Buying a DVD player

[tommynew]

I need to buy a DVD player that will play all files, as I have access to many recently downloaded and recorded films and TV shows. Can anybody tell me the types of files in use and the specs and names (and prices) of new machines. Thanks

[urleft]

I recommend you just go to Big C and look at the selection, make sure you get one with a USB port.  You can get them for less than 800 baht to over 2000.  We just bought a fantasia for about 1000 baht and it is doing well for us playing DVDs and CDs. 

[nookiebear]

Dont go for a big name ie Sony,Philips etc etc as they will not play copies!!

[Starman]

Alternatively you could download this:
http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free/

That will convert any file into an AVI file that all players will play via a USB.

[Italiantony]

Alternatively you could download this:
http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free/

That will convert any file into an AVI file that all players will play via a USB.

Most of the top brand names don't have USB ports for obvious reason.

[Starman]

When I last bought a DVD player in Makro they all had a USB port.

[tommynew]

Thanks for the info so far lads. I've just been looking at the handbook for my TV (panasonic) and they specify DVD player/Blu ray disc player and use a 3 pin connection lead between TV and Dvd player, so now I'm even more confused

[Starman]

Has your TV not got a USB port? If it has then there would be no need to buy a DVD player, if you only intend to watch stuff that you have downloaded. Stick it on a USB and away you go.

I have a LG Tv and do just that.

[Italiantony]

When I last bought a DVD player in Makro they all had a USB port.

I have found top makes like  Sony,Panasonic,JVC,etc don't have USB ports,but if you buy the cheaper low grade makes they do.

[tommynew]

The films I refer to are all on recordable DVDs, so I do need a player to see them rather than upload them in the my computer and then down load them on to external hard drives. I have access to plenty of these discs

[Starman]

Then, you could play all of your discs in your laptop and connect that to your TV. A good media player like VLS or GOM will play all formats.

[Starman]

By the way, in my experience the discs don't last long. With the heat in particular you only seem to get two or three plays.

I bought a samsung 500gb external hard drive for 1800baht. Holds about 400 full length movies. Just plug it into the TV and that's that.

I even use a flash drive for the stereo in my car.

Saved me loads of money on discs.

[Alan]

Most DVD players are locked so they will only play regional dvd's. If you know which dvd player you would like to buy you could input its details into the web and see if it can be unlocked. Most units can be unlocked and then they will play any dvd.

[DeputyDavid]

I have a similar question regarding regional DVD playing.  I have a couple DVD and BR players, but none are compatible with the voltage there.  I was considering getting a player there and having it unlocked as the thread indicates, however is this easily done and second who would I have do it?  Next I was considering bringing my DVD player and using a voltage converter.  Has anyone tried this?  I presume I would need a good quality converter, but not sure if the player would stand up to this kind of use.  Any ideas??  I have a collection of DVDs that I want to bring with me as there are a lot of them and I don't want to just get rid of them.

Thanks in advance for the input.