Next Generation of HDDVD Players
#51
DVD Talk Legend
I clearly posted my issues with the player when I first bought it and haven't had any of the other issues people have had with lock ups and freeze ups. I'm not saying I never will, but I am not hiding flaws in the player. I put in HD DVDs and it plays them back beautifully with excellent sound. There is really nothing there to complain about.
#52
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
Btw...for those who have problems with the remote, i would DEFINITELY suggest turning on the "remote tone." It's helped me out immensely. Whenever a button is pushed, a beep will be heard. That way you know if the machine has registered your request.
I imagine the A1's remote is an absolute DREAM to use compared to the Malata N996 remote.
#53
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 4,582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Spiky
No universal? I always ignore remote issues, assuming I can get it to work once to teach my real remote.
I imagine the A1's remote is an absolute DREAM to use compared to the Malata N996 remote.
I imagine the A1's remote is an absolute DREAM to use compared to the Malata N996 remote.
Ive had NO issues with my Logitech Harmony 688 universal remote and the A1. It works beautifully.
#54
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 15,957
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Spiky
No universal? I always ignore remote issues, assuming I can get it to work once to teach my real remote.
I imagine the A1's remote is an absolute DREAM to use compared to the Malata N996 remote.
I imagine the A1's remote is an absolute DREAM to use compared to the Malata N996 remote.
i don't remember which Malata I had but you got used to it. This remote is actually WORSE than the Malata I have.
#55
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by RockStrongo
Personally, I upgrade alot. Ive had probably 10 different dvd players over the years. I dont think my hd-dvd player will be any different. I will most likely upgrade it over the next year or so and ebay my old one. Its been a successful option for me in the past.
Last edited by SINGLE104; 06-01-06 at 01:18 PM.
#56
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The brand may shock some, but here's my recommendation for an entry-level universal remote:
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4108436
If this is anything like the $30 VL710 that seems to be discontinued, it is an excellent remote for the price. And user comments at Remote Central say it is just that. The VL600 appears to have almost identical buttons and features (except more devices) to the 710, and it costs less. I don't know what I'd do without a universal.
The N996's remote only worked sometimes. And it was slow, so you'd sit there waiting a few seconds after pressing a button trying to decide if it was just slow or doing nothing.
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4108436
If this is anything like the $30 VL710 that seems to be discontinued, it is an excellent remote for the price. And user comments at Remote Central say it is just that. The VL600 appears to have almost identical buttons and features (except more devices) to the 710, and it costs less. I don't know what I'd do without a universal.
The N996's remote only worked sometimes. And it was slow, so you'd sit there waiting a few seconds after pressing a button trying to decide if it was just slow or doing nothing.
#57
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 4,582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SINGLE104
Based on what features, could you have possibly upgraded 10 different dvd players for throughout the years, beside HD-DVD?
In 2000, I upgrade to the progressive scan Toshiba 5109 (spent $400 on that!!) since I had bought a 55in widescreen MITS CRT. I gave my Sony to my parents.
After I bought my DLP set 2 years ago, I have had numerous players since then. Upscaling players really vary in quality based on the player (chipset) and your display. Since 2004, Ive owned the following...
Samsung 931 - terrible upscaled picture with bad black crush and macroblocking...traded it for 941 via samsung support
Denon 1910 - green tint to picture and macroblocking....sold on ebay
Samsung 941 - didnt even open after reading reviews, sold as new on ebay
Panasonic S97 - good picture, slight macroblocking....sold on ebay
Momitsu V880DX - GREAT picture, bad menus, bad remote, region free....sold on ebay to buy Oppo
Samsung 755 - I have this on my bedroom tv...works fine for $65
Oppo 97 - Best picture of all of these, region free....sold to my brother
Obvisouly, now I have the A1. My fiancee gets mad whenever I even TALK about upgrading. haha.
Overall, I havent lost alot of money since I sell them for either as much or more than I purchase them for. Of the ones that Ive had, the Oppo clearly has the best features, pq and aq. BUT, the A1 actually has equally as good pq/aq in my opinion.
