Recommendations for VCD/SVCD/XVCD player

[Nihilistic]

You guys seem to be the pros at the VCD stuff and im hoping I can get some positive input. Im in the market for a DVD player and this VCD stuff just amazes me (im easily amused btw), my question is what player do you guys use and recommend for playing all your DVD/VCD/SVCD/XVCD.

I currently own a Sony DVP-S360 and im gonna give it to a buddy as an X-Mas present. I have no problems playing DVD's or CDR-W's but everything else seems nil.

I apologise in advance if im posting in the wrong from. :cool:

[Bubba]

Since Chinese are big in VCD and SVCD, I think the DVD players there can play all the format you ask. Some are even region-free and some can play both PAL and NTSC.

Two brands come up to mind that qualify for this "Jack Of All Trades" category, are SAMPO and MALATA. I tried both and they can play anything you put in there. Yes, even MP3 Audio!... Well except for DivX. :)

[Nihilistic]

Bubba,

Thanks for the reply, Ive never heard of those brands but they both seem to be quite nice. Especiall the Sampo 611. What do you think, should I go with this model or find something similar.

Thanks in Advance

[Bubba]

Matter of fact I do have a SAMPO 611. It's fine. BTW, there are 2 versions of the 611. One is region-free and the other is not. The difference is about $40 to $50. For region-free, I think it's worth that $40-$50.

One another thing, the SAMPO 611 only show 8 characters of any MP3 file title. If you tag your MP3 files using Artist as the first tag (which most people do), then this will drive you crazy, it seems like all the files look the same on the TV screen. If the artist name is real short (for example "U2"), then you have 6 characters left to figure out what song you will play.

I found out the nice thing about the SAMPO and MALATA is that they can play back both PAL and NTSC without buying a PAL-NTSC/NTSC-PAL video converter.

[Snarg]

Nihilistic - If you surf to www.vcdhelp.com you will find DVD player reviews. The top user rated player right now is the Pioneer DV-343. On user wrote, and I quote, "I could put a circular piece of cardbord in it and it would play it." One thing it lacks, wich would not bother me in the least, is the ability to play mp3's. Take 10 mins to convert and burn them :) Best thing about this player, you can get it for at or near $100.

[smiller667]

A few Pioneers have limited svcd support only (no subs in particular). Also, some have a strict 2x speed limit for (S)XVCD - if you want to do high bitrate stuff, you should check this with a sample disc before you buy.

[twistee]

i have a pioneer dv-344 (i think only australia and a few other places have this model) and i have been able to play everything so far. I havent tested subs or multiple audio in svcd but...it doesnt play mp3s though...

[Bubba]

Nihilistic,

So what DVD Player you end up deciding to buy?

BTW, I found out that you can hack the "non region-free" version of the SAMPO611 to become region free and save the $40-$50.

[24hourloop]

Check out VCDHELP.COM. They have analyzed endless players. Then, when you think you found one, send an email to the person that reported the player as working/not working and get the real scoop.

My Apex is a 100 bucks now and plays everything perfectly.

[zambelli]

Let's not forget about the Apex monsters. Try the 660, 1500 and 5131 - all should be able to play circular pieces of cardboard.

[Nihilistic]

You guys are great! Thank you for all your suggestion. I ended up ordering the SAMPO 620 from a yahoo shopping merchant. Although, I havent gotten it yet but im excited. I went with the 620 over the 611 for the fact that it supports optical out, I wouldnt give my Yamaha reciever anything less. Again, give yourselves a nice pat on the back.

The VCD help link was great, very insightful. I was reading alot of opinions on different players but your recommendations won overall. THANKS GUYS!!! :)