Showing posts with label hd dvd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hd dvd. Show all posts

Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Review

Samsung BD-P1500 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've been using this for 2 weeks now, and it's my first blu-ray player (no PS3).The good stuff:Excellent look, not too loud, amazing picture and sound.Working ethernet and USB port.(I haven't had to download any firmware or code updates, but I'm sure it'll work fine.)

Operations:No fan noise, no noise while playing, but during menu & loading, you hear some track-seeking which is audible at 10'... nothing offensive, though.I just noticed last night, after my 5th blu-ray a little flicker in in the bottom center of the screen during the credits of Juno... not sure if it's a bad disc or a player having a problem.It was repeatable, and the disc seemed clean.Lastly, the load time, eject time, etc seems just fine.Not instant or as fast a nice DVD player, but not noticably slow.I've heard alot about slow disc-loading, and if it is a problem on other players - it's not a problem on this one.Lastly, sometimes when you click on a menu instead of pausing, the screen with show a "progress-bar" for 2-4 seconds while the next manu loads, which isn't completely kosher, but doesn't bother me.

The so-so stuff:I'm giving this 5-stars because it's near-perfect at what it's designed to do for it's price, but it's not perfect.One reason to get a mid- to lower-cost player is to (duh) save money... if you're someone who has an older receiver that doesn't decode the two new DD and DTS formats, and (probably) doesn't decode multi-channel PCM, this player isn't for you.It only has stereo-out analog RCA plugs, not 5.1 or 7.1 analog outputs.

That means you can't bypass your receivers pre-amp to play the newer audio formats and let the blu-ray player decode them.My old Receiver (which I used the player with for a week) only decoded DD 5.1 (no DTS, and only 2-channel PCM to 48khz).This player lets you send a PCM stream to your receiver from an internally decoded DTS 5.1 signal, but this didn't work for me... as my player can't receive 5.1 PCM streams, it only saw it as 2-channel.At least the player lets you downsample 96khz PCM to 48khz, so that I at least got sound (Golden Compass only has DTS 5.1 or DTS HD Master).

With my new receiver, all formats work perfectly, all bitstreamed.

Some people perhaps are holding off for new receivers because they don't want to connect through the player's analog RCA 5.1/7.1 connectors - but this is probably mis-information.What you want to avoid is taking digital sound, converting it to analog, then back to digital, then back to analog...don't worry - you wouldn't be doing this.Basically you would be doing all your processing in the player digitally, then once it is sent out through the pre-outs to the receiver you'd bypass the receiver's processing and it would go straight to the amplifier (which is of course analog anyway).

So my conclusion for thos people with older (but good) receivers - this blu-ray player won't save you any money.The best savings would be to pay a little more for a player with 5.1 analog outputs and continue to use your existing receiver.

-Kevin Moore
Natick, MA

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Product Description:
Experience the Blu-ray difference with the SAMSUNG BD-P1500. You'll get incredibly detailed images with brilliant color in full high definition 1080p resolution. It's the only media capable of delivering true 1080p performance on an HDTV set. Its Anynet+ technology lets you control all your SAMSUNG AV devices from just one remote. The BD-P1500 lets you have it all. It's backward compatible with earlier formats. watch your current collection of DVDs or listen to audio CDs with the highest-quality sound available. 1080p resolution - Enjoy lifelike, vivid visuals and crystal-clear details with full high definition 1080p resolution when playing Blu-Ray discs HDMI keeps it simple by using a single cable wire to deliver the sharpest, richest images possible. Conveniently and easily transfer high-definition video and audio from your DVD player to your HDTV and other digital devices using a single cable. HDMI version 1.3 transfers deeper color and higher resolution, and handles new, compressed audio formats. Control it all with one remote - Anynet+ delivers streamlined, one-touch control over all your Anynet+ compatible devices such as the TV, AV receiver, and home theater Playback Media - BD-ROM / DVD-ROM / DVD-R / DVD-RW / AVCHD / audio CD Playback Formats - VC-1 / MPEG2 / H.264 DVD Upconversion DTS Decoder BD Profile - profile 1.1 USB 2.0 (for SW upgrade only) HDMI CEC Composite Video Outputs Component Video Outputs HDMI Outputs Optical Digital Audio Outputs Analog Audio Outputs - 2-Channel Built-in Ethernet connection - RJ45 USB Port Picture in Picture Dimensions - 16.9 in. x 3.3 in. x 10.8 in. Weight - 8.6 lbs.

