Apex AD-1500 DVD Player

I bought this simply because I'd read it could play region 2 DVDs (that is, DVDs from UK; actually, it plays any DVD from anywhere unlike normal DVDs which are tied to the country of origin). It does. But it's a clunky piece of equipment and I would not recommend it unless you need this feature. To 'get' the feature, you have to download firmware from the web, burn the firmware to a CD, then load the CD into the unit (search google for Apex AD 1500 region firmware). Once you've done that, it becomes a 'region free' DVD player (it also defeates macrovision, which means you can play the DVD through a VCR, which most DVD players cannot).Otherwise, buy a more popular, well known brand. The picture quality is only so-so and it just looks like it was made extremely cheaply. But, I'm ordering another one right now so I have a backup, since I really need to be able to play region 2/PAL dvds, which almost no other (cheap) player does!Note that there is no guarantee that the above technique will work, and you are absolutely voiding your warranty! Some models have a serial number that is known NOT to work.Note also - I bought the Apex model 3201 from Amazon as well, and it too is 'region free' - without having to mess with firmware. BUT - the quality of that player is poor (locks up playing well known DVDs) and it's PAL->NTSC conversion looks decidedly worse than that of the 1500.

Despite the attractive pricing, this machine is certainly no bargain. I thought it might serve as an upstairs complement to the Panasonic DVD RV31K I have downstairs. But especially in the light of recent price drops on the latter machine, it's difficult to rationalize purchase of the Apex, even if it's currently in the same price range as inexpensive VCR's. The tray doesn't slide open: it opens with a loud scrape and thunk. The minimal on-site controls (4) practically force you to rely on the remote, which features the largest number of tiny buttons I've ever seen crammed onto a tiny surface area. Unless you have laser eyes and muchkin fingers, it's unlikely you'll be able to punch one button without hitting several others. If you factor in the cost of returning the unit along with the postage you might have saved on another machine, you'll probably realize, as I have, that in this case less is simply less.

This is my first DVD player purchase and the player works great so far. The first APEX 1500 I got though didn't work at all, the power wouldn't even come on. I decided to exchange it at my local Circuit City instead of returning it and the one that I have now works perfectly. It's having no problems playing my rented DVDs or my CDs. As far as I can tell buying this player has been hit or miss for most people. You either get a good one or a bad one. I knew that I could possibly get a bad player when I purchased this but I figured it was worth a shot and I could always return it. I also knew that I could get a good, cheap DVD player if all turned out well. So I took a chance and I am happy with the product.

I just purchased this player as a first time DVD user, and I am more than pleased. The picture is perfect and the sound is amazing. For those who said that the video didn't play well, I am wondering if they tried hooking it in through a VCR, as that will mess up the picture (either no picture, or a picture that fades in and out). THIS IS EASILY REMEDIED.If you have an older TV, one with only a cable input and no video input jacks, you have to buy an RF Modulator (which the directions could have more clearly explained in my opinion), for about $30 at any (local store), in order to properly split the connection. This allows me full function of my two VCRs and my cable box along with the DVD player.The machine is easy to hook up, is lightweight and attractive, and works very well. The directions are a little unclear, but it is a great "starter" machine, especially for the money.

I thought that I made a good deal when buying this from the seller. Although I knew it was used, it still gave me problems shortly after the purchase. It tended to skip repeatedly when playing various DVDs. I really liked the Apex DVD Players, I was very disappointed in this product purchase.

This player is well worth the money, however for a few bucks more you can buy a better unit.This unit works very well for an inexpensive DVD that is used on occasion. It falls short in the following respects:1.) Although it plays perfect DVD's very well, it doesn't play them if they have slight damage. It will not play a DVD that plays without a problem on my Toshiba DVD player.2.) It does not have a universal remote. The included remote is ok but has limited function.

I bought this player to be my bedroom player and to play SVCD's upon occasion. I love the features on this thing and I can't believe they're down to [money]. I paid [money]and it was worth every [money]. I have three players, the other two more expensive ones, yet this has the best features. I love the ability to view how much time is left on a chapter or the feature. I upgraded the firmware, which turns off Macrovision and region-free coding. It plays everything I throw at it and even shuffles my MP3 CD's songs. I highly recommend this player.

Unfortunately, the player had technical issues initially when opening the DVD/CD bay. I would not recommend this item. It does not play latest DVDs...and it has issues with some VCD formats.