I need help choosing a DVD player that is multiregion and can play both NTSC and PAL for an NTSC TV. I'm not sure if I understand what I've seen, but it seems that the Sampo DVE-620 et al and some Apex models (with firmware modification) will work. Is this correct? What would be my best option in terms of functionality and video performance? Could either model server as a total replacement for my Toshiba SD-2108?

The APEX is region free with a firmware "patch", however I don't think it can handle PAL DVD. There are a number of company that sells region free DVD player with multi-format option (PAL/NTSC). Search the web under code free DVD.

Good hunting !

i think apex can handle pal and ntsc

there is an option in the system where u can set it to be
pal / ntsc or multi...

you can also set the ac/dc power supply for US and UK/Japan system

but apex don't support branching...

apex owners have reported that setting the pal/ntsc/multi switch affects the output. when set to multi, pal dvds will output pal, ntsc dvds will output ntsc. if you want to output ntsc all the time, whether the disc is ntsc or pal, then the switch must be set to ntsc.

Does this mean that the Apex's can play PAL DVD's and output them as NTSC?

I use the Sampo 620 and it can be easily modified via the loophole menu to be all-region and convert PAL to NTSC. There is one caveat, however. If your PAL DVD is anamorphic, the Sampo cannot convert it to NTSC and properly downconvert it for a 4:3 TV at the same time. If you have a widescreen set then it's no problem. Similarly, if you can do the vertical squeeze on your 4:3 set then it works fine. For around $139 it's a great, inexpensive solution. Check out the Sampo forum at http://www.nerd-out.com for more info.