Cheapest most easily hackable DVD player
#1
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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
Thanks.
Danny in Yorktown, VA
#2
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Originally Posted by Nightflyer
BTW, are there any hackable DVD players that also up-convert to pseudo-HD quality?
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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
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
#5
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by dleedlee
Philips DVD 5990
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1199495403415
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1199495403415
#7
DVD Talk Legend
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.
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.
#8
DVD Talk Legend
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)
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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 ;-)
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 ;-)
#10
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Originally Posted by domino harvey
Yup, check out the Oppo 980H-- mine upconverts like a beaut and because it's an Oppo, it was very easily made region-free.
#11
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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?
#12
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Originally Posted by DVD Guy ATL
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?
You'll probably have to run the region free trick again after a firmware upgrade.
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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!
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!