The Home of DVD News, Reviews and Hot Deals DVD, news, reviews, advice, hardware, firmware, softwareThe Home of DVD News, Reviews and Hot Deals DVD, news, reviews, advice, hardware, firmware, software

SiteMap The Home of DVD News, Reviews and Hot Deals DVD, news, reviews, advice, hardware, firmware, software
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» Pioneer's First 12x BD Burner Goes Global

      Pioneer followed promises release 12x BDR burner world outside Japan.

» World Record HD Screen

      The world's largest High Definition (HD) video screen entered Guinness Book Records.

» Twitter Gets $100M Funding

      Twitter received $100 million a round funding a group investment firms.

» Panasonic's 50-inch Full HD 3D TV

      Panasonic developed a 50-inch Full HD 3D compatible plasma display panel (PDP) high-precision active shutter glasses enable viewing cinema-quality 3D images in living rooms.

» Orange Sell iPhone

      Orange UK Apple reached an agreement bring iPhone 3G 3GS Orange UK customers later year.

» mad blast http://www.madblast.com/view.cfm?type=FunFlash&display=813

    funniest flash site

» LegoTech Tour http://www.eqi-clan.de/lego/lego-dope.html

    We know situation: nothing happening online going out healthy activity just a bit much activity...

» DVD24-7 http://www.dvd24-7.co.uk

    The latest news reviews gossip world DVD Cinema.

» MegaSearch.net http://www.mega-search.net

    The cd covers search engine playstation (psx) audio dreamcast dvd pc playstation 2 video cd covers.

» Pioneer :: DVD-R/RW http://www.pioneer.co.jp/dvdrrw_e/index_e.html

    Pioneer launched a new website exclusively devoted DVD-R/RW. site called contains information advice Pioneer's products including info types writable DVD tips video recording data storage.

» A07 Official Version 1.18 Drive DVR-108 AXL (BXL EXL)

      Upgrades firmware version 1.18. NB: Once updated version 1.18 drive revert older firmware versions.

» A07 Official Version 1.18

      Upgrades firmware version 1.18. NB: Once updated version 1.18 drive revert older firmware versions.

» Patched Firmware v 1.13 - Windows XP Compilation

      Patched Firmware v 1.13 - Windows XP Compilation - ie patched firmware plus DVRFlash 1.2 - details see Flash's review.

» Patched Firmware v 1.13

      Patched Firmware v1.10 - details see Flash's review.

» DVRFlash 1.2

      A utility required want 'Patched Firmware' versions. details see Flash's review.

» How Fit A DVD Writer In Four Easy Steps

      Minimum Computer Specification:
300 Mhz CPU (Minimum)
128 Mb SDRAM (Minimum)

What Need:
1x Philips Head Screwdriver
1x DVD Recorder
1x IDE ATA 100 Cable
4x Fine Thread Screws
1x Audio Cable (Optional)



Step 1 Inserting Drive
Insert writer tower ensuring drive flush other panels front
Fit fixing screws



Step 2 Setting Jumpers
optimal performance connect drive a master even there another device IDE channel



Step 3 Attaching Cables
Attach cables shown



Power cable (Right) PSU
IDE cable (Middle) Motherboard
Audio Cable (Left) Soundcard (Optional)

Step 4 Close Case
Once cables connected drive fit side back tower begin Writing

» How Write A DVD Hard Drive

      This guide based way I DVD’s throughout my guide may work other guides.

Tools Required:-
Nero Burning Rom (I am version 5.5.9.0)

Step 1
Open up Nero. start a new compilation.



Step 2
Select DVD show below.



Step 3
Select DVD-Video press New.



Step 4
right hand screen Nero select VIDOE_TS directory (or whatever directory stored in).



Step 5
Highlight files required (in VIDEO_TS dir) drag ont VIDEO_TS dir left screen shown below.



Step 6
Click File Then Write CD.



Step 7
Press OK (I tend leave settings rename DVD seems produce better results).



Click Write site back 1 hour (at 1x) 30 minutes (at 2x)

Test DVD DVD player then done J.

» How Re-encode A Dual Layer DVD Where Film Bigger 4.7GB

      Tools Needed:-
DVD Player e.g. Power DVD
Smart Ripper
Re Mpeg
Spruce Up
IfoEdit
Step 1
Insert DVD DVD reader play film a few seconds.

Step 2
Open up Smart Ripper.



Step 3
Select Stream Processing tab.



