small, simple(but has all options needed), good remote, easy to use, loads quickly

no cd-r/cd-rw support

this dvd player is a great deal for the price (even though i got it at a discount) does everything you need it to do, it just wont play your cd-r's, bummer, i was hoping to use it as a cd player to, try to save money. so if you're looking for a dvd player thats cheap and does everything, get the dvp-s360.

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Slim. DTS capable. Digital optical or coaxial out. Composite video out.

62 page manual! Being my first DVD player, knowing which hookup would work best for me was difficult to figure out.

For a long time I couldn't see the need to get a DVD player. I assumed that the differences in sound and picture couldn't justify spending money on another piece of equipment.

Then I was at a friend's house, and he popped in his 'Everest' dvd.

Let's just say I was stunned and the picture and sound quality!!!

Not really a legit reason to get this player, but I went with Sony as all my other components are Sony.

I have the Sony STR-DE845 which has dolby/dts decoding, so getting a dvd player with a built in decoder seemed like a waste of money.

I got the unit home, and started actually reading the manual, which is HIGHLY unusual for me!!! When I was through the basics of the setup, I was more confused than when I started.

I didn't have the necessary 'optional' connectors, S-video and digital optical cables, and that my TV is positioned so that it's hard to get at the back of it, so I initially ran the dvd player through my VCR.

That was a sad site!!! As I popped in The Matrix, I was shocked at how BAD the picture was.

I read on in the manual and came across the part where it explained why this setup doesn't usually work.

Somewhat relieved, I finally got the optional cables, and hooked it up the right way!

THEN, when I reloaded The Matrix I was STUNNED! Everything looked clear and crisp to me, and most impressive was the SOUND!!! And that is only coming from 2 Klipsch KSB 3.1 speakers!

To recap, I'd rate this player high. It probably has MANY more features than I will ever use. The sound and picture quality are fine by me. Then again, I'm not an audio/videophile either!

Costwise, I guess you could say, you get what you pay for. Sure there are cheaper players out there, but they are cheaper for a reason. There are definitely more expensive ones out there too, and they are expensive for a reason. I just couldn't justify spending any more than I did, for what I would perceive to be additional features that I wouldn't use, and improvements in sound/video quality that I might not notice.

Similar Products Used:

First DVD player.

Precision drive, excellent sound, slim design

NO ZOOM - picture slightly softer than others, constant "bit rate" meter that needs manual shutoff at every startup.

I upgraded from my Toshiba SD 3107 to achieve DTS. The Toshiba had a slightly sharper picture but the difference is very minor. I was also privy to a Panasonic C220, 5 disc DVD-CD changer (installed in the boss' house). The Sony is the quickest to load and produces superior sound in both DVD and CD. I really miss the zoom - particularly at the end of wide screen movies to read the credits on my 32-inch Toshiba. It is hooked up through component video but there is very little difference between S-video and component - picture wise. Colors are excellent. No lip-sync problems and I don't find the noise when loading objectionable. The menu is more confusing than the Toshiba but less than the Panasonic. I love that the player will resume play at the point the disc was stopped - even after the player is turned off. Player is hooked into JVC 8000 (I've reviewed that also). I've watched about 10 movies on it and I enjoy it more each time. Paid $219 through J&R, on the telephone where a salesman will bargain - versus the website where there is no flexability. Overall, a very solid performer for the price.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba SD 3107, Panasonic C220

Reliability.

Coded for Region 4 =(

I've noticed that audioreview has written 360 instead of 336, is there such a model as Sony DVP-S360? It could be a typographical error. Here's my review for my Sony DVP-S336.

This is my first DVD player after waiting for some of the DVD standards to be finalised.

Since I'm an international student, I wanted something basic, reliable and reasonably-priced. I'm very happy with this one!

Sound --

The sound is good, but it would've been nice to change the step-attenuator to a variable-attenuator like the one in our Pioneer LD player. The step attenuator doesn't even say how much decibels is attenuated (unless I missed it in the manual).

