Info and forum posts by 'dockarl'

RE: Problems hacking a Samsung 611...

A few points on the above.

The simple permanent hack described first in this thread does not work on older firmware versions of some of the players particularly the Hitachi 305 (a Sammy 611 clone).

The so called AIWA hacks do work but cannot be made permanent as they could be on the Sammy 709. The Macrovision is not disabled on players other then the 709.

I hack my 305 using a OneForAll remote. I simply programmed the sequences onto the macro function - all I do now is simply press one button and it turns the player on, and switches it to multi-region. No problems.

RE: I got taxed on a Play247 order!

I`m surprised you got charged on a Play order. The few times i`ve ordered stuff over the import limit, the packet has been marked "UK Tax Paid by Play" i.e. they paid the tax upfront. Interesting to hear what Play say.


Karl.

RE: Ezydvd delivery times

I`ve always found Ezy`s delivery times amazing considering they come from Australia! They often seen to arrive quicker than some discs sent in the UK. They usually arrive in 3-4 days. If you`ve waited more then 2 weeks email them. They have brilliant customer service.


Karl.

RE: Ply247.com not delivering?!!!

As above, i`ve never had any problems with Play`s delivery times. Usually takes just a few days.

RE: Buying a new 32

Best idea is to visit a large electrical retailer and check out the TVs there. When you find one you like the look of hunt around the web for the best price. I recently picked up a 32" Panasonic (model 32pk25) for £830 delivered. I`ve seen it for £1100 on the highstreet!


Karl.

RE: Unbeatable - has any one had dealings with them.

I`ve used unbeatable several times with no problems and would recommend them.

Which regards to household insurance, I suspect you`ll find mechanical breakdown is not one of the so called `perils` which is covered. It may be covered if you drop the thing (if you have accidental cover) but if it just stops working, probably not. If in doubt, check the policy details.



Karl.

RE: EZY and Devoted mport Duty

Don`t forget you also end up paying a handling fee which the post office charge to collect the taxes! Best idea is just to keep below the limits and avoid any problems.

Karl.

Hitachi DVP305 Quasi Pal mode

Does anybody know what this exactly does? I think it allows older TVs to play NTSC discs. It doesn`t seem to make any difference on my TV (a new Panasonic widescreen).

Karl.

RE: For the attention of dockarl

Had a call from the supervisor today. He said the Hitachi engineers had not come across this before. They offered to take the TV back to the workshop to look at it. I`m not sure i want to be without the Tv for weeks though!

BTW, where do have your picture settings i.e. brightness/contrast etc.

Karl

RE: For the attention of dockarl

Engineer came today. Not much help really. Agreed there appeared to be a problem but he admitted he had no idea why it was happening. He said he would get back to head office etc..


Karl.

RE: For the attention of dockarl

andy,

engineer should be coming today. i`ll let you know what he says via the forum.


Karl.

RE: Hitachi TV problem

Andy,

I first thought that the problem only occured when watching DVDs but it does in fact occur (at least on mine) when watching VHS/Sky etc.. I think it is less noticable because rarely do you get true black on anything other than DVD.

Anyway, I`ve still got some warranty left so i`ve booked an engineer to have a look. I wil be interesting to see what he says!


Karl.

RE: Hitachi TV problem

What do you mean by overscan? Also, roughly where are your picture settings i.e. contrast, colour, brightness etc..


Karl.

This item was edited on Sunday, 16th September 2001, 18:55

RE: Comments about DVD Chips Please

My dealings with Steve have always been excellent. Chip works fine. Quick delivery.

Hitachi TV problem

I own the Hitachi c28w511 widecreen and have noticed something which has now become irritating. When the TV is displaying dark scenes, such as at night, bright objects create a kind of blur extending from the bright object to the right across the screen. This is most visible when watching in a dark room. Changing leads, or from composite to RGB makes little difference. I have noticed that some other TVs on display in shops also produce this effect. Is there a cure or do I simply have to put up with it? I am surprised because this TV or similar models are often given top marks for picture quality in review mags etc.

Any comments much appreciated.


Karl.

RE: Die Hard Ultimate Collection - anyone else get a £6.99 customs charge :(

Play247 is based in Jersey and there are some funny rules about imports from Jersey. I think VAT has to be paid but not import duty. There`s loads of info on the Customs & Excise web site.

RE: Hannibal R4

Check out this site for great R4 comparisons:

http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/

RE: Converting a CDR drive to DVD?`

Sounds very dodgy to me. If such software was available why do most new PCs ship with both a CD-R and DVD player?

RE: Debiting your Credit Card before dispatching your order??????

I pretty sure the regulations state that mail order deliveries must be fulfilled within max 28 days. This is why you often see "allow 28 days for delivery". I think most decent mail order companies don`t deduct money until goods ship. Avoid those that do is the simple answer.


Karl.

RE: HITACHI DV-P305E HACK DOSENT WORK NEED HELP

The handset hack you describe above does not work on all firmware versions of the 305 unfortunately. However, the older AIWA/ALL-FOR-ONE hack also listed on this site definitely works as far as I know.


Karl.

RE: Techtronics - Be warned!

Mark,

Do you have the faulty player at present or is it still being tested? Usually the best thing to do if a company says a piece of equipment is not faulty is to get an independent company to test it. The report is very useful if court action is required.



Karl.

RE: How can i play region 1 discs on region 2 Sony DVD player?

Usually this means that your TV can`t properly display NTSC (the R1 TV format) images. Some DVD players can covert the image to a PAL compatible image but i`m not sure about the Sony ones.



Karl.

RE: play247, do you avoid customs on boxsets??

Absolutely right. The price you see is the price you pay from Play247. In fact, although no import duty is payable there is VAT payable on imports from Jersey, but Play247 pay that upfront if total cost is over £18.


Karl.

RE: Gladiator region 1

Gladiator is not RCE encoded.

Karl.

RE: RCE CODE FOR HITACHI P305e

The usual code as provided on this site works with RCE disks.


Karl.

RE: Received today my replacement copy of Wallace & Gromit R2

I`ve just got my replacement copy of W+G in the post too. Top marks to the BBC. I didn`t even have to go back to the shop.



Karl.

RE: SAMSUNG DVD-511 HELP!!!!!

Some versions of the 511 are not hackable using the players own handset. If you have followed the instructions and it still doesn`t work you can try the "AIWA" handset hack which does work on all players. Details are on this site.


Karl.

RE: Hitachi DVP 305e judders

Most players have a momentary delay at layer change. This is unlikely to be affected by any firmware change. In any case, upgrading the firmware requires changing the firmware chip i.e. it is not "flash" upgradable.


Kalr.

RE: Will RCE play on my

Yes.

RE: Charges

Different cards charge different amounts. Usually between 1.5% to 2.75%.

You pay both import duty (3.5%) and then VAT (17.5%) on the whole amount. The post office or courier might also charge you for collecting this tax as well!

Avoid this by using either Play247 (based in Jersey - no import duty) or DVD Box Office (ships via Europe). Or just make sure total cost is less than £18.