power consumption depends on the operations of the player, such as screen brightness, volume level, etc).

The player comes with switchable audio/video input/output jacks, letting you use it on the road for monitoring camcorder footage or gaming devices, or in the home as a high-quality video source device using the supplied AV cables. Listen through the unit's built-in stereo speakers or through headphones. With the battery pack attached, the unit weighs 2 pounds.

What's in the Box
DVD player, a carry case, 2 sets of over-ear/folding stereo headphones, an AC power adapter, a DC vehicle power adapter, a battery pack, a remote control, a remote battery (CR2025), a user's manual, an audio/video cable, and warranty information.

Best 200 dollars I ever spent.
I bought this unit at Sam's club and did not have high expectations after reading all the reviews for the ones costing 3 times as much, but I was taking a cross country trip and wanted to have it to while the time away. It was great! I'll be honest, it is hard to hear some dialoque on airplanes, but I think better headphones would help. I decided to play foreign films so I could read along with the subtitles and that solved that problem. I watched one and a half movies on a trip from Raliegh to LA and it was the nicest time on a plane I have ever had. The pictures is amazing, and if you aren't on a plane the sound is great. When the battery dies (after about 3 hours), it makes a horrible sound, and the games included are loud and archaic, but I didn't buy it for games, so I don't mind. I really like this system and it was a great price. I bought a year long extended warranty just in case after reading the reviews. I've had it a month and have seen about 8 discs on it. I love it. I figure if it lasts 2 years, I have more than gotten my money's worth.

Great picture
I very carefully looked for a product with a minimum 8-inch screen. The price on this was great, and the screen is awesome! DVD's on this look better than on my television. I have had no problems yet, but bought the warranty just in case. The speaker quality sucks, but I kind of expected that for the price. It sounds fine with the included headphones. And being able to buy EVERYTHING you need in one fell swoop is so convenient.

Wonderful Product
We bought this portable DVD player for a road trip with our two sons ages 11 and 9. While we don't generally encourage watching a lot of movies, this was the best purchase we had made in a long time. It was a long trip, with many traffic and weather delays, so this product certainly helped keep our boys busy. It has two headphones so noone was complaining that they couldn't hear. It kept it's charge the entire trip-over eight hours- and comes with an easy adapter for recharging in the car or in a hotel. My husband and I also used it when the boys were asleep. The headphones let us watch without disturbing their sleep. I would certainly recommend this to anyone.

Audiovox D1917PK 9-Inch Widescreen Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player with Car Kit (Black)

2009-12-05T10:05:00.001-08:00

Audiovox D1917PK 9-Inch Widescreen Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Player with Car Kit (Black)
From Audiovox Electronics Corporation

The Audiovox D1917 9" portable swivel screen DVD player plays DVD,CD, MP3, CDR, CDRW and picture CD's. This portable DVD player features a 9-inch widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio) LCD designed to match the image dimensions of your favorite movies and built-in speakers. You can even enjoy an onscreen slideshow of your cherished digital photos from recordable CDs filled with JPEG image files. The player comes with switchable audio/video input/output jacks, letting you use it on the road for monitoring camcorder footage or gaming devices, or in the home as a high-quality video source device using the supplied AV cables. Includes a high capacity rechargeable battery, credit card size remote, complete cabling with car adapter, and built-in speakers. Specifications: 16:9 Aspect RatioPlays DVD, CD, MP3, CDR, CDRW and Picture CDBuilt-In 3-Way Card Reader and USB PortRechargeable BatteryStereo SpeakersTwo Headphone Jacks"Credit Card" Size RemoteComplete CablingCar Power AdapterCar Headrest Mounting Bag/Carrying Case2-Wired Folding Headphones

Amazon Sales Rank: #9910 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Audiovox
Model: D-1917PK
Dimensions: 6.33" h x 1.69" w x 9.41" l, 2.20 pounds
Display size: 9

greatbuy
i am very happy with this product. the design and the features are wonderful. my kids can use it anywhere. it comes with car charger, home charger and battery pack. it comes with usb port, sd port and av inputs. it also comes with 2 earphones. i havent had any issues playing any type of cd/dvd. Very good features, very convenient, helps on the long drives keeping my kids occupied.

Best sound quality I've heard
Out of all the laptops and personal video players I had, used, or borrowed, this has had the best sound quality. Children don't keep complaining that they missed something - and they need neither headphones nor audio boosters! Highly recommend.

Great for kids' viewing
We bought this for our son to use on long drives. We were concerned about whether or not the audio would be loud enough because he can't keep headphones on well yet. It turns out the volume is plenty loud. The picture is nothing spectacular (not super crisp), but it is bright and just fine for young viewers and those of us who aren't picky. It's easy to use.

Boss Audio Systems BV9055 In-Dash Double-DIN DVD/MP3/CD AM/FM Receiver with 6.2-inch Widescreen Touchscreen TFT Monitor with USB Port and Front Panel AUX Input

2009-12-05T04:05:00.001-08:00

Boss Audio Systems BV9055 In-Dash Double-DIN DVD/MP3/CD AM/FM Receiver with 6.2-inch Widescreen Touchscreen TFT Monitor with USB Port and Front Panel AUX Input
From BOSS AUDIO

If you're in the market for an in-dash DVD player the Boss Audio Systems BV9055 in-dash DVD/MP3/CD AM/FM receiver is for you. Simple, effective and gets the job done which is the most important part of your automobile entertainment system. Double DIN mounting and SDVD compatible. 6.2 inch Touchscreen TFT widescreen active matrix display. USB port. Front auxiliary input. Compatible with audio output of iPod or any other MP3 players. With all of the input options, you can play media off of everything from MP3 players to flash drives. It is an overall good buy for your automobile entertainment needs.

Amazon Sales Rank: #1014 in Car Audio or Theater
Brand: Boss
Model: BV9055
Dimensions: 6.81" h x 4.10" w x 7.06" l, 6.81 pounds
Display size: 6.2

Boss Audio's BV9055 is a great solution for those looking for a basic in-dash DVD player. With a 6.2-inch touchscreen, USB port, front auxiliary input and other convenient features, it's got plenty of bang for your buck. Ready to grow with two RCA outputs and video inputs for a rear view camera or GPS device, it's a perfect way to get your mobile mediaplex started.

A perfect way to get your mobile mediaplex started. Click to enlarge.

Front panel auxiliary input and USB port. Click to enlarge.

Includes full-featured remote. Click to enlarge.

6.2-Inch Touchscreen
The BV9055 features a brilliant 6.2-inch touchscreen with a 1200 x 234 pixel resolution, perfect for quick navigation to the unit's features and for watching video.

Enjoy Your Favorite Media
Take in your favorite movies from DVDs, VCDs, SVCDs or even MP4 files. Or enjoy audio from CDs or data discs full of your favorite MP3/WMA files. You can also view your favorite JPG pictures and zoom in for a closer look.

Dial in your sound with separate bass and treble controls, along with balance/fader and a mute when needed.

Front Panel USB Port
Enjoy your digital audio (MP3/WMA) or video (MP4) files in a snap by putting them on a USB thumb drive. Enjoy hours of entertainment quickly and easily.

Front Auxiliary Input
Easily connect external devices like iPods or MP3 players via the 1/8" mini auxiliary input.

Rear View Camera and GPS Video Inputs
Add a rear view camera for safety and convenience, or send your GPS video to the BV9055's screen for navigation.

AM/FM tuner
This unit also features a PLL synthesized AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and switchable USA/Europe radio frequencies.

It will also display Radio Data System messages for stations broadcasting them.

Plenty of Power
With 80 Watts through four channels, the BV9055 packs a punch. Dual (front and rear) RCA outputs let you expand your system.

Wireless Remote
A full-featured wireless remote is include for controlling all receiver functions.

What's in the Box
Boss Audio BV9055, remote control, mounting sleeve, trim frame, wiring harness, installation hardware, user's manual

Great for the price.
Not too bad. If you're in the market for a dvd player than this isn't a bad purchase for $300. Not as fancy as the others but it does the job. Has rca outputs for everything minus subwoofer. That isn't too important unless you plan on competing in audio. I have this wired up in my envoy and really like it as do my kids. Screen is bright enough. The usb input is awesome, allowing you to play music files recorded to things like mp3 players and flash drives. Overall a great dvd player if you don't need the name brand.

Decent, not great
This was the least expensive Double-din dvd/radio I could find with a front panel AUX input. It works well, but the system is built to only show video when the car is stopped, and does this by hooking up to the parking break wire. This seems to be the common setup for video systems, but I have a manual transmissions, so this doesn't work for me, and so I'm dealing with Boss support to find an alternative.

The touch screen is responsive but the interface is very no-frills, with a radio screen that reminds me of the old atari 2600 video games. While playing a CD you get a nice Boss background though.

My car has a standard 2-din slot, but the trim is oddly shaped, and the body of this radio is also slightly too large to fit the trim/install kit that goes with my car. It appears that this radio's face is designed to be it's own trim, so it I will need to work up something custom to make it look good in my car, and anyone without a regular rectangular trim in their car may need to do the same.

