Best Choice For Hooking Through VCR?

[bj0nes]

Hi:
My kids' dated AV setup doesn't have enough inputs so I've always run my old Apex DVD player through the VCR. The Apex is starting to flake out, so can you all recommend the easiest-to-modify cheap DVD as a replacement? I've been leaning towards the Phillips DVP642 but some people seem to have issues with it and it's being carried less places now. My needs are pretty basic, as long as I can run through the VCR I'm not concerned about too many bells and whistles.
Thanks,
Bobby

[james636]

I've been leaning towards the Phillips DVP642 but some people seem to have issues with it and it's being carried less places now

Well I have a DVP642 and I must tell you that it is a wonderful player. It plays every file type that it claims to play. These so called "issues" that you speak of are really not an issue. They're a motor noise that I didn't even pay attention to until I heard someone whining about it. They give you the impression that the noise is very loud and constant, but it really is neither. The noise isn't very loud and it only takes place while the disc is loading then it stops. The second is the standby light. Its a little red led light that is on while the dvd player is not in use.

I would recommend the player. For under 60 bucks, thats a steal

[jmikeh]

Definitely a steal. Best thing I have bought in years. Playing divx and xvid on TV. Priceless....

[james636]

Playing divx and xvid on TV. Priceless....

Thats a good one

[bj0nes]

These so called "issues" that you speak of are really not an issue. They're a motor noise that I didn't even pay attention to until I heard someone whining about it. They give you the impression that the noise is very loud and constant, but it really is neither. The noise isn't very loud and it only takes place while the disc is loading then it stops. The second is the standby light. Its a little red led light that is on while the dvd player is not in use.

I would recommend the player. For under 60 bucks, thats a steal

The issue I was most concerned about is people saying the newer ones have macrovision enabled which you can't remove, which would stop me from using it with my VCR. I agree that for the price I'm not going to sweat a little light...
Thanks,
Bobby

[kato51]

How about a simple A/V switchbox like this? Cheaper than macrovision killers and you can use any dvd player/game box/vcr. I've used it on my folk's setup to hookup 2 vcrs and a dvd player.

2-way
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5...5Fid=15%2D1982

4-way
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5...5Fid=15%2D1983

[bj0nes]

How about a simple A/V switchbox like this?

That is worth thinking about, but the wife & kids are used to the current setup so if there's an easy-to-hack player available right now I'd rather go for that. If I can't find one in the next few weeks it's off to Radio Shack for me!
Thanks,
Bobby

[giannid]

There exists a couple of unofficial firmware updates for the DVP642 based on the 0531 which was macrovision free (HuffyK's or Bruno's). Now the DVP642 has 3 hardware profiles. At the time of the 0531 there were only 2. Therefore if your DVP642 has the newer profile, then you won't be able to use 0531 firmware on it, and then you won't be able to pass it through the VCR.

If you want to test a floor model and then take it, you can test the version with the remote. With tray door open, punch in: 5, 6, 9, OK

Mine says something like this: 0112 642/37 01 S 1

Therefore I have an "S" type which can be reverted to 0531. The "M" type can also be reverted.

However if you have an "E" type, you probably won't be able to revert it to 0531 and then you're stuck with macrovision. For most people it's not an issue. But if you are planning to hook up your DVD player to your VCR, to either tape from DVD or to pass through, it is an issue.

[coody]

Hey giannid! I checked my player according to the codes you provided. It displayed VER0409 642/17 01 1. There is neither S nor M. I can connect the VCR without the microvision problems but cannot hook up the DVD recorder because the microvision is enabled. Is it possible to connect the DVD recorder and completely disable the microvision?

[giannid]

Coody,

It seems to me that you have one of the early dvp642 models, and I wouldn't think there would be any macrovision on it. The dvp642/17 came out first in No. America. Then there was a firmware update 0531 which I assume came out on 05/31/2004. DVP642's that subsequently came out with the updated 0531 firmware were now called 642/37. The 0531 didn't have macrovision enabled. The macrovision came with 1109 and continued with 0112. Since your firmware (0409) came out before the 0531 (no macrovision) and 1109 (macrovision), I don't think you have it.

Have you tried videotaping VHS off from your DVD player?

[coody]

I am talking about the microvision when hook up a DVD Recorder. Yes I can backup any Disney movies such as Shrek, Bug’s life to the tape without microvision problems by connecting a VCR. But it has the microvision problem if connect the DVD Recorder. Some people still believe some types of Philips DVP 642 is microvision free. Actually, it is only true when connecting the VCR but not true when hook up the DVD Recorder. You may want to test it by hook up the DVD Recorder (rather than the VCR) and try to copy a new Disney movie. It will show you a truth. So, I still do not know how to disable the Philips DVP 642 microvison when copy a DVD disc by the DVD Recorder , although there is no microvision problem of copy the VHS tape. My Philips DVP642/17 was packed in a blue box and manufactured early 2004.

[RowMan]

bj0nes,

If your set-up is just for the kids to watch movies, why not get a simple RF converter? This will allow you to still use the same TV, VCR, and any DVD player. However, you will lose the option of recording the DVD to VHS unless you get a Macrovision free DVD player. If you still want that option, this device will let you to run any DVD player through a VCR and allow recording, too.

http://mcm.newark.com/NewarkWebCommerce/mcm/en_US/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?SKU=80-4280&N=4


coody,

Your Philips DVD player may well be Macrovision free, but there is another form of copy protection on most DVDs called CGMS/A. It specifically prevents what you're trying to do, copying a DVD to a DVD recorder.

The Clarifier Classic shown on this page is what you'll need to do what you want...

http://www.facetvideo.com/xcart/customer/home.php

...but you might want to try backing-up your DVDs with your computer. If you have a DVD burner (now around $50), you'll get much better results.

[giannid]

Yes, you should get a copy of software programs like DVD Decrypter and DVD Shrink which are free. With these programs you can make a back-up copy of your DVD's. You can also get rid of forced ads and other restrictions.

Or perhaps if you want, you can purchase a program like AnyDVD which allows you back up your DVD's using burning software like NERO.