Wanted: Remote control hack for McIntosh MVP 871

[chrYsalis]

Hiya all,


I've been looking for some time for a hack for a region-1 McIntosh MVP 871 DVD player -- but despite numerous extensive searches have come up empty.

The transport (and only the transport) is based on the Denon DVD 2930, and I've obviously tried the hacks available for that unit without success; also the ones available for the DVD-A1XV (5910CI) / 2910 / 3910 units.

Since the player does not have a power-off switch in front, I am unsure if either of these had any prospects of working anyway.
(the Denon region hacks were tested 'as if' the unit had a power button by using a switch on the attached power transformer.)

However, I am able to successfully check the currently set region using the 'Stop' and 'Skip Forward' buttons on the front panel (which is the same method as for the Denons)

The player is pretty damn impressive (in every way; esp. audio), and the only drawback is that it isn't multi region (yet!) -- so having it unlocked would truly make it into an übermachine.

I am unsure if it actually supports region-free unlocking via the remote though (granted it's not your normal run-of-the-mill mainstream unit either), but I thought I'd check to see if any of the users here have any experience with it.

Any input would be very welcome!

C

 

[majorloser]

You might want to try here:

http://www.remotecentral.com/index.html
http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/codes/mcintosh/mvp-831/

I know you can get some of the discrete codes there. I sure there's probably no easy way to convert region codes, though. The film industry is picky about those things here in the USA.

(I'm sure I've seen this same type of question asked before over at AK Forum. There's a few Mac Fans over there.)

 

[chrYsalis]

Thanks for your reply. I realize the situation in the U.S is quite bad (still) concerning region-free players. However, I am posting this as most new units sold nowadays are capable of being unlocked by the remote.

I did get a tip for a site performing hardware modifications, though, but they are quite pricey (and risky!) IMO.

It might be an option for others; so I am including the links here.

http://www.jvbdigital.nl/jvb.asp?cur=2&level=modifications&page=browse&searchtype=brand&searchstring=McIntosh

The poster mentioned that these guys also supply hardware kits for players which are known to be hackable w/o doing any soldering work (most of Denon's players)

http://www.jvbdigital.nl/jvb.asp?cur=2&level=modifications&page=browse&searchtype=brand&searchstring=Denon

Again, the hardware option is the most extreme in my view, and I won't risk sending the player out of the U.K to get it done.

C

 

[chrYsalis]

Forgot to mention that I did prowl the AudioKarma forum, but since the topic had been brought up there recently I didn't see a reason to nag about it further.

It also seems that many North American buyers simply put up with the fact of only being able to play region 1 discs ..

C

 

[Johnd]

Forgot to mention that I did prowl the AudioKarma forum, but since the topic had been brought up there recently I didn't see a reason to nag about it further.

It also seems that many North American buyers simply put up with the fact of only being able to play region 1 discs ..

C

Well, why gripe about something that is not broken? Sure, some things are offered sooner in discs other than region 1, but we can get just about anything here. Besides, why would anyone here want the hassle of a multi region (technically "code-free") player? Disabling that function will void most manufacturer's warranties here in the US (and Canada). No thanks.

 

[chrYsalis]

The "hassle" of a multi-region player? If you consider inputing some numbers by your remote a hassle, then yeah.

And no, you do not void your warranty unless you physically open up your box and solder something onto the board (which isn't an option--hence this thread)

There are lots of codes available via videohelp .com (under /dvdhacks) that are able to unlock most players in less than a minute. Whether this is true for McIntosh players remains to be seen, but it is worth a shot IMO.

The fact is that there are many releases available outside of region 1 that are either not available for sale in the U.S at all or in the same quality; or with the same features as those discs sold in other territories.

There are also censorship-issues with some region 1 / NTSC discs (Eyes Wide Shut comes to mind)

C

 

[Johnd]

If you consider inputing some numbers by your remote a hassle, then yeah.

And no, you do not void your warranty unless you physically open up your box and solder something onto the board (which isn't an option--hence this thread)

That is simply not true. I do not want to get into the legal interpretations of warranties with you, but you clearly do not understand. I really do not like misinformation either.

One certainly can void a warranty by "not opening the box" by spilling something into it or exposing it to any extreme environment. This is indisputable from all the electronics warranties that I've read.

You also do not understand the term "modification." Firstly, these warranties are drafted by attorneys, not audioholics like you or I. The cover need not come off to make a modification...trust me. I would have field day with anyone in a courtroom who declares that unlocking the region lock is not a modification, whether it be by remote or not.

So for the record, everyone, unlocking any region lock in any US purchased player, will most invariably be a "modification" in every sense of the word, thus voiding, most warranties.

 

[chrYsalis]

Well, you sound more like a lawyer than an audioholic to be honest--more interested in entering into a (pointless) discussion about how someone with the right inclinations might construe the legal aspects for profit gain. (Ironically, you 'do not want to get into the legal interpretations of warranties', and yet you continue to do just that)

Point is, this functionality has been added to the players by the manufacturer (in the event of a remote-control based unlocking code) as a convenience to the consumer. If a consumer opts to enter this code that individual would technically have an issue with the DVD Group, which sets the guidelines for licensing the DVD format to hardware manufacturers--but only in the event said individual was producing and selling DVD players himself.

And please do not attempt to misconstrue my statement trying to make it sound like only a physical change to any device would void a warranty when we're talking about region-free modifications.

