CED VideoDisc and Player Discussion

[SaxCatz]

Hello All,
I'm a longtime AV enthusiast that has recently gotten into the CED world (more on that later) so I guess this first post in this thread will serve as my introduction.
A little about my AV interest first. As far as modern formats go, I have been collecting 12cm Optical Video Disc since 1998 and consequently have accumulated large DVD (1,856 disc) and Blu-ray (561 disc) collections. If you are interested, you can view them via my DVDProfiler here: http://www.invelos.com/dvdcollection.aspx/SaxCatz. As you can see, I collect a little of everything, but my passions lie in horror and sci-fi.
As far as equipment, I have what I guess you could describe as an "upper mid-range" home theater which consists of a Epson HC8500UB beaming onto a 120" matte white 1.1 gain screen which drops over a Samsung PN63A760 63" PDP. Everything is connected through an Onkyo TX-NR809 which power Sony SS-series speakers (my current weak spot in my theater) in 6.1 configuration (2 floors, front & rear center channels, and 2 bookshelfs) and feeds a Velodyne DLS-3750 sub. Components of note include an Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player, Pioneer CLD-D701 LD player and a JVC HR-3500U S-VHS deck. There's more, but that's enough for now. If you're still interested for some reason, here's a link to my build thread on AVS: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1232135
As far as vintage formats go, I have been back into LaserDisc collecting for several years and have a small but cherished LD collection. Here's a link to my collection at LDDB, I'll be updating my CEDs shortly: http://www.lddb.com/collection.php?action=list&user=saxcatz&sort=title I used to have a rather fantastic VHS collection, but that has dwindled signficantly over the years to the point where I probably have less than 30 tapes now and probably only a half-dozen of any interest.
I have been intereted in the CED format for the past two to three years. Admittedly, I was a small child when RCA sounded CEDs death knell and wasn't even quite yet born when it was introduced so I really only discovered the format at all maybe five years ago. Despite my interest (I had probably read nearly every page of CEDMagic before I had ever even seen a CED in person), I only recently entered the world of CED ownership and by happy accident at that. A friend of mine who frequents estate sales located a stash of CEDs. She knew that I collect LDs and, assuming they were LDs, bought a few titles she thought that I might be interested in and brought them to me. When she learned that they weren't LDs, she was upset. I had to explain to her that I was actually far more excited with what they turned out to be. Not surprisingly, the bulk (or all?) of the titles did not sell, and I set my mind to tracking them down. She was also kind enough to go out of her way to her assist by contacting her "connections." Way too long story made short, I located the lot and purchased them in bulk. A total of 45 titles for much less than a buck-a-piece. I haven't scoured each titles rareness rating, but despite a few obviously common titles, there are definitely a few surprises in the lot. With that, I am very pleased.
This, however, leads me to my problem. Surprisingly, despite none of the discs selling, the player did. So, obviously, I am in the market for a player. My wife is not entirely opposed to my vintage hobby, but she is far more interested in watching the latest blockbusters on Blu-ray if you know what I mean. As such, my expenditures must be modest.
While RCA connectors and a stereo player would be nice, I am really far more concerned with having a solidly built, reliable player. As such, I understand that my best bet might be the good ol' SGT100.
The problem is that I am located in southern Arizona. Unfortunately, after years of combing swap meets, it appears that the concept of home theater didn't appear here until circa 1994 . The only pre-90s equipment and media out here, be it CED, LD, Beta or older VHS, appears to be from those who brought it with them when they moved from back East, just like me. As such, a local find is almost out of the question. The lot that we found locally was really a shock.
As far as EBay is concerned, most of the listed fall into three categories: obscenely overpriced (there are some players listed for $250 or more!), sketchy, or flat out broken ("DNW.") I wouldn't pass up a good deal on EBay, but thus far I've been leary.
I was hoping that the kindly and experienced CED-enthusiasts here might be able to give my some tips for picking out a solid player, let me know what I should be willing to pay and maybe point me in the right direction. Perhaps a few folks here even have an extra solid, working player that they would be willing to part with for a reasonable sum.
Any assistance is much appreciated!!!
Thank you all!

[SaxCatz]

I've updated most of my recent CED haul on LDDb:
http://www.lddb.com/collection.php?action=list&user=saxcatz&sort=title
There are a few titles that weren't listed that I had to submit and will probably take some time to post before I can add them to my collection.

[Rixrex]

Well, what I've seen on ebay is that some of the players are cheap, but they don't work and are stated "not tested as is", or will be shipped in a way that they arrive damaged for certain because the seller is too lazy to do things right for only a few dollars sale.

