I've been considering a 400 disc changer, but most reviews I've read on the Sony complain about the Disc Explorer feature and how slow it is. What I want to know is: can you just access disc directly by entering disc number...or are you "forced" to use Disc Explorer? Also, it looks like the only difference between the the CX985 and the CX777 is the RS232 support and length of warranty. Can anyone confirm this and what is your opinion of CX985/CX777 picture quality in component video progressive output mode? I presently use a Camelot Technology Roundtable MK II, but size of library is getting large and it would be nice to just "dial up" a movie. Picture quality is still a big concern and I bought the Camelot because of the 110" picture. Thanks for your reply.

The dis explorer is painfully slow, but fortunately you can dial up a disc directly using either the supplied remote or an after market one. I have succesfully used Pronto, MX-3000 and Elan keypads to contro these players in this manner.

Whilst the picture quality is not up there with the best of them, I would class it as adequate.

Also, take a look at the Home Theater Master threads for a really neat piece of software being developed by Luvmyremote which displays DVD cover art on an MX-3000 remote.

Hi,

I would pick the 777ES, it has a much better processor then the 985, better power supply, better buid quality, longer warranty and more control over it through the RS232 control port. There are a lot of new software packages that can control the 777ES through a computer or an outboard unit such as a FireBall.

Hope that helps,

Griffin,
So you're saying the processors are different? Does that translate into a better picture? Did you happen to see a side by side comparison? I don't care about RS232/longer warranty.

thanks, Gary

I had an issue with a cx 875 and found that the only way to direct disc access via remote was
you have to press these buttons in this order
Display
Right Arrow
Then Enter The Disc Number
Enter
Display 3 Times

I own 2 of the 875, I hit the disc number then enter than play, instead of using the GUI I have composion book that list the title and the number

I too have the 875. I really don't see what all the complaining is about concerning the disc explorer feature. You do have to scroll through your movies, but you can set up 4 individual libraries if you wish. It alows you to break up your movies into 4 catagories if you like(action, drama, comedy, etc.) You can list the movies alphabeticly, or in the order thier loaded into the player. And if you have a pronto remote,you can program the remote so that you just punch the screen and whamo, you have your selection. I am pretty happy with the picture, though I agree, it's not the best out there.

I think the bad thing about it is that you lose the valuable 'flip' control that i have been accustomed to using quite a while. I am getting ready to buy a All regions 875P for myself, this will be the 3rd one the other 2 are still Region 1, I just don't want lose that flip feature.

to all,
Thanks to everyone for your 2 cents. Like Grovvy, I will just use a table top list to catalog movies. Not as flashy, but faster. Back to the picture question: is the 875 juke just as good as any other juke picture?

Glen it's better for it's Sony's first Progressive Scan DVD mega changer, the 860~870~850, were all interlaced versions. The 870 built a bit stronger didn't go over, 860 with Sony first 'Flip' switch turns table 180 degrees then inserts disc and again the disc starts playing. Good with discs like "The Storm of the Century", 1st version of Robin Hood- Prince of Thieves was a flipper also. :)