Sony DVP-NS575P/S Progressive Scan DVD Player, Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had this player for about a week now and am reasonably happy with it. I bought this player to replace my 3 year old Sony DVD player that couldn't read my burned DVD-R or DVD+R media.
Not a problem with this unit -- I've thrown DVD+R, DVD-R, and DVD+RW disks at it and it's had no issues whatsoever, nor has it had any problems reading the several Netflix rental DVDs I've thrown at it. So far, so good.
The picture on my 4:3 tube TV is excellent, as you'd expect, although it seems slightly darker than what I'm accustomed to, even after fiddling with the various cinema modes.
Startup time to read DVDs is definitely longer than with my 3 year old player although if it buys you the ability to read almost any disk format, it's not a big deal if you have to wait 10-15 seconds to get started.
The multi-disk memory is an excellent feature, allowing you to remove a disk and play others and when you put the disk back in, the player will take you right back to where you left off.
The only disappointment so far is that when presented with a moving, intricate picture with fine lines, the lines tend to 'wiggle' as the picture moves. (This is noticeable in the rails and fine lines of the buildings in the opening of Mystic River as the camera pans across them). My 3 year old Sony did NOT have this issue but my understanding is that this is a very common issue with DVD players.
Given that this is an (...)$80-$90 player that will do progressive video (which I'm not using yet) and seems to be happy with whatever media you throw at it, I'd suggest giving it a shot.
October 04 update -- the "wiggling lines" problem I noted in Mystic River turned out to be very unusual -- I think I've only noticed it in one other movie out of the 50 or so I've watched since writing this review. It's not a big issue.

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Sony's amazingly affordable and feature-rich DVP-NS575P/B DVD player is everything a budget-savvy music and movie lover could ask for. The progressive-scan DVP-NS575P/B plays just about any disc out there--including DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW--as well as spins your digital photos and MP3 files burned to CD-R/CD-RW discs. It will also play discs recorded in the DVD-VR format (which grants more flexible recording and editing options than do standard DVD-RW/+RW or DVD-RAM formats).
Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive (PCP) system uses specialized algorithms to detect image changes at the pixel level, as opposed to the scan-line level, resulting in a picture more faithful to the film or video source.

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Coby DVD-224 Compact DVD Player (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I wanted to be able to watch DVDs from the UK that weren't available in NTSC. So far the Coby has handled everything I've put in it with no trouble. It impressed a friend so much he got one too.
I'm not expecting it to last forever - it is a mega-cheapie after all - but at this price, I can buy a new one every year, and consider it worth it. I haven't found any other box that does multi-region with on-the-fly PAL/NTSC conversion at any price.
UPDATE - I've had my Coby for two years now, and it is still working fine. I have found some commercial DVDs don't play well in it, but it is a fault of the DVD manufacturer, not the player (I work in the industry). Basically, Technicolor don't test for compatability with the software codec used in this box, and frequently the only way to play DVDs duplicated by Technicolor is to go to the Select Scene menu and pick the first scene. It plays fine from there. This affects many cheaper DVD players, who all use the same software codec.

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Forget thinking outside the box--now you can stop worrying about the box altogether. Coby's DVD-224 is about the size of a hardcover book, so whether you're ferrying the player between the kitchen and the bedroom or hooking it up for periodic use by the kids, the DVD-224's small size permits enjoyment of DVD programs and music CDs in just about any room you want. While not portable in the traditional sense--the unit has no screen and requires AC power--the DVD-224 is much easier to move around, set-up, and use than a traditional component DVD player.It handles not only your DVD-Videos (both NTSC- and PAL-formatted discs, depending on your TV), but it plays your music, too--everything from standard CDs to home-burned CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and MP3-encoded CDs. Further, you can load a disc brimming with digital photos for custom slide shows in the comfort of your home theater.An onscreen display simplifies setup and operation, and the unit comes with a compact, full-function remote control. Other features include parental controls (with PIN lock), frame-by-frame slow motion, picture zoom (2x, 4x), and multiple-angle viewing (with applicable discs).Like to travel? The DVD-224 won't hog space in your bag, and an auto-switching universal power supply handles inputs from AC 110 to 220 volts (50/60 Hz) for use in most countries. Accordingly, the unit's onscreen display offers a choice of 5 setup languages: English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.A composite-video output ensures compatibility with nearly any television and many newer computer monitors. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio outputs (choose from either optical or coaxial) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. A set of standard left/right RCA analog outputs simplifies hookup with traditional integrated amplifiers and most televisions.What's in the Box DVD player, remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, and a stereo analog audio interconnect/composite-video cable.

