I recently purchased this unit to replace a Sony 995 400 Disc Explorer that died after 16 months. So far, I love it. The picture is outstanding! The only problem is finding a multi region hack that will work with this model. I've located a compatible hack for several other models, including the DVD38, but none will work with the 48. Has anyone managed to get this working? The unit will handle PAL, but the region of the disc must be 0. I would rather not add another component and purchase a multi region player if it can be avoided. Are the remote hacks supported by the manufacturer at all? I've thought about sending an email to make an inquiry, but wasn't sure if this was appropriate. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

Have you checked here?:

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks

A compatible hack for this player has been located! The credit for this has to go to a member of the Video Help site. I have tried this and confirmed that it will work with the DVD 48. Here is what you have to do:

Region code hack posted by h_socolov, May 15 2008:

Here's how to make your Harman Kardon DVD 48 a multi-region player. With no discs inside, follow these steps with the remote:

1. Press the OPEN/CLOSE button to bring out the tray.
2. Press the CLEAR button.
3. Press the the following code: 1211
4. Press the SUBTITLE button.

Done. There will be no message of any kind on the LED display, but your player will know be Region 0, able to play any dvd from regions 1 to 6, PAL or NTSC. Enjoy. Cheers!!

Thanks to dsmith for the suggestion and to h_socolov for finding the hack. I hope it helps some of the other DVD 48 owners as well.

Thanks so much for info - truly appreciated!! I just updated my player and it works great. The DVD48 is a excellent player and I love the audio; only the inability to play region coded pal discs was a problem.

After some critical online comparisons, I notice this player is similar to the Yamaha DVD-S1700 which came out in December 06, and the Yamaha DVD-S1800, which came out in Fall 07. Between this HK and the two Yamahas, which one came out first? The only real difference is that the Yamahas' default password is 2580! Interesting, huh?

Does anybody know if these players use MediaTek, Zoran Vaddis, Panasonic Mia, ESS Vibrato, etc. for its MPEG decoder? I am pretty sure they all use DCDi by Faroudja for component output video processing.

Are these players capable of 480I via HDMI?

A compatible hack for this player has been located! The credit for this has to go to a member of the Video Help site. I have tried this and confirmed that it will work with the DVD 48. Here is what you have to do:

Region code hack posted by h_socolov, May 15 2008:

Here's how to make your Harman Kardon DVD 48 a multi-region player. With no discs inside, follow these steps with the remote:

1. Press the OPEN/CLOSE button to bring out the tray.
2. Press the CLEAR button.
3. Press the the following code: 1211
4. Press the SUBTITLE button.

Done. There will be no message of any kind on the LED display, but your player will know be Region 0, able to play any dvd from regions 1 to 6, PAL or NTSC. Enjoy. Cheers!!

Thanks to dsmith for the suggestion and to h_socolov for finding the hack. I hope it helps some of the other DVD 48 owners as well.

No LED display?

Is the process reversible?

I like the LED display....

can i do this for non region 1 dvd and reverse it back when i am done???

No LED display?

Is the process reversible?

I like the LED display....

can i do this for non region 1 dvd and reverse it back when i am done???

Sorry for not posting back sooner. I must have forgot to add this to my subscription threads. You may have figured this out already, but just in case I thought I'd get back to you. It will not show you on the LED on this model. I preferred the LED confirmation myself. This process is reversible. You follow the exact same procedure as for doing the hack to go back to Region 1. You can check the Region setting by hitting the Setup button and then entering 1211 on the remote. Just make sure the tray is closed when you want to check or it won't allow you into the menu. It will say 1 or Global by Area.

After some critical online comparisons, I notice this player is similar to the Yamaha DVD-S1700 which came out in December 06, and the Yamaha DVD-S1800, which came out in Fall 07. Between this HK and the two Yamahas, which one came out first? The only real difference is that the Yamahas' default password is 2580! Interesting, huh?

Does anybody know if these players use MediaTek, Zoran Vaddis, Panasonic Mia, ESS Vibrato, etc. for its MPEG decoder? I am pretty sure they all use DCDi by Faroudja for component output video processing.

