Philips DVP642 DivX-Certified Progressive-Scan DVD Player
by Philips
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List Price: Category: Home Theater See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Philips DVP642 DivX-Certified Progressive-Scan DVD Player
Customer Review: good basic machine
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great DVD player. I have used DVD players from Pioneer, Panasonic, Samsung, Toshiba, Aphex (no longer around, thank goodness - cheap junk), and JVC. I have used models from cheap consumer types to multi-thousand dollar professional units over a period of six years. This is the model I recommend to most people who want a simple, flexible, reliable machine, without tons of fancy features that nobody will use.
I personally know of six units purchased over the last two years (about half from Amazon), and all worked right out of the box and continue to work today. This player will play most file types in common use, unless there is some exotic variation in the file (too common with today's digital playground). Standard DVD, VCDs, SVCDs, Video DVD-Rs, data CDs and DVDs with various flavors of MPEG audio and Video files and JPEG stills have played easily on mine. I haven't found any format listed in the manual that doesn't play as stated.
It is limited to 8x fast forward or reverse and 3x zoom on regular DVDs. I haven't tried these features on other file formats, but I don't think it is the same for all. It would be nice if these numbers were bigger, but I find that a very small complaint. It functions well, responds to the remote well, and I have never had it damage a disc (Aphex player trashed one of my favorites). Since I have found few remotes I really like, I can't complain about that. They almost always have buttons that are too small, the wrong color, the wrong placement, and goofy shapes (apparently, they do not teach ergonomics in industrial design schools). However, that said, this remote is no worse than any others I have used, and better than most.
I can't say whether the maintenance hack described on the Net will work to make this player region free, but I know that a similar hack does work on the new Philips 5140. This machine is designed to use downloaded firmware upgrades, but I don't think that feature is being supported at the moment.
I realy like the A-B repeat feature for music concerts and videos where I want to repeat a single song or segment several times. You set the A point at the start of the part you want to repeat, and set the B (same button pressed over again) at the end, then let it go. Works very well, cancels easily.
Overall I like this player very much. I give it 5 stars because the minor nitpicks I have do not rate a full star off. It is probably a 4.5 in truth, but we can't give half stars. Unless you have unrealistic expectations, I think you will be pleased.This is a great machine for the price.
One caveat - if you buy electronics from some of the big "lowest price" retailers, beware. I have been told by an ex-management empolyee at the most notorious of these (recently failed in Germany - you know who I mean), that even though the model numbers might be the same, this retailer allows (requires?) the use of substandard parts in the units to achieve that famous low cost. You might not get the same quality you will at some other place, like Amazon, for example, even on the very same model. Not all manufacturers give in to that pressure, but some do. One more reason to avoid that place and shop Amazon, where you are treated right and get great service. (No, I am not an employee or paid spokesperson. I just like to reward those who do it right and spread the word. Amazon rocks!)
Customer Review: Moderate Performing DVD for a Low Price
Summary: 3 Stars
I purchased this unit a few days ago as a replacement for a progressive scan Panasonic S55 single disc unit that stopped reading all media after about two years. Was considering upgrading to a Panasonic DMR-EH50 hard drive recorder but they seem unavailable anywhere except used on Ebay. As we are in a transition to HD DVD players and HD "quasi" upconverters it's very difficult to find a solid basic dvd player still in production. All of the major manufacturers are transitioning, so buying a player now means dealing with end of the line models. I decided on the Philips 642 after much research as a basic unit that meets my temporary needs. Will shift this to a CRT "bedroom" back-up unit after the HD players settle into the market. I have the Philips 642 connected to a Sony 53" HDTV and a Yamaha DTS 5.1 Home Theatre System.
The Good:
1) Contrary to other reviewers I had no problem at all with component cable connections after making the proper settings in the video setup. The picture on video or tape based DVDs is as sharp as my old, more expensive Panasonic progressive scan unit. The Smart Picture adjustment makes it very easy to personalize your screen, especially for those of you that like to watch on the "torch" (bright) setting of your HDTV. Good, clear picture with few articfacts even on the black and white "Good Night and Good Luck".
2)I bought the 642 primarily because it was the only DVD in the entry level price range that has an optical digital output. I'm happy to say that even though this unit does not decode DTS audio signals it passes them through to my DTS capable receiver just fine. DTS was as strong and clear as with any other DVD player.
