A good DVD player for SVCD

[nightwing7]

I need a new DVD player, my Sony DVP- S360 is really picky with CD-R and it wont even read SVCD's. I need to find a good player that has high video/audio quality like a Sony and plays SVCD and VCD with ease and has no problem with CD-R media (no Apex though, the video quality is pretty bad, i didnt like them at all, besides i heard they have lotsa problems).

Thanks

[monsoon01]

go with a pioneer dv 333 or 343, they r great players and considering all that they have they arent to expensive.

[thxkid]

My APEX 660 $99 at Sams plays SVCD perfect, and you get a MP3 player, CD-R and CD-RW, VCD and I played XVCD at 2520 Bitrate without a hitch and SVCD upto 2800 bitrate with good results.

[jeex]

my sanyo dwm-370 plays vcd's & svcd's really nicely. i had the apex 500w, while it would play just about anything. the picture quality was unacceptable, even for dvd's.

the sanyo blows it away.

it plays vcd's, xvcd's, svcd's, mp3 cd's, and the rest of the standard audio & video formats.

it cost me $130 + tax

[lemmy999]

I have an Apex and a Pioneer DV343. For features (zoom, time display while playing SVCD, general control while playing SVCD and ease of hacking, and MP3 ability) the Apex is much better than the Pioneer. I have only two issue with the apex (but they are big ones). 1) While playing my SVCDs I get occasional bad block noise and when the screen is mostly the same color with only moderate color changes, the apex looks blocky (DVD and SVCD) 2)many times on DVD and SVCD the sound and video will get out of sync. It doesn't get bad very often, but it can get really annoying.

The Pioneer has a much better (but softer) picture, almost no block noise with SVCD and never any lip sync problems. However, when I make an SVCD with PBC, it does not list the time elapsed. I don't know why. Also it is just a little pickier about what it will play than the Apex. If I had to have just one, it would be a tough decision. I would probably go with the Sanyo.

[adam]

I recommend getting a pioneer. Apex quality just doesnt stand up to a pioneer. What I would do is author a svcd at 2.6 or 2.7mbits per sec cbr and bringing it in to the store to see if it plays ok. Many pioneers are known to have a bitrate limit of about 2.5mbits, which is below the standard. Try to find one that doesnt limit you.

[tszykowny]

I am considering the purchase of a pioneer 343 but I saw on the DVD player compatibility list that the subs was crossed out under the SCVD. The index at the bottom of the page says that "Subs and Tracks below SVCD stands for if it supports selectable SVCD subtitles and audio tracks". I was wondering exactly what does this mean? Does it mean that it will play one subtitle track but if there are more than one you can't switch between them? Or does it mean that you can't watch anything with subtitles in a svcd format?

[Vejita-sama]

Pioneer 434 or Hitachi 415. Both of these will play anything: x(S)VCD wise.

[Erwin]

I recommend either most JVC DVD players, DAEWOO DVG-3000N, or the Curtis Mathes CMD5000.

[next]

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On 2001-10-03 19:54:35, Erwin wrote:
I recommend either most JVC DVD players, DAEWOO DVG-3000N, or the Curtis Mathes CMD5000.
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JVC for SVCD? Well out of the 30 or so JVC's reviewd on this site only two show as being able to play SVCD's. Make sure you test a JVC with a SVCD before you purchase.

[netgod]

guys,
i have a question ...slightly off topic tho ..
i have a dv-333 and dv-343 ..
on both of them when i forward , while playing a dvd, and keep the forward pressed .. it only forwards for a few minutes/secs and then starts playing again .. although i have the forw pressed still ..

anyone can tell me how i can fix it ?

[Erwin]

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On 2001-10-03 20:28:28, next wrote:
JVC for SVCD? Well out of the 30 or so JVC's reviewd on this site only two show as being able to play SVCD's. Make sure you test a JVC with a SVCD before you purchase.
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There are several DVD players out there that do not indicate that they will play SVCDs, but they do. And there are several DVD players that do not indicate that they can play VCDs, but they can. The Curtis Mathes CMD5000 does not indicate anywhere on the box or the player itself that it can play SVCDs or even VCDs, but it does. SVCD or VCD is highlighted on the digital display if such a disc is inserted.

