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Author Topic: Looking to purchase a new DVD player  (Read 2712 times)

Offline kimmer

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Looking to purchase a new DVD player
« on: July 24, 2011, 02:32:06 PM »
We're in the market for a new DVD player (not by choice). We have an extensive DVD library, so whatever unit we buy needs to play the "older" DVD's. If it also plays Blu-ray that's icing on the cake. We want something that will work with our sound system (although I'm pretty sure most of them will these days), is reliable, and easy to figure out how to work. It doesn't need to record.

We also have a Netflix acct. (even though we are downgrading once again), and so we've considered a unit that will stream with Netflix. I contacted Netflix and they told me that the following units are the only ones that currently handle subtitles/closed-captioning on Netflix IW. So these are the ones we are seriously considering; but we're open to any good unit that will play older DVD's as well as newer stuff, and if we don't get the subtitles with Netflix then we'll cancel that part of our subscription and save money. wink.gif

So, any recommendations or warning?

Panasonic DMP-BDT110
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMP-BDT110...4917&sr=8-1

Panasonic DMP-BDT210
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMP-BDT210...4917&sr=8-2

Sharp HE BHP25U
http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-BDHP25U-Blu-Ra...4952&sr=8-1

Sharp HE BHP35U
http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-BDHP35U-Blu-ra...4964&sr=8-1

Sony NSZ-GT1 WiFi-Enabled 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Featuring Google TV
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NSZ-GT1-WiFi-En...4979&sr=8-1
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Offline Gary S

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Looking to purchase a new DVD player
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2011, 03:33:35 PM »
Hi kimmer,

Since I didn't want 3D I just bought this model Samsung Blue-ray player which I am very happy with. It plays regular DVD's

along with Blue-ray disks. It also plays very old DVD's, I tried it. Personally, I would definitely get a Blue-ray if you plan on keeping it for a while.

It was very easy to set up into my older Yamaha home theater system and it has a great picture quality.

I really shopped for this one. I looked at all the brands and compared. I payed around $150 at Best Buy on sale.

Samsung web site-Blue-Ray

I forgot to mention the up-conversion to 1080p on regular DVD's is excellent.  

Good luck
« Last Edit: July 24, 2011, 03:38:06 PM by Gary S »
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Offline Bruce_F

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« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2011, 03:40:04 PM »
Well, with the way things are made nowadays, you might be wise to purchase something from a local store. I had to replace a worn out DVD player and decided to go with a Blu-Ray player.

It took three players to finally get one that didn't have any problems right out of the box! Best Buy was very good about replacing each faulty player. It was a pain having to go back to the store three times but that pales compared with returning an item over the internet even one time.

I had to replace the TV too. Now I have two pieces of home entertainment equipment that will stream internet. I use the Panasonic TV for streaming because the interface is much nicer than the Sony Blu-Ray for both Netflix and Pandora. I connect the Blu-Ray player now and again to check for updates in the firmware.

Best Buy didn't have the Panasonic player in stock and that's why I chose the Sony.
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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Looking to purchase a new DVD player
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2011, 04:35:24 PM »
Our DVD player (first one we bought and only ~seven years old!) lost its pass-through video capabilities just last week. Was there a series of Solar flares or something that attacked DVD players?! eek2.gif To get the basic cable stations, I had to remove it from the circuit. The recording function barely lasted a year and I managed to create many disks that could only be played on that particular brand of player (it quit running the "finishing" functions). It is a Panasonic DMR-E75VP, no longer made, I'm sure. I'm not sure we want to replace it as the analog TV in that location is not of the latest, greatest type. Besides, I'd have to rent a forklift to get it out of the house! It's a 32" 'flat-screen' Sony that weighs ~123 pounds, give or take 40!!! whew.gif laughhard.gif
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Offline kimmer

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« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2011, 11:38:40 PM »
QUOTE(Gary S @ Jul 24 2011, 01:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi kimmer,

Since I didn't want 3D I just bought this model Samsung Blue-ray player which I am very happy with.

