Info and forum posts by 'kevindal'

Philips DVD-Video combo

Has anyone seen, heard about or, better still, does anyone know anything about a Philips DVD (MP3) - Video (HiFi stereo) combo tentatively model 740 or can you point me to a review or even tech specs site/page? Is it any good, does it accept the general Philips 750 hack? Is there any way macrovsion-free recordings can be made from the DVD half to the video half, even if external cables have to be connected? Thanks to all who reply.

This item was edited on Wednesday, 9th October 2002, 18:25

What DD decoder?

When the time came I upgraded my Yamaha RX-V592 Pro-Logic av receiver to a full DD/DTS model and relegated the former to a second set-up where it acts as a sort of video and audio go-between linking hi-fi stuff with my PC, which contains DVD player, Hollywood+ card, and also video/audio capture, etc. The Yamaha is particularly good in the video connection/switching dept.
I`d now like to add a cheap DD or DD+DTS decoder through the Yamaha`s 6-channel input and am asking for suggestions, either free-standing or in-PC (?).
I checked through the Forums and came across the VideoLogic DigiTheatre Decoder, but cannot find it on sale without the speaker package.
Thanks to all who reply.

Photodiscs on Pioneer 626 multi region

Hi. I want to put my old still photos thru my PC and onto CDRs that I can show on TV via a Pioneer 626. I do believe it is possible (esp. as the 626 reads CDRs!) by creating VCDs (?). Can anyone confirm, point me to a site that tells how to do it blow-by-blow, or whatever? What format should I save the pix in - JPG, TIFF ....? I also have some Kodak photodiscs (ie.: as produced by Kodak with my photos on) that I used to read on a CD-I player. Can I see these thru my 626 in some way, or should I put them thru the PC, change their format and save them anew on CDR in order to do so.

Can anyone tell me of any downsides to doing any of this? Is visualizing the photos an easy affair?

Any help greatly appreciated.

RE: Aiwa XR-DV370EZBC - tech specs.

Thanks Jedthened.

Can`t you use yr PC and a snazzy free application such as MusicMatch or even Cool Edit 2000 if you`ve got the pennies to convert yr Beatles wonky MP3 disc into real MP3 and then reburn it for use on yr new Aiwa?

By the way, are dodgy quality control machines getting through as they did with the previous model?

Aiwa XR-DV370EZBC - tech specs.

Does anyone know if there are any differences between this and the previous model (370KN, I believe)? Has anything been upgraded? Has anything been removed - like the ability to hack? Does it still play MP3s and do all the other nice little tricks?

500 quid portable DVD player at Tiny Computers - views & reviews?

Has anyone got one of these, or know anything about it?

Navigate through www.tiny.com to Tiny UK front page to see.

It must be Chinese, it`s certainly cheap and well-specified (plays MP3), and as such must be region hackable, but does anyone know if it is macrovision hackable, or whether it outputs NTSC to true PAL, or anything else about it, such as power supply range, connectivity, etc.etc., apart from the brief details on the Tiny technical link page?

Any info. would be well-received.

Daewoo DS2000D Owners: info. please.

How "good" is it? Is it a "reliable" machine?
Does it play MP3s? (bitrate range? variable bitrate supported?)
From Hack Forum, apparently region hack exists, but no macrovision hack; any update?
Does it output true PAL from NTSC discs?
Thanks to all who reply.

Anyone know anything about the Afreey PDVD2000 Do-It-All portable?

Anyone got any info. on this purported multi-region DVD/SVCD/VCD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3 portable with 6.8" TFT screen? I know it`s supposed to do it all - but it`s rather costly (careful choice of words so as not to offend). Does anyone know about the range of volts/cycles it will take in, whether it will do NTSC discs and, if so, in what format will it stream them out? NTSC to pure PAL by any chance?

On sale at: www.kiiro.co.uk but no in-depth info. at all!

To Jezababe. Did you buy the NAPA MP3/VCD CD-player?

I know it was a long time ago, but I have just discovered that there is an identical but other-badged NAPA DAV-310 which, in Spain at least, is selling for two-thirds of the latter. Only difference is a less glitzy black case. It`s called the WAITEC TANKY, and information can be had at www.waitec.com/mp3.htm

RE: .. or maybe the Revoy 2200?

Have a look at the Dutch site (the Revoy is a Dutch import) and you`ll see that the price over there is nothing like the price in the UK!!

RE: What player do you have, so I can work out the which players have sold the most.

Region-free Pioneer 626. Nice pic & sound (inc. for music CDs), but unknowingly I bought it just before 636 came out, which I wld have had instead, had I known. Also, I miss some features, esp. MP3 play and NTSC>PAL50 conversion, and it doesn`t have much on the trick-play side.

Anyone know anything about the LG3351??

Is it completely hackable à la LG3350 with all the same features like PAL50 conversion, MP3 playback, etc?

