... That one was the Sony DVP NS305, and as I left the shop I had no idea whether or not I'd made the right decision. I still don't know if I could have got more spec for my money, if I could have got one that does things I've never even heard of, or if I could have got one better built.
I ... Read review
No Setup - Just put your batteries in and off you go. Our remote controls are generic ... more
replacements 100% guaranteed money back if not entirely satisfied. Put-Batteries-In-And-Go (This remote has been made for this Tv / Dvd / Freeview box etc, only,so no setup required, no codes to put in) Specifically manufactured in our factory for this make/model. Every remote control is tested before it is dispatched. Our remotes are NOT universal - so you do not need to set them up or put codes into them, just put your batteries in and off you go. Each remote is generically made for the specific DVD / TV / Freeview.
Postage & Packaging:£3.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
No Setup - Just put your batteries in and off you go. Our remote controls are generic ... more
replacements 100% guaranteed money back if not entirely satisfied. Put-Batteries-In-And-Go (This remote has been made for this Tv / Dvd / Freeview box etc, only,so no setup required, no codes to put in) Specifically manufactured in our factory for this make/model. Every remote control is tested before it is dispatched. Our remotes are NOT universal - so you do not need to set them up or put codes into them, just put your batteries in and off you go. Each remote is generically made for the specific DVD / TV / Freeview.
Postage & Packaging:£3.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Good picture, good sound, easy to use Disadvantages: None for me
...That one was the Sony DVP NS305, and as I left the shop I had no idea whether or not I'd made the right decision. I still don't know if I could have got more spec for my money, if I could have got one that does things I've never even heard of, or if I could have got one better built.
I don't care. I like my Sony DVP NS305 very much and it does everything I require of it very well.
The NS305 is classed as an 'entry level' ... ...pressed.
My Sony NS305 does more than just play, however. Like video players, it allows me to forward, pause, freeze and search, but unlike a typical video player it does it with much more aplomb and a much higher quality picture.
It also - if the film you're watching is capable - lets you change the angle from which you are viewing.
The picture quality of my player is superb. I haven't got the best TV ... more
I am no electronics buff. I love what consumer electronics do for me in terms of entertainment and an easy life, and I'm pretty good at setting them up and using them when I've got them, but I've never had the urge to find out what all those letters, numbers and symbols mean in terms of performance, function and capability. Some I am familiar with, but lots I'm not. Which left me at a bit of a disadvantage when I went out to buy a DVD player. There were literally scores of the things to choose from, at widely differing prices, and as I strolled along the aisle in Comet staring at those information cards that tell you the spec each player I just got more and more confused.
There were three things I wanted from my player:
1. It would play DVDs 2. It had a good picture quality 3. It had a good sound quality
As every player in the shop matched all three of my criteria, my choice was not made any easier.
So in the end I plumped for one that was 'entry level' and was neither the cheapest nor the most expensive. And one that I liked the look of. That one was the Sony DVP NS305, and as I left the shop I had no idea whether or not I'd made the right decision. I still don't know if I could have got more spec for my money, if I could have got one that does things I've never even heard of, or if I could have got one better built.
I don't care. I like my Sony DVP NS305 very much and it does everything I require of it very well.
The NS305 is classed as an 'entry level' player, which I think means it's suitable for people like me who are new to DVDs and are not looking for the most sophisticated on the market, or one that encompasses the latest capabilities like recording.
It is a sleek, slim affair in a nice aluminium shade of silver. It is not fussy looking, but has enough buttons on the unit to get it to function if you can't find your remote control.
The remote control itself is also pretty sleek looking and is very easy to operate with all buttons clearly marked. Everything you need to do, including setting up, can be done via the remote whilst looking at the on-screen graphical instructions and menus.
Setting up the player was a doddle, just a mater of a plug and a scart-to-scart link (scart lead not supplied, so do budget for one) and then switching it on and following the instructions to set the clock after I'd tuned in my TV to the DVD station.
Playing DVDs is a synch. Pop 'em in the slot and they start to play themselves, presenting you with a menu in seconds. Picking what you want from the menu is again very simple by using the arrow buttons on your remote, and then you're away. In terms of basic playing, it's no different than a VCR in terms of buttons needing to be pressed.
My Sony NS305 does more than just play, however. Like video players, it allows me to forward, pause, freeze and search, but unlike a typical video player it does it with much more aplomb and a much higher quality picture.
It also - if the film you're watching is capable - lets you change the angle from which you are viewing.
The picture quality of my player is superb. I haven't got the best TV around, but my DVD player doesn't let that stop it producing glorious crystal-clear pictures.
Sound-wise it's brilliant too, being Dolby Digital 5.1 and also simulating surround sound. It is compatible with Digital Theatre System surround sound should I ever have the money and inclination to require it.
The Sony NS305 is a Region 2 player, so plays Region 2 and multi-region/region free DVDs. It also allows playback of both PAL and NTSC discs (region 2) on PAL TVs.
Playback wise, my machine will play DVDs, CDs, VCDs, CDRs and CDRWs.
