Looking into dvd players

[Rifterion]

I'm getting a dedicated dvd player soon, i.e. not for my pc. I'm trying to figure out what players have what I'm looking for. If any of you have dvd players that match what I'm looking for here or have some comments on what to look for / what not to, please post 'em for me.

It should be able to play, besides dvd's, mp3 cd's and regular music cd's.

I don't really use vcd's at all, am not really familiar with the format they are saved in. I noticed that some players are able to read cd-r and cd-rw formats, so I'm assuming that means vcd capability. Is this an mpg format?

It needs to have ac3/dts, dolby digital passthru for my future reciever I believe composite or optical out is the easiest way.

S-video out for video.

I've been told about progressive scan output for tv's that can handle it, and while my current tv is a piece I assume that technology will be cheaper in the future and I'll have that eventually. So, if possible, I'm heading for this as well.

I prefer quality, and this will just be one piece of a work in progress.

All of my searches turned up dvd players in the over $400 range, but what I'm headed for is < $200. Thanks for any help you give.

 

[RossMAN]

If you're a Costco member or know someone who is I would check them out first. I've seen a great Panasonic DVD Player for $99 and Toshiba for $89. From what I remember both play audio CD's, DVDs, MP3's, VCD's and more. Plus those prices are amazing, combine that with Costco's return policy.

They also have a progressive scan model or two, can't recall the prices though.

To get an idea for prices and features check out BestBuy.com

 

[T2T III]

Or, if you have a Sam's Club membership, you could check to see if they have any Daewoo players. The Daewoo models that they carry wouldn't feature progressive scan. However, if you don't plan on getting a TV that could accomodate that option for more than 2 years down the road, then don't buy it as an option today.

As RossMAN indicated, the Panasonic players at Costco are also some other great deals. Panasonic makes a great player, too. Actually, Best Buy has a Panasonic on sale this week. $119.99 - $20.00 (mail-in rebate). Model #: DVD-RV32K. Link to specs: DVD-RV32K

Another link to Crutchfield where more details are provided (along with more photos): DVD-RV32K @ Crutchfield - The only part that disappoints me is that a digital coax connection isn't provided. Personally, I prefer digital coax over the optical connection - but, that's just me.

Oh, one more thing. If you have received the Best Buy 10% off coupons for this coming weekend, you could save another $11.99 off the purchase price. $88.00 for this DVD player is not too bad considering it will also play MP3s and WMA media.

 

[Rifterion]

good thought, I really don't need progressive scan, that just came from wanting to have all the options

unfortunately, in Fairbanks Alaska there is no costco and no bestbuy and shipping costs tend to make up the difference in online prices . . . I'll try Sam's Club

 

[NuclearFusi0n]

perhaps you should get a POS now (no component/HDTV output, etc) that just works and just barely scrapes by, and get a HTPC (home theater PC, everything from a scaler to a progressive scan DVD player) later on...