There's nothing in the manual or specs about GPS, but when you hold down the "Band" button, it switches to GPS mode. I'm not sure if this means there's a way to hook up a GPS unit to it, or if they just use the same software as other models that do support GPS. In this case, the screen just turns blue, like a TV without a signal.

cool things ever
I bouth it, and installed it myself. i have no experience about autoelectric, but i did. pantastic, if you want it you need just one fitting kit special in your car that's all. all the wires color by color easy toy. one puzzle is parking brake orange wire!!!!!! just hook it up any metallic ground under the dashbourd. than dvd 'll show you clear nice cool video.

Dynex 5" Portable DVD Player

2009-12-04T22:05:00.001-08:00

Dynex 5" Portable DVD Player
From Dynex

Versatile Playback formats: DVD, DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, CD, CD-RW, MP3, JPEG. Includes car adapter, rchargeable battery, AC adapter and remote control. For use indoors, in vehicles and on the go.

Amazon Sales Rank: #122157 in Consumer Electronics
Brand: Dynex
Model: DX-PD510
Dimensions: 2.00" h x 6.00" w x 8.10" l, 1.80 pounds

EXCELLENT UNIT!
I was looking for a portable DVD player reasonably priced and of good quality. This unit was a great price and performs quite nicely. I looked at other units with larger screen sizes, but naturally the price would rise as did the size of the screen. The Dynex has a 5 in. screen, which is clear, crisp and sharp. One feature I needed was compatability with recordable DVDs, since I have many DVD -R discs that I had recorded on my DVD recorder. This unit plays back all formats with no problem. As far as the sound goes, it has 2 built in stereo speakers, but the sound is minimal. I was not expecting great sound from a portable DVD player, but was quite happy with the sound you get from the headphones, which is rich and full. The unit has 2 headphone jacks. I also noticed that the better quality the headphones are, the better the sound will be. I compared the sound from a lower quality set of phones to a much higher quality set and the difference in sound was quite obvious. But even in the lower quality phones, the sound was perfectly acceptable and quite nice, actually. So imagine the sound from a higher end set of headphones. The battery pack charged fully in less than 8 hours and as I write this, I am watching/listening to a DVD on the unit using the battery pack, and it is performing beautifully. The manual says to expect a 2 hour run on the battery. I intend to use the battery only when using it where unable to use the AC/DC adapter. The unit comes with a car adapter and an AC adapter as well as a set of A/V cables for connection to an external monitor. It also comes with a fully functional credit card size remote control, making it easy to access certain chapters on the disc, etc. The zoom feature is also neat. Overall, I rate this unit with 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone looking for great quality and performance at an affordable price.

Nice little DVD player
Like you, I'm a techno geek who covets most of the grown-up toys here on Amazon. In fact, please feel free to send me any item on my wish list!

But as the price of my toys has become outrageous, I have begun to forego some features for quality. And I will pirchase an "off brand" if the warranty and user reviews are positive. So when I saw the Dynex for $119 on sale at Best Buy I jumped for joy!

Now without a doubt, this is a basic DVD player. But every disc (DVD, MP3 and CD-R) I've loaded played effortlessly on it. And it has inputs for my digital camera for an inprotu slide show.

It's not the flashiest player I've ever seen. In fact, its rounded edges remind me of Buck Rogers. The speakers are a little tinny (I use headphones), but the 5" screen is quite clear. There is a nice zoom feature for close-ups and you can zoom and rotate a JPEG image.

My only concer is the remote control unit. It is credit card size, and I hope it is replaceable when I lose it.

In summary, I really like this player and heartily recommend it.

Postscript:

I loved the Dynex, but the 5" screen is just too small for my old eyes. So I exchanged it for a 7" Polaroid player. I will post my comments on my new toy soon.

A Great dvd player
I boughted this unit on january eleven and i'm really happy with the quality of the video,sound and versatility of this unit.It's really fantastic is small,and come with car adapter and ac adaptor ready for 110v or 220v.i'm really impressed with the quality of this dvd for a very low price,and all functions that gave you for that low price like,use in home,use in car,use in anywhere that you want.i recommend this unit in a 99% for some one that are looking a portable dvd player for a low price.also can read all formats of dvd.the only format that not read is dvd-ram i have somes but i know that this format is exclusive of panasonic and some other brand.in conclusion don't let that the brand of this dvd don't let you buy it.this unit is made in china but looks pretty good and the most important play very good everything,and the remote control is cool for little and full of options.Hope you try it someday.

Sony DVP NS315S - DVD player - silver

2009-12-04T16:05:00.001-08:00

Sony DVP NS315S - DVD player - silver
From Sony

Make your favorite movie moments come alive with Sony's DVP-NS315 DVD player featuring the 55mm slim design. The Precision Drive 2 system provides an improved mechanism for reading DVD disks that are in less than perfect condition. Additional features include Dolby Digital and DTS output, a BNR & Preset Video Equalizer, CD-R/CD-RW, DVD-R/DVD+RW, DVD-RW (video mode), and MP3 playback, component video out, TV virtual sound, twin laser pick up, and instant replay. Sony - bringing that movie magic home.

Disposable Sony
Be prepared to throw this player out when the warranty expires. I have had nothing but trouble with my DVD player with skipping and freezing and when it got so bad that I asked them to repair it, they actually told me "good luck." Their customer relations people are rude, and the product is lower quality than anything else you might get even from inexpensive Korean products.

Sony's reputation for quality is based on a time when they actually cared about it. They're now trying to milk the cow dry. Do not buy this product, or you will feel like a sucker. Consider yourself warned by someone who just threw his nearly new player in the garbage.

Sleek, Inexpensive, Performer
Good Picture, Nice Mix of Features, some you would not expect at this price range. It's Sony (...), what more needs to be said?

Do not buy it !!!!!!!
Bought it five months ago,used it maybe 20 times. This is my second DVD player. Tray will not open. Sony is ofering free parts, but they want me to pay for a labor, more than I've paid for new player. This is junk ! DO NOT BUY this dvd player. Sony products are not the same, good quality as thay used to be !!

Panasonic DVD-CP67K 5-Disc Progressive-Scan DVD Player , Black

2009-12-04T10:05:00.001-08:00

Panasonic DVD-CP67K 5-Disc Progressive-Scan DVD Player , Black
From Panasonic

Have a seat. You're about to enter the digital dimension. Inside the DVD-CP67K, you'll find a digital Cinema Mode that combines brightness control with picture noise canceling. The result is a clear and crisp image that appears on your screen. And from the comfort of your chair, you can adjust the picture on your screen. Built-in Advanced Surround (V.S.S.) and Bass Plus provide channel surround sound that will blow back your hair. It's like going to the movies or a big concert without ever leaving your home. That's the digital dimension.

Amazon Sales Rank: #96586 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Panasonic
Model: DVD-CP67K
Dimensions: 3.00" h x 16.90" w x 10.90" l, 10.00 pounds

The best thing about a DVD changer is that it doubles as a CD player (how often will you watch five movies back to back?). Panasonic's DVD-CP67 excels as a player of both movies and music, offering remarkable quality for its price. Its standard interlaced and progressive-scan (HD-ready) images are above average, and it provides the best DVD-based navigation we've seen for MP3 files. The stylish DVD-CP67's progressive-scan outputs produce smooth, vibrant images that must be seen to be believed. Its composite-video and S-video outputs are superb. Other features include "top menu," which zips right to the disc's primary content menu (past irritating copyright warnings and previews), sequential CD playback (plays through all five discs), and the ever-handy Quick Replay.

MP3 CDs burned on a PC are a great way to audition songs from the Internet on a home stereo. They also provide the ability to load the DVD-CP67 with about 50 of your favorite albums--that's roughly 10 albums per MP3- or WMA-encoded disc--for some serious uninterrupted playback. The MP3 navigation features on this player are a delight. Wander between albums (folders) with the remote's menu controls, scan within tracks, or select a new song while one is playing and skip right to it quickly. The manual states that the player doesn't support ID3 tags (which display artist, song name, genre, etc.), but in our testing, complete artist and file names were visible.

The player grants both disc and track access from the remote control, where many players make you rely on the "disc skip" button when you're changing selections from the couch. The supplied remote is sensibly laid out, though the buttons are a tad small. The box includes a detachable power cord and a composite-video/stereo analog audio interconnect. --Michael Mikesell

Pros:

Easy setup
Stylish design
Direct-disc and direct-track access on remote
Above-average picture quality
Above-average disc loading speed
Above-average read abilities for MP3 discs
Excellent MP3 disc navigation
Fast switching among disc chapters, tracks, and MP3 files

Cons:

Slow start-up
Analog audio output slightly light in bass
Does not play JPEG CDs

A mere 3 inches tall, Panasonic's DVD-CP67K (also available in silver) gives you the convenience of five-DVD and/or CD playback with multiple-format video outputs, including stunning progressive-scan video for use with an HD or HD-ready set. Whether you currently have HDTV capabilities or you're merely thinking of "someday," the CP67K stands ready to deliver. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

This player's Cinema Mode cuts down glare and improves color resolution in a darkened living room, Quick Replay jumps back seven to 10 seconds, variable zoom converts any widescreen image to full screen on a 4:3 aspect-ratio TV (eliminating the black bands at the top and bottom of the screen), and high-speed smooth scan zips through a two-hour movie in just 40 seconds. The CP67K is compatible with standard DVD-R (it's guaranteed to play Panasonic DVD-Rs recorded and finalized with a Panasonic DVD video recorder, though others may work as well), CDs, audio CD-Rs and CD-RWs, and discs encoded with MP3 or WMA (Windows Media) audio files. A 192 kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converter ensures optimal decoding of all disc formats except high-resolution DVD-Audio.

