CENTREX CTD-2200 DVD Player
WARNING!!!
31-Oct-2003: Yep, the usual "Bait And Switch" has happened yet again.... The Chinese manufacturers have again changed the mainboard mid-production leaving us with two totally different CTD-2200 players. Sure they look the same and function very similar, but one can be modified and one can not. If your CTD-2200 looks like the mainboard and rear connector in the two photos immediately below you CAN NOT modify your player with the instructions on this page. Don't even bother attempting to try; it has been tried and it WILL NOT WORK.
Will it ever have the ability to be modified? Doubtful. It is one of those infamous MediaTek processors which have been a real pain since their introduction over a year ago. Some people have attempted but not gotten very far (see main page of website and the forum link). If anything comes to light I will post further - until then if you see no further news then I don't have any, sorry.
Rear panel of the MediaTek chipset CTD-2200
Mediatek chipset board (click picture for an enlarged photo)
The Centrex CTD-2200 was released into Australia around September 2003 and is quite a nice cheap unit. I picked one up for $115 at the usual discount outlets (in my case "The Good Guys" but it may vary from state to state for you).
This player is interesting for a number of reasons, including that most players around this price range circa middle/late 2003 are utilising the MediaTek MT1369 processor to do all the work, whereas the Centrex CTD-2200 still uses the older and more hackable ESS 4318 processor and the ADV7170 video processor.
The other striking thing about the CTD-2200 is the front panel similarity to the now legendary Apex/Hiteker AD-600A player. Here is a photo to show the comparison:
You will notice that the CTD-2200 lacks microphone inputs and the DVD tray and front panel display are switched, but the majority of the layout is almost identical. This however does not mean the CTD-2200 is anything like the AD-600A both internally or with rear panel layout and options as you will see in the next few pictures. This also means that even though the CTD-2200 may have some nice things about it, it will unfortunately never probably have the same modification flexibility as the AD600A. Be that as it may it is still a nice player and it is still only early days so anything else discovered will of course be published.
The rear panel does not have the same options as the AD600A. You only get two standard video outputs, an S-video output, an analogue (left/right) audio output and a coaxial digital (5.1) audio output for connection to a hifi with coaxial digital input.
A shot of the inside reveals that the loader (DVD ROM drive) is not an IDE type unit which makes future replacement difficult if needed.
A view of the mainboard showing the ESS 4318 main processor, the ADV7170 video processor (the smaller square chip to the left of the ESS chip and slightly down), the main firmware chip (the square chip above the ESS chip), the Mediatek MT1388 DVD drive processor and it's firmware chip (the square chip at the top right of the board.) Click on the picture to show a supersized image of the mainboard.
THE VCR & PROJECTOR FRIENDLY* FIRMWARE
*(macrovision removed firmware)
The original CTD-2200 firmware when purchased is all-region, but macrovision is still enabled.
The firmware presented here is fully all-region and macrovision removed so you can hook up the player through your VCR if your TV lacks A/V inputs, or to your video projector and not have any viewing difficulties. Not only this, but the firmware is also CGMS/A (copyguard management system/analouge) removed and UOP disabled (ie you can skip through the usual FBI and copyright warnings).
Click HERE for the firmware and read below for CDR upgrading info.
To make a CDR for upgrading firmware:
If your Centrex CTD-2200 has been sold to you either not Region Free (so you cannot play your imported DVD discs) or still has the Macrovision enabled (so you cannot connect through a VCR) then you can use the instructions below to make a CDR which will correct these problems.
To CDR upgrade follow the instructions below:
| 1. | Download the firmware (from above) |
| 2. | Unzip the file to extract the U1100WB.ROM file |
| 3. | With your CDR burning software, create a standard file type CDR disc and add the U1100WB.ROM file to the list of files to be burnt to the CDR. It is not recommended to use a CDRW or a second hand CDR. Use a fresh CDR for the job otherwise you may have problems which may result in a bad upgrade therefore rendering the player useless |
| 4. | Burn disc ISO9660, Mode 1, Track at once, closed CD. For example with Nero use ISO 1 MODE 1 and click ASCII Character set. If you don't have Nero then almost any burning software will do. |
| 5. | Turn on player and insert the update disc. Screen will show DISC LOADING Then if all is well the following screens should happen:
|
What if you don't see the upgrade happening?
If you get a "write fail" message then most likely you need to ensure the disc is CLEAN and also ensure that the firmware filename is called U1100WB. If you are still having problems it may be likely that you have a slightly different version of the player. These Chinese manufacturers love changing the specs without warning.
I HAVE MESSED UP THE UPGRADE AND MY PLAYER IS DEAD..... HELP!
It is rare but does happen from time to time, usually because of a "short cut" being attempted in the above procedure. I can offer a solution, however because the firmware chip is directly soldered to the board it will mean complete removal of the mainboard and sending it to me for chip removal and re-programming (with the modified firmware, of course). Be warned however that because this process involves delicate soldering work there is a $20AUD surcharge on top of postage costs. EMAIL ME for details.
LOST YOUR USER MANUAL??
You can download the Centrex CTD-2200 user's manual HERE
(PDF file, 7.9MB download)
WHERE TO GET FURTHER HELP
You can email me for further assistance, or post a message in the "All Other Players" section of the Apex Forums.
Unfortunately I am not a firmware programmer so I cannot answer any questions regarding different (custom) features or special requests for your CTD-2200 so please do not ask!
