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Sonwa SDVD300 DVD Player
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SONWA SDVD300
DVD Player
This site last updated 5/1/2006 DISCLAIMER: The reviewer hosting this web page is in no way affiliated, associated or employed by the Vendor of this product. Quick simply the reviewer is a consumer who purchased this product and decided to create this page because a search on the web produced ZERO Hits for this model at time of purchase. The information on this page is no different to that which can be found on any DVD player forums and review web sites.
Any comments, feedback and questions please email [email protected] .
NEWS
12-12-2004 Coles has new stock of the Sonwa selling at $55 this time.
General Information
This DVD player was purchased from a Coles Supermarket late August 2004 for $69aus. Unit measures only 5cm high, 43cm wide and 26cm deep. The display is not colour but a soft blue and not overly bright. The instruction manual mentions Macrovision copy protection and suggests its enabled as well as the Region code being set to 4. Unit comes with Composite Video and stereo audio RCA leads, Remote control+2xAAA batteries.
Warranty
Warranty card states 12 months from date of purchase and I'll quote straight off the 20/10/2006
Sonwa SDVD300 DVD Player warranty card now, check out the section in red. "If warranty service is required you should:
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Telephone the SONWA Customer care centre on 1300 137 251 for the name/address of the nearest Authorised Service Centre. Then deliver the product to an Authorised Service Centre. Please note freight to and from the nearest Authorised Service Centre must be arranged by you. Please provide a copy of your receipt as proof of date of purchase."
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Advertised Capabilities
The packaging and instruction manual state the following specifications and capabilities:
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Dolby Digital AC-3 5.1 / DTS Compatible DVD / CD / CD-R / CD-RW / MP3 / Kodak Picture CD / JPEG / DTS compatible Digital Separate 2 channel Stereo and AC3 5.1 Audio RCA outputs , Optical and coaxial digital outputs S-video / Composite / Component video outputs NTSC / PAL colour system output. Progressive Scan and Interlaced Zooming 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2x, 3x, 4x Multi Angle
Tests
NOTE : The MT1379GE chip does not support playing of AVI files, MPEG4 encoded in XVID or DIVX and cannot be forced to play MPEG4 by just updating the firmware. For a DVD player to play MPEG4 it must have the MT-1389xx chip. Players like the the ZENSONIC Z300 or Z330 http://www.zensonic.com/ , XMS888(and othe XMS models from Strathfield) are players that have MPEG4 support. This unit uses the Mediatek MT-1379GE chip and the PCB, software and interface are almost identical to the PRIMA PDV2050 DVD player. If you wish to see the PRIMA tests click HERE. However the following tests where specifically done on the SONWA unit:
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Played these formats - DVD / DVD-R/ DVD-RW / VCD / SVCD / CD / CD-R / CD-RW / MP3 / JPEG Played MP3s and JPEG slideshows from CD-R / CD-RW and DVD-R / DVD-RW media (BONUS). However unit doesn't play a MP3 at same time as showing a JPEG slide show like some other units. Plays MPEG1 and MPEG2 video files (*.MPG ) from CD-Rs and DVD-R media (data format).
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20/10/2006
Sonwa SDVD300 DVD Player
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Tested MP3 files encoded from 128k to 320K Plays plain Audio CD format from CDR media ( I should hope so )
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The following media types where used in testing :
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Databank, Spider, Shintaro, Princo, Ritek x4 DVD-R TDK 2x DVD-RW TDK gold, Princo CD-R Princo CD-RW
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The following test have been reported to me by satisfied owners:
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Plays Mini DVD recorded CDR's encoded at <4000kbps Plays DVD media with MP3 content Plays WMA audio files encoded up to 320kbps ( but doesn't play Lossless WMA) Converts NTSC to PAL including scan rates to play on PAL only TV's. Flawless Dual layer transfer using Verbatim 2.4x Dual layer DVD+R media
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Consumer Reported Issues
There have few and far between but here are some issues reported by consumers who purchased the $55 model during Dec 2004-Jan 2005.
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Microphone inputs don't work. The setup default is MIC OFF and once enabled in the setup menu they work but if the unit is switched off the setting reverts to OFF again (very annoying).
