Need DVD Player advice (1 Viewer)

[Matt Butler]

Im getting my folks a DVD player in a few weeks but need advice on the Toshiba SD-2800. I dont want to get them a piece of crap but nothing too high-end either. They run a 40inch projection 4x3 with no HT.

I was looking into the Pioneer DVD-341 which is who I like (I have the DV-626) also but I heard the Toshibas are more user friendly for Joe and Jane Sixpack types (My parents).

Any ideas or reviews?

 

[Jack Briggs]

Check out this thread from last week. Should answer some of your questions.
The machine is good. Since it's a Toshiba, it's inexpensive as opposed to being "cheap." Since I perform the so-called 16:9 "squeeze" on my bedroom display, downconversion artifacting is not an issue for me. And your parents probably wouldn't notice any of that anyway.

 

[Matt Butler]

Jack,

Thanks for the feedback. I read the other thread you linked and noticed your post about the downconversion issues. Thats for the anamorphic squeeze right? I dont know much about that since I run an older 4x3 TV with my HT. My folks wouldnt care about any of that but I was curious.

 

[Jack Briggs]

No, it's in regard to the 2800's ability to downconvert a 16:9-encoded disc for a 4:3-native letterboxed presentation. Some players handle the downconversion process better than others. I prefer to sidestep that process altogether, and collapse the scanning-line raster on my bedroom set into a 16:9 window. Makes all the difference.

Again, nice little machine.