To round out the stereo experience, Advanced Surround (V.S.S.) simulates surround-sound effects using only two speakers, dynamic range compression limits the peak levels of Dolby Digital-encoded programs (found on most DVDs), and the Dialogue Enhancer increases the relative volume of the center channel, making center-channel content easier to hear.

For connections, you get the works: standard composite-video, S-video, and premium component-video outputs. The latter can be switched to deliver either 480i or 480p (progressive-scan) video. The player also has a single set of stereo RCA analog-audio outputs and an optical digital-audio output to feed a surround-sound signal to your Dolby Digital-decoding or DTS-decoding audio/video receiver.

Dont buy for playing CDs
I bought this to replace my old 5-CD changer, and thought I'd get DVD as a bonus. Unfortunately, its design as a multifunction device makes it a poor choice for playing CDs. A bad UI and frustrating useability finally caused me to return it.

* Too long to startup: you must wait through a 30+ second "boot up" cycle while it scans all discs, ignoring the Play button until a small cryptic indicator on the front panel indicates it's ready. Only then can you press Play.

* No auto-play: unlike my old CD changer, you cannot program it to start playing a CD at power up. You are forced to wait through the entire boot cycle in order to manually press the Play button.

* No automatic sequential disc play: after the boot sequence, you must press the dedicated Sequential play button on the front panel - you cannot set Sequential play from the remote!

* No "Disc Skip" button on the remote: you must know which disk is currently playing, and specifically select the next one.

* Remote is too small, too many buttons, clearly DVD-centric

On the plus side, the CD audio quality was good, and the picture out of the S-video port was great, although on the 3 DVDs I rented there were always some sections on the "Extra Features" tracks that glitched during playback.

In short, I could only recommend this product if you don't have enough room for 2 dedicated devices and need multifunctionality - otherwise, take the same $...and buy a...DVD and a...CD changer.

Good Value for the price
I got this DVD changer couple of weeks back and am quite impressed with the superior performance and sleek design. The picture and sound quality is pretty good and it plays mp3 audio as well. The only drawback is the on-screen display and the remote which are not too intuitive and easy-to-use. It took me a while to figure out how to use the progressive scan output with my HDTV - also, the on-screen menu displays cannot be easily manipulated without reading the manual.

This one has the Sage/Faroudja chip too
I was shopping for the Panasonic DVD RP-62 player because it has the Sage/Faroudja video chip and then I saw this changer with a $30 rebate (until 31 March, 2003). With the rebate, the RP-67 is currently less expensive than the RP-62. So I thought to myself, "What is the chance Panasonic designed and builds a different video board for this player?" Being an engineer, I realized the answer was "Slim to none." I ordered this player with the idea that I'd return it if it didn't have the FLI2200 chip. After taking the player apart, (Note to Panasonic: I didn't really open up my player; why would I do a silly thing like that and void my warranty?) I found the Sage/Faroudja FLI2200 chipset on the underside of the video board. Just like the RP-62, you won't find any indication on the box, brochures or player that they use the FLI2200 chip, but they both use it.

As far as video quality goes, AT THIS TIME the RP-67 has to be the best value in DVD players. Buy it before the rebate ends on 31 March, 2003. Of course, in a year this player will probably be obsolete, but that is just the nature of electronics.

Sony DVP-S7700 DVD Player

2009-12-04T04:05:00.001-08:00

Sony DVP-S7700 DVD Player
From Sony

Dolby Digital DVD Player with DTS Digital Ouput. DVD Navigator multibrand universal remote control.

Amazon Sales Rank: #130611 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Sony
Model: DVPS7700
Dimensions: 15.43 pounds

Critics who rarely agree on anything have hailed Sony's first DVD-video player, the DVP-S7000, as the reference standard. Now Sony has redefined the standard with the DVP-S7700. A new DSP servo LSI, new 96-kHz/24-bit audio capability, new DTS digital output, and new refinements in construction and convenience make the DVP-S7700 worth checking out.

good but beware of claimed 96/24 support
This is a great DVD player. Only one problem really: This DVD player only supports 96khz/24bit ANALOG output. It downsamples on the DIGITAL output. Sony did this to prevent piracy.

Superb quality with exceptional picture and sound!
The best DVD player I have ever seen. Expensive but worth it! Superb picture and sound quality. Dual discrete lasers. Precision Drive System enables this player to play discs that are warped or otherwise less than perfect. The Quick Access Drive allows very fast- virtually instantaneous- access to DVD chapters and CD tracks. Great remote control that glows in the dark. The Sony is vastly superior to the Panasonic DVD player I also (unfortunately) own.

Only half a player!
There are many similar purchasers of the Sony S7700 that are extremely disappointed in the sound quality of this unit and have had another piece of equipment previously who's audio was far superior and cost less money. For example, my previous player was a Sony S-530D which had within 6 months lip-sync problems, an audio that would periodically cutout, and a picture that froze and broke-up into pixels (similar to satellite broadcast problems), however, its' audio was excellent when it worked. Now that I have moved to the top-of-the-line in Sony DVD players, I am again disappointed and am of the opinion that they can not make a quality product that is complete. Thus far, I have contacted Sony to see if they are willing to do anything about the situation and to determine if the reported down-sampling of the digital output from 97 MHz to 48 MHz is the cause for the poor sound quality or, if not, whether they will do something about this issue. At this point I am not very optimistic about Sony satisfactorily addressing this issue and offering a fix via a service center. Unfortunately, out of all the buyers who have this same issue and want good sound quality, none have posted results of pursuing the down-sampling fix by MSB to address this issue-does it work or is it something else. This unit was supposedly designed to be a top quality audio player since it has dual discrete pickups with separate lasers for CD and DVD at the optimal frequencies, however, the audio output is dismal at best for both. If I were the manufacturer of this product, I would be so embarrassed about my top-of-the-line product, I would move heaven and earth to rectify this issue, we can only assume that they are either incapable or don't care.

Philips DVP5960 Hi-Def 1080I Up-Converting Multi-Region DVD Player with HDMI, DivX Ultra, USB Direct

2009-12-03T22:05:00.001-08:00

Philips DVP5960 Hi-Def 1080I Up-Converting Multi-Region DVD Player with HDMI, DivX Ultra, USB Direct
From Philips

The Philips DVP5960 is a Multi Region DVD Player with a built in PAL to NTSC video converter, which will convert PAL formatted discs for viewing on a standard US NTSC television. The Philips DVP5960 has HDMI output for High Definition Digital video together with digital audio. It also has video upscaling to 1080i for improved video resolution which is perfect for viewing on current HDTV sets. Multi-format playability allows you to play most disc formats for maximum disc compatibility and viewing pleasure. The slimline Philips DVP5960 Progressive Scan DVD Player, can play DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, VCD, SVCD, MPEG-4, CD-R/RW, MP3-CD, WMA-CD, JPEG and DivX® 3.11/4.x/5.x/6.0/ Progressive Scan doubles the vertical resolution of the image resulting in a noticeably sharper picture. Instead of sending a field comprising the odd lines to the screen first, followed by the field with the even lines, both fields are written at one time. A full image is created instantaneously, using the maximum resolution. At such a speed, your eye perceives a sharper picture with no line structure. Turn up your movie experience with DivX Ultra playback. DivX Ultra combines DivX playback with great features like integrated subtitles, multiple audio languages, multiple tracks and menus into one convenient file format. DVD Features:: Progressive Scan component video for optimized image quality HDMI out for digital high definition video and digital audio Video Upscaling to 1080i - Ideal for HDTV DivX Ultra Playback Multiple Audio Languages and Subtitles Plays CD, CD-R/CD-RW, Video CD/SVCD, DVD, DVD-R/-RW, DivX, DVD+R/+RW Plays Music CD, CD-R/RW and MP3 CD Plays JPEG Picture CD with MP3 music playback Front Panel USB Port Ultra Slim Design

Amazon Sales Rank: #38121 in Consumer Electronics
Brand: Philips
Dimensions: 5.00 pounds

The perfect DVD player if your interests go beyond your "region"
At a good price, you can get this player, put into it almost any DVD-Video from anywhere on the planet, and watch your movie.

The only caveats are: you need to go through all of the setup items with a good understanding of what the characteristics of your TV display are, and what the setup items mean. If you merely accept all the default settings you will probably be disappointed by seeing a distorted picture on your screen.

Also, there is no claim that the player will handle SECAM.

If the setup is done correctly once, you should thereafter expect trouble free viewing for a huge variety of disks.

If, for example, you want to watch a PAL-encoded disk from overseas on your American TV without worry, without fiddling with settings, withot frustration - then this is it. You pop it in, and play it. All the problems are solved by the initial setup menu.

Great Value
This DVD player lives up to all its promises. It delivers excellent picture and sound quality, is very easy to set up and use, and best of all plays DVD's from all countries of origin. Now, we can enjoy our favorite British comedies and dramas. For the price you can't beat this player.

Great buy
The DVD player works great with our Australian DVDs and USA DVDs. It even plays our DivX videos with great quality!

