DVD Player + DD/DTS Receiver

[cKGunslinger]

OK, I'm finally fed up with my RCA receiver/DVD player. It was nice and cheap, had a 5-disk changer, decoded DD5.1, PLII, and DTS, and had adequate speakers.

The problem is, it just won't play DVDs reliably anymore. I'm sure it has something to do with being a few years old, having the kids load it with dirty/smudged disks, and those hideously-scratched Netflix DVDs. But even after several cleaning disks, the damn thing works perfectly 25% of the time, complains about "incompatible disks" 25%, and just plays with stops and skips every 5-10 seconds the remaining 50% of the time - even on brand new DVDs.

So anyway, I'm looking to replace it soon (or if anyone has any suggestions on fixing my current one), and while I'm no audiophile, I'd like something rather decent.

Budget: ~$150 or less (preferable less)

Requirements:
* Plays DVDs and DVD-Rs (divx, VCD/SVCD, mp3, etc all bonuses, but not required)
* Progressive Scan
* Built in DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder
* Component or HDMI output
* 3 or more inputs (GameCube, PC, TiVo)

I suppose I would consider a separate receiver and DVD player, *if* they both come in under budget. Also, if they could share a remote, that would be great - my wife already complains (rightly so) that watching a movie now requires too many remotes, so adding another to the mix might push her (and me) over the edge.


Things I've considered:

eBay - Refurb Onkyo DR C500 - $150 + s/h (probalby a bit over budget)

 

[Raduque]

Does that thing have a digital input? If so, just get a DVD player that's under your budget.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: Raduque
Does that thing have a digital input? If so, just get a DVD player that's under your budget.

That's an option, I suppose. But space is becoming a factor (although a slim DVD player would work.) Then there's the extra remote issue...

 

[Raduque]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger

Originally posted by: Raduque
Does that thing have a digital input? If so, just get a DVD player that's under your budget.

That's an option, I suppose. But space is becoming a factor (although a slim DVD player would work.) Then there's the extra remote issue...

Well, unless you get another dvd/reciever you're going to have the remotes issue with a dvd/reciever seperates. That kind of thing doesn't bother me, personally, i have 6 remotes.......

Honestly, I can't help you too much with this, because I haven't had a DVD player since I built my HTPC. Might find some more help over on avsforums.com, but watch out for some of those guys who tend to be seperates snobs and hate HTiBs and combo devices.

 

[DaveSimmons]

If your budget is tight, Raduque suggestion to get a $30-50 DVD player puts you $100+ ahead compared to another combo.

Just make sure the DVD player has the same kind of digital out, optical or coax, as the RCA has digital in. For coax digital you can use a yellow composite video cable for a cheap connection, a $5 one is fine.