Even considering all your interpretations of breach of warranty are true (which they very well might be in the U.S) -- how on earth does a country that prides itself on personal freedoms allow this to happen?

All players I've bought here in the U.K have been modified (some in hardware) and that certainly not voided my warranty in any way, shape or form.

C

 

[Johnd]

Well, you sound more like a lawyer than an audioholic to be honest--more interested in entering into a (pointless) discussion about how someone with the right inclinations might construe the legal aspects for profit gain. (Ironically, you 'do not want to get into the legal interpretations of warranties', and yet you continue to do just that)

Perhaps we could do without the personal attacks and ad hominems. My only mention of legalties (breach of warranty) was because of your incorrect statement that a warranty cannot be voided unless one opens the player. That statement is blatantly untrue. I wanted to clarify that false information, and that the hack is a modification. That's all.

And please do not attempt to misconstrue my statement trying to make it sound like only a physical change to any device would void a warranty when we're talking about region-free modifications.

I've not attempted to misconstrue any statement of yours. These written words speak for themselves.

Even considering all your interpretations of breach of warranty are true (which they very well might be in the U.S) -- how on earth does a country that prides itself on personal freedoms allow this to happen?

That is another question for another thread at another time.



I make no value judgment whatsoever in the hack, they are not illegal in the US unless they are used for illegal purposes. Many easily hackable players are readily available for under $100.00. If someone is wanting for our desperately lacking supply of dvd's, they are free to buy these players, hack them, make them region free, and play all dvds (region 1 and other) they desire.

My initial post is quite plain. I wanted to clear the record that a hack is a modification, and can easily void the warranty. You seem to have capitulated on this point...so the record now stands clear. Thank you.

 

[chrYsalis]

(I apologize if my previous observation was received as a personal attack--that was not my intention.)

I make no value judgment whatsoever in the hack, they are not illegal in the US unless they are used for illegal purposes. Many easily hackable players are readily available for under $100.00. If someone is wanting for our desperately lacking supply of dvd's, they are free to buy these players, hack them, make them region free, and play all dvds (region 1 and other) they desire.

You miss the point of having a region-free player; as you are employing sarcasm to allude to the quantity of DVDs available in R1/NTSC, which no-one would ever dispute. The issue isn't about quantity; the issue is about quality and freedom to choose the best release of any given feature.

It is a myth that all the best releases--even of American movies--originate from the U.S. Some Japanese and European releases (most notably those of Mk2) have better bonus material (often including non-approved material which some studio didn't officially sanction) and significantly better technical standards than some unfortunate R1 releases. These are exceptions; not the norm, as I am not claiming that across-the-board non-R1 releases are better (to avoid any other misconceptions)

My initial post is quite plain. I wanted to clear the record that a hack is a modification, and can easily void the warranty. You seem to have capitulated on this point...so the record now stands clear. Thank you.

No argument there; as I never suggested a hack isn't a modification; but rather, who actually performs said modification--the manufacturer who facilitates it?--or the consumer? (from whom very little effort is needed in order to activate this functionality--or override 'fair use limitations'; if you will)
This can be debated and debated when venturing into legalese-land, so I consider that fruitless and outside the scope of this forum.

However, whether it voids the warranty or not is clearly dependent on one's geographical location..

C

 

[Johnd]

Apology accepted...thank you.

1) The point of a code free player does not miss me. I've already posted the potential benefits.

2) I was not being sarcastic. There are literally millions of region 1 dvd's printed every year. Conversely, I understand that there are millions more of non region 1 dvd's printed every year, some of which are not available in region 1, or are in someway different than those produced in region 1.

3) I never advanced the myth that the best dvd's originate from the US.

So back on point: you now acknowledge that:
1) the hack is a modification which may impinge on warranty rights; and,
2) that a modification is not limited to "physically open(ing) up your box and solder(ing) something onto the board".

Those were my only points. Understand, chrYsalis, I did not interject to prove I'm right or simply that you were wrong. It is not just advanced engineers and techies that read this forum. I simply wanted to correct the above information. I agree that there exist many dvd's that are not usable on region 1 players. For those so interested, go ahead. Just be armed with the correct information when so doing. Peace.

 

[xboxweasel]

So for the record, everyone, unlocking any region lock in any US purchased player, will most invariably be a "modification" in every sense of the word, thus voiding, most warranties.

I have a problem with this statement. Changing a software parameter (like region coding) is considered a mod if done via the remote? What if I adjust the video output to progressive scan instead of interlaced via the remote? Is that not also considered a mod then? Does that mean that I void the warranty when I tell the DVD player I have a 16:9 monitor? Damn.

 

[Johnd]

You may have a problem with the statement, but those are simply the cold, hard facts, ma'am.

Whilst the creation of regions is strictly for profit and trade agreements, the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) specifically states any act:
"circumventing a scheme used to restrict access to copyrighted material"
may be prosecuted.

I really don't know that much about this stuff, but comparing the act of unlocking the region lock in your player to changing between interlaced and progressive is, well, simply apples and oranges.

I don't write the law, I just do my damnedest to follow it! Cheers.

 

[chrYsalis]

Region-free hack for McIntosh MVP 871

So, to get back to the original thread (desperation mode sets in); anybody got something to contribute on this? Thoughts highly appreciated..

C