All-in-one design

Hiss, remote, skipping

I regret ever having bought this DVD-player/Receiver combo. I bought it online for about $430, which I thought was a good deal. However, after three months of heavy use, I can honestly say that I HATE this product. Here's a short list of why:

1) The remote has something like a hundred poorly marked tiny buttons, all the same size (excluding volume up and down). I have seen $89 VCR's with remotes that have better ergonomics. When watching a movie in the dark, I defy anyone to find the pause, rewind, or mute buttons. Anyone buying this DVD player had better budget another $100 for a good universal remote.

2) The unit's speaker-level outputs have a noticeable hiss when the drive motor is spinning (e.g., playing a CD or DVD). This is probably a function of poor decoupling/isolation of the drive motor from the amplifier section. If you only play your music loud, the hiss may not bother you.

3) The unit skips and locks up. I bought "Enemy of the State" on DVD and around chapters 18 or 19 the movie freezes up. Upon hitting fast forward, playback resumes but only after half a chapter of the movie has been skipped. I thought this was a bad/dirty DVD, so I bought a second copy. I put the new copy in and the same thing happened. My computer, however, was able to play both copies without skipping.

4) To try and remedy problems 2 and 3, I called Toshiba and took the unit to their authorized service center (right before the end of my 90 warranty). A week later the service center called me back. Apparently Toshiba does not have repair manuals for this DVD player, so the repair center could not fix it. They recommended that I return it and buy a different DVD player.

For these reasons, I think this DVD player sucks. While it might seem appealing to save a few bucks with the all-in-one design, I suggest buying quality separates.

All-in-One DVD and Receiver
Onkyo Receiver
Hardwired DVD to Sound System

Remote Control
Doesn't play CDR's or CDRW's
Doesn't downconvert S-Video to Composite RCA
Hard to use other All-in-One Remote Controls

Just a quickie since I've had this for a while now. I like that the Receiver and DVD is built together for this price. But I did get a little mad when I looked at the Onkyo version of the receiver has an optical audio out for say, MD recording. But, the sound coming out of it is great. It's power is decent to carry out action movies fine.

The remote is probably the worst part of it. The numbers on the remote can't control the tuner, and that's if you can figure out which buttons on the remote are the numbers.

And the biggest drawbacks for me now that I've used it for a while is that is doesn't support HDCD like once advertised and more importantly, doesn't play CDR's or CDRW's. I just couldn't believe my mix CD's wouldn't play on this thing.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba 3109

*Great picture quality
*Space saver (DVD w/ Reciever)
*Sanity saver-a few less cables in the back
*Easy to use
*Wonderful machine

*I wish there was few more outputs for other uses
*hissing when DVD spins
*No way to get Karaoke with the system
*Remote, what remote, the thing is a minefield

I love this machine. It combines the receiver and DVD player together saving a bit of my sanity for it mean a few less cables. The picture quality is great never had a problem. It was easy to learn to use and very simple to set up. I read about a lot of problems with the unit about not being able to push up sound but what I hear is great, even with my music CDs (of course I would like to keep my hearing a bit longer so I never need to listen to things that loud). It seems to read discs better than other DVD players. A family member has a JVC XV-M555BK and when I can't read a disc there I can still get it to work on the 6109C. I also like the zoom option (more zoom options than most systems I have used), I never use it but my mother hates widescreen (I most buy them that way, you miss some stuff with standard) so when she watches movies I zoom it up closer and when I watch movies I leave it alone, never having to reset up the player.

Now the bad stuff. Okay starting with the easy stuff, we all know the remote sucks. It grows on you but it still sucks. Next the hissing noise. Someone mentioned earlier that they brought it in to be checked and was told it was mormal. I believe that, my computer's DVD-ROM is also a Toshiba and when I first used the 6109C I wasn't surprised at the hissing noise. It is the same one coming out of my DVD drive! Next, Karoke. I don't use karoke, but my mom thinks it a grat option (not that I'm up for hearing people screeching on top of their lungs with the 5 speaker/1 subwoofer setup I have at home). Another problem is that I can't even stick a Karoke receiver (whatever you would call it) into the system, since it typicall goes between the reciever and the dvd player. This leads to the last gripe, not enough outputs. I have a Tivo, Dreamcast, and VCR getting them to work together required alot of work, I had to call Tivo costomer service for help and it was a pain.

