Need a home theater DVD player

[Redfallon]

Well my DVD player finally crapped out, and I am looking to replace it with a progressive scan DVD player that will play DVD -r or +r without a problem (doesn't have to be both, just one will work, preferrably which ever is better!) I don't know anything about the dvd formats, but want to know if anyone knows a cheap reliable player.

[bailey]

the one I got runs both formats just fine

Toshiba SD-K620

[RenamonXP]

Ive got a 300Watt DVD home theater system if you need on. Brand is Koss its silver in color. Ill post specs if you'd like to see them.

[Hi Ho]

Panasonic makes very nice DVD players. I don't think they would have any trouble reading the +/- formats. I have an Aiwa player and it is absolutly superb. Very high quality and it has played every format I have thrown at it. It was not cheap, however, ($350) but it was worth it for me. Unfortunatly I don't think Aiwa makes DVD players anymore. I bought this one about three years ago and I haven't seen any newer models. If I were you I would go for a Panasonic.

[nocturnx]

I have a 5-disc Panasonic 500w surround sound theater system and it works great, reads both +/- R formats. Sounds really nice and a fair price, no problems, I would recommend one.

[Redfallon]

Thanx guys, someone recommended panasonic too me. Sounds like that would be the brand to go with!

[SonicVanguard]

Panasonic's new DVD players look like they are junk from everything I've read and seen. A good friend that's in upper management for a big box retailer has seen too many Panasonic's come back recently. Too much cost cutting by the pennypinchers at the corporate level trying to squeeze out every little drop of margin they can.

Stick with Sony or Toshiba. Their bilt like rocks.

Dave.

[glc]

Too bad - Panasonic used to make good stuff in all their product lines.

[SonicVanguard]

Originally posted by glc
Too bad - Panasonic used to make good stuff in all their product lines.
Very true. I hope it's not a continuing problem. I've been looking at their 50" plasma screen as of late. I'd consider it one of the top three on the market.

I would tend to believe Panasonic has gone the way of many consumer electronic's giants by allowing third party vendors to supply the entire package rather than a few parts on some of the more entry-level models. I just hope that's the case - I recall their rear-projection TV's from a few years ago. They were horrible. The green lens or 'gun' was very over-saturated which caused the lens to burn out too quickly. I still do not like the picture from Panasonic projection screen TV's, but most of their other products are very good. But I'll be staying clear of their DVD players.

Dave.

[Hi Ho]

All companies have problems some times. One glitch in an assembly line can cause a whole line of products to be problematic. I too hope it's not a continuing problem. I own many Panasonic products from home theater recievers, to digital cameras and I am very pleased with all of them.

[Tin]

hey red....ditch that DVD player and get yourself this (http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/cPath/23/products_id/150). all you need to add is a laptop HDD and youre ready to roll. id like one myself for an HTPC. its very small and will play all the movies and music you like, plus its a computer.

[Redfallon]

I've been considering a HTPC build...Don't know if I'd go *that* small as I was thinking PVR capabilities with it also. Thanx for the link though, for DVD playing as well as digital music that would work. Also thanx for the heads up on panacronic guys ;) Tin or anyone else, how big do laptops HDD's go??? The HTPC idea may have to be put on hold for a while now, as just last night I was given an Ibook (first MAC for me!) only problem it's LCD is near shattered, no usable image, and I am hunting around for a good deal on ebay.

[glc]

At this point in time, the largest 2.5" notebook hard drives are 80gb. They are just under $200.

[Redfallon]

thanx G, if I do one day decide to build a HTPC I know I'll be asking alot more questions. I've never dealt with mini-atx or laptops//laptop opticals, HDD's or anything. This Ibook I have now will be a learning experience! But hey, the price was right!

[doctorgonzo]

I bought a Panasonic about a year ago since it was top-rated by Consumer Reports. I haven't had any problems with it at all. I hope that their new players don't have quality problems.

[fudtone]

I got a 80$ unit from Walmart about 2 years ago (cheepest they had) it has never givin me any issues at all.

[Hi Ho]

Well I noticed something interesting when I was researching DVD recorders recently. There is a Panasonic unit at Crutchfield that I was looking at. I was also looking at a Samsung unit at Newegg. I noticed they had very similar specs. Then I noticed that the remotes are exactly the same. Finally I noticed that the back of the two units is exactly the same. The only thing different is the brand name and the front panel. I hope Samsung isn't making Panasonic DVD players now. Samsung makes good memory chips and displays but optical devices are not their strong point.

[RayH]

Most manufacturers subcontract the assembly to China. You might want to check out this unit. It DOES seem to have the ability to play EVERYTHING that's thrown at it.

http://www.videos2dvd.com/rj4000.html