Philips DVP642 DivX-Certified Progressive-Scan DVD Player

2009-12-03T16:05:00.001-08:00

Philips DVP642 DivX-Certified Progressive-Scan DVD Player
From Philips

Philips DVP642 DVD Player - Dreaming of a player that plays practically any disc format while enjoying flawless, true-to-life picture quality? Now you can! With Philips DVD players, indulge in great movie and music entertainment experience delivered right to your home. Smart Picture for personalized image settings Component Video Input Dolby Digital outputs

Amazon Sales Rank: #4723 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Silver
Brand: Philips
Model: DVP642
Dimensions: 1.70" h x 9.80" w x 17.10" l, 6.00 pounds

Tap into multimedia fun with Philips' broad-format, high-style, and ultra-slim DVP642 DVD player. The DVP642 is not only a high-end progressive-scan DVD player equipped to offer scintillating images on high-definition and HD-ready TVs, it's a tech-savvy player that spins your MP3- and JPEG-encoded recordable CDs (as well as Kodak's and Fuji's variants of the same) and CDs loaded with MPEG-4 and DivX video (3.11, 4.x, and 5.x files), perfect for viewing Internet-sourced content in your home theater. Want more? The player also converts Region 1/All Region PAL-formatted discs (the video standard in Europe) for viewing on standard NTSC televisions (and vice-versa, if only for video CDs).

The DVP642's progressive-scan functionality allows compatible TVs to display the even and odd numbered lines of an image in a single pass. This minimizes screen flicker, which is easier on your eyes.

Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the DVP642 stands ready to deliver the full potential of your DVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

Playback options include five-disc resume, which lets you pick up where you left off on your five most recently viewed DVDs (not applicable for MP3 or JPEG CDs), disc-lock parental controls, and picture zoom for magnification of select images.

The player will play JPEG images one by one automatically, letting you zoom in, rotate, or flip the picture vertically or horizontally. For MP3 playback, the player offers track time display, album and track selection, and repeat (disc/album/track). The DivX media format is MPEG-4 based video compression that lets you save large files like films, movie trailers, and music videos on recordable media.

Philips' 4x video upsampling offers smoother images even when viewing interlaced (nonprogressive) signals through the player's component-video, S-video, or standard composite-video outputs. SmartPicture provides optimum picture settings for color, brightness, saturation, contrast, sharpness, etc., to enhance your overall viewing experience at all times.

A set of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio outputs (one each of RCA coaxial and Toslink optical) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver.

What's in the Box
DVD-Video player, remote control with batteries, a user's manual, and an analog audio/composite-video interconnect.

Does what it promises, hope firmware is fixed for 1.5x zoom
First of all, let me say that this unit is very well worth the money. As "just a dvd player" I give it FIVE over FIVE points (or ten/ten if you wish).

The unit comes locked for Region 1 DVDs, but can be easily unlocked (just google for the asnwer) to make it region-free. I have tested my unit purchased on amazon.com and unlocked with Region 1, region 2 dvds purchased from Britain, and region 4 DVDs purchased in South America. It just works.

The unit's COMPONENT-VIDEO output is superb, even if you use an CRT TV. I recommend you get a quality component video cable and use that instead of the "composite video" output.

When playing MPG and AVI files, the component video output shows pixelation and artifacts on low-quality or low-resolution avi/divx/mpg files, but when playing back the same files and switching the tv to component video, these problems go away!.
Component video, it should be noted, is superior to "s-video" (which just separates color information from luminance), as each basic color (Red-Green-Blue) travels on a separate shielded cable.

Now, the "extras" besides basic DVD playback

1. DIVX and XVID are supported. But some .avi files will play back with NO SOUND if the original file was encoded with a "codec" (compression algorithm) that is not supported by this unit. Just because a file plays back ok on your PC with "Windows Media Player" it doesn't mean it will playback in this unit.

2. DVD-R media *IS* supported. You might need, however, to update the firmware (it's available for download from the philips.com web site. You have to download a .iso image, burn the data to a cd-r, press a key combination on the remote and then insert the cd-r disc).

Now the problems:

1. Even while DivX is supported, mpeg4/divx files compressed with the Divx Pro software using the "QPEL" (advanced motion optimization and prediction) will NOT PLAY on the unit. The unit will display an ugly "QPEL CODEC NOT SUPPORTED" message and stop there. There's no way to play back QPEL encoded files on this unit (it would require a much faster processor inside).

2. ZOOM LEVELS ARE INCONSISTENT. On DVD movies, zoom levels featured are 1.5x, 2x, 3x, 4x. However when you are playing back ".avi" (mpeg4/divx) files, you will find that often the only zoom levels available are "normal" (no zoom) and "2x", and that's it!. There is no 1.5x zoom level when paying back mpg and divx files! So forget about watching that wide-screen (4:3 format) movie in full screen by switching to 1.5x zoom mode. If it's a DVD movie you can. But if it's a DivX/MPEG4 movie you can't!.

3. A-B loop doesn't work most of the time on DivX/AVI files. Sometimes, when it does work, after you selct an a-b loop, you turn the feature off by pressing the a-b key once again, and when you want to create another a-b loop, the feature no longer works! (unless you press STOP and PLAY the file once again). VERY annoying.

4. PHILIPS doesn't seem very interested in updating the firmware. The last update is dated May 2004, and there has been no update since then, even while the number of bugs is high (see above).

However, even after all this, I think that for ~$70 dollars or less including Amazon.com's free ground shipping, you can't go wrong with this unit, as DVD playback is superb, and the ability to play most (but not all!) .mpg / .avi (DivX/MPEG4/Xvid) video files is just a nice extra to have in there as a "bonus".

Burning .avi and mpg files to DVD recordable media also works.

How To Make It "Region Free"...
This review is for Philips DVP642 DVD Player. It is the same as DVP642/37 DVD Player. It is also the same as DVP642/37 Code Free DVD Player, or Region Free, or whatever else you want to call it. Philips has ONLY ONE DVP642 model, but it may come with different firmware versions, depending on when and where the player was purchased. It doesn't matter though. I repeat, it is the SAME player. So there is absolutely no need to pay extra dollars for something you can easily do yourself. This review highlights some of the features of this DVD player, as well as provides instructions on how to make it Region Free (pay special attention to Format Support section). So, read on...

Let me just start by saying that if this DVD player was anything over $100, even $80, then I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. But it's definitely worth $50 that I spent on it. I bought it on sale at CompUSA. I believe Walmart is the cheapest place now, where you can buy it for just under $60. But back to this player. After using it for over 2 months, and having it compare to my other three DVD players (Sampo, Cyberhome, and Oppo), I have come up with a short list of Pros and Cons. So, without further ado, I give you Philips DVP642:

PROS:
Format Support - This alone probably worth all the "stars". It supports virtually all formats, including Divx. And it DOES support DVD-R's as well, although it's not documented anywhere. MP3's, Picture JPEG's, original DVD's, burned DVD's with AVI's, MPEG's, etc. - I have tried it all, and it handled everything without any problems. Add the NTSC/PAL conversion capabilities to that (simple "7 8 9 OK 0" remote control hack with an open tray will make it "region free"), and you've got yourself one hell of a DVD player. "You have it, we play it" is the slogan of this player, and it is, indeed, true.

Design - I like the nice and sleek design of this DVD player. It's thin, and the nice matte silver color nicely compliments my Sony Wega TV that I connected it to.

Price - Just as I mentioned before, I bought this player for $50. I think it's well worth it, especially if you have a lot of "homemade" DVD's.

CONS:
Picture Quality - One word to describe it - Average... at best. My 5 year old Sampo produces a better picture using S-Video, and without Progressive Scan. Cyberhome is better too, when using component connection. I'm not even going to mention Oppo.

Support - One of the worst I have ever had to deal with. First of all, Philips website has very minimum information about this player, and not a word about firmware updates. I've tried to contact them by phone, but only wasted my time pressing buttons and holding for "available representative". I finally decided to send them an e-mail, but have yet to get a response back after two weeks of waiting period.

Summary:
If picture quality is what you are mostly looking for in your DVD player then this one is not for you (if you own or planning on buying an HDTV with DVI or HDMI inputs, then I strongly suggest you check out OPPO). On the other side, if you are not too picky about picture output, but do care about various format support, and don't want to spend too much money, then this player certainly makes a good choice.

perfect for what I need
This is not the best DVD player ever for picture quality etc, but it is Region Free. It will play PAL discs to my NTSC TV. I got it as a Christmas Present and I immediately ordered Blake's 7 from Amazon.co.uk and it plays just fine. You can tell that it had been opened and adjusted, but it was put neatly back into the box and I have not had any problems with it. It also plays all my other Region 1 disks as well (including Region Code Enhanced disks) so if you aren't too particualar about the quality (which is not terrible) you could probably just use this player for all you DVD playing. For me it will do to play my non-region one discs, but I'll keep my Sony for Region 1 stuff. I am very pleased with this product.

