Apex PD-100 Test Results

[kitty]

I went to Circuit City today with my test disks. The $279 player they have is the PD-100 which is the widescreen version without progressive scan.

Physical - definitely a bit big. Has composite & S-video connectors on right side & dual rca audio connectors. The audio & composite video are input or output (switchable on the side). S-video appeared to be output only. Volume & headphones were also on this side. Volume could not be cranked to a very loud level on internal speakers. The buttons below the screen are (left to right) brightness (up/down), color (up/down) and wide vs standard (just squishes video). Screen quality - SUCKS. No one could adjust the brightness/color to get a good picture that isn't washed out. There was a Panasonic next to the Apex and there was no comparison. The only disc control buttons are FF/REW/PLAY/STOP. No next/prev track buttons or navigation buttons.

Compatability:
1) MiniDVD Test Disk - from this site, the Dolby scene - player said "no disc". Media: K-hypermedia 8x. Disc works (poorly) in Apex1500 which is known not to play MiniDVD.
2) VCD Test Disk - VCDimager - same media - not recognized - no Disc message. I wish I had brough a couple more VCDs. Now I am unsure this player even plays VCDS!
3) SVCD Test Disk - VCDimager - works like a champ on both the K hypermedia and Memorex discs I had.
4) MP3 - Imation 24x burned at 32x on liteon - broght up the usual Apex MP3 / file menu - played disc fine (but don't use the internal speakers to fill a room with sound.

Sorry I don't have a DVD-r or +RW to test

Conclusion:
I did not buy it.
Negatives: Display too washed out at most angles/adjustments and I'm not even picky, no MiniDVD/VCD play (maybe will play other media for DVD but I doubt miniDVD). Buttons on the unit won't control the unit well.

Positives: Input/oututs better than many higher brands.

The Panasonic next to it was $539 - Had all the nav buttons, a crisp display, and only 1/4 the thickness. I would have tested discs on it but I had already had them unscrew the plastic guarding the Apex...

ANyone have other info??

[davec111]

According to customer service, Wall Mart (online) will be selling this model in the next two weeks. $286.00. Thanks for the tip on the video quality of this unit. I was very tempted to purchase it once Wal Mart had it on their site. Now I'll wait for a better unit.

[kitty]

The Apex site now says for the PD-100 DVD/MP3/SVCD but does not mention VCD.

[SteveDVD]

Apex's site never metions VCD for any of there players...

But most do play them.