smrgol: (Default)
Smrgol ([personal profile] smrgol) wrote2004-08-05 05:16 am

On DVDs, coasters and Players

Well, it turns out that I can burn good discs after all, but the players I have, excluding the Panasonioc portable, cannot play DVD -R discs.

Today I went to Best Buy to look over what was on the market that would play the various formats.

The space I have is limited, as is my budget, so I ended up replacing my little used VCR with a combo unit from Samsung - the DVD-V4600. It'll handle all the formats I use or intend to use. (Surprisingly, not MP3 though) They had an open box unit for just over $100. If I want to, I can now also pack away my CD changer and the Toshiba DVD player too. It's not region free though, so I can't watch JBadger's Japanese discs. ...

Another DVD only unit that caught my eye was a small unit, a CyberHome Model CH-DVD300S.
It's another that will handle all formats and it's in a compact 9" square 2 1/2" deep sturdy metal case.
It's also $35 after a rebate. Thirty Five Dollars! I find it amazing that the units have dropped to almost give away price.

Here's a review: http://www.doctorsgadgets.com/product.php/B0000A0AJH

Hmm, according to the review, you can also switch the region with a few button pushes. I may look into this one anyway ... see www.regionfreedvd.net for info.

[identity profile] aerofox.livejournal.com 2004-08-05 12:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Just avoid DVD or VCR units from Sylvania/Emerson/Symphonic brands.
Even some Philips/Magnavox models as they are made by Funai.

The place I work is an Authorized Funai service center....I see these
things everyday and they are the CHEAPEST pieces of junk I've ever seen.

Samsung is fine, though I know nothing of CyberHome.

[identity profile] skipai.livejournal.com 2004-08-05 05:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Beat you :D

Toshiba SD3210. £39.99.

Plays DVD -/+ R, RW's
CDR's, CDRW's
Windows Media Audio
MP3
JPEG viewer

Does nearly everything except record or play divx :D

Thinking about it as it's on 50% offer at the moment for a £80 player.

And it's just started to thunder.... x.x