I want to get a multi-disc dvd player. The bigger the better (300+). I have been looking around a little bit and I saw Sony's new 400 disc dvd player. Basically what I'm looking for is anyones feed back on this or something similar. And mainly I'm looking for a player that will catagorize all the movie I put in it, and what everyone's opinions are on those different players. Like sony's got the Disc Explorer management system but I haven't heard too many good thing. But I wanna know what else is out thier with other DVD changers with similar "DVD management " systems. Thanks for the help.

Good question..ive wondered why the Pioneers are never mentioned..with all the problems the Sonys have im surprised no one uses these..is it that their older models?..disc capacity?..price?..all of those are valid drawbacks but if i just spent 5 hours typing in all my dvds and then find them all erased the next time i use the changer..wellll...

I have 3 of the Sony 777 400 disk with the Escient DVD/CD DVDM-100 and have been very happy with it. It is virtually hands off - you put the DVD/CD's in anf the Escient unit will look everything up for you.

It is quite expensive compared the the dvd changers alone -

The Escient unit goes for $1999 ( you can find it on Ebay for $1500 or so)

The 777's list for $799 ( you can them for $5-600)

Ted

Ok Ted..but would you trust the Sonys on their own?..Dont think a want to spend $1500 to manage my dvds..

I'm not sure Pioneer is currently making any megachangers. They were certainly discussed plenty when they were more available. Not too many people seem to like the jukebox idea, at least that seems to be the opinion of the mfgrs.

Yes..seems they never became that popular..and i bet you it had a lot to do with their size..almost like a small suitcase..

Pioneer does make a 300 disc DVD changer ([Link: pioneerelectronics.com]), but is typically more than the Sony 400 disc. I also don't think that it has any "Explorer" type system with it. I am not sure on availablity either. I also could not tell from the website if it had an RS-232 input.

I was just checkin out the Escient managers out online and they look nice but still a big investment in a technology field that is (and probably always will be) changing rapidly. But I know theres no stopping it, and believe me, I wouldn't try. A question for the future of DVD's (HD/BluRay); will the escient managers still work when a Multi disc HD or Bluray unit arrives. I would sleep better spending $400 on a sony 400 disc changer KNOWING I will replace it with a HD/BlRy DVD's player. Rather than dropping $2400 on an Escient manager AND a 400 disc DVD; and fearing rather than anticipating the arrival of HD movies at home just because the Escient won't be compatable. So will the Escient handle HD/BlRy movies like it does standard DVDs?? Im not sure if anyone has a YES/NO answer but I thought I'd give it a shot. Much appreciated. - Brian

The Pioneer 727 has been around for years. They haven't changed it a bit. Are you sure they still build them? It isn't even progressive scan, if I'm reading correctly. Ought to be no more than $400 at this point, maybe $300.

You'll have to ask Escient if they will support the new formats. They probably will give a non-committal answer at this point. Someone would have to have a BD megachanger to make it worthwhile, right?

I saw a few go out of A*I in August/Sept., and they are still listed on the website. I didn't even check to see that is wasn't progressive scan. And, yes, there are more than $400.

There is a Elite version that retails at $1,100 that is not progressive either. And I thought Elite was the top of the line.

Im very satisfied with my 2 sony 400 disc mega changers.. i have had no problems and have over 700 dvds... i use the DMX-3000 software for URC's Mx-3000 remote... works awesome

It has an serial input that is ps/2 keyboard/mouse compatible. The other port is for chaining additional DV-F727 together.

I have no complaints with the Sony CX995. It's my first MegaChanger type of device (I've been watching them for some time), it's also the the one device where I could justify the expense.

I paid $284 at Amazon with $30 rebate. (Need I say more, I bought the Samsung upconversion single DVP with my plasma for $199 and took it back after I bought the Sony)

At first I read all of the issues that many here had with the player and to be frank I started regretting the purchase (don't you just hate it when that happens), but then my buddy turned me on to the Harmony 679 which changed all that (I bought a Harmony 880 afterwards).

Here's the link with the details [Link: remotecentral.com] .

At this point I don't even use the Sony Disc Explorer. It's easier for me to look up the movie on the remote and have the remote do all the work to load the disk. It's turn key right now for me and my family to play a DVD from our library.

For less than $300 with all the features... This is win win. Unless you got the swank that is, then it's a whole different ballgame.

I hope this helps.