Alba DVD45 from Argos

NoEntry2k · 15-10-2003, 09:29

Can someone who has this machine please confirm to me that this hack works for the Alba DVD45 from Argos (price £39.99).

1.Turn on your DVD player
2.Open disc tray either using the EJECT button on the Player or the OPEN button on the remote
3.Press 2812
4.A menu should pop up, press ENTER until 9 appears
5.Your DVD player is now region-free (you can play any countries DVD's)

THANKS!

15-10-2003, 09:32

should do, but they are usually MR outta the box!

NoEntry2k · 15-10-2003, 09:34

Even from Argos! Sounds like a good deal to me....a basic multi region DVD player for £39.99!!

Anyone tried this on the Alba DVD108 from Argos (price £47.99)?:

1. Power on the DVD and open the draw, press SETUP on the remote.
2. Now scroll along using the right area key until you highlight CUSTOM SETUP.
3. DO NOT press enter!
4. Instead key in 3333, you are now taken to secret menu 1.
5. highlight the region codes and select 0 for all regions.
6. It took a bit of fiddling about to actually change the region, you have to highlight the region menu so it goes yellow, and then faff about with the arrow keys.

15-10-2003, 09:39

i have the 108, its lousy!

the 2812 works on it, it doesnt play (S)VCD though, neither does the 45.

Go for the Pacific 1002 or Cyberhome CH DVD 400 (both less than £50)

these are excellent players, both internally the same.

Dont go near the ALBAs

Dan

NoEntry2k · 15-10-2003, 09:46

You read my mind! I want the CyberHome 400, but ive heard they are always sold out in WH Smiths! Im researching Alba DVD players as a back up, my old CyberHome is REALLY playing up (has trouble reading all DVDs), so i dont have much time...

Ill check my local WH Smiths today and if they have one ill buy it on the spot!

angel.vamp · 15-10-2003, 09:47

Quote:

Originally posted by ***dan***
i have the 108, its lousy!

the 2812 works on it, it doesnt play (S)VCD though, neither does the 45.

Go for the Pacific 1002 or Cyberhome CH DVD 400 (both less than £50)

these are excellent players, both internally the same.

Dont go near the ALBAs

Dan

I've got the cyberhome 400 and agree its a lovely wee machine.
My friend was going to order a couple of these machines as christmas presents but when checking out Amazon we found a Yamada DVD5520 for £39.99 so we ordered a couple and a week later they arrived (ticked the box for free delivery

) I have checked them out to make sure they are ok and am please to say this multi-regional machine is happy playing vcd/svcd as well

15-10-2003, 09:58

Quote:

Originally posted by NoEntry2k
You read my mind! I want the CyberHome 400, but ive heard they are always sold out in WH Smiths! Im researching Alba DVD players as a back up, my old CyberHome is REALLY playing up (has trouble reading all DVDs), so i dont have much time...

Ill check my local WH Smiths today and if they have one ill buy it on the spot!

what cyberhome do you have at the moment?

i can help you cure it!

Dan

CyberHome Expert

NoEntry2k · 15-10-2003, 10:08

Its a CyberHome ADL528.
Everytime I put a DVD in it scans it, and scans it, and scans it. Somestimes, if im lucky it will play it after about a minute of scanning it, but even then it might freeze while navigating through the menus! Somes times it just will not read the DVD at all. The motor sounds very loud as it trys to scan the DVD, like its really struggling or something.
It plays audio CDs without any problem thought! I think its broken (or soon will be), but if you know how to fix it **dan** be mu guest......

15-10-2003, 10:19

i know the player well, have one myself.

The problem is that the drives are terrible really, they are just Standard IDE (Computer) drives though. They can be replaced too. Pioneer are the best drives.

I put a Toshiba SD-M1612 into my ADL528, works a treat.

Dan

PS if you need any cyberhome help, im here!

NoEntry2k · 15-10-2003, 10:29

I guess the DVD drive is on its way out then.
I too think CyberHome is a good brand, i have another ADL528 in my front room, ive had it nearly 2 years now, never had a problem with it.
Ideally i would like to get a CyberHome 400, nice small design, can be multi regional etc. but i will have to see if i can find a WH Smiths with them in stock! I cant wait long though as its annoying me not being able to watch DVDs in my room.
I may have to settle with an Alba machine, all i need is a player that is/can be multi regional, im not too bothered about S/VCDs and stuff.

Well im off the the shops in a couple of hours, i hope WH Smith have a CyberHome 400 in stock - but im not holding my breath.

15-10-2003, 10:33

can i suggest that you get either a Cyberhome 400 OR if you cant get one, go for the Pacific 1002 from asda which is essentially the same machine in a different case!

Dan

PS DO NOT GO FOR ALBA!

