Apex Digital AD-800 DVD Player

It seems that Apex has finally come around and added all the newest features to their DVD player. I bought the 703 series a month and a half ago and was reasonably happy with it. However, once I heard the 800 was out, I returned the 703 to get the 800.

800A vs 800:
The early 800A version was region free allowing one to view DVDs from all over the world. The 800 is not region free so you can view DVDs sold only in North America. If you only buy or rent locally, dont worry about it.

Disk Multiformat:
This thing plays DVDs, VCDs, SVCDs, CDs, CDR, CDRw and MP3s.

Remote Control:
This remote is much improved over the 703 series. It has an on button whereas the 703 did not. Also, the remote is better layed-out and seems to be better quality plastic.

Video Format:
You can view in NTSC and PAL. NTSC is a normal TV. Also, if your TV can handle a progressive scan signal this can deliver. If you do not have a progressive scan TV, you will just use interlace signals.

Connectors:
This has digital coaxial, optical, component video, RCA and S video outputs. So, it will work with lowfi and hifi receivers.

Motion:
On the main unit it has a jog dial to allow you to motion forward and backward. You can also view frame by frame.

Picture Quality:
This thing had tremendous color. Sunsets look life like, the color is very saturated and crystal clear. Also, the player seems to be compatible with the most problematic movies such as Gladiator, Matrix, Shawshank. I also watched the Hong Kong version of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon in VCD format and had no problems. I have not seen this player skip yet unless the DVD is dirty.

Sound Quality:
The sound is incredible as well. I have it hooked into a fairly expensive home theater system and this does not dissapoint. It is DTS Dolby Digital and Dolby Prologic compatible.

Karoke:
The unit has two microphone inputs for Karoke. Not useful to me but some may like to hear themselves sing. Thank god for my neighbors I don't sing so this feature is useless to me.

Price:
I paid $249 at BestBuy. I also bought the extended warranty for three years just in case it breaks down. From reviews of other APEX models, quality seems to be an issue. So, I would recommend that you get an extended warranty. I normally would pass but in this case, I consider it money well spent.

The only other progressive scan DVD player in this price range is the Pioneer 400 series. Other progressive scan units can run from 2 to 6 times the amount of this unit with even less features.

Connectors:
It comes with a cheap 2 meter S video cable and RCA cables for audio. I would suggest a monster S Video cable and RCA cable. If you have a receiver that accepts optical inputs spring the $30 for an optical cable and pass on the RCA cables. If your unit accepts component video inputs pass on the S video and get a component video cable. You will consider the money well spent.

What's the Draw Back:
Well I could cook toast on this thing. It gets extremely hot. It could use a cooling fan. I sure am glad I bought the extended warranty. Until it breaks in it has a faint melting plastic smell but it goes away.

Also, prior Apex models have been problematic.