Newbie Needs Recommendation for a quality used LD Player
Holden
Yamaha RX-V795 receiver with both AC-3 and DTS decoding and a pretty
nice home theater setup. I've been reading all I can about LD, but
some of the information is dated. Most new equipment reviews are for
combi LD/DVD players. Stereophile and their Guide to Home Theater
don't allow free web access to their archived equipment reviews. Are
there any other sites that might be helpful?
I have an unused optical audio input available--my DVD is using a coax
input. Can I save a few bucks by not looking for an AC-3 capable
player if it has optical output and I have DTS on my receiver? In
other words, is DTS more prevalent on LDs than AC-3? The DVD is also
using the single rear S-video input, but it is easily accessible if
S-Video is deemed an important feature. I noticed a slightly better
picture using S-video with the DVD. Can the same be said for the LD?
I'd like the player to play both sides automatically. It doesn't have
to play CDs. After thinking about it, I'd put reliability at the top
of my list, then picture and sound quality, then features. I'd like
to say cost is no object, but the Pioneer Elites seem to be out of my
price range, at least the -95s and -97s.
Any recommendations at all would be of great interest to me.
Thanks.
Always,
Holden
Randy Chase
Holden, McG...@Handful.net wrote:
> I have an unused optical audio input available--my DVD is using a coax
> input. Can I save a few bucks by not looking for an AC-3 capable
> player if it has optical output and I have DTS on my receiver? In
> other words, is DTS more prevalent on LDs than AC-3?
No. That would be a problem, because many movies were done in AC-3 and
not DTS, such as the Star Wars SE. It sounds like you should get an FR
Demod unit.
The DVD is also
> using the single rear S-video input, but it is easily accessible if
> S-Video is deemed an important feature. I noticed a slightly better
> picture using S-video with the DVD. Can the same be said for the LD?
I personally found less difference with SVID on DVD than with LD. On my
LD player, the SVIDEO was noticeably sharper, but that may say something
about my tv or whatever. I decided to hook the SVID from the LD player
and use composite for the DVD. Eventually, my new TV will use component
video anyway.
>
> I'd like the player to play both sides automatically. It doesn't have
> to play CDs. After thinking about it, I'd put reliability at the top
> of my list, then picture and sound quality, then features. I'd like
> to say cost is no object, but the Pioneer Elites seem to be out of my
> price range, at least the -95s and -97s.
Get the CLD-704 which has dual side, the same great pic as the Elite,
and DTS/DD output. I have the 703 that I recently modified to add AC-3
for $80, so that is another choice for you. There is an equivalent
Mitsubishi that is just rebadged, but since most people don't know it
(like I can't recall the model) it may be found much cheaper.
Oh, and then you need some discs. Like Under Siege II to work out the
system. Some people have said that Under Siege II is *THE* reference
disc to try out your system.
Randy Chase
http://www.chases.org/laserdisc.html
8-)))
Bennet K. Langlotz
>Some people have said that Under Siege II is *THE* reference
>disc to try out your system.
I keep hearing this. Is it a joke, or is it genuinely well produced?
(I haven't seen the film. Just curious.)
--
Bennet K. Langlotz
ne...@langlotz.com
we...@nabs.net
> I personally found less difference with SVID on DVD than with LD. On my
> LD player, the SVIDEO was noticeably sharper, but that may say something
> about my tv or whatever. I decided to hook the SVID from the LD player
> and use composite for the DVD. Eventually, my new TV will use component
> video anyway.
The S-Video/composite debate comes down to one question:
Which component has the best comb filter?
The comb filter is applied by the DVD or LD player to S-Video output, while
the comb filter in the TV does the work for composite.
--
Jeff Rife |
19445 Saint Johnsbury Lane | http://www.nabs.net/humor/WetDream.html
Germantown, MD 20876-1610 |
Home: 301-916-8131 |
Work: 301-770-5800 Ext 5335 |
we...@nabs.net
> I keep hearing this. Is it a joke, or is it genuinely well produced?
> (I haven't seen the film. Just curious.)
