Anyone else running a Cambridge Audio DVD89? Opinions?

Ronan1 · 19-07-2007, 4:27 PM

I have been running my Cambridge DVD89 with a new Panasonic 37PX70 for the last couple of months. I am viewing movies at 720p and am using a cheap LIDL HDMI cable. Images range from highly impressive to mediocre depending on the transfer. I am wondering how much more can be extracted from the humble DVD? I wont be able to view HD broadcasts for many years to come where I live so my viewing is nearly all movies.

I am curious to know your opinions on whether it is worth upgrading to a higher standard DVD player such as the Marantz 7001 or bite the bullet and buy a Blue Ray to get the most of my screen. I know this is not the cable thread but would a more expensive cable really make a difference or is it time to find a player with a better upscaler to get more from the DVD's and thus the screen? I am interested in hearing from anyone who has/had one of these players and upgraded or tweaked it to its maximum! Cheers

Ronan1 · 21-07-2007, 10:12 PM

Bump!

Come on guys!

M6TT F · 25-07-2007, 10:08 AM

I also have a DVD89 and have been pretty impressed with it overall although i found the colour to be a little saturated on certain films... but for the money I can't complain, and it's only a stop gap until a decent dual format HD player comes out at a good price.

running mine with a Linx cheapish cable BTW

Ronan1 · 25-07-2007, 3:35 PM

I found myself turning up the colour on Lord of the Rings yesterday. Could not figure out if it was supposed to look washed out and most of the film looked really soft as if it were shot in soft focus. Had no problem with colour or sharpness of detail on Revenge of the Sith so must be the transfer. I am wondering about upgrading my HDMI cable to see if it may improve things. Overall though I am so happy with this tv and so glad I did not go for an LCD!

nuttyboyz · 25-07-2007, 5:29 PM

I thought the DVD89 was a jack of all trades and master of none,but then it again it's very cheap and you do get alot for you money.

Ronan1 · 25-07-2007, 11:11 PM

Its excellent with DIVX and seems quite good running at 720p through HDMI and is certainly producing a better image than the Pioneer 696 I also had but I want to know where to go next. Which dvd player can justify making me spend more money on the format as I am holding off on BD and HD until they can settle the situation and give us one player. I read threads about people going from a Marantz 7600 to an Oppo and I am not looking to get stung like that. Imagine spending 500-700 pounds on a player which can be beaten by a 200 pound machine? My money is not earned that easily for me to throw it away like that! What is the best pound for pound dvd player out there at the moment? Nic Rhodes, maybe you can shine some light on this for us. Your opinions have always been valued by me on this forum. What would you buy now if you were purchasing a dvd player?

MonkeySting · 26-07-2007, 2:54 PM

I'm sticking with my DVD89 until something compelling in either HD-DVD or Bluray arrives on the player market.

In my opinion, it's a solid all-round performer.

Upgrading HDMI cables is a waste of money. They're digital signals - they either arrive at the other end, or they don't. You can't improve the picture beyond that.