Walmart--apex dvd/cd/mp3/vcd

[CrimsonKing]

Thanks, jrichrds. Unless I can find a unit guaranteed not to have this macrovision, I'll hold off on the DVD thing. I'm still confused. If you don't have S-video, how do you run the video into your TV?

 

[lex]

At kmart, Im pretty sure the APEX AD-1500 is the one going on sale. I prefer it over the AD-1000.. Its $5 cheaper too!

 

[jrichrds]

<<Unless I can find a unit guaranteed not to have this macrovision, I'll hold off on the DVD thing.>>

It'll be tough to find one these days that has macrovision disabled by default, unless you somehow have access to generic DVD players made in China. Hacking various Apex players seems to be the preferred route these days.

<<If you don't have S-video, how do you run the video into your TV? >>

The TV needs to have at least RCA input connections to be able to direct-connect a DVD player to it. S-video's better, and component video even better.

 

[malbojah]

Ok, maybe I've just been asleep while TV technology went throught the roof (paying to much attention to computer technology)... I know what a S-video connection is, I know what coaxial connections look like, I even remember the fall-back RCA plugs, but component video I have no idea about...

 

[manv]

Is the 1500 hackable?

 

[DeadParrot]

<< Is the 1500 hackable? >>


I do not believe so.

 

[Superdoopercooper]

<< Thanks, Maetryx. This will be a problem for me. My current TV has only a coax input. To get around that, I was going to run the L/R/V through the line in on my VCR until I can afford a new TV. This makes me believe I won't be able to watch DVDs clearly if the macrovision is enabled. Seems like a stupid idea to me. How does the DVD player distinguish between a signal sent to a VCR line in and the television line in? >>



Dude... go to Radio Suck and get an RF modulator. It will take the video out from your DVD... and modulate it so you cand feed it to yoru Coax (RF) input on your TV.

 

[Cheapest]

The 1000 and 1500 are exact feature except 1000 is newer model!!! They both are reginal free

 

[CrimsonKing]

Thanks, cooper. A coworker just informed me that he had one of those. (another also has something that pulls the macrovision encoding out of the signal.)

I'm still confused. Is the RCA-out signal degraded all the time? How would one connect their DVD player to the TV like that if macrovision is enabled? I've heard rumors that the VCR has to be recording for it to take effect, which would be fine with me. I will, in the meantime, check out an RF modulator.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

I've tried to connect my sharp dvd player video-out to my vcr's video-in, output to tv channel 3, screen is fading from normal to dark with many horizontal lines, then back to normal, then to dark, ...
I think that's macrovisionin action.

 

[jrichrds]

RF modulators are ~$30 at Best Buy.

kingofcomputer - yup, that's macrovision action. :/

 

[CrimsonKing]

<<I've tried to connect my sharp dvd player video-out to my vcr's video-in, output to tv channel 3, screen is fading from normal to dark with many horizontal lines, then back to normal, then to dark, ...>>

Okay, but my question is, does that happen when you run the RCA out into the RCA in on the TV w/out going through the VCR, and why not? I sure as hell can't afford a new TV w/ Svid or comp connections, so I'll have to be using the RCA out. I guess I don't understand why they have them if the signal is skewed.

I'll buy the modulator, no problem. But I don't get the difference between using the RCA out to the VCR and using the same jacks to the TV. Does it know the difference?

 

[Soong]

CrimsonKing, MV works by screwing with your vcr not your TV. Excuse the layman explanation: MV sends an unstable signal, that fakes brightness and darkness, and fools the vcr thinking it needs to adjust the brightness of the recording and therefore you get the black and light, and the green bars. Your TV should be fine if you hook it directly, if you had RCA connections, unless your TV is quite old, which it could be susceptible. Again technically you're suppose to be able to hook up your dvd player to your vcr, and it be fine for viewing on your tv. The MV isn't suppose to affect normal viewing...but you know how things go... I hope this helps....and there are prolly more members who know more about this than I do...

 

[CrimsonKing]

Soong,
Thank you. I've heard mixed opinions on whether or not it affects just the VCR or the signal that passes through it. I appreciate the explanation!

 

[jrichrds]

CrimsonKing,

You could opt for the Lasonic DVD player on sale for $79 at KMart. It has a coaxial out connector so you wouldn't have to get a $30 RF modulator.
And it also has composite, component, and S-video out connectors. Plays MP3 CDs as well.

 

[Chadder007]

Local Walmart here in GA is selling the APEX 500A for $69!!!!!.....right now!!!!

 

[thegreatjeff]

Nope, not hackable. Just got the catalog the day b4 yesterday, I'm warmin up my good-deal hands!

 

[Atrac]

I purchased the Lasonic DVD Player at KMart last week and I have to say, it is a *terrible* DVD Player. The image was way too bright so the colors were washed out. The GUI (Menus) on it looked like they were from a 1998 DVD Player.

It did not have an RF Output. The Coaxial Output is for the undecoded Dolby Digital Signal.

As I always say, it's possible I had a defective model, but it certainly was not impressive enough for me to try another one.

 

[Atrac]

<< The 1000 and 1500 are exact feature except 1000 is newer model!!! They both are reginal free >>



Sorry, but that's totally incorrect. These players are not Region Free out of the box.

 

[WingsOverVirginia]

So far Iv'e seen that WalMart has the model 500W, 500A and my store has the 500B, What's the Diff???

 

[Chadder007]

Opps....it was the Apex 500W. I just got home with it and it works great!! (I threw a few things at it) There were 200 there at first tonight, now there are only like 10 left. This was in Ft. Oglethorpe, GA.

BTW the W version plays MP3's

 

[JiggaJ]

I bought the Apex 500 Dvd from walmart at the end of October and it works quite well. The only problems I've had were with the Shrek DVD, the picture would get choppy at times. Couple of questions:

1. Should this choppiness be expected from the 500? Or should I return it and try and get a better one?
2. Can I get a pricematch/adjustment with the black friday price? I paid 89.95+tax and there is a 90 return policy.

Can anyone answer these?

Oh and the 500 is hackable, you can buy a $20 chip and plug it right in. Check out www.nerd-out.com for more info on apex hacks

 

[amdskip]

jiggaj, the 500 is not the dvd player on sale at most walmart locations so no pricematching

you could return it and get a new one in exchange if your having problems

amdskip---wallyworld worker

 

[smartt]

CrimsonKing,
What would be the point of getting a DVD player if you only had coax input on your TV? You would at least need S-video input to tell the difference between a new VHS or a new DVD movie. Unless it was just for the extras on the DVDs. I ran into the same dilemma but just saved the money I thought about using for a new DVD player towards a new TV. (Finally got a WEGA earlier this year, and then got a DVD player.)

In the end, I really don't think you'll be satisified with your purchase. Of course it's up to you, but just some friendly advice.

 

[exisle]

smartt, I don't think so, the only difference between rca and a svideo cable is that the chromins and lumins are seperated, and it causes less bleeding of red colors