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Thread ID: 36124	2003-07-31 12:21:00	Standalone DVDs	paradox (1082)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
164307	2003-07-31 12:21:00	Hi... It's finally time for me to buy a dvd player (standalone) but the variety of stuff available is pretty daunting. I'll be happy with a modest unit...I guess my next PC will have dvd in later versions. Right now I'm wading through the results of a PF1 search for "DVD" but if experienced users could make a few suggestions it would be great. I noted in tonight's Waikato Times there's a Dick Smith advt about players which seems interesting. The brand is Mustek. 2-Channel $129 5.1 Channel $179 What are channels? There's not a lot of detail except "compatable with all DVD video formats and supports PAL and NTSC" Thanks for any comments on this topic....K.	paradox (1082)
164308	2003-07-31 12:37:00	Sorry I can't give specifics on a stand alone system, but the 2 Channel and 5.1Channel relates to the sound out-put. The numbers basically tell you how many speakers the system can out-put to ie 5.1 equals two front, a centre and two satellite speakers. All regions seems to imply that the Mustek doesn't have region locking which most DVD (stand alone and computer) players have. Region Locking allows you to use DVD's purchased from different geographical regions four times and on the fifth swap will lock you to that DVD's region. From memory the regions are America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and China. They are designed to stop you from buying DVD's from other regions. PAL and NTSC are two television formats. PAL is what we use in Australasia and NTSC is the American Video standard. Most TV's and videos are compatible with both formats these days, so it isn't really an issue. HTH	Gorela (901)
164309	2003-08-01 07:37:00	Ok you definately want the 5.1 player There are two reasons why dvd is better 1. the picture is clearer 2. surround sound your not going to get surround sound from 2 channels (thats stereo) ok so your getting the 5.1. 5 speakers and 1 low frequency (sub) now to make these 6 speakers go your going to need a reciever this takes the 5.1 signal from the dvd then sends it out to the corresponding speaker. Therefore you want something like this (www.dse.co.nz) Ok so you've got your 5 speakers set up, now you want to make sure you get a good picture. In general there are 3 types of video output 1. Composite (yellow RCA) 2. S-video 3. Component (Red, Blue, Green RCA's) That order is worst to best, which output you will use will be determined by what output your dvd player has and what your dvd can take. unless you have a tv bought within the last couple of years you won't have component, therefore s-video or composite are your options. IMHO there isn't a lot of difference between cheap DVD players and expensive ones, however there is a big difference between cheap speakers and recievers and expensive ones. Personally i wouldn't buy the system in the link i gave you as i think its too budget, but thats my opinion and that set-up might be enough for your needs. Just so you know i'm not talking out my ass i run a: Sony dvd player dvp s-336 A Pioneer reciever pumping out 100w per channel 2 freestanding Technics front speakers pumping out around 100w and 5 Technics surround speakers i don't have a sub, but thats ok because the freestanding speakers have a good bass response, and with the reciever i am able to adjust how much bass those speakers give out. oh and i watch that on a philips 29" flatscreen	roofus (483)
164310	2003-08-01 08:28:00	Thw Mustek units are fine. I have one. They can be set to any zone you want, or all zone. They have Macrovision disable as well which turns off copy protection. If you never want full "Home Theatre" surround sound, then a 2 channel will give normal stereo. Otherwise get 5.1 I know of many people that have bought Mustek, and 2 developed problems, which were put right immediately by Dick Smith Electronics	godfather (25)
164311	2003-08-01 08:33:00	And in case you were wondering, the audio will play just fine through your TV usually, you don't have to get a separate amplifier. We don't all need to wake the neighbours... roofus is probably (s)tone deaf by now with that set-up?	godfather (25)
164312	2003-08-01 11:50:00	what, sorry, cant hear ya i'm half deaf :-) would i not be right in saying that when the mustek says its 5.1 that it requires a digital output to a reciever? or does it operate on 5.1 analouge outputs? I'm not entirely up to date on the bottom range of dvd players as it was a couple of years ago i got mine	roofus (483)
164313	2003-08-01 11:57:00	The Mustek have: 5.1 Channel Analog Output Digital Output Coaxial Output Some models may also have Optical Output And I have 300 Watts RMS of audio connected to mine.....but usually just use the TV audio.	godfather (25)
164314	2003-08-01 12:32:00	I've got one too (had DSE gift vouchers). I went with the 5.1 channel one, although 5 of them are currently unused :-). My problems with it: - The build quality is lacking. Everything is very weak. The LCD display actually dims when the disk spins up. Although this didn't really surprise me. - It handles scratches very badly. Sometimes they can crash it, requiring a power cycle. - The power light is far too bright (but its easily fixed with a bit of masking tape). - The remote will only work if its pointing exactly at the player. The picture quality is fine. I did notice a couple of background gradients that looked like they were done with 4bit colour, although it may have been the DVD itself. Overall, it works OK, but you could probably find something better for ~$180. (I saw a lennox in farmers).	bmason (508)
164315	2003-08-01 12:34:00	thanks for all the replies...re digital, will I be able to connect straight to my sony tv? It has sockets in back for the little push in plugs as well as coax.. You see how technical I can get. P	paradox (1082)
164316	2003-08-01 13:24:00	I got the Pioneer model 2 yrs ago when it was $700 now ir must be like $300 it is very good multi region, 5.1 channel, composite and s-video and coaxial even has input for optical devices like MD and so on and outputs in higher quality (from my crap video tapes) to my comp. cheers, v.K	vk_dre (195)
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