How do I build an electronic timer to trigger multiple dvd players?

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Tim

I am trying to set up a little video kiosk with multiple dvd players (probably three or four) to play specific things at specific times. For example, I might want dvd 1 to play from 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm every day, then I might want dvd 2 to play from 8:00 pm until midnight, etc.

Any thoughts on a timer that would switch to the dvd player and trigger tthe dvd player to play?

Thanks!

Answer
You could use a programmable remote control with a built-in timer. The Sony one (link below) lets you program up to 8 different timers. I'm sure there are others out there that aren't quite as expensive, but I have one like this and I know it works well.

But, I'd consider something else instead of multiple DVD players, a switch box (for the A/V signals), and a programmable remote. I'd use a small computer and store the video on the hard drive (a DVD is about 5 GB, so most drives today will hold many DVDs). No switch box is required, and the computer OS probably has a simple event timer that can run a DVD player with a new file name. I presume you aren't trying to play copyrighted movies, so you'd have full access to the video material to store on the hard drive.

You could optimize the computer for your video needs and even have it networked (if you want) to allow for online updates. By the time you get 4 DVD players, 4 sets of cables, a programmable switch box, and a programmable remote, you're pretty close to the cost of a cheap computer. You'd have a lot fewer failure points with a computer, and if you networked them, you'd have a lot less labor costs (no driving out to change out the DVDs). Optical drives fail with dirt and dust; no dirt or dust can get into sealed hard drives. Quantity buys of the same configuration from the same mfgr can reduce the computer costs as well...

What is the dvd player of a surround sound system called?

curiouskid

We have a sony surround sound system but the actual dvd player where the speakers are connected to is very old. We want a new one with bluray built in. Is it possible to purchase just the dvd player? what is the dvd player called because when i search for "bluray dvd players" none of them have the inputs for the speakers. Do we need a sony brand player to work with the sony speakers?

Answer
It is possible to do what you want, but it is ill advised. It is unwise to mix-n-match HTIBs (Home Theater In a Box) as they are made specifically for their components. HTIBs sacrifice quality for convenience. If you want full upgradability in a home theater system, you should pick one that has a separate receiver. You will not find another "DVD player" that has the connections you need because the system you have is a DVD/surround-sound-receiver.

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