cholkavich wrote:
I recently started collecting LDs despite there not being any for sale here locally. I tend to buy lots off eBay. I have a Pioneer Elite CLD-99 that I managed to pick up for 50 bucks. I have it set up into my 32" CRT TV through s-video and am almost happy, Im looking into getting some surround sound going. As of right now I dont have any collecting "goals" I just try to get box sets of movies I like as well as anything I like or might enjoy.
Welcome to the LaserDisc world and the LDDB forums! Your method of collecting sounds like a good one and you have a great player - and got it for a super price! Don't pay much for LaserDisc's you want, most are not that rare and if you wait, you'll eventually get a disc you want for 10 bucks or so - I think most discs are worth 1 to 5 bucks, tops - only box sets and such warrant paying $25 and up. The last LaserDisc's issued were pressed in very small quantities - like less than 400 - and so go for big bucks, but are mostly trashy films and junk, so unless you just MUST have the Southpark film on LaserDisc, forget about the last year (2000 in America, 2001 in Japan) discs were made.
You probably know this, but keep the sharpness control on your CLD-99 turned all the way down - it just adds white outlines to all vertical transitions and obscures true image detail. Do you have the reviews of your player? If not, I'll point you to them as they have good info and tips on using the digital video NR and 3D comb filter.
LaserDisc can be a fun or frustrating format to collect, depending on how you approach it. LD was an analog format and had a lot of issues which irritate many people - but if you just enjoy it for what it is/was, you'll have a great time collecting and enjoying your discs and player.
Again, welcome!
Thanks list
