Network-based DVD Player Options/Impressions

[mallu2u]

Folks: Based on feedback received from some other members, I am starting out a new thread on network-based DVD Player. Just like my other upscaling DVD-Player thread, I shall work towards listing all the players along with where they can be bought.
Just to get it going, I am going to list the few players that I know now..please reply with all the players that u know so that I can make this an informative thread.

Also post your reviews of such players here.

1. Momitsu V880N: http://www.momitsu.com/dvd_880n.html
2. Gateway Network DVD Player
3.IOData AVel Link DVD PLayer: http://www.iodata.com/news/releases.php?newsID=29&tot=20&ts=4&tsc=22


I shall add others soon. Tell me abt other such players and provide links for them.

[Q of BanditZ]

You're becoming the stud very quickly with these nice compilation threads of yours. Well done! :D

[mallu2u]

Thanks Q. Do you know of other players that I can add to the list...I know there is that one mentioned on the 3910 list...will add that...

[afterhourz]

Here is the product page for the Kiss players, a couple of them are networked and they use the same sigma chip as the Momitsu as pointed out by Azzad in the Momitsu thread. Not much on avs as far as user reviews but it would be nice to have them on the list.

http://www.kiss-technology.com/?p=dvd&v=users
Kiss DP-500 is comparable to the Momitsu. One thing that these lack is DVI which rules them out for me.

[Patrick TX]

http://www.govideo.com/Index.asp?GV=D2730

This Go-Video D2730 is a pretty popular player. Bear in mind that a "B" device on a "G" network will slow the entire network to "B" speeds. I like the fact that the D2730 can be hard wired to a G Bridge.

[Bjorn_E]

Maybe we should rename this thread "DVD Players with Digital video out & network connectivity: Options/Impressions" since I think it will othervice grow out of proportion.

[mallu2u]

Thanks for the inpuit folks..I shall add the players in the above list. When I make a grid of these players like my other thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=423609), I shall mention the DVI/Component as well as 802.11 b/g/a, etc.

Other columns that u can think of, which are specific for network based players. divx, vob, multiple server support, usb, wireless, usb 1.1/2, etc, etc...keep them coming in...

[Q of BanditZ]

Originally posted by mallu2u
Thanks Q. Do you know of other players that I can add to the list...I know there is that one mentioned on the 3910 list...will add that...

I'll look. The Iodata one was the only one I knew about currently... ;)

[afterhourz]

Kiss DP-600 is another player in the works with the EM8620L chip.

EDIT: I'm having a problem clicking the link to open it but right clicking and saving works.

[Mike Karolitzky]

So far, pretty cool! I have tried Saving Private Ryan (Region 1) and Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (Region 3) and both have worked beautifully!

I am having a problem with the software though. I was able to install it without error, but I am getting an "Unable to start MMC" error when trying to start the app. I don't know if it's a XP SP2 issue or maybe a re-install.

Also, for us 60HZ 120V people, the unit I received from HiViZone didn't come with the correct powe cord (UK Mains). It's basicaly the same kind you would use on your computer...

I did take a shot at the compact browser, it's awkard to type in.... maybe an wireless keyboard plugged into the USB? ;)

I am currently hooked up by component to 1080i my DVI to HDMI cable is on order, but the pic is great!

Mike

[mallu2u]

Originally posted by Mike Karolitzky
So far, pretty cool! I have tried Saving Private Ryan (Region 1) and Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (Region 3) and both have worked beautifully!

I am having a problem with the software though. I was able to install it without error, but I am getting an "Unable to start MMC" error when trying to start the app. I don't know if it's a XP SP2 issue or maybe a re-install.

Also, for us 60HZ 120V people, the unit I received from HiViZone didn't come with the correct powe cord (UK Mains). It's basicaly the same kind you would use on your computer...

I did take a shot at the compact browser, it's awkard to type in.... maybe an wireless keyboard plugged into the USB? ;)

I am currently hooked up by component to 1080i my DVI to HDMI cable is on order, but the pic is great!

Mike

I shall wait for ur detailed review soon Mike, esp when u compare this player to ur older player or other upscaling player. Also ur take on its features, GUI, etc

[ewclam9]

The IOdata player is even more attractive than the V880N. I do not mind to wait one more month ! It has 802.11g+DVI+VGA and even plays WMV9 HD! It is also cheaper - below US$300 :-)

Does anyone know if it can play 1080i to the component ? Does the DVI require HDCP ? Is there a on line manual for it ?