DD AC-3, DTS, MPEG and VES are all supported.

Picture --

The picture is just what you'd expect from a DVD player -- great! Some say the picture is a bit soft, my player's picture is not so. Maybe Sony has fixed it already or my TV is configured properly.

Features --

Just basic features, which is what I was looking for. The remote is fine and even if you loose it, the player itself has the necessary buttons to navigate through the menu.

Connections --

2 sets of: L/R analogue outputs, s-video outputs and composite video outputs grabbed my attention as well as component video outputs. A sub-out (with variable frequency cut-off) is a big plus for me. Optical and coax outputs are both present here.

Reliability --

I've tried the matrix and another dual-layer disc without any problem and the disks even had scratches!

Summary --

I wanted a variable audio attenuator instead of a step attenuator, aside from that, I'm very pleased with the Sony DVP-S336.

Similar Products Used:

LD player

Very slim size and perfect entry level unit

None (for at thir price range).

I pre-ordered this unit from Outpost.com and have been very pleased with it. It has all the features that I needed (basically, a small size and 5.1 digital output to my receiver). The image quality is nice (for my tastes anyway), and the unit's on screen menus and remote control seem very user-friendly.

Sony put some weird joy-stick type level on the face of the unit which is supposed to allow you to control the unit better. But, what person actually sits in front of the player to use it? One thing I did notice (for about 5 minutes anyway) was that a very high-pitched whine was emmited for the first few minutes of use when I first got the unit. I couldn't hear the whine after backing away (5+ feet) from the unit, but the sound has gone away.

Some features that I would have liked are: 1) Silver accented buttons to match my Sony 795HF VCR. 2) That the "circle" part of the remote (where you control the cursor of DVD menus and on-screen displays weren't shaped like the Play/Pause/FFWD/REWind/ buttons for the VCR remote. I keep getting the buttons confused between the 2 units and end up hitting the wrong button(s). 3) That it would play CD-R music CD's. No biggie here as I do have a CD carousel plugged into my receiver. But anything now-a-days should be able to play CD-Rs

In the end, this unit is a very good value for the money. If you have Sony stuff already, get this. If not, get whatever you want. (Just don't get a JVC M555 BK).

Similar Products Used:

JVC M555 BK

No jaggies, lots of connections, good remote (not great, but better than some in this price range by far).

Not as sharp or detailed picture as I'd like. Sound is ok, but could be better too.

I rented this Sony for an evening just to compare with my JVC. Why? Well, I love the picture on the JVC, but occasionally it jumps with light flashes if I'm going through S-video. The Sony did the same thing, so maybe it's my TV.

Anyway, I liked the remote a little better than my JVC, and I was immediately impressed by the lack of ANY "jaggies." On the other hand, I couldn't see Picard's stubble on First Contact like I could through other DVD players. Therefore, I'm assuming that they do something the smooth-out the picture in way which trades jaggies for detail.

Lots of connectivity options with component outputs and 2 s-video ports, but for my money, I'd rather see Picard's stubble.

Similar Products Used:

JVC XV-701BK

Very good basic DVD player. Unlike most DVD players, you can access menu functions, etc. through the front panel on the DVD player. If you lose the remote or just need to do something quick, there's a little joystick on the front panel. Overall a very good DVD player with a surprising amount of features that aren't available on more expensive DVD players. There's TWO of every output on the back, which is the primary reason I bought this DVD player. Good job, Sony!!! The remote is fairly intuitive and easy to use. Fast access, no pausing - very robust. Haven't found a disc yet that this thing wont play. VERY good audio output, especially when using digital outputs. Good clear video, smooth scan FF/REW is nice - not jumpy like other brands.

No Zoom! Granted, I didn't use it much on my Toshiba, but it was nice to know it was there. I don't know why Sony left this feature off?!?!?! Just about every single other DVD player on the market has Zoom. Other than this minor gripe, the unit is flawless.