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Toshiba SD-3109 DVD Player Review

Toshiba SD-3109 DVD Player
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this player 4 months ago when it was first released from Japan while on a trip to Asia. I did extensive researches prior to buying this player and I bought it for its value for money, performance, picture/soundquality and ease of use.
Now, I'm not a serious audiophille or do Iintend to spend huge amount of dollars to get those top of the range DVDplayer (ie. Onkyo, Yamaha, etc). I want something practical, which Ibelieve most of you do as well. And guess what?Surprise, surprise -- I'vegot so much more than what I bargained for.
The picture is superb,sharp and crisp on my 30 inch Loewe TV. Colour is bright and does not"bleed". Sound is excellent when connected to my Yamaha 795a andno audio-sync problems. In addition, the zoom function, built-in DD5.1,DTS(sounds better than DD!) and HDCD(remarkable audio quality) encoders,component-colourstream and S-video output, dual disc trays and virtual N2-2surround sound for those with a 2 speaker setup system made this unitcomplete with features. Mine has got two additional mic inputs for Karaokeand it's gold in colour but are of the same parts and build. It's easy tosetup and use as well. Having said this, find me a DVD player that is closein comparison in regards to price, performance and function.
Aboutcompability issues -- ZIPPO! Now, do bear in mind that my DVD is Region 5,and although it has been multi-zoned, it played Saving Private Ryan (DTS --Region 1), Haunting, US Marshalls, Deep Blue Sea (all DD -- Reg 1),Matrix,Mummy, Fifth Element, Tomorrow Never Dies(DD -- Reg 4), T2, True Lies (DD-- Reg 5) flawlessly without any lock-ups, freezes, pauses (except forchanging layers for dual-layered discs) or audio-sync problems.
Iguess it is unfortunate that some reviewers have problems with this player.Maybe you should examine your connections properly and call up Toshiba forassistance before jumping the gun about this unit?I have 2 otherrelatives who bought this unit from here (Reg 4) upon my recommedation andthey too did not have any problems with it.
Maybe I do agree with somereviewers that the remote is chunky but it serves its purpose very well.Besides, who buys a unit (VCR, amp, tv for that matter) for it's remoteanyway?Get a Universal remote and that should solve the problem.
Inconclusion, I would say this is an awesome purchase. It's definitely worthevery dollar spent on it. Have a read in those DVD magazines and you'llfind the SD-3109 unit get very good ratings and reviews from professionalaudiophilles. I would suggest you visit your local electrical outlet to seeit for yourself. Get it, you won't regret it!
Hope my contributionhelps.

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Product Description:
Toshiba DVD features Dual Disc Twin Trays.Plays DVD, Audio CD, and Video CD formats.Included Dolby Digital Surround Sound Processor.4X picture zoom.Remote Control.

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OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio Review

OPPO DV-980H 1080p Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI and 7.1CH Audio
Average Reviews:

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Just to add my vote, this is an excellent DVD player.I use it with an older Sony LCDtv (XBR1, only goes to 1080i), and compared the picture, using a standard widescreen DVD, with my older Panasonic progressive scan Panasonic dvd player (480p output).The picture with this one is clearly superior.

As others have said, the whole thing reeks quality and attention to detail.A good quality HDMI cable is included, as well as standard video/audio cables in case you need them for troubleshooting.The packaging is a class above the industry.

If you want something for watching standard DVDs with a good HDTV, consider this one or the 981HD model.

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Product Description:
The OPPO DV-980H up-converting DVD player is designed to make your DVD collection look & sound its very best on HDTV. With support for 1080p displays, 7.1ch audio, USB2.0 & HD-JPEG viewing the unit is engineered to impress. The unit will play DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, SACD, HDCD, CD, DivX, XviD and much more.

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Roku HD-XR Player Review

Roku HD-XR Player
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
First let me say I own a Roku and LOVE it!NetFlix and Roku are a marriage made in heaven as far as I'm concerned, and they are saving me tons of money and treks to the video store. The picture, ease of use, wireless capabilities, quality of video content... everything is great!

