apex ad 5131

[after_science]

After checking the dvd players compatibility list, I was quite ready to buy an apex (ad 5131) thinking it would play all my vcds and that I could finally start watching svcds (my old mintek won't play svcd). But when I went to the apex site, it said that their players were not vcd compatible because that format is not popular in north America. Also, when I called circuit city, the video guy told me it would not play svcds or vcds! I have more faith in you guys than in either of the places I checked!

[IGGY]

On the APEX site = http://www.apexdigitalinc.com/proddisp.asp?category=DVD%20Players
If you look at the details of the players it will show that the players support SVCD. Most of the APEX players will also play VCD. But there are some exceptions read here =

http://www.vcdhelp.com/dvdplayers.php?DVDname=&DVDselect=&Search=Search&listall=List%2...=&best=&worst=

http://www.nerd-out.com/forum/

I don't have this exact model. I have the AD-1010W which some versions play VCD & others don't. Depending on when the player was manufactured. The version of AD-1010W that won't play VCD does play SVCD & everything else you can throw at it.

Looks like more info on this specific model can be found here also =
http://www.vcdhelp.com/dvdplayers.php?DVDnameid=649&Search=Search&#comments

[therick]

Alright, here is the deal. This was posted on the site a while ago (when it happened). Apex was not paying VCD royalties to Phillips, so threatened with a lawsuit, they took VCD (and SVCD) compatibility off of their new players. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that the date is May 1, 2002. All Apex players made after that date are no longer VCD (or SVCD) compatible. The AD 5131 was out before this date, I have one that plays VCD and SVCD wonderfully-but if there is an AD 5131 that was made after this date I guess it would no longer be VCD compatible.

*Whew*

Now what I would do were I you would be to take one VCD and one SVCD (that you have tested in a player, of course) to Circuit City and run down the line of players. Don't trust sales guys and don't trust player boxes/descriptions-trust what plays and what doesn't play and then make your decision.

[IGGY]

My AD-1010W was in fact made on 08/10/02 so the May date can't be right. Considering my player has VDC & SVCD support. Now certain versions of this model ( depending on date of manufacture ) don't play VCD but do play SVCD. But it is my understanding this has been an issue with APEX in the past. As I stated above the APEX website ( which I don't think is updated to often ) still clearly promotes SVCD support for it's players. But my AD-1010W E1010020810*****HMO7 was produced on 8/10/02 & still supports VCD & SVCD.