Need help finding a budget DVD player for a christmas gift.

[coolred]

My girlfriend and her brother plan to buy thier parents a DVD player for christmas, and they have no idea what to look for. Her brother kinda does, but it would likely buy a more expensive model, when they really don't need it. They do watch a lot of movies, so reliability is a plus(read, don't recommend Apex)they don't have HDTV, nor do i see them getting it in the near future so progressive scan is not needed, but okay if it has it. I have done some looking online, but there are just so many to choose from that its hard to pick one. I would think 100.00 dollars or less would be plenty, they don't need anything too fancy, oh yeah ease of use would be a big plus. No other requirments really, they just need a DVD player to watch the occasional movie, what do you suggest?

 

[LongCoolMother]

i just went to go pick up a cheap apex player today at sears its the 1225 model i believe. its $30. yes, $30 only and can play everything. looks pretty nice too. they also had a koss player WITH progressive scan for like $49. cheap these days!

 

[Danman]

Originally posted by: LongCoolMother
i just went to go pick up a cheap apex player today at sears its the 1225 model i believe. its $30. yes, $30 only and can play everything. looks pretty nice too. they also had a koss player WITH progressive scan for like $49. cheap these days!

I have the Apex dude. It plays everything, and it was cheap. Get it!

 

[coolred]

There was a reason I said not to recommend apex players. Sure they are cheap, but they(at least most of the models I have seen) have a habit of not being able to read most DVDs after about a months use.

 

[DaveSimmons]

JVC, Sony, Panasonic in the $70-100 range are now better than the $400 players of a couple of years ago, and they should all play DVD-R 's for home movies (probably +R too but you'd need to check manufacturer specs). Reliability should be a bit higher than the $30-50 players.

The Sony at least is a super-slim player which makes it easy to fit on top of a VCR or under a cable box.

Buy.com has been running deals on JVC models, you might check there.

PS I got a sony last year to replace an old Panasonic, and the tracking of rental discs (netflix) is excellent. Speaking of which, a 3-month, 2-disc netflix gift membership might be a good companion gift if they have net access.

 

[LongCoolMother]

Originally posted by: coolred
There was a reason I said not to recommend apex players. Sure they are cheap, but they(at least most of the models I have seen) have a habit of not being able to read most DVDs after about a months use.

i that case, i also saw a KLH player at best buy, $50. looked pretty nice too, had a display, pretty slim, pretty good. if you can, you might want to find some panasonic players made in japan. i also have a pana rv31 made in japan. high quality stuff!

 

[OREOSpeedwagon]

I saw in hot deals that there's going to be a $26 apex dvd player at walmart on the day after thanksgiving.

 

[Reel]

I saw a cheap one, about $30, at Best Buy today. I think it was Polaroid brand which I have no idea about. I also saw in one of those Black Friday ad postings somewhere that there was going to be one for $10 after rebates. At the very least, you can expect that some places will have DVD players on Black Friday and if you can brave the crowds, it is worth going.

 

[bernse]

Originally posted by: coolred
There was a reason I said not to recommend apex players. Sure they are cheap, but they(at least most of the models I have seen) have a habit of not being able to read most DVDs after about a months use.

I've never had a problem with my Apex, nor anyone else I know with Apex's.

Their fine players. Inexpensive, but get the job done. If you want to spend more (as you seem determined too), than be our guest. It's not necessary though.

 

[coolred]

I've never had a problem with my Apex, nor anyone else I know with Apex's.

Their fine players. Inexpensive, but get the job done. If you want to spend more (as you seem determined too), than be our guest. It's not necessary though.

I am not trying to spend more then i need to, and maybe it doesn't relate to all apex models, and definately not evey single unit. But I know of at least 2-3 models from apex which after very little use, fail to recgonize any discs. I am not determinied to spend more then I have to, but I figure why take the chance of buying a 30 dollar unit that may break down after a month, when i can buy a 60 dollar unit that should hold up for years

 

[huesmann]

Sears, Best Buy, Circuit City. All will no doubt have cheap players for Christmas.

No probs with my Apexes after owning them 3 years in one case, 2 years in another.

 

[CFster]

Should be able to find a Panasonic with progressive scan in the $100 to $125 range.

 

[nitsuj3580]

Originally posted by: coolred

I've never had a problem with my Apex, nor anyone else I know with Apex's.

Their fine players. Inexpensive, but get the job done. If you want to spend more (as you seem determined too), than be our guest. It's not necessary though.

I am not trying to spend more then i need to, and maybe it doesn't relate to all apex models, and definately not evey single unit. But I know of at least 2-3 models from apex which after very little use, fail to recgonize any discs. I am not determinied to spend more then I have to, but I figure why take the chance of buying a 30 dollar unit that may break down after a month, when i can buy a 60 dollar unit that should hold up for years

my apex 1500 is still treating me well after 3 years. plays everything.

 

[MazerRackham]

I got a progressive scan Panasonic from costco for $90 plus it had a $20 rebate (online or MIR redeemable). It's great!!