Pioneer DV-C302D DVD Players

Pioneer DV-C302D DVD Players 

DESCRIPTION

3 DVD/CD changer with Dolby Digital/DTS - 10-bit video DAC - 24-bit/96kHz audio DAC - 1 Component video output - 2 composite and S-Video outputs - 2 analog audio outputs - Coaxial and optical digital audio output

USER REVIEWS

Showing 11-20 of 76  
[Dec 28, 2000]
Craig
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

3 disc changer. Picture, sound, dependability, built in decoder, plays CD-R/ RWs (I think). Value

Weakness:

Lousy remote. Doesn't remember which tunes it has already played on cd's while in random mode.

This unit has performed flawlessly so far. I don't use the built in decoder, but it's probably similar to the one in my Elite receiver. Sound on cd's is good through digital output. No problems with any DVD's so far.
Operation doesn't seem to be very intuitive, but this may be attributable to the difference in DVD versus CD. Maybe all DVD players need getting used to in order to operate easily.
I recommend this unit to anyone looking for these features in an economical unit. Hope you can find one! Sears was closing these out a couple months ago.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Mar 29, 2000]
mike, audiophile

Strength:

GREAT PICTURE. SOUND IS WONDERFUL. REMOTE IS NOT DIFFICULT. JUST TAKE SOME TIME TO FIGURE OUT THE CONTROLS.

Weakness:

DON'T SEE ANY YET.

A GREAT INEXPENECIVE UNIT. GREAT PICTURE, CONTROLS ARE FAIRLY EASY. PLAYS CD'S, DVD'S WITH WONDERFUL SOUND AND PICTURE QUALITY. LOVE THIS MACHINE!!!

Similar Products Used:

none

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Apr 24, 2000]
Justin
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Picture quality, Sound quality, plays cd-r, built in decoder

Weakness:

None that I can think of.

Simply put, the picture and sound quality of this dvd player is absolutely amazing (esp. for the price). Not having a lot of experience with dvds in the past, I was unsure how much better dvd could be compared to a regular video tape. This was mostly because I don't have other top of the line equipment; and I didn't know how much better picture quality could get with my 27" tv.

After watching the first minute of a dvd on my TV, via S-video cable, all doubts I had about dvd totally vanished. It was absolutely an amazing difference. I never dreamed my television could be as crystal clear as it was while playing dvds through this player. (Not to mention perfect, clear pause and slow motion-just like a photograph).

As far as the audio goes, it is also an amazing difference. The best way to describe it is to compare a regular audio cassette tape to a cd. It's really that good. To get a specific test on the difference, I popped in Mariah Carey's #1's vhs and then the dvd; I was blown away. It was just like I popped in a cd.

After watching movies such as Air Force One, End of Days, and The Devil's Advocate, I really couldn't tell the difference between my room and sitting in a theater(except it's much more comfortable sitting at home). The sound comes from all around, through the fronts and surrounds. And if you have a subwoofer, you've never heard bass so loud, low, and clear (just like the theater)!

In addition, this player gives you the ability to play dvd, cd, vcd, cd-r, cd-rw and just about anything you can throw at it. Not to mention it is a 3 disk changer, which means, you'll hardly ever have to get up when switching movies.

If you're not already convinced, take it from someone who also doubted dvd players; The experience is unbelievable! And this player does it great!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Apr 25, 2000]
John Baskins
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Video and audio quality, ease of use, features, disc-changing capability.

Weakness:

None

This is my first DVD player, and I'm really satisfied with this purchase. The picture is outstanding as is the audio, the setup menus are intelligent and thorough, and the compact design fits nicely into any entertainment center. I was reluctant to get into DVDs, but I couldn't be more pleased with this decision.

Similar Products Used:

None

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 01, 2000]
J K
Casual Listener

Strength:

Decent sound/picture (I guess, as its my first DVD player)
playback of CDRs

Weakness:

I can't get RANDOM PLAY on music tracks!!!! Is there such a function on the machine?
Remote control is poorly designed

Overall I was initially quite disappointed with the product. I have a CDK 302 which has a Karaoke jack in front (not my idea) - I guess for enthusiasts.

The picture and sound were about as good as expected. I was initially looking at carousel CD changers but was advised that the sound from a DVD player is superior. Hence not having done enough research I just bought one and compared to the rest of my setup this remains a relatively weak link. There is a programmable function to order the tracks but I CANNOT CHOOSE RANDOM PLAY FROM THE 3 CDs inserted!! Some of the other reviews here seem to think it can? Could someone please tell me how if at all.

