Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Gunthr on May 12, 2003, 08:31:20 PM

Title: DVD Player recommendations?
Post by: Gunthr on May 12, 2003, 08:31:20 PM
I'm finally being forced to acknowledge that there is a new media called DVD. :D

I don't know much about them. The first decision I need to make is, should I get a set-top player or a dvd drive that goes into my computer.

Will a set top player be able to play dvd's on my computer as well as a tv?

I have a P-4 at 3.0 Ghz, an ATI 9700 Pro video card and a 19 in Samsung 955df monitor.
Title: DVD Player recommendations?
Post by: Eagler on May 12, 2003, 09:06:45 PM
get a $50 apex - plays just about everything - got this first

picked up a sony progressive scan bout 2 weeks ($150 at CC)ago with 5th Element - awesome on HD 32" sony and surround sound

won't play on computer unless you have a all-in-wonder type tuner card

do you really wanna sit and watch a movie on your 17/19" monitor when you can see it better and hear it better on your 25/36" tv & sound system?
Title: DVD Player recommendations?
Post by: Gunthr on May 13, 2003, 12:00:01 PM
Thx Eagler. With the Apex drive, would a hardware decoder do me any good on my rig?
Title: DVD Player recommendations?
Post by: Eagler on May 13, 2003, 01:32:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Gunthr
Thx Eagler. With the Apex drive, would a hardware decoder do me any good on my rig?


not sure what you mean ...

the apex is a stand alone unit you'd hook up to your television - get em at Circuit city

if you plan on playing vcd's, svcd, mp3 or your own burned dvd's check here for specifics:
http://www.dvdrhelp.com/

my apex is a 1500 $50 at CC
http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdplayers.php?DVDnameid=596&Search=Search&#comments
it played everything i put it in

the new sony is a 715s $150 at CC
http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdplayers.php?DVDnameid=440&Search=Search&#comments
It plays my burned dvd movies but had to burn at a 1.05 setting whereas the apex played the 1.05 and the 1.02. Haven't tried mp3 in it yet. better menuing than the apex but for $50 the apex rocks too and is disposable.

gl
Title: DVD Player recommendations?
Post by: Animal on May 13, 2003, 01:41:52 PM
yeah get the cheap Apex. They even play MP3 and video CDs

If your TV supports Progressive Scan (nice image quality improvement) then go for a more expensive player that does PS too, like a Samsung. Should not be more than $100
Title: DVD Player recommendations?
Post by: Gunthr on May 13, 2003, 02:14:31 PM
Ok  - thanks  :)
Title: DVD Player recommendations?
Post by: lord dolf vader on May 13, 2003, 02:49:34 PM
get the one that plays v cds they are a hoot.  some of the newer apexes dont play them for some reason.


vcr quality out of a cd is cool.
Title: DVD Player recommendations?
Post by: San on May 13, 2003, 07:46:37 PM
I agree with the Apex I have 2 of them. Make sure you get a progressive scan DVD player if you ever plan on buying a bigscreen tv. I paid $69 bucks for one at fry's if you have one down there.