Randy needs to do something to help sales of the disc. Those warehouses
are *expensive*.
--
Jeff Rife |
19445 Saint Johnsbury Lane | http://www.nabs.net/Cartoons/OverTheHedge/TreeChainsaw.gif
Randy Chase
"Bennet K. Langlotz" wrote:
>
> Randy Chase <ran...@home.com> wrote:
>
> >Some people have said that Under Siege II is *THE* reference
> >disc to try out your system.
>
> I keep hearing this.
See? Soon it will be part of normal day-to-day nomenclature... "hey,
check out the babe".."Yeah, but shes no Under Siege II".
Is it a joke, or is it genuinely well produced?
> (I haven't seen the film. Just curious.)
The irony is that I have never seen it either. I just happened to have
accidently bought almost 80 copies of it new. *sigh* Don't tell the rest
of AVL, but I am trying to unload them. It's a secret.
Randy Chase
Holden
wrote:
>
>
>Holden, McG...@Handful.net wrote:
>
>
Randy,
Thanks for the data. What can you tell me about the CLD-SX0X series
of players?
H
>> I have an unused optical audio input available--my DVD is using a coax
>> input. Can I save a few bucks by not looking for an AC-3 capable
>> player if it has optical output and I have DTS on my receiver? In
>> other words, is DTS more prevalent on LDs than AC-3?
>
>No. That would be a problem, because many movies were done in AC-3 and
>not DTS, such as the Star Wars SE. It sounds like you should get an FR
>Demod unit.
>
>
> The DVD is also
>> using the single rear S-video input, but it is easily accessible if
>> S-Video is deemed an important feature. I noticed a slightly better
>> picture using S-video with the DVD. Can the same be said for the LD?
>
>I personally found less difference with SVID on DVD than with LD. On my
>LD player, the SVIDEO was noticeably sharper, but that may say something
>about my tv or whatever. I decided to hook the SVID from the LD player
>and use composite for the DVD. Eventually, my new TV will use component
>video anyway.
>
>
>>
>> I'd like the player to play both sides automatically. It doesn't have
>> to play CDs. After thinking about it, I'd put reliability at the top
>> of my list, then picture and sound quality, then features. I'd like
>> to say cost is no object, but the Pioneer Elites seem to be out of my
>> price range, at least the -95s and -97s.
>
>Get the CLD-704 which has dual side, the same great pic as the Elite,
>and DTS/DD output. I have the 703 that I recently modified to add AC-3
>for $80, so that is another choice for you. There is an equivalent
>Mitsubishi that is just rebadged, but since most people don't know it
>(like I can't recall the model) it may be found much cheaper.
>
>Oh, and then you need some discs. Like Under Siege II to work out the
>system. Some people have said that Under Siege II is *THE* reference
>disc to try out your system.
>
Randy Chase
Holden, McG...@Handful.net wrote:
> Randy,
>
> Thanks for the data. What can you tell me about the CLD-SX0X series
> of players?
I am not the player expert, there are far more expert opinions out
there. I tend to come off with inane comments like:
"The CLD-SX0X series? Under Siege II plays on them!"
But, I really don't know. I think it really depends on the specific
model number. Some of them were not very good at all, but would work for
a very basic player. After having had a number of players, I would only
buy the 703/704 or 909/919 right now. But they may not be in your
budget. How much are you budgeting for a player?
Randy Chase
mlma...@my-deja.com
<we...@nabs.net> wrote:
> Randy Chase (ran...@home.com) wrote:
>
> > I personally found less difference with SVID on DVD than with LD. On
my
> > LD player, the SVIDEO was noticeably sharper, but that may say
something
> > about my tv or whatever. I decided to hook the SVID from the LD
player
> > and use composite for the DVD. Eventually, my new TV will use
component
> > video anyway.
>
>
> Which component has the best comb filter?
>
> The comb filter is applied by the DVD or LD player to S-Video output,
while
> the comb filter in the TV does the work for composite.