Is there a better player out there under $400 ? I am getting more excited now.

[chris^sm]

Is there a north american version of the IOData coming out? It says it's region 2 only. Other than that it looks pretty good.

chris

[dylang]

I am really looking forward to this as well. I just hope is has proper 4:3 scaling and good IR.

I emailed IO a couple of days ago asking about the English release but have still have not received a response. I also emailed Vinc.com about the D3. This was their response:

Thank you for your interest in our Bravo D3 DVI enabled DVD player featuring Windows Media 9. Unfortunately we do not have a release date yet for this product but are hoping to introduce it before the end of the year. I would be happy to notify you when the product becomes available.


Originally posted by ewclam9
The IOdata player is even more attractive than the V880N. I do not mind to wait one more month ! It has 802.11g+DVI+VGA and even plays WMV9 HD! It is also cheaper - below US$300 :-)

Does anyone know if it can play 1080i to the component ? Does the DVI require HDCP ? Is there a on line manual for it ?

Is there a better player out there under $400 ? I am getting more excited now.

[A/Vspec]

I-O data
I am interested in this unit also. Can anyone find out if it will output DVI and composite at the same time? Also will there be server software like the V880N that allows music, pics, internet and movies? Also what about custom rez?


__________________

[A/Vspec]

Oh and one other thing... if there is no ENGLISH version of the player then why does the front view picture of the unit show all ENGLISH button labels?!?!?!?!?!? ;)

[dylang]

Well it's a mix of Japanese and English. I was wondering if it was usuable (ignoring the Japanese) with a North American setup. I would imagine an English firmware update (when released) might bring it to spec later on.

[A/Vspec]

That would be good enough for me. What it the US $ amount of the I-O data and what would be the approx shipping be?

[mallu2u]

Originally posted by ewclam9
The IOdata player is even more attractive than the V880N. I do not mind to wait one more month ! It has 802.11g+DVI+VGA and even plays WMV9 HD! It is also cheaper - below US$300 :-)

Does anyone know if it can play 1080i to the component ? Does the DVI require HDCP ? Is there a on line manual for it ?

Is there a better player out there under $400 ? I am getting more excited now.

Manual is there on the website. The links are there in page 25 or 26 of the 3910 thread....will dig that up...it does upconvert of component and DVI I believe

[mallu2u]

Originally posted by ewclam9
The IOdata player is even more attractive than the V880N. I do not mind to wait one more month ! It has 802.11g+DVI+VGA and even plays WMV9 HD! It is also cheaper - below US$300 :-)

Does anyone know if it can play 1080i to the component ? Does the DVI require HDCP ? Is there a on line manual for it ?

Is there a better player out there under $400 ? I am getting more excited now.

Here u go for the link on manual in semi-complete forn: http://www.iodata.com/usa/products/products.php?cat=MIJ&sc=JSR&pId=AVLP2%2FDVDG I would call it spec sheet.. very interesting and very promising. I am hoping that the build and picture quality is good as well. They are supposed to release this in Oct in USA. Hope they make the date. Maybe someone can call them and confirm the date.

[A/Vspec]

Looking at that link (thanks mallu2u) it says "Region Code 2: Japan Only"

[sooke]

Please forgive my density. But I'm having trouble grasping the appeal of a "network based" DVD player.

So, as far as I can tell, I can play a DVD with this thing (like an ordinary DVD player), and I can... display on my TV content from my HTPC. Right?

Why not just connect the HTPC to the TV? Is the need for this thing simply so that the PC can be in a different room?

Thanks,

Sooke

[KRB]

Not only can the PC be in a different room, but you don't have to interact with the PC directly. This would give you an "appliance" like way of playing your ripped DVD's. Also, some of these models can play off a USB hard drive, making even a PC itself superfluous.

[A/Vspec]

In short, if you archive your entire DVD collection to a file server (PC with lots of drive space) you can then play them back without having to handle the disc. Also you can use software to extract out just the movie and the best sound track and archive it so that when you select that movie it just starts playing movie with no menus or other stuff that bothers some people.

[afterhourz]

The Iodata player had me floored too... so I emailed them asking them if their stateside Oct. 2004 can be confirmed. Waiting for reply.

[Q of BanditZ]

^^ Let us know about that. I'm intruiged enough by that unit that I might even take a gamble if the situation is reasonable.

