Yamaha DVD S657 Region 1 vs. dual volts model that plays PAL out-of-the-box

[eurocd]

There are several models of this player: each seller claiming theirs is better at playing PAL and non-region 1 DVD's. Can the US region 1 model be safely hacked with the remote or as some sellers claim, get the 'internation' dual voltage model which is 'native' PAL/NTSC.
Are these models the same re picture quality? Will the Region 1 model play PAL discs with the simple remote hack? Anyone have experience with this particular model? Any advice appreciated.
{if you want to send a private email, use moonprobe at yahoo dot com}
Thanks!

[Big C]

Hello, Eurocd. I can tell you that the US model can play both NTSC and PAL DVDs on corresponding, as well as opposite TVs and can be made multi-region compatible by opening its tray, pressing 99990, and then closing the tray. I hope this answers your question.

[eurocd]

Hello, Eurocd. I can tell you that the US model can play both NTSC and PAL DVDs on corresponding, as well as opposite TVs and can be made multi-region compatible by opening its tray, pressing 99990, and then closing the tray. I hope this answers your question.

Check out this site/page: www.world-import.com/yamaha-dvds657.htm
They seem to be promoting a better version of this player- or is it just BS? [what they are selling is a modified region 3 player - don't know how it was modified]. They are charging $234 & you can find the US model for 178 (if they carry it)

Does the US model need a hack each time a disc is played - or is it an all region hack that plays PAL & NTSC automatically? If you own one, is the PAL picture as good as the NTSC?
E-cd

[Big C]

The open tray/99990/close tray sequence works perfectly on unmodified units. Don't buy it from an unauthorized dealer if you don't have to! If you live in the US, you should either get it at your local Best Buy, www.onecall.com , www.bhphotovideo.com , or www.vanns.com . That way, your DVD player will be covered under Yamaha's one-year limited warranty, and best of all, you will save a lot of money! Yes. I own its five-disc changer counterpart, the DVD-C750 and it does excelent PAL-to-NTSC conversion, as well as great NTSC on NTSC and PAL on PAL, one of the primary reasons I got it.