which dvd player to get?

[apost1]

Ok, I have done some research on this site and plan to buy one of the following dvd players.

Apex 500W
Pioneer dv343
pioneer dv444
Hitachi 415U
RCA RC5240P

CD-R VCD playback is my main concern with the player I choose, I would like to get the one that would play vcds the best and at the highest quality. I would also like to purchase one locally opposed to buying one online. The ones i can get locally are the pioneer 343, RCA, and the Apex. I saw that the Hitachi and the RCA can play XSVCDs at very high bitrates up to 6 or 7k/sec while the others can only play at around 3k/sec. Would the higher bitrate make that much of a difference or is it not even noticeable once you get up to a certain bitrate? I am new to burning VCDs so I would like to get one that would be easy to burn VCDs for. I would prefer feedback from someone with knowledge on most or all of the players, but feedback about any individual player would also be appreciated.

[ViperXT]

I have the RCA RC5240P and it is a great player. Although I tested a DV-343 and it seemed like a great player too. I would be comfortable recommending either of them. The 5240P has all the outputs you'd ever want(2x rca audio, 2x conposite video, 1 s-video, 1 component video, optical audio, coaxial audio). From what I hear about the Apex players I would stay away.

[chuckm]

Just bought a Pioneer DV-434 specifically for the VCD, CD-R(W), and DVD-(+RW).

While I'm a newbie, I ripped my first test CD-R and it played fine. My old DVD player wouldn't even recognize it.


Costs $150, no tax or shipping from buy.com. I'd recommend the player.

[stu252]

hi, ive had a pioneer dv 530 for about 6 months now and it plays any vcd cdr or cdrw as well, any make of cdr and cdrw u put in it great picture great sound only ever had one problem and that was because of a badly burned disc. i would consider buying this u should take a cdr into the store u r considering buying the player and stick it in and see what the playback is like

[apost1]

Thanks for the input, I decided on the pioneer dv c503. I didnt realize this, but the progressive scan only works on High Definition Televisions, so that was no longer a factor since I dont plan on getting an HDTV anytime in the foreseeable future. The model I choose is a 5 disc changer, I think that will suit me best since you have to split up vcds on about 2 or 3 discs.

[Stevos]

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Stevos on 2001-10-22 18:16:34 ]</font>