NoEntry2k · 15-10-2003, 10:45

The Pacific 1002. Can it be made multi regional? If so what is the hack? Do you have a link with a picture of it or something?
I have an Asda not too far away, do they usually have them in stock from what youve heard?

Plus what have you got against Alba. I know they are VERY basic but i have had some of their products in the past and they are OK in my opinion.

15-10-2003, 10:55

I have the Alba DVD108 and its frankly a terrible dvd player, it is so basic that its behond belief, it doesnt even have a standby feature.

The Pacific DVD1002 is usually always in stock, uses a similar hack to the cyberhome 400.

Its essentially the same player in a different case

Dan

NoEntry2k · 15-10-2003, 11:14

Thanks for your help **dan**. Here is my action plan:

1) Try and get a CyberHome 400 from WH Smith, if this fails go to step 2.
2) Go to Asda at the weekend and get a Pacific DVD1002, if this fails go to step 3.
3) Get the Alba DVD45 or DVD108 from Argos on Monday (lets hope it dosnt come to this!!!

)

Will let you know how I get on.

NoEntry2k · 15-10-2003, 13:49

Well, as expected, i went to WH Smith and the CyberHome 400 was out of stock.

So I guess im off to Asda at the weekend....

15-10-2003, 14:36

okay!

hows about ordering a cyberhome online?

Just a thought!

Dan

NoEntry2k · 15-10-2003, 14:54

Quote:

Originally posted by ***dan***
okay!

hows about ordering a cyberhome online?

Just a thought!

Dan

I thought about ordering online but the CyberHome 400 is exclusive to W H Smith and they have removed the product from there website saying "product no longer available".
I guess ill have to wait untill the weekend and either get the Pacific DVD1002 or the CyberHome 400 - if i can track one down!

angel.vamp · 15-10-2003, 18:21

Or you can try this one out from Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...569023-9472408

15-10-2003, 19:54

Quote:

Originally posted by NoEntry2k
I thought about ordering online but the CyberHome 400 is exclusive to W H Smith and they have removed the product from there website saying "product no longer available".
I guess ill have to wait untill the weekend and either get the Pacific DVD1002 or the CyberHome 400 - if i can track one down!

go for the Pacific then, they are usually always in stock!

NoEntry2k · 16-10-2003, 09:01

Quote:

Originally posted by ***dan***
go for the Pacific then, they are usually always in stock!

i couldnt wait untill the weekend so i checked my nearest Asda last night.............but the Pacific was out of stock!
Ill check again at the weekend and maybe drive to another Asda I know thats further but not too far away.

Im not having much luck!

PS does the Pacific have a display on the front, because from what ive seen the Cyberhome 400 does not.

16-10-2003, 09:21

the cyberhome doesnt but i think the pacific does!

NoEntry2k · 16-10-2003, 09:42

Quote:

Originally posted by ***dan***
the cyberhome doesnt but i think the pacific does!

Yeah, thats what i thought. Lets hope i have better luck at the weekend and that i can get either one or the other.

16-10-2003, 10:00

im sure that you will get a pacific!

NoEntry2k · 16-10-2003, 10:08

Yeah i hope i get one this weekend, i was suprised that Asda were sold out because they are usually very good at keeping constant stock, from what i have heard in the past.

Anyways, will let you know how i get on.

gush · 16-10-2003, 11:27

These things are now sold like bags of Sugar!

I have had two Pacific 1002Ws over the past three weeks - both were faulty. I've been to two ASDA stores - Lower Early and Slough and in both cases you're lucky to find anyone serving at the electrical counter and when you do - you'll have to wait 30mins or so for them to get a player from their "Strong Room".

In Slough, I waited over 50mins to be finally told they were out of stock of both the 1002W and the 1001 - this despite display units and multiple empty cartons on display. I suggested to them that they should invest in some "Out of Stock" stickers! They apologised and offered me a £5 discount once the units came back in stock - I'm waiting for them to call me back.

So yes these units are dirt cheap but actually buying one (and one that WORKS) is not that easy and always factor in the 50/50 chance of having to return it!

As for WHS - no one in their organisation can tell ne exactly when the Cyberhome 400 will be back in stock either online or in shop - apart from some vague suggestion about Christmas - really not good enough!

Were it not for the fact that these units do play anything, are multiregion and offer things like MP3 on DVD etc etc I would go for something like

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...6-5440433?me=9

A multiregion Pioneer player for £70 - but iI know it will struggle with some DVD-R and DVD+RW disks - skipping or stalling - something that the Pacific or CyberHome units will easiliy cope with.

So my quest will continue and I'll probably spend time and money going back and forth to ASDA until I get a Pacific that works!

Rant Over!

