LaserDisc Database • Search

admin · **Posted:** 05 Jul 2023, 07:34

Able to be found with ease (Not so rare to the point of being near impossible to find for sale)
Below 1000$ (Unless a good player is only obtainable for a price higher than such)
Able to do all forms of digital audio (AC3, CX Digital Sound, DTS (If Possible))
Multiple Output Options (Composite, S-Video, etc.) (If possible. If not, then just at least Composite is fine)
Support for most if not all different kinds of Discs (CLV, CAV at least, I think)

For availability, a Pioneer NTSC model would be easier to source.
Try to find a player locally for pick up in person, avoid shipping if possible.
Avoid combi DVD/LD DVL-* players, stick to CD/LD only.
If local pick up, test it (CLV, CAV, CD) in person before buying it.

For Analog, Digital, DTS and AC3RF, you need:

A recent player (after 1995 should be safe)
A player with AC3RF output (separate from Digital Audio) => full list here
A player with Coax or TOSLINK output for DTS
An AC3RF demodulator or compatible device => full lists here

Explanation of audio sountracks on LD is here => https://www.lddb.com/help/sound/
Explanation of AC3RF demodulation is here => https://www.lddb.com/help/ac3rf/

Would I be able to use a Digital Coaxial to Optical Box to listen to the digital sound, or would I also need a decoder box? (Unless my Sound Blaster Z SE can already decode the signal)

This Soundcard only has TOSLINK IN so you'd need a player with TOSLINK out or a COAX-to-TOSLINK converter.

Player examples that match your criteria: Pioneer CLD-79 , Pioneer CLD-99 or Pioneer CLD-D704 but I don't know their current market price.

Good luck in your player search!

Julien