Being a carousel changer I thought this should be a basic, basic feature that was overlooked.

The only picture problem I've had so far has been a freeze while watching American Pie. Stopped the movie then pressed play and the resume function took over without any further problems. Wonder what happened?

Not too bad all in all but a single dvd player with a cd carousel might have been a better choice.

Similar Products Used:

nil

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
3
[Apr 03, 2000]
Keith Alexander
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Outstanding audio and video, disc memory, GUI display, $price$ and the oh-so-cool blue LED.

Weakness:

Mmmm...remote could be a little more "ergonomic".

Bear with me for a short history of this purchase. I bought the RCA 5910P from Costco, and while I liked it at first, problems cropped up from day one. Skipping and pixellation issues forced me to return not one, but two of them. By the way, if you can manage it, always buy at Costco. They've got an incredibly liberal return policy...even online! Anyway, I decided to try the Pioneer.

Well, let me tell you, I love it! The picture and sound are phenomenal, and the features are quite complete (minus zoom, which I don't care about). The first time I fired up The Bone Collector with its DTS soundtrack, it sent me lunging for the subwoofer volume. This is some serious sound! Even though it has a built-in decoder, I'm sticking with my outboard Technics AC5000, as it sounds a little punchier to me.

The price was right at $329 from Costco, and I'm having a blast with this thing. Layer switches are handled quickly, and the "cinema" setting is shockingly good. The on-screen display is very cool, with a very user friendly menu system, and great operating icons. Two very useful options Pioneer have included are the "last memory", and "condition memory". In short, these settings remember the spot and settings of a disc when you last watched it, and the latter remembers conditions and setup for 15 of your most annoyingly difficult to set-up DVD's.

I do feel that I should take issue with some people's complaints, though. First, some have mentioned the tray as a weakness of this unit. Yes, it is louder than most, and you can hear it when across the room. But I happen to find it a confidence-inspiring sound. It's very authoritative, as if to say "I am changing your disc now, sir. Leave everything to me". But really, who could be bothered by this?

The other complaint that has been leveled is that the reomote is cheap. Ok, it's not as cool as some high-end stuff with joysticks and wheels, but practically every component these days under $1,000 has crappy remotes. And if you're like me, you have a learning remote like the Marantz RC2000 or something similar, which makes the supplied one obsolete anyway. But if you're going to have to use this one, you'll be fine.

As for the audio problems some have had with certain discs, it's obvious that they are very specific titles, and may be a disc problem or a software glitch. But it seems to be so limited that most people will never be bothered by it.

Lastly, if you're going to give this unit a terrible review and call it "junk" based upon one defective unit, or an unfriendly store experience, spare us. You are entitled to be angry, but every single DVD model has bad units. That's the nature of technology. But this doesn't mean something is of inferior quality. No, the Pioneer doesn't weigh 30 lbs., but it is of the highest quality where it counts. And believe me, I'm as anal-retentive as they come where my gear is concerned.

Similar Products Used:

RCA RC5910P

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 06, 2000]
Tariq
Audiophile

Strength:

Easy setup, intuitive use, CD-R changer, good Random/program

Weakness:

Sound

I bought this to replace an older CD changer which just went Defunct after 13 years(a first generation Pioneer Changer)-go figure! I had been impressed that my old Pioneer had lasted so long so I decided to go with their DVD changer. I was immidiately struck by the 302's ease of use and setup. I was a little concerned about the units lack of heft-even compared to my inexpensive, older cd player(The 302 weighs under 10 pounds) but after setting it up it seems to be well made. Ohers here have mentioned the clunky Carousel Mechanism, but I find it to be well designed and probably the most substantial part of the whole player. The Random and Program features work perfect across all inserted discs-unlike MOST other DVD changers and it plays all my CD-R's! I listen to music most of the day while I work and critically at times. Unfortunately, I immidiately noticed it lacked the Depth and definition of the temporary stand in Sony cd only Changer I have been using for the last few weeks(a 10 yr old CDP-c500 which tends to skip at the drop of a hat). The Pioneer 302 sounds thin with poor deep bass-and sloppy-as well as very little air around voices and instruments in the midrange. The treble seems a little harsh as well. I can even notice this when listening to it in other parts of the house-not just in an A-B comparison. It's pretty dramatic on my system(NAD reciever and Vandersteen speakers). DVD wise-after all, I guess thats its main purpose anyway-I do notice slight pixilation in even, out of focus tones(like in the beginning scene from The Thomas Crown Affair where Pierce Bronson is being analyzed by Faye Dunaway. I also noticed that the bass sounds unruly and sloppy-so much so that I had to turn it down in the scene where the Art Hiest is going on. All in all, its a well made, decent DVD player with Mediocre sound, great features and ease of use. If I had it to do over again-I bought it mail order and there is really no defect in it-I would purchase a single disc DVD player and a Seperate CD only Changer.

