Toshiba SD1800 DVD Player

Product Review

Home theater never looked or sounded so good on so small an investment. Toshiba's SD1800 single-disc DVD player gives you several video options, including top-of-the-line ColorStream component-video outputs (for use with compatible TVs) as well as built-in MP3 decoding and a dual-laser pickup for compatibility with not only DVDs and CDs, but audio CD-Rs and CD-RWs as well. Component-video splits the video signal into three separate components, unlike composite-video, which delivers red, green, blue, and black/white detail as one signal. Separating the color and detail portions of the signal reduces the amount of signal processing performed by the television. This is especially useful for DVD films and digital TV signals, which are both recorded as component-video signals. Conventional composite- and S-video outputs, meanwhile, bring compatibility with nearly any television.

The Expanded mode in the player's black-level setting menu enables the player to output richer, deeper black tones in every image. PLUGE (Picture Line Up Generation Equipment) delivers black as well as below-black signals to a television. Using this player's PLUGE feature and a PLUGE chart, you can accurately set your TV's black level to make it a reference point against which to measure your color settings.

In the audio realm, a set of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio outputs (one each of RCA coaxial and Toslink optical) for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. The player's internal digital-to-analog converters work at 24-bit, 192 kHz resolution to ensure optimum sonic quality from a range of digital program material. Playback options include QSound simulated surround sound, picture zoom, Dialogue Expansion, bit stream display, and compatibility with CD Text features (on encoded discs).

Product Features

ColorStream component-video output for ultimate DVD picture quality (when connected with an HD or HD-ready TV)
Optical and coaxial digital-audio outputs pass Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround sound (for use with compatible AV receiver)
MP3-CD (CD-R, CD-RW) playback, QSound simulated surround sound
Video Black Level Expansion and PLUGE for accurate, high-contrast pictures in darkened rooms
Picture zoom for closer inspection of a given DVD

Accessories

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review

(27 customer reviews)

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful

An excellent first DVD player, October 23, 2002

Michael K. Smith (South Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba SD1800 DVD Player (Electronics)

I recently replaced my deceased TV and antique VCR on the same day, and also acquired my first-ever DVD player (I'm not much of an "early adopter"). Like another reviewer, I was looking at the SD-2800, but this model in the same series was considerably less expensive and seemed to have all the features I'm likely to need. I don't have a home theater system, so I don't need advanced artificial intelligence in a player, or any of that. This player set up and attached to the TV with a minimum of fuss and played three DVDs one after the other perfectly and with terrific fidelity. In the three months since then, I've played perhaps 25 discs, both my own and multiple-rentals from Blockbuster, and the machine ticks right along without a whimper. So far, I really like what I see!

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful

misleading mp3 support, November 6, 2002

Sam Ostroff (Exeter, NH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba SD1800 DVD Player (Electronics)

The owners manual informs you that CD-RW's are not recommendable and sure enough it did not recognize a RW disc recorded with mp3's or one recorded in a regular audio format (non mp3). I will say that the DVD funtion is outstanding, as is the audio quality from pre-recorded factory CD's and CD'R's. Unfortunately the CD-RW non-support is a major factor for me, and all e-tailers who sell this product have not relayed the CD-RW information. If this is not an issue for you, then by all means buy this player.

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful

Great value for money, October 17, 2002

"limsoonchieh" (San Jose, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toshiba SD1800 DVD Player (Electronics)

I bought this DVD player about half a month ago and has played more than 30 DVDs and music CDs since, and it played smoothly with superb video quality using its component video out. Even with the composite video, the screen is crisp and clear. Also tried some homemade VCDs, MP3s and CDRs and all of them played without any skipping. It didn't play my SVCDs though, and I have no DVD-R to test it.The controls are user-friendly with the on-screen icons and simple remote control. I don't have to setup anything to get it work, really suits people like me who is not technically inclined.It has all the features I need : simulated surround sound for a 2 speaker sound system that I have, enhanced dialogue, 5 different enhanced picture mode, and support for digital audio DTS/Dolby through its coaxial cable (though no optical output). Also supports Dolby Pro Logic. One thing missing is the progressive scan. But at its price, I bet it is one of the best deals I ever had.