Sony DVP-CX777ES And DVD Lobby Pro Question

[Evangelo2]

Hey Guys,
I am considering a Sony DVP-CX777ES and am wondering about how the RS232 port works. From my understanding I can install an application like DVD Lobby Pro on my PC, connect it to the DVD changer and then use the PC software to search through and choose movies. My main question is does the PC Program like DVD Lobby come up On-Screen or do I have to physically go to ym PC to search for movies. If it does come up on screen, how so? Is the video for the application broadcast through the RS232 Port? I think that port is only for commands to go back and forth. Perhaps it comes from some other source like a SVideo Input on the Changer. I appreciate any rellevant information as it is hard to find answers for this and I don't want to purchase all of this equipment. Thanks fo any help.
-Evangelo2

[Kingdaddy]

No video is available on the RS232 line, you must go to the computer to select the movie. If you want a TV to display DVD Lobby then you must have a TV (NTSC) output on your computer video card connected to a input of your TV. Then you must train a remote to mimic the keyboard commands to control the mouse cursor. The best way to do this is to get something like a View Sonic Airpanel, which is a wireless remote touch screen monitor ($499) that will allow full wireless control of your DVD library.

I have a 777ES hooked up to my computer via RS232 and am using DVD Lobby. With my setup I have no problem with going to my computer to select a movie then by the time I get to my seat the movie is starting, so it works out well this way. Although there is times I wish I could browse from the couch and I will probably be getting a Airpanel soon.

[Evangelo2]

How do you like that changer? How friendly are the browse menus that come built in with it? I read that it can be sorted by genre and then Disc Title. I aslo know that you can type some information in yourself. What type of information does it store? Ratings, Descriptions? Also, I heard it dsiplay the cover art if available or a frame from the DVD. How does this work out. The thing that would clinch it for me would be if I could comfortably peruse my DVD collection from my couch, pick a movie and just hit play. Thanks for any more information.
-Evangelo2

[Kingdaddy]

I think the player overall is fantastic with one major flaw that can be overlooked when compared to all the cool ability of the automation possibilities of the RS232 function. The flaw is the layer change, it is with out a doubt the worst I have ever seen or read about, a full 2-sec for all the movies I've tried. But as i said until someone comes out with a changer that can benefit from a third party controller like DVD Lobby it's the only game in town, so you have to take the good with the bad. As far as the stock interface goes, all changers and especially the Sony’s are terrible, and IMO nearly unusable, I would not own this machine if it weren’t for the RS232 connection to my computer.

[ChuckofTahoe]

The layer change pause is sub one second on my new DVP CX985V which I believe is similar to the 777ES. So maybe the newer 777 are improved as well.

Besides that, the layer change only happens once per DVD.

Originally posted by Kingdaddy
I think the player overall is fantastic with one major flaw that can be overlooked when compared to all the cool ability of the automation possibilities of the RS232 function. The flaw is the layer change, it is with out a doubt the worst I have ever seen or read about, a full 2-sec for all the movies I've tried. But as i said until someone comes out with a changer that can benefit from a third party controller like DVD Lobby it's the only game in town, so you have to take the good with the bad. As far as the stock interface goes, all changers and especially the Sony’s are terrible, and IMO nearly unusable, I would not own this machine if it weren’t for the RS232 connection to my computer.

[Evangelo2]

Thanks for the info guys.

[Compromise]

If you do not like the layer change, make a copy using a ripper and dvd2one to a single DVD. Make a movie only copy, and the layer change goes away. Store the original in a safe place. You will notice no difference in PQ for most movies.

[alexsquared]

If you do not like the layer change, make a copy using a ripper and dvd2one to a single DVD. Make a movie only copy, and the layer change goes away. Store the original in a safe place. You will notice no difference in PQ for most movies.
Rip & Burn 400 DVD's...wow

[galileo2000]

[QUOTE=alexsquared]Rip & Burn 400 DVD's...wow[/QUOTE]

Make it 800 for two and 1200 for three.

Actually, I don't care / notice layer change on mine DVP-CX777ES.

I think 777 is fantastic. Just bought a second one.

[Mntneer]

[QUOTE=galileo2000]Make it 800 for two and 1200 for three.

Actually, I don't care / notice layer change on mine DVP-CX777ES.

I think 777 is fantastic. Just bought a second one.[/QUOTE]

You know, I thought one was going to be enough for me, but after I've started loading mine up, I think I may need to get a second one as well. Great units though.

[John Robert]

I'm considering either the $399 MSRP Sony DVP-CX995V or the more expensive ES model. Any thoughts on the differences between the two? I'd be using it only as a DVD player thru HDMI to my Panny AE-700 projector...

John

[John Robert]

Doh! I just figured out the 777ES does not have HDMI...

John

[Kingdaddy]

[QUOTE=John Robert]Doh! I just figured out the 777ES does not have HDMI...

John[/QUOTE]

You wont get any noticeable picture quality difference to the display anyway, the one HDMI input should be reserved for a HD source anyway. Plus the RS232 is gold when you use a third party interface.

[snoots]

I have the 995 hooked up to my Main Lobby and it works fine, the only issue I have is that since it is IR controlled through my SLINKE the "mlcommand" only works properly if the display is up when I select a movie. I could fix this but I have not had time to play with the slinke commands to fix it. If I forget to push display the playter sometimes plays a chapter of the current movie rather than changing disks.