chanster

Looking for the best basic DVD player..I don't have a HDTV yet.
Looking for optical out, ability to play DVD-R, component video.


Any recommendations?
Please help!

Spiky

I would say the Pioneer 285. But it may only have coaxial digital audio output instead of optical, would that work?

chanster

what about the pioneer 588?

Spiky

I think it adds the optical. I know it adds DVD-A and SACD capability. For $50 more. Otherwise they are the same. Very nice players: fast, good interlaced output, good color out of the box, useful buttons on the machine, etc. There are possibly some issues with progressive output and black level, but nobody seems to agree on this, even people that I would call experts. So I don't know if it is a firmware issue or lemon issue or an actual issue. But for an analog TV none of this even matters.

chanster

Thank you Sir.

nightmaster

I'm a fan of the Sony players. The basic models give a great picture and as you spend more they become highly regarded by HT geeks. I also like the Samsung DVD-HD841, very clean picture.....perhaps a bit finicky about what discs it will play however.

PoorCollegeKid

i've got an LG model that has treated me well thus far... looks great and sounds great... even has hdmi..

marycheer

check and go with products with warranty so if anything goes wrong you wont be sorry.

DJ_Longfellow

I have a Pioneer 588 (I believe)....great player, no problems. I shouldve got the other once since I did not really need the DVD-A or SACD...oh well.

Mordred

I'm not quite at the point where I've started researching DVD players, but I was wondering if most of them nowadays support PAL discs as well? My computer plays them just fine, but I'd like to be able to watch them on my TV as well.

dfriedland

I just bought a used (yet perfect) Denon 1910 for $100 over at audiogon or videogon.com
If you buy used from these videophiles who update their equipment evry year, you get great quality at great prices.