I've only had my toshiba sd-3109 for about 3 weeks but so far I love it. The sound is very nice. I didn't think the player would add much to the sound but I'm a believer now. It does make a difference. The dual tray is a nice feature cause I'm lazy LOL. Even the remote tho basic is an improvement over toshiba's usual remotes (I own a toshiba vcr and i despise it's remote). The picture is fine and I'd recomend this player. I got mine at 800.com for $399 with 5 free movies from warners, 75 bucks in dvds from 800.com, rentals from netflix and blockbuster. Oh one very minor grip, I wish the FF worked diff on the remote- you have to hold the skip button to activate the FF and I would rather they have had a button set aside for that function as to avoid skiping ahead by acident (they do have buttons for the REV button - go fig). So 4 stars out of 5.

Just traded my Sony 300 for the Toshiba 3109, and the difference is astounding. Thought the Sony was great. Bought the Toshiba for the zoom, HDCD, and DTS. Didn't realize the picture would be twice as good as the Sony. Can't say exactly why, but this one is sharper, colors are better, and just looks and sounds incredible. Buy it.

Great picture quality, zero problems!!!

None

The SD-3109 is hooked up to a Toshiba TP61H95 via their ColorStream component connections. Stellar picture! (I can't wait for a 480P DVD player, though!)

In constrast to some other reviews here, my player has been flawless! I've played over 60 DVDs and 100's of CDs over the last 10 months and never, ever had a problem.

Paid $270US, got 5 free DVDs and couldn't be happier.

Similar Products Used:

Sony

Sound quality,look,zoom.

Weight,product support.

Well I spent over three months researching dvd players before settling with a 2107 that didn't play. Returned it for a 2108 that quit playing after two months. Returned the 2108 to receive another 2108 refurb that didn't play. Then I was sent the 3109. Well I like it...after 30+ movies I've noticed no problems such as lip sync, poor downconversion, etc, etc. It's one heck of a player...the only problem I had occured with Toshiba support. They sent me a player that retailed for $100 less than what I paid for the 2108 and refused to make up the difference even though I went without a player for seven months waiting for them to get their act together. I rated this player on it's performance at it's current value...I truly wish I could have rated Toshiba on their customer service which is the most horrendous I've ever dealt with. I've noticed alot of people giving equipment poor ratings based on unsupported evidence and logic. This player is worth it as long as you don't ever have to deal with Toshiba!

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba 2107&2108

see my review dated 10/21/99

This is a follow-up to my Oct 21 review. As I mentioned then, my 3109 had problems playing The Enemy of The State. I tried the movie on another 3109 with the same result - the unit freezes at the very beginning of chapter 18, and after I stop it and then continue playing it skips most of chapter 23. I saw another post dated 10/24/99 that describes exactly the same problem as my unit has. I noticed that person is also from CA, maybe it's just a coincidence. Anyway, I would be perfectly satisfied with 3109 if it wasn't for this annoying problem... I know I wouldn't want to get some other movie and have to deal with freezing and skipping again. So I returned the Toshiba and got a Panasonic A320 instead. The image and sound are spectacular, and no freezing/skipping on The Enemy of The State, however I noticed one case of pixelization on this particular disk. Still better than freezing... It's a shame that any major manufacturer has problems with their units, it leaves us frustrated sometimes. I still think that Toshiba 3109 is a great value, but the freezing/skipping really annoyed me. I'll give it a 4 again.

Similar Products Used:

Panasonic A320

picture and sound quality

remote

this unit loaded and played "the matrix" flawlessly.sound on dolby digital awesome.anyone considering replacing a vcr should look at this dvd player.great price at netmarket.

Similar Products Used:

none

Great CD player--esp. on HDCD disks

Like everyone else notes--cheap construction and light weight.

I am a aging audiophile first, and a video enthusiast second. In truth, I only wanted a DVD player when I heard that Yellow Submarine was finally coming out in that format (I guess that dates me).

This unit replaces a c. 1991 Pioneer 5-disk CD changer/LD player, which was (and is) a piece of garbage. The only DVDs I've watched so far are the Mummy, YS, The Negotiator and Jack Frost (with my kids). No problems with any of them.

As for the audio--some of my recent CDs turn out to be HDCD, such as Beck's Mutations and Dave Alvin's Black Jack David. Finally--CD's that sound almost as good as analog!

Non-HDCDs sound noticably cleaner than on my old P.O.S. Pioneer, but I can't really compare them to how they'd sound on a high-end CD-only player.

In sum, this is a great player for the audio/video enthusiast who doesn't have a fortune to blow. Also, with Toshiba's 5-free-DVD/13 free DVD rental promotion, you get some software thrown in the bargain.

A note on pricing--I paid $314. at Buyitnow.com, but UBid typically has it for $249, so I'd look there first.

Related equipment:

Denon Class A receiver
Phase Tech PC100 speakers
Infinity SS-20 servo subwoofer
Denon DP-45f turntable with Grado Silver cartridge

Similar Products Used:

none

Picture (WS), Sound

Matrix, start up delay

I had this unit shipped to me from the states, hooked it up with my equipment and it worked perfectly from the first moment on. The WS-Picture together with my DLP-Projector is great, no pixelation, no artifacts. The sound is very good and apart from one freeze-up problem with the Matrix (chapter 21) I didn't encounter a problem with the 30odd DVD's I own.
Yes, the weight of the unit is not impressive, but hey, numbskulls complaining about that: At this pricepoint you either get technology or an expensive housing. If you want both, spend more and stop whining. As long as you haven't got a toddler jumping up and down on it, I don't see the problems. Neither are the trays any problem up to know. So yes, I love the thing. It is loaded with goodies, it works, it looks nice and it was so cheap, it can break after a year and I will happily by me the follow-up model!

Similar Products Used:

Denon DVD-2000

Works great, dual trays

Remote could be better

I bought a 3109 for $299 after shopping around. I first thought the dual trays was a feature I would not use, but after using it for 6 months, I find I really like the convenience of the two trays. Switching between them is very easy.

The sound quality for CDs and DVDs is great. I use it for DD and DTS DVDs. It has been flawless. A very nice machine.

My only nitpick is the remote, and it's a small point. It works well, but it may have been laid out better. I find the "glow-in-the-dark" keypad to not work as well as backlit keys.

I liked this unit so much, I bought another one last month for a relative. I bought that one at 800.COM using the $50 off coupon and $75 in free movies.

Similar Products Used:

CD and LD players

Lots of features

Lame remote, slightly irritating picture quality issues.

Overall, an excellent buy in this models price range, but there are some slight annoyances in the picture quality (wavy lines (moire?) in the shadow areas for the picture, but these are mostly invisible for action sequences!) Have only watched 2 movies and listened to 6 or 7 CD's, but overall I'm pleased with the purchase.

Similar Products Used:

none (unless you count my ancient Pioneer laserdisc player)