Anyone any idea where LG`s UK website has gone (I got a blank page)?

Thanks to all who respond.

RE: Took the Thomson back..got a Medion from Aldi (£129) BIG thumbs up :)

According to a German reviewer site I came across, the Medion MD7888 DVD player is a clone of a Schneider DV810, so this newer model may also be a Schneider clone. The same chipset you have previously mentioned was also referred to.

Do you know anything about TV standards output? Is NTSC converted to true PAL?

This item was edited on Thursday, 11th January 2001, 11:34

RE: Thomson DTH4200.......is it actually any good ???

Have a look at www.thomson-multimedia.com/vus/03/033/f033.htm or better still http://www.thomson-europe.com/Frame/1,3040,,00.html?language=25&countryID=724.

The Thomson site is a bu**er to navigate around.

Sorry no first hand experience of the player, but I would be interested in yr opinion should you decide to get one.

RE: Manhattan and Raite clones; do they do the business? And the Mico ...

Many thanks Briley.

I should have some friends coming over in a couple of months time, so will try to get one sorted out for then if I cannot find a Spanish importer!

RE: Manhattan and Raite clones; do they do the business? And the Mico ...

I have considered the Creative, but rather want something to play CD-Rs.

Plan to use it with a Grundig M 55-565 NIC/E TV, which is a very nice 21in Nicam monitor-style in very good nick - considering it`s some 9 years old! The "E" in the name refers to the fact that it`s a model for the Spanish market, so the PAL version is not quite the same as the UK version (B? G? - I always get them mixed up) but I guess the UK Mico would play all PAL versions. I don`t immediately plan to use it with a VCR, though if I did it would be a top-end Panny.

So, all I have to do now is find out if it`s imported into Spain. No one got the Mico manufacturer`s web URL at hand?

Many thanks, esp. to Briley who sounds straight.

RE: Manhattan and Raite clones; do they do the business? And the Mico ...

Answers & more queries, then.

Firstly, yes I had thought about getting a standalone MP3 player, but then weighed up the price aspect; the only real "hifi" standalone MP3 player I know of is the Terratec MP3O which is getting on for £400 - and (I don`t understand the logic behind this) which doesn`t have a digital output.

So I looked at all the various portable discman type MP3 players now out there, and discovered that they fall into two types: the cheapos and the more expensive ones. As far as I can see, you get what you pay your money for, ie: the cheapos are none too good, and the good ones are rather expensive. The good ones I rate as the Pine and the Philips Expanium, which are both well on the way to £200 - and don`t have digital outputs either, and the Philips, at least, is very plasticky! So I thought (and this is where we came in), if I`m going to shell out 200 quid for an MP3 player -and only a portable at that- why not go the whole hog and get a second DVD player and MP3 player for the same money?

Now, as regards the MICO. Does it do the real NTSC>true PAL thing? I looked at the unbeatable site, and they don`t really give all that much info., but I couldn`t find a Mico (manufacturer`s) page through my search engines. Anyone know of one? Or of a Mico fans` page like Jimbo`s Aiwa page? Somewhere where I can get the real lowdown? And what`s the difference between the "Open Box" and the "Multi" versions on the unbeatable site?

Once again, many thanks to all those who take the trouble to respond.

This item was edited on Friday, 5th January 2001, 23:30

RE: Manhattan and Raite clones; do they do the business? And the Mico ...

{Stay away from all the players you mentioned!
They where all made in PANTS-VILLE.

Stop F*ckin around and get the AIWA:) }



Sorry, forgot to mention, lots of cheap Aiwa VCRs on sale, but no Aiwa DVDs; I have in fact been out and around especially looking for `em, not to mention searching on local web search engines. It was up there among my first choices after reading all your threads on same. I would prefer to buy something locally, as I do not visit the UK often (last time 1993), and asking friends or family is such a bore.

Does the Aiwa do the full NTSC>true PAL conversion? I`ve also read on some thread or other that the MP3 playback features are rather limited.

Ta anyway.

This item was edited on Friday, 5th January 2001, 19:16

RE: Manhattan and Raite clones; do they do the business? And the Mico ...

See below.

This item was edited on Friday, 5th January 2001, 18:52

Manhattan and Raite clones; do they do the business? And the Mico ...

I already have a good DVD player and what I was really looking for was an MP3 on CD-R player (yea, I know, not really a topic for this site, but please read on ...) Then I thought, well, why not go the whole hog and get a portable DVD/SVCD player with MP3 capability instead; problem is, I can`t find one. So now I`m looking for a normal DVD-player that will do the complete MP3 business (VBR, wide bit-rate range, etc), with all the macrovision and region hacks and on-board NTSC to true PAL conversion ... yeah, I want it all!

