So I'll be the first.
What's everyone's favorite DVD player?
I'm still on my trusty old laser disk player and I'll probably be getting a DVD player around Xmas.
I can get the Sony 3000 or is it 300? for around $380 thru a special from work.

Any advice
TIA

Well...

I myself have the Sony DVP-S500D, and it's great. I've had no problems playing anything, and it's easy to use. The built-in Dolby Decoder matches up well with my previously purchased 5.1-ready receiver.

Others will have simular opinions on the Panasonic A310, but for my purchase the Sony had the deciding features:

* Plays CDR discs
* Sounds better playing CD Audio discs (this is a fact due to it's dual laser design)
* Nicer remote control

In therms of audio/video performance, you'll probably find both these models and their lower counterparts (without decoder, the S300D & A110) have very simular performance.

The Panasonic's one major feature is that it will pass a DTS signal on to a DTS decoder. Note the DTS decoder is not built in the player, so even if you get one with the Dolby Digital decoder built in you'd still have to purchase a seperate DTS decoder if you wanted to take advantage of that. The only problem is DTS discs are very scarce, and come at a premium price. Since I didn't want a seperate decoder anyways (no room) I went with the Sony.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Well I would say for the money, the Pioneer models have to be the best. I have a Pioneer 505 (which you can get for around 299 right now) and have not had one problem with it. Reading some of the posts on other threads reference problems on skipping, picture, and other problems, I have not experience a single one. By the way Pioneer has a new model out right now that replaces the 505, its the 414 and can be found for around 360. It comes with DTS output and component video.

Mr. Tonks, I just wanted to thank you for putting this site together. I was looking for a new remote to replace the four I am currently using. Your information was priceless. I have just ordered the Marantz MkII from Uncles. They are shipping it out the door for 179. Once again thanks for the informative web site.

Well I have a Sony 7000. One of the earlier models, which have the switches to disable Macrovision and Regio Code.
Ist awsome! (but also has a top price)
looks great! (sliding front panel) plays great (also cd, has 2 lasers! and you dont see the layer switch!)
only drawback is, that it will not pass a DTS Signal (the 7700 will).

Patrick

Does anyone have the Sony 600 DVD playerwhich is a 5 cd changer? Any thoughts on this product? Praise to Daniel for such an informative site. Thanks

bob

I have a Sony 600 dvd and I love it. It will play both cd's and dvd's no matter if you have both in the player. I have it hooked up to my Yamaha digital reciever and it works great. Also "duke" mentioned uncles where he got the MkII at for 179. Wondering if they have a website because I really need to get one. I have seven remotes sitting on coffee table and would like to minimize it to just one. I would also like to say thanks for this site it has helped me decide which one I need to get. Thanks`

Being a Sony freak...it was quite painful to purchase something other than my 'favorite' brand...but I did it. After a solid 2 hours of comparing video (couldn't really compare audio) at my local Audio/Video store, I chose the Panasonic A110 for the most bang for your buck. I'm not interested in bells and whistles, and A110 has all the standard features of a generation 2 player, plus DTS. I've had it 3 weeks, and in combination with my Dolby Digital receiver, I love it. I bought it off the 'net for $362.00 including shipping.

I too have the Sony 600 5 disc model, and it is superb. I previously had a Sony 5 disc CD changer and didn't want yet another piece of equipment, so replaced it with the 600 DVD/CD player. Picutre and sound quality are excellent, onscreen menus are easy, and the Disc Ex-change feature is cooler than anything (allows you to add or remove discs from the carousel while still playing).

It's nice to be able to leave one or two of my sons favorites permanently loaded, with a macro on the Pronto to change the video and audio source, select the appropriate disc and away you go!

I have the Sony 7000 too and it is awesome! Even better than my Pioneer LD. I bought it for $650 and at that price this model is a steal!

Kevin R, I recently bought and returned the MkII. I would highly recommend taking a look at the Pronto before you make the jump. Even at $179, thats a lot to spend on a partial solution.

Good luck.

I have the discontinued Sony S3000 which has all the video qualities of the top-rated S7000, but not as strong on the CD audio side which was OK since I already had a good CD player. The soon to be discontinued S7000 can be had for around $500...call Appliance & Electronics Depot in Commack, NY at 516-462-7900.

Someone above mentioned switches to disable macrovision on the Sony 7000. I have this model but do not know about the "switches". How do I tell if I have the switches and how do I set them if I have them?

My response is directed towards John Tucker. Why would someone go to an Audio/Video store and waste two hours of their time only to buy the macine from some moron over the internet. Am I the only one who is baffled by this? Any decent AV store should be willing to match prices plus offer better service, and if you were buying decent equipment (Sony, Yamaha, etc.) they don't even authorize internet sales, which means no valid warranty. For your sake I would think twice on your next purchase before diving into the internet for a buy such as this.

My personal preference is to give first consideration to a company that has obviously given me a fair amount of their time, without pushy sales techniques, even if their price is slightly higher. The Internet is always an unknown - unless the price is significantly lower it's usually best to buy expensive items locally.