What's smarter: Buying a region free dvd player or buying a PAL to NTSC converter?
#1
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What's smarter: Buying a region free dvd player or buying a PAL to NTSC converter?
Hy guys/gals,
I'm pretty new to this. I've been doing my best to find the best region free dvd player for the best price. I want a good one that is reliable and won't have playback problems.
The main reason I would get one is so I can play ALL kinds of dvd's regardless of region. Sure, disabled macrovision sounds good, and progressive scan dvd players are great, but I just want to be able to play a DVD from the UK or Hong Kong in good quality.
I've looked up Apex, Daewoo, Malata, Sampo, etc, and they all have their pro's and con's. Everytime I read a review or a message board post with something saying they love, for example, the Apex AD 600A, I read someone saying it overheats and the picture is questionable. I just don't know what to do regarding a region free dvd player. I want a very good one, but I don't want to break the bank either and everytime I read something good, I read one or two things about a player that is bad.
So it brings me to my question: Should I just try and buy a Sampo, Daewoo, Apex, etc and hope it works, or should I buy a converter? I'm know nothing about these PAL to NTSC converters, but if they deliver what they are supposed to do, it could be worth considering. But, I'd love to have your opinions here first!
Thanks in advance.
I'm pretty new to this. I've been doing my best to find the best region free dvd player for the best price. I want a good one that is reliable and won't have playback problems.
The main reason I would get one is so I can play ALL kinds of dvd's regardless of region. Sure, disabled macrovision sounds good, and progressive scan dvd players are great, but I just want to be able to play a DVD from the UK or Hong Kong in good quality.
I've looked up Apex, Daewoo, Malata, Sampo, etc, and they all have their pro's and con's. Everytime I read a review or a message board post with something saying they love, for example, the Apex AD 600A, I read someone saying it overheats and the picture is questionable. I just don't know what to do regarding a region free dvd player. I want a very good one, but I don't want to break the bank either and everytime I read something good, I read one or two things about a player that is bad.
So it brings me to my question: Should I just try and buy a Sampo, Daewoo, Apex, etc and hope it works, or should I buy a converter? I'm know nothing about these PAL to NTSC converters, but if they deliver what they are supposed to do, it could be worth considering. But, I'd love to have your opinions here first!
Thanks in advance.
#2
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From my limited research i have found that a stand alone PAL to NTSC converter costs more than a DVD player with one included in it.
I think the price of the few i saw was like $600+.
I think the price of the few i saw was like $600+.
#3
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I had a convertor previously(Actually I still do) to go with my region free Pioneer and it was alright. The Malata is much better for PAL playback though. Also as someone else pointed out it is cheaper to go with a DVD player that has the convertor in it as opposed to using the convertor. Convertors are about the same price as a Malata all the up to the thousands I think.
Last edited by ScreachingWeasel; 06-04-02 at 05:26 PM.
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...even if you had a suitable converter, you would still need an all-region player... so I'd say getting a good all-in-one unit would be the smarter move... just MNSHO, of course!
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Originally posted by PacMan2006
Well the Malata is just too expensive for me for a dvd player. I'm thinking about getting a Daewoo. Anyone have any experience with this region free player?
Well the Malata is just too expensive for me for a dvd player. I'm thinking about getting a Daewoo. Anyone have any experience with this region free player?
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Stand alone video converters suck! I had one with my previous codefree Pioneer DVD player and the PAL pictures looked like $hit! Dark scenes in movies would like very splotchy... really nasty! Thank God for the Malata which does near perfection conversion.
#12
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Autumn,
When you say adjust my settings so the dvd will look stretched out, what exactly do you mean? Do you just mean zoom in all the way? Zoom in just a little bit? Something different?
And is 16X9 mean anamorphic, or does something else mean anamorphic too?
Thanks in advance.
When you say adjust my settings so the dvd will look stretched out, what exactly do you mean? Do you just mean zoom in all the way? Zoom in just a little bit? Something different?
And is 16X9 mean anamorphic, or does something else mean anamorphic too?
Thanks in advance.
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Stand alone converters make PAL DVD look very soft. We are talking about VHS resolution.
The APEX and clones (any non Malata or JVC) make PAL DVD's look funny, as mentioned above. Anamorphic or not, the aspect ratio will be distorted. If you absolutely must spend less than $200, then you also must be aware of the cheap player's shortcomings.
I've had my Malata for almost a year now. I love it. It is, hands down, the best item I have ever purchased.
The APEX and clones (any non Malata or JVC) make PAL DVD's look funny, as mentioned above. Anamorphic or not, the aspect ratio will be distorted. If you absolutely must spend less than $200, then you also must be aware of the cheap player's shortcomings.
I've had my Malata for almost a year now. I love it. It is, hands down, the best item I have ever purchased.