Are these players capable of 480I via HDMI?

The Harman Kardon 48 Came out In October of 07 and I believe the Yamaha DVD-S1800 came out in August of 07. The Yamaha DVD-S1700 came out in December of 06, so it came out before both the Harman Kardon and the DVD-S1800. I am not sure what MPEG decoder these models use, but you are correct about the DCDi by Faroudja for component output. None of the 3 players support 480i via HDMI. Hope this helps!

There are no Herman Kadon dealerships where I leave and on a visit to dubai, UAE, I purchased a Herman Kardon DVD 37. Problem is I own over 2000 dvds that are not region 2, as is the UAE. Will the same process for decoding the DVD 47 work for theDVD 37? HELP

Sorry, will the same decoding the DVD 48 work for the DVD 37

There are no Herman Kadon dealerships where I leave and on a visit to dubai, UAE, I purchased a Herman Kardon DVD 37. Problem is I own over 2000 dvds that are not region 2, as is the UAE. Will the same process for decoding the DVD 47 work for theDVD 37? HELP

Here is the process for the 37:

Turn the player on and make sure that there is "no disc"
1. Press "SETUP" on your remote
2. Press "3141590" there 0 is region 0 (region free)
Menu disappear and your player is now region free.

I have a question regarding the Video Off feature (V Off on the remote). My setup is DVD48 to HK AVR-254 via HDMI, and then on to Samsung 46A650 panel. The indicator light on the DVD48 toggles lit red/unlit when using the remote button, but the video does not go off. I have not experimented further or checked with HK. Should this work with HDMI connections, or is this feature not applicable with HDMI connections? There are times when using the player for CD playback that I would prefer to turn the video off, but it isn't working for me via this feature.

Anyone using this unit with this feature working? What am I missing?

I have a question regarding the Video Off feature (V Off on the remote). My setup is DVD48 to HK AVR-254 via HDMI, and then on to Samsung 46A650 panel. The indicator light on the DVD48 toggles lit red/unlit when using the remote button, but the video does not go off. I have not experimented further or checked with HK. Should this work with HDMI connections, or is this feature not applicable with HDMI connections? There are times when using the player for CD playback that I would prefer to turn the video off, but it isn't working for me via this feature.

Anyone using this unit with this feature working? What am I missing?

That is interesting. Your question prompted me to check this out. That feature does not work on my unit either. I have mine connected through digital toslink to the receiver. This way, I just turn the TV off (or leave it off depending on the scenario). There are also digital coax and analog outs available for this purpose. I would connect one of these in addition to the HDMI and use that for CD. The only downside is having to adjust the HDMI audio setting on/off via setup and switching to digital out. According to the manual, video off is supposed to be available at all times over all connections. I would contact Harman Kardon and see if there is a firmware update or work around available.

That is interesting. Your question prompted me to check this out. That feature does not work on my unit either. I have mine connected through digital toslink to the receiver. This way, I just turn the TV off (or leave it off depending on the scenario). There are also digital coax and analog outs available for this purpose. I would connect one of these in addition to the HDMI and use that for CD. The only downside is having to adjust the HDMI audio setting on/off via setup and switching to digital out. According to the manual, video off is supposed to be available at all times over all connections. I would contact Harman Kardon and see if there is a firmware update or work around available.

My workaround is basically as you describe, in that I have utilized the other output connections on player and source inputs on receiver, then with harmony one remote have set up multiple activities for tv on & off, so my bases are covered for avoiding static screens/burn in issues. But I was curious if my unit was faulty or not. Sounds like the jury is still out, although yours seems to be in the same boat. I'll probably contact HK at some point to see what they say, not an urgent matter.

That is interesting. Your question prompted me to check this out. That feature does not work on my unit either. I have mine connected through digital toslink to the receiver. This way, I just turn the TV off (or leave it off depending on the scenario). There are also digital coax and analog outs available for this purpose. I would connect one of these in addition to the HDMI and use that for CD. The only downside is having to adjust the HDMI audio setting on/off via setup and switching to digital out. According to the manual, video off is supposed to be available at all times over all connections. I would contact Harman Kardon and see if there is a firmware update or work around available.

