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Toshiba SD-P1500 (08/02/2001)

Toshiba SD-P1500

Entered CNET Catalog: 08/02/2001

SKU: 0022265980071

Manufacturer: Toshiba

Content [Hide]
  1. Manufacturer's description
  2. Product summary
  3. Editors' review
  4. Users' opinions
  5. Keywords

Manufacturer description

A full-featured portable player, the Toshiba SD-P1500 features an 8-inch wide screen active-matrix display, the industry's largest-ever screen in the portable DVD category at the time of its release. The SD-P1500 includes a host of advanced technologies for exceptional picture performance, including a 10-bit, 27MHz video DAC and a ColorStream component-video output. It provides total disc versatility, including DVD-video, DVD-R, CD-audio, video CD, CD-R, and CD-RW playback. The SD-P1500 is ultra-portable, with a flip-up LCD panel that makes it easy and convenient to view high-quality DVD movies and video CDs anywhere, anytime. The active-matrix TFT display delivers bright, highly detailed pictures with remarkable color resolution, purity, and detail. A full complement of audio and video outputs make it quick and easy to connect the SD-P1500 to virtually any existing home entertainment system. In addition to its ColorStream component-video output, the SD-P1500 offers audio and video plug outputs, a standard S-video output, and a coaxial digital-audio output. Consistent with Toshiba's full-sized DVD players, the SD-P1500 features Dolby Digital and DTS compatibility. Additionally, the SD-P1500 features a picture zoom, letting you select and enlarge areas of the picture you want to see more closely, magnifying them by a power of four - especially useful for small-screen viewing.

Product summary

The goodThe good: Excellent picture quality; 16:9 playback capabilities; very smooth picture in zoom modes; full suite of video outputs; digital audio out; two headphone jacks; active-matrix screen.

The badThe bad: Weak battery life; slightly bulky for a portable; some awkward remote functions.

The bottom lineThe bottom line: With fantastic DVD playback in a small package, the SD-P1500 can easily double for a full-sized player in your home theater.

Average user rating: from 26 users
3.0 stars

Editors' review

  • Editors' Choice: No
  • Reviewed on: 09/12/2001
Toshiba has built on the precedent set by its previous portable DVD player, the SD-P1000, by expanding the screen and tweaking a few features. It lacks the SD-P1000's progressive-scan capabilities, but it's still a fantastic choice for watching movies on the road--and even in your home theater. Toshiba has built on the precedent set by its previous portable DVD player, the SD-P1000, by expanding the screen and tweaking a few features. It lacks the SD-P1000's progressive-scan capabilities, but it's still a fantastic choice for watching movies on the road--and even in your home theater.

Muscle machine
By itself, the SD-P1500 is an about average-sized portable DVD player--until you strap on the battery pack. Once you do that, you'll add 1.1 pounds to the package, causing the whole thing to tip the scales at 2.9 pounds and doubling its size. For all its mass, the lithium-ion battery doesn't last very long (just more than three hours).

But if you can get past the slightly beefy size and the anemic battery life, the SD-P1500 is a great portable. The 234x480-pixel, 16:9 aspect-ratio screen measures 8 inches diagonally, giving you a lot of picture, and the built-in antialiasing gives this player the best video of any portable DVD player on the market. There is absolutely no pixelization--even on non-16:9-enhanced DVDs. Scenes from Barbarella that showed noticeable jagged edges on other portable DVD players were as smooth as glass on the SD-P1500. The picture remains intact even when you utilize the three levels of zoom. In fact, it's so good that you can watch 2.35:1 aspect-ratio movies zoomed in to fill the screen. The only price you'll pay is a slight reduction in sharpness, but this trade-off is well worth it.

The big picture
Films that are 16:9-enhanced, such as Brazil, look great on the SD-P1500's crisp, active-matrix screen. The display really shines with excellent color balance and no noticeable artifacting. The 10-bit video converter with an antialias filter not only makes the picture on the SD-P1500's LCD screen look fantastic, it also does a great job on a big screen. Thanks to a complete set of composite video, S-Video, and component video connections, the SD-P1500 is very versatile. Hooked up to a Toshiba TN50X81 TV and a Harman Kardon AVR 20 receiver for home-theater tests, the player's redition of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon looked and sounded first-rate with minimal tweaking.