Alternately, the seller thinks they have a gold mine and are way too high.

I just relisted several players I put into good working order, and you can see them at the CEDmagic classifieds here:

http://www.epage.com/js/browse/c1064/?cat=1000&c=1064&b=1064&r=0

I think these are pretty fair prices, and I do not skimp on shipping.

I have heard from anecdotal remarks that the best players are SGT 250 and SJT/SKT 400. I do like the 400, but I like the 300 and 200 just as well, and the SGT 200. Also like the Wards (Toshiba clone) model for appearance and general operation, but it's mono.

I would say that you can go with any stereo RCA model and be you'll happy with it. Unless you are hooking up via RF cable, then stereo won't matter.

[blindfury420]

Welcome ! If you are looking for a cheap player I have a bout 3 sft-100's not sgt's for sale and for $50 or less (not stereo). I too have seen high prices on ebay. In fact I have an sgt-250 that I replaced every belt on, cleaned, adjusted turntables synchronizer plates, oiled and lubed what I can. I included cords, the remote and a new stylus in the machine and I wont lie the price is up there at $225. But I have done a ridiculous amount to it otherwise I would be selling the sgt-250 for only about $150. Refurbished sj/k 400's can go for $300 easily but a broken one or the like, can go for $50 and sometimes even less. It really is about what you can fix and timing! I do hope you find a player you are looking for! Your best bet is getting a player from rix!
_________________
I dont own

McMicheal 5001h
Hitachi VIP202P
JCP 686-5705
RCA SKT265, SKT300
RCA SJT400X, SJT425

[SaxCatz]

Thanks for the very helpful responses!
Which models are more reliable and easier to repair? The older lever loading SFTs & SGTs or the later "auto" loading SGTs & SJTs?
If I can get my wife onboard, I'll send a message your way Rix!

[SaxCatz]

You have an e-mail from me, Rixrex.

[Rixrex]

Sorry, I can't find any email from you. Did you send it to:

rixrex @ netzero.net

If yes, please retry.

[Rixrex]

[SaxCatz]

Thanks RixRex!
I do like lever-loading models as they just seem "special."
By direct-drive turntable, I assume that you mean that a motor drives the turntable directly while the older models are belt driven? It does seem like that would simplify repairs somewhat.
I sent you another e-mail. Please let me know whether or not you receive it. I hope its not getting filtered as spam.

[Beetlescott]

[Beetlescott]

[SaxCatz]

Thanks Beetle. I think I've decided that its definitely worth the extra cash to make sure I get a stereo player. Hopefully I can score a player and start enjoying a few of these discs. I'm anxious to compare CED to some LaserDisc and VHS from the same era!

[SaxCatz]

Just wanted to say that Rixrex is in the process of helping me out with this one but thanks for all the help and support!

[Beetlescott]

[Rixrex]

He picked the SGT 200 so as to have stereo plus the lever switch. But don't worry guys, I have everyones' SGT 200 set away for when you want to get them. Fortunately that was the favorite model of my Dad so we had plenty.

[montecarlo02]

Hi Rixrex,

I sent you an email inquiring about your players for sale.

Thanks
Matthew
_________________
Matthew
SFT100

[SaxCatz]

[Beetlescott]

[SaxCatz]

Thanks to RixRex, my SGT 200 is now installed in my theater. I didn't have much time to fool with it tonight, but I did hook it up and preview a side of "Jazz in American" (appropriate as I'm a big Gerry Mulligan fan.)
On my 10 foot screen, I enjoy the natural look of CED. Color and detail are both a definite step up over VHS. The increase in detail along with the very organic look really makes me think of Super 8 film when projected.

[Rixrex]

Good to hear. I never worry much about the players working, only about them arriving in good shape from shipping.

There's plenty of good B-grade horror films on CED that will make that effect that you like so much even better. I would suggest the 5 Friday the 13th films on CED, Halloween 2 & 3, Hospital Massacre, The Final Terror, Parasite, and especially Visiting Hours, and many more.

Also, not a bad idea to get an extra stylus for the future.

[SaxCatz]

[Rixrex]

Might have to look other places too. Usually if it's one of those few I really want and hard to locate, and it's less than $10, I get it. If it gets on DVD, it's usually that much.

Visiting Hours was just released on DVD double feature with Bad Dreams. Sometimes this helps lower the price of other formats, but not always. Look at what happened with CEDS of Texas Chainsaw and Zombie recently.

I remember when just a couple of years ago Blood of the Vampire on VHS was ridiculously high, then the DVD finally came out and that was that.