repmek

I would like to get a region free DVD player. Should buy one at a local store (for instance the Toshiba-SD4900) and hack it region free or should I spent the extra dough and buy one from those "All Region" vendors, who claim that their ICOS-Chip modification is much better. Is it worth it?

What is your opinion / experience? I appreciate your comment.

marty888

You know, we keep using the term "hack" when for many of the models out there, it's not really what I would call a "hack", just part of the set-up when you get started. I've got the Philips 727 (as any here do) and the so-called hack is simply entereing code ONE TIME on the remote - and that's it. Believe me, it takes longer to set time on a new clock radio or VCR than to get your player region-free.

Fandango

I have the Toshiba 3900 which uses the same hack as the 4900, I don't think the expensive ones are worth it unless you need the x-y scaling maybe. The Toshiba puts out as good or if not better picture than those costlier ones.

OldBoy

my Philips 727 was region free out of the box and i am lovin every minute of it...it is hooked up via optical digital dts, the whole works, all for 85 shipped...how can you beat that!!!

brtcmfn

I know some people do not like the Cyberhome 300 model- but personally for the price and performance I am very satisfied with it- I love to be able to watch region 2 British comedies

Copenhagen

repmek the 4900 was on sale at BB last week for $79.99, not sure if it still is though. I ended up paying $57.99 before tax since it was a floor model and the brilliant cashier gave me another 10% off the total after the sales guy discounted it down to $69.99.

jblackie

Yup. 727 is the best way to go. imho.

Fandango

727 has that multi-angle bug doesn't it?

marty888

I've played hundreds of DVDs on the 727, and that stupid bug has only imposed on 2 DVDs, and then only during the credits. In fact, the only time I even remember that this player has the bug is when somebody mentions it here. No big deal, at least for me.

repmek

Thank you, I appreciate all your comments. Has anyone ever bought from an "all region" vendor? I was about to visit such a store on my trip to Chicago this weekend, but now I might take a second look at my local Best Buy.
Question for Fandango: What is x-y scaling?
Thanks.

Fandango

x-y scaling is available on a few of the Malata models and a Jaton I believe that uses the same chipset. It allows you to zoom in and out the picture in increments, so you could for example zoom out a non-anamorphic dvd on a widescreen HDTV and fill out the black bars.

the_dude8

the toshiba sd-4900 is on sale at bestbuy b&m for 69.99, the sale end 4/3/04.

the philip 727 can be purchase at target B&m for 79.99.

Joe Molotov

I bought my JVC XV S-500 from HKFlix.com about a year and half ago and it has served me well. It's certainly not the cheapest route to go, but it's been worth it as far as I'm concerned.

repmek

Thanks for all your input!
I went to Best Buy, but unfortunately the sales person said that the SD-4900 is completely out of stock (he checked multiple Best Buys in Ohio and Kentucky) and the display unit had its remote missing. He said that they won't get more units because the successor model should arrive soon. However, I checked the Toshiba web-site, the SD-4900 is still the latest model listet.
Well, I ordered my SD-4900 from Amazon yesterday, for $85.99, I also ordered some DVDs from Amazon.de. Hope it works out, I will post my experience here.
Thanks again!

catracho

One more with 727 player.

This player is fantastic!

the_dude8

anyone order from this site before:
http://www.jlist.com/DVDPLAYER/DVRF_1.html

they have an office in san diego, does anyone know the address for their office in san diego, CA?

Deke Rivers

dont know if you made your trip to ChiTown yet but this place is right outside chicago in Elk grove..near the airport..got a jvc through them last year..works great on all the stuff ive thrown at it..thier prices rock too for all region players

http://www.220-electronics.com/

repmek

We actually stayed in Elk Grove for our trip to IKEA, but I didn't know of this vendor.

I received my Toshiba SD4900 from Amazon today and I will try to set it region free once I receive some DVDs I have ordered from Germany.
I am also looking forward to get Star Wars in German in September, the version I grew up with, I am getting nostalgic. (you haven't really experienced Star Wars, if you haven't seen it in its German original ;-)

DrGerbil

Is this version bastardized like the one we'll be seeing in R1?

repmek

Unfortunately it will be, no way that George L. would release the original version for the rest of the world. I wish I kept my old VHS tapes.