Multi region DVD player - recommendations, please!

[whiskygalore]

Hoping to buy on in the Jan sales, but apart from knowing I want a multi region one, I know nothing. Can anyone tell me good features to look out for, pointless gimmick features to avoid, or recommend a specific model? Hoping to spend under �200. Thanks!

[lisaj]

I think all DVD players are multi-region these days. It just makes no sense from the manufacturer's perspective to release a product that would be inferior to that of a competitor... that said, I think they're regionalised, but that bit is disabled. Look for one with digital outputs (optical or coax), plus a scart out, plus a 3xBNC output (the yellow, red, white socket combination). Look for one with a remote that doesn't look a nightmare to use - from a design perspective, it's likely the interface on the box is similarly well designed to the remote.

[Mintox]

With that sort of money you be able to get one. Multi region is a must and If you get one with the following you be covered for future upgrades with your TV and Surround system. DTS Sound with either a coaxical or digital output, S-Video output for the pic - if you get this then all your other stuff - scart, 5.1 sound will come as standard. Easiest way to connect it up is by scart so make sure you have one on ur TV as you cant use the ariel input. with gimmerks dont go for one that has zoom or super slow mo - on my old one i had this but never used it. but lower price models tend to come with this - better players will prob just go for excellent picture and sound quality and little or no gimerks. I suggest you buy what hi-fi or what home cinema as these advise all things to look for. Check out Richer sounds as they do good deals and you can always save a bit of cash. if you can, borrow the player (prob have to pay a deposit) to test it with your set up as what you see in the shop will never be what you see at home!! Brands Philips and sony are good - but unkown brands tend to be just as good. Happy Viewing!

[tracymort]

I'll 2nd that Mintox. My partner is a manager of Richer Sounds in Colchester. You can get a really good player for under �200, (in fact under �100!). If you call your local branch you can book a demo where they can show you dvd's working and can explain what you need to know. Most DVD's are the same inside. Mine can play mp3's which is handy for parties, u can put nearly 200 songs on a cd and leave it to keep playing. tracy xx

[rja211077]

i actually disagree that multi-region is a must. its only advantages are that some/most DVDs are released in the US before here (fine if you really can't wait to own that blockbuster but if you're like me it's more about collecting classics than having the latest a few months before anyone else). the other advantage is that DVDs are cheaper in the US - yes but only if you ship in bulk to make the extra shipping charges worthwhile. i get by perfectly happily with my R2 player and my R2 disks!

[Mintox]

Sorry rja211077 but i would disagree. If you buy from Play or cdwow all shipping is free and you can buy one at a time.and they are cheaper than if you were top buy them from HMV. Also i find you tend to get more extras on region 1 as over here we have to put more languages on which takes up space. Plus you get better sound - a lot more Region 1 are DTS. Sorry rja211077

[tracymort]

most new films do come out the same time but some older films you can't get here e.g. Xanadu (i know I am sad!) but u can get in the US. It's nice to have your options open! play is really good and I like DVD express too.

[teak]

You dont even need to get a multi region player.I have owned 3 different region 2 players and got the hacking code from DVDHACKS.CO.UK for each one of them.

[whiskygalore]

Thanks to Mintox & Tracyh for comprehensive answers - had also been wondering about the best place for Region Ones, so thanks for the tips.

[TheheftyGeorge]

Megatek is great