The DVP-NS300 is the successor of the DVP-S360, introducing an improved version of the Precision Drive system and better 16:9 downconversion for anamorphic DVDs. (16:9 downconversion applies geometry correction of anamorphically enhanced video by the player for people who do not have a 16:9 capable monitor.) Sound and build quality is about the same as the previous model, which is very good. So far, it seems that this model has done away with a particular flaw that seemed inherent in a good bit of DVP-S360 players. Unfortunately, the chroma upsampling error is still there, although you may notice it only on larger displays. Chroma upsampling errors is extremely hard to notice on a 27 inch TV, but can be easy to see on high definition sets with an interpolator. It manifests itself as jagged and streaked edges and missing lines, particularly in bold fields like a red ball. For more information on this, visit this website. http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_8_2/dvd-benchmark-special-report-chroma-bug-4-2001.html All in all, it is a very good basic player for the person wanting to get into DVD. - Reinhart

Excellent Value for Money, Great for a first time user, Easy to set Up. Looks Very Smart

No CDR/CDRW/SACD/MP3 playback. Only 1 Scart & Very Basic

This DVD player is a classic example, as only getting what you pay for. It is a very basic DVD player, but still offers great value for money The Video is Average, and the Sound is slightly above averge for DVD playback, but Audio CD''s pose a bit of a problem at times. However this DVD player is a perfect player for anybody who just need''s a entry level DVD system, to get them started. Mine has now made it''s place up to the bedroom, as the Sony NS900 has now taken it''s place downstairs.

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Sony NS900, Sony NS700, PS2, XBOX

BNR (antialiacing removes this fields around objects or big fields... DVD is still mpeg-2 format there can be such things and this realy helps)

no zoom function (who uses it ?), no optical output (too bad), does not play MP3 (but i better like CD sound)

this is exelent DVD player for $. even when it oficealy has no compatibility with cd-r/rw but i had no problem to play verbatim and princo CD-Rs and even RW was working on it !!!! it played all cds i have tryed on it. also it has super fast DVD load remote is OK, video quality is good

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yamaha DVD 510/520S

1) DTS, Dolby Digital 2) Super fast laoding 3) Conservative appearence 3) Price 4) Simple set up menus 5) Outputs - Optical, digital coax, component out, and regular video out.

no zoom (who really cares)

I would have to say that Sony once again has provided an exceptional DVD for a nominal price. I just upgraded my TV to a Sony Wega 36" XBR, Harmon Kardon AVR, and this unit compliments the other components very well. People are posting tons of negative reviews regarding the lack of CD/R compatibility, I have had no problem playing CD/R''s. I think people when burning these CD/R''s are not finalizing them or they are using poor burning software. Bottom line, bang-for-buck, I do not think this player can be beat. I know that Sony has now discontinued this model, hence the price drop - however, the new model that replaces it, looked as if it were built of lesser quailty and the remote on the newer unit looked really cheap. I would purchase the unit again in a heartbeat, and even suggest it with confidence to a friend.

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Toshiba - pales in comparison

It''s cheap. Good picture. Good sound

Noisy transport

I''ve owned this player since Christmas 2001. I''ve had no problems with the unit, other than the transport sounding a little nosiy when playing DVD''s. This problem isn''t evident with normal CD''s though.

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Panasonic

Good audio, coax & optical out, 2 sets of analog outs, simple menu, decent remote, owner''s manual appears to have been written by someone who knows English & wanted the manual to be usable & correct. New Precision Drive 2 feature supposely reduces the chance of C13 "no disc" error that''s plagued recent Sony mass-market players.

Average picture, only plays DVD-video & CDs, does not play CDR/W, MP3, HDCD, SACD, or DVA-audio. External digital decoder needed for Dolby Digital & DTS. Remote only handles a tiny number of functions on Sony TV.