A minor correction. The S-video output of DVD players is mixed down from
the component signals, not by separating the composite signal with a
comb filter. There should be no comb filter artifacts on the S-video
output of any DVD player.
Matthew
--
Matthew L. Martin Thermodynamics for Dummies:
First Law: You can't win
Second Law: You can't break even
Third Law: You can't get out of the game
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
we...@nabs.net
> A minor correction. The S-video output of DVD players is mixed down from
> the component signals, not by separating the composite signal with a
> comb filter.
Aaargh. What *was* I thinking?
> There should be no comb filter artifacts on the S-video
> output of any DVD player.
Right, so basically, the question is whether your player does this mix
well or not.
--
Jeff Rife | Coach: Can I draw you a beer, Norm?
19445 Saint Johnsbury Lane |
Germantown, MD 20876-1610 | Norm: No, I know what they look like. Just pour
Home: 301-916-8131 | me one.
Work: 301-770-5800 Ext 5335 |
Holden
I'd like to say it's not a money thang, but obviously it's a
consideration. I already have DVD, so any LD purchase has to be
"wife-friendly". Here's the real story. Goddammit, I want a copy of
"The Man from Snowy River" , in letterbox. Only available that way on
LD. I love that movie. Not as much as "Aliens", but I've already got
that on DVD. I was hoping to buy an LD-to-DVD-convert's player and
collection of movies, so when the boxes arrive, I could hook it up and
the family could watch something. If I shoot the wad on the player
and don't have anything to watch, I'll be up Shit Creek. Doesn't have
to be a big collection, just something good to watch Day One.
Sooooo, what I want to know is are there any players with fewer
features that are still worth buying? If I was to give up
double-sided play (God forbid) or CD or still capability, or
shuttle-jog, could I find a less expensive player whose video
capability I could enjoy? Precision Laserdisk can add AC-3 to a large
number of older players. I'd be all set. My prime concern,
therefore, is video quality.
I've read some less than favorable comments on almost every player
except the one's I really can't afford. It seems the mass LD market
died about the time they were finally getting the hardware right. But
even more confusing for me, the newest players (i.e. the Sony's) don't
necessarily carry the highest recommendations.
Thanks again.
Always, Holden
On Fri, 07 Apr 2000 03:42:45 GMT, Randy Chase <ran...@home.com>
wrote:
>
>
Randy Chase
Holden, McG...@Handful.net wrote:
>
> Randy,
>
> I'd like to say it's not a money thang, but obviously it's a
> consideration.
Of course. I too have yet to win the big lottery or get invited by
Regis.
>
> Sooooo, what I want to know is are there any players with fewer
> features that are still worth buying? If I was to give up
> double-sided play (God forbid) or CD or still capability, or
> shuttle-jog, could I find a less expensive player whose video
> capability I could enjoy?
I think there definitely is some very good players that would be fine.
It's easy to say that this player or that is THE player to own. But we
are still talking about small differences. If you look at VHS and move
up to almost any late model LD player, the difference is great. The
difference to a Elite/703/704 is much smaller.
Precision Laserdisk can add AC-3 to a large
> number of older players. I'd be all set. My prime concern,
> therefore, is video quality.
I would not buy a player that didn't side change myself. That would be
my second criteria.
I have owned a CLD-502 and was very happy with it, though it's
relatively a basic machine. There are probably a lot of machines like
this, and you can find them under $125 easily.
I would suggest looking for a later model that has AC-3 and side flips.
Come back and ask specific suggestions about that player. I sold my 502,
but only because I did not need 3 players. When it was my main player,
it was awesome, even if no one considers it the hot ticket.
I hope that helps,
Randy Chase (making his internet video debut)
http://www.isthistoyota.com/mr2/high/movie2.htm
Joshua Zyber
<Holden McG...@Handful.net> wrote in message
news:38efdbb0...@news.ndak.net...
> Sooooo, what I want to know is are there any players with fewer
> features that are still worth buying? If I was to give up
> double-sided play (God forbid) or CD or still capability, or
> shuttle-jog, could I find a less expensive player whose video
> number of older players. I'd be all set. My prime concern,
> therefore, is video quality.
