Small PAL/NTSC VCD, JPG, MP3, progressive DVD player for $58 or $48 AR?

[Squisher]

I just called and they're the same price in-store, $48 AR

 

[k000]

Originally posted by: Codeloss
ekovaks, You would need a PAL TV for PAL DVD playback. However, some units (I know my Apex does) can convert the signal to NTSC for output, allowing you to playback PAL DVDs on any standard NTSC TV. dunno if this one does that...

Which model number of Apex is that ? And does it play multi-region DVDs.... ?

 

[Slickone]

Originally posted by: k000

Originally posted by: Codeloss
ekovaks, You would need a PAL TV for PAL DVD playback. However, some units (I know my Apex does) can convert the signal to NTSC for output, allowing you to playback PAL DVDs on any standard NTSC TV. dunno if this one does that...

Which model number of Apex is that ? And does it play multi-region DVDs.... ?

I think most Apex's will. My AD-1500 does it.
Try http://www.nerd-out.com/forum/index.php
I'm curious what PAL DVDs other people are needing to play?

 

[swNYC]

I just bought one at Radioshack to replace my dead Apex AD-1200. This thing ROCKS. Very solidly built and very compact. I think its even better than the Norcent NP300 (I have that one too.) It is better because the Cyberhome DVD can be placed on real standby, whereas the Norcent can not. The Norcent is actually on even if you switch it off via the remote control. Hooked it up to my Panasonic Tau 27" using Component Out with the included A/V wires, slapped in Sum of All Fears DVD and Infernal Affairs DVD (HK movie) and its all good. Remember you can use regular A/V cables for the component connectors, just remember to match the plugs correctly. This machine plays everything.

To make it Region Code Free:

1. Switch player on.
2. Make sure there is no disc in the tray.
3. Close Tray.
4. Press "MENU" on the remote. The "Not allowed" sign will appear on the screen.
5. Press "1". The "Not allowed" sign will appear on the screen.
6. Press "9". The "Not allowed" sign will appear on the screen.
7. You will see a version menu, with 'Region Code' selection highlited.
8. Press "ENTER" on the remote.
9. Now enter "0" on the keypad for the region code to make it all-region capable. Alternatively you can enter 1-6 for your desired region.
10. Press "ENTER" again on the remote.
11. Switch off the player. The player will not lose its region setting after power off.

 

[Atrac]

I bought this player a few nights ago and unfortunately I don't like the picture quality on it. I noticed a lot of blockiness. Even worse, it has the "jaggies" problem (where round objects appear to have "jags" on them due to bad anamorphic downconversion). I was quite surprised since I was blown away by the previous Cyberhome player (the 500).

This unit does play SVCD's burned with Nero though (something that the 500 could never overcome).

Still for the price though, it's a good deal. Personally I think the previously on sale KLH (aka Apex) 300 from Best Buy for $39.99 was a better deal. It's a little bit bigger, but it has an optical output, supports wma, and had a remote that took "real" AA batteries (unlike the watch battery of the Cyberhome 300). Of course this does not have progressive scan, which I won't need anytime soon.

I picked up the Digix DVD player on sale for $42.99 at Fry's today (same idea small inexpensive unit also with component outputs) so I'll get the review on it later tonight when I try it out. If only I had grabbed it when it was $39.99....ah well, $3...must act faster in the future!