For the record per HK, Video Off only works with analog video connections.

Tried using this...

1. Press the OPEN/CLOSE button to bring out the tray.
2. Press the CLEAR button.
3. Press the the following code: 1211
4. Press the SUBTITLE button.

but it didn't work...any other solutions...

Tried using this...

1. Press the OPEN/CLOSE button to bring out the tray.
2. Press the CLEAR button.
3. Press the the following code: 1211
4. Press the SUBTITLE button.

but it didn't work...any other solutions...

Did you have a disc in the tray while attempting the hack? Did the "Unknown Disc" appear before or after the hack? What type of disc gave you the error? As far as I know HK hasn't made any firmware changes since the release of the DVD48, so it should still work. Also be sure you are hitting each key only once.

Tried using this...

1. Press the OPEN/CLOSE button to bring out the tray.
2. Press the CLEAR button.
3. Press the the following code: 1211
4. Press the SUBTITLE button.

but it didn't work...any other solutions...

tried this method does not work too ((
'll show options

Does anyone have a solution for this? I have a Region 1 (so it says on the disc and box) version of Saving Private Ryan DTS Limited Edition and the player just says "REGION ERROR" and won't play it.

hell I have the same problem

I was looking around the forums and noticed HK sales refurbished stuff on e-bay. I really wanted a DVD-48 so I could play SACD's and so I ordered a DVD-48 off of ebay and it lasted literally 2 mins. and started locking up and acting stupid. After turning it off and back on 2 or 3 times it locked up and wont even power up. All the years I have been buying electronics and tons stuff on the internet, this is the very first stinker I have ever received.

To make matters worse, I tried to e-mail support and there e-mail server was crashed and returning my e-mails with a huge Exchange 2007 error attached to it.

I e-mailed the guy from ebay and supposedly he escalated my issue......we shall see. :cool:

Let's Try luck because I was up to them then its not made may decide that it

I was looking around the forums and noticed HK sales refurbished stuff on e-bay. I really wanted a DVD-48 so I could play SACD's and so I ordered a DVD-48 off of ebay and it lasted literally 2 mins. and started locking up and acting stupid. After turning it off and back on 2 or 3 times it locked up and wont even power up. All the years I have been buying electronics and tons stuff on the internet, this is the very first stinker I have ever received.

To make matters worse, I tried to e-mail support and there e-mail server was crashed and returning my e-mails with a huge Exchange 2007 error attached to it.

I e-mailed the guy from ebay and supposedly he escalated my issue......we shall see. :cool:

Did you order directly from the H/K eBay store? Or did you buy from a third party? H/K provides excellent support for their products and I doubt if you will have any problems getting the item repaired or replaced if you bought from them. But if you bought from a third party you may be SOL!

it is probably not the repair and falls to the code for region free I also spoke to him with this issue and I have not responded

I was looking around the forums and noticed HK sales refurbished stuff on e-bay. I really wanted a DVD-48 so I could play SACD's and so I ordered a DVD-48 off of ebay and it lasted literally 2 mins. and started locking up and acting stupid. After turning it off and back on 2 or 3 times it locked up and wont even power up. All the years I have been buying electronics and tons stuff on the internet, this is the very first stinker I have ever received.

To make matters worse, I tried to e-mail support and there e-mail server was crashed and returning my e-mails with a huge Exchange 2007 error attached to it.

I e-mailed the guy from ebay and supposedly he escalated my issue......we shall see. :cool:


Historically H/K has outstanding customer support, but since they moved a lot of the CS off shore they are a little less reliable than before. The trick is to get in contact with a USA based CS person and stay with them. Don't hesitate to demand such a contact if you have to. For the record I purchased my DVD-48 as a refurbished unit from the H/K eBay store about a year ago and it has performed almost perfectly from day one. It does lock up occasionally on chapter changes (music video tracks) with some early DVD-R discs I authored on a Panasonic E80H DVD recorder but has no problems with the discs I made later using a newer model Panasonic EH55. And DVD-R recordings of HD movies downloaded from Comcast and burned on the EH55 play flawlessly and look great.

