Help! Need cheap DVD player for Philippines!

[marknyc5]

I'm leaving on 12/20 for the Philippines and need to bring a DVD player, since they are much more expensive to buy there.

I need one that will work at 220V and that is region-free or that can be hacked.

The Philippines operate on NTSC standard.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Mark

[glockjs]

are you sure they are that much more expensive there? i would think it would be easier to get a region free player there too

[marknyc5]

Yes, the cheapest are over $100, and I can get a good one here for $40 - $50. But I think I found one that will work, for $40 at Best Buy:

http://www.110220volts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=9b8ab16c38106fba611a3b131...ome/CH-DVD-300

[HatchetMan]

Just make sure you thoroughly (sp?) test that player before taking it over, CyberHome are great inexpensive players, when they work.

[BJ_M]

you might have a big problem -- other than disks sold there are region 3


The Philippines generally uses 220 volts at 60 Hz with U.S. style flat blade attachment plugs (symetric). In a few cases, buildings also have 110 volt wiring, mostly used for air-conditioners, of which you have to be aware.

Using equipment at the wrong voltage is a sure way of destroying them.

If you come from North-America, using 110-120 volts, 60 Herz, your plugs will fit, but you will have to make sure that your equipment can handle the voltage, which is twice as high as at home. Some equipment (such as modern lap-tops) can automatically detect and adjust to the higher voltage, other equipment will need to be manually adjusted, often with a small switch on the back. A lot audio equipment and televisions and most larger equipment, such as washing machines, dish-washers, etc., cannot be adjusted, and will require relatively expensive transformers (that also constantly waste some energy doing their job, and electricity is expensive in the Philippines!).

If you come from Europe, using 220-240 volts, 50 Herz, the voltage will match, but not the plugs and the frequency. In my experience, the mismatch of frequency is not a big problem -- but it might be with equipment including electric motors, such as washing machines. Flat blade attachment plugs can be bought at any hardware shop, but some of the cheaper ones aren't exactly safe. Adaptor plugs are also available, but a little more difficult to find. If you are building a new house, you could consider installing outlets that can take both types of plug. It will require some searching, but they are available....

[BJ_M]

i just checked and dvd players cost the same as in the usa within 5%

[BJ_M]

in fact some i looking at are a lot cheaper over there ..

[Headbanger's Ball]

Are you going to be watching DVDs there or VCDs?
VCDs dominate the market there. And Philippine VCD players (even cheaper ones) don't run more than $20 US usually less (of course the place you buy it will determine the cost...Manila & Cebu are much more expensive than Dumaguete or Davao.) Plus their VCD players will play both NTSC & PAL.
Radio Shack sell power converters (220 to 110) and you might be able to pick one up in NAIA or around Manila.

Not related to DVDs:
But be sure to pick up a copy of Lonely Planet's travel guide for the Phils. Very handy to have when traveling there. DO NOT enter taxis or mini buses with NO working meters!!! Having a Filipino friend with you helps...you don't get screwed on prices as bad with someone speaking the same language. And be prepared to smile & wave EVERYTIME you hear someone say "Hey Joe." Also, AVOID MINDANAO!

Christmas in the Philippines felt strange to me because the weather was more like July than December. Have fun.

[Headbanger's Ball]

Almost forgot.

By all means, leave the people some $$$ wherever you power the DVD player! You would not believe the price of electricity there.

I think running a refrigerator all day, tv/vcd players a couple hours a night, lights a couple hours a night & small radio several hours a day sent the electric bill in excess of $100 US. Most Filipinos can't afford P5500 + a month.

And if you are going to the provinces, be ready to have the entire barangay (village) show up to watch movies too.

[marknyc5]

Thanks for all the info. According to Cyberhome, this player will play with both 110 and 220V. I need a player that will play both DVDs and VCDs - I think this one will.

My friend is checking DVD player prices in the Philippines right now, and he says the best price he can find is over $100. Electronics there are generally more expensive, he says. If you have any info on where to get a cheap one in Manila, let me know!

Thanks,

Mark

[lenti_75]

get a cyberhome 300 from bestbuy for 40$

has 220V and you can make it region free

[Headbanger's Ball]

Cyberhomes play about anything you put in it. However, they are unreliable. Take a VCD & DVD to the store with you & try it out. Just make sure you pack it securely so it still works after you land. Humidity there screws with the electronics a bit so don't be surprised if you notice some glitches when playing movies.


Another Phil tip:
If you plan on island hopping by boat.....
Supercat - Fast, smooth, inconvenient schedules & slightly more expensive.
Delta - Slow, cheaper, convenient schedules, vomitorium!