I've read on few pages that there is a way to convert a portable audio Cd player into a VCD player that could be hooked up to a TV/VCR. Very little info on subjet out there ( other than it can be done). Can any one out there tell me how to ??

-- Mach's_FueL (machs_Fuel@canada.com), September 06, 1999

Answers

I've actually seen it done once but didn't pay too much attention. Now that you've brought it up, this is what I remember: First, your CD player should have a digital output. Then, it should be able to accept Video CDs and play them, track by track, as if they were audio CDs. To see if your player can, get a VCD. Note how many tracks it has. Insert it into the CD player; the display should indicate how many tracks there are plus one. Hit play. The tracks should increment along with the time counter just like audio CDs. DO NOT turn on your amplifier because if the CD player output is not muted your amp/speakers could get destroyed. Now then, you should get an external VCD decoder. You connect its input to the digital output of the CD player, then connect the attendant audio/video outputs to your stereo and TV. I haven't seen this external VCD decoder in North America; only in Hong Kong. One workaround that I saw was this: some third party companies sell add- on gadgets for Sony PlayStation. One of these devices is this VCD decoder so that you can play VCDs on your playstation. You then figure out on the edge connector which is ground, Vcc, digital input, and then connect them to the required. Vcc is +5v. Tell me what else you find out. :) :)

-- EMartinez (epmartinez@hotmail.com), September 07, 1999.

Easier solution. Find a shop in Chinatown or on the internet, www.fivestarlaser.com is one place. It is usually as low as $100.00 US and will convert an audio cd player to a video cd player with remote. The conversion is internal and requires no test. They simple insert an MPEG decoder card into the machine, and the card has TV and sound outputs. A quick note is that most internal conversions only use a stereo only MPEG decoder card. You may be better off buying a pre built Video CD player(Panasonic portable and remote with no kareoke is only $199.98 from www.asiacd.com. Kareoke model is $20-$30 more). Or if you can find a low priced DVD/VCD player. Many stores now stock them for as low as $199.99. Prebuilt VCD only players also support Dolby Surround and prebuilt DVD/VCD players support Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Surround, Dolby Stereo, and some support DTS. Converting a player should be done by a technician, not you yourself. Conversion voids warranties, is sometimes illegal, and if done wrong can result in a broken player. Personally I just bought a DVD/VCD player, safer and less worriesome.

-- The Lone Ranger (rutger_s@hotmail.com), September 07, 1999.

How/ when is it illegal?

-- Mr.Ian Roswell (cyberlien51@juno.com), September 11, 1999.

Some CD player manufacturers do not allow you to modify the hardware thus some mods are illegal.

-- The Lone Ranger (rutger_s@hotmail.com), September 13, 1999.