15-10-2003, 09:29	#1
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	Alba DVD45 from Argos Can someone who has this machine please confirm to me that this hack works for the Alba DVD45 from Argos (price £39.99). 1.Turn on your DVD player 2.Open disc tray either using the EJECT button on the Player or the OPEN button on the remote 3.Press 2812 4.A menu should pop up, press ENTER until 9 appears 5.Your DVD player is now region-free (you can play any countries DVD's) THANKS!

15-10-2003, 09:32	#2
*dan* Posts: n/a	should do, but they are usually MR outta the box!

15-10-2003, 09:34	#3
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	Even from Argos! Sounds like a good deal to me....a basic multi region DVD player for £39.99!! Anyone tried this on the Alba DVD108 from Argos (price £47.99)?: 1. Power on the DVD and open the draw, press SETUP on the remote. 2. Now scroll along using the right area key until you highlight CUSTOM SETUP. 3. DO NOT press enter! 4. Instead key in 3333, you are now taken to secret menu 1. 5. highlight the region codes and select 0 for all regions. 6. It took a bit of fiddling about to actually change the region, you have to highlight the region menu so it goes yellow, and then faff about with the arrow keys.

15-10-2003, 09:39	#4
*dan* Posts: n/a	i have the 108, its lousy! the 2812 works on it, it doesnt play (S)VCD though, neither does the 45. Go for the Pacific 1002 or Cyberhome CH DVD 400 (both less than £50) these are excellent players, both internally the same. Dont go near the ALBAs Dan

15-10-2003, 09:46	#5
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	You read my mind! I want the CyberHome 400, but ive heard they are always sold out in WH Smiths! Im researching Alba DVD players as a back up, my old CyberHome is REALLY playing up (has trouble reading all DVDs), so i dont have much time... Ill check my local WH Smiths today and if they have one ill buy it on the spot!

15-10-2003, 09:47	#6
angel.vamp Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Dundee Posts: 1,136	Quote: Originally posted by *dan* i have the 108, its lousy! the 2812 works on it, it doesnt play (S)VCD though, neither does the 45. Go for the Pacific 1002 or Cyberhome CH DVD 400 (both less than £50) these are excellent players, both internally the same. Dont go near the ALBAs Dan I've got the cyberhome 400 and agree its a lovely wee machine. My friend was going to order a couple of these machines as christmas presents but when checking out Amazon we found a Yamada DVD5520 for £39.99 so we ordered a couple and a week later they arrived (ticked the box for free delivery ) I have checked them out to make sure they are ok and am please to say this multi-regional machine is happy playing vcd/svcd as well

15-10-2003, 09:58	#7
*dan* Posts: n/a	Quote: Originally posted by NoEntry2k You read my mind! I want the CyberHome 400, but ive heard they are always sold out in WH Smiths! Im researching Alba DVD players as a back up, my old CyberHome is REALLY playing up (has trouble reading all DVDs), so i dont have much time... Ill check my local WH Smiths today and if they have one ill buy it on the spot! what cyberhome do you have at the moment? i can help you cure it! Dan CyberHome Expert

15-10-2003, 10:08	#8
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	Its a CyberHome ADL528. Everytime I put a DVD in it scans it, and scans it, and scans it. Somestimes, if im lucky it will play it after about a minute of scanning it, but even then it might freeze while navigating through the menus! Somes times it just will not read the DVD at all. The motor sounds very loud as it trys to scan the DVD, like its really struggling or something. It plays audio CDs without any problem thought! I think its broken (or soon will be), but if you know how to fix it dan be mu guest......

15-10-2003, 10:19	#9
*dan* Posts: n/a	i know the player well, have one myself. The problem is that the drives are terrible really, they are just Standard IDE (Computer) drives though. They can be replaced too. Pioneer are the best drives. I put a Toshiba SD-M1612 into my ADL528, works a treat. Dan PS if you need any cyberhome help, im here!

15-10-2003, 10:29	#10
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	I guess the DVD drive is on its way out then. I too think CyberHome is a good brand, i have another ADL528 in my front room, ive had it nearly 2 years now, never had a problem with it. Ideally i would like to get a CyberHome 400, nice small design, can be multi regional etc. but i will have to see if i can find a WH Smiths with them in stock! I cant wait long though as its annoying me not being able to watch DVDs in my room. I may have to settle with an Alba machine, all i need is a player that is/can be multi regional, im not too bothered about S/VCDs and stuff. Well im off the the shops in a couple of hours, i hope WH Smith have a CyberHome 400 in stock - but im not holding my breath.

15-10-2003, 10:33	#11
*dan* Posts: n/a	can i suggest that you get either a Cyberhome 400 OR if you cant get one, go for the Pacific 1002 from asda which is essentially the same machine in a different case! Dan PS DO NOT GO FOR ALBA!

