Quick Takes - Oritron Ruby 100 DVD Player - September, 2000


Jared Baldwin

 

Ratings:
		Extraordinary
		Good
		Acceptable
		Mediocre
		Poor

Oritron Ruby 100 DVD Player

Playable Formats:  DVD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW

Audio Formats:  DD/DTS output

Outputs:  1 Coaxial Digital, 2 RCA Analog Audio, 2 RCA Video

Size:  2 3/4"H x 10 3/4"W x 14"D

Weight:  6.25 lbs

Color:  Grey

Remote Control:  yes

MSRP: CHEAP

What they say:

The Oritron Ruby 100 DVD player is a single front-loading unit that can play back both DVD and CD formats.  It passes along both DD and DTS formats to your DD/DTS receiver via a coaxial digital output so you don't have to settle for one format or the other.  In addition, the Ruby 100 allows for the playback of both CD-R and CD-RWs, which adds to the versatility of this player.  With up to 5 disc resume points in memory, you'll never have to remember where you left off again when you decide to finish watching a movie a day, or even one week later.  A full-function remote allows for total control from the palm of your hand and the comfort of your chair.

What we found:

The Oritron Ruby 100 DVD player is a bare bones unit that performs respectably in a highly competitive market.  The front panel of the Ruby 100 is very basic with a 9-button display, although the remote has many more buttons to offer.  The plastic tray that holds the disc is on the flimsy side.  One definite advantage to a limited number of outputs is that hook-up was about as uncomplicated as it could have been (coaxial and video outs).  I used whatever TV that was easiest to carry over to the DVD display rack, which means that I grabbed a smaller, inexpensive television because anyone looking to buy a DVD player this cheap probably wouldn’t be connecting it to a Sony WEGA or Panasonic HDTV television.  In other words, I took a look at the unit’s playback in its most likely environment.  Even without component video, or even S-Video  for that matter (the first one we have seen without an S-Video jack), the Ruby 100 was able to display a decent picture, still much sharper than any high quality VHS tapes (remember, it is still a DVD player).

The audio quality was on par with many DVD players that cost much more, again with a noticeable improvement over the best VHS audio.  A big plus is that the Ruby 100 will play CD-Rs, although initial playback is delayed sometimes.  Still, my DVD player that cost four times as much doesn't allow me to do that. As far as the unit picking up where it leaves off with up to five different DVDs if you decide to take a break, it may sound like a nice addition, but really how often would you ever break during five different movies and come back to them before you have finished watching any of the five?  This player would be a nice addition to a kid’s room where superior quality isn’t as critical, but the convenience of a DVD is preferred.  This player does not have simulated or virtual surround sound like so many other DVD players, which may be a disappointing fact to those looking for better sound in that extra room.  I’ve seen this unit on sale at a popular electronics store for under $100, cheaper than the price most Hi-Fi VCRs currently sell for.  The price is even lower than many DVD-ROM drives you can buy for your PC and is a lot more comfortable to watch on your TV than a computer monitor.  Who says you have to wait years for the price of new technologies to come down (OK, all the way down)?  Although a handful of DVD players have already broken the $200 mark, this player takes an unheard of step and plunges below $100.

Rating:

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- Jared Baldwin -

© Copyright 2000 Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity

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