Last edited by RockStrongo; 06-01-06 at 01:46 PM.
#58
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 15,957
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Spiky
The brand may shock some, but here's my recommendation for an entry-level universal remote:
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4108436
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4108436
#59
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 4,582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
Sorry. I'm never buying another Sony product (unless it's a DVD, where I have no other choice). Any other recommendations?
I got my Logitech Harmony 688 for about $110 shipped from newegg (you might can get one cheaper off ebay)....looks like they are a bit more on newegg now for some reason ($117)....its a good remote though....plug it up to the net, update it with your setup and your ready to go.
Mine controls my Sammy DLP set, Dish vip622 hd-dvr, xbox360 and Toshiba A1 very well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16880100708
#60
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
In looking at the picture of the Sony universal remote I notice that it doesn't appear to have chapter stop buttons. The Logitech one does seem to have them, although the button layout is pretty unorthodox.
I have found that there are certain specialized functions that don't seem to be available when I try to use a different remote (my receiver has a good general remote) than the one supplied with the device.
For example, my DVD player has a position memory button (it remembers positions on up to five DVDs), which I use frequently when watching TV on DVD so I can go directly to the next episode the next day. How could I use that function on a universal remote?
Do universals handle direct access to DVD audio channels and subtitles? Yes, I could step though menus, but that is a PITA compared to just using the buttons on my player remote.
In short, do "universal" remotes really do it all?
I have found that there are certain specialized functions that don't seem to be available when I try to use a different remote (my receiver has a good general remote) than the one supplied with the device.
For example, my DVD player has a position memory button (it remembers positions on up to five DVDs), which I use frequently when watching TV on DVD so I can go directly to the next episode the next day. How could I use that function on a universal remote?
Do universals handle direct access to DVD audio channels and subtitles? Yes, I could step though menus, but that is a PITA compared to just using the buttons on my player remote.
In short, do "universal" remotes really do it all?
#61
DVD Talk Legend
I've got the Harmony 676 and it's one of the best purchases I've ever made in my life. I've not kept up with the newer models, but based on this one, I can definitely recommend the brand.
#62
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 4,582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by lizard
In short, do "universal" remotes really do it all?
#63
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 3,096
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by matome
Yep, I just picked up a Denon 2910 in December and it's awesome. I also have no qualms about dropping a grand on a hi-def player (be it HD-DVD or Blu-Ray), but I'll probably wait till second gen as well.
I'm no snob, but I do understand value. I paid about $400 total for my other 2 players(1 died after 2 years),and the other I just plain hate. So, still the Denon costs more than those 2 players combined, but already it blows those 2 away (obviously!), and if it lasts more than 3 years, I'll still be feeling the love for it, and that enjoyment will pay for itself.
As far as HD goes, $500 or $1000 is really not a lot more than what I just paid for a SD player. I wanted to just get the A1 (would have been cheaper too), but with all it's shortcomings and issues, I passed. Plus I rarely buy anything 1st generation, because they usually always have issues.
So, I am ready to pay $1000+ for a well designed, essentially flawless 2nd or 3rd generation HD player, that is not a problem. The problem will be the format war, and content. I'm not going to double dip to HD on much of my SD titles I already have, and seems as though it will be a while before they start releasing many older catalog titles that I don't have on SD yet. As far as today's titles go, there is a much smaller handful I like. There is a lot of crap released these days.
And the format war doesn't help matters, I certainly won't own two different HD players. And I can't see myself choosing one over the other (likely based on content), so there better be dual format players (I'd pay a little more too), or I'll likely skip the whole damn thing and wear out my Denon with upconverted SD titles.
#64
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by digitalfreaknyc
Sorry. I'm never buying another Sony product (unless it's a DVD, where I have no other choice). Any other recommendations?
www.surfaudiovideo.com has some decent prices on all of the MX series and a few of the Harmonys. I think Mike is still a member here. I can recommend him as a dealer, too.
