Best DVD player under $500 (1 Viewer)

[Jason Garver]

I am looking to get a new dvd player. I am currently left with only my Sony Playstation 2 for DVD playback at the moment, and I find it less than optimal. Im sure that most any unit out there will give me better results than the PS2. What I was wondering though is $500 enough to get a better than average unit. I've read good things about the Pioneer DVC-563, but this a pretty inexpensive unit. I would like something that will last me for a while.

Right now I only have a Sony 32" trinitron, but I plan on upgrading to something in the neighborhood of 55" once I finish moving.

One more thing, Im really only interested in DVD viewing. I would like the movies to sound good, but I dont need DVD-A or SACD playback

Thanks,
Jason

 

[John S]

I recently compared the PS/2 to a $30 DVD player, and the PS/2 was much better....


Probably doesn't help you at all, but the DVD isn't that bad in the game console just some more info in it is all.

 

[Jason Garver]

Anybody?

 

[Don_Berg]

For top picture quality you have to get a model with a Faroudja de-interlacer. These include the Mitsubishi DD-8040 and the Denon DVD-910 - price is $250-300.

 

[Jason Garver]

Thanks, the Mitsubishi looks like a very nice unit.

 

[Chris*Liberti]

Also another one which is mentioned real high is the Panasonic RP-82 (does not have chroma bug either) and these go for around $350 on ebay. It also has DVD-Audio

 

[Don_Berg]

Yes the old Panasonic RP82,XP30,XP50 models have Faroudja and are great but they were discontinued over a year ago. I only listed current available in retail store models with Faroudja de-interlacer.

 

[dan-0]

The Phillips 963A is supposed to be a good player. It's a univeral player. $499

 

[Al Garay]

NAD T562 refurbished for $499
https://dmc-electronics.com/Default.htm

 

[ChrisYK]

Does the NAD T562 have the Faroudja de-interlacer? And if not, how does the NAD DVD pictures compare to Faroudja-based players?

I looked on their website, but there was no mention of it in the specs.

 

[Dave*WB]

"The Phillips 963A is supposed to be a good player. It's a univeral player. $499"

I got mine from J&R Electronics for $350. I have been real happy with it. It does SACD as well, but not DVD-Audio.

 

[Aaron_*P]

If you looking for something even less expensive in the $100 range, the Sigma 8500 chip, although not as good as Faroudja, isn't bad for it's price. The Lite-On LVD 2002 and 2001 use that chip and produce probably the nicest picture quality in that price range, plus it's region free, macrovision free, and plays divx.