Step 4
Now there a lot information there. we want ticked Audio English (if there 5.1 + DTS pick one want keep) Video Pal / 4:3 / 720x576 (if NTSC different settings ok).

Now deselect rest options click video shown below.



Step 5
Here we select Demux Extra file clicked video we want (leek left video selected options there.



Step 6
the Audio selected



Step 7
Select directory wish Rip movie to.



Step 8
Check settings below.



Step 9
Hit Start sit back wait finish.





Step 10
Open Re Mpeg 2



Step 11
Click open select .m2v file located in directory ripped DVD to.



Step 12
Sit back relax until re-mpeg completely opened file.

process opening screen look this



When complete look this.



Step 13
Now we need a bit calculations

Open up calculator in windows going start bar à Accessories à Calculator.



Now we need check size our film.

Go directory where ripped files right click .m2v select Properties.



doing calculations we use format in GB bytes. can see file (the film only sound) 5.72GB keep note that.

Now click ok properties box right click .ac3 file audio also select properties.



Now we can see audio needs 397MB DVD (to keep yourself limits count next 500MB e.g. was 599MB count 1GB etc…) now one we count 500MB.

Now we know we got 4GB DVD space movie so we need our calculations.

calculator put size film we just got in (5.72) divide 100. gives us 0.0572 now we need divide 4 (GB) 0.0572. We get 69.93006993006993006993006993007 answer so lets say we need encode 60% get right file size fit (to sure fit we another calculation we take 60 X 0.0572 answer comes out 3.432 we know fine we only want a max size 4GB) better go down a little extra when I done guide 1st time I tried write didn’t fit L Nero said was 100MB over.

Step 14
Now we know we need encode 60% we can start setting options.

Select percentage sure rest options mine (remember I am doing a pal film so output resolution slightly different just select closest match mine.



Step 15
Click tab button called Main select Encode select destination new (smaller) .m2v placed give a (please sure include .M2V end filename) then done (best overnight sleep can take anything 4hours – 24 hours.





Step 16
Close ReMPEG2.

Open original directory where ripped movie to.



Step 17
Open directory where saved Re-Encoded .m2v file right click in window select Paste.



Step 18
Now right click .ac3 just pasted select rename.



Rename file encoded.ac3 (replace encoded filename saved .m2v so only different file extensions)



Step 19
Close window now open up Spruce Up.



Now Click File then Prefrences sure region zone accordingly zont original DVD (e.g. Pal a Pal film NTSC an NTSC Film)





Click 3rd tab top film strip picture.



Step 20
Right click in light blue section select Add Media Asset…



Select .m2v re-encoded.



Now press Open wait file imported Spruce up (if renamed .ac3 correctly then automatically import aswell.



Step 21
Now Spruce Up finished importing screen look similar this.



We particularly in bit tell us audio was imported correctly along video.



bit information film. Tells us filename total play time format (MPEG-2 = DVD) also tells us how chanpters in film present sound icon present there audio linked movie movie strip displayed then video present.

add chapters right click box shown above select Clip Properties.





Now add chapters we move slider underneath red flag then click red flag icon + sign in it.

Add chapters want until happy here an example.



Now click close.

Step 22
Left click movie keep hold button drag bottom in box next Export. let mouse button go.



Now we can see there a picture first frame bottom where we placed link film a good sign. Also we can see DVD close maximum size picture DVD in orange zone also ok. only time where haven’t followed calculations properly when DVD picture overlaps green bits go red.

Step 23
Click simulate sure film plays.



now due when I take a screenshot doesn’t take a screenshot film playing can see tie moved playing.

Step 24
Now click Export.



Notice output my DVD writer (well safe I always Title Set) so Title Set. folder path.



Now click write when prompt save project whatever want then wait till complete J





When complete screen look similar this.



Press OK exit Spruce Up.

Step 25
Go directory where told Spruce Up save the Title Set.



Now looks directory structure exactly a DVD. Open VIDEO_TS folder.



Now I save my project just Untitled so we an Untitled.LAY file (which needed we menu I think only menu when deleted film still works ive tried ) so delete .LAY file then also delete rest files (excluding VTS_01_1 2 3 4 5) re-made wont associated Spruce Up. should left with.



Now close window.

Step 26
Open up IFOEdit select Create IFOs. Select path just deleted files from.



Select first file (VTS_01_1.VOB) hit open then hit save.



now making new ifo’s you.

When complete Click Get VTS sectors click OK/YES prompts then close ifoedit re-open.