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Sony DVP-NS425P Progressive Scan DVD Player, Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)I was running through the many DVD players that would support all the formats I needed. Typically I was thinking of staying in the 80 dollar range. Then I saw this Sony on sale for 99.99. I thought, Great a DVD player that plays ALL the formats, and Im getting a Sony.
Much like the other user, I have stalling issues through out any DVD I put in. It is NOT issues with the disk. But even worse is the terrible problems it has with darker transitions. For instance:
When its a black screen and you have credits that pop up....you see a darker patch of black across the screen fully -------Directed By Ridley Scott----------. Like that. It also has similar problems during movie play. One scene, A guy was in a darkened closet, and clearly your meant to see him vaguely. Instead, I got negative (like a negative from a picture) effect over his face. It did this same thing with several other movies.
Lastly, the ease of use is just horrific. I dare any of you to buy this product and think this Unit is convenient. Lack of FF, or RW speeds, Menu options that are poorly put together. Skipping through scenes is a horrific battle.
On the plus sides, the picture, when not affected by this units darker places problems, is pretty dag gone crisp.
Has lots of nice picture quality setups, and sound setups.
Plays all the formats for those of you who needs a guaranteed play em all unit.
Was the best looking unit I saw in many online and retail markets.
Overall, the studdering, and the picture quality issues makes this unit a big ol negative. I suggest finding something better.

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Indulge in the entertainment Sony's DVP-NS425P DVD Player brings home along with its chic style to complement your home decor. You willl enter a world of sharp images and incredible sound as you experience the benefits of Sony DVD first-hand. Featuring DVD+RW/+R Playback, MP3/CD-R/CD-RW Playback, 10 Bit Video DAC with 54Mhz Processing, Dolby Digital and dts Decoding Compatible, and Component Video Output, this Progressive Scan DVD/CD Player is just what your looking for in digital entertainment. Where style and performance meet - the DVP-NS425P.

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Sony DVP NS315 - DVD player Review

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(More customer reviews)I just purchased this DVD player about a week ago, and I've been very pleased with the purchase. For those of you who just want to put a DVD in and play it, this is a perfect player for you. If you stop the DVD and turn off the player but don't remove the DVD, it'll start playing from the same spot when you turn it on again. S-Video, component and digital coax outputs, as well as RCA outputs, make this a DVD player with a future, as does the fact that it can play MP3's, CD-R and RW and DVD-R and RW discs. The surround sound feature is wonderful, particularly if you just want to use your regular stereo TV - the surround modes make it sound like you're surrounded by speakers, even though the player is using only the two speakers in your TV. (It also hooks up to a full stereo system, providing Dolby 5.1 sound if your receiver supports it.) As well, one of the surround options (Night Mode) plays everything at the expected level except for explosions, rumbles, and other neighbour-disturbing sounds, which it cuts the volume on. Great for late night viewing! The player also features video enhancement, with dynamic contrast and colour adjustment through five video options. The remote is somewhat disappointing, with the play, rewind, etc. buttons placed counter-intuitively above the menu navigation "disk" in the centre of the remote. It is, however, fine for most people. Note that the remote offered with the 315 doesn't control other TV's, etc. Only Sony ones. I understand the model 415 comes with a universal remote, if you need one. All in all, a very satisfactory player for the price, with crystal clear picture and audio. I should also mention that I'm using this player with standard RCA audio and video hook-ups, and the picture and sound is still great - much improved over my VCR, or even satellite. Highly recommended for the mid-range consumer.

