OK, I'm convinced now, I want to buy a DVD/VCD/CD player with built-in AC3 decoder. I have looked around but have little chance to test drive any. Most of them have the same spec notably 10 bit video DAC, 96KHz/24 bit audio DAC, dual laser pick-up (basic for the current generation player I suppose). I am looking for a player that will sound good for both DVD and audio CD. I have seen the following models that fit the bill and would appreciate any opinion: - Philips DVD 860 - Sony DVP-S705D - Kenwood VF-5010 - Pioneer DV-515 Any satisfied experience with certain brand/model to recommend?

Also, I have read lately that the next generation of DVD player will probably out soon with DVD-Audio, MP3, HDCD decoding features bundled in amongst others. Anybody knows the timeline for this.

Thks & rgds,

Jung Zen

-- Jung Zen (jungzen@hotmail.com), June 18, 1999

Answers

The Toshiba 3109, already out, has HDCD. No player yet comes with the new DVD-Audio standard which uses MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing, I think).

Daniel

-- Daniel Long (lcheetec@yahoo.com), June 18, 1999.

Toshiba DVDs still have problems with CD-R discs. For your money invest in a Philips 825 or higher, or a Sony with Dual-Discrete Laser. These players will give you the best quality for DVD and VCD movies. Philips always has dual-discrete laser in the DVD players above model 825. Dual discrete lasers use one laser for DVD playback, which makes DVD video and sound plus layer changes look awesome and another laser for VCDs which makes those look awesome as well plus it makes it easier for the player to read CD-R and CD-RW discs. All DVD players have an AC-3 Decoder, you want one with DTS Decoder for the next generation of true Home Theater(wide screen tvs with theater digital sound). As of right now only Panasonic will support DVD-Audio in the future(a different player is required i.e. seperate one at first), but others will follow(like DVD movies it will take the RIAA and recording studios many months to support it). MP3 will not be supported by any DVD player as the movie industry does not want to anger the recording industry with pirate music(one scratches the others back, so to speak) and HDCD is supported(undocumented of course) by ALL Philips(they made the CD standard, VCD Standard, and HDCD standard), Sony, Toshiba, and Pioneer. Panasonic higher end(LD and anything over $500.00 US) supports it but won't admit to it.

-- The Lone Ranger (rutger_s@hotmail.com), June 19, 1999.

I have the Sony 600 DVD Player. It plays CD, VD, DVD, & CD-R. Every kind of disc sounds great! The unit has AC3, and is hooked up to a receiver that also has AC3!

Visit http://www.dvdtalk.com to find out more on DVD!

-- otter (menotwant@spam.net), June 21, 1999.