Even with all the problems I would reccomend the DVD player/receiver, especially for people who want a great DVD entertainment system but don't have much room or patience for a super mindblowing set up.

Similar Products Used:

JVC XV-M555BK

Unbeatable price/value ratio
Hard wired interconnects for DVD (cannot be overstated)
Clean, High Current Power
Great Picture and DVD features
Decent component switching
Tolerant of slightly abused DVDs
DTS
Same unit as Onkyo DR-90 (save $$ and get the Toshiba branded one, this unit)

Remote
Sometimes slow to load DVD
Limited power
Tuner could be better
Speaker setup on faceplate only
Flat sounding with CDs

I thought I would update my review after owning this unit for over a year. See my strengths and weaknesses for the major items, my comments are mostly minor.

For some reason this player seems to have some problems loading sometimes, especially dual-layer. I don't think Magnolia is dual-layer and it had some trouble loading it the first few times -- this was brand new out of the box. I cleaned the DVD and didn't see any problems but it seems to load it fine now. The transition between layers is very noticeable on some titles but I don't have another unit for comparison.

It does a good job with my Mission speakers but I obviously need something with more oomph. Don't get me wrong, if you're an apartment dweller who likes to keep his lease, have a modest room or a wife constantly nagging at you to turn it down then grab this unit and don't look back, it does a great job. But if you really want to crank it you'll be looking elsewhere eventually like I am.

Since I purchased this unit to save money I'm not the least bit disappointed. I wanted to spend my budget on speakers and did so and I wouldn't do anything differently. It's just time to move on now and I'm slobbering over an Onkyo TX-DS777.

This is a great little unit though and has served me well. What it lacks in quantity of power it makes up in quality. It's definitely better than any consumer level 100w x 5 system you can buy from JVC, Pioneer, Sony, Techniqs, etc. When those system's capacitors are out of gas this little baby is still trucking -- never found it running out of steam even during extended high volume periods (such as the infamous Matrix foyer scene).

For CDs you should have something else planned, it doesn't do very well in that category. Even my ancient laserdisc player does a better job with them.

I didn't list lack of DSPs as a weakness as I don't care for DSPs but this unit doesn't have many and they are pretty bad. But then I think virtually all DSP modes are bad -- set it to STEREO for audiophile listening and set it to PARTY to crank it from all five channels.

Oh, and as others have said, grab the DTS titles if they're available -- this unit lets you do it. I got Private Ryan in both formats for comparison and I definitely liked DTS a lot better (listen to the openings of the landing scene and the tank scene for better reference, you think those rocks and waves are crashing around you).

My system:

Toshiba SD-6109C
Old Mitsubishi 27"
Ancient Pioneer CLD-S201 Laserdisc Player
Mission 773 Fronts (the old ones with a single driver)
Mission 77C1 Center
Mission 77DS Surrounds
Mission 700AS Subwoofer

Similar Products Used:

First 5.1 System

All in one. Easy setup.

Remote is the worst remote EVER... EVER!!!

This a really a good bargain for creating a home theater setup. Since it's all integrated, it makes it much easier to use and you don't need two separate remotes for the receiver and DVD player (though you may want to buy a programmable remote to replace this crappy one).

It plays DVDs well and has a decently powered receiver. (If you're into really loud music/movies, you may wanna look elsewhere, but it should suffice for the majority of people).

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba SD3205, Samsung DVD909

E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G

The remote could be a little better laid out, but It's NOT a big deal. After all, youre watching the movie, NOT the remote!