Similar Products Used:

Older Sony DVD

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
3
[May 17, 2000]
Horacus
Casual Listener

Strength:

Great picture, audio, plays any CD I throw at it, home brew CDR, VCD, CDRW

Weakness:

None so far

Well, I've had this unit for about 2 weeks and just had to post my review here to help others just like I used the reviews here before purchasing myself.
Originaly I had my mind set on the Panasonic DVD-A320 as it got just about all reviews here positive and had all the required connectors I need plus built in Dolby Digital decoder.
I liked the picture on the Panasonic player but when I put in one of my home made CDR audio CD's and it would just do nothing that really turned me off. It did the same with my home made VCD and number of other audio CD's (different brands of CD's). I always bring a bunch of my own CD's when I go shoping for CD players.
Then I tried the Toshiba's and one Yamaha player and they all did the same thing, they just wouldn't touch my CD's.
I had read the review of the Pioneer 525 here and so it was next on my list to try but they didn't have that model in stock but had the Pioneer DV-C302D so I started putting in my CD's and they all played no problem. I was sold.
This unit is great for people like me who only have a DD ready receiver without any digital connectors because it has the 5.1 component connectors and built in DD decoder.
I will upgrade my Pioneer VSX-D458 receiver in near future (will go for Yamaha HTR-5250 if it gets good reviews here)and switch to digital audio connection but for now I just had enough cash for the DVD player.
I have the above mentioned Pioneer receiver and Polk Audio RT400 main speakers, CD245 center, and RT-25 rear surrounds.
TV is a 27" Proscan with SVHS hook up to the DVD player.
The whole HT is great for the rather small living room.
I've played about dozen DVD movies (Matrix, Double Jepardy,Deep Blue Sea, and many others, some rented and they all played flawlessly.
Yes, like from previous reviews, I think the setup menu font could be nicer and the remote could use a back light but these are just small details and I personaly think the remote feels solid, well balanced and not any worse than the remotes from Toshiba.
The tray when ejected can be heard from about 8 feet but is not loud and feels solid. CD's can be changed while playing one CD (great!)
BTW, when unpackig the player I droped one end of it on a table when it sliped out of the styrophome bracket and the tray came partially open. I though, damn, that's it, I broke it but I pluged it into the power and no problem.
The casing on the player is metal too (solid build not plastic) so I have a VCR sitting on top of it.
I paid $549 in Future Shop here in Canada. The manufacture date on it is Jan 2000. Only about $20 more than the Panasonic DVD-A320 and I got a 3 CD changer, with CDR compatibility.
I highly recomend this player, especially to those who are into burnig their own audio or video CD's. And if you're just looking for a DVD player with great picture and sound then I can asure you it's on par with the Toshibas and Panasonics in the same price range.
I know, this review is long but from my own experience here I am sure many will appreciate any info they can get before dishing out $400-700

Similar Products Used:

First DVD player but I've tried a lot of other models at the stores and rented Toshiba many times

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 01, 1999]
JL
Audiophile

Strength:

DVD changer with build in digital sound decoder,plays CDR/CDRW with reasonable price.

Weakness:

noisy sound while tray change disk, cheap remote control

The main reason draw me to buy this unit is that it also handle whatever CDR/CDRW I feed it with, It now replaces my aging CD changer in the entertainment unit. I bought it at $347 thru the web.

This unit delivers top notch picture and sound quality compared with other more pricy high end unit(with functions I'll probably never use), I usually try to avoid A/V product from Pioneer, but this model sure serves me well so far. Since it's a fairly new model, no idea how long it will last.

The player is made in Japan, remote control is made in China ,I hope Pioneer can add jog shuttle for ease of viewing.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 24, 1999]
Mark C
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Overall nice product with all the features I would want in a DVD player

Weakness:

When I power up my Denon 3300 the power for the Pioneer doesn't turn on by itself? My old Sony CD player used to turn on when the receiver did when I had it plugged in the back

I figured that if I could get a 3 disc DVD for $350, then why would I want to spend $300 for a single disk. I usually wouldn't buy anything Pioneer, but it seemed like a nice unit when I purchased it. After using the unit, I am very pleased with it. It has plenty of features, component video, resume a movie where you left off (even if the player is powered down), and the screensaver is pretty neat.

Similar Products Used:

My first DVD player

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 11-20 of 76  

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