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Philips DVP5140 Multiformat DVD Player with DivX, MP3, Windows Media Support
See it at Amazon.com for $40.00Average Customer Rating
(4.0 out of 5)
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest First | + Share1164 of 1175 people found the following review helpful:
Plays NTSC and PAL DVDs
(5 out of 5) by H. A. Emet on Jul 27, 2006This a GREAT and nice-looking DVD player. Lovely picture, terrific audio and many cool features.
Please be aware that Philips only makes one model of the DVP5140. It will play any NTSC/PAL DVD onto any PAL or NTSC TV. I know this beacuse I called them and asked before buying mine.
So - if you want to play DVDs from any region in any format on any TV, DO NOT BUY the "Multi Region Code Free DVD player" which costs $89.99. Simply search for "DVP5140" and get the standard player which costs $57.95 on Amazon and is identical to the so-called multi-region DVP5140.
To make it region code free follow these instruction:
1. Turn on the unit
2. Open the loading tray
3. Press the "Setup" button on the remote
4. Navigate to the "Preferences" page using the right arrow key
6. Press the down arrow once to enter the Preference page
5. Enter 138931 on the remote
6. You will now see the current region code displayed
7. Use the Up/Down arrow keys to select the region required or "0" for all regions
8. Press the "Play" button on the remote
Please be aware that Philips only makes one model of the DVP5140. It will play any NTSC/PAL DVD onto any PAL or NTSC TV. I know this beacuse I called them and asked before buying mine.
So - if you want to play DVDs from any region in any format on any TV, DO NOT BUY the "Multi Region Code Free DVD player" which costs $89.99. Simply search for "DVP5140" and get the standard player which costs $57.95 on Amazon and is identical to the so-called multi-region DVP5140.
To make it region code free follow these instruction:
1. Turn on the unit
2. Open the loading tray
3. Press the "Setup" button on the remote
4. Navigate to the "Preferences" page using the right arrow key
6. Press the down arrow once to enter the Preference page
5. Enter 138931 on the remote
6. You will now see the current region code displayed
7. Use the Up/Down arrow keys to select the region required or "0" for all regions
8. Press the "Play" button on the remote
257 of 266 people found the following review helpful:
Great picture on large screen TV
(5 out of 5) by Will on Jun 14, 2006The new Philips DVP5140 NTSC/PAL dvd player may be a worthwhile upgrade to the popular Philips DVP642. The Philips DVP5140 produces a better picture than the DVP642. The DVP5140 is "DivX Ultra" certified. The DVP5140 is an excellent example of Philips "plays it all" DVD players.
The DVP5140 uses a 12 bit/108 MHz video system instead of the 10 bit/54 MHz system used in the DVP642. The 12 bit/108 MHz video system produces visibly sharper images and natural colors. The quality of the picture on my 42 inch Plasma HDTV is very impressive.
One major complaint with DVD players concerns their inability to play damaged discs. The DVP5140 has successfully played imperfect discs that other players couldn't handle.
Using the "display" button on the remote, you can view the bit rate and other interesting information about the disc being played.
If the selected soundtrack on the disc you are playing is DTS (Digital Theater Sound), the analog audio output will be muted; consequently, you may need to use the "audio" button on the remote control to select a different soundtrack. DTS soundtracks are not very common in DVDs.
The DVP5140 shows a noticeable pause at the layer change point when playing dual layer DVDs; however, this is not unusual for DVD players.
The DVP5140 does not have an optical digital audio out or S-Video out connector.
The DVP5140 chipset is MediaTek MT1389. The DVP642 chipset is ESS Vibratto II (ES6698F).
The DVP5140 is similar to the new HDMI compliant Philips DVP5960. HDMI is about DRM (Digital Rights Management), a euphemism for copy protection. HDMI = DVI + HDCP. HDCP is the copy protection component of the HDMI standard. The other component of HDMI is the digital interface. Although manufacturers claim otherwise, many experts say there's very little difference in image quality using a digital interface as opposed to an analog connection.
The DVP5140 produces a brilliant picture, can play almost any disc, is housed in an attractive ultra-slim package and is inexpensive. Now, you've got to ask yourself a question: What do I want in a DVD player? The DVP5140 may be an offer you can't refuse!
*** Addendum
DTS (Digital Theater Sound) soundtracks are most often found in Superbit DVDs. Superbit and DTS technologies are especially beneficial with high end audio equipment and large screen high definition displays.
