Page 1 of Possibly replacing our faithful Wharfedale 750s - suggestions?

Having looked here and other places as to the best DVD disk format to use on the 750s it seems that I might have problems with it.

Although it plays SVCDs and VCDs flawlessly, it seems that it`s a little fussier when it comes to DVD media. From what I`ve read it really doesn`t like either +RW or -RW, and is a little temperamental when it comes to -R. I`ve not decided which format to use yet (and I`m not going to resurrect that debate), but it might be time to retire my old friend.

Unless anyone knows different?

If I do need to look at a new player does anyone have any suggestions?

I need:
SVCD and VCD playback
5.1 (naturally)
Multiregion (ditto) - and preferably permanently so that I don`t need to manually switch everytime.
Coaxial or optical out (I can`t remember which one I`m using at the moment, but think it`s Coaxial)

I`d like:
Component out (I`ve a Tosh 32ZD26 if that helps)
Smaller than the Wharfedale (shouldn`t be hard :D )

Progressive scan isn`t a huge thing as my tv can only do it on NTSC.

I know that I could walk into Tesco/Asda/WH Smith and pick up a budget player for £50, but is there something better out there for a bit extra?

I`ve looked at the Toshiba SD-340E which looks good, but I understand it`s still got the lip synch issue with SVCDs and also the Pioneer DV-575A which I`m leaning towards at the moment. Does anyone have any other suggestions or comments?

This item was edited on Monday, 13th December 2004, 08:31

To me you`ve come to a similar conclusion that I would, apart from the possible Panasonic with RAM playback. My choice from what you have listed would be the Pioneer because of the Divx.

i bought my mum a toshiba sd340 and she loves it, best player under £100 i would say, although a little more expensive than supermakrket budget range.

i also have a w 750s and have been looking to retire it...am interester in cambridge audios range, partiularly the azur, if thats any help to you?

Panasonic s47 plays everything + the sound + picture quality beat the other dvd players mentioned hands down... i`ve had a few different players + nothing comes close to this player, the sound is amazing.....plays
CDRW, DVD-R,
DVD-RW, DVD+R,
DVD+RW,
VCD,
SVCD,
JPEG, MP3,
WMA .
Optical/Coaxial Output (digital)

I would never buy any dvd player but a Panasonic from now on ...

got a pioneer dv565 earlier this year - superb. now replaced by the dv-575, which richer sounds are doing for £120 - DVD-A, and SACD on top of all the compatability

Thanks for the thoughts.

I`m definitely looking towards the Pioneer DV-575, but I think it might need to wait until after Christmas! Car`s just cost me £90 and the road tax is due at the end of the month :(

Might pick one up cheaply in the sales :D

Quote:
If I do need to look at a new player does anyone have any suggestions?

Yes.

Quote:
I need:
SVCD and VCD playback
5.1 (naturally)
Multiregion (ditto) - and preferably permanently so that I don`t need to manually switch everytime.
Coaxial or optical out (I can`t remember which one I`m using at the moment, but think it`s Coaxial)

Can do all that.

Quote:
I`d like:
Component out (I`ve a Tosh 32ZD26 if that helps)
Smaller than the Wharfedale (shouldn`t be hard Grinning )

It has that, and you have the same TV as me :)

Quote:
Progressive scan isn`t a huge thing as my tv can only do it on NTSC.

Trust me, it`s even more important for NTSC material. Progressive NTSC looks better than interlaced PAL on a decent TV (which you have).

Quote:
I know that I could walk into Tesco/Asda/WH Smith and pick up a budget player for £50, but is there something better out there for a bit extra?

Certainly is :)

Quote:
I`ve looked at the Toshiba SD-340E which looks good, but I understand it`s still got the lip synch issue with SVCDs and also the Pioneer DV-575A which I`m leaning towards at the moment. Does anyone have any other suggestions or comments?

I don`t hesitate to recommend the entry level Pioneer DV370. It does everything you want and more. It`s auto multi-region (including RCE), does both PAL and NTSC progressive, has coaxial digital out, the smoothest layer change I`ve ever seen, and delivers a great image. Of course if you want more functionality then the 470 and 575 are better, but for about £80 you can`t go wrong with the 370.

Thanks to all for their suggestions.

Picked up the Pioneer DV575 today for £114. Very happy with it. Good picture, remote was nice and intuitive and the box is featherlight compared to the Wharfedale.

Played a DVD-R no bother which the Wharfedale really struggled with.

Still need to pick up component leads for it (Richer Sounds only had one set and they were £90!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) but RGB scart is working ok.