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LD Players, What is the machine of choice??

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Hey all,

Here is a good question from a first time LD owner. ...... What machine seems to be the one with the best options for the best price?? I am eagerly awaiting my SW: SE set and wanted to know which machine I should consider buying to play them?? I am also looking at acquiring the Faces set as well and I want to make the right choice for these...........

Anyone got any suggestions???? I know you do........

The OT RULES!!!!

I understand that this machine is one to consider ......... Pioneer Laserdisc CLD-D704
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Above all else...Pioneer.

Here's a comprehensive site of models, pictures, and specifications

BTW, I used a Pioneer CLD-701.

"I understand that this machine is one to consider ......... Pioneer Laserdisc CLD-D704 "

Yes, indeed. I would have liked that one as well, but this one did me just fine.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Thank You MeBeJedi, for the link......

I've checked out eBay and I just don't know what price is good or what is worth what you know, this page at least gives me some idea.....still dunno much about them tho...... lmao

Still a padawan in this department....



The OT RULES!!!!
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I've had three players during all this. My in-laws found a V8000 at a garage sale, and got it cheap because it had been stepped on. I don't recall which, but it played CLV and wouldn't play CAV discs (or the other way around.) Once I straightened out the chassis, it played neither.

After that, I got a Sony MDP 333 off E-bay for around $180. It came DOA and reeked of cigarette smoke. After getting it fixed for about the same price, it lasted a few months and died again.

The guy who gave me his Faces set in exchange for DVD tranfers gave me his Sony MDP 555, which was also dead (and why he was so willing to make the LD for DVD trade.) It would have cost 200-500 dollars to repair his unit (the capacitors had leaked onto the motherboard.)

Finally, after reluctantly going back to the repair ship to pick up the 555, the technician mentioned that he had a 701 unit that he'd reconditioned. This was great news, because I knew where it had come from (someone who knew how to keep it working), and I didn't have to pay shipping.

I would highly recommend going to some local (and small) electronics repair shops and possibly even pawn shops. Hell, just recently someone in one of these threads mentioned having to pawn off an excellent quality LD player when he needed the money. You never know what kind of deal you may fine (and you will save a bundle on shipping.) Hell, if you already have the discs, you can ask to have it hooked up to a TV and test it out first!

Good luck with your search.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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In the land of "budget" LD players, the CLD-704 is king. Basically the same guts as the Elite CLD-79 but without the fancy Urishi finish. Probably the best bang for your buck.

Stay away from the Sony LD players. Horrible reliability problems. Panasonic made some good ones though. If you find an LX-600, pick it up. I've heard some say it's equal to the Pioneer players, and it's supposedly built like a tank.

Be careful with ebay. Lots of junk on there. LD players also break very easily during shipping if they're not packed well, and most used decks don't include the original box.

I'm also looking for an LD player myself. I had a CLD-79 and an LD-S9 (imported from Japan, beautiful machine). Both bought new, both immaculate. Sold them a couple years back and have regretted it ever since. Someday I'll replace the LD-S9, but funds are too tight right now for that. I sometimes dream of getting an HLD-X9, also a Japanese import, but they run anywhere from $2500 to $5000 depending on condition. They're special because they use a much more advanced laser pickup than traditional LD players, making them capable of seeing through rot and other disc problems.

I was hoping to have an LD player by the time the Star Wars DVDs hit the shelves so I could watch my THX "faces" LDs, which I kept after selling my LD players, but I haven't found what I'm looking for yet. I've sworn not to purchase the DVDs, but a small part of me hopes my fiance secretly buys them for me just so I can get my Star Wars fix. I watched AOTC a couple weeks back. What a poor excuse for Star Wars the prequels are. Unsatisfying in so many ways.

Good luck in your search.
Forum Administrator

MTFBWY…A

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Originally posted by: Jay
I've sworn not to purchase the DVDs, but a small part of me hopes my fiance secretly buys them for me just so I can get my Star Wars fix. I watched AOTC a couple weeks back.



with all due respect, my emperor. You must remain strong. If your fiance buys them for you, refuse the gift and tell her to return them. I have already told my family not to get them for me.
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Okay, can anyone tell me about the Pioneer CLD - D502 LD Player. I just won one for $31.25 + $15.00 shipping. It is a nice clean machine and seemed decent for a starter, especially considering the price. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles for audio connections but it does auto-switch sides. It doesn't seem to be top of the line but it is a start.

The OT RULES!!!!