Thanks, Gary. I've added that to our list. smile.gif

QUOTE(Bruce_F @ Jul 24 2011, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, with the way things are made nowadays, you might be wise to purchase something from a local store.

Sorry to hear about your troubles, and it seems you're not alone. I read a ton of similar horror stories at every review site. The only problem is ... there isn't a local store to buy from unless we want junk. If we go to Fry's or Costco, it's a 1.5-2hr drive each way. So for us, we'll buy online (most likely Amazon) and then if we have to ship back, Amazon pays the fare. Fortunately our TV is in good shape (crossing my fingers).

QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Jul 24 2011, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Our DVD player (first one we bought and only ~seven years old!) lost its pass-through video capabilities just last week. Was there a series of Solar flares or something that attacked DVD players?! eek2.gif

You might have something there, ABD. laugh.gif

Sorry about your disaster as well. The only thing we have to do is get our "Kiss Me Kate" dvd out of the defunct player and I believe a hammer will do the job on the outer case. Just have to be careful to not bust the DVD. wink.gif

QUOTE
Besides, I'd have to rent a forklift to get it out of the house! It's a 32" 'flat-screen' Sony that weighs ~123 pounds, give or take 40!!!

WOW.gif
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Offline jchuzi

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« Reply #5 on: July 25, 2011, 05:32:47 AM »
I have been very pleased with the service at Crutchfield. Their prices are higher than those available at discounters but their treatment of customers is exemplary. To me, that's worth a few extra dollars.
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2011, 08:49:41 AM »
Make sure what you order from Amazon actually comes from them. There are hundreds of 'partners' and they usually have slightly different return policies and other things. I don't do much ordering from Amazon, but they are a good source for 'normal' pricing. And even some items from big box retailers require you to contact the manufacturer rather than taking something back to the store...

Judy reminded me that any replacement also needs to play VHS tapes. We have ten times more of those than DVDs. We even have a couple of walls of full book cases. Remember paper books? laughhard.gif I think we may just skip the Blue-Ray thing, from what I read, something else is on the horizon (hopefully not 3D!). dntknw.gif
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Offline kimmer

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« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2011, 12:38:22 PM »
Jon, thanks. I'll check them out.

ABD, we have a prime acct with Amazon so even if the item is from "a partner", we get top notch customer service and free return shipping, etc.

You'll have fun finding a VHS player, but they are out there -- just not normally fancy. We also have bookcases and books, and we even read them now and then. wink.gif
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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« Reply #8 on: July 25, 2011, 01:02:06 PM »
A "prime" account?! OOOOooooh! I'm impressed! notworthy.gif laughhard.gif I have a regular account where they just take my money and run!!! rolleyes.gif

How do you know if the item you want is covered? The "Prime" acct page speaks of "wide selection" but doesn't say what that includes. The sample Corsair DIMM "Prime" icon takes one to a regular page still not indicating that it's price is any different. The most obvious difference is the free two-day shipping rather than (5-7 ?) and $4 one day. Of course, one would need to order something rather regularly to come out ahead of the $3.83 monthly cost... It's been months since I last ordered anything, although Judy may have done so about three times this year... The other perks add additional value, I'm sure.

The 8GB Crucial ram package deemed compatible with the coming iMac is listed as "Ships from and sold by TheFactoryDepot.  $61.99 + 2.99 shipping" Is that shipping not charged? Is the "Prime" account even applicable? dntknw.gif The info about the "Prime" account seems extremely limited or at least very difficult to find... It's only $65.99 direct from Crucial with free shipping. I'm not sure I'd rather deal with "TheFactoryDepot" as opposed to Crucial... dntknw.gif Especially for $1.01. smile.gif
« Last Edit: July 25, 2011, 01:48:16 PM by Xairbusdriver »
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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« Reply #9 on: July 25, 2011, 09:51:07 PM »
After looking through 21 (web) pages of 'choices' at Amazon, I found two four-star reviewed options...both of which are refurbished players! Looks like the real task is to convert all the VHS tapes to DVDs and use any VHS machines as boat anchors. Only problem is that the newest VCRs were mostly plastic, so they don't make very useful anchors for a full-sized boat! nono.gif laughhard.gif
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Offline kimmer

