Dazzling multimedia library
Pros:
Instant access to your entire DVD library; today's technology at sensible price
Cons:
Big and bulky machine; changing discs can be slowwwww
The Bottom Line:
Buy the Sony today and wait for the HD format wars to be settled.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
As a person of limited means and lofty audio aspirations, I was looking for a new source to hook up to my Panasonic HD TV. The thought of a DVD changer appealed to me because as a child-tending grandpa, I have lost too many discs to the prying fingers of a curious 4-year-old.
The Sony DVP-CX995V seemed ideal — huge capacity, HDMI capacity, and dual use as an SACD and CD player. I was worried about the purported mammoth size of the player and whether my entertainment system could accommodate it, but a sub-$300 price from Amazon.com with free shipping convinced me to give it a try.
I have not been disappointed.
The video quality is superb — with HDMI and composite cable. (I admit, my home theater system only consists of front channel speakers, a subwoofer and a center channel, but the multichannel audio is as good as I've heard in my condo).
The sound quality on music CDs is fine, although I haven't done side-by-side comparisons with stand alone music players.
The CX995V is slow when changing discs, but don't good things come to those who wait?
It also took hours to load my library of Elmo and Star Wars, but there is something satisfying about seeing your personal favorites on screen. (I pray all of that work is not lost if a power outage hits.)
I am sure HD DVD players will eventually make machines like this obsolete, but for now I am content. If you like playing around with technology but are not a real HT geek, this Sony should give you a real thrill for reasonable money.
