What sort of "upgrades" could come about (I know it would be speculation, but what could one expect since it already is a "region free"\progressive scan\dvd audio\etc" player)?

Also, where would one get the "upgrade" cd?

Fix any problems or 'problem' discs that appear (not uncommon, since the disk producers can't seem to understand the word STANDARD at times).

From your friendly vendor I suspect.

Well, the obvious Holy Grail of "upgrades" would be a hack for killing Macrovision. Other than that, fixes for disc incompatibilities is the most likely scenario.

The information would be provided on the web site, which could be downloaded, burned to CDR and then flashed.

There is nothing wrong with the Region 1 version. But the region 0 version is a dream for tech heads and geeks. :)

Thanks for all the extra info on the R1 vs R0 versions. I'm gonna get the R1, and if any discs don't play, I'll just use my PS2 for them. (I don't care about the Macrovision as I've not copied a movie for anyone in a LONG time, and even then, I've got an old VHS machine, so it never even noticed macrovision discs. Wierd.)

I'll give it 72 hours after the 1st upgrade gets loose...

Just got off the phone and the new truckload just showed up... mine (ordered Monday) will ship tonight.. they say they are at most 2 days behind...

Just called them and they say anyone that ordered one before Monday is guarenteed to be shipped today. So I should have it Thursday (they say). Fingers crossed.

My question for you all is which one did you get, the black or gold one? Does the gold one look as nice as the Panasonic RP-91? I have that color of player and would like to match it with one that looks similar.

Pal to NTSC
 

OK, after much fiddling around with and agonizing over an Oritiron unit that wouldn't properly display PAL DVDs on my regular ol' NTSC TV, I finally got a modified Apex 600A player and have since been extremely satisfied with how it allows me to watch PAL DVDs. Besides the obvious suggestion of getting a second player for a back-up, what would the actual advantages be, if any, of having this new Malata player rather than my Apex? They sound pretty similar to me, frankly, but I'm pretty naive about this stuff. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Have you noticed how the APEX will not show PAL DVDs in the proper aspect ratio? 1.85:1 becomes 1.5:1. 2.35:1 becomes 2.10:1. People are a bit too tall and thin. The picture is stretched.

The player adds artifacts and has issues with sound synch.

The MALATA has none of these players and uses of the two best decloding chips for DVD. It' a high-end player in every sense of the definition of high end. And since it's Progressive, it's gonna kick some major ass on my new 47" Panasonic HDTV!! HAHAHA!! YEAH BABY!!

Man, I would love to buy this thing right now...But I really don't have the power to splurge right now and if I did purchase it, I would open a floodgate of dvd buying....

There's a number to call for Wholesale pricing... I wonder if we could get together 10 of us or something and buy it cheaper? Perhaps Geoff would purchase them and sell them to us or something - maybe it will be a little less $?

Seeing as how I just bought my Apex 600A, this isn't the time for me to splurge on yet another player either -- however, if a group wholesale deal on the Malatas can be arranged, please count me in!

I tried this argument with my parents to allow me to get a PS2 but it didn't work. Any other suggestions?

:)

Hey Matt.. UPS 2-Day just delivered my little bundle of joy and I'm hooking it up now... you got yours yet???


Oh.. and I'm very very happy to report it plays my DVD-R discs JUST fine and dandy..

(off to watch my R2 Orgazmo...)

UPS won't get here for another 3 hours, so go suck an egg. ;)

What does the Region 2 ORGAZMO have that is not on the region 1?

Well, for one thing.. it EXISTS!

(well, there is a japan R0 release) but the R2 is anamorphic WIDESCREEN, the R0 is 4:3

get thee to www.blackstar.co.uk ....

I have to add, I've thrown about 15 R(non-1) at it thus far and as of yet it hasn't missed on the proper scaling yet.. including R2 of 'Guest House Paradiso', 'Orgazmo', and season 2 of Stargate SG-1 (don't have season 3 from R2, but these are known trouble makers) and R4 of 'The Dish' with ZERO problem... even the 4:3 stuff looks great.. I think I'm going to order another one for the bedroom...

If we could get it down to ~$300 for the firmware upgradeable one (in black) Count me in for the group buying effort...

-Brett

Funny you should mention that... if you notice the AVDeals website only takes VISA... We paid with a MasterCard and were told that it would be processed thru their Canadian branch (don't ask me).. you can put in a MC number on the cart and then make a notation that it's a MasterCard and you understand there will be a charge from a Canadian company (saves them a phone call).. but we did all that....

and the invoice on the box shows $299.00 US.

Londo,

So your CC was only charged $300?
I was planning on paying with a MC anyways...

-Brett

Far as I know (haven't checked the statement yet).. I was expecting either $339 or $325 (325 being the $499CN shown on the canadian site)... ahh.. wait a minute... what's the Canadian VAT/GST rate?? That might account for the difference..

BTW.. ever had any luck on finding Mr Bean 5,6,7 (I'm looking also)??

ALL invoices for the Malata say $299 (I called them), but you are charged what your online confirmation said you would be charged.

Londo,

I saw the Mr Bean DVDs on some german or denmark DVD site, but the prices were pretty expensive...I am going to London and Dublin later this year, I think I'll look around the shops there and see if I can't find a R2 copy of them for a reasonable price.

For now I have to see what I can get for my APEX on ebay to see if I can offset the cost of the Malata enough...

-Brett

I am in at $300 as well (black model). I am sure if we get 10 people together we could get them for this price.

You can always work the streets. :)