Taking some test discs to Circuit City, SEARS, BEST BUY, or buying the player/taking it home to test it out is your best bet(preferably the department stores with a 90 day money back guarantee b/c some DVD player don't display their faults until months later).

[next]

Erwin - I realize that. But why recommend a player (JVC) for a specific format (SVCD) when it is well know that they have serious problems with the format. Do you have specific experience with JVC or was it just a guess?

If you have experience with JVC as it relates to SVCD and are recommending it for SVCD then maybe you can help out all the JVC owners that have nothing but problems with SVCD. It would be a great help. That's what these forums are for. Looking foward to the fix. Unique encoding perhaps?

Thanks!

[Erwin]

"Do you have specific experience with JVC or was it just a guess?"

I have experience with the JVC models that they released this year. They will play SVCD and VCD, but if the standards are not accepted by NERO as compliant before they are burned, problems will occur (such as the long pause in playback)- otherwise, it's OK. All the JVC DVD players (this year) have a very similar system, only some have progressive scan, or they have a 3 or 7 disc changer. They come in three colors : black, silver, and gold.

[next]

OK Erwin - Thanks anyways.

4 out of the 5 new units I searched at major retailers can't play SVCD. I don't think JVC is quite there yet as far as SVCD. Maybe next year. Too bad.

[Erwin]

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On 2001-10-03 21:51:48, next wrote:
OK Erwin - Thanks anyways.

4 out of the 5 new units I searched at major retailers can't play SVCD. I don't think JVC is quite there yet as far as SVCD. Maybe next year. Too bad.
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You went to the retailers and tested the players out with CD-Rs that you already burned- right? I am only asking b/c I am translating the word "searched" as "read" or "Online Search" and not "tested", "played", or "tried out". Please, correct me if I'm wrong which I probably am.

[next]

[quote]
On 2001-10-03 22:19:32, Erwin wrote:
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You went to the retailers and tested the players out with CD-Rs that you already burned- right? I am only asking b/c I am translating the word "searched" as "read" or "Online Search" and not "tested", "played", or "tried out". Please, correct me if I'm wrong which I probably am.
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Well actually I'll let you decide if you are wrong or not. I searched the new JVC models that you suggested. I made a note of the model numbers and then referenced them against user opinions in various forums. 4 out of the 5 were littered with complaints about not being able to handle SVCD's - with no success what so ever. Only one unit showed some minimal success which was marginal at best. Another older model had some minimal success as well. It seems that many of the new JVC models still have problems with various CDR/CDRW media. They seem to be way behind the curve. Oh well - maybe someday.

But it's good to hear that they work so well for you. You must be doing something special to give them such a high recommendation.

[nightwing7]

Pioneer is a good player but i heard it skips when switching layers, is there something that has a less noticeable skip

[kimpan]

samsung dvd 811 is a nice player

[teamhawaii]

Put my vote in for the Pioneer DV-434. This player absolutely kicks ass. Plays every CDR known to man. VCD, SVCD, xVCD, xSVCD, no problem.

Whoever said it skips during layer switches is partly right. Though I've never got a skip, it does pause a tad longer that other players. But still hardly a flaw when you condsider the advantages.

I've had a Sony 560D, and it also is a great player. In my opinion better workmanship than the Pioneer, but costs a whole lot more and can onl play a select few of CDRWs.. Real stingy players them Sonys..

[Erwin]

"But it's good to hear that they work so well for you. You must be doing something special to give them such a high recommendation."

Not really. I use Nero, Memorex/TDK CD-Rs, a Philips CDRW burner, TMPGEnc at times, and Ulead Video Studio 4/ATI AIW 128Pro. Nothing really out of the ordinary. Maybe in the long run, JVC players show these faults. I don't own a JVC, I took it back mostly b/c I wanted a DVD player that would play homemade VCDs that did not have white book standards. JVC would not be the top of my list(it's just a player that seemed to work better than some players out there that I have tested); I think the DAEWOO 3000n and Curtis Mathes CMD5000 are much better for SVCDs.

