What to do?

[CMcK]

I have a Pioneer 717 which I have owned since that model first hit the UK.
Problem is the machine is struggling to read DVD's properly. Sometimes it can't get to the menu and other times the film will stutter and there will be artifacts all over the place.
I am considering just opening the 717 up and installing a generic DVD ROM to tide me over until HD DVD or Blu Ray takes off.
Is it worth replacing the whole player for a more modern model? Are newer players significantly better?
I have a Loewe Aconda 32" TV with a QED Squart RGB only cable for the picture and the sound is stereo only hooked up to a Musical Fidelity X-A2 amp with Quad 12L speakers.
I quite like the idea of buying a Loewe DVD player so it cuts down on the number of handsets floating about the room.
And the replacement has to be multi region like the 717.

Cheers.

[gringottsdirect]

Originally Posted by CMcK

I quite like the idea of buying a Loewe DVD player so it cuts down on the number of handsets floating about the room.

You could buy a Philips DVD player which would work with the Loewe remote ?
Most Philips players use RC5 remote codes.

http://ws1.richersounds.com/productl...&search=dvd729



The Loewe Xemix is Philips based as you may know.

In my opinion the Loewe DVD players are not the best value for money.

[CMcK]

I've been put off Philips somewhat by my folks DVDR80. I'm forever having to retune it for them.
Would the Philips 729 you mentioned have a comparable image quality to my 717?

[gringottsdirect]

Originally Posted by CMcK

I've been put off Philips somewhat by my folks DVDR80. Would the Philips 729 you mentioned have a comparable image quality to my 717?

Philips DVD recorders are not typical, their DVD players are much more reliable.
A Philips 729 for £29 is a bargain but obviously it will be a cheaply made lightweight in comparison with your Pioneer. Regarding picture quality it will quite likely be as good or better. The Toshiba SD240 @ £50 ish has excellent picture quality but won't operate from your Loewe remote. Many cheap players have superb picture quality.

I wonder if your Pioneer needs a try with a lens cleaner ?

[CMcK]

I couldn't bring myself to buy such a cheap player then hook it up with a £50 scart lead. I know that sounds stuck up but you can hopefully see where I am coming from.
I'll open the Pioneer up during my days off and see if it is a standard IDE connection. Maybe installing a newer drive will help the old 717 get around menus etc a bit quicker and hide the layer change.

[gringottsdirect]

Originally Posted by CMcK

I couldn't bring myself to buy such a cheap player then hook it up with a £50 scart lead. I know that sounds stuck up but you can hopefully see where I am coming from.

Sure.

Though it's surprising to open up these £30 supermarket players and find the bits inside are shared with more expensive brands. Zoran Vaddis chips and DVS IDE drives etc.

[CMcK]

Mmmm, I may just bite the bullet and buy a newer Pioneer or Denon and get to try DVD Audio and SACD then.

Thanks for the help gringottsdirect.

[gringottsdirect]

Originally Posted by CMcK

Mmmm, I may just bite the bullet and buy a newer Pioneer or Denon and get to try DVD Audio and SACD then.

Go on....you know you want to !