So I need a new DVD player… After poking around on Amazon looking at about a million different makes, models, combinations, format support specs, and, most importantly, prices, I’m absolutely no closer to finding a potential purchase.
My real question for those out there who have purchased such things in the past (and who hasn’t?) is this: What brand do you trust the most? I know lots of people are hardcore for one brand or another, and I’d like to know which one and why. Have their products notoriously held up better in the long run? Are they giving you great kickbacks? What?
I’m also open to opinions on which brands not to buy, if there’s one you’d recommend I stay away from for any particular reason.
Just for reference, here is a product I’m looking at. That’s the right price range and as close to the right feature set as I have a clue… I’m not looking to spend $600 on a DVD player here, I just need something that works. (And the VCR combo thing isn’t a requirement, I figured it’d just simplify my setup - it’s not really a factor).
My Amazon purchase is in your hands, oh loyal readers… May you help guide one of these new DVD players to its new home!
Always gone for Marantz and Kenwood. My parents have a Kenwood amp from 1989 or ‘90 that is still going strong…
Panasonic is an awesome brand. I have a panasonic DVD player from years ago and it’s still great.
Get a Mid $100 Panasonic DVD player (their mid to top of the line is actually probably cheaper now even)
the thing about the combo setups is that if one goes bad, you are stuck with the other half (or replacing it). I don’t know if the quality of vcr or dvd player is diminshed by combining them but it might be a possibility. I’ve never been a fan of the combo stuff…
Philips/magnavox doesn’t seem to be the best brand anymore, magnavox used to be good but after the merger, neither are quite so hot.
Samsung all the way! Maybe I am a hardcore Samsung follower but that’s just me.
We have a Samsung DVD player from around 2003 and it’s still running smooth. The VCR is also Samsung from long ago which still works smooth, no problems with the head or other mechanism so far.
As for the combo, just give it a big NO! As fadumpt said earlier, if one goes bad you are stuck with it. Or if it goes for repairs, you are left with nothing.
If you are looking for a really good deal then maybe have a look at this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000204SWE/sr=1-4/qid=1152402849/ref=pd_bbs_4/002-3750546-2570429?ie=UTF8&s=electronics
The features are simply awesome. Plays DVD-Video, video CD, audio CD, JPEG image CD, and CDs loaded with MP3, MPEG-4, or DivX 3.11/4.x/5.x files.
Welp, my final decision was largely based on availability. Oh, and price… Target had a Samsung VCR / DVD combo on clearance for about half off, so I snagged one. Alright, my in-store shopping quota has been met for the year.
As for the exney on the combo, I used to agree… But these days, since you could buy both pieces of equipment for $100 ($200 on the outside), or a combo for $50-100, I don’t think it’s nearly as big a deal as it used to be. These home electronics have become so disposable that it’s not worth the extra effort, hassel, or expense, to get seperate units anymore (or to bother repairing a faulty unit). Besides, clearance, man…
sell-out
For the right price, you bet I will!
Clearance, man… Clearance…