Standalone DVD Players

[Soccer55]

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good standalone DVD player for my TV or a some place that I can look at with that kind of information. I don't really care about having multiple discs, although playing CDRs would be nice. I only have $300 or so to spend, and I was looking at the Pioneer DV-333 because I've seen a lot of people here recommend the Pioneer players. Thanks in advance.

-Tom

 

[Raspewtin]

Pioneer's have the best downconversion from widescreen to regular. If you have $300 bucks, why not just get a PS2 which will give you decent performance plus added functionality? Just buy a remote to go with it.

 

[sohcrates]

sony dvp-s360

superb reviews...great entry level sony..only 2 inches high!!

should play cd-r's (i think all new sony's do, but i could be wrong)

 

[thebestMAX]

I second Sony, either 360 or 560 model. Both have a $50 rebate right now.

560 - 284 before rebate (Top of the line in your price range)

360 - ~225 before rebate

Above prices at Best Buy, You can do a LOT BETTER !

 

[Tauren]

I bought a Pioneer (not sure which model, I'm at work) and I have been very pleased with it.

 

[Soccer55]

How is the PS2 DVD quality compared to say the Pioneer 503 or the 2 Sony models that thebestMAX recommended? I forgot to mention that 5.1 outs on the player would be nice because my stereo system in my room at home can do 5.1 surround. Thanks guys for the all of the replies so far

-Tom

 

[divinemartyr]

The Toshiba SD-2200 is a dual disc player with component outputs, and both coaxial and optical digital outs. The picture quality is better than most other consumer brands (Philips, Sony, Pioneer) and they have an extremely low failure rate. I used to rent these for a rental company and the Toshibas were by far the highest quality with the lowest failure rate, the JVC being the worst we used.

The PS2 is not a good solution for watching DVD movies, the picture aspect ratios are handled terribly. It will function as one, but you should only buy this as your DVD player if you planned to buy the system originally.

dm

 

[Raspewtin]

I disagree that Toshiba has better picture than Pioneer. Pioneer seems clearly better picture and downconversion to me (Pioneer ELite DV-37 vs. Toshiba 6200). A much cleaner picture.

most mainstream dvd players are better than the PS2. The best way is to go the store and compare. If you can't tell the difference (many can't), then you should consider it (if you would ever buy PS2 games). BTW I've never had problems with aspect ratios with PS2, but I've only played a few.

 

[divinemartyr]

<< BTW I've never had problems with aspect ratios with PS2. >>



Play a letterboxed version of any movie on the PS2, then play it on a decent quality standalone player. You'll see what I'm talking about. The PS2 greatly distorts images, not to mention the color bleeding is terrible as well. If it's good enough for you, that's all that really matters though, I've just been spoiled by the Toshiba unit and could never go to something such as the PS2, as to me, the quality is substandard.



<< I disagree that Toshiba has better picture than Pioneer. Pioneer seems clearly better picture and downconversion to me (Pioneer ELite DV-37 vs. Toshiba 6200). A much cleaner picture. >>



Hey, everyone is entitled to an opinion I'm just going by what I see, and reviews I've read based on the accuracy of the various Toshiba units. They rank among the best, I have yet to see a Pioneer reviewed amongst those ranks, but then again maybe I'm reading the wrong magazine.

dm

 

[thebestMAX]

The 560 has 5.1 outputs as well as optical cable and digital co-ax and 2 s-vhs out. One of the main reasons I bought one. Has 2 other audio outs, 2 RCA type video outs and component video outs also. Overkill but hard to obsolete soon.

Think the 360 is the same player but with fewer outputs, no 5.1 Im pretty sure.

Again, $234 at BB but you could do better.

PS: Pretty good remote compared to some others also.

 

[bcterps]

I have the Pioneer DV-525 which is the model that the DV-333 replaces. It has worked flawless in my home theater system. I saw it at my local Costco for $180, which is a pretty good price. It plays CDRs and VCDs as well.

--Ben

 

[Raspewtin]

<< . They rank among the best, I have yet to see a Pioneer reviewed amongst those ranks. >>



the best is actually to see the DVD players yourself. magazine reviews can be very biased for example if you check audio review.com, you'll see the Pioneer DV-09 got a consumer review's choice award, and no Toshiba model has ever received the same recommendation. like you said, all that matters is you enjoy what you have.



<< Play a letterboxed version of any movie on the PS2, then play it on a decent quality standalone player. You'll see what I'm talking about. The PS2 greatly distorts images, not to mention the color bleeding is terrible as well. >>



are you talking about anamorphic or non-anamorphic? I played an anamorphic dvd yesterday on it and it looked perfect. I also played a non-anamorphic full screen and it looked fine also. I do not have any letterbox non-anamorphic, but I will check it out (the dvd player seems non-anmorphic letterbox and non-anamorhphic full screen as the same so it shouldn't be any different). Also have you actually seen the problem or just read that in a magazine, b/c the DVD playback for American ps2s is hardware while japanese ps2s is software, so there may be a problem with one that is not with the other.

 

[divinemartyr]

<< Also have you actually seen the problem or just read that in a magazine, b/c the DVD playback for American ps2s is hardware while japanese ps2s is software, so there may be a problem with one that is not with the other. >>



Yeah my roommate owns the PS2, I had problems with all 3 discs I tried. I eventually just played it on the standalone DVD player.

dm

 

[Antisocial Virge]

Sony S360 does not play CDR. In fact I don't think any of them do but I could be mistaken.

 

[Zoltar]

Here we go again. Wanna play CDR's? Check here

 

[Spamela]

i have a Sony 560 that i bought for $259 shipped before rebate. movies look and sound great on it.