Amazon.com Review
The Toshiba SD-3109 combines extraordinary audio options with state-of-the-art digital video playback to give you an experience equal to--or better than--the cinema.
The Toshiba SD-3109 was easy to set up--it automatically detected our type of audio output (two-channel) and video format (4:3). Its rear video and audio connections were clearly labeled. The manual is easy to follow; lots of graphics make it simple to figure out how to connect in any possible configuration. Also, the front-panel button layout is simple, leaving more complicated functions to the full-featured, glow-in-the-dark remote.
The Toshiba SD-3109's most unique feature is its dual-disc loader, which lets you put in two DVDs for a double feature (or two audio CDs for a longer listening experience). The Toshiba SD-3109 let us program tracks and chapters from both discs, although it wouldn't allow us to randomize playback across discs. We were pleased, however, to be able to load one disc while the other one was playing.
The Toshiba SD-3109 offers traditional DVD features such as camera-angle selection, subtitling, and language preference, but it also has a good selection of more-advanced features. The Toshiba SD-3109 lets you zoom in (up to 3x on our test disc) and features reverse- and forward-play speeds of from 1/8x to 30x normal. The Toshiba SD-3109 also does a great job of finding specific sections on a disc--it even lets you locate scenes by their time into the disc.
The SD-3109's audio options impressed us; not only does this DVD player offer high-resolution digital-to-analog converters and a wide variety of audio-out selections (including linear PCM as well as DTS and Dolby Digital surround options), but it also lets you adjust the outputs to the center/surround speakers to mimic an ideally spaced home-theater system. Users with stereo-only playback will appreciate the Spatializer 3D sound-enhancement feature, which creates expansive surround-like audio using just two speakers.
In addition to playing audio CDs and digital video CDs, the Toshiba SD-3109's circuitry also lets you play High Definition Compatible Digital-encoded CDs, which increase the audio resolution from 16 to 20 bits for improved sound staging and greater dynamic range--improvements that carry over in a more limited way to the playback of standard CDs.
Pros: - Handy two-disc loader
- Extensive audio options
- Wide range of fast-forward and reverse-play options
- Easy-to-use remote
- Component video outputs
Cons: - Can't randomize audio tracks across both loaded discs
- No headphone jack
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
(101 customer reviews) 43 of 43 people found the following review helpful
Simply AWESOME!,
January 30, 2000 Bernng (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Toshiba SD-3109 DVD Player (Electronics)
I bought this player 4 months ago when it was first released from Japan while on a trip to Asia. I did extensive researches prior to buying this player and I bought it for its value for money, performance, picture/sound quality and ease of use. Now, I'm not a serious audiophille or do I intend to spend huge amount of dollars to get those top of the range DVD player (ie. Onkyo, Yamaha, etc). I want something practical, which I believe most of you do as well. And guess what? Surprise, surprise -- I've got so much more than what I bargained for. The picture is superb, sharp and crisp on my 30 inch Loewe TV. Colour is bright and does not "bleed". Sound is excellent when connected to my Yamaha 795a and no audio-sync problems. In addition, the zoom function, built-in DD5.1, DTS(sounds better than DD!) and HDCD(remarkable audio quality) encoders, component-colourstream and S-video output, dual disc trays and virtual N2-2 surround sound for those with a 2 speaker...Read more
38 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Very nice but a few improvements would have earned 5 stars,
December 28, 1999 Donald R. Brown "Electrical Engineer" (Lunenburg, MA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Toshiba SD-3109 DVD Player (Electronics)
I purchased the Toshiba 3109 DVD player about one month ago and it was easy to install and everything works fine. The 3109 only comes with the basic 2 channel audio and video RCA style cables so you will probably have to run to the store and get S-video or composite video cables as well as a digital audio cable for a proper installation. These cables are not cheap and will cost at least $15 each for cheap off-brand stuff.The Matrix played without any problems. Saving Private Ryan played fine except for about a one second pause near the end of the movie. Everything else I have put in it has played ok so far.The forward and reverse scan modes on this player are not as smooth as even the low cost Sony players. My father-in-law received a very low price ($US) Sony DVD player for xmas and I was impressed with the much smoother scanning of the Sony. The Toshiba 3109 scanning is much more jerky. The Sony also included a S-video cable which was a nice touch.The Sony remote...Read more
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
An Amazing DVD/VCD/CD Player For The Price,
January 15, 2000 By A Customer
This review is from: Toshiba SD-3109 DVD Player (Electronics)
I've searched high and low, every site on the net that I couldfind, trying to get the most bang for the buck, with all of thefeatures that I wanted of course. All of my research led to this beautiful piece of electronics, the Toshiba SD-3109. This player has great picture quality w/ the 3 optional hook-ups (component being the best), and perfect dolby digital sound, with decoder built in (optical out being the best way to take advantage of it). The hardware has been absolutely flawless, after 2 months of use so far. It is very easy to use and control too! It plays VCD's and CD's wonderfully, and is the only DVD player under $2000, at the time of this review, to play HDCD's. Now ask yourself, what more could you ask for in a DVD payer.
