| Brand Name: | Toshiba |
Product Specifications
Technical Details
- ColorStream Pro progressive and ColorStream interlaced component-video outputs
- 2-disc capacity
- Built-in 5.1-channel surround decoder
- Outputs Dolby Digital DTS
- Built-in HDCD decoder
Product Details
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Product Description
Amazon.com Review
Talk about state-of-the-art--Toshiba's SD-5109 DVD player is phenomenal. For starters, this is one of the first (and the most reasonably priced) models to deliver the progressive component-video signal that's present on all DVD discs. With the proper high-end display device, your eyes will really appreciate the progressive difference.
We tested the player with a new $7,000 high-definition projector, and the SD-5109's cinema-like clarity and color were breathtaking. We should point out, however, that you don't need a digital, non-interlaced TV to enjoy the progressive-scan benefits of the SD-5109. If you have an analog TV with component-video inputs, you can connect the DVD player using the SD-5109's interlaced component-video outputs. When you're ready to upgrade your TV to a high-definition model, you can take advantage of the SD-5109's progressive scan outputs, making it a future-ready DVD player.
Upping the convenience quotient, the SD-5109 is a two-drawer, two-disc-toting player, so you can warm up the audience with a jazz CD or short subjects DVD and then segue smoothly into the main feature (or another music title.)
Running the show is a pleasure with Toshiba's well-designed remote control and an onscreen menu that's full of options, yet very easy to navigate. For example, it's easy to switch on the black-level expansion enhancement, which improves picture contrast on the display monitor.
As for sound, the onboard High Definition Compatible Digital (HDCD) decoder chip makes a subtle but noticeable difference on many audio CDs, making this the only component you'll want to use for music listening as well.
High-end players don't normally have built-in Dolby Digital decoders, but the SD-5109 proves the exception rather than the rule. So if you have a stalwart "AC-3-ready" (a.k.a. Dolby Digital) receiver, you can connect the SD-5109 and enjoy today's DVD on yesterday's multichannel component. Just about the only thing you can't do with this player is make a bad film better.
Pros:
- Video reproduction second to none
- 2-disc capacity
- HDCD adds lots of fun
Cons:
- No headphone jack
Product Description
HDCD Decoding, Dolby Digital Decoding
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Feature-packed with a Brillian Picture,
By
This review is from: Toshiba SD-5109 Twin-Tray 2-Disc DVD Player (Electronics)
Once again, I had to get a new toy. Owning a Digital TV, I had previously researched getting this DVD player but opted for the Panasonic A-120 at first (because I got it for 99$). After a few months, I sent the A-120 to my Sony TV set and decided to go ahead and make the plunge for this player for my Digital set. I must say that it makes a WONDERFUL difference compared to any other recorded medium I have had hooked up to my set.PICTURE: The picture is outstanding. My A-120 looked great with the interlaced component outs (possibly because I have a Panasonic DTV), but the Toshiba's progressive scan picture is a notch clearer. There are, of course, no scan lines present and the colours are vibrant and much more stunning than I had expected. I tried popping in "The Matrix" and "The Fifth Element" and was rewarded with incredible clarity. It is difficult to describe how great it looks (even more so if you have not moved up to DVD yet). It still cannot fix bad DVD transfers... SOUND: One would think that the sound should be equal to video on a higher-end product such as this. Too many times, the product does not deliver. However, this is not the case here. The SD5109 produces just as brilliant sound to compliment the video. A very nice feature is the HDCD decoder which allows HDCDs to show off their superior sounds. Built-in Dolby Digital decoding offers DD 5.1 clarity even if one only has a Dolby Digital "ready" receiver. FEATURES: As mentioned above, the SD5109 has progressive scan outputs and HDCD decoding. Beyond this, it has interlaced component outs as well as S-Video and regular Composite outs. Two trays make a double-feature easy while the on-screen menus are easy to navigate. The remote is simple enough to use so most features can be operated at the start. I do wish they had included an EJECT button on the remote. Overall, this was a wise purchase for my DTV set. The progressive scan makes an incredible difference. Do shop around because these can be had for MUCH less than the high MSRP 8-). I also recommend readjusting your TV settings with AVIA, Video Essentials, or a professional because unoptimized settings could cause the SD5109's picture to be not as spectacular as it is capable.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb value in a progressive-scan DVD player,
By A Customer
This review is from: Toshiba SD-5109 Twin-Tray 2-Disc DVD Player (Electronics)
I would echo the plaudits deservedly piled on this unit by other users. The progressive scan video output can't be beat. There are two basics one has to keep in mind, though:1. Progressive scan only works on a digital TV. If all you have is a regular analog (NTSC) TV, there is no reason to pay this much for a DVD player; there are other less expensive units (including Toshiba models) that would be more cost-effective. 2. Make sure your digital TV is compatible with progressive scan DVD players. All Toshiba digital TVs are, as are some models made by other manufacturers. But some models lock into full-widescreen mode with a 480p progressive signal and may give distorted pictures with some DVD titles. Just be sure to do the necessary research before buying the SD5109 to mate with a non-Toshiba digital TV.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning Picture Quality - Easy To Use,
This review is from: Toshiba SD-5109 Twin-Tray 2-Disc DVD Player (Electronics)
I bought the Toshiba SD-5109 as a Christmas present to myself in December and am thoroughly satisfied. I chose this particular player because it was the first to offer progressive-scan functionality and component video outputs. At the same time, I purchased a new Toshiba CN36X81 Cinema-Series HDTV-ready set (not yet sold at Amazon.com) along with the appropriate set of Monster Cables. When everything had finally arrived, I got busy attaching the DVD to the TV and put in my first DVD; The Matrix. Did I mention that the DVD player was so easy to set up that I didn't read the manual until AFTER I was watching my first movie? True.All I can say is that I was blown away! The picture quality that the progressive-scan DVD gives you is incredible. The remote is easy to use and is back lit so you can use it in the dark (just remember which button turns on the back lighting). Another nice thing is that you can perform most of the functions on the unit itself without the remote - some newer units rely on the remote almost entirely, without duplicating key functions on the unit itself! One additional feature that is nice - you can play music CD's in it also. I was able to unhook an old CD player and save some space by utilizing this unit's additional features. To summarize, I paid $100 more for this unit when it was first released and am totally satisfied. I would buy it again (but for less money now) if I was in the market for a DVD player today.
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