Page 1 of My head is going to explode!!!

In the space of 4 days I have changed my mind over which DVD player to purchase solely on this websites forum and the msg`s posted.

I started off looking at the Encore DV450 then moved to the Awia 370 and now im looking at the LG3350 and the MiCO DVD-A980.

I would like a few opinions to back up what I have put down here... also any corrections/additions etc would be appreciated. Email me ypocdraH[at]moc.tenretnitbMAPSON (remove NOSPAM) or post here.

Encore DV450
Specs
Multi Region, RCE comp, Macro Disable, VCDs etc. & Built In Dolby Decoder.
Pro`s
Multi Region, RCE comp, Macro Disable, VCDs MP3`s. & Built In Dolby Decoder.
Con`s
Old technology (ESS chip), Reports of poor pic quality compared to other budget players.

Awia 370
Specs
Multi Region, RCE comp, VCD`s etc
Pro`s
Multi Region, RCE comp, VCD`s MP3`s, Very Good pic quality compared to other budget players.
Con`s
No dolby decoder, No current macro hack, Getting hold of one, Colour ;)

LG3350
Specs
Multi Region, RCE comp, Built In Dolby Decoder
Pro`s
Multi Region, RCE comp, Built In Dolby Decoder, Macro hack from Techtronic`s (extra £20)
Con`s
No VCD`s MP3`s playback
***(comments on pic quality for this player plz)***

MiCO DVD-A980
Specs
Multi-Region, AC3 Decoder, CDR/CDRW Compatible, Multi-Disc
Pro`s
Multi-Region, AC3 Decoder, CDR/CDRW Compatible, Multi-Disc, Macro Hack from Unbeatable.co.uk (extra £10)
Con`s
????????
****(comments on any part of this player appreciated)****

Thanks
Yasin

Oh also feel free to add another player to my list and add futher to my steady decline in sanity =)

I would also be interested in a External decoder for dolby if i buy a player with no built in decoder. Suggestions =)

Any help guys???

Hi YaZiN,

I know how you feel I was in a similar situation myself (also trying to decide between the above players). It`s difficult to sieve the crap from the useful info around here coz everyone is trying to plug `their` player while slatting the others. No idea why maybe they`re trying to convince themselves of something!!

Anyway as always it depends on a few factors! And the best advice you can get is from someone who:

a) knows what they`re talking about
b) has experience with the players he`s talking about
c) is unbiased (most difficult one!)

So not me then ;-). Seriously though you`ve got the pro`s and con`s listed so all you need to do is weigh them up for yourself depending on what features you would prefer and then decide!

The AIWA is out of stock at the moment so if you want one soon then thats probably not one for you. The LG3550 is an excellent choice. I haven`t tested out the Encore although my mate`s got one (with the dreamcast bundle) but I haven`t had a chance to check it out. I think this has the worst picture quality out of the one`s listed and also has problems with some dics - apparently.
The MICO is VERY feature packed, seemed like a good quality picture and sound to me but the only thing that stopped me getting one was the crappy remote and I`ve heard rumors about discs getting stuck inside - although I don`t know how true this is.

So if you want all the features and don`t mind a crappy remote (also the player could have been designed better although it`s not too bad) get a MICO. I reckon the MICO is a better choice over the Encore but that`s not based on experience - just on what I`ve read about the Encore.
If you want quality over quantity then go for either the AIWA or LG3350.

There you go, easy ;-). Hope that`s helped slightly!

007.

This item was edited on Friday, 5th January 2001, 18:36

Note The LG 3350 does have MP3 playback.

Just click on my name `Carrot Cruncher` and all will be revealed.

MiCO manual on my web site. Download it with a resumable download manager.

Thanks for the info.
I would prefer to have a dolby decoder built in (although if I hooked the player up to my Sony 28" Dolby TV in the sitting room then I wouldn`t need it. BUT I would normaly have it hooked up on a another TV yet to be purchased in my own room)
The LG is good but I want VCD playback as I have a few *cough* vcd`s.
The Encore is past its best but would have been first choice if i had been shopping for it last summer.
Awia is next choice but I would prefer it mack disabled (hope Jimbo can sort it) but again no dolby decoder.
Mico seems to be my best bet.

Forget the Aiwa 370..unless you know who as some in stock......comet dont!
What about a pioneer Dv 535.....
multi region macro off.
I am trying to get some info on this player.
Looks ok to me unless someone else knows otherwise.