TCC TC-780LC Stereo Line Level Amp / Booster with iPod Jack

2009-12-03T10:06:00.001-08:00

TCC TC-780LC Stereo Line Level Amp / Booster with iPod Jack
From TCC

Do you have a line level source (TV audio, MP3 player, video game etc) which simply isn't loud enough? One that forces you to crank up your receiver or amp volume control, simply to match your other sources? Or perhaps you need to run a long line between your TV audio line out and your receiver on the other side of the room, but find too much level is lost, or worse, interference from hum or a radio station is induced. This product is the fix. The TC-780LC provides up to 20dB of gain with any line level source, allowing longer cable runs or that "bump" you need to cure low volume issues. Used in series following one of our phono preamps (see the middle illustration in the connection diagram image), the TC-780LC can be used to compensate for low output phono cartridges (B&O MMC series owners, take note!), so that you don't have to crank the volume every time you play a record. Or you can use it to add a volume control between a line level source and a power amp which has no level adjustment of its own. The 5-pin DIN in/out jacks match those found on older European brands including Bang & Olufsen, Tandberg and Revox, while the RCA jacks match virtually everything else. Connecting to the front panel miniplug jack automatically bypasses the rear inputs, allowing temporary hookup of iPods and MP3 players for listening or recording. Now available in both BLACK and SILVER finish.

Amazon Sales Rank: #15305 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Silver
Brand: Phono Preamps
Model: TC-780LC
Dimensions: 2.90" h x 1.50" w x 5.60" l, 2.40 pounds

Just What the Doctor Ordered
I wanted my dvd player to play louder thru my speakers. I bought this gadget, connected to my dvd player, then to my speakers. The sound shook the room. Mission accomplished!

Perfect!
Have a 50" plasma and use an Insignia (Best Buy) Blu-Ray DVD player hooked up to my home theater system. It works great except for those movie moments that are so stirring you simply want to crank up the sound to make the walls shake, you can't. The audio output of the player is so low that I nearly have to fully crank up the audio amp to the level I want. Bought this stereo line booster and it is absolutely PERFECT! Turn up the output to halfway and now I have the sound feeding into the audio system at the level it should be. For $50 I can finally enjoy my blu-rays as they were intended to be enjoyed!

Incredible!
Just got this little booster and it is absolutely fantastic. It solves my problem perfectly, which was trying to balance the line out of a Blu-Ray DVD player located across the room from the amp and other components. The DVD players seem to put out a totally anemic stereo line out compaired to other components. This little device solves both that fact and the 20' RCA cable run which was picking up lots of hum if I cranked the amp up.

Now I have the little booster located right at the BD player, and right next to my chair so I can adjust it at will. The sound is wonderful, clean, and no more hum. Totally great.

Coby DVD-598 Super Slim Upconversion DVD Player with HDMI Output and DivX Playback

2009-12-03T04:06:00.001-08:00

Coby DVD-598 Super Slim Upconversion DVD Player with HDMI Output and DivX Playback
From Coby

Coby DVD-598 Super Slim Upconverting DVD Player with HDMI Output and DivX Playback. Progressive Scan DVD Player with HD Upconversion for Enhanced High-Definition Video.

Amazon Sales Rank: #51926 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Silver
Brand: Coby
Model: DVD-598
Dimensions: 17.00" h x 8.50" w x 1.65" l, 6.15 pounds

Short life span
I bought this dvd player because of it's ability to play usb media. However, I found that it can only read jump drives and powered hard drives. It was unable to read my usb-powered Western Digital Passport. I tried adding a powered usb port, but that didn't work.

I was impressed that it will play DIVX, .avi, and ripped DVD files.

About 2 months after I bought it, it no longer recognized any DVD's. I've looked unsuccessfully for a firmware upgrade for this dvd player.

ya get what ya pay for
I bought 2 of these units and they are exhibiting identical behaviors, so I know it's not a fluke; they're just poorly designed. Like Tom and Elena (previous reviewers) I too have had problems with both basic functions as well as advanced features. When using SD cards, the units will only display 999 pictures. That sounds like a lot, but a 2GB card can easily hold more than that. Coby claims these will play DivX movies. Well, they do... sort of. The movies do play, but they are extremely pixilated (blocky) and jerky. They might look good on a 13" screen - MAYBE - but on a 37" screen it looks like crap. As Elena said, the video and audio are usually at least a 1/2 second out of sync and sometimes as much as 3 or 4 seconds. They will intermittently refuse to power up and must be unplugged to get them responding again. (One of mine is on a UPS, so I know it's not a power line condition issue.) They both also will begin skipping and stuttering after about 50 minutes of use with any DVD whether homemade or commercially produced. What else? I can't remember all the reasons to not buy one. The only positive is price though, so you could buy one for your mother-in-law... that is, if you don't get along with her.

worse i ever imagine
This is a very bad quality dvd, the video and sound are not sincronizad. The control doesent work in a logic way. very bad. dont buy it

Panasonic DVD-LS50 7-Inch Portable DVD Player

2009-12-02T22:05:00.001-08:00

Panasonic DVD-LS50 7-Inch Portable DVD Player
From Panasonic

The DVD-LS50 features a 7-inch (diagonal screen measurement) LCD 16: 9 screen, built-in stereo speakers, the Mono Arm design and dual headphone jacks. The battery life of the DVD-LS50 is 2.9 hours at the minimum LCD brightness. The Panasonic portable DVD player includes high-speed, 5-step Smooth Motion Scan, a feature that provides crystal-clear forward and reverse scan, in 5 speeds. At the highest setting, the unit scans at an incredible 100 times normal speed. Panasonic portable DVD player optimizes the viewing experience by adding two key features - Dialog Enhancer and Cinema Mode. Dialog Enhancer boosts the center channel volume - where most of the principal dialog emanates when playing a Dolby Digital 5.1 disc - by 6dB. Cinema Mode improves the picture quality by reducing glare, softening resolution and improving visibility of details in dark scenes - resulting in a more realistic, cinema-like image.

Amazon Sales Rank: #39177 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black ? Silver
Brand: Panasonic
Model: DVD-LS50
Dimensions: 9.30" h x 5.80" w x 5.30" l, 1.60 pounds
Display size: 7

Enjoy your favorite movies wherever you roam with Panasonic's portable DVD-LS50 multiformat DVD player. Featuring a 7-inch screen, the 16:9 aspect ratio DVD-LS50 enables you to watch movies in widescreen format or conventional 4:3 formats such as letterbox and pan-and-scan. The LCD can be manually adjusted to a variety of different angles that can accommodate a wide range of viewing positions. The DVD-LS50 also features built-in stereo speakers, a rechargeable battery with a battery life of up to 3 hours, audio output for Dolby Digital and DTS, and a remote control.

In addition to DVD video discs, the DVD-LS50 is compatible with DVD-Audio, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, video and audio CDs, MP3, WMA, and CD-R/-RW discs. It also supports HighMAT (High-Performance Media Access Technology), a technology codeveloped by Panasonic and Microsoft that improves the method of storing, arranging, and playing back digital photo, music, and video collections on recordable discs, such as DVD and CD recordable media.

With the high-speed, 5-step Smooth Motion Scan feature, you'll get crystal-clear forward and reverse scan at 100 times normal speed at its highest setting. The Cinema Mode function lessens glare, providing colors that are more cinemalike, and picture resolution that is gentler to the eyes. It also improves the visibility of details in dark scenes by automatically adjusting picture contrast, and helps to suppress color smearing as well. The Dialogue Enhancer feature increases the center-channel volume relative to other channels, making movie dialogue easier to hear and understand.

The DVD-LS50 has 1 composite A/V out and a 3.5 mm headphone minijack. It offers advanced virtual surround sound, headphone surround sound, and optical digital audio output for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound--making this road warrior a complete solution for your home theater as well.

Tech Talk
Dolby Digital: Digital audio compression technology developed by Dolby Laboratories that provides the same 5.1 discrete channels of high-quality digital audio found in Dolby Digital cinema audio systems. Because all of the channel data are recorded discretely, Dolby Digital offers good channel separation and little sound deterioration due to the digital channel data processing. It conforms to 5.1-channel surround sound. The rear channel is stereo, and there is a discrete subwoofer channel.

DTS: Digital audio compression technology developed by Digital Theater Systems that conforms to 5.1-channel surround sound. The rear channel is stereo, and there is a discrete subwoofer channel.

What's in the Box
Panasonic DVD-LS50 portable DVD player, remote control, batteries for remote control, rechargeable battery, and AC adapter.

light, well-built, great performance, features and battery
I bought this after noticing that the DVD player rental chain in many airports uses Panasonics exclusively, which to me says something about durability. Comparing this unit with Audiovox, Mintek and Magnavox, it is obviously much more solid. The great thing, though, is that for the same screen size, the unit is slimmer and lighter. The swivel screen makes it very easy to hang on the back of the driver's seat in the car for kids to watch, since it folds flat and won't protrude from the seat back. Others have noted short battery life. I took it on a plane trip from Alaska to Arizona and watched all of the extended version of The Two Towers (over 3.5 hours) and didn't run out of battery. I turned the brightness all the way down, but the picture was still very clear and easy to see in a darkened airplane. The great thing is that the battery is much smaller and lighter than other DVD players I've seen, and doesn't really add to the size or weight of the unit. This thing is great for viewing my CR-RWs with lots of family photos on them, as well as listening to MP3s or WMAs (it even recognizes playlists, although I haven't tried this out yet). The controls on the player allow you to easily operate it without the remote, except for specialized functions. With the free case and airplane/car power adapter offer through Amazon (I'm still waiting for mine), and Amazon's great price, you just can't lose with this. The only thing the Mintek has that this doesn't is A/V input, but if you don't need to play video games on it, it's not a problem. Don't waste your money on a slightly cheaper unit that doesn't even compare with this. You'll be glad you spent a little more.

