Not everyone has the space (or the budget) to accommodate a large-scale home theater system, which is where this bookshelf system comes into play. The RCA RS2030 is equipped with a DVD player/receiver, two front speakers, and a subwoofer, yet it still leaves a relatively small footprint, fitting conveniently in a narrow cabinet or atop a VCR or other component. Despite its diminutive size, the system still packs an audio punch, with 2.1 channels delivering 80 watts of total power (20 watts to each of the front speakers, and 40 watts to the subwoofer).
The RS2030 is compatible with DVD, CD, Video CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3 formats, and also includes a Digital PhotoView feature that plays JPEG photos in a rotating slideshow format with accompanying MP3 music. DVD resolution is sharp thanks to the progressive-scan feature, which scans each frame individually rather than interlacing them, as is common among older DVD players. Radio fans will appreciate the digital AM/FM tuner, which scans its 30 presets to change channels quickly and tune precisely. The system also includes a virtual surround feature, which simulates the surround-sound experience, and is compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS formats when connected to a 5.1-channel receiver.
The system works with other components thanks to the audio and video outputs, optical digital output, and S-video output. The unit comes with a remote control.
What's in the Box
DVD player/receiver, two front speakers, subwoofer, speaker cables, audio and video cables, AM and FM antennas, remote, user's manual.
1 I'd give it zero stars if I could
When my boombox died, I decided to pick up a unit that could play music as well as DVD movies. I didn't want to spend much and found this RCA unit that seemed to be exactly what I needed, so I bought it and sold my existing DVD player to a relative. And it would be exactly what I needed if it did in fact play DVD's consistently. Unfortunately, it doesn't, and there's no rhyme or reason to it either. Sometimes it will play a scratched DVD just fine, while other times it won't even play a brand new DVD. Like others have mentioned, I've noticed that dialogue in movies (when it does play the DVD) is much quieter than music even if the sound logic feature is on.
This unit plays CDs without any problems, and the sound quality seems pretty good (but maybe that's because my point of reference is a boom box). Sound quality for TV is also pretty good. However, the unreliability of the DVD playing ability is a huge deficiency, so I would NOT recommend that someone purchase this item.
2 I thought it was good
After doing reaserch for a small DVD Home Theater I found this RCA unit. I read some reviews that said this is a "Best buy!", because it can play anything and even display digital pictures from a CD. Well, it does do everything just poorly. When I got the unit the lid would open and then immediatley close. I figured that is how the unit worked and I would have to be quick to chang the cds. After a couple of months I noticed that new DVDs would skip and freeze. I thought it was the DVDs but when I tested them in a different DVD player they would paly fine.
The sound is not the best either. When watching a DVD you can hardly hear people speaking. You have turn the volume up to the max to hear the speaking, but if there is music or an explosion the sound is so loud it makes me scramble for the remote to turn it down, and then I can not hear the speaking again.
Needless to say I have had this unit to long to return it and am stuck with a DVD player that skips and does not have good sound.
3 Whats up with all these crappy electronics....
I guess having everything made in China with Mexican components is not the way to go. I got the unit a couple of days ago by mail. Two of the four rubber pads on the bottom of the unit were missing. When I got it all plugged in the sound was pretty bad but I guess I could live with it. Then I went to open the CD lid. It is a power open unit but when I pressed the open button the lid would lift about 1/8 inch and then close again. i had to "assist" the lid with my finger for it to open all the way.
Also, I run a test lab in a manuafacturing environment, and I get the strong feeling that this unit is a DOA. In other words someone has already purchased and returned this unit, I am just the second or third person to get stuck with it. I must admit that I had a strong sinking feeling when I saw the "Made in China w/Mexican components" written on the box as well as all the descriptions on the box were written in Spanish! This unit goes back to BBuy today! How can a company make money with all these returns??
4 very good for the price
I bought this because I needed a very small system. It has a clean sound and simple remote to use. The DVD quality is good. I gave it 4 out of 5 because the dvd rom lids rises to high and hits the shelf above it. Also the Blue background of the lcd panel is hard to read at a distance. This is a good unit for people who need a small package with good sound DVD player.
