Why does having many features at a low price point bad thing. I have not seen any obvious cost cutting that makes this a bad player. It would be interesting if someone knowledgeable can compare components/parts used in the Cyberhome compared to ones used in other players like the more expensive Malta & JVC players.

I found the Cyberhome to be a solid, very well built player and the picture quality both in Progressive & Non-Progressive mode to be great. I have read my posts from people who own the more expensive Malta & JVC player knock the Cyberhome without much substance in their argument. It is, however, human nature, to justify to ones self that the since one has purchased an expensive player, it has to be better than a much less expensive player with similar features. It also not out of the realm of impossibilty that these DVD players may even be manufacutured in the same factories in Asia.

In conclusion, I'm not saying that the Cyberhome is of better or lower quality than its counterparts, its just that I have yet to read a good argument on why the Cyberhome is bad because it costs less.

dvdude- if you have a ps2, i have a ps2 region x i can hook you up with. i have 2 cyberhomes and 1 malata , so i don't need the region x anymore

Usually the only HK discs that are actually R3 are foreign (ie. non HK) films that were licenced from a foreign film studio. A part of the licencing agreement would include region coding, so the HK films couldn't be easily imported to other countries and cannibalize sales of the local DVD versions. For example, Toho insisted that Universe make their Godzilla discs R3 (especially since the Universe versions are much less expensive than Toho's domestic Japanese discs).

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I have a 32" TV that I picked up a few years ago for $500, a funky mini-system that has 5.1 input but no decoders, and I picked up the Cyberhome 500 a few weeks ago from NewEgg to replace my old Panasonic RV-65. I got it for the R3 Hero release, and for the option of getting any region NTSC or PAL in the future. I have about 50 R0 Asian releases that I played in my old Panasonic, and I'm a Columbia House addict who cringes at paying more that $10 as well.

For all the complaints about picture quality, I really don't think you're gong to notice a difference on your 27" set. I'm running component cables to my 32" set and after an Avia re-calibration I have no complaints about picture quality.

mr_jbloggs: My thread! My thread! Stay on topic! ;) Kidding. I can perfectly understand your point. Some items truly do fall under the cliche, "You get what you pay for." However, from my experience there are things that are cheap that are good too. And, based on your recommendations since you own one, I'm still considering the Cyberhome 500 instead of a more expensive player. Thanks.

dyerjp: Thanks for the offer, but I don't have a PS2. In terms of games, I went from NES to Genesis to strictly PC to XBox and PC.

cultshock: Thanks for clearing that up. Makes sense. It's all about the money.

CheapBastid: Thanks for your input. I wish my 27" set had component inputs, but it doesn't even have that. I'm stuck with S-Video at the most. And I guess one of these days I really, really need to invest in a copy of Video Essentials or Avia (the better of the two, so I've read).

Wow, that's cool. Didn't know that was coming out. I know that when I was in the UK, those were at every Virgin and HMV for the PS2, yet once I came back to the states no one carried them. Looks like a UK thing, but I did end up finding some generic brand for the PS2 that would work in US consoles. Maybe it was the same one, but it wasn't officially distributed.

But my point is this brings hope that we'll see something similar for the XBox SOMEWHERE in the US market. Just a matter of time.

Sweet - I could use a backup region-free player! :D

Jeremy

I just wish it were available now--or least announced for the near future. That would solve all my problems:

• Probably better picture quality than an inexpensive player
• Girlfriend wouldn't be annoyed with two players in the living room
• I could move my Toshiba to the bedroom if the picture is great on the XBox

Of course, I would also have to buy the DVD remote, so that's more expense. *sigh*

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who gave me advice. I was leaning toward not getting the player for the time being. My decision was solidified yesterday when I had to pay $530.05 to get some part in my transmission replaced. Ugh.

Since I'm currently unemployed, that chunk of change certainly hurts, especially since I decided not to charge it. DVD Player has to wait for the time being.

Why not sell the DVD player you have, I use R2 UK or R4 AU discs, I use a mod JVC-XVS500BK to view them. I don't want to say anymore as you have enough troubles. I hope you find a job that pays well, so you can improve your hobby.:)

danol: Thanks for the suggestion about the player. I'll keep it in mind. If not for the job situation (three months and counting), it really wouldn't be an issue. As a matter of fact, I just paid off all of my credit cards just prior to my company losing our contract and being forced to lay off 250 of us. Ah, the irony.

Interesting signature too. I actually have a B.A. in English and Professional Writing. :)