Small, light, versatile and fantastic
I frequently take the 4 hour bus ride between New York and Boston and was growing tired of lugging my 7lb laptop to watch DVDs. I was also concerned about this $2000 work computer getting lost/stolen. So although it was tough to justify the cost because I already had something that was 'free' and had a 15" screen, I was ready to buy a portable.

When I first shopped a year ago, I really liked the look and feel of the Toshiba P-1200. But online reviews citing battery problems scared me away. And a guy in work had it happen to him. It just died. I was hoping they fixed it with the P-1400, but I still saw a few users saying they had battery issues. Meanwhile, the reviews for the Panasonic were glowing. Here were the pros and cons between the two:

- Toshiba $70 less vs. Panasonic
- Toshiba 3-3 1/2 hr battery life vs. 2-2 1/2 hr for Panasonic
- Toshiba credit card remote vs. big remote on Panansonic
- Toshiba comes with car charger, but Panasonic has charger AND case via rebate
- Toshiba 3.25 lbs vs. 1.75 lbs for Panasonic

So it came down to this. Should I pay more money for a smaller, lighter product that had better reviews, even though the battery life might be an issue. So I went to see them in person.

The result? No contest. The Panasonic is very small and very light. Much easier to toss in my carry-on messenger bag. And the screen is bright and clear. The coolest thing is how the screen can be contorted into so many angles, which is very helpful when the person in front of you reclines their seat halfway into your lap. Additionally, the remote is a non factor for me. I leave it at home. Why? The Panasonic has a very slick shuttle dial that lets you FF and REW through the DVD at different speeds.

In summary, I've used it on one bus ride and one flight so far and it's been great. While I don't want to completely diss Toshiba (I just bought an awesome 30" Toshiba HDTV), for my money the Panasonic has been the right choice.

The Best Portable DVD Out There
I just purchased this unit after owning a 5" Panasonic DVD player. The chief differences between this unit and similar units of others brands are:
(1) The picture is much brighter and sharper
(2) The simulated surround sound using headphones (I use the
Koss Porta Pros) is much louder and the sound is more spacious and open
(3) This unit plays "marginal" DVD's with make other units skip
(4) The screen tilts to virtually any position making its use in planes or other tight spaces more flexible
(5) It is much more solidly built than its competitors
(6) It immediately recognizes the DVD that has been placed in the unit and adjusts the size of the picture automatically
(7) There is less wasted space around the 7" screen making the unit smaller and lighter..it is barely larger than the actual size of the screen.
(8) It's battery is virtually internal, simply snapping onto a recessed area in the bottom of the unit. It appears to be "built directly into the unit"
(9) It's remote control is "full size" Although it occupies little space in my bag, it is much more user friendly than the small remotes that come with other units.
(10) It's price is only about $50 more than the competition, and given all of the above, it is well worth the difference, especially considering the "rebate package" which includes a case and a DC adaptor.

I bought mine at B&H Photo...The shipping charge is only about $10, and, although the delivery promises 3-5 days, I received mine the very next day (in CT).The price was also as low as any out there.

Sony BDP-S350 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player

2009-12-02T10:06:00.001-08:00

Sony BDP-S350 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
From Sony

The Blu-ray revolution continues with the Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray Player. You can take full advantage of the Bonus View feature of select Blu-ray movies, and are ready to dive into BD-Live when the update is available. In true Sony fashion, the BDP-S350 will output a Full 1080/24p True Cinema picture, plus upscale your existing DVD collection to 1080p as well, when using the HDMI connection. On board decoding for Dolby TrueHD is here, also the ability to send out the bitstream for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD (Master Audio & High Resolution) as well. BRAVIA sync ensures that with the touch of a button, you can easily power on and synch the inputs of compatible Sony compatible BRAVIA flat-panel LCD HDTV sets and Sony audio/video devices connected to the players, via HDMI, for hassle-free enjoyment of high-definition Blu-ray Discs. Bringing it all together is the new Xcross Media Bar menu system, which is an icon based menu system for simple navigation of the BDP-S350’s menu system.

Amazon Sales Rank: #2117 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Sony
Model: BDP-S350
Number of items: 1
Dimensions: 2.38" h x 8.75" w x 17.00" l, 6.38 pounds

Manufacturer's Description
Revel in astounding HD clarity with the BDP-S350 Blu-ray Disc player. The most noticeable additions to this year's model are the Ethernet port that lets you download firmware updates directly to the player, and -- with one of those firmware updates -- access web contetent encoded to Blu-ray discs via BD-Live, compatibility with the Bonus View feature of select Blu-ray movies, and a USB port that allows you to add more storage to access the growing number of special features that will be available given the immense storage capacity of Blu-ray discs themeselves. This player also outputs a Full 1080/24p True Cinema picture, and upscales your existing DVD collection to 1080p when using an HDMI connection. Dolby TrueHD capability delivers lossless sound that is true to the original studio master. Bringing it all together is the new icon based Xcross Media Bar, which provides simple navigation of the player's menu system.

Key Features

True 1080p Output (Learn more)
Dolby TrueHD compatible (Learn more)
Ethernet connection for BD-Live Compatibility and firmware updates (Learn more)
USB Port Allows More Storage for Access to More Special Features, Like Bonus View (Learn More)
Higher Bit Rates mean less video compression (Learn more)
Emmy-Award Winning Xross Media Bar Interface (Learn More)
Bravia Sync for Easy Connectivity (Learn More)

Learn More

More Picture

See Everything Your HDTV Can Show You with Full HD.

6 Times the Picture Data on DVDs
See everything your HDTV can show you. Blu-ray Disc's Full HD 1080p resolution produces over 2 million pixels per frame to produce a razor-sharp picture with unmatched depth and clarity that takes full advantage of the capabilities of today's 1080p HDTVs. That's six times the picture data contained on DVDs, which are encoded at only 480p.

24p True Cinema Video Output
Most of all Hollywood movies are shot at 24 frames per second, and Blu-ray Disc movies are mastered at 24 frame per second, so it is only fitting that the Sony Blu-ray Disc Players can output your films at 1080/24p for a true film-like experience at home. Of course, Sony Blu-ray Disc Players can also output at 1080/60p for more traditional HDTV sets on the market. Either way Sony has you covered for the best picture possible in Full 1080p.

Backwards compatible and Upscaling
All existing Blu-ray Disc players will play your standard DVD collection without a problem. And with built-in 1080p video upscaling, they'll look even better.

More Bits

In the digital world, picture quality is not just about resolution, but also about bit rates. The higher the bit rate, the more data that is processed, typically resulting in higher video quality. DVDs have a maximum video bit rate of about 10 megabits per second (Mbps). In comparison, Blu-ray Disc is capable of video bitrates up to an incredible 40 Mbps. The bottom line, higher bit rates allow for the least amount of data compression for HD video that looks closest to the original video source.

More Sound

The BDP-S350 is compatible with Dolby TrueHD, Dolby’s next-generation lossless technology developed for high-definition disc-based media. Dolby TrueHD delivers tantalizing sound that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master, unlocking the true high-definition entertainment experience on next-generation discs. When coupled with high-definition video, Dolby TrueHD offers an unprecedented home theater experience that lets you enjoy sound as stunning as the high-definition picture.

Delivers enthralling studio-master-quality sound that unlocks the true high-definition entertainment experience on next-generation discs.
Offers more discrete channels than ever before for impeccable surround sound.
Compatible with the A/V receivers and home-theaters-in-a-box (HTIBs) of today and tomorrow.
Dialogue normalization maintains the same volume level when you change to other Dolby Digital and Dolby TrueHD programming.
Dynamic range control (Night mode) enables you to customize audio playback to reduce peak volume levels (no loud surprises) while experiencing all the details in the soundtrack, enabling late-night viewing of high-energy surround sound without disturbing others.

Xross Media Bar

Xross (pronounced Cross) is Sony's Technical-Emmy award-winning graphic user interface for Sony WEGA and BRAVIA televisions and PS3 and PSX game systems. The interface features category icons spread horizontally across the screen that organize the viewing options (TV, Music, Internet, Tools, etc...). When a category icon is selected on the horizontal bar, a vertical bar appears showing the viewing options within that category. Using the directional pad on your remote, you can easily maneuver horizontally from category to category, then scroll vertically through individual viewing options to easily navigate through the wide range of programming available on today's televisions.

BD-Live

BD-Live is a Blu-ray feature that enables you to access special content via an internet-connected Blu-ray player. Because it's not coded into the disc, BD-Live content is always updated, always fresh. With BD-Live, your Blu-ray disc is different every time you view it.

Check out the latest previews, download special scenes, exclusive features and ringtones, and participate in online communities or games.