I'm thinking of purchasing the DVD 48 from Harmon Kardon eBay. I will only use it for SACD and DVD-A audio. Can anyone tell me about its hi-rez sonics, as I'm replacing a broken Sony DVP NS900V which I loved on SACD?

Also, I read part of an obscure review which mentioned slow loading times. Does it take a long time to load SACDs and will it read hybrids?

Thanks,
Audiohound

PS: Does anyone have a # for Harmon Kardon tech support, preferably US-based?

I'm thinking of purchasing the DVD 48 from Harmon Kardon eBay. I will only use it for SACD and DVD-A audio. Can anyone tell me about its hi-rez sonics, as I'm replacing a broken Sony DVP NS900V which I loved on SACD?

Also, I read part of an obscure review which mentioned slow loading times. Does it take a long time to load SACDs and will it read hybrids?

Thanks,
Audiohound

PS: Does anyone have a # for Harmon Kardon tech support, preferably US-based?

I bought mine from ebay through HK as a refurb. The unit appeared new with all the cables and manuals. The region-free hack worked perfect for me. It also plays PAL DVD's. The SACD and DVD-Audio play great through the 6 channel analog output. The unit is HDMI 1.1 compliant I believe, so sacd only works through analog connection. The only issue that I have is with DVD-Audio playback through HDMI. I lose sync with my Denon 3310 receiver at the beginning and between every song for a second when playing dvd-a through HDMI. Overall, I am happy. I just wished that SACD was capable through HDMI as well because I like the sound of my Denon 3310 Audyssey processing better than the DVD48 converting to analog (not that it's bad).

As far as slow loading times, I think it loads pretty darn fast for sacd's. I am actually thinking about buying a second unit as a backup for years down the road. A big bonus is that it also upconverts regular dvd's to 1080p. I am now skipping purchasing Toy Story 1 and 2 on bluray because my dvd's look so nice!

Pull the trigger....before they run out!

quattroatl, thanks for the detailed information. I've been unable to win the ebay auctions over the past few days. Guess I need to bid much higher amounts. Can't wait to eventually hear this unit.

quattroatl, thanks for the detailed information. I've been unable to win the ebay auctions over the past few days. Guess I need to bid much higher amounts. Can't wait to eventually hear this unit.

I think that the winning bids fluctuate from $50 on the lowest end to over $80 on the higher end. I got mine for $66 + $12 shipping. Be patient because they put up units for sale 3-4 at a time. So far it seems that they have an infinite supply!

I picked up a DVD48 @ Harman's eBay store last year for $49 + s/h; this was the "Buy it Now" price, and it was an absolute steal! Compares very favorably with my Marantz DV7600 (original MSRP $999). I am currently using it exclusively in a 2-ch. set-up.

I picked up a DVD48 @ Harman's eBay store last year for $49 + s/h; this was the "Buy it Now" price, and it was an absolute steal! Compares very favorably with my Marantz DV7600 (original MSRP $999). I am currently using it exclusively in a 2-ch. set-up.

They had the $49 "buy it now" on many units about 10 days ago. You snooze, you lose. I would have picked up a second one at that price!

They had the $49 "buy it now" on many units about 10 days ago. You snooze, you lose. I would have picked up a second one at that price!

And you would have been wise to do so, considering for many, including myself, this will be last DVD player I purchase, and it's a super player to ride-off into the sunset with.

I am on the hunt for a HK3490 over at Harman's eBay store, but lately the prices have been running a bit higher than I want to spend; keep me in mind if you see one.

Thanks, everyone, for recommending this SACD player. I've only had it a week or so after winning on eBay and I'm liking it a lot. I'm challenged in understanding the function of the Audio Setup Menu for Stereo vs. Multi-Channel.

I have Joplin's Cheap Thrills on SACD and some of the songs on Multi-Channel are longer than the same cuts on the Stereo layer. By using this disc for a test, I was able to ascertain that the DVD 48 correctly accesses the layer you choose thru the Audio Setup Menu. Indeed, I heard the longer cuts when I chose Multi-Channel.

All fine and good so far, but....