The availability of DTS encoded DVD movies is limited. DTS encoded DVDs often cost more than their Dolby Digital (AC-3) counterpart. Discernible differences in audio quality between DTS and Dolby Digital (AC-3) are highly dependent on the encoding technique and equipment as well as your decoding equipment.
The soundtrack for a DVD movie can contain Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS, MP2, or PCM audio data. NTSC DVD players must support Dolby Digital (AC-3) and PCM soundtracks; consequently, all 525/60 (NTSC) discs must contain, at a minimum, Dolby Digital (AC-3) or PCM audio data. All other formats are optional.
A DTS soundtrack is almost 4 times as large as a comparable Dolby Digital (AC-3) soundtrack. This is because DTS audio is not compressed to the same degree as Dolby Digital (AC-3) audio. Both DTS and PCM together don't usually leave enough room for quality video encoding of a full length movie. Consequently, a disc with a DTS soundtrack will usually carry a Dolby Digital (AC-3) soundtrack. This means that all DTS discs will work in all DVD players, but a DTS compatible player and a DTS decoder are required to play the DTS soundtrack.
Most DVDs are encoded to optimize space for the feature plus added value and audio streams. Superbit utilizes the physical space devoted to added value to produce a disc with a higher bit rate video and both DTS and Dolby Digital (AC-3) soundtracks. Superbit titles have a Dolby Digital (AC-3) soundtrack (at the highest rate of 448 Kbps) and a DTS soundtrack (at the half rate of 768 Kbps). Superbit titles are recorded on dual layer discs (8.5GB storage capacity). There is usually a noticeable pause during the layer change as the player's laser adjusts to read the second layer. The length of the pause varies from disc to disc and player to player.
The DVP5140 uses a 12 bit/108 MHz video system instead of the 10 bit/54 MHz system used in the DVP642. The 12 bit/108 MHz video system produces visibly sharper images and natural colors. The quality of the picture on my 42 inch Plasma HDTV is very impressive.
One major complaint with DVD players concerns their inability to play damaged discs. The DVP5140 has successfully played imperfect discs that other players couldn't handle.
Using the "display" button on the remote, you can view the bit rate and other interesting information about the disc being played.
If the selected soundtrack on the disc you are playing is DTS (Digital Theater Sound), the analog audio output will be muted; consequently, you may need to use the "audio" button on the remote control to select a different soundtrack. DTS soundtracks are not very common in DVDs.
The DVP5140 shows a noticeable pause at the layer change point when playing dual layer DVDs; however, this is not unusual for DVD players.
The DVP5140 does not have an optical digital audio out or S-Video out connector.
The DVP5140 chipset is MediaTek MT1389. The DVP642 chipset is ESS Vibratto II (ES6698F).
The DVP5140 is similar to the new HDMI compliant Philips DVP5960. HDMI is about DRM (Digital Rights Management), a euphemism for copy protection. HDMI = DVI + HDCP. HDCP is the copy protection component of the HDMI standard. The other component of HDMI is the digital interface. Although manufacturers claim otherwise, many experts say there's very little difference in image quality using a digital interface as opposed to an analog connection.
The DVP5140 produces a brilliant picture, can play almost any disc, is housed in an attractive ultra-slim package and is inexpensive. Now, you've got to ask yourself a question: What do I want in a DVD player? The DVP5140 may be an offer you can't refuse!
*** Addendum
DTS (Digital Theater Sound) soundtracks are most often found in Superbit DVDs. Superbit and DTS technologies are especially beneficial with high end audio equipment and large screen high definition displays.
The availability of DTS encoded DVD movies is limited. DTS encoded DVDs often cost more than their Dolby Digital (AC-3) counterpart. Discernible differences in audio quality between DTS and Dolby Digital (AC-3) are highly dependent on the encoding technique and equipment as well as your decoding equipment.
The soundtrack for a DVD movie can contain Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS, MP2, or PCM audio data. NTSC DVD players must support Dolby Digital (AC-3) and PCM soundtracks; consequently, all 525/60 (NTSC) discs must contain, at a minimum, Dolby Digital (AC-3) or PCM audio data. All other formats are optional.