So I`ve gleaned the threads here, and also been through all the mags., and the one that beats all others hands-down on paper is the MICO 980, but the mag. reviews have not been too good. Apart from that, I live in Spain, and I can`t find any MICOs on sale here.

What I have at last found are a MANHATTAN 2000 badged as a Vieta (local loudspeaker manufacturer turned "badger") and the RAITE 713 & 715, also under new names. The former is expensive by UK terms (over £300) whereas the latter is reasonably priced (around £200).

So, should I go for either or try to get a MICO from somewhere? More especially, do they both do the full NTSC>true PAL conversion so I can use them connected to a bedroom PAL-only TV? Are they both competent and flexible MP3 players that I can confidently use to play my home-burnt CD-Rs?

Thanks to all who respond.

RE: philips 711 disable macrovision / hack?

Not going to be much help, I`m afraid, but one time I stumbled on a web page all about hacks to Philips DVDs. Done by a Dutch guy (what else!) but there is an English language version. What I don`t know is the URL - I didn`t think to Bookmark it as Philips DVDs are not my bag. However, it`s out there somewhere, so try using your search machines and looking carefully through all the previous Philips threads on this site, both in the hardware forum and the others.

RE: Slightly OT: Anyone got one of these -> Napa DAV310? Opinions ?

Hold onto yr hat!

Firstly, Shinco, I know, have a range of VCD, SVCD and a DVD (DV980) portable players that also do MP3, but I have no idea of a UK importer/distributor/retailer -so if you hear of one, let me know quick. Their web is at: www.china-shinco.com/index.htm or via www.shinko.net

It would seem that the Hong Kong exporting company only does a stand-alone Shino 868, not the portables, but if you`d like to check out their stuff anyway (lots of Playstation stuff), go to: www.lik-sang.com

As for Discman-type MP3 players, the only one I know of that does VCD (not SVCD I`m afraid) is the Napa you already know about. Other audio only players are:

Mambox: www.mamboxnews.com/htm www.mamboxfans.com

I read some US online review on the Mambox, and they weren`t too hot- it didn`t come up to the hype that`d already been put out about it. If I find the site again, I`ll post it.

Genica: www.genica.com

MPTrip discman: www.mptrip.com

Pine SM-200C: www.pineusa.com

I seem to remember the Pine has a recording facility of some kind.

eXpanium: www.expanium.philips.com (info also on Philips` UK and Europe sites)

The last two are the better ones, though also more expensive for it. I know jungle.com carries the Napa, amazon.com (US site) the Philips and maybe others, and easybuy2000.com (another US site) the MPTrip.

Although the sites I`ve given you are basically in the US, I think all the players are beginning to filter through to Europe and the UK.

Dixons also do a cheapie, a Goodmans model, the CDMP350 at £80, which may be a badged Genica or MPTrip. Go to Dixons, check dixons.co.uk or call Goodmans on 023 9239 1100.

Hope you find this a help. If you find any alternatives, especially MP3 playing portable DVD players that are easily hacked and have defeatable macrovision, please post them!

RE: Slightly OT: Anyone got one of these -> Napa DAV310? Opinions ?

I haven`t got one, but it`s among a number of players I`ve been thinking about getting. It costs just over 30,000 pts here in Spain where I live (at present exchange rates about £100, but about £150 in "real terms"). I feel pretty sure there are two models as well, a "09" and a "10", though just what the differences are I can`t tell you. If you just want an MP3 on CD-R &/or CD-RW player, then there are now several on the market, some with better specs (eg.: anti-shock mechanisms), including one by Philips (Expanium - 2 models, an "01" and an "03" - again, I don`t know how they differ) and another by a US company called Pine. But for portable MP3 + VCD/SVCD players I only know of Shinko. They also do a portable DVD/VCD/MP3 etc player called the DV-980, and I`d like to find someone who imports them, but no one seems to know the name of an importer/distributor/retailer - do you?

If you`re interested, I could point you to some web pages on the above MP3 players and also the Shinko homepage and a Hong Kong exporter who ships the Shinko 830 (I think) SVCD (?)/ VCD/MP3 portable. Just post a yes please on this thread and I`ll get back - but maybe not till Wednesday - I work long hours!

RE: DumbBumb question for techies on backing-up DVD 5.1 sound on VHS

Thanks for yr reply Mick.

Yes, I realise I can`t get dig. sound recorded on an analogue tape, but what I believe is that, by the time the "sound" comes out of the 5.1 discrete outputs, the 626`s onboard decoder/DAC should have already converted same from dig. to analogue. Even when I record 5.1 tracks with the connection I mentioned in my previous posting, I do get some dialogue - but basically the minimal bleed one gets from centre to L & R front spkrs, and not the main dialogue audio directed at the centre spkr. As such it is too low to hear, and if the amp is turned up loud enough to hear it, all the effects normally routed to the L&R spkrs are deafening!