As BD-Live continues to grow and expand, even more features will become available, customizing features and content to your location or preferences. Now, your disc k

More Space

Blu-ray Disc has 5x more storage capacity than DVD, which allows more content to fit on the disc. The extra storage capacity also means more room for special features like inline navigation, Bonus View, interactive games, deleted scenes, director commentary and more
Navigate to special features, other scenes, or settings without leaving the content you are watching.	Bonus View lets you watch special features and commentary inline without leaving the movie.

x.v Color

RGB Color Range

Sony BDP-S350 vs. Panasonic DMP-BD30K: DVD Upconversion, etc.
I went to Circuit City yesterday to purchase the Panasonic DMP-BD30K Blu-Ray Player. As the salesman showed me where the Blu-Ray players were located in the store I told him I was interested in the DMP-BD30K. His response was that I should consider the new Sony BDP-S350 instead. He claimed that the BDP-S350 had received great reviews and is a better player than the Panasonic DMP-BD30K. Usually I don't listen to anything the sales people at Circuit City say, but this time I decided to see if he knew what he was talking about. I did some quick research online, while in the store, and discovered that he was correct about the Sony receiving decent reviews. I had my mind set on the Panasonic DMP-BD30K after months of research and waiting until the price dropped below $300, so the prospect of the Sony BDP-S350 through me for a loop. I decided to purchase both players, try then both out, and then return the looser.

I have to admit that the results surprised me. As I said before I had my heart set on the Panasonic DMP-BD30K, but after installing the 2 players and carefully comparing their image quality and features the Sony BDP-S350 is the clear winner in my opinion.

Panasonic DMP-BD30K: (Profile 1.1)
The start up time was respectable (as the reviews I had read indicated) and the menu interface was straight forward and relatively easy to navigate. After setting up the player, my first test was to compare its ability to upconvert standard definition DVDs with my now obsolete Toshiba HD-A20 HD-DVD player. I had read online that the DMP-BD30K's upscaling abilities had something to be desired and my tests confirmed this. To be honest the results were a little disappointing. Next, I decided to move through the players setup menu and change a few settings. At this point I made another disappointing discovery. If for any reason you need to access the players setup menu while you are watching DVD or Blu-Ray disc the player will not remember where you left off. When you exit the menu and resume play, the disc will start playing from the beginning of the disc. Although accessing the setup menu looses your place on the disc the Panasonic does remember where you left off if the DVD is stopped or the the player is shut down and then turned on again. Other than these criticisms the DMP-BD30K is a very nice player that yields excellent results using Blu-Ray discs, but doesn't do a great job with SD DVDs.

Sony BDP-S350: (Profile 1.1, but soon to be updated via firmware to 2.0)
The Sony player was a pleasant surprise. The start up time was very respectable, and was comparable to the Panasonic DMP-BD30K. After setting up the player I proceeded to run the same tests that I ran on the Panasonic. I had read online that people were impressed with the BDP-S350's upconvertion abilities, but having owned multiple Oppo DVD players (in my opinion, some of the best out there) I was skeptical. I put in a SD DVD and could immediately see the improvement over the Panasonic. Although the image is a little softer compared to my obsolete Toshiba HD-A20 HD-DVD player, and my other Oppo DVD players, it was still excellent. It made the Panasonic's upscaling abilities seem unrefined and outdated. Next, I then jumped into the players setup menu and changed the players output resolution. What really amazed me was that when I exited the menu the player began playing my disc where I had left off. Finally, I tried powering the BDP-S350 down while in the middle of a DVD. When I powered the player back on it remembered where I had left off and began to play the disc. The Sony BDP-S350 seems the winner in my opinion due to its superior upconversion and disc playback memory.

Finally, I wanted to add that I read a review comparing the Sony BDP-S350 to the new Panasonic DMP-BD50K that declares the DMP-BD50K the winner (http://hdguru.com/first-review-of-sonys-latest-blu-ray-player-exclusive-sony-bdp-s350-vspanasonic-dmp-bd50/256/). This may be true, but the almost $300 price difference makes me feel that this is an unfair comparison. In my opinion, the Sony BDP-S350 is currently one of the best deals out there.

Which is better? This player or the Panasonic DMP-BD35K? I bought them both and tested them side-by-side!
I take my home theater hobby pretty seriously, that's why when it came time to invest in a Blu-Ray player (finally the wait is over!!!), I did a ridiculously great amount of research. I was willing to spend much more money on a blu-ray player, but the prices have come down so much, you don't have to! I narrowed down my extensive search for the right player to the Panasonic DMP-BD35K and the Sony BDP-S350. **I BOUGHT THEM BOTH AND DID A "SIDE-BY-SIDE" TEST!**

I have some nice equipment, so I feel that the test was an excellent representation of the capabilities of these two players. My equipment includes a 100-inch Stewart screen with a 1080p Sony Pearl front projector, an Integra 9.8 DTC processor (with all the latest surround sound goodies), an NAD amp, 7 Paradigm Signature speakers, and a dual M&K subwoofer (for full 7.1 surround sound).

I do understand electronics, but the Sony manual was really hard to follow. After only one call to Sony, I eventually got the player set up properly. After I set up the Panasonic, everything became much clearer. The Panasonic manual is so much better. But, who really cares about manuals? How do these two players perform side by side?

Audio for BOTH Blu-ray discs and standard DVDs: The Panasonic unquestionably has better audio. Compared to the Sony, the highs were much clearer. The 7.1 surround sound put me right in the middle of the "explosion" (my first test blu-ray disc was National Treasure I) when the Charlotte blew up. The biggest Audio difference was the bass. The bass in the Panasonic was so much better than the Sony. In fact, my old Sony standard-DVD player had better audio than the Sony BDP-S350. I'd give the Sony 3 stars with the audio. The Panasonic had outstanding treble, bass, and surround: 5-star audio!

Video for BOTH Blu-ray discs and standard DVDs: The Sony's video was ok, but the Panasonic's video was fantastic. The skin tones were more realistic and the colors were more vibrant with the Panasonic. The Sony seemed to have a thin gray film over everything -- like looking through a filmy-dirty window. The Sony had 4-star video, the Panasonic and its upscaling gets an easy 5 stars!

Both my wife and I did the "side-by-side" test by going back and forth between Blu-Ray discs and standard DVDs. We didn't discuss any of our thoughts until we each independently formed our own conclusions. After seeing and hearing both players, we were both in complete agreement that in every way the Panasonic DMP-BD35K was superior to the Sony BDP-S350.

By the way, the card slot on the Sony for BD-Live is very hard to get to. I do like Sony as a brand for some things, but not Blu-Ray players.

Also, to save you some research time, I've already checked out all of the professional reviews including the ones on CNet.com: The Sony is considered ok, and CNet liked the Panasonic so much that it is the first Blu-Ray player EVER to receive CNet's "Editor's Choice Award."

I have to go to the store now and return the Sony player that I bought. I'm keeping the Panasonic!! :-)

Hopefully you found this review helpful!

Works well...Wife likes it...What could be better
I purchased my BDP-S350 from Sony Style web site. This is my first BD player. I was waiting for the format war to end once it did I read a column by David Pouge in the New York Times that said you might consider waiting to making the jump to BD until the next generation of players to come out on the market.

This one loads pretty fast. From what I read it is much faster then older models. I was upgrading coming from a Sony 5 disc up converting DVD player and that thing was slow so I'm very satisfied. The picture is awesome and the audio is great too. I don't even have it connected to a amp that does Dolby Tru-HD or DTS-MA. That will be my next purchase.

There is only one thing that I'm disappointed with the player has the Bravia Theater Sync feature. Which works great with my Sony amp. But for some reason the DVD remote will only control the volume for the TV not the amp. So I still have to use a second remote for volume on my Sony amp. This makes no sense to me.

We watched Batman Begins, Mission Impossible III, and the Bucket List on BD so far. Batman Begins was jaw dropping good from an audio and picture quality issue. My wife said she had no clue that a DVD could look that good.

I also watched Stop Loss on a SD DVD and that look pretty good too.

The DVD player has a slot in the back for a USB drive and it also has a ethernet port so it can connect to the net for firmware updates and to access bonus features.

There is another model the S-550 due out in the fall it will cost more but it decodes all the audio inside the player.

Overall a week in I'm happy with the purchase and I'm happy I waited for this model.

SuperSonic 5.1 Channel All-Region DVD Player with Karaoke (SC-29D)

2009-12-01T22:05:00.001-08:00

SuperSonic 5.1 Channel All-Region DVD Player with Karaoke (SC-29D)
From Supersonic

PRODUCT FEATURES:Driving active matrixColor TFT LCD displayPlay DVD/film CD, inter-dynamic full motion video DVD/CD, music CD, MP3ESP (electronic shock-proof) for DVD/VCD/CD/MP396KHz/24-bif audio D/A converter for enhanced system flexibility digital audio outSignal system: PAL/NTSC, standard video output, and easy system shiftHeadphone V.S.S. provides great soundLithium ion rechargeable batteryStandard audio and video line output, connect to TV or any audio amplifier

Amazon Sales Rank: #54151 in Consumer Electronics
Brand: Supersonic
Model: SC-299DVD
Dimensions: 6.00 pounds
Display size: 7

greasy player
I picked up one of these and was hoping after having a toshiba all region player and a philips all region player fail in the space of two years that I had finally found a good all region player. Unfortunately the picture was pink and had cross hatching lines. Not only that there was grease in it!. Yes thick grease that is on the underside of the tray that you put your dvd into. I am returning this and will next try a pioneer all region player and pray and hope that the next time I finally will get a good all region player. The whole multi region sectioning was done for control; only we never get alot of titles that come out overseas and so once again region one gets left behind. It's sickening; but we are helpless because we are stuck with a flawed coding system.