The SD-P1500 doesn't let you adjust the various picture aspects separately. Instead, you'll have quick access to one of five Enhanced Picture Mode presets to control the brightness, the contrast, and the color-level settings. You'll find an enhanced-black-level mode, an animation mode, another labeled Normal, and two separate movie modes. The Enhanced Picture Mode presets are a nice time-saver, and we found the range of settings to be fine for all but the most finicky videophile.

The sound from the built-in speakers is good, considering the often tinny sound that you get from small portable speakers, but even with the audio cranked, the sound isn't very loud. We recommend carrying headphones. There's also a karaoke audio function and audio-in jack so that you can turn any bar into a karaoke club. And the audio input is actually an audio/video input, so you can view photos from your digital camera on the SD-P1500's large screen if you like. You'll also find an optical/coaxial digital audio output to connect to your home-theater receiver for surround sound. The player also has Spatializer-simulated surround sound for a good imitation of 3D audio from two speakers or when using headphones. There are two headphone jacks that let you share the audio with a friend--a nice touch. And the dynamic range control balances Dolby 5.1 dialogue and ambient audio quite well.

The list price of the SD-P1500 is $1,199--$400 less than that of the earlier SD-P1000. In terms of value, the SD-P1500 is a great no-compromise solution for DVD enthusiasts wanting to take their home theater on the road. The only things that you might miss are a progressive-scan mode and an MP3 playback feature, but a portable player with a picture this good is hard to beat.

User opinions

Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
User Rating:
2.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

a very decent unit for the moneyby - April 21, 2004

Pros: Well built compared to other units in price range

Cons: made in china,no a/v in

Review:
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 26 user reviews

I'm returning my second SD-P1400by - March 18, 2004

Pros: This is actually a review of the SD-P1400. I like the size and features but have had many problems.

Cons: I don't know about the 1500, but I'm about to return my second 1400. The first came out of the box with no power to the screen and the second pauses between each chapter. I was happier with the 5" Mintek I had in the first place. Too bad, because I love m

Review:
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 26 user reviews

An absolutely smart buyby - March 12, 2004

Pros: More features than you'd expect from something so small. Can easily be used to supplement your home TV and with the included remote, you can stay comfy on the couch.

Cons: Somewhat heavy but not undesireably so.

Review:
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Poor reliability with DVD-Rby - February 26, 2003

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Poor reliability playing any DVD-R discs which play flawlessly on other DVD players including a Sharp 8" competitor. Used two different DVD writers including Toshiba's own! Still very unreliable.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

A greater Playerby - September 27, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Ilove everything about this player, except I would like better and more sound from the speakers sometime it just is not loud enough.One more thing there is no power cord too hook up to the car and to buy one it cost too much.
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Does the job very wellby - September 7, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I use with the Bose noise reduction headphones, so haven't encountered the headphone volume complaints. Picture quality good, only one bad pixel. Don't be deceived by the pictures and size specs - with the battery attached it's very thick. Bottom gets very hot running AC only. Accesssories are expensive (longer hr battery and airline / car lighter adapter). Got a heck of a deal on e-bay, have had no need for support.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Great player!by - May 28, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Pro - Picture quality is very good, and the Toshiba has more funtionality than I will ever use. Battery lasted for two full movies. Con - Poor volume control ..pick up a Radio Shack "Headset Volume Booster" $19.99 and your volume problems are gone. Shame on Toshiba for making me buy this, but the picture quality of the unit makes up for it.
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

not enough pixels for 8 in screenby - May 6, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I was going to buy toshiba SD-P1500 until i saw a display at Best Buy on 5-6-02. Gone with the wind demo was playing (widescreen) From 24 in. i could see the pixel structure that makes up the picture. approx 90,000 pixels is way too little to support hi quality into an 8 in screen. laptop pc is much sharper although not quite so portable. Will not buy portablevd until they perfect quality. Walt
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Good Sound Great Pictureby - April 2, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I read the reviews citing volume issues but I've got to say I don't see what these people are talking about. Perhaps there were some bad batches but the sound from mine has been great with or without headphones. This unit is great for anyone with kids or who does a lot of flying.
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Do your homeworkby - April 2, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: This player is not in the league with the Panasonic LA-95. Spend the extra $100 and get the Panasonic. It took me 3 seconds to see the difference in performance, hear the difference in the sound systems and as far as the features go, Pansonic's LA-95 is "fully loaded" vs "standard" if we were talking cars. DVD-Audio, easy inputs for my digital camera and DVD-R are available on the Panasonic. I first rented a Panasonic at an InMotion Pictures place in the Atlanta airport. They vouched for the quality of Panasonic's players as the best available as well.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

