United 3153

Really a bargain - if you can still find it out there. If you want all the features of the 3151 - go for this United 3153.

The region hack of 3151 works with this one - i.e. using the "open tray, key in 3308, choose region code also "0" -enjoy

After reading much about the United DVD-players I decided this 3153 was the unit to get. I was long torn between the United (or cheapo) vs other "real" DVD-players (like Pioneer, Sony etc).

But I was getting this DVD as a replacement for my computer (Powerbook G4), which I didn't feel like plugging into the TV every time I wanted a flick.

From this viewpoint the United is a perfect option...and cheap. I bought it at a catalogue store in L ddek pinge, Sweden called Harald Nyborg. But I had never seen that model before, only the 3151 and 3155. The 3153 has DVD/MP3/SVCD/VCD/MPEG/PhotoCD etc, etc, and is a previous model to the 3151.

It has all the same features as most 3151s (the ones with SVCD) it just looks different. It also has DTS and Dolby Digital outputs. The outputs are digital so you'll need an external amp to get the 5.1-sound. Otherwise it's the stereo out that I use. The ol'3308-hack works on this model.

In the bad points I write about audio outs. Why would you want to use two audio outs at the same time? Well, if you have the player connected to your stereo-amp and then want to record to a portable MD-player with a digital input, then it's a nice feature to be able to listen as normal without reconnect your cables (since the MD isn't stationary). The function to play simultaneous outs works on most digital devices (even a standard CD-player).

Anyway, the picture-quality is good enough for me (better than my computer) and it's overall a "friggin'" good buy!