>
> except the one's I really can't afford. It seems the mass LD market
> died about the time they were finally getting the hardware right. But
> even more confusing for me, the newest players (i.e. the Sony's) don't
> necessarily carry the highest recommendations.
Sony's LD players were not the newest. Sony had a bad reputation with
laserdisc players and gave up manufacturing them some time back. Only
Pioneer stuck with the hardware side of the format, and consequently their
most recent players are some of the best.
What it comes down to is how much you're willing to spend. If you shop
around on eBay for used players, you could get a Pioneer CLD-59 for around
$300. This is the lowest entry in the Pioneer Elite lineup and is just a
couple of notches below top-of-the-line, but it is still a nice machine with
a good quality image and all of the convenience features you will need
(double-side play, still frames & slo-mo on CLV discs, RF-output, etc). This
is the player I personally use and have had no complaints with it. It might
be a good compromise if you don't want to shell out the big bucks for a
CLD-704 or CLD-99.
- Josh
Holden
Thanks again.
Randy, you said you enjoyed your -502. I believe a -503 is
essentially the same model with S-video. Or a -504. Same with AC-3?
Would it be worth buying as my first player? What about the -604?
There seem to be a few of those around as well. I don't want to
regret this purchase.
I'm working with a document titled "LD#91: Informal LD player
recommendations", dated 22 Jul 93. Interesting stuff, but no real
mention of the -40X, -50X and -60X series players. THere has to be a
place where newer info has been archived. Any ideas?
I also read an article praising the CLD-1010. Less than $100 bucks.
??
Still, Holden
On Sun, 09 Apr 2000 04:56:18 GMT, Randy Chase <ran...@home.com>
wrote:
>
>
>Holden, McG...@Handful.net wrote:
>>
>> Randy,
>>
>> I'd like to say it's not a money thang, but obviously it's a
>> consideration.
>
>Of course. I too have yet to win the big lottery or get invited by
>Regis.
>
>>
>> Sooooo, what I want to know is are there any players with fewer
>> features that are still worth buying? If I was to give up
>> double-sided play (God forbid) or CD or still capability, or
>> shuttle-jog, could I find a less expensive player whose video
>> capability I could enjoy?
>
>I think there definitely is some very good players that would be fine.
>It's easy to say that this player or that is THE player to own. But we
>are still talking about small differences. If you look at VHS and move
>up to almost any late model LD player, the difference is great. The
>difference to a Elite/703/704 is much smaller.
>
>
> Precision Laserdisk can add AC-3 to a large
>> number of older players. I'd be all set. My prime concern,
>> therefore, is video quality.
>
Joshua Zyber
<Holden McG...@Handful.net> wrote in message
> Randy and Everyone Else,
>
> Thanks again.
>
> Randy, you said you enjoyed your -502. I believe a -503 is
> essentially the same model with S-video. Or a -504. Same with AC-3?
> Would it be worth buying as my first player? What about the -604?
> There seem to be a few of those around as well. I don't want to
> regret this purchase.
>
> I'm working with a document titled "LD#91: Informal LD player
> recommendations", dated 22 Jul 93. Interesting stuff, but no real
> mention of the -40X, -50X and -60X series players. THere has to be a
> place where newer info has been archived. Any ideas?
Have you been to this site yet?
http://home.clara.net/laserdisc/laserdisc_archive/laserdisc_archive_page.htm
It takes a while to load, but they have a lot of great info about all sorts
of domestic and foreign LD players.
- Josh
Holden
Clears up the Pioneer timeline, but I wish they had a page that
indicates, for example, that the Marantz LV-XXX is a rebadged Pioneer
CLD-XXX, etc., etc..
One more question, at least right for now. What does an
RF-demodulator do and do I need one?