Having the digital amp. I don`t usually use the DVD`s onboard decoder -I forgot to say in my original that the DVD > Amp. connection is digital, though analogue connections are possible, too.

Theoretically I think my idea should work, even though the resulting mix surely can`t be perfect, as there must be effects sound lost (all the stuff that is being routed out of the other 3.1 outputs). I just don`t want to try it without someone "in-the-know" assuring me it`s not going to burn out my VCR or whatever.

As for analogue tracks on DVDs, well yes, I thought there surely must be on all of them, but you see, I don`t live in the UK and my DVDs are sourced in another European country so, although there is an English language track apart from other languages, there is generally only one and, for modern pics., only 5.1. Hence the pickle I am in.

DumbBumb question for techies on backing-up DVD 5.1 sound on VHS

To date I have made my DVD back-up copies on VHS by choosing the Surround or ProLogic soundtrack option for analogue audio output. Now I have met dig. 5.1 only DVDs, which results in nice video and effects but inaudible dialogue on the taped copy. So, what can I do to get my dialogue back?

For sake of ease I connect by scart out from my Pioneer DV-626D to 3-phonos in on the front of my Panasonic NV-HD 650 hifi stereo VCR. I also have the 626 connected to a Sony STR-DB 830 dig. amp./receiver, to which the Panasonic is likewise connected, though only by analogue audio ins.

A quick squint at the Pioneer manual says the "power-rating" of the various 5.1 discrete outputs from its onboard decoder is the same as for its regular stereo audio-outs. Would there be any problem if I were therefore to source my analogue audio from the centre (for dialogue) and, say, either left or right front (for effects, music, etc.) discrete 5.1 outputs? The other 5.1 outputs would remain unconnected. I would continue to source the video signal from the scart and, although it sounds a bit complicated, in fact it would not be difficult.

The Pioneer onboard set-up menu also allows for speaker settings to be set. Would it help -or make any difference at all- if I were to "switch off" the rear speakers on this option? I already have the subwoofer option switched off as this is the missing link in my system.

Apart from this possible solution, does anyone know of any other, perhaps routing the audio through the amp. in some way?

This item was edited on Saturday, 2nd December 2000, 17:21

RE: SERIOUSLY THIS TIME!! VCD/CDR/CDRW/MP3 AND DVD WITH MULTI REGION but it aint the 3350

Sorry! No offence meant. I was trying to get through to Globefm, who mentions a super Daewoo earlier in the thread.

All I want to do is find the right player for me; I already have one, a snazzy region-free Pioneer DV626, but it`s got a failing - I want something to play MP3s on CD-Rs, and thought, why not go the whole hog and get another DVD? But it has to be something that will do the whole R1/R2 thing, preferably with macrovision disabled too. I`d also prefer a portable I can drag around the house with me (something to ban the boredom of doing the washing up), but the only one I know of is a Shinko, and no one seems able to give me any sort of contact phone/e-mail for them. And I want something that will play discs I aim to put my home movies on via my PC. If it could also play CD-Is and Kodak photodiscs, then it would be a dream come true. Globefm says his Daewoo`s got the lot.

My other problem is that I live abroad, so I also have to find the appropriate machine over here (I have found a reference to an LG3351 - any comments?) - or invite some friendly family member over on holiday and get them to haul it for me! (A bit extreme, don`t you think?)

Money is also an issue given the strong £.

Right - I`m ready to be convinced! Who`s got the machine I want and need?

Shinco or other portable DVD players

Still looking for contact and/or retailer for Shinco portable DVD/VCD/CD-R/MP3 player. Is no-one into Chinese? Come on lads, someone must have a phone nº. or e-mail address somewhere.

Or, failing that, does anyone know of a similar player, region-free or easily hackable? Something with optical and analogue sound outs so I can take it round the house as well as hook it up to my hifi.

RE: SERIOUSLY THIS TIME!! VCD/CDR/CDRW/MP3 AND DVD WITH MULTI REGION but it aint the 3350

Please give me more info on this desirable Daewoo! Model no., hack, purchase place ... ! A photo even. And just how good is it?

This item was edited on Monday, 20th November 2000, 11:45

Life of Brian/400 Blows

Isn`t Monty Python`s "Life of Brian" out on Reg.2? If so, where?

And while we`re at it, how about Truffaut`s "400 Coups" (400 Blows), preferably with English/Spanish language or subtitles at least.

Portable DVD/MP3

Am looking for a region-disabled/hackable portable DVD player with MP3 on CD-R capability and digital sound out. The only machine I`ve heard of of this type is a Shinko, but cannot find importer/retailer contact phone or e-mail address anywhere. Can anyone help?

Alternatively, does anyone know of any other machines of this type (other manufacturers) and have details?

If there is nothing on this front, does anyone have anything to say about the few portable audio-CD/MP3 "discman"-type machines just out on the market?