Now click open select VIDEO_TS.IFO click ok. Click Region free ifoedit select ok prompts appern then quit test dvd in dvd playback software.

Now long process over time burn dvd.

ready my guide burning DVD-R movies Nero Burning Rom.

» How Rip A Dual Layer DVD When Movie Under 4.7GB

      This easier a movie over limit method won't use any menus.

Tools Required:-

Smart Ripper
IFO Edit
DVD playing software (I recommend Power DVD)

Step 1
Insert DVD DVD reader play DVD playing software (play a few seconds).

Step 2
Open up Smart Ripper select option Files shown below.



Step 3
Just check sure Smart Ripper selected movie files only identified earlier in my guide. Normally Smart Ripper automatically (I yet see this).



Then select destination hitting small box left Target Directory.

Step 4
Check settings below



Step 5
Hit Start wait till complete

Step 6
Goto directory where ripped vob files to.



now we can see vob files here named VTS_03_1,2,3,4 we don’t want.

Step 7
Rename vob files VTS_01_1 VTS_01_2 VTS_01_3 VTS_01_4 VTS_01_5 there a 5th.



Step 8
Open up IFOEdit



Step 9
Click Create IFOs bottom IFOEdit locate vob files ripped renamed necessary.



Step 10
Select 1st file called VTS_01_1 click Open



Save VIDEO_TS directory vob files in.



Step 11
Site back relax until ifo making complete. screen look below.



Step 12
Click VIDEO_TS.IFO then select Region Free DVD region free. Click ok when prompts RCE protection when prompt DVD now region free (if doesn’t prompt now region free then already).



Step 13
Click Get VTS sectors click ok prompts come up.



Step 14
Click Quit DVD now ready written.

get click yes



» How Tell Whether Dual Layer DVD Needs Re-encoded

      The easiest way tell described below in easy follow steps.

Step 1
Insert DVD DVD drive double click My Computer.

Step 2
Right Click DVD drive select Open.



Step 3
Then double click left mouse button VIDEO_TS directory open it.



Step 4
Now something this.



we looking here movie files (this easy first few times).

movie files in sets 0.99GB (the last one always smaller).

way corresponds vital. VTS_01_1 ß represents first file in files first Title. We don’t need worry vob files _0 end EG VTS_03_0 important needed. Most time just FBI warnings ETC…

When we look out picture we need find vob title most consecutive files EG.

VTS_01_1 ß small movie.

VTS_02_1 VTS_02_2 ß could movie lets look rest.

VTS_03_1 VTS_03_2 VTS_03_3 VTS_03_4 ß looks biggest so movie. (just sure open first vob file DVD player (VTS_03_1) in file mode) appears film then good J.

In case checking movie actually in VTS_03_1,2,3,4 I was correct.

Step 5
Now we know files represent film we need check need encoded.

we need find out size. Highlight files needed right click then select Properties.



Now we can see DVD I am ok dosent need re-encoded. We can tell because size 4,101,941,248 bytes (4,700,000,000 bytes roughly fit a DVD-R I recommend say 4,500,000,000 bytes size sure fit)

Now here an example a film needs re-encoded fit a DVD-R



Now we can see one 7,706,036,224 Bytes we already know far big fit DVD-R so needs re-encoded.

Step 6
Now we know needs re-encoded select necessary tutorial start process required.

» 20x Speed Burning Really Faster?

Link: The 4 Minute Burn a MYTH?
When 16x DVD writers came out manufacturers claimed fastest burning speeds NEC actually claimed burn a DVD in under 4 minutes. I disputed in my review feel we misled marketing hype.
We now 20x speed burners still yet reached 4 minute burn claimed NEC.
So how 18x & 20x speed burners compare I available a few drives my comparisons
I ordered a Liteon 18x DVD burner a well known supplier was surprised & excited find had sent me DH20A1P a 20x speed burner I contacted Danny technical boffin in case there had a mistake find Liteon now shipping model standard :)
My chart below shows actual burn times various drives I tested together maximum & average burn speeds achieved
Rank Make Speed Start Max Avg Speed Time Taken
            
