This is the first DVD player I have owned. I wanted to buy a DVD player with the features I felt were important at a good price. So here is my review:

First, I was interested in the features it had. This DVD player can play DVD's(duh), CD, CD-R, CD-RW, HDCD, and DVD-R. I don't know about the last one, but it says so on the Toshiba website. Those are the main features that are important TO ME. However, it also has a zoom feature with three different levels of magnification which is really nice, although on the third zoom, the detail becomes a LITTLE fuzzy, but you can still see the picture clear. It has a multiple angle camera function, which works on certain scenes in some DVD's. I have yet to use this function, but I find it kinda neat.

Second, the setup is so easy. I was watching a DVD within 5 minutes of opening the box. Of course, I am not connecting it to a receiver, just directly to the TV. But it would be simple to incorporate a HT system with this DVD player.

Third, the quality. The picture is great. Also, this player can play scratched disks VERY well, as most rental disks are a little worn. Also, the playback is extremely silent. I could hear a VERY faint whirring of the disk, and I was sitting about 6 feet away! I believe if I had a TV cabinet of some sort to put it in, I wouldn't hear a thing.

Fourth: I have read numerous reviews on various websites on some of the drawbacks of this player, most of them complaining about the remote being too small or the buttons on the remote being too close together. In my opinion, the remote is just fine. Maybe these people had stumpy fingers or something, but I don't see how they can say the remote is a problem.

Finally, I would like to say that for an entry-level DVD player, for the features you get, and for the price you pay, this is a GREAT purchase.

CONS: Doesn't play MP3's. on CD's.
WIDER than a vcr or cable box so it doesnt fit in cabinet that use standardized sizes for such things.
Instructions arent really that good...I connected it by trial & error.

OVERALL....Great Im very happy it. If yo are on a budget and still want features and performance...get this one!

This is a key point because it reflects a larger issue: there really aren't many features to lead one to recommend the 2700 over the 1600. For me, it was the ability to play my old collection of VCDs (which is the only reason my old Samsung player is still around the house). The other advantage for some might be the ability to play CD-Rs -- having none, I can't confirm whether or not the 1600 can. The HDCD and DVD-recordable functionality are of dubious value to the average consumer. In the end, there isn't much to distinguish the 2700 from the 1600 except for a couple of bucks. That being said, the 2700 is a great DVD player.

One last issue of note is a general gripe about Toshiba remotes. They aren't very ergonomic or simple to use. Toshiba should take a clue from the people at Samsung, whose remotes with joysticks are just great.

For the sub-optimal remote and the minimal advantage over the 1600, the 2700 loses a star and gets **** in my book!

Knowing that the sound and picture I was getting from Toshiba was awesome, I told myself that I would try Toshiba again, given that I probably had bought the SD2700 in a broken state. So, last week I went to the store and asked questions for almost 2 hours, of which DVD would meet my needs. It was a toss-up between Panasonic and Toshiba. I settled once again on the Toshiba, but an upgraded model from the SD2700...I bought the SD2710, which plays MP3's. So far it plays all the movies that the SD2700 didn't. I know that the SD2700 I bought was definitely broken, so don't let this review scare you.

I'm very happy with the SD2710.