DVD players

[Franchise]

So, I'm an old fart that is way behind the times. Some of you may have seen that I passed my last exam. Well, to celebrate being done, I'm gonna splurge on a DVD player. Any recommendations on what to buy?

Here are a few facts: (1) I don't have any kind of state of the art sound system, so I don't want a model with features I can't use, (2) I'm splurging so I don't mind spending a little extra for something good, and (3) my first purchase is going to be the Simpsons first season.

[G. Gordon Wolfe]

If you think you'll ever expand your sound system, get one with a Dolby decoder built-in. Also, depending upon your TV, you may want to get one with the separate color outputs.

[Mulan]

I use the DVD player on my laptop when I travel on business... Franchise, maybe you could get one on your computer, so you don't miss anything online!!

Seriously, we have a Sony DVD player that seems to work fine. Are there a big difference in features from player to player??


http://www.consumerreports.org/main/...=1025619460021

http://www.consumerreports.org/main/...=1025619460023

[G. Gordon Wolfe]

One other thing: unless you're also going to use the player for CDs, I think a multi-disc player is useless.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

You're not that far behind the times. I know lots of people who wait until after the suckers bring down the average cost.

1. Not multi-disc (I agree with GW). Just one more thing to break down. And it will a lot sooner than the rest.
2. Check to see if it will play all types of recorded music, not just official releases, because you never know when someone might provide you something slightly less legal or when the day comes that all recorded music will be bought and transferred online.
3. Get one that has component inputs: separate threads for the primary colors (yeah, I like separating things). Your current TV might not have the inputs, but your next one will. Yes, there is a definite difference.
4. Get one with optical 5+1 sound output. Yes, your current A/V receiver might not have an input, but your next one will. Yes, there is a definite difference.
5. All this will cost an extra $150 or so. You can get a DVD with no fancies pretty cheap these days. Costco has a Toshiba for $110.
6. Sony. Big name, cares about quality.
7. For real productive use, get a DVD recorder, and put all those home videos on it. That'll run at least $600 (a Panasonic at Costco).

[Franchise]

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it. I'm not sure the recorder is necessary since I don't have a lot of home movies, but the rest of it sounds like sound advice. Thanks again.

[Ducky]

Originally Posted by Franchise

my first purchase is going to be the Simpsons first season.

I knew you were cool Big Daddy....

[Dr T Non-Fan]

It's my pleasure.
And it's everything I remember from when I bought mine about a year ago. We have since bought a new TV (old one just wore down), a new A/V receiver (about the same time as the DVD player, since I ran out of inputs on my old audio receiver (VCR, cable, DVD, CD, laser disc, cassette player, phonograph (just kidding), etc., etc.) The advice came from my bro and bro-in-law, avid electronics fans, so I'll pass on your appreciation.
If there's a Best Buy nearby, they tend to have good help. Just ask them to show you the DVDs with the optical sound output and the component outputs. (BTW, these will also have the basic coax output, so it will show movies in your current system.) If the guy/gal gives you some blank look, simply (and nicely) ask for someone who has more knowledge on the subject. IT took me at least three trips before I succumbed and bought, but that's me. They're not on commission (so they say), but I'm assuming that some kind of whole-store (or department) sales commission (once a threshold is reached) is provided. (That's what I'd do, but that's me.)

[Franchise]

Originally Posted by Dr T Non-Fan

It's my pleasure.
And it's everything I remember from when I bought mine about a year ago. We have since bought a new TV (old one just wore down), a new A/V receiver (about the same time as the DVD player, since I ran out of inputs on my old audio receiver (VCR, cable, DVD, CD, laser disc, cassette player, phonograph (just kidding), etc., etc.) The advice came from my bro and bro-in-law, avid electronics fans, so I'll pass on your appreciation.
If there's a Best Buy nearby, they tend to have good help. Just ask them to show you the DVDs with the optical sound output and the component outputs. (BTW, these will also have the basic coax output, so it will show movies in your current system.) If the guy/gal gives you some blank look, simply (and nicely) ask for someone who has more knowledge on the subject. IT took me at least three trips before I succumbed and bought, but that's me. They're not on commission (so they say), but I'm assuming that some kind of whole-store (or department) sales commission (once a threshold is reached) is provided. (That's what I'd do, but that's me.)

Yep, BestBuy in the area. I may take a little business their way tonight. Thanks again.

And Duckman ... takes one to know one.

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Second season to be released in August. First "Treehouse of Terror," etc.
Other Notable second season classics:
"Three Men and a Comic Book"
"Lisa's Substitute"
"Two Cars In Every Garage And Three Eyes On Every Fish"