But as a consumer it's important to understand the differences between the 3 Roku offerings so you can make an informed decision on your purchase. It does seem odd that Roku has simply not put out one device at one price for everyone with all the bells and whistles, but for now, you have to choose one... based upon your needs and budget.

THE DIFFERENCES IN ROKU PLAYERS:
Roku HD Player is capable of wired or wireless hook-up, but not at the fastest speed available from a 'N' wireless network. HD content streams to this device flawlessly (if the content is available and your home network is sending a proper signal), despite not being 'N' network ready.

That being said, Roku came out with Roku HD-XR Player which WILL stream the fastest 'N' network standard, provided the rest of your home network is also working with the same standard.That being said, this device is not at all necessary if you don't have all the devices on your home network using the 'N' standard, because the speed will only go as fast as the device with the slowest connection which is probably the 'B or G' standard.

The third device is available on Roku's website. Roku SD, which streams in standard definition, will not stream HD content, isn't capable of surround sound audio like the other two and does not have a HDMI connection. It only supports the red/yellow/white (composite video and audio) connections, but it will connect wirelessly or can be hardwired to the internet, working on a 'B or G' network. The Roku SD is about twenty bucks less than the Roku HD and , so again, consider your needs before buying. **Anyone with a standard def TV and who doesn't plan to upgrade to an HDTV with HDMI ports any time soon, would probably want this version.

The Roku HD-XR Player is a jump up from the HD model in wireless capabilities. All the Roku offerings will give you years of enjoyment by boosting your NetFlix subscription, streaming Amazon On Demand media and boosting your viewing library. What the HD-XR has that the others don't: 'N' network capabilities and 1 USB port for firmware upgrades and possibly, other media hook-ups via USB, but at this time Roku doesn't even bring up the USB on their website so I tend to wonder about this being a selling point. Is it worth the extra cost?Only you know the answer to that question.

MY CONCLUSION:
The quality of the streaming video on my 'G' network is perfect; standard and HD content, via my Roku HD, but since I don't have a 'N' network, nor do I expect I will in the near future, I saved myself a bit of money and didn't buy this one.

The only reason I give this product 4 versus 5 stars is because of the price bump for the ability to use an 'N' wireless network when frankly I believe it should be considered a standard feature, not an extra. The USB port, whatever it's used for, should also be standard on all models. Again, it would be wonderful to have one Roku with all the potential connections and wireless ability, and perhaps in the future there will be, but for now you need to consider these three: Roku SD, Roku HD and Roku HD-XR.

To may your own informed choice, evaluate your needs and buy accordingly. While the Roku products are not media storage devices or DVR's, they can give you a tremendous boost in your enjoyment of NetFlix and expand your viewing library.


ROKU HD-XR PLAYER SPECIFICATIONS (per the Roku website):
*Note the USB port isn't even listed as a feature.

Networking
Wi-Fi (802.11N/B/G "dual-band") with WEP, WPA, and WPA2 support
10/100 Ethernet (RJ-45)
Video Outputs
Composite video (480i)
S-Video (480i)
Component video (Y/Pb/Pr - 720p/480p)
HDMI (720p/480p)
Video Modes
16:9 High Definition (HD)
16:9 anamorphic
4:3 standard
Audio Output
Stereo (L/R RCA)
Digital Optical (Toslink - Stereo/Surround)
Digital over HDMI (Stereo/Surround)
Remote Control
NEC protocol, supported by various universal remotes
Power Input
5V, 2.5A provided by included AC adapter
Power Consumption
6 watts peak, 4 watts in standby
Size
5 x 5 x 1.75 inches (130 x 130 x 41 mm)
Weight
11 oz (300 grams)

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Product Description:
Now featuring extended-range wireless, Roku is the easiest way to stream instant movies and shows directly to your TV - over 50,000 and counting, from Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, and more. The top-of-the-line HD-XR model uses the latest wireless standard (Wi-Fi "N") to deliver the best quality video virtually anywhere in your home. It's so easy and powerful; no wonder Roku is Netflix members' top rated streaming player.

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