NEW
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A couple of reported power supply failures, which the cause was mainly bulging ready to launch electrolytic capacitors on the 240Vac side of the PSU (Power Supply Unit). NEW FIX A few people have reported there units caused RF (Radio Frequency) & EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) affecting AM radio reception on all radios in there households and only stops when the player is turned off from the front power switch and not the power standby of the remote or unplugged from the power point . This is due to the poor power supply design which has no Australian standard RF EMI filtering. While the filter is missing this doesn't mean the unit is any less safer. If you have problems you may need to buy a RF/EMI filter (not a surge protected powerboard) to plug between power point and players power lead. Try DICK SMITH, JAYCAR Electronics, any electrical wholesaler or even Bunnings. Of course in the end the combined price of the player and filter may mean you 20/10/2006
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Sonwa SDVD300 DVD Player where better of purchasing a known name brand DVD player like a cheap LG.NEW FIX
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When zooming in or out the on screen display showing 2x , 4x etc. doesn't disappear after 8sec. Reports of DVD players generating a band of fuzzy lines across the screen that move up and down. Its known to happen on some older TVs. In some situations the lines disappear when both the audio and video leads are plugged directly into the TV. Note this issue is not common but below is a list of TVs that are and not affected. ( This may be related to the RF filtering issue stated above)
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TVs known to display fuzzy lines Panasonic 68cm (16 years old) Sony J29SZ2 68cm (10 years old) Sharp SV2145X 51cm (>10 years old)
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TVs known not to affected Sony KV2184AS 51cm (12 years old) Panasonic TC-36PM10A 36cm (5 years old)
Picture changes brightness or looses sync . This is not a issue with the player. See section labelled "Macrovision copy Protection" on this web page.
Aliases ( Re-badge )
This DVD Player may have aliases but I'm unaware of them at this time
Region Coding
* Note - The player I purchased states unit is set to Region 4 in the instructions and on the rear panel. The setup menu has no item for resetting region code and no hack is available. Having stated that, certain consumers have reported to me their players have successfully played discs coded for region 1, 2 and 4.
Macrovision Copy Protection
Macrovision is ENABLED and not hackable on the Mediatek MT1369 and 1379 chipsets. So if you connect your DVD player into your VCR input because your TV has no AV inputs then your picture may change in brightness level or loose sync. Some VCRs, namely newer and more expensive models have a proper pass through circuit on the front VCR inputs which are not affected my macrovision. Known VCRs with inputs than work Panasonic NV-FJ630 HiFi Known VCRs with input than don't work (many) Panasonic NV-HD650MKII HiFi
Parental Lock
20/10/2006
Sonwa SDVD300 DVD Player Parental Lock is set to ADULT and initial Password is set to : 3308 the manual.
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Internal Chipset & Mechanism
The unit runs on the popular MediaTek MT1379GE and MT1336E combination chipsets also found in many others players including:
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Prima PDV2050 NuTec NDV2020
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Apparently the MT1379 supports Progressive scan in PAL and NTSC. The DVD drive optical mechanism is a SHINWA Industries China.
Splash & Menu Screens
Sonwa SDVD300 Splash Screen
Set-Up DVD Menu
MP3 Menu Screen
Take a Look
Front panel views
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Sonwa SDVD300 DVD Player
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Rear Panel View
A complete set of 5.1 channel audio outputs, separate Stereo L+R, Optical and Coaxial digital and S-video, component and Composite video outs.
Internal Views
As you can see a plain and simple layout. Decoder PCB on the right, DVD drive centre and a rather simple power supply. I say simple because they haven't used a switching transistor in the design of the switchmode supply nor have they used Australian compliant 240v RF/EMI line filtering. The decoder PCB is populated with the MediaTek MT1379GE and MT1336E combination chipsets.
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Sonwa SDVD300 DVD Player
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SHINWA Industries Mechanism
Laser Mechanism close up
Remote Control
Plenty off buttons on the remote. Takes 2 AAA batteries supplied( non-alkaline off course ). While its larger than the average remote the buttons are easy to press with your thumb.
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Sonwa SDVD300 DVD Player
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Microphone Sockets
Nowhere is it stated the player does Karaoke but it has 2 front mounted 3.5mm MIC Sockets with volume & echo controls. However the MIC inputs are disabled by default and must be switched on via the Setup menu, again and again and again (see issues section).
Updated Conclusions
(Hindsight, that wonderfully frustrating concept.)
5/1/2006 Yes this DVD player has just bought the farm. Its time for this player to crossover and pass through those pearly gates that constitute the great DVD player graveyard, namely the local rubbish tip or Cash Converters store. It suffering major digital issues that could be described as colourization or aliasing. Basically when attempting to display certain colours they look more like ones used in animation. Predominantly Blacks, Greys and Skin tones are effected. Colour scaling is gone. The effect resembles colours seen on an animated movies or cartoons, one colour shade. Having said this you probably wouldn't notice this issue if all you watched was Disney animated movies. However when playing normal movie DVDs the problem is clearly evident. This effect can also be seen on cheap and expensive Plasma TVs and Digital Set top boxes when using the analogue connectors i.e. component, S-video or composite. This due to poor quality Digital-to-Analogue and Analogue-to-Digital converter circuits used in these devices. This will probably be my last update to this page. 24/8/2005 Well, hindsight would be a wonderful ability to have. Six to 12 months down the track the player has proved to be an average buy, probably even poor if you have experienced the issues some have reported. Let me quote the old cliché "You get what you payed for".