Click Thumbnail
to see Specs		 Click Time
to see Graph
1
DH20A1P		 20x8.04x19.87x13.63x 5 Mins 3 Secs
2
GSA-4163B		 16x 7.57x 16.56x 11.92x 5 Mins 16 Secs
3
DVR-112		 18x 8.04x 19.60x11.75x 5 Mins 22 Secs
4
SH-S182		 18x7.57x18.45x11.50x 5 Mins 39 Secs
5
GSA-4166B		 16x7.10x17.03x11.01x 5 Mins 40 Secs
6
DVR-110		 16x6.15x17.03x10.58x 6 Mins 7 Secs
7
DVR-111		 16x7.10x16.56x9.55x 6 Mins 47 Secs
The Liteon DH20A1P 20x speed burner was quickest 5mins 3 seconds. Closely followed LG GSA-4163B 16x burner 5mins 16 secs
The 16x speed burners I tested varied in time up 6mins 47sec & although drives achieved maximum speed per specification actual average burning speed well below maximum ranging 9.55x 13.63x speed. I feel we still a long way 4 minute burn.
achieve 4 minute burn drives spin up quicker faster speeds maximum burn speed achieved much earlier & render current discs likely shattering inside drive. Special super high speed media required prevent happening		 The figures below indicate the
Predicted time Actual average Speeds
Actual Avg Speed Predicted Time Taken
20x 3Mins 30Secs
18x 3Mins 50Secs
16x 4Mins 15Secs
12x 5Mins 30
 

» HD DVD Movie Playback Disc a PC

Link:
My HD Media Player PC Freecom 350,& KiSS 1600 play HD files very well I was lacking ability playback actual HD DVD Movies direct disc without actually purchasing a stand alone HD DVD Player.
I decided a priority & started increasing memory 2gig purchasing XBox HD DVD USB external drive connected my PC. I Installed Cyberlink Power DVD 7.3 I was unable playback because my up was HDCP compliant. I initially upgraded an ATI 1650 graphics card AnyDVD (this was installed a means pirate my collection overcome problems HDCP compatibility) although I could now playback movies playback was choppy & I was unable use "In Movie Experience".
Time a benchmark so I installed 3dMark 2005 ran a benchmark result 3900 marks enough most applications enough HD DVD playback.
Next I decided upgrade he graphics ATI Sapphire X1950Pro 512MB increased my benchmark just over 6000 Marks only marginally improvement in playback
My CPU was an Intel Celeron D 347 (3.06ghz) (skt 775) & Cyberlink Advisor recommended a minimum 3.2ghz. I checked my motherboard spec & supported up a Pentium D 3.4ghz so I installed an Intel Pentium D 945 3.4ghz a larger heatsink checked benchmark time I get 8500 Marks
Playback now smooth "In Movie Experience" fully operational unfortunately audio only DD Plus 5.1 my system does support Dolby Digital True HD
Finally I facility Play HD DVD Movies direct disc
My Final System Spec Follows:-
  • Processor Pentium D 945 3.4ghz (skt775)
  • Memory 2gig DDR 400 PC3200 RAM
  • ATI Sapphire X1950Pro 512MB
  • On board Realtek 5.1 audio SPDIF output
  • HD DVD Drive - Xbox 360 (USB
  • 500gig Hard Drive
  • Windows XP SP2
  • Cyberlink Power DVD 7.3
  • AnyDVD HD Support
  • Sony Bravia 40" TV
  • Teac Digital Home Theatre Receiver 5.1 & DTS decoder SPDIF input
  • Skytronic Surround Speakers Tannoy Active Sub Woofer
    • I now a system built up my satisfaction & can sit back & enjoy my movie Collection

    » Ask Flash: How I know my DVD burner burns correct speed?

    Link:
    When 16x DVD writers came out manufacturers claimed fastest burning speeds NEC actually claimed burn a DVD in under 4 minutes I disputed in my review feel we misled marketing hype.
    accepted 1x speed burning take 1hour burn a DVD. So we can deduce times single layer DVD media
    Burning Speed Expected Burn Time Burn Time Achieved
    1x 60 minutes 60 minutes
    2x 30 minutes 30 minutes
    4x 15 minutes 15 - 16 minutes
    8x 7.5 minutes 8 -10 minutes
    12x 5 minutes 7 -9 minutes
    16x 4 minutes 5 - 7 minutes
    18x 3.3 minutes 5 - 6 minutes
    Dual layer media burn times approximately double above times currently burn speeds slower.
    can see actual burn times against expected burn times increases burn speed increases because when drive starts burning cannot burn full speed build up a slower speed 4x 6x 8x achieving maximum speed only end (outer edge) burn. drives various ways achieving maximum speed CAV CLV PCAV & ZCLV explained in my article here speed transition points can a great effect actual recording times. I LG drive burning 16x speed quicker Samsung 18x speed. & in my opinion 18x burning a myth until times 18x speed can achieved earlier in burn.
    The two graphs show my point 16x can faster 18x
    16x burning LG took 5 mins 16 secs
    18x burning Samsung took longer 5 mins 40 secs
    There other factors governing burning time disc initialization can a few seconds a few minutes burn quality control can increase burning time whilst drive selects optimum burning speed buffer under-run caused external processor usage restricting file transfer speed.
    Although I test my drives maximum burn speed I prefer burn 8x speed I find tends result in a better quality overall burn


