Zenith DVB318 died!! Opinions please!

[mc4saints]

I bought this player over a year ago brand new from amazon.com. It has been great thanks to AVS Forum Members. I did the firmware upgrade so I have been using over 1080i via component on a Samsung 61" DLP. I need to have a DVD player that upconverts over component because my TV just has one DVI input which is being used for my Dish network HD receiver.

What the 318 is doing is not reading the dvds. I have tried a couple of different cleaners with no luck. I can here the dvd mechanism spinning. It spins up to full speed in about 3 seconds and then you here it wind down and then trys the same thing over and over, but it will not show anything on the display besides the LG boot-up screen. All other functions work normally. The display shows the spinning dvd symbol and everything.

Here are my dilemmas:

1st:

Does anyone know what this is or how to fix it or has anyone else had this problem and came up with a fix? I haven't cleaned it before and I probably average watching about 2 dvd's a week for the year and 3 months I have owned it. Any other cleaners I should try? I just used the standard maxell dvd cleaner.

2nd:

Should I get this dvd player fixed or by another one? This seems to be a well liked DVD player but if the dvd mechanism is bad and most repair shops charging $50 just for an estimate is it worth it?

3rd:

Should I just replace with a Samsung 850? It seems I can pick it up locally for around $100. Will this be a good replacement? I have heard that the samsung looks better over 720p than 1080i, is this true? I have enjoyed the 318 via 1080i. Will I be disappointed in the 850 or this the difference very minimal?

Thanks in advance for all opinions and advice.

MC

[Phototone]

If your goal is to have 1080i over component, then you may consider having Samsung repair it. It is hard to measure the worth of a unit that cannot be replaced with a new one with the same features.

[mc4saints]

I might have zenith repair it, but I have read that the samsung 850 does 1080i and 720p, just doesn't do it as well as the zenith 318??

Maybe someone on the forum can diagnose the problem from my description and give me an idea of what it would cost to get it fixed.

Thanks
MC

[PFury67]

Have you considered getting DVI/HDMI switch?

[mc4saints]

[QUOTE=PFury67]Have you considered getting DVI/HDMI switch?[/QUOTE]
I have in the past. I guess I did not won't to spend the money on one that I could work with my Harmony remote. I am happy with the 318 through component, it just broke. I guess I will get estimates on getting it fixed.

I am still looking for opinions. Is the samsung 850 better/worse than the 318 I have?

[bmonkey]

I have almost exactly the same story: bought the Zenith from Amazon.com a little over a year ago, and it just died. First it was having trouble reading discs (same spin up then down problem as you), and just last week it refused to power on. I've actually never had a component completely die on me like that, but it's toast. Weird.

I'm probably just going to get a replacement as well and have the same question: would the Samsung 850 provide about the same quality over component/DVI (either is fine for me)?

[mc4saints]

[QUOTE=bmonkey]I have almost exactly the same story: bought the Zenith from Amazon.com a little over a year ago, and it just died. First it was having trouble reading discs (same spin up then down problem as you), and just last week it refused to power on. I've actually never had a component completely die on me like that, but it's toast. Weird.

I'm probably just going to get a replacement as well and have the same question: would the Samsung 850 provide about the same quality over component/DVI (either is fine for me)?[/QUOTE]
Did you check with a Zenith service center to see how much it would cost to repair it? Just curious. If you are able to use DVI. I would probably buy the oppo. (www.oppodigital.com). It seems to be getting great reviews, but it doesn't upconvert over component like our zenith used to. what to do?

[scout928]

If you cannot find a replacement DVB318, I recommend the Panasonic S97. My LG LDA-511 is only used for DIVX/XVID movies...this player cannot compare to either DVB318 or S97.

scout

[bmonkey]

I ordered the Oppo ... should be here in a couple of days! I haven't had a chance to look into getting the Zenith replaced/repaired, but I needed a replacement ASAP so I just pulled the trigger on the Oppo. Looks like a nice unit.

[Phototone]

[QUOTE=bmonkey]I ordered the Oppo ... should be here in a couple of days! I haven't had a chance to look into getting the Zenith replaced/repaired, but I needed a replacement ASAP so I just pulled the trigger on the Oppo. Looks like a nice unit.[/QUOTE]


Just bear in mind, that you HAVE to use the HDMI/DVI output on the Oppo. Otherwise you get no upscaling at all.

[mc4saints]

[QUOTE=scout928]If you cannot find a replacement DVB318, I recommend the Panasonic S97. My LG LDA-511 is only used for DIVX/XVID movies...this player cannot compare to either DVB318 or S97.

scout[/QUOTE]
S97 sounds great, but it can't upconvert through component as far as I understand?

It looks like no one is recommending fixing the 318. I guess from my original description it will cost too much?

What a nice unit to go down the drain after a year and 2 months!

No one likes the samsung 850 as a replacement? I also see 841's going really cheap on ebay. (I have read that there are a lot of reliability issues with the 841?) Maybe I could do that and wait for HD-dvd to decide its path.