great for travelersby - March 8, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: i give it an 8.5. THe picture quality isnt as amaZing as i had hoped, but despite that this player has alot to offer. Reccomended to everyone who travels, or who wants a very expensive toy. LOOK ON EBAY FOR NEW ONES---THE ARE AT GREAT PRICES I GOT MINE OFF EBAY
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Good picture/weak volumeby - February 18, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: The picture is wonderful. However, I agree with another viewer who indicated the Boosteroo device would help increase the volum. The Boosteroo is a wonderful device. Try it, you might like it.
User Rating:
3.0 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Best picture I've seen/worst soundby - February 12, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Excellent DVD player if you are after great picture quality. Verastility if fantastic with all the connection options. Incredibly terrible volume. The sound quality is A+ but impossible to hear. Frustrating that you need the extras, can not be used without a sound booster. Still it is the picture that counts. Poor design on the battery makes it a bit bulky but other than that worth every penny.
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Got Kids, Gotta Travel, Get Thisby - February 8, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I picked this up to keep the "When are we going to get there?" down to a minimum. Since my truck did not come equipped with a theater system I combined this with a 12volt VCR and an inverter for the DVD power. What a sweet setup. The kids watched movies with the sound through the vehicle's stereo or when I didn't want the noise, by use of headphones. The picture is clear and the operation is very simple, but as most people have stated the volume with headphones is very poor. My older daughter even hooked her Play Station2 into the DVD player and the inverter and was kept busy for the long haul. I did quite a bit of comparison before purchasing and the poor sound quality was seriously outweighed by the video quality. And by running the audio output through the vehicle sound system that is overcome, so two thumbs up.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Bad overall. A waste of money.by - February 7, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: The case vibrates, it heats up quickly, and is overpriced. DVD quality is poor, and the sound is tinny.
User Rating:
2.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

You get what you pay for !by - February 7, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Good quality pictures, but the battery life make for awkward viewing. But still A gret temporary relief on the those long trips with the wife and kids.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Sexy Design and Colorby - February 7, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Toshiba SD-P1500 is very cool and sexy, and if it is possible I will try to get one
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Excellent and will travelby - February 4, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Great picture, plenty of neat features (component video out, dual head phone jacks etc). I cannot fault sound as do others, this may be specific to units. Volume control awkward. One major reason I bought this unit is the a/c adapter works world wide (with correct plug, of course), and I travel a lot.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Great Picture! Just needs a little BOOST!by - January 14, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: As you aleady know, the picture quality is outstanding. It is strange that they didnt put more volume output on the system, however if you BUY A SOUND BOOSTER at your Local Radio Shack, it will fix all the sound problems. Plug in the Sound Booster(20$), and the sound output is awesome. At first I was so upset when I plugged in my headphones and couldnt get sound, but now It is loud, and crisp. Surround sound sounds great. This fixes the problem of not hearing the sound on a plane.
User Rating:
1.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

WARNING DO NOT BUY See commentsby - January 13, 2002

Pros:

Cons:

Review: If you purchased for portability, you WILL NOT be able to hear sound in a car, plane, or train without noise reduction headphones. The picture quality is excellent and system design is nice; however, as a portable player it is not to be purchased since you will not be able to hear.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Versatile DVD playerby - December 27, 2001

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I read the posted reviews before buying this DVD unit on e-bay ($725). I was primarily interested in the outstanding picture quality, which is true. One reviewer solved the poor sound problem using a "Bosteroo" amplifier and I followed that advice. The small Boosteroo amplifier is fantastic and totally solves the poor sound problems with this unit. I have also used this DVD player while connected to my Sharp Aquos TV and the picture is phenomenal.
User Rating:
2.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Good Screen, Extremely Poor Volumeby - December 20, 2001

