Trusted brand, great picture and sound

none so far

I really like the Sony brand, having had an ES CD player for over 8 years without a problem. I first picked up the Sony 560 model, but found the picture to look minorly "pinched and digital", and the CD sound was very inferior to my CD player. I brought the model back, and the store recommended the 570 (claimed to have a better picture processor, DTS, etc.). Well, they were right. The picture seems much more open and crisp, and the Cinema viewing options tweak the picture slightly when desired, to open up details and create a very pleasing picture. The sound is much more impressive, and much closer in quality to my ES CD player. DVD picture on my 45" TV are very crisp, and even though I am not a "features" kind of user, I find the 1X and 2X jog features very nice - a seemless experience moving forward or backwards. Freeze frames are beautiful.

I have had no difficulties with any disks played.

I would recommend this unit to a friend, and find it a great value in the $500 price range.

Similar Products Used:

other Panasonic and Sony

build quality, excellent picture

I wish it was heavier and deeper so it would stack with other components easier

I have been looking for a DVD player for some time now, but did not find anything that I liked. Then this DVD player came out and it looks good. I like the silver metal case it is in. It doesn't look cheap like the other DVD players. The picture quality is excellent, better than my Toshiba DVD player. I am buying my HT speakers in a week so I haven't been able to try out the DD/DTS decoder yet. So far I think that is a super DVD player and well worth the money.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba DVD

Appearance, compact size, built-in dd 5.1 decoder, cd text, Video CD support, etc.

No CDR support, pauses on certain scenes.

This is a pretty decent unit, definitely looks great, and has the same standard Sony features found on other DVD players. I do regret the lack of CDR support, but the biggest complaint is that on two DVDs I've viewed, Devil's Advocate, and on Gladiator, the DVD player paused for 2-5 seconds before continuing. Bug's Life played fine, as do CDs.

Actually on Devil's Advocate, it skipped back two chapters after pausing, at the same spot (around where the managing director is out jogging). It was unable to get past this point, which played fine on other DVD players (will check this again tho). It skipped on a later scene too, and I thought it was the DVD disc until it happened with Gladiator as well. I'm not sure why it's having trouble reading the discs at these various spots, whether it's trying to change layers, or dust, who knows.

If it keeps doing this with other discs, I'll end up returning it... the pauses do affect the movie-viewing experience, especially when it's at a crucial scene. If anyone else has had similar problems, please let me know.

Rather expensive compared to other players, only get this if you're really into making your HT system look nice, especially with progressive scan and 6.1 systems out there, the built-in decoder is already kind of obsolete.

Similar Products Used:

Sony DVP-S560D, Pioneer DV-414.

Design, Color,Durability

Remote sucks had to replace with a better one(Programable Universal Remote)

Well i have to say that i own lots of sony products and have not had nightmares with them except for my previous dvd player the sony 260 model(whih really sucked) But with this one i got a good price at the time and have not had one single problem and i use it alot. Though i do use it stricly as a dvd player i don't use music cd's at all on it i guess i'm trying to use it for the purpose i bought it for, it works well plays with the s-video cable and i do like it it may not have several features that newer models have but it has kept me happy. The original remote was clunky and just obtrusive i opted for a universal that works all of my equipment. after reading some horror stories here i'm glad i use it for what it was made for and nothing more.

Similar Products Used:

Sony 260 ( beware )

Great Video, Great Sound, Easy setup

None as of yet

I just purchased this unit to replace my Panasonic
A110. I'm running this unit,via the component connections, with a Wega 36" XBR and it's FANTASTIC ! The problems I encountered with the likes of the matrix, lost in space and more recently the Planet of the Apes are "no problem" with
this unit. I'm glad I purchased it.

Similar Products Used:

Panasonic A110

Build, picture, great audio, silver look

none

This is a great player. I love the silver look and that little blue/purple light. It has all the inputs/outputs anyone would need. If you need a player with a DD and DTS decoder, this is it. Saving Private Ryan plays with outstanding sound and picture. No problems with any DVDs so far. I personally like the remote as it is similar to the S550 and the Sony changers. I have also heard that some people don't like all the menus you have to go through. It doesn't bother me any though. I love all the features this comes with (screen saver, 200 disc memory, strobe play, etc.) The sound from a CD is better than my old Sony 5-disc changer. This player is a great deal for the money. However, don't pay $500 at a Best Buy or a Circuit City. Go online at (store. mjshow.com) or (store.yahoo.com/gigabuyz/index.html). You can get it at either for under $350. MJSHOW has cheaper shipping.

Similar Products Used:

Sony DVP-S550D

Options for Set up, DTS Decoding

DTS Decoding?

I purchased this unit in August. From its very first use
I have not been disappointed. I had to have a unit with built in DTS decoding as my Denon-2700 only has DD. I have enjoyed many DD DVD's and the better sonics from the following DTS DVDs:
- The Bone Collector
- Steely Dan - 2 Against Nature

However, I must admit that I have been having problems with the Eagles: Hell Freezes Over (DTS+PCM). The DVD will play in DTS, however there is an apparent lack of bass. It appears as though the "deep" bass is attempting to come thru the centre channel.

Even with this small problem, I would still recommend the
Sony.

A little pricey, no Progressive Scan, but very user friendly, good looks, and a decent performer.

Similar Products Used:

Panasonice, Pioneer

Component Video, virtual surround sound, sleakness, remote control

A little fussy when DVD quality is poor such as rental

The picture is excellent. Use the component outputs for the best result. I purchased some exellent component cables (monster cable) but decided to compare it to the s-video output and it was superior. Play around with the audio settings for the sound you are looking for and I'm sure you will be satisfied, especially if you are playing it through a decent sound system. I'm using an old Carver component system with B&W speakers and it sounds better than the theater. I had some problems initially with the unit not playing scratched videos that I had rented but the dealer was very willing to work with me. I'm told Sony is the way to go if you rent videos as they will play anything...and I've seen if for myself. They replaced the unit until I got one that would play a dvd that other machines rejected. Not bad. I can't imagine not having a remote control for these things but understand the less expensive models do not offer them...get one.

Similar Products Used:

1st

This is a follow-up to my review, I played with the remote last night and it is very simple. You just have to familiarize yourself with it. And you dont have to worry about it when you have a Philips Pronto.

I don't have much more to say, But I like this DVD, Its cool looks. I recommend this one to anyone who wants to buy it to match your wega TV. And makes a Silver receiver too. Its str-445 or something I saw one in goodguys and they it in stock. Its not their high models, and its a little bit cheap.