[greeno]

I would recommend investigating fixing it. Loader/laser pick-up might not be that expensive. I own a 318. if it dies, I will fix it.

jeff

[Bud-man]

buy LG DVB412, basically the same as a 318 but with HDMI, can buy them cheap on e-bay, 100's of them for sale there, then you can easily hack it for 1080i over component.

[mc4saints]

Called Zenith repair center. Tech said that Zenith doesn't just sell the laser. I have to buy this whole assembly that would cost $80 to $100 plus labor. Sounds like the 318 is done. I am going to take one shot at taking the top off and cleaning the laser with Windex -- Just kidding - going to use some compressed air.

Bud-Man. I did not see any LG DVB412's on ebay. I saw the 418 can I upconvert through component on this one.

My set-up.

I have a Samsung HLN617W DLP. It has one DVI. I am using my DVI for HD Dish receiver. 80% of my tv time is Dish.

Should I switch the component to the dish and use DVI for DVD?
Does the component over dish network HD look the same as DVI?

What is the Native resolution of my TV? (I have read 720p, but I thought it was 1080i?)
If it is 720p wouldn't the samsung hd841, 850, 941, 950 with the remote hack be best?
What would be my best choice of DVD player that upconverts over component?

I have read about 400 posts now and I think I am just confusing myself!!!

Why, Why did the 318 die! I was happy!

Help!

Life with A/V!

Thanks for all current and future replies and opinions!

MC

[greeno]

Bud-man typed 412 but meant 418. I also bought one on ebay that should arrive this week.

[mc4saints]

Thanks.. I will check it out now. Can you point me to the hacking info for this unit? Is it the same as the 318?

[Steve S]

My 4 year old Sony CRT based set has neither HDMI or DVI, only component. I used a pre-software revision DVB-318 for a while and bought a Samsung 850 a couple of weeks ago.

The Samsung hack that allows upscaling via component was easily done with the remote, pq is a bit better than the Zenith over component. Upscaling scanrate can be changed via remote, you don't have to mash a button on the unit itself. It has a nifty feature called "EZ-view" which will pillarbox 4/3 and also will fix non-anamorphic letterboxed dvds--a real boon for those whose sets lock into "full" when fed an HD scanrate. Build quality is a little better than the Zenith, and it's much faster to read discs.

In short, the Samsung 850 has a bit better pq than the Zenith and will correctly display 4/3 and non-anamorphic widescreen dvds. I think it's the ideal replacement for the DVB-318 for those who require upscaling via component.

[Stefan Young]

i killed mine with a large hammer

[mc4saints]

Thanks for the reply Steve S. I have also read tonight that the sam 850 does a good job with 720p also. Since my 61" Samsung DLP's Native Resolution is 720p. Maybe this is the best choice?

Do you know if the 850 is upconverting copy-protected DVD's also?

I have read the other forums about the LG 511 and 418 and they will upconvert copy protected dvd's, but I am little scared of these because the zenith was made by LG also.
I think I will choose between these 3.

I have looked into getting the 318 fixed, but it will probably cost over $100

Any market for a broken 318 that has the old firmware?

[mc4saints]

What did you replace it with?

[HoustonGuy]

[QUOTE=mc4saints]S97 sounds great, but it can't upconvert through component as far as I understand?

It looks like no one is recommending fixing the 318. I guess from my original description it will cost too much?

What a nice unit to go down the drain after a year and 2 months!

No one likes the samsung 850 as a replacement? I also see 841's going really cheap on ebay. (I have read that there are a lot of reliability issues with the 841?) Maybe I could do that and wait for HD-dvd to decide its path.[/QUOTE]
However did not the s97 via component test out just as well on Home secrets (as did the HDMI?)

[mpjohnst]

mc4saints-
Sorry you had problems with your 318... welcome to the club. It's funny how many times I hear people say that the problem isn't widespread only to come across countless threads like this one. My long story short...

Mine died too with same exact symptoms. It was out of warranty but my CC had extended it by 1 year and reimbursed me the full purchase price (check the card you used to see if there was a buyer's assurance plan). I was hesitant to get another 318 due to reading about so many problems. I recently got a Samsung 950 which does a great job. The PQ is not quite as good as the 318 but good enough that I'm keeping it.

You can read my lengthy comparison in this thread: Best Upscaling Player Over Component? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=631338)

Here are other posts of people reporting identical problems:
Is my zenith dvb 318 beyond recovery? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=640331)
Problem with DVB318 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=605861)

Make sure to check with your credit card as it made the transition much easier for me... I got $200 back for my 318 and bought a 950 for $160 14 months later :D I forget who originally told me to check with my CC company but I feel it's my duty to spread the word.

Best of luck and be sure to report on how your replacement does (what ever it ends up being).
-Matt

[mc4saints]

[QUOTE=mpjohnst]mc4saints-
Sorry you had problems with your 318... welcome to the club. It's funny how many times I hear people say that the problem isn't widespread only to come across countless threads like this one. My long story short...