[dylang]

Well they do confirm it on their US homepage:
http://www.iodata.com/usa/

And look they have their very own Avel theme song for free!

http://www.iodata.com/usa/support/free.php

[afterhourz]

Originally posted by dylang
Well they do confirm it on their US homepage:
http://www.iodata.com/usa/

And look they have they're very own Avel theme song for free!

http://www.iodata.com/usa/support/free.php

I want a person to read my message and then type a reply to it... ;)

I also asked them how to pre-order one

[Mike Karolitzky]

OK, I've finally have the software working. I had an issue with the installer not installing the Sun Java runtimes. I had to do an uninstall of all versions of Java I had on my machine, did a registry clean, then renamed any folders still containing Java.

Then I downloaded j2re-1_4_2-windows-i586.exe and did a complete install. Then it worked! If anyone runs into this issue and needs help, let me know.

I tried out the Media Center's photo setup, and the pictures looked great. The slide show did different types of transitions, fades, splits, etc. Very impressed.

I also configured the software to sync with my ITunes. I ran into an issue where I could play any music in my ITunes that was imported by CD, but any music I downloaded from the ITunes Music Store wouldn't play. They would come up as "Invalid" or not play at all. I'm curious to see if anyone else has this issue (Azzad?)

I say again, the picture is tack sharp. I am still waiting for my DVI to HDMI cable, so I can custom set my resolution.

I will have some more time tomorrow, to try some 4:3 material and see how she looks.

Mike

[ewclam9]

Originally posted by sooke
Please forgive my density. But I'm having trouble grasping the appeal of a "network based" DVD player.

So, as far as I can tell, I can play a DVD with this thing (like an ordinary DVD player), and I can... display on my TV content from my HTPC. Right?

Why not just connect the HTPC to the TV? Is the need for this thing simply so that the PC can be in a different room?

Thanks,

Sooke

Yes, I can put a HTPC to my TV but the cost will be $1000+. Plus the keyboard, the mouse, the unstable MS Windows, the boot up time, the drivers, the noise from the fan and the size of it. I would prefer a "simple" looking network enabled DVD/Media player at my HT room, then I hide the central server with huge storage behind the screen.

I have e-mailed IO Data company to find out where I can buy one in US. The pdf file said that the region code can be changed for oversea model. The pdf file does not mention HDCP but it does mention copy protection not sending to DVI. Did not mention copy protection on component. A little confused there. Also does not mention customizeable resolution. Both component and DVI seems to supports 1080i.



:confused:

[sooke]

Thanks for the answers, all.

Sooke

[mallu2u]

let us know if IO Data sends responses to u.

[phaet2112]

Originally posted by ewclam9
Yes, I can put a HTPC to my TV but the cost will be $1000+. Plus the keyboard, the mouse, the unstable MS Windows, the boot up time, the drivers, the noise from the fan and the size of it. I would prefer a "simple" looking network enabled DVD/Media player at my HT room, then I hide the central server with huge storage behind the screen.

I have e-mailed IO Data company to find out where I can buy one in US. The pdf file said that the region code can be changed for oversea model. The pdf file does not mention HDCP but it does mention copy protection not sending to DVI. Did not mention copy protection on component. A little confused there. Also does not mention customizeable resolution. Both component and DVI seems to supports 1080i.
:confused:

I understand the theory behind these networking players is to gain access to archived content. Can these accept streaming video? Could I get an HDTV add on card for my PC, and then watch live OTA TV via the wireless connection? That is my interest in these solutions- the ability to utilize an existing PC without having to force it to be in the same room.

[Eric Minden]

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the DVD players with the Sigma 8620 serries chip limited to HDCP compliant display devices with HDCP media?

That would put this new unit from IO Data and the Kiss 600 units in a different catagory from the V880N and similar Sigma 8550 chip based players that have DVI output which will continue to work with non HDCP compliant displays.

Does anyone know if the IO data network DVD player based on the 8550 chip will be released with english menus?

Thanks!

[afterhourz]

Originally posted by mallu2u
let us know if IO Data sends responses to u.

I emailed them Wednesday morning but nothing yet. Have the early adopters figured out any more cool stuff with the 880N ?

Edit: Removed the link.

[dylang]

that's not a new owner. That's spam. His homepage is a store link.

[Mike Karolitzky]

Originally posted by afterhourz
I emailed them Wednesday morning but nothing yet. Have the early adopters figured out any more cool stuff with the 880N ?

