Under $200 DVD Players?

[flexodude]

Its been over a week, lots of reading and I'm still undecided on which model to go with. I have an analog 36" Sony TV. I don't want to spend a fortune because of the BLU-RAY.

Here's some that have caught my attention:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_DVP_NS575P_S/4505-6463_7-30796989.html?tag=pdtl-list

http://reviews.cnet.com/Pioneer_DV_588A/4505-6463_7-31419429.html?tag=pdtl-list

http://reviews.cnet.com/Philips_DVP5960_37/4505-6463_7-31871079.html?tag=pdtl-list&ar=o

http://reviews.cnet.com/Samsung_DVD_HD850/4505-6463_7-31292239.html?tag=pdtl-list

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/electronics/dvd-players/index.html

http://www.onlybestrated.com/lda531-1080i-upconverting-divx-xvid-player-with-hdmi-p-47.html?osCsid=6448be96b55e3cd33cbb75a927e42297

http://www.onlybestrated.com/oppo-opdv971h-1080i-hdtvready-divx-player-with-output-p-45.html

• I put the OPPO at the bottom, secrets has it rated as the best but I've read that it looks very average on an analog TV.
• Secrets also likes the Pioneer DV 588A, it seems like a descent player.
• CNET really likes this player on an analog TV, Sony DVP NS575P S

 

[billy p]

Hey flex still doing the homework ic.I f you want my opion go the the pioneer or oppo.

 

[flexodude]

I wish I could find some mention of how the OPPO looks on a analog TV . The pioneer is mentioned on secrets as a recommended player under $150, its to bad he doesn't mention others that fit into this recommended list.

 

[flexodude]

Billy, I havn't totally forgotten the LG 531 i'm going to test drive it tomorrow. 2001 Audio Video has it and the cheap Sony but nothing else on my short list. They have the Panasonic S77 but its $299, ouch!

 

[Nomo]

I guess I'm not quite clear on why you want to spend upwards of $200 on a player. Obviously, with that TV upconversion is not a factor. By saying that I'm not trying to be insulting.
What exactly are your needs?
You mentioned the thought of not spending too much because of BR/HDDVD, and I understand that, but what is keeping you from simply running to Walmart and buying one for fourty bucks?

 

[flexodude]

My thinking is I still have to live with this for a couple years, I rent 1or 2 dvd's a week and I'd like to get something half descent, with good video and sound to match up with my Yammy.
The more I think about it the Pioneer 588 for $150 will meet my needs for now.
Now to find a dealer that sells it, I went to the Pioneer Canada site and it lists a few dealers.

 

[flexodude]

Billy here's what scares me with the OPPO:

This function works best on fixed pixel displays, such as LCD or Plasma sets, the upscaling may result in harsh images on standard CRT and Projection sets. In addition, if your television has a native display resolution other than 720p or 1080i, the TV's video processor will rescale the incoming signal to its own specification, which can also yield different results on the final, displayed television image.

 

[farscaper]

You can get the LG 531 for $99 at electronics-for-less in Ontario. It upconverts, reads DivX, Xvid, AVI, mp3 and all the standard music and video formats.

http://www.electronicsforless.ca/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=326

 

[flexodude]

Thanks for the link, that's a good price, I almost bought my HSU sub from them.

 

[billy p]

I guess this was the reason why I answered your 1st question the way I did when you frist thought about the oppo!! lg is good player only reason I returned it for the oppo was no cable came with it and oppo included dvi so cost wise to me it was equal!!
PS: WHY DIDN'T YOU GET THE SUB FROM THEM LOOKS LIKE A VERY GOOD PRICE ON THE DVD PLAYER!!

 

[flexodude]

I didn't want something that heavy being delivered so I picked one up on Queenway Ave. for the same price that he was offering me. I paid around $600.
Billy did you read what they say about the OPPO and using it on a CRT TV.

 

[billy p]

Oppo And Analog

I think that was the main reason I suggested another player.The oppo is very good but ALL THE REVIEWS WERE DONE WITH THE DVI IN 720P at least the one's I saw and read.Much like the one's you are doing now!!All I heard it's avg at best with comp output. The one thing I know is technology will always evolve and what you just bought is outdated very rapidly,but the oppo will a least bridge the gap untill the dvd-hd and or blue ray take over!! (AT LEAST FOR ME)

 

[3x10^8]

I posted this player in another thread. It's a new model, have not seen it personally. But perhaps you could. This pioneer has hdmi upconversion and is only $99. Here's a direct link to pioneer.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_15020669_301660907,00.html

onecall in the states has it for $99 with free fed-ex 3-day shipping:
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=12-3%2C6-32&id=32069

 

[jcPanny]

Oppo info.

The good processing and scalling chip on the Oppo is on the DVI board and only works on that output. Thus, the analog performance is poor in comparison. Secrets tested both outputs so you can see the comparision in their benchmark.

 

[flexodude]

Pioneer Canada has a new model coming in a month that replaces the 588a, it should be interesting because the 588a was a very popular model and is sold out in most places.

 

[df4801]

panasonic S97 for $179

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4060298

 

[billy p]

panasonic S97 for $179

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4060298

BUT AROUND 290.00 IN CANADA.

 

[df4801]

Another reason to move to the U.S.

 

[flexodude]

Panasonic S77

http://www.compusmart.com/Product/Default.aspx?SupplierPartNo=462043

 

[flexodude]

Thanks for the help everyone!


I settled for the Pioneer DV-578, I wanted the 588 but they were sold out. Its got great video, didn't have to adjust anything, skin tones were right on, and the sound is good too.

I put a DVD audio disk in and it didn't sound right, so I will have to read up on this, I'm only using a coax audio out, but I thought I read some place that it needs analog connections for playing DVD audio.