Cheapest most easily hackable DVD player
 

A few years back I picked up the Philips DVP642, because it was supposedly one of the easiest to hack and could handle the largest variety of discs, including CDs containing XVID/DIVX compressed AVI files. This model is no longer available and I haven't kept up with models of more recent vintage that can easily handle PAL/Region 2 DVDs as well as DVD+/-RWs. My friend who is interested in obtaining some R2 DVDs discovered that his Magnavox MWD200G is not hackable. I believe the Philips DVP3142 may be a suitable model, but would like to hear what you're using. BTW, are there any hackable DVD players that also up-convert to pseudo-HD quality?

Thanks.

Danny in Yorktown, VA

Yup, check out the Oppo 980H-- mine upconverts like a beaut and because it's an Oppo, it was very easily made region-free.

I'm not sure a MSRP of $170 necessarily qualifies as "cheapest."

Most Philips are still hackable. Upconvert models:

Philips DVD 5990
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1199495403415

Pioneer DV-400
http://www.target.com/Pioneer-1080p-...0player&page=1

Check here for comments, hacks, look up others:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks

A big bonus with this one is the inclusion of a USB port - I can watch anything I download on my television.

Pioneer DV400 is a great player.

The absolute cheapest is going to be something like this for under $30:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1152228812909

Region hack code here:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks/insignia-ns-dvd1/7696

Of course, you get what you pay for, and this won't have the best video quality, and likely won't last you for years.

My Bravo D1 does a great job at upconverting, can be found for very cheap (got it for around $40), and is easily made region free. The only thing I don't like is the slow power-up time. The zoom function on this unit makes it my choice for older non-anamorphic titles. (on the downside, it can be a little more touchy reading some discs, but I guess the drive is easy to replace)

Regarding that Insignia model from Best Buy: I've been told Toshiba makes their TVs, at least the SD ones, so perhaps they make the DVD players too?

One other easily-hackable Philips I can recommend is the DVP3140, which typically sells for under $40. It's my back-up, bedroom TV player, to replace the DVP3040, which is practically useless these days, as it plays maybe one disc in three without complaint.

Of course, my main player is a DVP642 ;-)

Is there a particular place that tends to have the best prices on Oppo players?

Just got a Phillips DVP5992 and the region-free thing worked like a charm. Now I'm afraid to download any firmware upgrades in case they disable this functionality... anyone with a region-free Phillips apply firmware upgrades? If so, any issues?

I've done it with no problems but I'd check around the net first to make sure there isn't any problems.

You'll probably have to run the region free trick again after a firmware upgrade.

If I were you, I'd just go with another Philips. If you want the cheapest, the 3960 can be had on store shelves for less than $40, or if you want more of a bargain, get a factory reconditioned one direct from Philips (outlet.philips.com) for $29.99 with free shipping.

Still VERY easily hackable (remote control 5-digit code). Has HDMI, HD upscaling, etc., too.

By the way, Mr. Peepers, firmware upgrades do not disable the multi-region capability. You'll still be good to go!

Two questions -

Does it have true PAL>NTSC conversion...and

Is there a zoom out function to compensate for monitor overscan?