Philips 711: repair or move on?

[tdc99]

Hello all,

I'm the owner of a Philips 711 player that recently died. (Well, it will still play SVCDs, but when I put in a DVD, it spins for a while and then simply ejects the DVD. I've experienced this with several different DVDs.)

I called Philips and they told me that the 711 is not repairable. Instead, they simply replace the unit. Since it's not within 1 year of my purchase date, the replacement cost will be $79.99.

This got me wondering: Is it better to get my 711 replaced, or should I simply buy a new "low cost" DVD player. (In other words, are there DVD players better than the 711 that cost approximately 80 bucks?)

I use the DVD player with three formats: SVCD, CVD and DVD. However, the majority of the time, I simply use it to watch DVD rentals.

Do you think I should pay Philips to get it replaced? If not, what would you recommend as a replacement?

Thanks for your help,
Tim Crowley

[kitty]

I have a 711 and it is a good general player.

What it does: VCD, SVCD, CVD (44khz on CD-R), DVD, more? NTSC & PAL ok
What it does not do: MP3, CVD (48khz on CD-R), miniDVD

It has a good array of outputs unlike the cheapo players. It works well with a Philips receiver outputing DTS, Dolby, etc.

Is there a better player - yes - at a good price point - maybe. You'll have to shop around to see if a replaced unit or a different model/brand is right for you.

If you have PC made discs take them to a store near you & try them on the floor models. That's how I found the Apex portables bite big time.

[SatStorm]

It looks that the only part that broke on your player, is the drive.
Why you don't try to replace it yourself? It is not difficult, and If you are not with the electronics, then search for a good indeependent technician do it for you.

From the other hand, if you don't do this then I suggest to go and buy a cheap chinese player. Almost all of them are flexible, region and macrovision free and includes all the basic stuff of any player. Do a small research for what you can find in your local market, visiti the DVD players list of this site and do a choice.

Today, I think there are many excellent DVD standalone players at a price around 100$

[tdc99]

SatStorm and others,

Here's the update: I decided to go ahead and get a replacement machine. (I settled on a Mintek for approx $55 and, given what I paid, I'm pretty impressed.)

I'm now giving serious consideration to trying to repair the 711 myself. Unfortunately, I don't know where I can go to pick up a new drive. (I'm a complete newbie to this, but since I don't have anything to lose, I'm willing to give it a shot.)

Could anyone tell me where I could pick up a replacement drive? (Perhaps a web site, parts store, etc.)

Many thanks!

[jolo]

That Mintek 1600 is incredible as it is cheap. It has played VCDs , SVCDs, MP3s, every thing I threw at it with no problems.

I got an open box one at Best Buy for $37, but I think it is usually $57 there.

Jon

[jolo]

That Mintek 1600 is incredible as it is cheap. It has played VCDs , SVCDs, MP3s, every thing I threw at it with no problems.

I got an open box one at Best Buy for $37, but I think it is usually $57 there.

Jon