An affair with Toshiba... (Toshiba SD 420)

Member Name: DaftScotsLass

Product:	Toshiba SD 420
Date:	10/02/03 (296 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Got the looks, Dolby 5.1 decoder, Excellent Picture Quality

Disadvantages: None

As a self-confessed Sony addict, I was rather fussy when it came to choosing my first DVD player. I'd had a DVD player on my PC for two years, and then came the timeto splash out. But splash out on a Sony model I couldn't, not after just ending my student days! While searching on Amazon I came across the highly-regarded and award winning entry-level Toshiba SD 220 for just over £100, but was disappointed it didn't have the connections for a Dolby 5.1 home cinema system.

So, I searched for the next model up, the SD 420, which was Toshiba's lowest-priced home cinema compatible DVD player. £170 at its cheapest... oh well. But then came a browse through PowerHouse's website, where at the time it was selling for a mere £129.99, so I bought it.

On taking it out of the box, you're hit by the weight of the thing. Next to nothing, so it will sit happily on your VCR or TV cabinet without making a dent. Taking a look at the front it looks, well, sexy. The silver reflective panel gives way in darkness to the display... though I'm assuming due to the mirrored effect you wouldn't be seeing it in bright sunlight... but then who'd be watching a DVD in sunshine, anyway? And on the rear the technical stuff. Single scart socket, S-Video connectivity, Dolby 5.1 decoder and connections and more. Nice.

And it plays the following:

DVD
CD Audio
VCD
CD-R/CD-RW
MP3

Plays them like a dream (I've tried all but a VCD). Oh, and apparently it can be modified via software rather than chipping for multi-region playback. I don't have more than a couple of other region DVD's, so I'm not going to attempt this.

The picture and sound quality for a machine of this price is stunning. I've yet to hook it up to my partner's 5.1 system, but I'm sure it will be great, and I will report back when I've done so. Overall I am overjoyed I went for this. I
would recommend this over any entry-level DVD player when you consider what more you can get for the sake of around £20. Though I've not had it long, it's simple to hook up, plays better than I could have hoped for and looks, well, out of place sitting on my black VCR. Time to go and buy the matching Toshiba video recorder.

Summary: