[anitract]

I'm looking for some recommendations on 5 or 6-disc DVD players. I can't seem to peg down what are considered the "good" units (not that there are a lot of options out there). My only requirements are: 1) reliability (no history of major issues) and 2) programmability. I want to be able to quickly access chapters across multiple discs and even have this pre-programmed.


For reference, I am eying the Sony DVP-NC85H and the Panasonic DVD-F87S.


Thoughts / recommendations?

 

[Tulpa]

I owned a predecessor of the Panny, the CV50. It was solid and never once gave me a problem.


I currently own an Onkyo DV-CP704 which has been similarly reliable.


I haven't tried programming either one, though.

 

[samsurd2]

I own the DVP-NC85H and I'm very pleased with it as an upscaling player which is why I bought it. There is a known issue with the Shuffle function (only shuffles on the selected disc, not across multiple discs) but for my purposes that's a "don't care". As for the programming features, I haven't used them yet. I've owned the unit for 6 months and have had no reliability or interface (HDMI) issues.

 

[anitract]

Yeah, from what I've researched thus far they are comparable reliability-wise. I'm just having a heck of a time finding information on the programming capability. Like I mentioned, what I am really looking for is the ability to program chapters (like say a list) across multiple discs; however, I don't know if this is something weird I am looking for, or something common that should be on any multi-disc player.

 

[anitract]

Well I am heavily leaning toward the Onkyo 704. The possible chapter stutter has me worried though. In another post a user reported that the issue was due to shuffle mode being enabled. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

 

[Tulpa]

I'll take a look at mine when I get home.

 

[anitract]

The Sony unit I mentioned does not support programming across multiple discs. I checked the manual to be sure. So this one is out.

 

[rbmcgee]

Assuming what you're trying to accomplish is either a demo setup or a variety of music/concert DVDs setup ...


This is accomplished by ripping the parts you want and then combining them into a DVD. Then either play the DVD from the hard drive or burn it to a disc.


Even if they had a player that could accomplish what you want, and even if you could get around UPO, the time delay would make the setup you're requesting unworkable.

 

[anitract]

The Panasonic is also out. Only supports programming on the current DVD.


Good news though is that the Onkyo supports programming across multiple discs! I think I am going to give it a go.


Ripping to a custom DVD would be preferable, but with what I am doing...not really feasible. My wife will be using the programming to make custom workouts from her DVD workout/exercise library.


Anyway, hopefully the Chapter stutter of the Onkyo isn't a problem. I'll be awaiting Tulpa's post later.

 

[Warhawk71]

I just picked up the Sony 85 tonight - on sale at Best Buy. Don't need it for another month or so (new house isn't finished yet), but I wanted a HDMI changer for the Yamaha RX-V661 I got tonight as well (also on sale) and figured no better time than the present!

I've been very happy with my Sony 875 I've had for a few years, so I decided to stick with them for the new DVD player as well. The 875 will be relegated to CD changer duty when we move.

 

[Tulpa]



Quote:
Originally Posted by anitract /forum/post/0



Anyway, hopefully the Chapter stutter of the Onkyo isn't a problem. I'll be awaiting Tulpa's post later.

Okay, I tested the player with both CDs and DVDs. I didn't really push it to its limits, but it seemed to be favorable. Mine's a refurb unit from Shoponkyo.com, for what it's worth.


It has two shuffle modes, random and "party mode." Both seem to work the same, but Party Mode only appears to work with CDs. Random has a couple of selections as well, like "disc" and "all." All lets it jump to random DVD chapters, which I believe is what you want.


I didn't notice any chapter stutter, but there will be a pause as it changes discs (but that will be true of all changers.) Also, some DVDs will probably have chapter arrangements that might not play, or cause other weird quirks (like one loaded, momentarily, then it moved to another disc. Who knows what it hit that made it move on), and those are probably the fault of the disc.


Hope this helps.


edit: Just to be clear, I'm running my video direct to the TV using HDMI, and audio goes direct to my receiver using TOSlink. Discs included factory pressed DVDs and CDs, as well as a few burned ones.

 

[anitract]

Thanks for the info guys. I went ahead and ordered a unit from Amazon and it's on its way. I will report back with what I find for anyone else following this thread.

 

[anitract]

Good news and bad news. Good news is that I saw no stuttering of any kind with chapter changes. Bad news is that there is definite stuttering when any semi-fast movement occurs in the vertical direction. For example, on-screen person jumping up and down shows a noticeable slow-mo / stutter effect. It's kind of like the machine just can't process the motion quick enough.


I also notices what appeared to be a slight fade-in-and-out of the color/contrast of the entire picture when this occurs...the only thing I can compare this to is macrovision. Strange. This symptoms seem to occur at the same time as the stuttering.


I've tried all player setting to no avail. My test setup is RCA cables to a standard analog television. I am going to try component cables tonight to see if the problem persists.


Thoughts?

 

[wdkerbow]

What resolution are you sending from the DVD player to the TV? Analog connections (RCA composite cables) may not (probably don't) have the bandwidth you need... I think digital connections make better sense. Just a guess there. Do you have a Plamsa or LCD (any digital type) display to try with HDMI or component cables? I hope your test tonight goes better. Let us know. I have not seen any issues with my changer.

 

[Tulpa]

I've only used HDMI, but I've never seen any vertical studder. The picture is fine.

 

[anitract]

I have tried all output resolutions w/ the same result.


I don't have a hi-def television to test that route. Is there a chance that component cables would help the issue? What I don't understand is how the output mode could be the culprit when my other DVDs work fine with RCA or s-video cables...is this unit doing something different? I have the HDMI upconversion turned off...

 

[anitract]

Ok, tried component cables...no go. So basically, this player either does not like my discs, or does not like being output to an analog tv.

 

[Tulpa]



Quote:
Originally Posted by anitract /forum/post/0


Ok, tried component cables...no go. So basically, this player either does not like my discs, or does not like being output to an analog tv.

I seriously doubt it has to do with the TV.


What discs are we talking about? One that I tried was a DVD-R and it worked.

 

[anitract]

A whole series of workout DVDs exhibit the problem, which is what I purchased the player for. No other players I own do this.


I am testing some other DVDs though to see if the problem is just specific to the Onkyo.

 

[zoro]

marantz vc 6001 rules