Apex AD-5131 is just like the 703, but without the annoying

[LwoodPDowd]

I had to take my 703 into circuit city after i moved it without removing the DVD's (they went flying around inside and i couldn't get them out) When i got it back the sound was screwed up so i took it back. They were unable to fix it so i was going to get a new one (i spent the $39.99 on the service plan.) While i was there i noticed they had a new model available. It only cost $10 for me to upgrade to the 5131 (i bought the 703 for 170.99 and the 5131 was 179.99 plus 60 cents or so to start my service plan on the date i picked up the 5131 rather than the date i bought the 703)

Anyway, here are the improvements:

##Now features OPTICAL digital audio out.

##The remote has a power button.

##The disk wells on the tray are significantly deeper so that DVD's won't slide as easily and hopefull won't get stuck on one another anymore.

##The text no longer pops up on the screen by default when playing a new dvd.

##I don't remember the other video out on the 703, but i don't think it came with the component video out, the 5131 does.

It did eliminate the subwoofer/center and surround sound rca jacks, but it still has Digital coax and optical, so that wasn't a problem for me.

[Ton]

The 5131 is a new version of the 703A not the 703.
The 5131 adds MP3 and CDR capability which the 703A lacked.
The 703A is made by Hongtu (Jiangsu Hongtu High Technology Company Limited) while the 703 is made by Shinco.
The AD703A and AD5131 cannot be made region free at this time and also don't have a macrovision off option like the available firmware for the AD703.

I'll keep my 703 since I like to backup my movies to SVHS for use in other rooms.