Phillips 962 & 963

From what I know, the DVD963SA is the new unit. JandR is taking pre-orders on this new machine and it is selling for about $385.00. Check at Phillips site for more information on both units. The 963 is available in Europe but it is going to be available in the States at about mid-March.

I'm also looking at it as a good cheap alternative to join the SACD wagon. Although the tittles available are limited(based on my taste), it provides terrific video performance, is compatible with anything less DVD-A, I heard saying it upsamples regular red book cd's and it is a good SACD player. It also has coax out for DAC connections (if neccesary).

Hope this help and, please, verify it.

Regards,

Jose.

They are not at all the same. I would wait for the 963; it should be far superior to the 962 in both video and audio performance.

My understanding is that the 963 is expected to be shipped to stores by March 3-ish, and should be in the hands of those who pre-ordered them by 3/10 or so. Of course, such dates are routinely pushed back, so who knows...

No need to even wait. Just got an e-mail from Oade Brothers saying they're in stock. Unfortunately, I'm a bit tapped out right now.

Yes, the 963 does have upsampling on red book, something the 962 does not. Thus the feature difference is significant and the price difference isn't. I have my order in at J&R and looking forward to getting it, though it seems to be continually delayed... Haven't heard why.