Looking for a DVD player mainly for VCD and SVCD
playback. Any other computer formats that can be
played off a CDR are a plus. Would love one that
can play unconverted mpgs.

Would also like to be able to play PAL and NTSC
vcd's on my NTSC TV. Not sure if this is possible
but I have heard rumors. Converting a PAL to an
NTSC with software is a major pain.

My computer outputs PAL vcd to my TV fine thru
my NVIDIA gerforce card so I know its possible,
just not sure if any stand alone units can do it.

Also would be nice to get one that can disable
region and macrovision thru firmware upgrade.

I know of two models that can do most of these
things, the Apex and the Daewoo, but those are
fairly unreliable units from most of the things I
have been reading. Are there any better units
that fit the bill?

-K

Just passing some information along.

I picked up the Apex 1100w model as I have read
good things about the features on this player.

I have only tried a few things but so far this thing looks
promising.

Tried both vcd and svcd and both played great. Both were
burned off fujifilm cd-r, cheap disks, maybe 25cents each
bulk.

One VCD was in PAL so I was a bit worried, but the player
handled it no problem. There is even an onboard set up
menu to change the output to pal, ntsc or multi. Am going
to try the multi region and macrovision hacks asap.

All I can say is, so far this thing does exactly what I wanted
right out of the box. It also supports mp3, kodak picture, and
raw jpegs. Not sure about regular unconverted mpeg, but I
am going to burn a quick one to try it out. Even if it doesnt
work you can always convert the mpeg to vcd.

All I can say is, impressive. And for the low wal mart price
of $73. I just hope the thing lasts more than a month or
two.

i'm really wanting to be able to watch PAL and other region discs. not sure how much i want to commit to this since most import dvds are expensive enough. the malata seems really complicated and cost is also an issue. the Apex 1100w model at walmart for 73 bucks is looking pretty good to begin with. i just have a few questions

can change between PAL and NTSC without any modification or other converter?

now, out of the box it isn't region free but you can use something to make it so? how do you go about doing that? can you do it yourself or do you have to send it out, etc.

just keep in mind i don't know jack about any of this and am just now looking into it. i would like to have the option to watch r2 dvds that might not see the light of day here.

thanks