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Sonwa SDVD300 DVD Player
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Original Conclusion
30/8/2004 So far this unit has played everything I've thrown at it. Its also one the few players under $80 to have the in built display unlike the cheaper units which have no display but rely on the OSD ( On Screen Display ) to convey time, track, format and system information. Disc loading and menu responses are quick. The remote is larger than normal but easy to use for anyone with fat fingers . Due to the arched shape underneath you'll find it constantly sliding off the coffee table if placed over the edge a bit. If I have any issues with this player it would be the lack of a longer file names in the file menu( for MP3, JPEG, MPG ) and no region setting. The door tray is of a thin translucent design making it flimsy. Due to its thinness the recess has no depth and you must be careful to place the DVD correctly before closing the door or risk scratches. Also due to the simple power supply design I recommend powering down via the power switch instead of the soft power from the remote when not in use and it will probably last longer as well. Having red the warranty card, if the unit does go faulty I would try taking it back to Coles for a refund or replacement first, rather than departing with more money to courier to the authorised service centre. Can't complain for $69.
Web page created by FuzzyPumper in a real hurry. Any comments, feedback and questions please email [email protected] .
This site last updated 5/1/2006
20/10/2006
Sonwa EMI Power Modification
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SONWA SDVD300
Modifications and Repairs
This site last updated 26/8/2005
DISCLAIMER: The author of this web page is not liable for any injuries sustained, any faults caused to any equipment or any repairs and costs as a result of applying the following modifications. NOTE: Any modification to this player will void the manufacturers warranty. It is recommended any electronic and electrical modifications be done by a qualified technician, not novices.
ATTEMPT MODIFICATIONS AND REPAIRS AT OWN RISK!
Any comments, feedback and questions please email [email protected] .
General
This page contains modifications for the some of the common issues reported to me by purchasers of the Sonwa SDVD300 DVD player. As mentioned in the disclaimer above, all work should be done by a qualified technician.
Fault 1- EMI RF Interference
A few people have reported there units caused RF (Radio Frequency) & EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) affecting AM radio reception on all radios in there households and only stops when the player is turned off from the front power switch and not the power standby of the remote or unplugged from the power point . This is due to the poor power supply design which has no Australian standard RF EMI filtering incorporated in its design. While the filter is missing this doesn't mean the unit is any less safer. 20/10/2006
Sonwa EMI Power Modification
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EMI Modification Procedure
These parts are required and where obtained from Jaycar Electronics and the whole job should take about an hour: 1x IEC EMI Power line filter , Cat # MS4003, $8.45 1x IEC 240V Power Lead, Cat # PS4106, $8.50 2x mounting screws.
Disconnect power from unit, unscrew the 7 cover screws and remove the case cover.
There is plenty of room here between the PSU board and DVD mechanism against the rear panel for the EMI filter. Disconnect and remove the existing 240V lead. Unscrew the 3 screws underneath the rear panel and the 6 screws from the RCA connectors and remove the rear panel.
Choose a position to mark the back panel with marker by sitting the EMI filter on it . Basically the hole has to be 3.2cm Wide x 2.8cm High next to the old power lead hole. 20/10/2006
Sonwa EMI Power Modification
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Lock the panel into a vice and hack saw down at least 2.8cm. This should allow for the top covers fold over edge to sit against the filter. Any less and cover wont go back on properly. Do not use tin snips as it will bend to panel of shape. Once you have sawed the 2 downward cuts bend it over with pliers and file of any metal dags caused by the hack saw. Sit the filter and cover in place to see if it fits. Don't forget to drill the mounting screw holes.
Screw the rear panel back on with EMI filter. Cut the old 240v power lead and solder to the active & neutral connectors of the filter and obviously plug the other end back into the PSU. Insulate with heat shrink insulation or quality Nitto insulation tape.
Put back together again use your new IEC power lead and good luck. In my case almost 100% of the RF interference was supressed. Note : This may also fix the issue of DVD players generating a band of fuzzy lines across the screen that move up and down. (This has not been tested)
Fault 2- Unit fails to switch on.
Some purchasers have reported problems with there players not switching on or taking many 20/10/2006
Sonwa EMI Power Modification presses of the power switch for unit to turn on.
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PSU (Power Supply Unit) Repair Procedure
Basically replace the bulging exploding electrolytic capacitors on the PSU board with equal valued components. In fact change them all and save your self some future trouble. I recommend using higher voltage caps space permitting.
Web page created by FuzzyPumper in a real hurry. Any comments, feedback and questions please email [email protected] .
This site last updated 26-8-2005
20/10/2006