If you already have Sony components and you want an entry-level DVD player without a digital decoder, this may fit in nicely with your other remotes, esp one of the big remote commanders that comes with receivers. Otherwise, there is no reason to buy this instead of entry level players from Panasonic, JVC, or many other companies. I recommend an extended warranty due to the recent problems with mass-market Sony DVD players (Sony has an upscale line called Sony ES, which is reportedly better). The strengths & weaknesses sections pretty well summarize what I think. I have not had any significant mechanical problems with it yet. A very bad transfer of very bad tape would not play, but that was a disc problem. I had one instance of difficulty with a layer change on the new Terminator 2 DVD, but when I played the same part again, it worked fine. Otherwise, no problems playing discs.

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Entry level Sharp player, entry level Onkyo player.

Price/Performance ratio is very good.

Occasional mechanism noise.

This is a replacement for the DVD features of my PlayStation 2. Where the PS2 was quite sensitive to dirty/scratched DVD''s, the NS300 has handled some pretty scratched up Netflix DVDs just fine. The PS2 also stumbled on layer changes and I haven''t had any issues with the NS300. The picture is slightly better than an older Toshiba DVD player I had (and the PS2), and the optical digital sound is significantly better than the Toshiba. Only downside I''ve encountered is occasional noise from the mechanism during some movies. Maybe it was doing some correction for the mangled DVDs mentioned above, but the picture and audio never faltered. This product was money well spent.

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Toshiba SD2x00 series, Playstation 2.

Ease of setup.

No Optical Out Only 1 Scart

I bought this player to replace my Playstation 2. I wanted a better picture quality and a quieter player (PS2 has a fan). After setting the player up I noticed the coaxial output caused my amplifier to hum. I do not get this problem with my PS2 (connected via optical), or my CD player. The second thing I noticed was how noisy the player mechanism is. Not quite as noisy as the PS2 fan but way louder than the PS2 mechanism and my CD player. The next thing I did was a run the THX setup from my Terminator 2 DVD. I could not tell any difference between it and my PS2. So I watched some of Saving Private Ryan. The sound is noticeably improved, with deeper bass and more definition. Whilst watching a film I did notice a slight improvement in picture quality, especially with blacks. All in all the slight improvement in picture and sound quality over my PS2 is not worth £200 and the (barely audible) hum from my amp. I have taken the player back. I will purchase a different player with an optical out and two scarts.

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PS2, DAVS500, Panasonic DVD Player.

Very reliable and easy to use. Very good performance at a fair price.

None.

My unit is stable and is working fine. We use it 1-2 times a week when everyone is home to watch a good movie. Very happy with the quality of the picture, remote control, sound, and overall ease of use. Seems to be solidly built. Media loads fast, tray mechanism is very quiet. Easy to read track indicator from accross my living room (17 ft). Had some ititial problems with reading certain DVDs. I took care of that with a good cleaner (Auric Illuminator http://www.audience-av.com). Also, every 2-3 weeks I give it quick blast of compressed air to remove any dust from the tray mechanism. Getting very smooth sound for audio CDs and the DVD sound track. Not as good as my NAD C541, but not bad either. Very listenable - just missing some ambiance / soundstage information. In summary. no real complaints with the audio or video performance. Didn''t give 5 stars because I did not do alot of comparison shopping. There may be better units/deals in this price range. I just didn''t feel it was worth spending more time driving from one shop to another. Plus, I like the folks at HiFi Buys.

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I did check out other units that were 2, 3 times the price that were on display at HiFi Buys. Found nothing to justify paying any more than I did for this unit.

Can be sold as scrap metal.

You can''t get much for it as scrap metal.

COMPLETELY DISSAPOINTED. I have the exactly the same problem as the other reviewer mentioned. The player will play for awhile and then glitches and comes up with a "Disk is dirty" error and cuts off the movie.. THIS IS NOT THE DISK SKIPING ---BECAUSE---I have a $500 version of sonys GOOD DVD players and it plays and works fine with all the DVDs I have. This one is a dud. Pay for what you want!!!!

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Nintindo