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Originally posted by PacMan2006
Autumn,
When you say adjust my settings so the dvd will look stretched out, what exactly do you mean? Do you just mean zoom in all the way? Zoom in just a little bit? Something different?
And is 16X9 mean anamorphic, or does something else mean anamorphic too?
Thanks in advance.
Autumn,
When you say adjust my settings so the dvd will look stretched out, what exactly do you mean? Do you just mean zoom in all the way? Zoom in just a little bit? Something different?
And is 16X9 mean anamorphic, or does something else mean anamorphic too?
Thanks in advance.
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Originally posted by PacMan2006
Everyone talks about the Malata dvd players, but where do you get them? I know they aren't being sold on ebay...
Everyone talks about the Malata dvd players, but where do you get them? I know they aren't being sold on ebay...
They have the Malata DVP-520 for about $280.00 USD shipped.
#17
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Originally posted by AutumnNights
Well, for whatever it's worth, here are my $.02 [good advice/analysis snipped]
Well, for whatever it's worth, here are my $.02 [good advice/analysis snipped]
<small> Can I close this thread yet?</small>
#18
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Originally posted by PacMan2006
Everyone talks about the Malata dvd players, but where do you get them? I know they aren't being sold on ebay...
Everyone talks about the Malata dvd players, but where do you get them? I know they aren't being sold on ebay...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=1356333050
But for now, his price is $320 shipped which is about $40 more than NBT.
I've got the DVD-N996 and it's one of the best consumer electronics purchases I've ever made.
#19
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Movielib,
What did you purchase the Malata for? Macrovision free? Plays ALL kinds of dvd's regardles of region? Connects to VCR for DVD copies?
What kind of other region dvd's do you have?
I've heard anamorphic widescreen on region free players comes in odd? With your Malata, is that still a problem? Thanks.
What did you purchase the Malata for? Macrovision free? Plays ALL kinds of dvd's regardles of region? Connects to VCR for DVD copies?
What kind of other region dvd's do you have?
I've heard anamorphic widescreen on region free players comes in odd? With your Malata, is that still a problem? Thanks.
#20
DVD Talk Hero
Originally posted by PacMan2006
Movielib,
What did you purchase the Malata for? Macrovision free? Plays ALL kinds of dvd's regardles of region? Connects to VCR for DVD copies?
What kind of other region dvd's do you have?
I've heard anamorphic widescreen on region free players comes in odd? With your Malata, is that still a problem? Thanks.
Movielib,
What did you purchase the Malata for? Macrovision free? Plays ALL kinds of dvd's regardles of region? Connects to VCR for DVD copies?
What kind of other region dvd's do you have?
I've heard anamorphic widescreen on region free players comes in odd? With your Malata, is that still a problem? Thanks.
The Malata does the PAL to NTSC conversion with no distortion. All aspect ratios, whether or not anamorphic, are done correctly.
I purchased the 996 so I could get OAR versions of films from any region when Region 1 did not have them. Also, to get some films which aren't out in Region 1 at all. I didn't get it for anime or Hong Kong stuff as I don't care for it. Mostly just to get standard English language films not available or not done right in Region 1 (although I would get Brotherhood of the Wolf from France,
except that it doesn't have English subtitles).
Examples:
Paris, Texas
Charly
The Final Countdown
All That Jazz
The Last Seduction
The Sting
The Karate Kid
Anatomy of a Murder
The Delta Force
Moonstruck
more I can't think of right now
#22
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Originally posted by jhansla
just had a search around the net and foundthis
Don't know whether its any good but it sounds like its just what ur looking for cause its in your price range and it has the converter built in
just had a search around the net and foundthis
Don't know whether its any good but it sounds like its just what ur looking for cause its in your price range and it has the converter built in
It says it replaces Apex, Raite, Daewoo and Pioneer. I notice it doesn't say that it replaces Malata!
Last edited by movielib; 06-07-02 at 04:50 PM.
#23
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www.nerd-out.com also has a rundown on the Malatas
#24
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Originally posted by movielib
I'd make damn sure it did the PAL to NTSC conversion properly before I bought it.
I'd make damn sure it did the PAL to NTSC conversion properly before I bought it.
#25
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Originally posted by PacMan2006
Well the Malata is just too expensive for me for a dvd player. I'm thinking about getting a Daewoo. Anyone have any experience with this region free player?
Well the Malata is just too expensive for me for a dvd player. I'm thinking about getting a Daewoo. Anyone have any experience with this region free player?
But, I watched 5 hours of the Family Guy yesterday and it didn't really bother me. I only use the Daewoo to watch UK DVDs that are full screen (Futurama, Family Guy, ECW PPVs) and besides the little minor "weirdness" mentioned above, I love it!