Dual XDVD8182 In-Dash DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Touchscreen and Full iPod Interface

2009-11-30T22:05:00.001-08:00

Dual XDVD8182 In-Dash DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Touchscreen and Full iPod Interface
From Dual

200W 7" Flip LCD Monitor, AM/FM/DVD, i-Pod Control, i-Plug, 5.1

Amazon Sales Rank: #1699 in Car Audio or Theater
Color: Black
Brand: Dual
Model: XDVD8182
Dimensions: 11.00" h x 6.00" w x 18.00" l, 4.00 pounds

dual dvd player
fast service from discount jungle. easy to output to additional monitor. my kids love it. search web to add code to disable safety feature to watch while driving. Went to crutchfield to get the installation accessories. It works well with ipod video, although i need to encode at a higher definition.For the price, great value and product. Planning to buy another one for my other vehicle.

I received a faulty product but its crappy anyway.
I received mine and installed. It has good sound even with my car's stock speakers. The screen has very low resolution and on high lightning days is hard to see. The really bad news were that its touch screen is crazy or something. It doesnt work correctly, some commands doesn't work. In ipod mode in order to navigate I push over and over the root botton on the screen and it simply restarts the current song. I hope amazon refunds to me. I buyed this because its lot of features (ipod control) and cause it is cheap too. But take this advice. Stay away for it. In forums very few people talk or know anything about it. It is a ultra low end product. Thats the reason similar products cost double cash. I wrote to manufacturer asking for support 2 weeks ago and still waiting for answer.

Dont waste your time
great price but u get what your paid, it only last 6 months and then is dead, company support do not respond

its a disposable stereo

Farenheit DVD 36 - DVD player

2009-11-29T22:05:00.001-08:00

Farenheit DVD 36 - DVD player
From Farenheit

Farenheit's goal is to create design concepts, different from any other company, and deliver them to its customers with outstanding quality, at affordable prices. Farenheit focuses on the high-end customer that is very selective. This customer is looking for a total car entertainment system, and wants to achieve the highest sound and picture qualities available.PRODUCT FEATURES:Slot Loading DVD for Multiple Angle Mounting;In-Dash, Floor and Under Dash Mounting Brackets;Front Panel A/V RCA Inputs;Flash Memory Recall;Dolby Pro-logic/DTS Compatible;Remote Control;Accessory Remote Eye;OSD On Screen Display;Digital Anti-shock;NTSC/PAL Selectable;DIN Size Trim Ring For Dash Mounting;Cigarette Lighter Plug.

Amazon Sales Rank: #43831 in Consumer Electronics
Brand: Farenheit
Model: 36
Dimensions: 4.00 pounds

quality player with nice options
The farenhiet DVD player is a very nice unit with good features for the money

Outstanding
A great product at a great price. Only caution is the wiring diagram. The instruction manual says one thing, the diagram on top of the unit says another. I followed the manual, darn thing wouldn't work. Then I saw the diagram on the unit. Voila', wired it that way and it works great. It's possible being that I was installing on a boat that the ground setup was different.

Plays great.

JVC XV-N44SL Progressive-Scan DVD Player , Silver

2009-11-28T22:05:00.001-08:00

JVC XV-N44SL Progressive-Scan DVD Player , Silver
From JVC

JVC XV-N44SL introduces a new slim and stylish design for an "all-in-one" player that people are looking for. Not only does it play DVD & CD; it also plays the new CD-R/RW recordable CD formats, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW SVCD, VCD, JPEG and MP3 formats. Don't let the slim design fool you, the XV-N44SL is packed with many exciting features such as Express Play Start, New high-resolution GUI (Graphical User Interface), 3-D Phonic sound, variable and slow search, 6-Step zoom play, digest and strobe play, angle list and resume function. Optical and Coaxial digital audio outputs with Dolby Digital & DTS pass-through are provided for easy connection to any system.

Amazon Sales Rank: #53983 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Silver
Brand: JVC
Model: XVN44SL
Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 999.00 pounds

JVC's ultra-slim XVN44SL DVD player is as much about audio playback as video, having been optimized for the high audio sampling frequency of 192 kHz, providing extra-wide dynamic range to realize the benefits of high-spec sources. Even CD playback benefits from higher-bit digital decoding. You want quality and convenience? Try format compatibility with DVD-Video, VCD, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD, JPEG image CD-R, and MP3 CD. But it's definitely no slouch in the video department, offering JVC's digital direct progressive-scanning. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, providing higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.

The model's 10-bit, 54 MHz video sampling frequency ensures detailed images and clear, pure colors for DVD movies. And, with seven parameters to adjust, the unit's Video Fine Processor (VFP) provides exceptional versatility in fine-tuning images to personal preferences. The player gives a choice of either optical or coaxial digital-audio output for routing Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1-channel surround signals to a compatible audio/video receiver.

Excellent bang for the buck!
PROS:
1) Screen zoom. I love it for collecting widescreen movies for the future, but viewing them full or near-full screen now. Wouldn't want to be without this feature now that I have it.

2) The 1.5x playback speed with audio is great! Especially when watching somewhat boring interviews in the bonus material of a DVD.

3) MP3 playback with on-screen folder and track selection. Works excellent! There is a slight pause between tracks, but that is common with most mp3 playback devices. No FF or RW support though. Playing back standard CD audio doesn't have any on-screen info, but you can FF & RW.

4) Less than half the thickness of my last DVD player.

CONS:
1) The jpeg playback is a nice feature, but my 2 and 3 megapixel images are are re-rendered at a blocky 640x480. You can zoom in on the images but it does not re-render, so you're zooming in on the initially rendered 640x480 image. Unit will not display images wider than 2400 pixels.

ALLEGED ISSUES:
1) "Made in China": So what, everything is made there now. My HP laptop, and my Motorola phone both made in China, and both of excellent durable quality!

2) "Light as a feather": It's a DVD player not an amplifier. Why should it be heavy? They're not going to add ballast to it just to make simpletons happy with it's weight. But ya know what? This unit feels SOLID; and it's not *that* light. Full metal casing except for the front panel. 'nuff said.

3) "Comparable to APEX": Not in the least. Apex is junk and most units won't play the full gamut of DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW. This unit plays them all. VCD and SVCD CD-R's too.

4) "Horrible picture quality and jittering": Not that I can tell. The picture quality is on par with every other DVD player I've ever used, and the only "jittering" you might see is on text when using S-VIDEO--like on EVERY OTHER DVD player. This is a non-unique issue.

5) "Doesn't play some discs": Haven't experienced that.

6) "Video streaking": Just played a fight scene from the Matrix and didn't notice that either.

Plays EVERYTHING!
This little dvd player is great for two big reasons:

1. CHEAP
2. plays every single disc i've put in it - including stuff that regular players won't play (like vcds or dvds from asia)

the quality of picture is great, and i haven't had any problems with it so far.

Best Buy!
For those not wanting to spend $300 on multiple DVD players, this little single unit is the proverbial sh*t. Set up took all of 2 minutes and then I was into my first DVD. Gorgeous picture, intuitive functions and a complete remote round out this fine example of a single player unit. Couldn't be happier. Bonus... it plays jpeg picture CD's... which to a digital photo happy family like us, is awesome.

Philips DVP3345V/17 DVD/VCR Combo

2009-11-27T22:05:00.001-08:00

Philips DVP3345V/17 DVD/VCR Combo
From Philips

This product has been Factory-Refurbished to perform as if it were new. It includes a manufacturer's 90-Day Warranty. The DVD/VCR Combo by Philips combines both old technology and new technology to preserve your memorable moments. Not only does it play video cassettes, but also DVDs as well, so you can watch your child tapes on VHS and also the latest action-flicks on DVD without having to operate multiple devices. It also has the capability of viewing images along with MP3 and WMA music files. Play MP3 or WMA music (also while viewing pictures) Progressive scan doubles the vertical resolution of the image for crisp, flicker-free picture Hi-Fi stereo VHS plays true stereo VHS Compatibility - CD, VCD, DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R, DL-, VHS MP3, WMA audio formats JPEG digital images Unit Dimensions - 17.13 W x 3.7 H x 9.17 D

Amazon Sales Rank: #1341 in Consumer Electronics
Brand: Philips
Model: DVP3345V/17
Dimensions: 8.00 pounds

Thanks for posting that this does NOT have a tuner!
Thank you to all the people posting that this does unit does NOT have a tuner, since Amazon doesn't seem to have that fact anywhere in their product description. I figured that it didn't, based on the price, but having that spelled out clearly in the listings would be pretty useful and save on Amazon having to deal with a bunch of returns from people who needed to have one with a tuner. Philips may be a decent brand, but we don't have a cable or satellite box and hook up our stuff directly to the RF cable from the cable company, so this unit would do us no good whatsoever. If your cable hook up setup is similar, SKIP this unit.

Great DVD/VCR player combo
Plays all formats flawlessly. Easy to read remote. Troublefree setup. Philips is a Dutch company which produces quality stuff. Beats the price and quality of any Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese products.

Great value
This is an excellent value. The description neglects to state this model is not cable ready. There are two solutions.

1. Use a cable converter box.
2. Purchase a (female) coax to (male) RCA converter for a few dollars.