Apex DVD/CD/VCD/SVCD/!!Karaoke!!/MP3 3-disc Changer

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dman

Diamond Member
Nov 2, 1999
9,110
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76
I've only seen links to Circuit City rebates and those are all expired. So, I don't think there is a rebate you can apply to this one.
 
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divinemartyr

Platinum Member
Oct 18, 2000
2,439
1
71
Apex is actually making some pretty decent products these days, nice find. I saw the new model of this player and it's going to support DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD (SACD) formats as well. As soon as that player comes out, that's the one I'll be buying. Currently SACD players cost $1000+ and only play SACD and CD's. The new Apex unit is supposed to retail for $399. Hopefully we'll find a hot deal on one for $250 or so!

dm
 
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invasivedoc

Member
Nov 10, 2000
132
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0
Be wary of Apex' Q/C. I had a unit that died in about 10 days - the video color got quite funky. If you are willing to burn in the unit for a week or so (keep it on for as long as you can return unit to store) then you could give them a try. I would only buy one from B&M not over net for return issues.

e

 
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divinemartyr

Platinum Member
Oct 18, 2000
2,439
1
71
invasivedoc

Like I was saying, Apex has gotten better, but they still aren't producers of flawless electronics. It is definitely wise to purchase a unit from a B&M and make sure you send in warranty information. Apex's stuff is getting better all the time however.

IITravel

I don't think the unit will be a progressive scan, however, this was a product shown at the CES, it isn't out yet and I don't think technical specs have been finalized. Here's a link to what I do know:

Apex DVD/CD/SACD/DVD-Audio/MP3/Kodak Picture CD/VCD/SVCD Player

My guess is this player will be most useful for its Multi-function capabilities and ability to play SACD and DVD-Audio. These two alone will make it worth $400. Adding DVD playback and MP3 functionality only adds to the value of this player. It will probably not be meant for high-end DVD playback (i.e. progressive scan) but we can hope right? Progressive scan is getting more and more common and affordable.

dm
 
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tinneric

Golden Member
Jan 14, 2000
1,045
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The 703 is not a new model, it has been out for a while. I have the 660 and like it very much. The problem with the 703 is that there in no off button on the remote.
 
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Hork

Senior member
Mar 8, 2000
531
0
0
I bought a 703 before Christmas, price matching with Monkey Wards at $169 and still eligible for the mail-in CC rebate. I thought it was a great price for all those features, but reading the forums here warned me that I could probably expect some skipping.

I was right to be worried. The first unit I got skipped every 15 to 20 seconds when playing DVDs. I took it back and had to wait while they special ordered a new one for me.

My second one is better, but there is still an occasional skip. I'm doing some burn in now to determine whether I should keep it. Sound like I should increase my rate of burning in to make sure.

I specifically got this model because of the two Karaoke mic jacks. Thought my kids would like to sing to DVD Karaoke rather than just CD+G. Turns out I haven't found a lot of DVD Karaoke for the younger crowd. ;-(

Hork
 
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becat

Member
Mar 7, 2000
141
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Doesn't 600a also has two mic out?
What are the differences between the 600A and 703 anyway besides the disc change?
 
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jclark

Member
Sep 12, 2000
167
0
0
The 703 won't play raw mpegs, you have to burn them to VCD. It's actually a rebadged Shinco 380 and is almost completely different on a component level from the 600a and 660. It is fairly similar to the 500, which is also a Shinco design.

However, its firmware is upgradeable by CD-R, and firmwares exist to make the player region-free and to disable macrovision. See the forums at www.nerd-out.com for more info and look here for the firmware.

edit: nerd-out's DNS is fubar atm, so you might not be able to get to the site right now.

Note that there are two decoder chips used on the 703, so if you flash the firmware, make sure you use the right version. Otherwise you end up with a 20" square paperweight.

I love my 703. I've only got a few complaints: an occasional problem locking up if I press too many buttons on the remote, the lack of a power button on the remote (which really _isn't_ that big of a deal), no shuffle mode for MP3s, and SVCDs play dark and somewhat choppy. Regular VCDs play great, though, and I haven't had it have a problem reading any CDR or CDRW I've put in it. MP3s play great, even VBRs, and I haven't had any problems with deeply nested directories or anything.
 
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dirkdaring

Banned
Jun 7, 2000
249
0
0
I have it also.

It has skipped on certain DVDs that have been used a lot (ie rented). Actually it was only 1 now that I think of it, The Generals Daughter. We got a replacement which was fine.

Anyhow I have no complaints except for the stupid blinking light that keeps BLINKING ALL THE D@#MN FR&!^KING TIME WHEN ANY DVD IS PLAYINGS 34or lkef89734 !(*#@$! Sorry... lost it there for a second. But the blinking light can drive you nuts if you have it close to the tv.

Mp3s play fine, menu is easy to navigate. I donno... this DVD player works great for me. I have yet to play a mpeg/vcd on it... no reason to.

Dirk
 
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IITravel

Banned
Nov 7, 2000
151
0
0
divinemartyr

Let's hope, the 800 has progressive scan so it can't be that big of deal to include it. I wonder though if the AD 800 is a true progressive scan or just a line doubler like the Pioneer 434?
I have not been so lucky with Apex so far, bought one of the 600A last year w the loophole menu and got a lemon though my dad's bought at the same time and location is fine. Mine only reads about 2/3's of my collection and I waited too long to return the thing.
 
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Hork

Senior member
Mar 8, 2000
531
0
0
Hey dirkdaring... there's a dim button on the remote control that you can use to dim the display and/or turn off all the lights completely. Doesn't that work for you?

Hork
 
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mchurchm

Senior member
Aug 3, 2000
533
0
0
hork: it has been quite a while since i kept up on the karaoke scene, but the last time i was involved with it, we had just bought a cd+g which I think was relatively new then (I think this was about 8 years ago). At that time, the most popular format was LaserKaraoke, and there was hardly any good music you could buy on cd+g. I would assume that that is no longer the case, and there are tons of cd+g's available. Now that DVD Karaoke has been released, I'm sure the market will shift yet again, but my prediction is that it will take time. The market for DVD Karaoke is a miniscule part of the overall DVD market. Eventually you will be able to get all your favorite songs on DVD Karaoke. Just give it time.
 
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Tifababy

Senior member
Feb 5, 2001
654
1
81
This deal just got better! For those of you that purchased the Apex AD703 in January when it was $199.99, and many used the $30 off $150, email buy.com and request a refund of $20. If they email you back saying something about only allowing a 72 hour window for pricematching, tell them that you'll just return it and order it at the lower price. I did this yesterday and today I got a confirmation email saying that a request for a $20 credit to my order! Bringing my total to $155 after shipping!
 
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Purvin

Banned
Oct 6, 2000
279
0
0
I own an apex dvd and its lovely man does mp3 and music easily.
Better than paying 249 for SOny which cant do MP3.

Thanks
 
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