New Toshiba Model Alert!!
Written: Sep 20 '99 (Updated Dec 15 '99)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Twin trays, excellent features and value
Cons: Doesn't automatically shuffle between trays
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| ryansridge's Full Review: Toshiba SD-3109U DVD Player |
I ordered the twin tray 3109 just before leaving on vacation - it had arrived when I got back, but so had a new Toshiba model, the 4109X with a 6 disc carousel!!! I had ordered the 3109 because it had the two trays, but would have preferred the 4109X if it had only been available 10 days sooner. But, if you're in the market for a mid level, mid priced DVD player, then the 3109 is a good choice. It's loaded with features:
Colorstream Component Video Output
10-Bit, 27 mHz Video D/A Converter
24-Bit/96 kHz PCM Audio Compatibility
25 Sector Picture Zoom
Time Search
Coaxial Digital Audio Output
Spatializer N-2-2 Virtual Surround Sound
Dolby Digital and DTS Compatible Digital Output
Composite Video Output
S-Video Output
Parental Lock
Video Black Level Expansion
Icon Based On-Screen Displays
Bit-Rate Meter
Dynamic Range Control
Multi-Camera Angle Select
Multi-Language Select
Multi-Subtitle Select
Title Stop
Karaoke Vocal
Widescreen, Letterbox and Normal Picture Set-up
Energy Star Compatible
Optical and Coaxial Digital Audio Inputs
DVD/CD/Video CD Playback
Built-in Dolby Digital Decoding with 5.1 Channel Outputs
Dual Disc Twin-Tray Transport
HDCD Decoding and Precision Filtering
Fluorescent Dimmer - 3 Modes
Fluorescent Remote
Remote Confirmation
I've been told that some DVD players have a hard time with some new discs like "The Matrix" and older scratched rental discs. I've played lots of older dvd's with few problems - have had to clean and reboot some and then they play just fine. I had absolutely no problems with "The Matrix" disc!
If you get the 3109 be sure to go through the set-up menu because the factory defaults might not be optimized for your home theater. I didn't do this until I had been using the player for a couple of weeks, since everything appeared to be great right out of the box, but after reading the manual and doing the set-up, the playback was even better! Incidentally, the 3109 is also a very good CD player!
All in all, the 3109 is as good a DVD player as you'll find in this price range! If you can do without the six disc carousel and/or want to save $100 or so, opt for the 3109 in lieu of the 4109. Other than the disc capacity, the specs on both models are identical. I should also mention that this player does not automatically switch from one tray to the other at the end of a disc, you have to switch discs from the remote control or on the player itself. But I like the twin trays because you can pause a movie and switch to another one without leaving your chair, and then switch back to the precise place where you paused the other disc. This to me is especially useful if someone leaves the room for a short time - you can pause the movie and switch to the another one while you're waiting for them to return.
I'm not unhappy with the 3109 - with these features it's a great value. I agree with the excellent member reviews by Naval and calking; my main purpose for this review is to let others know about the availability of the newer model with the 6 disc capability.
12/15/99 Update: I read that some DVD players were not able to play "Armageddon", so I rented it and the 3109 had no problems with it. I have had mine for several months now, and am very pleased with it, and still consider it to be the best in it's price range, which incidentally, has dropped below $300 at some retailers. Also, with the 3109 you get a coupon from NetFlix.com for 15 free DVD rentals. I ended up renting most of my DVD's there - they are a great online merchant!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ryansridge
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Member: D. McCandless
Location: Rural Pennsyltucky
Reviews written: 51
Trusted by: 316 members
About Me:
To insure success, try to eliminate failure.
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