Well, this is really my first DVD player OR reciever, but in comparisons to my fathers Sherwood reciever, this thing completely rules. I also had a Philips/Magnavox DV-825AT DVD player, but it broke the day I bought it, so I took it back. The picture on the magnavox was not nearly as nice as this, and the digital decoding audio this unit does is nothing short of amazing!!! I have not had any problems playing DVD's-this thing preforms FLAWLESSLY! I have never set up a stereo before in my life, and this was a cinch- just connect the speakers and your other units, and viola! A movie theater in your home. If you were like me and were looking for reciever AND DVD player, do yourself a favor and BUY this! I got mine on Mobshop.com for a total of $328 shipped. WOW!! People have been really complaining about the remote, but I don't think it's that bad-I guess Im not a picky man!

Similar Products Used:

Philips/Magnavox Dv-825at DVD player

Dolby digital, DTS, DVD/receiver, 540 lines of resolution (most others have 500)

50x5 watts? Maybe a weakness, but not for me.

I purshased this dvd/receiver at Mercata.com for $296 which included shipping and of course no tax! WOW, it is more then I thought I would get for this price. The closest thing to this is the Onkyo DR-90 and that is way more money, not to mention, onkyo makes this toshiba's receiver!
I didn't get speakers yet,but on my 10 year old Toshiba 32inch TV which has carver speakers it sounds great, I can't wait to get new speakers.
You really can't go wrong. My room is 20x20 with 8' ceilings and I don't think it is underpowered at all. Now the remote, not as big of a deal as everyone is making it out to be. Just get used to it like everything else in life!

DEFINITELY GET IT!!!!

Good idea, space and money saver.

Mechanical and audio hiss from discs and speakers. Remote
control is the best gift for your inlaws.
Lower than everage CD player.

Remote was described too many times already. If you
need some control while watching your DVDs don't
bother to buy this unit.

Hissing sound was something of a surprise. It comes
mostly from spinning disk and becomes much quieter when
it plays as outside tracks or end of the movie. I brought
it to local authorized repair shop. They charged me $75
to look at it and claimed that there is nothing wrong with
the unit. I had to come over and make them listen to several units side by side. When all JVC/Samsung/Sony DVD were absolutely quiet, they claimed that this hissing sound is actually Toshiba's feature!?
But even next to another Toshiba 1200 it was too loud to ignore. So, they suggested to pay another $40 to replace a motor (the parts were still under warranties at that time). This would come to more then $100 to repair a production defect. I tried to contact customer service by email or FAX - no effect. CUSTOMER SERVICE DOES NOT EXIST and this seems to be the truth for other Toshiba products (see http://www.home.mpinet.net/sbunker/ and
http://www.feedle.net/rants/toshibaletter.shtml#links).
The unit is now covered with some cloth so we can watch
some movies. Since remote is useless anyway, this does
not change its functionality.

CD player is only good to reproduce some kids and disco
music. Anything more complex will sound blurred and plain.

Not for any serious music/movie playback.

Similar Products Used:

JVC, Panasonic, Sony.

I didn't know if I should replaced my receiver for upgrade in sound or forget sound totally and get a great image on my Toshiba Cinema Series TV. What a compromise! I got both for the price of one!!!

Remote would be better if it contained backlight. Not sure if infrequent skipping is media or hardware related, but ALL movies play!

Terrific Product

DTS, Dolby Digital Decoders, Price, Built-in Onkyo Reciever.

None

I just bought the Toshiba SD6109c and connected it to a new Hitichi SBX 53 inch projection TV. Put in the "Matrix" DVD and the sound and image quality was incredible. Pumping Dolby Digital 5.1 through my Pinnacle surround sound speaker system was a hugh difference from regular Dolby pro-logic. Next, "Saving Private Ryan" in DTS, sound was mind blowing. Crystal clear sound and crisp picture quality make this the best bang for your buck unit out there. I paid 417.00 from Vanns.com. I would highly recommed this unit to anyone who wants amazing sound and awesome picture quality.