written by Bonzo Banana. on 07/07/2003
I had one of these some time ago and it was a truly excellent player. Loved it. It wasn't noisy, was feature packed and basically did everything I wanted. Then an updated firmware became available and I went for it and put it on a cdrw and upgraded the player. Many of the features of the new firmware were great but there were a few issues that meant I wanted to go back down to the earlier firmware. It wouldn't let me. Anyway I complained to Cyberhome and they got Richer Sounds to replace my player. Instead of my original black model I got a silver model instead (which I prefered so this is good). However what I didn't prefer was the fact that this new player was unstable and would crash out of a film back to the menu half way through. Pearl Harbour was like this. This is something the older model never did. From what I understand the loader (dvd drive) in the later versions (or some of them at least) are terrible or not fully compatible. It seems to be a common problem on a lot of ADL528s.
I wish I could tell you what was the good drive and what was the bad but sadly I can't. What I will say is that this dvd player uses generic pc type dvd drives and therefore its a bit hit and miss whats fitted. Many owners have replaced their drives with better spec drives and cured their problems.
Basically be warned the reviews you've read here are probably all true. Some have got a great player and some have got a real troublesome model. In essense make sure you can easily return it.
written by jon. on 10/04/2003
You can pick the Cyberhome AD-L 528 up for under 100 pounds and it had some good reviews in What Hifi but ultimately it is disappointing. Some discs do not play smoothly on it, eg my Monsters Inc disc has subtitles permanently on, which does not happen on my PC, and there are major glitches in other films such as memento. The player is noisy so I don't bother using it for music, the volume is too low, the remote is awkward and unresponsive, the player is chunky and not great to look at. I am going to take mine back and get a more expensive player which will hopefully perform a bit better.
written by MONGOOSE. on 21/01/2003
I'VE BEEN THROUGH 2 OF THESE MACHINES FROM RICHER SOUNDS,THE 1ST PLAYER STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF FILMS AND HAD TO BE POWERED DOWN TO RESTART IT BY THEN YOU COULDN'T BE BOTHERED TO WATCH TO FILM. THE 2ND PLAYER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE MAINS LEAD AND MACRO'S PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND AND POOR PICTURE QUALITY (LIKE RUNNING COLOUR ON BRIGHT IMAGES). LUCKILY RICHER HAVE HAD NO QUIBBLE IN CHANGING THE MACHINE AND I NOW HAVE AN ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS 651 AND FIND THIS SMALLER AND A FAR BETTER MACHINE.
written by Shane. on 23/05/2002
I have had two of these Cyberhome AD-L 528 DVD players. The first had a habit of stopping during play of DVD's and the only way to continue was to power off, then on, then return to the same chapter and timeslot. The second would not allow the RGB setting to be used - the TV went blank (I was using SCART). All in all a poor performance...I've changed manufacturers now.
Written on: 10/08/2002
I have had no problems at all with my AD-L 528.
<br>100% reliability and it plays everything I ask it to play.
<br>It is worth reading the manual of course, which clearly explains (on p17) that the menu for MP3's can be accessed by pressing the 'program' button while an MP3 disc is being played. I tried it - it worked!
written by barney. on 24/03/2002
I bought a Cyberhome AD-L 528 DVD player yesterday after reading all the great reviews it was getting. My primary reason for buying it was to play svcd which my previous Pioneer player, of 4 years, didn't. I just hope that the shop will refund my money on Monday. I have tried 5 dvd discs. 2 of the five (the gladiator and terminator 2 both region 1) most of the time wont even start and if they do they lock the machine after a short while. this requires a power off because the remote wont even work. The other discs that did work the picture quality isnt anywhere close my 4 year old pioneer. I know its a budget player and i was ok with the build quality but i cannot believe any one who has reviewed this machine could ever have seen a "real" dvd player in action. Ive seen better results on a video player. If there is a fast moving high detail scene it blurs and flickers and for the rest of the disc it's usually pixelated. I would not recommend this player to anyone who has a real interest in watching good quality films, it's only good for people who want to save some money and say 'look ive got a dvd player' to their mates. Steer clear and save up another 100 quid and get a decent one.
Written on: 25/03/2002
hi if you have not got one yet a brill buy is the dansai 1010 on sale in tescos for £85 yes but it has the clear crisp pictures and is all disc all region etc
<br>try it with tescos u can return for instant refund
Written on: 09/07/2002
The Dansai 1010 I bought (and returned!) had some not insignificant problems, although not all may suffer the same.
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<br>The remote control sensor is fitted away from the IR window, so the machine cannot be operated unless you are immediately in front of the machine or to the left.
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<br>It also had problems with playing the intro of CSI when the weather was warm, but was ok when it cooled down again in the evening.
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The Grim Reaper.'s Response to 87881_jon.'s Review
Written on: 15/06/2003
i think you should either get a decent hifi or get your hearing tested, this player is a superb unit.
<br>if your's is doing what you claim then get an exchange,
<br>it might have a fault.
<br>i have mine hooked up to a dolby digital amp and it sounds superb.
<br>so as for your review. (its pants)