gsu

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 3.00 votes

Price Paid:  $300.00 from Sony outlet

Summary:
Here's a bit more info on fixing the power problem described by KevinD August 28, 2002 and Phillip Briscoe July 18, 2001. Or check agoraquest.com http://www.agoraquest.com/viewtopic.php?topic=6556&forum=50&start=10&select_page_number=2 Basically, the heat sink is no longer in good thermal contact with the two integrated circuits (ICs). There must be a startup test that the DVD runs on the ICs to make sure sufficient heat is being drawn away or maybe a circuit is closed - anyway, this solution worked by adding some thermal grease ($2.99 M.G. Chemicals Silicone Heat Transfer Compound). - Remove the DVD cover - 7 screws total. - Then facing the DVD from the front, you'll see a green circuit to your right. On top and covering the board is a metal bracket that is the heat sink. Try pressing down on the metal bracket and turning the power on. If that works, then you know it's a loose connection. If not, then this solution probably won't work for you. - You will need to remove the board by removing 5 screws. There are several ribbon cables attached to the board but you don't have to remove them. - Underneath the board there is one screw holding the metal bracket to the board. As soon as you remove that, you will see two rubber-type pads (one large and one small) that seem slightly sticky that will either stick to the metal bracket or to the two ICs beneath. - Just apply the grease to both sides, smoothing it with an old credit card or thick paper and replace everything. This website describes thermal grease http://www.dansdata.com/goop.htm

Strengths:
Extra ports in the back

Weaknesses:
Not very reliable with the power but at least I haven't had the No Disc C13 error

Similar Products Used:
DVP-NS425P

roulettedealer3

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $200.00 from Sears

Summary:
I was a staunch supporter of Sony until the 915,985 series of A/V Receivers. However as much as it pains me to say it I have had virtually no trouble from the S530D. Once in a while I see the lip synch issue, but pausing and then resuming play seems to re synch the sound. It plays very well for music, as well as movies. I have purchased a HK DVD101 as an upgrade to this unit, but it still looks, and performs well.

Strengths:
Durable, Sleek Design

Weaknesses:
Lip Synch issues, and as always Sonys lousy customer service.

Similar Products Used:
Harman Kardon DVD101

Vanecek

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
The problem with C13:00 (Disk is dirty) error is usually very easy to be fixed. The error is probably based on the different reflexion of the laser beam, which can be caused either by any kind of the dirt on the bottom layer OR, FREQUENTLY by a sticker or any legend made by a black marker (or any kind of dark and thick) on the UPPER side. I have a statistical experience with SONY RDR-GX3 DVD recorder. If I write a legend on the upper side before recording, the recorder refuse such a disk , unfortunatelly after recording and the disk cannot be used no more. The possible solution is to ask SONY for the compensation (x pieces of media free of charge :-) ) because they do NOT write in the user manual that you should not do that ! This is my solution for recording. Maybe it works also for playing. The DVD media is transparent. I suggest NOT to put anything on the top side. Michal Vanecek, Czech republic

Price Paid:  $350.00 from circutcity

Summary:
well I got the sony dvp-s530d about a mounth after it came out with an open- box discount because it had been returned. And I must say it was a great buy 4 years and still running like new with alot of abuse. the picture is great comparable to modern players and great audio. just all around great buy and plan on using it for years to come!

Strengths:
Great picture, great sound, two compsite a/v outputs for extra piture tweak as well as great s-video and componat. 5.1 decoding

Weaknesses:
wont play burned cd and not progressive

Similar Products Used:
Jvc playstation2 and other sony players pioneerw/progressive scan panasonic and the dvp-s530d plays better than all but panasonic that would be about the same in picture.

Price Paid:  $399.00 from Meyer Emco in D.C.

Summary:
Well, I bought mine in June of 1999, and It is now in the process of kicking the bucket. So far I haven't had any of the previously mentioned problems until very recently. My issues are based around heat buildup. The player will begin to freeze and jerk when watching the last half hour of a 2 hour movie. However, I haven't really encountered any C:13:00 problems, unless I'm trying to play a really f****d up rental. I dont really see that much of a problem with a mass market component lasting for 4 years, especially since a modern version of this player sells for around 80$. Oh well, time to go buy a Denon 2900 or maybe I'll wait for the 3900 if I want to rely on my PS2 for DVD action (thats a whole other issue!) Barry

Strengths:
Solid video, intuitive menu structure, rather feature laden for its time.

Weaknesses:
Dying after 4 years

Similar Products Used:
1997 Philips Magnavox DVD player (my first) crappy sylvania DVD player I got for free PS2