3)Though the remote is crappy it is no more so than any other remote for units in this price range. In some ways, it's simplicity makes it even a little better than other remotes with more functions. If you want to fool around tweaking your settings during a showing then it's not the remote for you. If you just want basic controls while watching a movie then you will be happy with it. One bad feature - you can't open/close the disc door remotely.
4) Picked up the unit on sale for $49.99 new. You won't find another player with the same features for that price anywhere.
The BAD:
1) I'm not a videophile with a demand for perfect quality, but that said, there are some flaws that just can't be overlooked. While the image quality is quite strong, text generally appears slightly fuzzy and blurred. This was universal across several DVDs. There was particular distortion and herringbone wavering noticeable in scrolling credits and any title work that was white.
2) If you turn on the closed captioning (probably not a concern for most) there are horrible artifacts all around the text. Looks like a Fourth of July sparkler! At first, it was so bad that I thought it was some effect particular to the DVD (Flightplan) but it appeared on several others as well.
Overall I would recommend this player as a secondary unit for a smaller CRT TV, but spend a bit more and get a higher quality unit from Panasonic, Sony, Oppo or equivalent if you want a player well matched to your main room set. Or, just wait for the new HD units to drop by about 50% in price after they've been on the market for a while.
Customer Review: How To Make It "Region Free"...
Summary: 4 Stars
This review is for Philips DVP642 DVD Player. It is the same as DVP642/37 DVD Player. It is also the same as DVP642/37 Code Free DVD Player, or Region Free, or whatever else you want to call it. Philips has ONLY ONE DVP642 model, but it may come with different firmware versions, depending on when and where the player was purchased. It doesn't matter though. I repeat, it is the SAME player. So there is absolutely no need to pay extra dollars for something you can easily do yourself. This review highlights some of the features of this DVD player, as well as provides instructions on how to make it Region Free (pay special attention to Format Support section). So, read on...
Let me just start by saying that if this DVD player was anything over $100, even $80, then I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. But it's definitely worth $50 that I spent on it. I bought it on sale at CompUSA. I believe Walmart is the cheapest place now, where you can buy it for just under $60. But back to this player. After using it for over 2 months, and having it compare to my other three DVD players (Sampo, Cyberhome, and Oppo), I have come up with a short list of Pros and Cons. So, without further ado, I give you Philips DVP642:
PROS:
Format Support - This alone probably worth all the "stars". It supports virtually all formats, including Divx. And it DOES support DVD-R's as well, although it's not documented anywhere. MP3's, Picture JPEG's, original DVD's, burned DVD's with AVI's, MPEG's, etc. - I have tried it all, and it handled everything without any problems. Add the NTSC/PAL conversion capabilities to that (simple "7 8 9 OK 0" remote control hack with an open tray will make it "region free"), and you've got yourself one hell of a DVD player. "You have it, we play it" is the slogan of this player, and it is, indeed, true.
Design - I like the nice and sleek design of this DVD player. It's thin, and the nice matte silver color nicely compliments my Sony Wega TV that I connected it to.
Price - Just as I mentioned before, I bought this player for $50. I think it's well worth it, especially if you have a lot of "homemade" DVD's.
CONS:
Picture Quality - One word to describe it - Average... at best. My 5 year old Sampo produces a better picture using S-Video, and without Progressive Scan. Cyberhome is better too, when using component connection. I'm not even going to mention Oppo.
Support - One of the worst I have ever had to deal with. First of all, Philips website has very minimum information about this player, and not a word about firmware updates. I've tried to contact them by phone, but only wasted my time pressing buttons and holding for "available representative". I finally decided to send them an e-mail, but have yet to get a response back after two weeks of waiting period.
Summary:
If picture quality is what you are mostly looking for in your DVD player then this one is not for you (if you own or planning on buying an HDTV with DVI or HDMI inputs, then I strongly suggest you check out OPPO). On the other side, if you are not too picky about picture output, but do care about various format support, and don't want to spend too much money, then this player certainly makes a good choice.
Customer Review: Perfect cost and quality match. Better than I hoped for.
