Sony DVP-S9000ES vs DVP-NS999ES


I am in the midst of deciding whether to purchase a used DVP-S9000ES (now discontinued) or go with its replacement, the DVP-NS999ES. The latter has multichannel SACD playback which is of absolutely no interest to me (DVD video playback is the only consideration). So the question is: does the newer DVP-NS999ES offer any real improvement in video performance? The latest issue of TPV states that it offers "a host of new image-processing technologies", the most interesting of which is Precision Cinema Progressive. Isn't this circuit also part of the DVP-S9000ES? I have also considered the Pioneer Elite DVD players. Opinions please- thanks, Linc.
128x128linkster
Ed --

Actually, I even heard from some people that the digital projection wasn't that hot either, because some of the new digital cinemas weren't set up as well as they should be.

As for the original trilogy . . . . amen to that! I keep my LD player around pretty much exclusively for the purpose of watching the first trilogy. I even looked into some of the Asian import DVDs, but they're just rips from the laserdiscs. The only positive things about holding off on the release is that we're all spared from buying nine different editions as they do a basic release, then a special edition release, then a Collector's Edition release, then . . . . ;-0)

I like the look of film better, too, but for SW-type films I think digital is the way to go -- the computer effects look better in digital. The only problem is that sometimes they look TOO good and are distinctly identifiable as CG compared to the other elements in the shot. Sigh . . . guess we can't have everything yet. ;-0)

Pat
I own a DVP S9000ES and I have liked it a lot. I am in the same boat, muti-channel audio (from an SACD stand point) is not of any interest to me. I use a SCD 777ES for SACD playback. The S9000ES is a superior player from a construction perspective. I am very impressed with the video especially when paired with an Sony XBR TV. But I should say that off the box chroma adjustments was not quite pleasing. I would recomend a setup DVD (like the AVIA DVD that comes with the player) to adjust to your room's ambient light levels. I felt that the NS999ES was not exceptionally better for video.

One word of caution both S9000ES and NS999ES have the infamous chroma bug that is document in detail everywhere in the web. Not trying to discourage the purchase of these players (they both are very good)
I currently own the 9000ES and think the quality is good enough to hold me over until I get a DVI player. Just to keep in mind, if you own a display with DVI input, the $200 Bravo DVI player will outperform ANY component out DVD player for picture quality, giving quality of output similar to a well setup HTPC.

There will be better models than the Bravo to come, but check out AVS where people with $15K projectors are using them instead of the HTPC's and raving about them.

If your display doesn't have DVI, then the players will only have average quality.