Lots of features for the price (component video, optical out, etc.)

cheap remote

Like many of the reviewers, this is my first DVD player. Also, like many of us out there, I was tempted to buy one a couple of years ago but knew from the entire CD experience to wait a bit and get a value-priced unit when the competition caught up. The unit is easy to use, the manual is good and even though the remote feels cheap, it works for me.

I have rented a bunch of DVDs and had no problems with any of them. I routed the S-Video through my Harman Kardon AVR500 at first, but later hooked it up directly to the TV and got a bit better picture. Obviously, my only comparison for picture is my VCR, so to compare it is sort of crazy. The sound reproduction is very good. Have Polk speakers throughout the system and the separation is great. I too tried playing CDs through it and really didn't notice a big difference. I have both the CD player and the DVD connected to the optical ports in the receiver and for an average guy like me, there is very little discernable difference. I liked the dialog enhancer feature, but I have never had to use it as the dialog is very clear and crisp.

Bought it new off eBay for $199 as Circuit City was backordered 3 weeks at $269. For the buck, it can't be beat!

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First DVD

Received this as a gift and really have enjoyed it. This is my first DVD player and I am really impressed with the picture quality as well as sound (having a Sony digital receiver probably helps).

Remote could use a little work (ie. larger buttons)

Overall, very happy with this unit! Good value for the money!

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None

Terrific picture quality, great value

no time-remaining, remote a bit confusing

Overall, this is a great machine. I put it together through S-Video cable with my Proscan 32" and optimized everything with Video Essentials, and I'm simply hooked. It has caused me to call my contractor to finish the basement, so I can watch my growing DVD collection nightly at appropriate volumes without waking the kids.

For under $300, this player does everything you need. Resolution is terrific & I haven't had any of the problems that others had discussed on these boards (lip-synch, etc.).

The remote is a bit confusing. Sometimes I'll want to move backwards a little bit and hit the wrong button and go to the beginning of the chapter - that's annoying. A jog shuttle might do a better job. Also a countdown timer like you see on every CD player would be helpful. Maybe its here, and I haven't found it, but it seems like a really basic useful feature.

Build quality seems very good. After six months I've noticed zero deterioration. It's not real heavy, which can often be interpreted as good build quality, but I've moved the player a few times and never had a problem and it still feels like new.

Noone has yet to prove to me why anyone should spend 2x or 3x the price of this unit for a DVD player when this player is on the market for less than $300. Save your money, buy the A120. You'll need the cash as you quickly build your DVD collection.

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Toshiba

This DVD player has outstanding performance for little $. I would highly recommend. I have had this player for 1 month now and I am still amazed by the picture and sound.

Cheap; TOSLINK,Coax digital outs and Component video outs

Motion artifacts like mad

Actually, I borrowed this player for a weekend simply becasue I wanted to see how it would integrate with my current audio setup(Currently Lexicon DC-1, Carver amp, Snell E.5). The audio was, well, either DD or DTS depending on the DVD and my Lexicon did the decoding so I have no real reference except that it sounded ok with an exception of extreme volume changes (yells, screams, metal screeches, etc. E.G.-The helecopter crash at the end of Goldeneye where the rotor comes at you. Egad that sounded bad) in the upper midrange. Got lots of nasty distortion. My amps rated to 500 into my 4 Ohm Snells so I doubt that's it. Can't be for certain as to the exact cause, so I'll just let you audition it for yourself.
As for the video- man was I unimpresed. The colors in Austin Powers were pretty bland compared to other players I've seen and the moire I saw on some scenes made my life difficult. Anytime that silly grate in Dr evil's lair from Austin Powers 2 panned across the screen, it looked terrible. Also, some of the buildings in Armageddon looked more like stepped Myan temples than vertical buildings.
For this price, I don't really know what to say except that you might want to simply pony up the extra dough and buy a better player.

Solid Unit for the price.

Remote is functional, but feels cheap.

I have had this unit since Dec 99' and it has performed just great, only one artifact seen so far. Remote could have a better feel to it, but it functions just fine. The on screen displays are some what obscure. The important things for me were picture and sound quality, then price. This unit fit all my requirements just perfectly.

Excellent picture and sound for the price; 20bit/96khz capability; component video; good price.

remote sucks but I expected it to be worse.

So far so good! I've had the unit for two weeks now and have run over a dozen DVD's and have yet to run into a single problem. No lip synch problems like the Sony. I've had nothing but alot of fun with this machine! Good value for the money and it didn't set me back alot which is what I wanted with DVD audio coming around the corner.

Can't find much to gripe about except the remote which is actually better than I expected on a unit at this price level. I use it only for DVD's -- I have a good CD player -- and it does a great job with them!

Five stars all-around since it does what it's supposed to do with no problems (it's not supposed to be a high-end player). A truly awesome player in it's price class!

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Sony DVP-S330

Video quality, audio quality, component out, s-video out, optical digital out

Remote

I had read a review of this model and had been looking around for it but couldn't find it for less than $300. Then I was out shopping at my local CC (I know, I know) and they had a pretty good deal ($260), so I went for it. First DVD was Yellow Submarine - very cool, even though I don't have a digital receiver yet. Second was the Matrix - extraordinary!! As another person wrote, once you go DVD you'll never go back! As for CD sound, I notice no degradation whatsoever, but then I'm an objectivist who doesn't believe fat cables allow the signals more room to pass through!

This is a great entry deck - if you find it for under $270, definitely get it.

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First DVD

Price, easy to set up, clear picture

none, other than remote

Good bargain for the price. Recommended by audio dealer who didn't sell it himself. Picked it over similiar Toshiba model. No complaints so far.

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this is first dvd player

Price, picture clarity

All the right features( dts and dolby digital, digital output, crystal clear search) at an awesome price. Picture clarity is outstanding. I am very happy with the A-120.

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