Question:
I am about to buy my first DVD and I find it difficult to chose the right range, let alone the right make and model. So I would really like to understand the right "ballpark" for me and consider some models. What I want is:
I don't mind spending up to 300 pounds for a mid-range player, as long as what it offers is better build and performance rather than features I don't need. What I am looking for is
[list=1]
[/list=1] Great picture (but my TV is a 29" 50Hz Sony, so I guess I don't need progressive scan nor component output)
CD, MP3 playback and ideally - JPEG
I will plug it in a Bose home theatre system, so I don't need Dolby decoder and perhaps any audio thrills like dialog enhancer. I am not sure whether I need a good audio performance for the sake of playing MP3 (The Bose has CD).
And I would like a robust machine.
The question is - is there any point in going for a mid-range and if yes, which model would be worth it because of the picture and build quality, not because of the audio enhancements?
Any help is appreciated.
The difference between the latest budget models from the renown brands like Pioneer and Toshiba , and midrange models isn't that great. You are not going to notice anything lacking when you buy the budget model. You would have to do a side-by-side comparison to notice the increase in picture quality on the midrange models.DVD sound quality varies very little between players if using the digital output.
If your TV is only a 29" Sony then you may as well stick to the well recieved budget models such as the Pioneer 454 or 350 , or the Toshiba SD220E.
Thanks a lot! I also didn't expect a big difference in picture quality on a budget-midrange basis, but what about the quality/reliability of the build? Someone was telling me that the budget units are much more prone to stop reading CDs etc because of plastic lenses...
There's a big difference between the quality of budget (eg £70 from Argos) and entry level Toshibas and Pioneers.
Originally posted by martinpetrov
Thanks a lot! I also didn't expect a big difference in picture quality on a budget-midrange basis, but what about the quality/reliability of the build? Someone was telling me that the budget units are much more prone to stop reading CDs etc because of plastic lenses...
Unfortunately there is no way of knowing the quality/reliability of the drive mechanism. I would not be surprised if the midrange models had the same drive unit installed as the budget model from the same manucturer. With the money you save buying a budget model you could buy another player in a couple of years time (by then recordable DVD should be cheap).
In fairness some of the really cheap budget models are likely to be better in the DVD drive unit department as many use EIDE DVD drive units as used in PCs.
For general build quality though, avoid the little known brands and stick with the big players.
From owners posts it seems the Toshiba SD220E has a better DVD drive than the equivalent priced Pioneer 350/454 (its more forgiving with discs in less than perfect condition). The Toshiba's MP3 menu system is not reputed to be very good though.
I don't mind spending up to 300 pounds for a mid-range player, as long as what it offers is better build and performance rather than features I don't need. What I am looking for is
[list=1]
[/list=1] Great picture (but my TV is a 29" 50Hz Sony, so I guess I don't need progressive scan nor component output)
CD, MP3 playback and ideally - JPEG
I will plug it in a Bose home theatre system, so I don't need Dolby decoder and perhaps any audio thrills like dialog enhancer. I am not sure whether I need a good audio performance for the sake of playing MP3 (The Bose has CD).
And I would like a robust machine.
The question is - is there any point in going for a mid-range and if yes, which model would be worth it because of the picture and build quality, not because of the audio enhancements?
Any help is appreciated.
Answers:
The difference between the latest budget models from the renown brands like Pioneer and Toshiba , and midrange models isn't that great. You are not going to notice anything lacking when you buy the budget model. You would have to do a side-by-side comparison to notice the increase in picture quality on the midrange models.DVD sound quality varies very little between players if using the digital output.
If your TV is only a 29" Sony then you may as well stick to the well recieved budget models such as the Pioneer 454 or 350 , or the Toshiba SD220E.
Answers:
Thanks a lot! I also didn't expect a big difference in picture quality on a budget-midrange basis, but what about the quality/reliability of the build? Someone was telling me that the budget units are much more prone to stop reading CDs etc because of plastic lenses...
Answers:
There's a big difference between the quality of budget (eg £70 from Argos) and entry level Toshibas and Pioneers.
Answers:
Originally posted by martinpetrov
Thanks a lot! I also didn't expect a big difference in picture quality on a budget-midrange basis, but what about the quality/reliability of the build? Someone was telling me that the budget units are much more prone to stop reading CDs etc because of plastic lenses...
Unfortunately there is no way of knowing the quality/reliability of the drive mechanism. I would not be surprised if the midrange models had the same drive unit installed as the budget model from the same manucturer. With the money you save buying a budget model you could buy another player in a couple of years time (by then recordable DVD should be cheap).
In fairness some of the really cheap budget models are likely to be better in the DVD drive unit department as many use EIDE DVD drive units as used in PCs.
For general build quality though, avoid the little known brands and stick with the big players.
From owners posts it seems the Toshiba SD220E has a better DVD drive than the equivalent priced Pioneer 350/454 (its more forgiving with discs in less than perfect condition). The Toshiba's MP3 menu system is not reputed to be very good though.
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