It has a 10 bit Video V/A Converter, meaning it converts MPEG2 8-bit resolution to reduce obvious signs of digitizing, rendering the film closer to the original movie master. (I have copied that bit straight from the bumpf, in case you're thinking I lied to you about not being an electronics buff).
To quote from the bumpf again, it has 24 bit audio sampling which converts the software audio signals, which differs from source to source, into the highest quality. In the case of Audio CD, this results in improved dynamic range and audio quality. So there you are.
It supports multiple language options, i.e. it allows playback of audio DVD tracks in various languages. And it supports multiple language subtitles, meaning you can access up to 32 different language subtitles.
I guess really my Sony NS305 is a pretty standard DVD player, and that is all that I need. It does everything I want it to and does it well, and looks rather fetching underneath my telly.
I'm really pleased with my choice and would recommend it to anyone. I would also recommend that you get it from Comet, especially online at the price of £119.89 with FREE delivery, as I've since seen it elsewhere at various electrical sites at up to £50 dearer.
Advantages: Good-looking, easy to get started Disadvantages: Sensitive to scratches, manual confusing, large remote
...The usual quality of Sony design is here - just a shame they spent more money on the exterior than the interior.
There are also some extra functions that you'd expect with a top-range player. For example, you can lock the disc drawer so your 2-year-old can't stuff toast in it.
The disadvantages don't make for good reading.
Firstly, the remote is huge. Also, it's black. If you have a smart silver player, you expect a smart silver remote but, instead, ... ...though it belongs to a rather old television. That said, you won' t lose it in a hurry, and it does work without being pointed directly at the player.
Secondly, the most annoying thing about this player - it's super-sensitive to dirt/scratches/fingerprints on DVDs. Basically, you hit a dirty spot and it restarts the disc. NOT much fun, especially when you're in the middle of a film and you have to find where you were. I've had rental discs where ...
sarahdfly 25.09.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Sony DVP-NS 305
Advantages: Thin,light,fantastic playback Disadvantages: Cant be controlled without remote
...amongst which i have my sony 14" tv and video recorder, and recently i bought a sony dvd player online to go with my set. the make is the DVP-NS305 and its also has mp3 playback, which allows u to listen to mp3s on the dvd player (for e.g. when u burn mp3s onto certain cds they cant be played on most cd players, but u can play them on this dvd player). ~~COST~~
After receiving my first bunch of dvds from america from a dear friend (thanks babe!) ... ...to realise that dvd's actually had regional settings and i couldnt just bung them in a playstation or pc and expect them to play. so i had to buy a multi regional dvd player...i didnt really see this as a burden, more of an excuse to splash out on yet another electronic item!so i looked online and found a great deal on a multi-regional player. now, i know the player im reviewing doesnt say anything about being multi regional, and it isnt. i actually ...
shazahmed 11.06.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sony DVP-NS 305
Advantages: Very cheap for a Sony DVD Player Disadvantages: Too sensitive on older marked or dirty DVDs
...on the DVD and the Sony DVPNS-305 (rolls of the tongue doesn't it!) would have none of it. Finally we worked out that you have to skip to the next scene and then picture search back to ALMOST the point in which it freezes and continue watching. Not ideal especially when it happens 2 or 3 times for some films.
Anyway, new and cared for DVDs are no problems but scuffed ones are a nightmare. Strangely enough I tried a few of these problematic rental ... ...it on my friend's older Sony 405 DVD player and had similar problems so maybe it's a over-sensitive Sony problem.
Still for £99 I can live with it. Word of advice, if you're going to buy one, take your oldest most knackered DVD to the shop and give it a whirl before you buy.
I knew I should have gone for the Toshiba... ...
ronmanager 13.10.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sony DVP-NS 305
Advantages: Easy to Use Disadvantages: Difficult to use without remote control
Having had my sony unit for around 12 months now, I have decided to share some information with you.
Having recieved this DVD player as a gift, I am unsure as to how much the unit retailed at, but a quick search on most sites will give you a rough idea.
The unit is a very slimline one, fitting nicley on top of my current TV. It also is the same size as the other sony seperates available, so a system would be all the same width. It is finshed in ... ...It has a SCART output and RGB as well, but for me the lack of RF (standard aeiral) output put me at a disadvantage as my old TV doesnt have any scart leads.
It is a simple to use unit, with most features accessible from the handheld. However if one was to lose this control, then several functions wouldnt be accesable. Picture and sound quality are great, with several video and sound options available such as cimena mode, and different contrasts ...
csujamie 29.05.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sony DVP-NS 305
this model from sony is a great first dvd player as it excels in quality and value. at only £130 it is a bargain and has PCM quality sound. it comes in silver and features DVD,CD-R/RW,MP3 playback, Dolby digital/DTS output, Coaxial output and Scart socket.
since buying it a few months ago i have enjoyed watching many films and there has been absolutely no deterioration in quality. the player does have parental control if you want to stop your children ...
car90909 26.04.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Sony DVP-NS 305
Picture Playback
Sound Level
Range of Features
Durability
Value for Money
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