Edit: Don't think anyone should add to the thread but here's a quick review from a new owner.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=446986

I've already posted 2 parts of a review in this thread. Azzad has posted a more in-depth one as well.

Mike

[mallu2u]

Originally posted by Eric Minden
Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the DVD players with the Sigma 8620 serries chip limited to HDCP compliant display devices with HDCP media?

That would put this new unit from IO Data and the Kiss 600 units in a different catagory from the V880N and similar Sigma 8550 chip based players that have DVI output which will continue to work with non HDCP compliant displays.

Does anyone know if the IO data network DVD player based on the 8550 chip will be released with english menus?

Thanks!

Interesting Q. Don't know the answer to it. But certainly should be a column in my matrix..will make it over the weekend

[afterhourz]

Originally posted by Mike Karolitzky
I've already posted 2 parts of a review in this thread. Azzad has posted a more in-depth one as well.

Mike

Both of you have posted really good information... what I was hoping for is more people to post.

[mallu2u]

Ok folks, check this thread of mine: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=423609
Just like that thread, I plan to create a grid for everyone to benefit from. What columns do u propose for that? Can someone also help me in gathering info for all the players? Here is start for the list...

- Player Name
- Release Date
- Upconversion
- HDCP Compliant Only?
- Region Free?
- 801.11b/g
- VOB Support
- MSRP
- Good Deal @

What else?

[zeto]

you could add input/ouput ports, usb (+speed), firewire, etc.

[mallu2u]

I had USB in my thoughts, wonder how I missed it. Firewire is good but what would firewire be utilized for, in a DVD Player?

[zeto]

Yeah, I guess that's more DVR/DVD combo players.

[Chen]

I bought Momitsu V880N which work LANE, INTERNET & WIRELESS by using PCMCIA. You can also attach MP3 or HDD by using USB Port.
Just for ref you can get the palyer from ******** web site

[mikemav]

mallu2u-
Another column could be Mac support for those of us that are in the Jobsian camp! The I-O data one specifically mentioned Mac and Apple Rendezvous compliant. Also a big deal on the I-O is the WM9 playback. I am wishing for a third magic feature- the ability to play back not only ripped DVD via VOB files, but with .IFO support (DVD menu navigation.) Without .IFO, you are limited to just the movie itself and cannot skip directly to chapters, access special features, etc.. from a ripped DVD file. I am sure the optical DVD player part supports this, but probably not the network playback. The 880N does not. Most HTPC software (and the MyHD hardware) DVD playback solutions DO support .IFO DVD file navigation. For reference, XBox Media Center does not as far as I know. That is the one thing that has me holding on to my HTPC over a hacked XBox or one of these players. If the I-O supports it, I will buy one for every room in my house!

[Hyrax]

mallu2u-
I've never used a Firewire device in my life, so this is all from reading about it, but...
Firewire can be used in exactly the same way as USB - to connect external devices. I believe Firewire can also be for networking computers, so it might be used by the DVD player to access files on a PC. The new-ish Firewire 800 protocol appears to be very fast.

[mallu2u]

Got it...shall make the chart those additional features as well.

[Hyrax]

mallu2u-
Thanks for starting this thread. The idea of connecting a DVD player to my home network has completely changed the way I've been thinking about DVD players and my home theater. I should have been watching the individual threads that talk about network-able DVD players, but they slipped under my radar.

Tim

[msb212]

I am looking at the IO webpage, and it says that the US spec player will be limited edition, and will have NO DVI ou and NO Wifi...if that is the case, what is the point? Or am I missing something?

[dylang]

that wasn't there before. I'm really hoping there's two versions of this player and not just one sucky one. I notice there is also two models the AVLP2 and the DVDL. Or they could be the same thing.

[A/Vspec]

Can we get this info confirmed so I know which player to order?!?!?

[dylang]

good luck. I'm guessing I'm not the only one who emailed them. So far no response.

Originally posted by A/Vspec
Can we get this info confirmed so I know which player to order?!?!?

[A/Vspec]

Hummm... ok, well who thinks maybe, buy the V880N and then if the other one does come out and live up to the hype with everything the V880N does plus Microsuck HD then sell the V880N on Videogon and buy it?!?! ;)

[mallu2u]

Is there not a phone # where we can talk to someone, rather than only email them?

[davey_fl]

read my new warning (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=449742) about where *not* to purchase V880N...