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I was excited to purchase this "portable" and was very pleased with the picture quality. However, selling a portable without an airline/auto power adapter is not unlike selling a home stereo system without an AC chord. Worse yet, don't try this portable on an airplane or in your family van. The volume at maximum setting is so weak my wife and I gave up trying to watch Shrek and several other features on our return trip from Europe. My only hope is to find headphones with independent volume controls. Toshiba consumer support must have been hitting the eggnog early because they actually told me to return it to Best Buy and try another brand DVD player.
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

I got It I got Itby - December 18, 2001

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I got It and Have to Report It It was a hard choice between the Toshiba SD-P1500 and Panasonic's LA-95 but it's what in the picture that counts. The picture quality on the Toshiba is far superior. It doesn't look as nice and flashy as the LA-95 but again its the picture that counts. The only complaints as alread mentioned is the bulky style with the battery on It won't open up 180 degrees like the LA-95 (nice for sliding in front seat rear pockets) The sound from the earphones need to be boosted but the advantages far outweight these little problems In addition it has a video input for a tv-tuner, digital camera or any other video device. That feature is one up on the LA-95
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Fantastic Toy for Christmasby - November 29, 2001

Pros:

Cons:

Review: This will be my Christmas present to myself. I work at Best Buy and will be getting this device for $669. Eat your heart out
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Nice picture & features, but won't play my Asian DVD'sby - November 11, 2001

Pros:

Cons:

Review: I like it a lot, although it can get pretty warm in use. My only complaint is that I got it in the States but live in Asia and can't play local DVD's... anyone have a hack to change the Zone on this??
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 26 user reviews

Exactly what I was looking for ...by - November 9, 2001

Pros:

Cons:

Review: Based on the reviews, the Toshiba SD-P1500 is precisely what I expected: A great portable DVD player, that also serves as a good stand by home unit too. Picture, audio quality solid. Remote ok. Some minor complaints: The volume dial on the main unit is stiff and too far recessed into body for easy adjustment. The snap lock device to close the screen is flimsy plastic and looks prone to break. For a $999 MSRP would it have bankrupted Toshiba to use spring steel? Other than that, I feel I got what was advertisied and I'm largely pleased with the buy. Paid 25% below retail; would never have considered going higher than that price based on the unit's overall quality.

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Toshiba SD-P1500 specifications

  • General
  • Product Type DVD player
  • Form Factor Portable
  • Width 8.3 in
  • Depth 5.5 in
  • Height 1.0 in
  • Enclosure Color Metallic silver
  • Localization English
  • DVD
  • Media Type CD-RW , DVD-R , Video CD , DVD , CD , CD-R
  • Video D/A Converter 10bit / 27MHz
  • Audio D/A Converter 24bit / 192kHz
  • Media Load Type Top-load
  • Search Speed 2x , 8x , 30x
  • Slow Motion Speed 1/8 , 1/2 , 1/4
  • Picture Modes Letterbox , Widescreen , Pan and scan , Normal
  • DVD Repeat Modes A-B repeat , All , Title , Chapter , Random , Program
  • CD Playback Modes Program play , Random play / shuffle , All tracks repeat , One track repeat
  • Display
  • Display Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 8.0 in - Color
  • Image Aspect Ratio 16:9
  • DVD Features
  • Picture zoom Yes
  • Picture zoom power 4x
  • Parental lock Yes
  • Multi-camera angle select Yes
  • Multi-language select Yes
  • Multi-subtitle select Yes
  • Audio System
  • Sound Output Mode Stereo
  • Surround Sound Effects Spatializer N-2-2 Virtual Surround
  • Digital Audio Format DTS digital output , Dolby Digital output
  • Speaker System Details 2.0 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in
  • Remote Control
  • Type Remote control
  • Technology Infrared
  • Connections
  • Connector Type 2.0 x SPDIF output ( RCA phono ) - Side , 1.0 x Component video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear , 1.0 x Headphones ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear , 1.0 x Composite video/audio output ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ) - Rear , 1.0 x S-Video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear
  • Power
  • Power Device Power supply - Integrated
  • Battery 1.0 x Standard battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
  • Included Qty 1.0
  • Capacity 3.0 hour(s)