A DTS soundtrack is almost 4 times as large as a comparable Dolby Digital (AC-3) soundtrack. This is because DTS audio is not compressed to the same degree as Dolby Digital (AC-3) audio. Both DTS and PCM together don't usually leave enough room for quality video encoding of a full length movie. Consequently, a disc with a DTS soundtrack will usually carry a Dolby Digital (AC-3) soundtrack. This means that all DTS discs will work in all DVD players, but a DTS compatible player and a DTS decoder are required to play the DTS soundtrack.
Most DVDs are encoded to optimize space for the feature plus added value and audio streams. Superbit utilizes the physical space devoted to added value to produce a disc with a higher bit rate video and both DTS and Dolby Digital (AC-3) soundtracks. Superbit titles have a Dolby Digital (AC-3) soundtrack (at the highest rate of 448 Kbps) and a DTS soundtrack (at the half rate of 768 Kbps). Superbit titles are recorded on dual layer discs (8.5GB storage capacity). There is usually a noticeable pause during the layer change as the player's laser adjusts to read the second layer. The length of the pause varies from disc to disc and player to player.
78 of 80 people found the following review helpful:
Will play NTSC and PAL
(5 out of 5) by H. A. Emet on Jul 27, 2006This a GREAT and nice-looking DVD player. Lovely picture, terrific audio and many cool features.
Please be aware that Philips only makes one model of the DVP5140. It will play any NTSC/PAL DVD onto any PAL or NTSC TV. I know this beacuse I called them and asked before buying mine.
So - if you want to play DVDs from any region in any format on any TV, DO NOT BUY the "Multi Region Code Free DVD player" which costs $89.99. Simply search for "DVP5140" and get the standard player which costs $57.95 on Amazon and is identical to the so-called multi-region DVP5140.
To make it region code free follow these instruction:
1. Turn on the unit
2. Open the loading tray
3. Press the "Setup" button on the remote
4. Navigate to the "Preferences" page using the right arrow key
6. Press the down arrow once to enter the Preference page
5. Enter 138931 on the remote
6. You will now see the current region code displayed
7. Use the Up/Down arrow keys to select the region required or "0" for all regions
8. Press the "Play" button on the remote
Please be aware that Philips only makes one model of the DVP5140. It will play any NTSC/PAL DVD onto any PAL or NTSC TV. I know this beacuse I called them and asked before buying mine.
So - if you want to play DVDs from any region in any format on any TV, DO NOT BUY the "Multi Region Code Free DVD player" which costs $89.99. Simply search for "DVP5140" and get the standard player which costs $57.95 on Amazon and is identical to the so-called multi-region DVP5140.
To make it region code free follow these instruction:
1. Turn on the unit
2. Open the loading tray
3. Press the "Setup" button on the remote
4. Navigate to the "Preferences" page using the right arrow key
6. Press the down arrow once to enter the Preference page
5. Enter 138931 on the remote
6. You will now see the current region code displayed
7. Use the Up/Down arrow keys to select the region required or "0" for all regions
8. Press the "Play" button on the remote
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
Good player
(5 out of 5) by Jack R. Waters on Aug 30, 2006Unlike other temperamental machines that I have owned this one plays everything. You can save money over the higher priced version of this machine by making it region free by following these instructions:
To make it region code free follow these instruction:
1. Turn on the unit
2. Open the loading tray
3. Press the "Setup" button on the remote
4. Navigate to the "Preferences" page using the right arrow key
6. Press the down arrow once to enter the Preference page
5. Enter 138931 on the remote
6. You will now see the current region code displayed
7. Use the Up/Down arrow keys to select the region required or "0" for all regions
8. Press the "Play" button on the remote
Probably can't beat it for the money
To make it region code free follow these instruction:
1. Turn on the unit
2. Open the loading tray
3. Press the "Setup" button on the remote
4. Navigate to the "Preferences" page using the right arrow key
6. Press the down arrow once to enter the Preference page
5. Enter 138931 on the remote
6. You will now see the current region code displayed
7. Use the Up/Down arrow keys to select the region required or "0" for all regions
8. Press the "Play" button on the remote
Probably can't beat it for the money
39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
It does everything the reviewers say...just not for very long.
(2 out of 5) by P. Hooker on Jan 6, 2008I raved about this player too when I first purchased it. It literally played EVERYTHING. It was cheap, and I used it quite a bit, so when it stopped reading any discs after about a year I wasn't all that upset. With all the features, and for the price, if I had to buy a new one every year, then so be it...a small price to pay for the ability to watch all my multi region DVDs and avi files on my TV.