[afterhourz]

Originally posted by davey_fl
read my new warning about where *not* to purchase V880N...

Can't follow...

I haven't received a response back from IO data and it's been a while. My guess is their customer support does not speak English or just don't have any info to give. I signed up for their newletter and asked them about which player has DVI so let's see if that gets us any info. Like Mallu2u said, if somebody can get a phone # that would be the way to go...

[dylang]

here's a number. who wants to give it a go?

http://www.jetrosf.org/library/jbay_retail.htm

[Q of BanditZ]

That Cnet review of the Gateway player, and particularly the reader feedbacks...does not make my toes tingle. Might want to read it and check it out.

[Extremephono]

I/O data is a $299 player, upscaling through component is not known. No PCMCIA slot. Software is still in revision.

We don't know the loader used, and it may not be desirable, as firmware modification is involved to customize loaders for different DVD chipsets and desirable functions.

[badluck]

Aside from running a movie server, my main goal is to play music from my laptop over my home theater setup. Of course, I want to do this over my wifi setup, so a networked DVD player sounded like the way to go.

This shouldn't be a problem, right? Well, it is. I have a projector setup and don't want to fire it up everytime I want to play a few songs from my laptop. I know there are just a "few" of you guys with this same problem, so what do you do/suggest?

I know I could buy a 7" LCD and hook that up to the DVD player, but I really don't have the space for that. Is there a DVD player that will let me control the music that is being played through my laptop, or do all network DVD players force you to control it through the display device connected to the DVD player?

Any suggestions???

Thanks!!!!!!

[afterhourz]

Originally posted by dylang
here's a number. who wants to give it a go?

http://www.jetrosf.org/library/jbay_retail.htm

Ok, called the I-O Data number... and got a fast busy tone on Mr. Tone's phone.


Extremephono,
Have you received any info on the input module for the 880N? Specifically, will it come pre-installed with the 880N at some point. That is one of the main things I'm waiting on so any news would be great.

[ewclam9]

Amazon Japan has this IO Data player on sale by 9/30/04:

http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002Y658K/qid=1095977317/sr=1-8/ref=sr_1_10_8/249-7382602-7289921

If the US version does not have DVI and Wifi, I do not mind to get this Japanese version ! I do know some Chinese which is like some of the Japanese writing. But I may have to "backup" all my original USA DVD to DVD-R in order to remove the region code. This player is mostly like only play Asia region DVD :-(

[dylang]

Well I finally got a response. sort of. They managed to not answer any of my questions.


Dear Customer,

Thank you for the e-mail.
We are planning to release the English one in Nov 2004 (USA/Canada) by
below USD300.00 as MSPR. For EU market, we are planning to release it
after USA/Canada/Korea.
Now too early, but after I update any, let you know absolutely. We'll
appreciate you will keep in touch with I-O DATA. Thank you so much.

[afterhourz]

I got the exact same email from support_us@iodata.com.

[mallu2u]

they seem to be responding from japan, given the sentence formation. Let them launch the player in nov then. cant do much abt it I guess.

[suresh29]

here's the response from them.:-

Dear Customer,

Thank you for the e-mail.
We are planning to release the English one in Nov 2004 (USA/Canada) by
below USD300.00 as MSPR. For EU market, we are planning to release it
after USA/Canada/Korea.
Now too early, but after I update any, let you know absolutely. We'll
appreciate you will keep in touch with I-O DATA. Thank you so much.

I-O DATA USA tech support <support_us@iodata.com>

[afterhourz]

Here's the answer to my second email.

> Can you confirm if the USA version has DVI and Wireless G on this dvd
> player?

Actually we are planning to have two lineup. AVLP2/DVDL is lower cost version on Nov. DVI & WiFi G's is coming after it.

[ewclam9]

Here is my reply from IO Data:

"Dear Customer,

Thank you for the e-mail.
We are planning to release the English one in Nov 2004 (USA/Canada) by
below USD300.00 as MSPR. For EU market, we are planning to release it
after USA/Canada/Korea.

> Could I see a on-line manual ?
If you just check the basic spec, you can download Japan's AVLP2/DVDG
white paper on this page. USA version reduces some functions for lower
cost.
http://www.iodata.com/catalogs/AVLP2DVDG_Rev1.0J.pdf

Now too early, but after I update any, let you know absolutely. We'll
appreciate you will keep in touch with I-O DATA. Thank you so much.

