DVD player longevity

I may know a little about film, but I'm guessing most everyone out there knows more than I do about the technology involved in dvd players. I'm just curious about how people's dvd players are holding up. Because I review over 100 films per year and we also watch a ton of movies for pleasure, our player is in use constantly, not one day off. One player lasted only a year, and after two years our Toshiba progressive scan is now starting to freeze up or stop-frame occasionally, or else lose the highlight icon so it's difficult to select options. How long are today's dvd players built to last, and how long ARE they lasting?

I've had my Pioneer DVD (non-progressive) player for 4 years now. Never had a problem with it. Just like you, I use it almost everyday. There were probably only about 3-4 DVDs that it had a problem playing and that's probably because it's so old.

I just bought a new player to go with my new digital TV. It's a Samsung that does HD upsampling, displaying DVD movies at 720p or even 1080i. I still use the Pioneer one with my old TV.

I've had my Sony 7700 for about four or five years now. No problems. But the original Panasonic I had gave up the ghost last year (when we got the Sony we had transplanted the Panasonic from the main downstairs home theater to the upstairs bedroom system).

If the problem is simply the machine skipping or occasionally freezing up, it may mean the laser lens is dirty or dusty. Cleaning may be in order. Or, since players are relatively cheap now, you might want to think about a new one.

On the other hand, with high definition less than a year away, you may also want to consider trying to wait it out. Decisions, decisions.

John

I know this is DVD blasphemy, but I watch movies on my PS2, I know I know....boo-hoo on me, but as long as I'm able to hear movies in dts, I'm content. I actually use it just about everyday. Being a member of Netflix, I try to watch a movie a night while lesson planning and grading papers and stuff. I also like to fall asleep with a movie on, so it's constantly running all night for at least 6-8 hrs. I've been using my PS2 since day 1, which was about 2-3 years ago. It still plays fine, and the games work just as well. Once I have my ideal set-up, I will obviously upgrade, but the PS2 is coming with me!

-Dave

I've had my Sony DVP-S560D for 4 years, and it decided to croak about 3 months ago. It started by skipping on certain discs. Later the digital display would inexplicably cut out, and come back intermittantly. It wasn't long after I first noticed these issues (about a month) when it just stopped working altogether. Now when I turn it on, it will stay on for a split second, and then turn off on it's own. It's been a very good player, but I had replaced it after only having it for 2 years in favor of my current Sony DVP-N715P Progressive scan player. Like John, I subplanted my 560D and moved it to my computer room, and ultimately it's final resting place. So far, no problems with the 715P whatsoever. It's been an excellent player.

- Josh

Thanks, everyone. Perspective is good, and I appreciate your comments.

So how is that upsampling HD feature treating you?

How about DVD recorders? A JVC DR-M10S DVD recorder should be arriving at my place this week. I am hoping that it will last at least a few years, considering the fact that I have a circa-1980s Zenith VCR (when they were $800 a piece!) that still runs great.

If only they would bring back strong material that was used in older electronics. Now electronics are built with cheap recycled plastic, no matter which brand you go for.

Sounds like the Hogster and I have the same DVD player, and I adore mine.