Home > Consumer Reviews > Toshiba SD-5109 Twin-Tray 2-Disc DVD Player

Once again, I had to get a new toy. Owning a Digital TV, I had previously researched getting this DVD player but opted for the Panasonic A-120 at first (because I got it for 99$). After a few months, I sent the A-120 to my Sony TV set and decided to go ahead and make the plunge for this player for my Digital set. I must say that it makes a WONDERFUL difference compared to any other recorded medium I have had hooked up to my set.

PICTURE: The picture is outstanding. My A-120 looked great with the interlaced component outs (possibly because I have a Panasonic DTV), but the Toshiba's progressive scan picture is a notch clearer. There are, of course, no scan lines present and the colours are vibrant and much more stunning than I had expected. I tried popping in "The Matrix" and "The Fifth Element" and was rewarded with incredible clarity. It is difficult to describe how great it looks (even more so if you have not moved up to DVD yet). It still cannot fix bad DVD transfers...

SOUND: One would think that the sound should be equal to video on a higher-end product such as this. Too many times, the product does not deliver. However, this is not the case here. The SD5109 produces just as brilliant sound to compliment the video. A very nice feature is the HDCD decoder which allows HDCDs to show off their superior sounds. Built-in Dolby Digital decoding offers DD 5.1 clarity even if one only has a Dolby Digital "ready" receiver.

FEATURES: As mentioned above, the SD5109 has progressive scan outputs and HDCD decoding. Beyond this, it has interlaced component outs as well as S-Video and regular Composite outs. Two trays make a double-feature easy while the on-screen menus are easy to navigate. The remote is simple enough to use so most features can be operated at the start. I do wish they had included an EJECT button on the remote.

Overall, this was a wise purchase for my DTV set. The progressive scan makes an incredible difference. Do shop around because these can be had for MUCH less than the high MSRP 8-). I also recommend readjusting your TV settings with AVIA, Video Essentials, or a professional because unoptimized settings could cause the SD5109's picture to be not as spectacular as it is capable.

I would echo the plaudits deservedly piled on this unit by other users. The progressive scan video output can't be beat. There are two basics one has to keep in mind, though:

1. Progressive scan only works on a digital TV. If all you have is a regular analog (NTSC) TV, there is no reason to pay this much for a DVD player; there are other less expensive units (including Toshiba models) that would be more cost-effective.

2. Make sure your digital TV is compatible with progressive scan DVD players. All Toshiba digital TVs are, as are some models made by other manufacturers. But some models lock into full-widescreen mode with a 480p progressive signal and may give distorted pictures with some DVD titles. Just be sure to do the necessary research before buying the SD5109 to mate with a non-Toshiba digital TV.

I bought the Toshiba SD-5109 as a Christmas present to myself in December and am thoroughly satisfied. I chose this particular player because it was the first to offer progressive-scan functionality and component video outputs. At the same time, I purchased a new Toshiba CN36X81 Cinema-Series HDTV-ready set (not yet sold at Amazon.com) along with the appropriate set of Monster Cables. When everything had finally arrived, I got busy attaching the DVD to the TV and put in my first DVD; The Matrix. Did I mention that the DVD player was so easy to set up that I didn't read the manual until AFTER I was watching my first movie? True.

All I can say is that I was blown away! The picture quality that the progressive-scan DVD gives you is incredible. The remote is easy to use and is back lit so you can use it in the dark (just remember which button turns on the back lighting). Another nice thing is that you can perform most of the functions on the unit itself without the remote - some newer units rely on the remote almost entirely, without duplicating key functions on the unit itself! One additional feature that is nice - you can play music CD's in it also. I was able to unhook an old CD player and save some space by utilizing this unit's additional features.

To summarize, I paid $100 more for this unit when it was first released and am totally satisfied. I would buy it again (but for less money now) if I was in the market for a DVD player today.

This is an excellent player that I fully recommend to anyone in the market for a DVD player.

The sound and video on this player are outstanding (considering you use the optical connection for the full 5.1 experience). The HDCD is also a nice addition. But, above and beyond any of the bells and whistles, the duel tray is the ultimate perk allowing for those "movie days" permitting you to stay planted on your couch between features.

My only complaint, be it a small one that in no way should influence your purchase decision, is that the DVD tray is a bit slow. It takes about a second to load the DVD into the tray before the tray ejects, unlike a single tray CD Player where the tray pops open immediately on command. A very small price to pay for duel tray capabilities.

Buy this player and you won't be disappointed.

I just replaced one of these units (Toshiba SD-5109) with a brand-new Oppo 980H, and while the Oppo is leagues ahead of the old Toshiba, the SD-5109 has served me well and given me no problems. I'll hold onto it for a while because I couldn't get much for it today, and it may come in handy sometime. (I can always use it as a CD player in one of my many "B" systems scattered around the house.) If you happen to run into a working SD-5109 at a flea market or thrift store, you could do worse than buying it for $25.