Mine died too with same exact symptoms. It was out of warranty but my CC had extended it by 1 year and reimbursed me the full purchase price (check the card you used to see if there was a buyer's assurance plan). I was hesitant to get another 318 due to reading about so many problems. I recently got a Samsung 950 which does a great job. The PQ is not quite as good as the 318 but good enough that I'm keeping it.

You can read my lengthy comparison in this thread: Best Upscaling Player Over Component? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=631338)

Here are other posts of people reporting identical problems:
Is my zenith dvb 318 beyond recovery? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=640331)
Problem with DVB318 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=605861)

Make sure to check with your credit card as it made the transition much easier for me... I got $200 back for my 318 and bought a 950 for $160 14 months later :D I forget who originally told me to check with my CC company but I feel it's my duty to spread the word.

Best of luck and be sure to report on how your replacement does (what ever it ends up being).
-Matt[/QUOTE]
Thanks...So you say your 950 is not quite as good as the 318. Is 98% as good or 88% as good? I realize I am splitting hairs here, but just trying to make an informed decision.

%&!*^*&) 318!!!!

MC

[mpjohnst]

Keep in mind my display is only 540p and I'm not sure how good my built-in scalar is. That said...

I would say the Samsung in (720p or 1080i) is 90% as good in PQ as the 318 in 1080i. I could only notice the difference in direct A/B comparisons. I have read that others prefer 720p on the Samsung and considering you have a native 720p display, the PQ difference might be closer.

As mentioned in my write up, the added features and the nearly-as-good PQ have sold me and I'm keeping it. I'll be upgrading my projector in less than a year anyway so I figure my days of worrying about upconverting over component are limited.

Again, best of luck.
-Matt

[bradesp]

Oh My Gosh!!!

Bought an LG LDA-531 from Canada two weeks ago and finally got the hacks to work for upconverting over component and I AM BLOWN AWAY!

I'm displaying on a Pioneer elite RPTV 16x9 1st gen Hi Def and I'm using 1080i.. My family which is clueless in general (I love them, but that doesn't mean they recognize greatness when they see it) couldn't believe the quality of the dvd playback.. we ended up spending all Sunday afternoon re-watching four DVD's in a row.. it was awesome!

I can't say enough about the LDA 531 ... I previously had the Zenith and I really wasn't that impressed.

[Beaker1024]

bradesp,
The LG 531 sounds really promising. I'm still enjoying my Zenith 318, that I am impressed with, but keeping an eye on what would be a quick replacement.

Can you please describe what type of TV you are displaying on?? Is that a RP CRT, LCD, DLP and what size diagonal screen?? I just read a review/thread post on the LG 531 that said it was good on a 32" but not so good on a 61" hitachi screen.... So these questions on your TVs actual specs came to mind. Of course I read about that issue on another forum that I do not trust as much as this one. Just thought I'd check though.

Thanks again for posting your impressions of this player, it is greatly appreciated. Your comments have me thinking that the LG 531 would be the replacement machine for me should I need one.

[utente]

I have the same problem. My 318 started in January with the problem reading discs "NO DISC". Tried lens cleaner... no improvement.

Then it started skipping in the middle of dvds. It plays cds just fine, but has trouble with dvds.

I called Zenith and, of course, it's out of warranty.

I'll check out the LG, as long as it's an easy hack to convert the upscaling to component.

Meanwhile, an engineer told me that the dvd drive on a computer does even better than 1080i. Has anybody tried using a laptop (or desktop) with audio and video outs?

[bradesp]

[QUOTE=Beaker1024]bradesp,
The LG 531 sounds really promising. I'm still enjoying my Zenith 318, that I am impressed with, but keeping an eye on what would be a quick replacement.

Can you please describe what type of TV you are displaying on?? Is that a RP CRT, LCD, DLP and what size diagonal screen?? I just read a review/thread post on the LG 531 that said it was good on a 32" but not so good on a 61" hitachi screen.... So these questions on your TVs actual specs came to mind. Of course I read about that issue on another forum that I do not trust as much as this one. Just thought I'd check though.[/QUOTE]

I'm displaying on a Pioneer Elite 710 HDTV RPTV which is a 64" 16x9 HDTV with 7" or 9" analog guns, I forget which.

Anyway in it's day (2002) this was state of the art! Analog with incredible internal scaler / line doubler, vga, component and s-video inputs. This set listed for 10K and I bought it for 6K in 2002, which at the time was considered an insane amount of money. Insanely BLACK levels. We love this set. I have a nice 50" plasma in our kids playroom hooked up to an xbox 360 and the Plasma doesn't hold a candle to my analong Pioneer elite.

Anyway, my family and I are in love with the visual clarity of the upconverted 1080i from the LG dvd player... vivid, clear, clarity rivaling over the air HDTV, what more could you ask for in the $200 range??