US DVD player that plays PAL discs?

[easy2Bcheesy]

Hello,

A friend of mine in the States wants to buy a multiregion player that is capable of playing NTSC and PAL discs, outputting to NTSC. Obviously the machine needs to be region free. I understand that certain Afreey and Riate players might do this.

Any one got any internet links for where these could be bought, in the USA? The cheaper the better too please - my friend's a student and a bit short of funds.

Many thanks for your help.

[killingspree]

i'm not sure about this... but i think that every DVD player can play both PAL and NTSC but can only output in either PAL or NTSC... so i think he might be fine with any region free standalone...
but as i said i'm NOT sure about this!

regards
steVe

[easy2Bcheesy]

Actually, according to the DVD spec, players designed for PAL regions, can also playback region-free NTSC discs. But NTSC players will not cope with PAL output. However, some players (and I think the brands I mentioned are included) will convert PAL discs into a NTSC output, and vice versa.

So what I need to do know is, what are the exact models and where can I get 'em? ;)

[manono]

Hi-

For region free and PAL to NTSC standalone DVD players, you might check here:

http://www.hkflix.com/hardware/

These are the quality ones though. I don't know how much your friend has to spend.

[wmansir]

Perhaps you should look into one of the cheap APEX players. I know the ones I have play PAL VCD and SVCDs to NTSC without a problem, but I haven't tried a DVD yet. However, I believe they will work. Some models are very easy to convert to multi-region, Macrovision disabled simply by burning a CDR and upgrading the firmware. These players can be easily had for under $85US, and with Xmas coming up you will probably find some good deals for under $70.

The great thing about these systems is they play everything. VCD, SVCD, CVD, and just about any XVCD you can throw at them (within the bitrate limits of the machine, mine top out at 3300kbps, but some are reported to go as high as 5000+), plus MP3. Check out http://www.nerd-out.com/ for model info, I know some 500wm and ad-1500 models are CDR flashable, but you may have to look at the serial number before buying to be sure you are getting a good model.

You could also go on ebay and pick one up, pre-hacked or with region free CD included, for around $85-100.

[padre]

I own a Apex-1500 and 3201, both of which have a region hack that you can play PAL DVDs on a NTSC TV. They play perfectly! But be careful with the Apex-1500, as some models have the software hack (remote control sequence) and some do not. The 3201 I bought had no problem changing to region-free.

Check the sites mentioned in this thread, and www.vcdhelp.com, for lists of players and hacks.

[smiller667]

Allegedly there is a problem with most DVD players sold in NTSC regions when it comes to playback of anamorphic PAL discs ... most players apparently will play them back with a more or less severe distortion. At least some Malata players (and a few other players) contain hardware to adjust the x and y scaling (look for the keyword "mediamatics chipset" or so). I don't live in NTSC land this is third-hand information I read on various boards ...
When it comes to Malata, I would not quite call them "quality players" ... lots of units suffer from overheating, shoddy assembly etc. The chipsets used are high-quality, though.

[poopity poop]

Apex 5131 can play PAL DVD's, also has a firmware hack for all regions

[auenf]

so it sounds like the best option is to get a non-us dvd player imported that has a switching power supply?

Enf...

[int 21h]

The best deal I know of currently is this:

http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summary/productsummary.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0313114894.1036155742@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccjladcgjeggfihcehgcemgdffmdfko.0&vertical=SEARS&bidsite=&pid=05757122000

In case that link isn't working...

This player does exactly what you're looking for. More info about this player can also be found at:

http://www.nerd-out.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=2&topicdays=0&start=0


Apex AD-3201 DVD player is a great unit that supports NTSC and PAL, S-Video, Component video, digital audio output, and MP3 CD support. Click the above link to visit Sears.com, search for AD-3201 to find it. Purchase price is $60, and in-store pickup is available. If you order online, shipping charges do apply, but Sears.com has a mail-in rebate valid for a refund on the shipping costs.

This DVD player allows you to change region settings and disable Macrovision (requires some effort, its not just a menu item). Hardly any DVD players sold today will allow you to do that. Between the price, features, quality, and compatibility of this DVD player, I would say this is a hot deal.

Also, according to the Sears radio commercials you can save an additional 10% off your purchase if you use a Sears card.

SPECS

AUDIO:
---------
Optical Digital Output
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital/DTS/PCM Ready
Analog Audio Out (Dual)

VIDEO:
---------
Component Video Output
RCA Video Output
S-Video Output

SPECIAL FEATURES:
------------------------
Plays MP3
Plays DVD-SVCD-CD-CD/R-CD/RW
Firmware Upgradeable
Zoom (2x, 4x)
Built-In Screen Saver
Programmable Playback Sequence
Frame by Fram Advance
Parental Lock
Multiple Language Subtitles (Captions)
Multiple Angle
Slow Motion Forward & Backward
Fast Motion Forward & Backward
NTSC & Pal Video Outputs
Remote Control
Evaluate 9 Frames at a Time