Always,
Holden McGroyn
bryan mcavoy
> I'm tired of waiting for certain movies to come out on DVD. I have a
> Yamaha RX-V795 receiver with both AC-3 and DTS decoding and a pretty
> nice home theater setup. I've been reading all I can about LD, but
> some of the information is dated. Most new equipment reviews are for
> combi LD/DVD players. Stereophile and their Guide to Home Theater
> don't allow free web access to their archived equipment reviews. Are
> there any other sites that might be helpful?
> Thanks.
>
snip
>
> Always,
> Holden
Boy, that is right where I am at at this time as well. Being an anime fan
there is a lot of stuff that is only out on LD (not in English, but we all
need challenges!). I have another question, which I hope will be of help
to all newbies. What companies make the best players? It seems that I do
not see a lot about Sony in these groups, and I love their TV's and DVD
players (well, the ones I own ^_^). I've seen stuff like the Sony MDP-800
for a good price on Ebay, but I don't know this unit from a lunar rover.
Thanks,
--
**************************************************
Bryan McAvoy {gust...@globalvision.net}
http://www.globalvision.net/~gustfrnt/main.html
Pokketto o karanishite saa tabi ni deyou yo
-Sakamoto Maaya {et al}
**************************************************
Joshua Zyber
bryan mcavoy <gust...@globalvision.net> wrote in message
news:38F0BCA9...@globalvision.net...
>
> Boy, that is right where I am at at this time as well. Being an anime fan
> there is a lot of stuff that is only out on LD (not in English, but we all
> need challenges!). I have another question, which I hope will be of help
> to all newbies. What companies make the best players? It seems that I do
> not see a lot about Sony in these groups, and I love their TV's and DVD
> players (well, the ones I own ^_^). I've seen stuff like the Sony MDP-800
> for a good price on Ebay, but I don't know this unit from a lunar rover.
Sony laserdisc players are notoriously unreliable. Stick with Pioneer.
- Josh
Joshua Zyber
<Holden McG...@Handful.net> wrote in message
> Clears up the Pioneer timeline, but I wish they had a page that
> indicates, for example, that the Marantz LV-XXX is a rebadged Pioneer
> CLD-XXX, etc., etc..
Some of their individual reviews do say things like that, but not all of
them. Still, it's a great site.
> One more question, at least right for now. What does an
> RF-demodulator do and do I need one?
Ah, the eternal question!
If you want to listen to Dolby Digital AC-3 sound from a laserdisc, you must
buy a player that has an RF-output. In order for your surround receiver to
decode the RF signal, it must first be routed through an RF-demodulator.
Some really high-end receivers have these built in, but not very many. You
will most likely have to buy an RF-demodulator. These are very hard to find
these days, and usually run you $150-$200.
If you don't care about AC-3, don't worry about it. You can still listen to
the digital Pro-Logic tracks.
- Josh
Holden
You're right, the eternal question. Not only do I have to buy a
player with AC-3 out or have one modified, I have to buy an
RF-demodulator. Before I get the RF-demod thang, will I enjoy the
sound experience? If I don't care about AC-3, then I can really save
some cash.
Which players have optical out but no AC-3?
Damn. The more you know...
Thanks.
Joshua Zyber
<Holden McG...@Handful.net> wrote in message
> You're right, the eternal question. Not only do I have to buy a
> player with AC-3 out or have one modified, I have to buy an
> RF-demodulator. Before I get the RF-demod thang, will I enjoy the
> sound experience? If I don't care about AC-3, then I can really save
> some cash.
That's up to you. Personally, I'm fine using plain ol' stereo for the time
being. The digital audio on laserdiscs sounds damn good to my ears, and I'm
not obsessive about surround effects.
If you're really into the whole audiophile thing, the AC-3 might be worth
the money to you. You might as well just buy the player first, listen to it
in Pro-Logic for a while, and then decide if you want a demodulator for the
AC-3.
Also, keep in mind that if you have a DTS receiver you won't need any sort
of demodulator for that because that audio is carried on a separate channel.
Of course, there aren't nearly as many DTS laserdiscs are there are AC-3
ones.
> Which players have optical out but no AC-3?
That I wouldn't know. Maybe someone else reading this thread could name off
a few models.
- Josh
