Hey. I’m looking to buy a new DVD player since my old one is crapping out on me. Some discs it’ll play just fine (but sometimes freezes for no apparent reason), and some discs require me to open and close the disc tray 30 times (while makes strange noises) before finally playing the darn thing. If anyone has any idea of what might be the problem, that might prevent me from buying a new one, please let me know.

Well, anyway the player I have now is a Samsung DVD-612 that I bought a few years back. I really like the remote. It fits the hand well and I like the joy-stick rather than the buttons, and I like the layout of the remote overall. Here’s a image if you don’t know what I mean: http://www.supremevideo.com/DVD/Samsung/612dvd.jpg Kind of small, I know…

Anyhow, because the player crapped out on me, I’m wondering if I should avoid Samsung players? Or do most players just start to wear after a few years? They don’t make them with the same remote my present player, but from what I understand, they do have the joy-stick and a similar button configuration.

I was going to just get one of the cheaper Panasonic players (DVD-RV31K), but I’ve heard the remote is rather on the poor side. A normal person watching a movie would really care too much, but, since most of my DVDs are anime, which I watch subtitled, I sometimes like to pause it to get a better look at what’s going on (trying to move your eyes rapidly from the middle to the bottom of the screen can sometimes wear you out). That means it’ll be in my hand a lot, so it has to be decent.

Not only am I looking for a good remote, but I’d like something that’ll play CD-R’s and CD-RW’s as well. Oh, and of course picture quality.

Does onyone have any opinions on the Toshiba SD-2150? I couldn’t find a picture of the remote but I heard it had a joy-stick? The dual tray seems like a good idea too.

How about Samsung DVD-M301?

Anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help everyone! Hopefully someone’ll have something to say.

I have the Samsung DVD-M301.

It has a nice remote with a joy-stick instead of individual buttons. It also has every hookup you could want (S-Video, Component, Composite, Optical, and Coax). It also plays both CD-R and CD-RW disks. It also plays MP3s, if that's your thing.

I like it. I have not had any difficulties with the DVDs I've played in it.

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/equ...p?ArticleID=18

Thanks for your insight btbrossard.

I'm not sure if I should just get the DVD-M301, with the remote layout I like (but something different does sound appealing, though I don't want to try something and not like it as much). It also plays CD-R/RW's which I do want it to do.

But the Dual Trays on the Toshiba SD-2150 DVD Video Player does should like a neat feature... But I'm unsure of the remote, and I hear it doesn't play CD-R's (only CD-RW's). Gets good reviews from what I've read.

I suppose it between these two. Anyone?

I am selling a M-301 on ebay right now. Personally I love the DVD player and the only reason I am selling it is because I got a PC DVD-ROM drive to conserve space in my apartment. My Samsung player is only 2 months old and was purchased brand new from Best Buy. Email me if you want a link to the auction.

At any rate even if you don't to purchase mine, I still recommend the player as mine has worked flawlessly since I got it and I personally like the design.

-agent2099