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« Reply #10 on: July 25, 2011, 10:47:01 PM »
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Jul 25 2011, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A "prime" account?! OOOOooooh! I'm impressed! notworthy.gif laughhard.gif

You should be.  inspect.gif

QUOTE
How do you know if the item you want is covered?

Not sure what you see, but when I shop Prime items have this cute with little icon:

[attachment=2289:Screen_s...39.34_PM.png]

I don't know that we get a price break, but with prime stuff the 2-days shipping is always free, many things arrive overnight, we get first preference on "first releases" for many things, and some of the "partners" cut us a break and we get free shipping and/or expedited shipping from them; and as I've said we get first-rate customer service no matter if it's a prime item or not. Living where we do, Amazon Prime is a great deal for us. Might not be so for those of you who have a box store on every other block and plenty of stores to visit. wink.gif


QUOTE
The 8GB Crucial ram package deemed compatible with the coming iMac is listed as "Ships from and sold by TheFactoryDepot.  $61.99 + 2.99 shipping" Is that shipping not charged? Is the "Prime" account even applicable? dntknw.gif The info about the "Prime" account seems extremely limited or at least very difficult to find... It's only $65.99 direct from Crucial with free shipping. I'm not sure I'd rather deal with "TheFactoryDepot" as opposed to Crucial... dntknw.gif Especially for $1.01. smile.gif

I have no clue what you're talking about here. You'd have to give me links.

And I told you it would be fun finding a VHS player. laugh.gif

Going to try to get to Fry's this next week. Probably won't buy from them as it's 130 miles / 2hr 30 min each way! eek2.gif At least we've have an adventure and we'll get to look at the different units. wink.gif
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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« Reply #11 on: July 26, 2011, 07:10:46 AM »
I did start seeing those "Prime" icons/images yesterday. That may be because I clicked the "Free Trial" button the day before. dntknw.gif

Make the trip! You're state is so beautiful, the drive must seem much shorter and quicker! yes.gif WOW.gif And you'll have great company, assuming you leave the driving to Mac! wink.gif
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Offline kimmer

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« Reply #12 on: July 28, 2011, 10:04:06 PM »
Went to Bi-Mart today and found the Panasonic DMP-BDT110 on sale. We picked it up. It's an hour drive if we have to return it, but that's better than the 2.5 drive to the valley. wink.gif

ABD, we saw several Magnavox units, for under $100, that are both VHS and DVD players. I don't know how well rated they are, but if you have a Bi-Mart near you check out their electronics.
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Offline Xairbusdriver

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« Reply #13 on: July 29, 2011, 10:11:20 AM »
...I wonder where Magnavox gets it's hardware...it used to be a US company, of course. Never one of very high quality and now I'd guess they buy stuff from off-shore manufacturers who put any brand label the buyer wants...

I think I may simply re-install an old VCR on another TV and forget about duplicating them to DVDs. We seldom watch them now, I doubt they'd be viewed any more from yet another media...we don't even watch the few DVDs we have, either. A DVR would probably work best, but right now, I can watch most yesterday's PBS prime-time shows on the second local PBS channel. Problem is, that's only via cable, so I still have to "fight" Judy or the grandkids for a TV with that connection! laughhard.gif And, of course, a DVR would be tethered to those same TVs... dntknw.gif It's too big of an investment (DVR, VHS->DVD, DVD, etc.) just to satisfy my occasionally missed programs, which are usually repeated some months later, anyway. As long as the "ladies of the house" are happy, I'll survive. wacko.gif yes.gif Besides, I can usually catch the BBC's Top Gear during the time the kids are in school! clap.gif
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