Suggestions for first DVD player

[lilblu]

I would like to buy my first standalone dvd player (I've been using my pc to watch dvds) but I'm not sure what to get.

I don't need anything fancy. Something that works/plays the same as a VCR will do just fine. I'm not really interested in all this new technology, I just want something that plays DVDs but doesn't distort the picture. Quality is important and it should last at least 2 yrs. I suppose it should also play CDRs, DVD-R, DVD+R.

I live in a small town so I don't have a lot of options as far as brand and model. I suppose I could always order something but I worry about it getting damaged during shipping.

Some brands that I've been looking at are: Panasonic, Sony, Philips, Magnavox, Samsung, and Toshiba. Any of those sound good?

Any ideas or suggestions on brands or models?

I have checked out the DVD list on this site but I'd still like to hear opinions since this will be my first DVD player.

[INFRATOM]

Phillips is fine. try amazon.com they don't charge shipping over $25 and also don't charge tax.

[classfour]

Amazon doesn't charge tax in most states - they do where I live, as there is a distribution center about 50 miles away....[/quote]

[jman98]

I have the Philips DVP-642. Mine is 2 years old and it still works. It's been a terrific bargain for me, but I have to admit that I have read a lot of posts here from angry people who didn't have good luck with this model. Apparently the quality control on them was pretty bad. The people that hate this model REALLY REALLY hate it, so I can't recommend it without reservations.

My suggestion would be to find a model you like and read the reviews both here and at Amazon and see if you think it will be OK for you or not.

[lilblu]

After reading several reviews, I'm thinking about the Philips DVP-5140. The only thing that concerns me is that I've heard Philips products are junk and that they die after only 1 year of use. But at around $55 I suppose if it lasts a year it would still be worth it.


This is off-topic but can someone tell me if ordering a DVD player online is a good idea? I'm mostly worried that it will get damaged during shipping. I know the UPS guy and the substitute USPS guy are both careless when it comes to delivering packages. I'm not sure that I will find this particular model in any stores and I'd probably have to order it from some online store.

[FulciLives]

You can get the Philips DVP-5140 at WALMART for $49 and change.

Surely you have a WALMART near you?

I think SEARS also sells the same model although they are $5.00 or $10.00 more than WALMART last time I checked (I think they wanted $59 and change).

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[Bodyslide]

I would buy at a store that has a good return policy. That way you can test the player and make sure it plays and does everything you need it to do. If it doesn't then take it back and get a refund or another player. With an online purchase you have to reship the package back. Good luck

[ntscuser]

Get the Sony, and buy it from a dealer as local to you as possible. If you are planning to upgrade your TV at any time within the next two years I suggest you also get the model with HDMI output and video upscaling DVP-NS76H.

PS: although you didn't mention it, this model also has DivX playback which you will find very useful indeed.