I got an Apex 660 and it has macro disabled and is region free. The most versatile players on the market are the Apex's. They play mp3, vcd, cdr and dvd. If you want some reading on the firmware upgrades, check these out...
http://www.nerd-out.com/forum/list.php?f=17&collapse=1
http://www.dvd-wizards.com/darrenk/A600/660patch.htm
http://pc-prophet.com/mydvd/
That'll get you started.