DVD/Laserdisc Player Problem (1 Viewer)

[BarryR]

Not sure if this is the right place for this question, but now that I'm burning DVDs I'd like to "rescue" some laser discs that have been sitting idle ever since my player expired in 1999. But before I can transfer these lasers, I'd like to know if anyone knows a reliable place to find refurbished laser disc players (I would guess none are made anymore...duh). Just a simple no-frills player for transfer purposes. Is ebay the only option?

Thanks for any info.

 

[ChristopherDAC]

You can get the DVL-919 LD+DVD combo player new [tho it is as I recall a special order item], and every couple of weeks there is a player for sale in the "Hardware..." area here at HTF. For the best possible picture quality, you can buy a new-old-stock HLD-X9 from Japan which plays both NTSC and High Definition discs, with the appropriate decoder, but that's in the multi-kilobuck range. Local home theatre/hifi stores, not chains, often have used ones in stock, which are generally a mixed bag but if they don't work you can take them back for repair or refund unless the dealer's a total ass. And there's talk in these pages occasionally of a fellow over at the Imaging science Forum who actually refurbishes these units, and will sell you a CLD-D704, currently my "A" unit and a very good machine. By the way, all those I have mentioned are Pioneer models; by far the most common, and frankly Pioneer or Pio OEM [numerous Toshibas &c.] are the only ones worth buying, except maybe the ultra-rare Runco and Macintosh models which were OEM from High Definition players, Panasonic I think.

 

[BarryR]

Thanks alot for the info--I have a CD/laser Pioneer model from 1989, though can't recall the exact model at the moment (I have it stored somewhere). It worked like a tank for a decade before going awry. Will now check on a few things.

P.S. Pardon my ignorance, but where is the Imaging science forum?

 

[John S]

Pioneer, which I have to give Kudos to, still supports every LD player they ever sold from a service stand point.


I know a few different people that have recently had their players fixed by Pioneer service. When the players came back, they were like better than new, and the repairs weren't to bad at all money wise.

I'd seriously look into it. Also, I bought a backup player, as I have an extensive LD collection, and they look pretty darn great on my HDTV as is, so I will be using the format still for years and years and years to come.

I even still buy them, $6 is the max I will pay, but often I get them for $1 or less. Still a fair amount of titles that will / may never make it to DVD.

 

[Phil A]

Barry, I'd contact Kurtis Bahr. He fixes them and backs what he sells. He may or may not have something laying around that fits your needs. He E-Mail is [email protected]

 

[BarryR]

Thanks!

 

[greg_t]

I second contacting Kurtis. He repaired and tweaked my HLD-X9 and he did a great job.

 

[Rachael B]

Barry, I'd aqquire a newer or better player to do these transfers. A 1989 player has an inherently noisey picture unless it's an LD-S2. Picture quality really picked up in the mid 90's. After 1995, the only players not to offer a 50 db S/N ratio were the CLD's S104, S304 & D406. They do 49 db which is stille almost certainly 1-2 db better than your broken warhorse did. 1994's CLD-D703 is just like the CLD-D704 except it lacks an AC-3 output. It would be a good candidate for your use, me thinks. CLD's D704 & the similar functioning Elite 79 would be good too. Kurtis has various players, from time to time. He specializes in the CLD-97. Short of the magnificent Japanese beasts, that's the best player to get. Kurtis will tell you this with some justification! He improves them a bit. Your budjet might be smaller? Really, IMO, the only players before 1994 worth pursuit are top of the line players: Panasonic LX-900, Denon MD-3500, Pioneer CLD-95 & LD-S2.

Don't settle for less than 50 db. If you can get 51 db or 52 db performance your disc will come out better. If you need help picking out a player, I and the forum will counsel you. I've had 20+ LD players since the mid 80's. I've seen 'em all except the Runco (LX-900) clones.... Best wishes from Laserland!