Standalone DVD players are a smart choice
Mar 30 '00
I don't agree with groove10's assessment that
"a DVD player for your computer is more practical and probably less expensive than a stand alone DVD". On both points, practicality and cost, I think the reviewer is wrong. So here is my opinion on why a stand alone dvd player is a smarter way to go.
COST
On the first issue of cost. Groove10 suggest getting the following "ATI Rage Fury TV-out ...about $100... a DVD drive...for less than $100" plus I might add, the user might need to buy a better set of speakers. Just these 3 things could easily cost $200-$300. Your computer system has to be fast enough. So this would push the price even higher if you need to upgrade. However, you can now buy stand alone dvd players for less than $200 easily. So the PC dvd solution is costing at least 50% more.
TIME
The other cost is the time it will take to install either solution. Installing the video card and a DVD drive and software drivers and compatibility issues could easily take 2 hours or a whole afternoon. With a standalone player, just plug it into your TV.
EASE OF USE
The second issue is practicality. I think it is more practical to buy a standalone player because it takes less steps to enjoy a dvd movie. Turn on TV and player. Hit the play button. However, if you were to use a computer it would be something like, wait for the computer to boot, login, start the dvd player software, play, maximize the player window--not a very easy way. The boot time alone takes longer than turning on your TV and DVD player.
SCREEN SIZE
Another issue with practicality is the TV screen is usually larger than than the computer screen. So a TV would provide a more satisfying experience.
CONTROL
Plus a standalone player lets you use a standard infra red remote control, instead of the keyboard and mouse to control it. Just hit the remote control's play button and off you go.
That is why I think that the standalone player is the better way to go.
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Epinions.com ID:
buyme
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Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
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