Scotch Steve

Hopefully someone can guide me through the maze that is DVD players, to use with my telly that is not PC, as I've not really paid much attention to what's what in terms of their technology.

I want to buy a player for c. £150, but don't know where to start, will probably buy over the web and could do with some advice, obviously no point going to the high street for it so I thought I'd ask on here.

First things first just what do I need to look out for technology wise as I'm unsure on all the different things they seem to do?

I'm a simple man and want one to
1) Watch DVD's both UK & USA, (I think this is called Multi
region is this correct? if not what is it called)
2) Listen to normal music CD's are they all capable of this and
does the quality vary much?
3) Listen to CD-R/CD-RW, again are they all capable of this?
4) Watch CD videos (not sure what they're called, VCD? SVCD?)that
I've made on my PC from my digital camcorder?
5) Have the ability to watch recorded DVD's, DVD-R? I think,
though I believe there is more than one format, in which case
which is the most common at present

I'd really appreciate any help/advice re. the above as I'm completely lost and don't want to buy the wrong thing and incur the wrath of the missus on Xmas day.

Additionally if anyone has any views/opinions on a suitable model c.£150 that will do all of the above I'd also be very greatful, or alternativley links to any review sites.

Thanks in advance

Steve

[Edited by Scotch Steve - 12/7/2002 7:26:26 PM]

MrShades

I got a great deal on a good Pioneer player from Leading Edge:

http://www.leconcepts.com/dvd_home.htm

IIRC, at a better price than Richer Sounds at the time.

Shades

PS DV-350 at 119.95 looks good, with Multiregion and MP3 playback

[Edited by MrShades - 12/9/2002 2:49:57 PM]

Steve Perriam

ok

trying all places, amazon, comet, leading edge and ask-direct who have good prices to....

http://www.leconcepts.com/dvd_home.htm
www.amazon.co.uk
www.askdirect.co.uk

tempted with the panasonic rv32 @ £129.00 or pioneer dv454-s @ £121.00

£112.97 is the cheapest i have seen the pioneer dv 350-s for so far..........


[Edited by Steve Perriam - 12/9/2002 6:02:23 PM]

Avi

Hi Mate

Look here for details of vcd/svcd/mp3/cd compatibility etc...

http://www.vcdhelp.com/dvdplayers

I often recommend Richer Sounds for budget players. The staff will tell you exactly what will play what and even give you remote control hacks to play multi region etc...

Eagle7

i second that. Richer sounds do some good deals. You are correct in wanting a multi-region player, make sure you ask for this.

I have a pioneer player. Most players play SVCD, CDR etc. Note, some players will even play MP3 CDs. I bought my player from here. Most manufacturers have a model for under 150 nowadays.

At that site they are offering 3 free DVDs from The full monty, Tarzan, Jurassic Park 3, Meet the Parents, What lies beneath or Pearl harbor if you buy any Pioneer or Toshiba DVD Player before 24th december.

Scotch Steve

Thanks for the replies, I tried visiting my local Richer Sounds yesterday but it was rather manic, hence the post last night, might try again today.

Avi, that site looks preety good in terms of format info, all I need now is to get a short list of some machines.

Steve

robby

i bought mine from Richer sounds last year, i think it was around £119 and came with instructions to make it multi-region (15 seconds to do) - definately recommended

GavinP

Steve,

http://www.amazon.co.uk are doing a multi-region Toshiba 220E for £119.99 at the moment which gets rave reviews in all the home cinema mags.

You get three free DVDs as well...

Thanks

Gavin

Scotch Steve

Gavin,
Thanks for that, I've spotted it already and have been mulling it over, only thing being it has digital audio output? but not digital optical output?, (don't really understand either) I'm not sure if this is something that will matter to me or not?
Anyone any ideas?

Thanks

Steve

Steve Perriam

good thread.

looking for a cheap one for a pressie for my parents.
the amazon ones look good !

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...195690-3675833

good makes to

Scotch Steve

Steve

Richer Sounds also appear to stock this modle at the same price if it's a problem getting it delivered etc.

I think I'll try braving the late night shopping on Thursday and try and pick one up.

Steve