Toshiba SD-P2000 Portable DVD Player

Leading-edge 24-bit/192 kHz digital-analog converters from Analog Devices delivers exceptional two-channel DVD-Audio frequency response and dynamic range. DVD-Audio discs deliver high-resolution audio, capturing and reproducing all of the nuances of the original performance and offering high-resolution surround sound as well as stereo. Two built-in headphone jacks let you watch or listen with a partner. Dialogue Expansion improves intelligibility of a disc's center-channel frequencies, while Spatializer N-2-2 Virtual Surround Sound simulates surround sound through two speakers or headphones. Built-in stereo speakers grant headphone-free listening.

The supplied lithium ion battery blends seamlessly with the player's cosmetic profile and offers more than three hours of uninterrupted movie or music entertainment. (An optional extended-life battery adds five hours of viewing time.) During compact disc and DVD-Audio playback, the SD-P2000's LCD panel can be turned off, extending battery life even further.

The SD-P2000 connects to nearly any display, from standard TVs to flat-panel and projection sets. Video Black Level Expansion ensures optimal contrast and gray scale reproduction, and PLUGE helps properly calibrate the brightness levels of any connected monitor. The SD-P2000 passes both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals through its digital-audio outputs (one each coaxial and optical) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. Audio and video mini-plug outputs and standard S-video connectors improve the SD-P2000's flexibility.

Semi-short and to the point, most reviewers see this as being a superior product, I agree. Some express concern about the quality of sound output and that's the main reason for my authoring this additional review.

If one reads the manual bundled with the player it's easy to glance over the sound output options but they're important features to note. There are three different basic sound settings, one standard and two enhanced. For those having trouble hearing, 1) use headphones (the only logical way to limit background noise and 2) use the "Dialog" mode for sound output, you will find this makes all the difference in clarity and output volume in most cases. A few other reviewers have mentioned noise cancelling headphones. I'f you're spending this kind of money on a portable player the additional dollars may put you over the top. If you're willing to go all out, look into the Bose offering, a bit on the spendy side but wow do they work well.

This is a wonderful unit, look no further.
DC


Ditto, this is the one to have.   July 12, 2003
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Prior to our purchase of the SD-P2000 I did quite a bit of study on the other units available and decided on the Toshiba for various techno-features, top of the list being the quality of the screen. I could carry on with techno-babble but we'll leave that for others.

Semi-short and to the point, most reviewers see this as being a superior product, I agree. Some express concern about the quality of sound output and that's the main reason for my authoring this additional review.

If one reads the manual bundled with the player it's easy to glance over the sound output options but they're important features to note. There are three different basic sound settings, one standard and two enhanced. For those having trouble hearing, 1) use headphones (the only logical way to limit background noise and 2) use the "Dialog" mode for sound output, you will find this makes all the difference in clarity and output volume in most cases. A few other reviewers have mentioned noise cancelling headphones. I'f you're spending this kind of money on a portable player the additional dollars may put you over the top. If you're willing to go all out, look into the Bose offering, a bit on the spendy side but wow do they work well.

This is a wonderful unit, look no further.
DC


Great Picture. Poor Sound   July 6, 2003
 3 out of 5 found this review helpful

I bought this player for long trips in the car. Player has a great picture and plenty of features. The only drawback is you almost have to use headphones unless you are in an extremely quiet room. Ive noticed other portable dvd players have the same problem so I don't think its that big of a deal. I still think it is well worth the money


Stunning Performance.   June 26, 2003
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This player is amazing--the 16/9 ratio 8.9" screen produces a stunning and very film-like image. With its progressive scanning and 614,400 pixels, it can display anamorphic widescreen DVDs in their full resolution, like watching them on an HD-ready TV. The sound is great too--with a good set of headphones, you will think you're in the theater. Viewing movies on this baby is downright addictive. I haven't listened to a DVD-Audio yet, but regular audio CDs sound very good, and it plays all my CD-Rs with no problems.The only features I wish it had are an S-video input for the monitor (it does have a standard A/V input), and random play for audio CDs, but given the space constraints of a portable the former is probably unrealistic to expect anyway. All-in-all, a superb player.