Issue:
Below is verbiage taken directly from the user manual. It says that if you select Stereo, then the unit will downmix 5.1 to Stereo thru the 2-CH Stereo Outputs. This seems like a contradiction in that if you choose Stereo ***you are selecting the Stereo layer***, so how could there be 5.1 material to downmix? What am I not understanding?

"NOTE: The DVD 48 is capable of downmixing 5.1-channel
materials to the 2-channel format, but it is necessary to adjust
the Analog Output setting in the AUDIO SETUP MENU to Stereo.
You may also access this setting by pressing the Audio Mode
Button on the remote. If you leave the Analog Output setting at
Multichannel, the DVD 48 will only output content specific to the
front left and right channels through the 2-Channel Analog Audio
Outputs, losing the center and surround channel information."

In other words, I am asking if there are ***separate menu controls*** for choosing the disc layer (2-CH or Multi) as opposed to **configuring the Analog Jacks on the back for 2-CH downmixing, etc.**

Seems like you would choose the Multi layer on one menu whereas you would choose a downmix to 2-CH on different menu, perhaps thru the Audio Mode button on the remote? When the 5.1 is downmixed, does this only occur thru the "Stereo" jacks on the back?

Please excuse me if it's my own confusion that is preventing me from thinking about this correctly.

Advance thanks,
Audiohound

Thanks, everyone, for recommending this SACD player. I've only had it a week or so after winning on eBay and I'm liking it a lot. I'm challenged in understanding the function of the Audio Setup Menu for Stereo vs. Multi-Channel.

I have Joplin's Cheap Thrills on SACD and some of the songs on Multi-Channel are longer than the same cuts on the Stereo layer. By using this disc for a test, I was able to ascertain that the DVD 48 correctly accesses the layer you choose thru the Audio Setup Menu. Indeed, I heard the longer cuts when I chose Multi-Channel.

All fine and good so far, but....

Issue:
Below is verbiage taken directly from the user manual. It says that if you select Stereo, then the unit will downmix 5.1 to Stereo thru the 2-CH Stereo Outputs. This seems like a contradiction in that if you choose Stereo ***you are selecting the Stereo layer***, so how could there be 5.1 material to downmix? What am I not understanding?

"NOTE: The DVD 48 is capable of downmixing 5.1-channel
materials to the 2-channel format, but it is necessary to adjust
the Analog Output setting in the AUDIO SETUP MENU to Stereo.
You may also access this setting by pressing the Audio Mode
Button on the remote. If you leave the Analog Output setting at
Multichannel, the DVD 48 will only output content specific to the
front left and right channels through the 2-Channel Analog Audio
Outputs, losing the center and surround channel information."

In other words, I am asking if there are ***separate menu controls*** for choosing the disc layer (2-CH or Multi) as opposed to **configuring the Analog Jacks on the back for 2-CH downmixing, etc.**

Seems like you would choose the Multi layer on one menu whereas you would choose a downmix to 2-CH on different menu, perhaps thru the Audio Mode button on the remote? When the 5.1 is downmixed, does this only occur thru the "Stereo" jacks on the back?

Please excuse me if it's my own confusion that is preventing me from thinking about this correctly.

Advance thanks,
Audiohound

I believe there is a choice of 2 channels or multi-channel under the SACD options, although I am not home to verify this.

Dolby Digital 5.1 or AC3 is automatically downmixed to stereo if you do not have the hardware to output 5.1, so no change in setting is needed for DD 5.1 signals. I Hope that makes sense.

On a side note, I am so pleased with the DVD 48 that I purchased another unit as a backup.

I believe there is a choice of 2 channels or multi-channel under the SACD options, although I am not home to verify this.

Dolby Digital 5.1 or AC3 is automatically downmixed to stereo if you do know have the hardware to output 5.1, so no change in setting is needed for DD 5.1 signals. I Hope that makes sense.

On a side note, I am so pleased with the DVD 48 that I purchased another unit as a backup.

Thanks for the info...I really appreciate it!

BTW, has anyone upgrade the Power Cord on the DVD 48? If so, what sonic improvements have you noticed?