The other amazing thing about the MX series is the power. I can be anywhere and point it anywhere and it will work. I have a 20" TV that has a weird angle or something for the IR sensor. It's remote had to be aimed directly at the spot. The MX-500 can be waving around the room or whatever you want.
Last edited by Spiky; 06-01-06 at 04:45 PM.
#65
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 6,830
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by RockStrongo
That depends...if its a learning/programmable remote, then yes, theoretically it can.
Oh, and some do more than the original remote. There are some codes that exist for a machine, but do not have a button on the remote. I used to have Mitsubishi VCRs, and none of their remotes had an Eject key, even though the machine did. Used a universal with serious programmable ability (a $20 remote) to teach my MX-500 the Eject code.
Last edited by Spiky; 06-01-06 at 04:50 PM.
#66
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Something I found with universal remotes was that they were sometimes a little unweildy for the less obvious functions. Say you want to access subtitles while the DVD is already playing, on most original remotes there'll be a little "..." button to press and instantly gratify your desire. Programable remotes that I've used require the user to remember the right button or buttons to press to achieve the same goal. That's easy enough in the plain light of day, but after sinking a six pack it starts to look like advanced rocket science! Or maybe that's just me?
:: the lightweight slinks off in shame ::
:: the lightweight slinks off in shame ::
#68
DVD Talk Reviewer/ Admin
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Greenville, South Cackalack
Posts: 28,805
Received 1,879 Likes
on
1,237 Posts
...or an LCD screen with scrollable lists of custom menus like the better Harmony remotes.
#69
DVD Talk Special Edition
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What are the chances that the next gen players won't have decoders for the new audio formats with the assumption being new recievers will have them? I'm try to figure out if I'll need a new reciever to go with a 2nd gen player.
#70
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by XavierMike
What are the chances that the next gen players won't have decoders for the new audio formats with the assumption being new recievers will have them? I'm try to figure out if I'll need a new reciever to go with a 2nd gen player.
#71
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by RockStrongo
After I bought my DLP set 2 years ago, I have had numerous players since then. Upscaling players really vary in quality based on the player (chipset) and your display. Since 2004, Ive owned the following...
Samsung 931 - terrible upscaled picture with bad black crush and macroblocking...traded it for 941 via samsung support
Denon 1910 - green tint to picture and macroblocking....sold on ebay
Samsung 941 - didnt even open after reading reviews, sold as new on ebay
Panasonic S97 - good picture, slight macroblocking....sold on ebay
Momitsu V880DX - GREAT picture, bad menus, bad remote, region free....sold on ebay to buy Oppo
Samsung 755 - I have this on my bedroom tv...works fine for $65
Oppo 97 - Best picture of all of these, region free....sold to my brother
Samsung 931 - terrible upscaled picture with bad black crush and macroblocking...traded it for 941 via samsung support
Denon 1910 - green tint to picture and macroblocking....sold on ebay
Samsung 941 - didnt even open after reading reviews, sold as new on ebay
Panasonic S97 - good picture, slight macroblocking....sold on ebay
Momitsu V880DX - GREAT picture, bad menus, bad remote, region free....sold on ebay to buy Oppo
Samsung 755 - I have this on my bedroom tv...works fine for $65
Oppo 97 - Best picture of all of these, region free....sold to my brother
#72
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 4,582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by SINGLE104
These are replacements, rather than upgrades.
Almost all of those players that I purchased were better in terms of pq/aq than the one it replaced.
#73
Banned by request
Instead of starting a new thread, I just figured I'd ask here.
Since Intel has stopped production on the chips in the current Toshiba players, is there any news on the 1.5 model? Or will they skip that and just go for 2nd gen sometime in 2007?
Since Intel has stopped production on the chips in the current Toshiba players, is there any news on the 1.5 model? Or will they skip that and just go for 2nd gen sometime in 2007?
#75
Banned by request
I know some people mentioned it in other threads. Toshiba was using an out of print Intel chip that was specially modified, and that Toshiba claimed that the reason for the small supply of their players is due to Intel stopping production on the chip.