I-O DATA USA tech support <support_us@iodata.com>"

Check out the doc ! Look like the doc is for the Japanese version, not the USA version.

[ewclam9]

Originally posted by afterhourz
Here's the answer to my second email.

> Can you confirm if the USA version has DVI and Wireless G on this dvd
> player?

Actually we are planning to have two lineup. AVLP2/DVDL is lower cost version on Nov. DVI & WiFi G's is coming after it.

So we may not see the DVI version until December or next year :(

[jig]

what about a chipped xbox?

- Player Name-xbox
- Release Date-out
- Upconversion-720p,1080i
- HDCP Compliant Only?-no, no dvi
- Region Free?-yes
- 801.11b/g-yes
- VOB Support-yes
- MSRP-$150+$30chip

[Hyrax]

Jig -
How good does the Xbox work as a high rez DVD player and does it have a remote that you can use while playing in upconverted DVDs?

I tried the XB Media center and thought the user interface a bit hard to use. I could use it, but I doubt my wife would want it as our main DVD player - particularily if you need to use a game controler to operate it.

[mikemav]

I also believe you cannot use DVD menus when playing ripped DVD files on the XBMC. I have not heard if the Avel will support this (I sure hope it does.) Momitsu 880N does not.....PC hardware cards (MyHD) and software DVD players DO support .ifo files to play ripped DVDs w/ menus. However, I want to get away from the complexity of an HTPC. Hope the Avel comes through.

[vorgusa]

Xbox is not supposed to be that good at upconverting and playing DVDs. Plus no DVI is a killer.

[Hyrax]

The Xbox acts pretty well as a media center - you can do some amazing things with it. The Xbox upconverts fairly well to 720P - it looks better than my $70 Toshiba's 480P. The lack of DVI isn't a killer for those of us who bought projectors 2 years ago.

The BIG plus is that you can get 720P and 1080I over component and RGB.

The real killer is that the user interface is clearly intended for hackers and is not family freindly. There are no menus even on commercial disks, for example.

[Hyrax]

Mikemav -
Why doesn't the Momitsu 880N allow you to use menus? Have you tried setting the Book Type to DVD-ROM when burning DVD+R/RW disks? This should make the player believe that you're reading a commercially produced DVD.

[mikemav]

Originally posted by Hyrax
Mikemav -
Why doesn't the Momitsu 880N allow you to use menus? Have you tried setting the Book Type to DVD-ROM when burning DVD+R/RW disks? This should make the player believe that you're reading a commercially produced DVD.

Hyrax-
I do not have an 880N, just commenting on what has been reported. I was talking about no DVD menus on ripped DVD files, not on discs. The 880N does not play .ifo files off the LAN connection, which is what is needed for DVD menu support on ripped movies from hard drives on the network.

[Hyrax]

Mikemav-
Ah, not playing .ifo files over the network is a shortcoming indeed.
Thanks.

[afterhourz]

This info might be useful for those who are only watching this thread.

Originally posted by chris^sm
Hi ewclam9,

Well first of all I should say I have the 880N, so my opinion is automatically biased, but I would call it a region free player (in that you can change the region to anything you like, including 0 which is the 'all regions' code).

The issue raised here is with RCE DVDs only, not regional DVDs.

chris

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=451359

[A/Vspec]

Interesting reading in this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=425175&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

[mikemav]

Buffalo Networked DVD/WM9 Player (http://www.sigmadesigns.com/news/press_releases/041004.htm)

I want ONE of these (the I-O Data, KISS, or Buffalo) NOW! Does anyone know if Japanese versions can be set for english menus in general? What about region coding? Most of my play would be from ripped/decrypted copies of DVDs I own on my network, but I may want to play the occasional Blockbuster rental as well. Would not want to explain to the wife that this DVD player only works w/ Blockbuster Japan!

[FlyOnTheWall]

So does anyone know when these players hit the US. The IODATA and the Buffalo look good to me...

[Ursa]

The buffalo player looks like it needs an add-on box to make networking work (I hope I'm reading some of the diagrams wrong). It also doesn't seem to have DVI. However, if it is region-free, then that would put it high on the list.

Later,
Bill

[Ursa]

IO Data is now saying late November for the crippled version (non-DVI) of its player.

[brunoflipper]

http://www.i4u.com/article2279.html

[Bjorn_E]

I e-mailed IO Data and asked for information regarding region changing of the AVLP2. This is what they replied:

"Dear Customer,

Thank you for message.
According to our company policy, this LinkPlayer cannot change the region code. For some OEM customer testing purpose, we will tell the secret code, but officially cannot let you know how to change. Thank you for understanding."