Summary: 5 Stars
I was looking for a good moderate to low priced player, preferably low, and had quite a bit of difficulty finding what I wanted. I was seeing lots of contradicting reviews on lots of players. I had just ordered an onkyo HT system (love it), and for ease ultimately just decided to go with the onkyo DVP 701(DVD Player) from the same site I ordered the surround system. It was a little more than I wanted to pay, but I found real good reviews on it in several many places. After ordering, I found the real reviews on an audiophile forum. Major picture and color problems. Thanks guys. Watch out! I'm sure you can guess, but lots of reviews are generated by reps. Anyway, I canceled the order, and started to look again. I found a site called VideoHelp (DVD Player Compatibility List), and there they have listed worldwide and national ratings, comments, and specs for just about every player ever made past and present, no kidding. I looked at just about everything from over the past two decades. It's amazing, but when you look closely at these products, the majority have some real hidden or not so hidden problems. Just as many in the higher price ranges as well, so there are few easy purchases. Two products ultimately caught my eye after many hours of crosschecking research. One was a sony. I can't remember exactly what the model was, but it was out of production, and was available nowhere. Then of course there was the Philips DVP642. The sony was rated just above a 9, but did not have any of the modern features of the philips, and was more expensive. It did not have zoom for instance, or slow mo either If I remember right, but had the great picture quality I was primarily looking for. It is of course all moot because there were none posted even on ebay. Anyway, the DVP642 rated very high itself. 8.4 out of 206 ratings, with 226 owner comments, mostly all raving about it. 8.4 is extremely high, particularly for so many reviews. Almost nothing reaches a 9. Normaly the only ones that get that high have very few ratings, and can not be judged accurate. I decided to go with it, and I am exceedingly happy I did. I payed $67 shipped for the first one I purchased, and I just bought 2 more as Christmass presents at $64 a piece shipped. Shipments go in and out quick, so you might have to call more than 1 or 2 online dealers to get them while ther in stock. It has performed flawlessly, and has all the options I needed and many more. Check them out for yourself. The picture quality is wonderful. That was the most important thing for me, along with digital coaxial,toslink and analog audio outs. My older TV does not have Component video inputs, but that option with progressive scan and S video as well were a must as I will surely upgrade. Without component or S Video in's, I am of course not getting the best picture available, but even with just a compressed composite signal that does not allow for progressive scan mode to be active, the picture and color qualitys are excellent. Can't wait to upgrade, though I love my TV. To sum up, I could not be happier for such a small amount spent, and I am almost certain you will be as well. Merry Xmass and happy holidays to all. GECustomer Review: Parental Permission Denied!
Summary: 1 Stars
Simple is often best. This was allegedly a simple product, which I purchased to perform a simple task: play DVDs.
It tends not to do that.
Although it frequently ignores discs, and has a special affinity at not being able to play Disney products, especially the Studio Ghibli flicks they released and the Pie Rats of the Carob Bean trilogy, that's not the most critical problem.
For a while I noticed this problem on the special features on children's films. Maybe a short film, maybe a fun activity for kids. You know, unrated material.
Please enter password.
The parental controls, however, are disabled.
Please enter password.
It doesn't accept the default.
You know, on account of the parental controls being disabled.
I'm the parent - I'm the parental control for my kids. I don't need a piece of poorly coded software determining what does or doesn't meet some programmer's - or disc creator's - idea of what is safe for my kids to watch. Especially when it is, you know, safe. Veggie Tales. Disney. Kids stuff.
So I can use the password to set the parental controls, but even then, at the lowest-but-not-off setting, it asks and refuses to acknowledge the password I set or the default password.
So why am I writing this, long after I gave it a quick one star, moaned and complained to Philips Customer Disservice, picked apart the software bugs in their website that prevented me from reporting it on the first try, ripped them apart in a survey because they wanted to know how my experience using their website went, and figured that was more than enough time spent on such a useless, non-functioning product?
I was just attempting to watch a brand new DVD on some nice, relaxing qigong. You know, an exercise video. Which is, conveniently, not rated G, PG, PG-13, R, or anything else. So... I get the STOP hand. And then I try to go around that, and I get the non-functioning password prompt. At least with most of the DVDs I can skip the opening few seconds of the movie and get them to play, but because this brings the password problem in for the entire DVD, not the features, it's useless.
And no, it's not the DVD. It's running right now, attempting to help me relax, played on the PS2. Philips, I promise you one thing: you may have invented the CD, and I will continue to buy things based on that technology, but never will I purchase another product with your name on it. You've made a lifelong anti-Philips consumer out of me. Great job!
Well, to be fair, it does play some DVDs some of the time. Curiously enough, most of the time it hangs up, it's on that FBI warning. Perhaps I could involve the FBI in this? Maybe I should give the field office a call each time it stops? It would probably be more productive than contacting the irresponsible, incompetent manufacturer.
And, hey, maybe if I was lucky, they'd raid Philips and convince them to update the code on the product so it, you know, plays DVDs.