I need a DVD player... Should I just get an Xbox?

Wingznut

Elite Member
Dec 28, 1999
16,968
2
0
I have been using my PS2 to watch DVD's (which actually isn't all that often.) But lately, there have been more instances of "Cannot read from disc."

Correct me if I am wrong, but the ability to play SVCD's is about the only advantage of a stand-alone DVD, right? I'm not into pirating movies, so SVCD isn't an issue to me. Someday I may decide to copy my home movies to DVD, but that's not important to me right now.

Any other reason that I SHOULD NOT go with an Xbox?
 

fatbaby

Banned
May 7, 2001
6,427
1
0
a reason you should not get the xbox is that the dvd kit is free after mir :)

I don't know if xbox is progressive scan though and if xbox uses an svideo or component video connection (will be helpful if you plan to buy an hdtv in the near future)

 

Yzzim

Lifer
Feb 13, 2000
11,990
1
76
standard DVD player - $100ish

Xbox - $200

If you're only going to use it for the DVDs then you should be able to do the math.
 

Wingznut

Elite Member
Dec 28, 1999
16,968
2
0
I know there's a price difference. (Jeez, how dumb do you think I am, where that needs to be pointed out to me??? ;) )

And no, I wouldn't use it as a DVD player only. I would obviously use it to play games, as well.


I thought the Xbox had progressive scan. No?
 

PsychoAndy

Lifer
Dec 31, 2000
10,735
0
0
In the spirit of RossMAN....

Perhaps this may be better posted at DVDTalk.com. They may know more.

Also, use ebates and order online, you may save some $. Amex BVG may help, as well as Buyers Assurance (warranty extension)

-PAB
 

BD2003

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
16,815
1
81
GC and Xbox absolutely have progressive, but not sure about for dvds...

I assume its a matter of software if anything, so I'd say if not now, then soon.
 

crawford

Golden Member
Jan 23, 2002
1,425
0
0
I think its a pretty good dvd player. Oh yea wingnut we never left eachother feedback from the game i sold you, i tried pming you but i never got an answer. lmk
 

flood

Diamond Member
Oct 17, 1999
4,213
0
76
the xbox has the electronic capability to output a progressive scan signal, but its not an option in the software. It does support component output (looks suprisingly better than the standard dongle).

I'd say go for the xbox. Getting a DVD player with component out will cost about $180 (for a good one).
 

Ameesh

Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
23,686
1
0
Originally posted by: Wingznut PEZ
I know there's a price difference. (Jeez, how dumb do you think I am, where that needs to be pointed out to me??? ;) )

And no, I wouldn't use it as a DVD player only. I would obviously use it to play games, as well.


I thought the Xbox had progressive scan. No?

It has the capability but the dvd player is not progressive scan right now.
 

tigerbait

Diamond Member
Jan 8, 2001
5,155
1
0
Originally posted by: flood
the xbox has the electronic capability to output a progressive scan signal, but its not an option in the software. It does support component output (looks suprisingly better than the standard dongle).

I'd say go for the xbox. Getting a DVD player with component out will cost about $180 (for a good one).


The XBOX can output games in progressive scan, but they scrapped the feature for DVD movies because of copy protection (I guess Macrovision doesn't work with component video :confused: )

I was hope that in the future the modchips or evoX bios will enable progressive scan playback. They seem to be able to do everything else :p
 

amnesiac

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
15,781
1
71
Sold my Panasonic progressive scan DVD player to my neighbor because my Xbox does a fine job with DVDs.

If you need progressive scan, don't use the Xbox. It can't do progressive scan for DVDs, only games.

Component out with Xbox is beautiful. S-video out is very good. Overall playback is smooth and crisp, much better than the PS2. I've owned both so I am not biased.
It is, however, slightly more finicky about scratched discs than a normal DVD player. Remote is well laid out and all features are on there.

However, the Xbox does not read MP3 CD's or SVCDS like most new DVD players either. If that's not an issue, then by all means get an Xbox.
 

Pooteh

Senior member
Aug 12, 2002
503
0
0
unless you need progressive for some really nice hdtv, get an xbox. its dvd capabilities are better then ps2. its output is very good.
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
79,083
456
136
I vote buy the XBOX. Just make sure to do two things when you buy it.

1) Buy it at either BB and get the extended warranty or buy it from CostCo (they have a nice bundle and the BEST most liberal return policy).
2) Purchase it using a major VISA/MC/AMEX.
 
Jan 9, 2002
5,232
0
0
Screw the Xbox- it doesn't have an optical digital output. Maybe I just didn't notice it on a friend's... get a PS2. I can't believe both consoles are only $199 now! :Q
 

Imported

Lifer
Sep 2, 2000
14,679
23
81
Originally posted by: NightFlyerGTI
Screw the Xbox- it doesn't have an optical digital output. Maybe I just didn't notice it on a friend's... get a PS2. I can't believe both consoles are only $199 now! :Q

And to think I got mine free..! :Q
 

Yzzim

Lifer
Feb 13, 2000
11,990
1
76
Originally posted by: NightFlyerGTI
Screw the Xbox- it doesn't have an optical digital output. Maybe I just didn't notice it on a friend's

AFAIK it does. I just bought an optical cable and it said "Compatible with Xbox Hi Def. pack!" or something like that.

I know there's a price difference. (Jeez, how dumb do you think I am, where that needs to be pointed out to me??? ;) )

:p
 

res1bhmg

Banned
Jul 25, 2002
206
0
0
BTW, don't buy the Monster cables for the Xbox, unless you feel like shelling out for their "proprietary" optical cable as well (regular ones are incompatible with the Monster cable).
 

PaNsyBoy8

Golden Member
Jul 19, 2001
1,446
0
0
The xbox does have optical out via the high definition pack, i know this for a fact because that's what i'm using. i've also read that the xbox is the only console to offer digital sound, i'm not exactly sure if this is true or not, but that's what i read, maybe its only for game, i dunno, but if you really want to know, i can check for you using my friend's ps2. xbox dvd playback is awesome, much better than ps2 from my experiences. so in summary, get the xbox, besides good games are comming out soon, i.e. sega gt 2002
 

Wingznut

Elite Member
Dec 28, 1999
16,968
2
0
Thanks for the replies! :)

However, I think that many of you (NightFlyerGTI, in particular) didn't bother to read my initial post.... Or even my first six words, "I have been using my PS2..."

I ALREADY have a PS2, so it's not an Xbox vs PS2 thing.
rolleye.gif


It's an Xbox vs DVD thing. :)
 

MainFramed

Diamond Member
May 29, 2002
5,981
1
0
i have got both the ps2 and the box, i think you might wanna stay with the ps2. I have only had my xbox since chritstmas 01. and for about a month its been acting up. It 2 gives me these cannot read disk prompts. I get more of those on the box than ps2.