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Make favorite movie moments come alive with Sony's slim-design DVP-NS315B DVD player. The player has high-quality component-video outputs and Sony's Precision Drive 2 system, which maintains quality audio/video performance even when discs are scratched or warped. The DVP-NS315B is compatible with just about every disc format out there, including DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW (video mode), CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 CD. BNR (block-noise reduction) minimizes choppy image distortion during scenes where the whole image changes quickly. SmoothScan and SmoothSlow modes provide clean playback of DVD in slow motion and scan speeds.
Top-of-the-line component-video outputs help minimize line scan and digital artifacts on compatible advanced televisions, and composite-video and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television. The back panel offers one output each for composite-video, S-video, and component-video. A 10-bit video DAC with 27 MHz processing ensures accurate video with smooth gradations of color and contrast.
Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio output for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. Built-in 96 kHz, 24-bit linear PCM decoding extracts the full performance of all the linear PCM audio formats in CD and DVD-Video. You can also process two-channel sources for surround sound--Digital Cinema Sound DSP reproduces the precise acoustics of acclaimed Hollywood mastering stages. TV Virtual Surround System generates the effect of surround sound speakers, even when you're limited to the stereo speakers inside your TV. Instant Replay jumps back 10 seconds and commences play. It's great for those times when you miss a line of movie dialogue or when you just have to see that dance move again. Custom parental control locks playback of user-designated discs with a four-digit code, whether or not the discs carry an MPAA rating.

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Sony DVP-NS400D DVD Player Review

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(More customer reviews)I own three other DVD players and am familiar with a friend's, and none of them have performed for me quite so well as this one. Its sheer number of options in almost all aspects of DVD (and CD music) enetertainment along with flexibility in terms of control and viewing make this a great deal all on its own. Having had so much experience with other players, I had soon put this one through its paces.
The remote control is large and solid, its weight comfortable to the hand and reassuring of the quality that went into its making. The buttons are intelligently placed rather than just shoved on where they would fit and the are all of high quality and comfortable to press. After only two days of use I can already find most of the options without having to search for them, which is good since there is no sort of backlighting or glow in the dark plastic.
Advancing to different tracks on the DVD is very fast, no slow down when trying to access the next scene like I have sometimes seen with cheaper players. The rewind and forward buttons are part of the flexibility I previously mentioned. There is the option to SCAN the disc with multiple speeds x3 as well as a push and release SEARCH for when you just want to scan back a few seconds. This way you aren't bothered pressing the SCAN button then rushing to press the PLAY to stop it. Just press and release when done.
I won't go into all the features, but it includes everything you'd expect a DVD player to have. Slow motion with multiple stepped speeds similar to the SCAN in both forward and reverse. Angles and subtitles and audio options along with shuffle, repeat, and programmed playback for listening to CDs. Time and chapter searches, noise reduction (for DVDs that tend to pixilate) and a picture sharperner/softener. The only oddly lacking feature would be the absence of a zoom button.
A nice feature that my previous DVDs didn't have is the automatic saving of settings for the DVD you're viewing. The player will save your settings for up to 50 DVDs automatically. Once you get past 50 it just overwrites the oldest one saved so that any you watch on a regular basis will always be set how you like. This way you don't have to mess with menu and audio/picture options everytime you sit down to watch a movie. There is also a 9 screen splitscreen option that you can use to speed up searches during playback, view scenes from each chapter if the DVD doesn't offer this on the menu, and view all the different angles available at once.
Audio options are many and varied, allowing not only for the selection of the number of speakers and types (front, back, center, subwoofer) but also for the size of the speakers and the distance of each from the viewer for optimal sound performance. In addition to this there are various sound setups for theater quality sound in a variety of styles. There's even an option to make your music CDs sound like you're in the best seats at a concert hall in Venice. There is even a setting for viewing DVDs at night which will keep you from having to constantly adjust the volume during the loud scenes.
There is also a DTS converter of some sort, I haven't figured out the logistics of it yet... but apparently you can achieve DTS sound without the need of a receiver that will supply such. There are also S-Video hookups for ultimate screen performance as well as YPR connections for an even better picture and more accurate colors.
There is only one thing I can really find against the player. The menus are big and rather ugly. The saving grace here is they are very easy to manipulate to do what you want quickly and get them off of your screen.
All in all this is a great DVD player, and I am very glad that the folks I talked to got me to buy this one instead of the one I had in mind. I haven't even begun to touch on all of the other keen things this player can do, but if you're not convinced by now... well, there's nothing I can do but invite you over to see this thing in action in person. You won't be disappointed.

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Black Surround Sound Dolby Digital Digital Cinema Sound Virtual 3D 1 year warrantyThe Sony DVP-NS400D bring digital video pictures to you that approach studio master tape quality. Component digital coding keeps col

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