I hadn’t done too much research when looking for a DVD player and was just looking for one that had 5.1 Channel output. That’s all I was after originally.....
I figured that considering Philips and Sony co-pioneered DVD, It would be best to get one by either of those two Manufacturers.
I chose Philips as I already had a VCR by Philips and would like to stick to the same brand. Anyway, this thing was packed with features: DVD, VCD, CD with all the sound outputs (Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, everything except THX). Just missed out on the kitchen sink. I especially like the 5 Disc resume, which means I can play up to 5 separate DVD’s and it would remember at what point they were all up to.
When I took the DVD home and set it up, it was easier than I would have ever thought possible. Plug it in, turn it on, presto! Ready to go nothing to set up but the time.
I gave it a test run with Fantasia 2000, and was absolutely awestruck as to how clear and crisp the picture was, even on an old 51cm budget TV and the sound just exploded around me- I own a technics home theatre system :)
Pricewise, this unit was in the middle range but well worth the extra couple hundred dollars for a great all round unit.The region selection is also very easy to change.
The only drawbacks were that the Remote was disorganized. It has a oval navigation button which just houses the wrong functions - you’d expect the play-stop-rew-ff functions but are presented with a pause and several other options you wouldn’t use in day to day use. Another disappointment was the loading tray which is quite thin and flimsy.
Overall, I am very happy with this DVD player and expect to enjoy theatre quality movies for many years.