Toshiba SD-1700 DVD Player

If you are finally thinking about making the jump into the world of DVD, you may have been tempted by the cheapest DVD players. Brands like Orbitron and Apex make DVD players that often sell for less that $100. Wow, what a deal, right? Well, that depends. Do you want a reliable player that will probably still be working two years from now? Or do you want a semi-disposable Apex or Orbitron? If you take the time to read any consumer reviews of these two cheap brands, you will read complaint after complaint about players that died within the first year. Surprisingly, the better known and more expensive entry-level Sony players also seem to have major reliability issues.

So what should someone with a limited budget do? If it all possible, I would recommend saving money a little longer and buying an low-priced model from Toshiba or Panasonic. They are pretty good quality and have mostly favorable consumer reviews both on this site and others.

The Toshiba SD1700

The Toshiba SD1700 was Toshiba's entry-level DVD player. I believe that Toshiba has recently replaced this model with a newer model that has MP3 playback. If MP3 playback is important to you, check out that newer model. If not, you may be able to find some good deals on the SD1700.

Features

Inputs

Well, I guess you input the DVD. Other than that, this player is the pitcher, not the catcher. You should worry about inputs on your receiver. On a DVD player, the important factor is...

Outputs

Video

The SD1700 has your bases covered for video outputs. It has:

Composite Video. This is the yellow RCA jack. If you use this, make sure to use a shielded video RCA cable. Composite video provides a good picture, but not as good as S-Video or Component video.

S-Video. This looks like a plug that you might find on the back of your computer. S-Video quality is noticeably better than composite video.

Component Video. This is three RCA jacks. Component Video will provide the best picture, but many TVs will not have component video inputs. Use this if you can.

If your TV does not have composite RCA, S-Video, or Component Video inputs, you will have to buy a device called an RF modulator. You can find them at Radioshack for about $30. They take the composite RCA input and convert it to an F connector, the kind of connector that screws on, with a pin in the center. Almost all TVs can connect this way. However, you will lose some video quality during the conversion. The picture still looks better than VHS though.

Audio

There are two main kinds of audio outputs on the SD1700. The first is two stereo RCA outputs. These are for connection to an older receiver that doesn't have digital inputs. The second is a digital coaxial output. This looks like a RCA jack. However, you will need a special Digital Coaxial cord. Shielded RCA video cords will also work for this purpose. If you want to enjoy Dolby Digital or DTS surround from a digital receiver, you should use this connection. A friend of mine recently upgraded from a Pro-Logic receiver to a Dolby Digital/DTS model. He was shocked at the improvement. I wasn't. Both Dolby Digital and DTS are far clearer and, well, superior to Dolby Pro-Logic. If you have an older receiver, you might want to upgrade that soon and take advantage of the true capabilities of your DVD player.

The Picture

In reality, I have not been able to notice much difference in the picture quality of different DVD players. And I have watched quite a few different brands, from a lowly RCA to a $600 Marantz. DVD video in general is very clear, sharp, and defined. This Toshiba's picture is no exception. The picture was excellent through S-Video connection, and still looks good when hooked up through a RF modulator. I do not have a TV with component inputs, so I cannot comment on that. Those moving up from VHS should be quite pleased. An additional bonus is that the picture quality of a movie won't degrade over time each time you play it, like a VHS would. As long as you take care of your DVDs, they should never wear out.

The Sound

My experience with the sound of this unit is strictly through the coaxial digital output. If you have a digital receiver, you should use it. Movies played with either Dolby Digital or DTS sound excellent. Hook it up to a good receiver, and good speakers, and you will enjoy a movie theater-like performance.

As a CD player, it is decent. I would say it does at least as good of a job as consumer CD players like Sony, Technics, Pioneer, etc. There is a difference when compared to higher quality CD or DVD players like Marantz, Denon, etc., even when using the digital output. Some people say that any CD/DVD player will do the same when sending out a digital signal, since the player is only reading the signal and sending it out to the receiver. That is like saying an Audi and a Geo are the same, since they will both get you to the mall. In short, that logic is idiotic. Higher quality components will do a more accurate job of reading the information and sending it out, just as the Audi would provide greater comfort, handling, and acceleration. The difference may only be noticeable to those with sensitive ears, but it is still there.

The Remote

This unit comes with a very basic remote. It will control all the basic functions. Do not expect it to do anything else.

Other Issues

I would like to now publicly chastise Toshiba for the incredibly cheap RCA cables that it provides with this unit. They are probably the thinnest, most pathetic cords that I have ever seen. Seeing the look on my face, my girlfriend was afraid I was going to instantly throw them away, complicating potential returns. I didn't, but I wanted to. The video cord doesn't even look like it is shielded. Do yourself a favor, and go get some decent RCA cords. Unless you are using S-Video or Composite hookup. Those cables are not included. Also, you will have to buy a digital coaxial cord. Some people will also try to tell you that the quality of the cables doesn't matter. This is like saying that gravel roads and concrete are the same, you can drive your Geo on both of them to get to the mall. I really hope that you don't believe them. On the other hand, keep in mind the point of diminishing return. That is the point where the increase in performance no longer justifies the increase in cost. If you buy at least decent quality cables, you should be fine.

Many reviews say that this unit does not have CDR playback. This is only somewhat true. I have had success with some CDRs, depending on the brand. However, many CDRs will not work with this player.

Overall

This is a good, basic DVD player. It will play your movies with good quality audio and video. The reliability also seems good, both in my own experience and in the numerous consumer reviews that I have read. If you need a lot of extra features, such as progressive scan or MP3 playback, look elsewhere. If you are more concerned with getting an inexpensive, reliable unit, this is a good choice.