Apex AD-1100W problems, skipping/choppy video

[mojo2185]

I just noticed this yesterday:
I'm trying to play a real DVD (not a burned/backed up, not a vcd, etc... a retail DVD) and the video starts to get choppy for a second every now and then. Anyone know what the problem is? I realize this was a pretty cheap DVD player, but I have hardly used it. Somewhere a long time ago, i read that apex players have problems with overheating, could this cause the problem?

Thanks for any info!

[lordsmurf]

Lens may be dirty

[presto]

Happens for me once in a while too. Someone called rrollins posted this in the DVD Player section over to the left:

I have had this player for about a year. It has worked well but has developed the instability that has been reported here (skipping, freezing and reporting no-disk on insert). These problems appear to be manufacturing problems with these two focus areas:
1. The small flat (white) signal cable from the disk drive.
2. Heat.

For 1:
The small signal cable from the drive to the processor board. I found that there was a small skew in the position of the cable and after releasing and reinserting the cable everything would work fine. I finally had to (carefully)pull the cable up (it is glued down) and re-position it to be alligned correctly. Now it is very reliable at start of play again.
For 2: Heat.
Adding heat sinks and a fan is a good suggestion. This makes this player a hobby, so you can decide if it is worth it. With the lid off I have noticed that it does much better at not skipping, but adds a safety (power supply is exposed..watch out for live line voltage) and dust issue.

Hope it helps if you have problems and your inclined to tinker with this.

I haven't tinkered with mine yet. Do so at your own risk.

[johns0]

I also read that the psu has under sized capacitors that need to be replaced.