The primary feature I wanted on a DVD player was multiple audio outputs in case I wanted to listen to CD's or Audio DVD's with the TV off, or Watch DVD's with the stereo off. The Sony provides two of just about every output. WAY TO GO, SONY!!! I've had this DVD player for three months and it has never given me a single problem. It plays everything I've thrown into it, even rental DVD's that were in bad shape. It's a very simple player, not loaded with features you wont use. After owning two other "budget" DVD players, I can honestly say that the Sony is worth the few extra dollars. It's an excellent value!! The only thing I would add is a zoom feature, but other than that, I wouldn't change a thing. For the money, you can't find a better one. I was a little happier with the features on the Toshiba SD1200, but it's lack of multiple audio outputs was the reason I returned it and swapped it for the Sony. Picture quality is sharper on the Sony than the Toshiba - this was immediately obvious.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba SD1200, Raite AV715 (yuck!! AVOID!)

Excellent remote, On screen info useable, no problems, great picture good CD performance. outputs for anything.

None to speak of.

Impressive little machine. Works flawlessly. I am currently running it optically to a new Sony DB940. Video hookup is by standard Video jack to a Mitsubishi monitor. I have not tried S-Video for lack of cables. The picture is life-like and shows no defects. Stereo performance is very good playing optically to the DB940 in 2 channel mode with subwooofer enabled. Good soundstage and solid response.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba first gen. player, Sony 7000 series.

Remote (The best entry-level DVD remote - Out there period)
Scanning - Forwards & Backwards (Slow & Fast Speed)
Menu's - Nice looking
Sleek Black Design, Small Unit (BMW of DVD Players)

Some slight flickering on 2 DVDs

I have been using a 1st Gen. DVD player for over a year now and thought it was time to move upto 4th Gen DVD technology.

I have only had the DVD player for one night and will post again in the future when I have watched a good 20-30 movies.

But these are my thoughts so far (The Good):

1)
I haven't experienced any noise from the DVD transport

2)
The remote was designed for your Hand, nice arrows buttons to navigate through a DVD menu and excellent placement of the Enter button.

The Play, Pause, Stop and Transport Buttons(Forward/Back)
are close to each other, with nice thumb size buttons.
Panasonic/Toshiba and other manufacturers - You should be ashamed of your remotes.

3) Scanning is really nice on this unit, I'm sure other units could go even faster or slower, but scanning backwards and forwards is like using a VCR. I think only the Sony DVP-S7700 bests the scanning.

4) The Setup menus are nice on the eyes, but can get a bit confusing sometimes.

5) When using Digital Optical outs you have to tell the player to turn on this feature or all you'll hear is background noise, took me 5 minutes to figure out why no sound was coming out from my speakers.

6) Great features such as Bit Rate Display and what Layer the DVD playing.

7) This DVD players looks really slick, I know it has nothing to do with the performance/features of the players, but it sure looks nice. The BMW's of DVD players.

Other Thoughts:

- Nicely Laid out Manual
- Nice Background Graphics
- Nice featrure of Dimming/Brighting the display
- Excellent choice of Inputs
(2 RCA, 2 S-VIDEO, 1 Optical/Coax Digital & 1 Component)

The soft picture question ?

I don't have a TV with S-VIDEO or Component Video Inputs and I'm not an audio/videophile.

I couldn't really tell compared to my old Panasonic, but the picture displayed excellent colour (saturation/brightness) which really made the picture look
film like.

Weakness:

None, except I noticed on True Lies at the beginning with Tom Arnold in the Van, a line across the screen where his mouth is when ever he talked.

And on Star Trek 6, a slight flicker on the main menu, but other than that I had no problems with any DVD's


Conclusion:
I'll post again in the fall, which I have a better TV(with SVIDEO or componet inputs and I have watched a number of DVD's)

Navin - Toronto, Canada

Similar Products Used:

Panasonic DVD-A100