[nightwing7]

How are the panasonic players, is the pioneer player better than panasonic. Are there any panasonic that play SVCD??

[Jeomite]

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On 2001-10-02 10:35:06, lemmy999 wrote:
The Pioneer has a much better (but softer) picture, almost no block noise with SVCD and never any lip sync problems. However, when I make an SVCD with PBC, it does not list the time elapsed. I don't know why.
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To display the disc time on a Pioneer DVD Player, simply insert your (S)VCD, hit stop and hit the 'Previous Track' button. Therefore, it will select Track 01, and also show the Track Time =)

[rasch]

I've got a Panasonic RV31. There's a newer version (RV36 or something). It does VCD, SVCD, plays MP3's ... it's sweet. As far as MP3's: I can have a data disk with 300meg in MP3's scattered all about and the rest regular data ... the panasonic just picks out the MP3's and plays 'em!

[Iview]

I can't say this enough, I responded to quite a few threads on the topic of compatibility of SVCD on DVD players.
If you want brand name picture performance comparable to Sony, Pioneer, Panasonic or JVC, and no intention of hacking, Hitachi 415U is your best bet. it will handle any CD-R/RW, (x)VCD, (x)SVCD and MP3 without any difficulties. Most of all it will play very high bitrate off standard xSVCD (tested to 3800kb may go higher).
Same can not be said with Pioneer, Panasonic and JVC (and stay away from Sony). I tested most of the their newer DVD players a little while ago, some of them will play reduced bitrate SVCD (~2500kb), and some of them don't play very good (stutter). and none of them will do high bitrate (over 2600kb) xSVCD. None can compare to the versatility of the Hitachi 415U.
Hacker's DVD players is a different story, usually they can do more, but with a lesser picture quality and prone to failures. the reprsentative of them are Apex, Sampo.....etc.
Trust me! I have 4 DVD players, Hitachi, Pioneer, Sampo and Shinco. And periodically help my friends to test out DVD players in store when they ask for my help.

[Erwin]

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On 2001-10-08 15:42:41, Iview wrote:
Most of all it will play very high bitrate off standard xSVCD (tested to 3800kb may go higher).
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Oh, NO! We may see yet another post where someone tells us that is xSVCD is NOT standard. Please, someone post and tell us that xSVCD is not a standard. We really need to hear from you out there! just kidding

[mrbass]

I have a pioneer 434....Costco $169 currently. Amazon has 343 for $135 now -$15 coupon at edealinfo.com
I've own sony, toshiba, philips before and have to say pioneer is the best for SVCDs. Sony had the best menu and features though. Apex a few friends bought but the picture quality they said sucked (they said that after they bought the pioneer 434). Another friend bought the Panasonic with mp3 but it wouldn't play many SVCDs and he had to hit forward to get the ones that would play to even start.

netgod to answer your question hold down the button until it stops flashing then it'll fast-forward without holding the button down.

I just saw at costco today a Phillips 930 I think it was for $199 and it's the first ever I've seen that advertises SVCD playback. Kinda expensive though.

[Iview]

Someone trying to recommand JVC as a good SVCD player, without even owning one or tested it himself is something I cannot comprehend. We are here to help, not to cause heartache.

[Erwin]

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On 2001-10-08 18:44:30, Iview wrote:
Someone trying to recommand JVC as a good SVCD player, without even owning one or tested it himself is something I cannot comprehend. We are here to help, not to cause heartache.
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What????
I was being sarcastic. I thought maybe the smile faces and "just kidding" were a dead giveaway (should I have put, "do not take this too serious or literally" as I would not want cause any serious heartache). You don't have to own a JVC to know what the player is like (you've seen a movie before without owning it, haven't you?). And if you want, it's boring, but you can look through all my previous posts and see that I once had a JVC DVD player. Oh yeah, where in this topic does it say I did not test a JVC DVD player? If I wanted to recommend a DVD player, it would be a Curtis Mathes, some Apex models, or DAEWOO. JVC would be next, but it's not as good as the others mentioned. Don't you think "Heartache" is a pretty strong word?

"We are here to help"
--Is that why this site is called "VCD Help"? Sorry couldn't resist