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I have a pioneer CLD-2950 & Sony MDP 850 which are both pal/nstc combi's, the 2950 is marginally better and has HQ circuits with a dedicated SVHS output also if your in PAL Land might want to consider the CLD-925. all budget to mid range

Link for Big buck Top Jap models http://home.q03.itscom.net/nsa/PioneerLD-S9.htm
Egon "Don't Cross the streams it would be very bad"

Peter "i'm fuzzy on the whole good/bad thing"

Egon "lmagine the 97 Star Wars Special Editions"
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Jay, you haven't picked up any of the bootleg O-OT sets offered here? I'm surprised you wouldn't do that to get "your fix".
"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia'."
--Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), The Princess Bride
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Kevin A
Webmaster/Primary Cynic
kapgar.typepad.com
kapgar.com
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I'd rather spend the money on an LD player.

Bootlegs get the job done, but I wouldn't want them as my sole viewing option.
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MTFBWY…A

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Plus there's that whole unknown factor of how long DVD-rs actually last. If Jay's got the LDs, I don't see why he should worry about securing bootlegs.

Princess Leia: I happen to like nice men.
Han Solo: I'm a nice man.

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True on the LD factor. However, if you want to go to a friends' place and watch the movies, I don't see it as feasible to lug around your LD player and discs. Also, if I had the LDs, I'd still want the DVD-Rs and just save the LDs for special occasions. Much like the VHS, they are relics and not readily available anymore. Anything goes wrong with it and your FUBAR'd.
"You fell victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is 'Never get involved in a land war in Asia'."
--Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), The Princess Bride
-------------------------
Kevin A
Webmaster/Primary Cynic
kapgar.typepad.com
kapgar.com
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I see that this thread has digressed a bit. I was hoping that someone may own a machine like mine or know enough about these machines that they could possibly help me know wether I got a good buy. I do own the SE on LD and am hoping to get a Faces set as well. I also have a whole set of Star Trek movies that I want to enjoy on LD as well. I am new to owning this machine and would like some assistance assessing it's value and quality as an addition to my home viewing experience.

The OT RULES!!!!
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hey JETRELL ill say this nicely change your avatar, that one is mine i made it, choose something else.
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sorry Shimraa, didn't mean to step on you..........don't force choke me just yet tho, it was part of the selection in the avatars...... nice design(didn't know I had to ask permission to use it) my mistake

Hope the new one pleases you (and I'm sayin that nicely too). Anyone own this one?? lmao

The OT RULES!!!!
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This thread just died........................lmao

I guess I will just find the answer myself, thanks anyways all.......

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Well,

I just finished watching my SE LD set on my Pioneer CLD-D502 and what a beautiful picture I got...........quite amazing these Laserdisc machines. I also bought a set of Star Trek: The Movie Voyages 25th Anniversary Edition w/ The Undiscovered Country, Generations, and First Contact thrown in for good measure ($37.00 Total for the whole set) and it is just amazing to see. The sound alone of a quality Laserdisc truly makes a difference in the viewing process. I have to say this has been one of the best purchases I have ever made on eBay. My only wish is that everyone in the forum is lucky enough to find a great deal on an LD machine and be able to enjoy some great movie history.

Long Live "Everything" Star Wars

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I just picked up a Panasonic LX-600U LD player for dirt cheap, no remote but you can't have everything. Can anyone tell me where to find some info on this LD Player?
Specs and anything else that can be known about it would be great. I checked Panasonic's web site and found nothing. I'm also kinda curious as to where it fits in among other brands as far as picture quality etc. Any links or other info would be greatly appreciated.
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"Can anyone tell me where to find some info on this LD Player?
Specs and anything else that can be known about it would be great."

Here's the link I gave earlier. You can get manuals from this site. I had to get some for my LD players.

"hey JETRELL ill say this nicely change your avatar, that one is mine i made it, choose something else."

Dude, if it's in the list of choosable icons, then you are out of luck. I don't see any copyright on it, so lighten up.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Eaglemaster,

Just so you know, you will be asked for a donation for the download but it is worth it. I got one for mine from there and they are really nice. I believe the amount was $3.69USD for assistance to the site and its worthy mission of saving us noobs from going on eBay and spending $9.99 or more for one.

Thanks MBJ for the word of defense.......I didn't think it was wrong for me to chose that icon but who am I but a lowly padawan....

Long Live "Everything" Star Wars
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"but who am I but a lowly padawan.... "

So was Anakin, if you remember. Look what he accomplished!

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Thanks MeBeJedi and Jetrell Fo, I checked out that web site and quite a few others. There is a specs page that helps a bit, but no
manual. It seems that there may be one available from Panasonic so I guess I'll shell out some money to them. Now to pick up
a laserdisc and find out if this player really works. : ) From what I've read on a couple of boards this is supposed to be a middle of the
road LD player but built like a tank. We shall soon see ......