Pioneer DV444S Player

[IndyUK]

Hi,

I have been looking around for a good all round DVD player. After some extensive research I have come to the conclusion the Pioneer DV444S is a very good choice. It plays the media I have been considering, and as a bonus plays MP3s - not bad.

I realise that there isn't a player out there that does not have any bad points, but this one seems to have some real good reviews. One issue does concern me however, and it's to do with multi-region. Some adverts actually state Multi-region and some don't. Although this isn't a huge problem, I do have some Region 1 DVDs that I don't really fancy buying again in R2 format.

Does anyone out there have this player? If so, how would you rate it? Does it do what it says?
i.e plays VCD(home made aswell as retail), SVCD, XSVCD, etc....

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks
Indy

[sue denim]

Hi Indy!

I love my 444 and would recommend it to everyone (you included!)
DVD players that leave the factory as 'Multi-region' are a bit of a gamble these days. This is because many counter measures have been put in place by the big hollywood studios to enforce the region coding structure of the industry eg. Region Coding Enhancement (RCE). I know of many 'multi-region' players being sold now that will choke on many of the newer R1 discs.

Therefore, I would highly recommend doing what I did .... buy your 444 pre-chipped
This will ensure that it'll play just about anything you throw at it for years to come!

If you're in the UK (like me) than I suggest taking a look at www.mailuk.com (funny name I know!).
This is where I bought mine from and their prices and service are second to none.... and no I don't work for them!

Hope this helps ......

Sue xxx

[IndyUK]

Hi Sue,

Thanks for getting back to me. I have checked out the web site you
recommended, unfortunately their price is £199 where Amazon.co.uk are
doing it for £159.

Have you tried any home made VCDs? Also I read somewhere the picture
quality is questionable, is this true? What other features have you tried
out?


Indy

PS I am from UK (Herts)

[Psycho Reptile]

I've also got the 444s, not chipped. It plays all the stuff downloaded from the net and encoded in TMPGEnc as well as SVCD/VCD's released as bin/cue. Supports MP3 cd's with upto 250 mp3's - this also works. The video quality is great, my only critisism - no RF out so I can split the signal around the house - without an RF feedthru.

[kobiashi]

Indy,

I bought mine from amazon.co.uk and what a player I have done nothing to it (straight from the box) and it plays everything R1 & R2 and RCE no problems, vcd svcd, dvd-r, mp3

Definitely recommended

Kobiashi