Toshiba 510 vs 520

[talizker]

I know the 520 has been covered in some detail in the last week or so. There seem to have been several good comments about the 520 and in my opionion it is definately the better looking machine. With speculation that it may be based on an LG board (good or bad!) I was wondering if anyone had any experience on how it performs compared to the 510 (especially with regards to NTSC Prog Scan).

I can get a 520 and 510 for the same price so it's really just down to performance.

Also - can anyone confirm that the 510 plays SVCD's

Any comments would be welcome. Thanks

 

[KANU25]

I'm in the same boat - I prefer the look of the 520 but i'm worried that it won't play DVD-Rs??

 

[talizker]

The Specs for the SD4800 which appears to be the US version of the 520 show:

DVD/VCD/CD-r/CD/DVD-R/ CD-RW

Which is good for DVD-R but like many manufacturers, they don't always mention SVCD...

See http://www.toshiba.com/tacp/dvd/current/SD4800_detail.html for further info

 

[bob007]

Can't really go on what the US version shows, not all US versions of players amps etc have the same spec as the UK versions, even though they are based on the same model. The specs on Toshiba UK show that the 220/420 are compatable with DVD-R but as yet no listings for the 520. I took delivery of the 520 last week and in the manual it covers the DVD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW and VCD formats but no mention of DVD-R, only a foot note saying these formats are available but may be incompatable with this machine. Until someone tries this format and confirms one way or the other prospective buyers of the 520 are in the dark on this one, until Toshiba UK submit the specs for the 520 on there site.

 

[talizker]

Just ordered a 520 so will find out about SVCD and DVD-R tomorrow (I hope)

 

[Tee Tee]

I can confirm that the SD510 plays both VCDs and SVCDs with no problems at all (superb picture quality and more than decent sound quality on DVDs too). However MP3s seem to be a different matter entirely.......I get squawks and squeaks and low rumbling sounds which are so bad as to make MP3s unlistenable - in fact the noises are so bad that they make make me worry for the safety of my speakers! Anyone else had any similar experiences?

 

[Timh]

Originally posted by Tee Tee
I can confirm that the SD510 plays both VCDs and SVCDs with no problems at all (superb picture quality and more than decent sound quality on DVDs too). However MP3s seem to be a different matter entirely.......I get squawks and squeaks and low rumbling sounds which are so bad as to make MP3s unlistenable - in fact the noises are so bad that they make make me worry for the safety of my speakers! Anyone else had any similar experiences?

There's an extra sheet with the manual stating it will only play certain types of mp3, a friend borrowed me one of his and it played fine, I guess it was compatible.
The 510 specs says it will play dvd-r's.
If you do a search for the 510 it was discussed at length about which dvd-r's are compatible with it.

 

[Bob Todd]

Does the 520 use the same board as the 420?
as the 420 has trouble with blacks.

 

[Bob Todd]

multiregion magic are doing the 520 for 250 hmmmmmmmmmm is the pioneer 656 really worth a ton more?

 

[talizker]

Hi Guys!

Got my 520 and here are some questions answered!

Plays VCD and SVCD burned with Nero 5.5

Plays Apple and Unbranded DVD-R produced with DVD Studio Pro

Will try MP3 CDR/RW over the weekend. Picture quality is very good, especially in Progressive. Will catch a full movie tomorrow.

Price was £250 inc delivery from Leconcepts (amazing that by ringing up I saved £50)

 

[snyphr]

SD-520 Less than £230 If you look on:

http://www.dealtime.co.uk
or http://www.pricerunner.co.uk