I originally bought it at Wal Mart, who I discovered no longer carried it (now I understand why), so I looked online and found out it was available at Target. I rushed out, bought the replacement, got home, set it up, punched in the code, and was back in business...for two whole days, after which it once again would fail to read any disc.
A fluke I thought...a defective machine is sure to get by occasionally. No problem, I pack it up and take it back to Target who graciously exchange it for another one. I get the replacement's replacement home, get it all set up, pop in a movie, and I am once again back in business...for two whole weeks, after which it once again would fail to read anything.
At this point I am starting to get upset. I look in the manual and get the number for technical support. I call, tell them about my problems, and let them know the complete history of what has happened up to this point. "Have you tried unplugging it, and plugging it back in again?" they ask, knowing the answer before the question even leaves their lips.
I explain to them that yes, I tried this...on BOTH machines...and that it failed to resolve the problem. "Well why don't you try it again?" they ask, convinced that somehow through sheer force of will, their presense on the phone would somehow change the outcome.
I begrudgingly do so, knowing it will do no good, knowing that I am just wasting my time, knowing that every condecending remark from their so called technician is bringing me closer and closer to baldness as I rip out my hair in frustration.
Loading...loading...loading..................NO DISC.
"Well, there must be some internal problem with the machine. I can give you the address for our warranty department where you can send it for a free product exchange."
I once again explain to them that I only bought the machine two weeks ago, and ask them why I would PAY to send it back to them, when I could just as easily return it to the store and exchange it for a different brand. I explain that if THEY would pay the shipping costs, I would be happy to send it to them for repair or replacement, provided they can figure out what the problem is and get it fixed. After all, I had been a loyal customer to them; I have now had THREE of these machines come down with similar problems within a relatively short span of time, and that while I might enjoy the options and features of this model, these features do me little good if I can't get the machine to read a disc.
"I understand that sir, but if you don't want........"
"I like this model; I would like to keep it, but I would also like it to work."
"I'm sorry sir, but I don't believe there is anything else I can do to help you.....click"
And Philips loses a customer for life. And so, while I agree the features of this model are great, the quality of it is complete crap. You might as well pay the extra money for a better quality product. In the long run you'll be much better off.
I originally bought it at Wal Mart, who I discovered no longer carried it (now I understand why), so I looked online and found out it was available at Target. I rushed out, bought the replacement, got home, set it up, punched in the code, and was back in business...for two whole days, after which it once again would fail to read any disc.
A fluke I thought...a defective machine is sure to get by occasionally. No problem, I pack it up and take it back to Target who graciously exchange it for another one. I get the replacement's replacement home, get it all set up, pop in a movie, and I am once again back in business...for two whole weeks, after which it once again would fail to read anything.
At this point I am starting to get upset. I look in the manual and get the number for technical support. I call, tell them about my problems, and let them know the complete history of what has happened up to this point. "Have you tried unplugging it, and plugging it back in again?" they ask, knowing the answer before the question even leaves their lips.
I explain to them that yes, I tried this...on BOTH machines...and that it failed to resolve the problem. "Well why don't you try it again?" they ask, convinced that somehow through sheer force of will, their presense on the phone would somehow change the outcome.
I begrudgingly do so, knowing it will do no good, knowing that I am just wasting my time, knowing that every condecending remark from their so called technician is bringing me closer and closer to baldness as I rip out my hair in frustration.
Loading...loading...loading..................NO DISC.
"Well, there must be some internal problem with the machine. I can give you the address for our warranty department where you can send it for a free product exchange."
I once again explain to them that I only bought the machine two weeks ago, and ask them why I would PAY to send it back to them, when I could just as easily return it to the store and exchange it for a different brand. I explain that if THEY would pay the shipping costs, I would be happy to send it to them for repair or replacement, provided they can figure out what the problem is and get it fixed. After all, I had been a loyal customer to them; I have now had THREE of these machines come down with similar problems within a relatively short span of time, and that while I might enjoy the options and features of this model, these features do me little good if I can't get the machine to read a disc.
"I understand that sir, but if you don't want........"
"I like this model; I would like to keep it, but I would also like it to work."
"I'm sorry sir, but I don't believe there is anything else I can do to help you.....click"
And Philips loses a customer for life. And so, while I agree the features of this model are great, the quality of it is complete crap. You might as well pay the extra money for a better quality product. In the long run you'll be much better off.