As Good As It Gets, But...
Written: Dec 28 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: 480p (Super-Hi-Res) Output; Excellent Audio Features
Cons: Price vs ability to utilize features; availability.
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| arjayeph's Full Review: Toshiba SD-5109 DVD Player |
As the prices on lower-end DVD's fall off the table, many people are in the dark as to what makes a $300 DVD different from a $500 DVD from a $700 DVD; in many cases, far less than one might imagine. Here, however, is a DVD player with a genuine difference; THIS is truly cutting-edge stuff. Sure, it has a twin-tray configuration like it's extremely popular "little brother", the SD-3109, but that and appearances are where the similarity end. The SD-5109 incorporates an internal line-doubler that increases resolution and overall picture clarity to provide a picture far superior to almost any other DVD player on the market (those that compare incorporate the same technology and sell for anywhere from 10% to 110% more). It outputs at 480p (that's progressive scan), while the majority of other players produce 480 lines of interlaced output. Still-frames look like photos, and most video artifacts are virtually eliminated from normal-speed playback.
I had the opportunity to compare the same movie being played on identical sets, side-by-side, one being played by the SD-5109, the other on a conventional-output unit (an SD-3109), and would say that the difference is almost as noticeable as comparing a VHS tape to a conventional DVD player.
To be fair, though, certain factors may make this unit unnecessarily extravagant for many. In order to gain its primary benefit, one must have a television with 480p-capable-component-video inputs. Without these, you'll still get a great picture, but will gain little over a substantially less expensive unit.
This unit, while still pricey as DVD's go, is still a bargain for anyone seeking state-of-the-art technology that really makes a difference. If, however, you're not buying this in conjunction with a new TV capable of processing these signals, or have no plans to replace your current set in the near future, then you'll be wasting your money. If you're planning to buy a new projection TV in the next year or two, then this is the ideal unit for you.
Audio performance is superb, and it incorporates a plethora of convenience features, not the least of which is the twin-tray design- a nice touch when playing CD's.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
arjayeph
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Location: Chicago, IL
Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 3 members
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