Let the investigations begin....

[mikemav]

Got an email response from I/O Data for my question (italic below)
Overall, sounds good. They seem like good people and I am glad to see the email response. Hopefully this forum can generate some more interest. I edited the repsonse slightly so no one there gets in any hot water, but the gist of everything is below (mostly direct quotes.) I don't want to burn a good source of info either.
I would love to talk to someone there real time to see if I could get clarification if the Japanese version can be updated w/ english menus and have the region changed. That would rock. Sounds like from the response in the above post plus his response to my question, it may be a non-supported possibility. Now we need some codes! If any of the suppliers that have access to a Japanese version think this may be possible and want to ship one to the US, PM me and we can talk about it! Here is info from the email:

Dear Customer,

Thank you for the e-mail.
We are planning to release the English one (AVLP2/DVDLA) in Nov 2004
(USA/Canada) by below USD249.00 as MSPR. For EU market, we are
planning to release it after USA/Canada/Korea. I'll reply to you...

interested in the ability to upscale to 720p or 1080i via a component
output, like the Momitsu 880N. DVI is not as important in my
application. Is that possible?

Yes, possible.

If DVDs can only be upscaled via the DVI output, is it DVI-I (that can
be converted to VGA?)

Our 1st product, AVLP2/DVDLA doesn't have a DVI output. DVDG (another
Japan product has it) spec is as you understand.

Can you play back network DVD files (VOBs) upscaled to 720p or 1080i ?

No, you cannot.
(Note the email also indicated that non-copy protected ripped DVD files would play and I believe he meant upscaled. I do not want to quote this verbatim so this person gets in no trouble. Of course, I am talking about ripping DVDs you already own :-)

Will it play back .IFO files (DVD movie files with menu support)
How about in the Japanese version?

I think the same function. Just DVD movie playback is no problem. But
DVI is not working.

Is there a way to get the full-featured Japanese version and update the
firmware or change the software to english menus?

Actually yes. But this is not official. If you live in Japan and buy a
Japanese version (no choice), we are thinking about the special customer
care program. But basically I know you cannot buy a Japanese one. Also
Japanese one supports just region "2" only.

Anyway now too early, but after I update any, let you know absolutely.
We'll appreciate you will keep in touch with I-O DATA. Thank you so much.

[Ursa]

That sounds an awful lot like it doesn't even require a firware update to change the region coding. Nice!

[Suntan]

Any chance that any of these will be able to play ATSC .ts streams via LAN?

-Suntan

[Ursa]

Suntan - check for a program call HDTVtoMPEG2. That will do the conversion once you have the streams on your PC. (There are a bunch of other tools in development as well - check the HDTV Recorders forum).

[Suntan]

I guess in an ideal world I was thinking about something like on the fly from the MyHD card or such. Although if it can handle HD mpeg2 (converted from .ts to mpeg2) for streams copied to hd would still be quite nice.

-Suntan

[Ursa]

For the EM8620L-based players, the reference design from Sigma includes an ordinary ATA interface for the DVD drive (loader), so if the ODMs went the easy route, then they just make a call to the loader to check for which region code it is set. In this case, making one of these players region free is either as simple as a) putting in a new firmware, or b) swapping out the loader.

Later,
Bill

[musicnyman]

here are two media centers i have tried out:

- Pinnacle Showcenter G
- D-Link DSM-320

i sold the DSM-320 because mpeg4 playback was horrible. it's software based decoding, not hardware. used to hang on me all the time.

i still have the showcenter and it works okay. not very happy with how it plays xvid and divx files, a little choppy. remote control is very unresponsive as well. pinnacle is very slow at getting back to you through tech support and also in the forums. 1.7 beta of the software has been out for ages now. the showcenter uses the Sigma Design REALmagic EM 8551 chip and handles mpeg4 decoding a lot better than the dsm-320 since it's hardware based of course. does not handle divx 3 files at all. dvd vob files are way out of sync and you have to convert them to either divx or xvid to enjoy the movie. wireless is useless, have to go wired to be able to serve high bandwidth movies like VOB files.

all i want to do is play mpeg4 (xvid or divx) over my network wired via ethernet to my disk array on my pc where i archive my movies. mpeg2 files play perfectly.