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View Full Version : Apex DVD Player with MP3 Capability for $70 (Hackable)


fiercelyloyal
03-12-2002, 05:24 AM
CircuitCity has the Apex AD-1500 DVD Player for $69.99. It can play VCD, SVCD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3 datas. It is hackable for region-free and macrovision disabled. Disabling macrovision allows you to connect the DVD output to your VCR input so you don't have to buy a video switch if you have an older TV with only one input and you already have a VCR connected.

Go to http://www.dvd-wizards.com/darrenk/1500/1500_firmware.htm for information on the available hacks.

Important note: There is more than one version of the Apex AD-1500!
If the unit is not hackable the serial number will start with "SV".
For this reason, you may want to go to a physical store to purchase your unit. The serial number is printed on the outside of the box.

I bought one a couple of months ago and have been very happy with it. The construction is less sturdy than some other units, but mine works great.

Thanks to Spoofee at spoofee
TommyBoomfiger
03-12-2002, 12:45 PM
cool, i was just talking about getting a new cheap dvd player last night. i hope they have the hackable ones at CC. thanks
progman
03-12-2002, 07:28 PM
yeah i think i'm going to pick one of these up too. i've managed to collect several dvds over the past year, but i still don't own a dvd player.

anyone know if the apex 1500 has the same lip-sync issues as some past apex players are known for?
kewlio
03-13-2002, 12:22 AM
does anyone know if this model can play files with .mpg or .m2v extension? are there any hacks for that?
dRu168
03-13-2002, 02:34 AM
is this brand reliable???
Jeffbx
03-13-2002, 05:24 AM
Originally posted by dRu168
is this brand reliable???

It's as reliable as every other $70 DVD player out there. ;)

This unit is a great choice as a 2nd player or someone on a tight budget who is planning on upgrading in the future. The construction is pretty shoddy, but it will play DVDs and a ton of other formats. Don't expect it to be able to compare it to a Sony, tho.
TommyBoomfiger
03-13-2002, 07:32 AM
i went down to CC and they were all out, but they said they would ship one to my house for free. if i didnt want it, i could just return it to the store. hope i get a good one.
brainsmile
03-13-2002, 12:24 PM
Originally posted by kewlio
does anyone know if this model can play files with .mpg or .m2v extension? are there any hacks for that?
Doubtful... You'll have to convert it
Justin42
03-13-2002, 01:31 PM
I have the original AD600A (with menus and everything) and the damn thing would probably play a soup can lid if it were the proper size! ;) (I haven't tested raw MPG files, though)

Like was already stated, they're as reliable as any cheapy player, but if you are careful with them (be sure to put them in a well ventilated place and not somewhere that gets warm; my unit is prone to overheating if I put it on top of an amplifier, for example) they're quite nice. You won't get the quality of a $300+ DVD player, but you also won't pay 1/3 as much, either. ;)
Stylish Sushiboy
03-13-2002, 02:24 PM
got|apex|dvd|player ? :D
Justin42
03-13-2002, 03:34 PM
I only found the GotApex site by doing a search to find more info out on my Apex DVD player 2 years ago..! Go figure....

(wow, I think this is my 200th post, do I get a medal? [I know, it's not a record, but I'm impressed!])
Cantacuzene
03-13-2002, 03:42 PM
I bought an apex when the salesman assured me it was the one with the "secret menus" to disable macrovision and whatnot. I took it home and it wasnt the correct model. They fought me sooooooooooo hard before they finally gave me my money back. The salesman lied and said he never claimed it was the 'good' model, which was a bold face lie. I was pissed. :angry:
progman
03-13-2002, 07:57 PM
when was this site launched?
Jeffbx
03-14-2002, 09:35 AM
Originally posted by chosenfool
heh, you deserve one for being one of the "pioneers" (people who registered within 6 months of launching...:))

Yee haw! Gimmie a coonskin hat and call me Davey Crockett!
sbp
03-15-2002, 04:36 PM
Ha. You 2000ers! :hehehmm:
Cantacuzene
03-15-2002, 07:39 PM
Originally posted by sbp
Ha. You 2000ers! :hehehmm:

Y2G+2 in the heezy! :P :P :P
Jeffbx
03-15-2002, 09:35 PM
Originally posted by sbp
Ha. You 2000ers! :hehehmm:

/Hangs head and walks away, defeated
TommyBoomfiger
03-18-2002, 01:42 PM
the ups loser just dropped off my dvd player, literally. this new guy practically throws stuff at my door. anyways, i got the SV model. i hope they dont give me any problems whey i return it.
kame
03-19-2002, 08:01 AM
Got it at circut city B&M yesterday....


Hook it up, got my CD-r ready, press eject....notthing....the damn tray wouldnt slide out....I had to open the machine..tap the tray alittle, and it finally ejected. Apparently it got stuck. No problems after that...pretty smooth. The CD booted and it rewritten the firm ware. Now I can see all regional DVD. ez....

~sim
billxp
03-19-2002, 05:36 PM
Originally posted by kame
Got it at circut city B&M yesterday....


Hook it up, got my CD-r ready, press eject....notthing....the damn tray wouldnt slide out....I had to open the machine..tap the tray alittle, and it finally ejected. Apparently it got stuck. No problems after that...pretty smooth. The CD booted and it rewritten the firm ware. Now I can see all regional DVD. ez....

~sim

Interesting the saleman warned me about that. I just laughed ;)

He said I might have to pull on the tray the first time.
billxp
03-19-2002, 05:38 PM
Originally posted by kewlio
does anyone know if this model can play files with .mpg or .m2v extension? are there any hacks for that?

You can easily make the mpeg into a vcd with nero and the Apex does play vcd and svcd.

Check out www.vcdhelp.com for more info.
sizemic1
03-19-2002, 05:45 PM
I had an older Apex player that played mpg's just fine.