15-10-2003, 10:45	#12
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	The Pacific 1002. Can it be made multi regional? If so what is the hack? Do you have a link with a picture of it or something? I have an Asda not too far away, do they usually have them in stock from what youve heard? Plus what have you got against Alba. I know they are VERY basic but i have had some of their products in the past and they are OK in my opinion.

15-10-2003, 10:55	#13
*dan* Posts: n/a	I have the Alba DVD108 and its frankly a terrible dvd player, it is so basic that its behond belief, it doesnt even have a standby feature. The Pacific DVD1002 is usually always in stock, uses a similar hack to the cyberhome 400. Its essentially the same player in a different case Dan

15-10-2003, 11:14	#14
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	Thanks for your help dan. Here is my action plan: 1) Try and get a CyberHome 400 from WH Smith, if this fails go to step 2. 2) Go to Asda at the weekend and get a Pacific DVD1002, if this fails go to step 3. 3) Get the Alba DVD45 or DVD108 from Argos on Monday (lets hope it dosnt come to this!!! ) Will let you know how I get on.

15-10-2003, 13:49	#15
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	Well, as expected, i went to WH Smith and the CyberHome 400 was out of stock. So I guess im off to Asda at the weekend....

15-10-2003, 14:36	#16
*dan* Posts: n/a	okay! hows about ordering a cyberhome online? Just a thought! Dan

15-10-2003, 14:54	#17
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	Quote: Originally posted by *dan* okay! hows about ordering a cyberhome online? Just a thought! Dan I thought about ordering online but the CyberHome 400 is exclusive to W H Smith and they have removed the product from there website saying "product no longer available". I guess ill have to wait untill the weekend and either get the Pacific DVD1002 or the CyberHome 400 - if i can track one down!

15-10-2003, 18:21	#18
angel.vamp Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Dundee Posts: 1,136	Or you can try this one out from Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...569023-9472408

15-10-2003, 19:54	#19
*dan* Posts: n/a	Quote: Originally posted by NoEntry2k I thought about ordering online but the CyberHome 400 is exclusive to W H Smith and they have removed the product from there website saying "product no longer available". I guess ill have to wait untill the weekend and either get the Pacific DVD1002 or the CyberHome 400 - if i can track one down! go for the Pacific then, they are usually always in stock!

16-10-2003, 09:01	#20
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	Quote: Originally posted by *dan* go for the Pacific then, they are usually always in stock! i couldnt wait untill the weekend so i checked my nearest Asda last night.............but the Pacific was out of stock! Ill check again at the weekend and maybe drive to another Asda I know thats further but not too far away. Im not having much luck! PS does the Pacific have a display on the front, because from what ive seen the Cyberhome 400 does not.

16-10-2003, 09:21	#21
*dan* Posts: n/a	the cyberhome doesnt but i think the pacific does!

DS Forums

Alba DVD45 from Argos

16-10-2003, 09:42	#22
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	Quote: Originally posted by *dan* the cyberhome doesnt but i think the pacific does! Yeah, thats what i thought. Lets hope i have better luck at the weekend and that i can get either one or the other.

16-10-2003, 10:00	#23
*dan* Posts: n/a	im sure that you will get a pacific!

16-10-2003, 10:08	#24
NoEntry2k Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: South East London, UK Posts: 9,452	Yeah i hope i get one this weekend, i was suprised that Asda were sold out because they are usually very good at keeping constant stock, from what i have heard in the past. Anyways, will let you know how i get on.

16-10-2003, 11:27	#25
gush Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 96	These things are now sold like bags of Sugar! I have had two Pacific 1002Ws over the past three weeks - both were faulty. I've been to two ASDA stores - Lower Early and Slough and in both cases you're lucky to find anyone serving at the electrical counter and when you do - you'll have to wait 30mins or so for them to get a player from their "Strong Room". In Slough, I waited over 50mins to be finally told they were out of stock of both the 1002W and the 1001 - this despite display units and multiple empty cartons on display. I suggested to them that they should invest in some "Out of Stock" stickers! They apologised and offered me a £5 discount once the units came back in stock - I'm waiting for them to call me back. So yes these units are dirt cheap but actually buying one (and one that WORKS) is not that easy and always factor in the 50/50 chance of having to return it! As for WHS - no one in their organisation can tell ne exactly when the Cyberhome 400 will be back in stock either online or in shop - apart from some vague suggestion about Christmas - really not good enough! Were it not for the fact that these units do play anything, are multiregion and offer things like MP3 on DVD etc etc I would go for something like http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...6-5440433?me=9 A multiregion Pioneer player for £70 - but iI know it will struggle with some DVD-R and DVD+RW disks - skipping or stalling - something that the Pacific or CyberHome units will easiliy cope with. So my quest will continue and I'll probably spend time and money going back and forth to ASDA until I get a Pacific that works! Rant Over!