    » TMPGEnc DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring

    Link: TMPGEnc Website

    The latest addition TMPGEnc stables TMPGEnc DVD Author 3 first DivX® authoring software.
    The design follows TMPGEnc DVD Author 2 I reviewed a year ago. similar features addition ability author types source files & addition being able produce a DivX® output well DVD. DivX® authoring available s separate program DivX® website

    Product Overview (Taken TMPGEnc website)
    TMPGEnc DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring perfect all-in-one DVD DivX® authoring solution any video enthusiast whether you're a beginner experienced videographer. TMPGEnc DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring offers new features great improvements over predecessors HDV capture "DivX® ULTRA" authoring multiple subtitle streams ability add even types source files DVD DivX® projects. course can still cut-edit create custom menus then burn projects DVD show friends family!
    Main features
    1. DivX® ULTRA Authoring
    With DivX® ULTRA authoring DivX® projects can now advanced features DVD-like menus navigation DivX® projects created TMPGEnc DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring ultimate combination DVD-like presentation DivX® technology. Play DivX® ULTRA projects DivX® Player software PC any DivX® ULTRA Certified DVD player in comfort living room.
  • Officially licensed DivX® video software product
  • Creates high-quality DivX® video
    • 2. DV HDV Capture
    Now can capture video directly DV HDV camcorder. Just plug camcorder computer via an IEEE 1394 interface TMPGEnc DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring able view camcorder's contents add a source file.

    3. Improved Format Importing
    DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring     lets add even types source files projects TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0. Add DVD-VIDEO DVD-VR MPEG1/2 AVI Windows Media DivX® QuickTime (mov qt mp4 m4a 3gp 3g2) file formats.




    4. Multiple Subtitle Streams
    New DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring ability up two subtitle streams DivX® DVD projects Create own multiple language DivX® DVD projects multiple subtitle streams.


    5. DivX® HD Support
    Got high definition movie files? a DivX® HD project advanced features keeps high resolution HD without huge file size then watch creation computer DivX® Certified High Definition DVD player. DivX HD Support
    6. Menu Creation
    Choose all-new pre-made menu templates design own. robust menu creation process TMPGEnc DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring allows customize menus quickly easily. Freely position resize titles thumbnail images text create stunning motion menus bring creation life. Change highlight colours screen ratios
    7. Smart Rendering
    The improved Smart Rendering technology TMPGEnc DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring makes encoding faster allowing edit output DivX® DVD projects much quicker other authoring software.
    8. Optimized Encoding
    TMPGEnc DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring optimized Intel® Core 2 Duo® Processors Intel® Duo/Extreme® Processors a speed increase 5%-18% over TMPGEnc DVD Author 2.0.

    9. Menu Note Page
    New TMPGEnc DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring ability add note pages menus. Use note page anything wish--add an introduction message credits images actor bios anything else can think of.


    10. Transcoding Engine
    The Smart Rendering technology TMPGEnc DVD Author 3 DivX® Authoring allows transcode (shrink) projects fit onto single dual-layer DVD's even CD-R CD-RW's (transcoding CD DivX® projects only).




    11. Menu Simulation
    Test custom menus before burn project disc menu simulation stage. simulator mimics controls an actual DVD-player allowing see exactly how menu look work.
    DivX associated logos trademarks DivX Inc. under license.
    The program easy use very similar previous TMPGEnc DVD authoring tools supports up two subtitle & audio streams. audio streams can Dolby Digital MPEG 1 Layer II Linear PCM DVD Creation Dolby Digital MPEG-1 Layer II MPEG-2 Layer II DivX® creation also supports AC3 5.1 audio pass-through encoding untouched.
    Although DivX® supports Dolby Digital encoding I unable find a suitable media player play back audio even downmix stereo. I latest DivX® player 6.4 installed only outputs digital signal an analogue buzz Power DVD reports audio Dolby Digital still outputs audio an analogue buzz. an audio AC3 input encoded untouched then Power DVD plays correctly. I feel there something amiss here & I welcome comments TMPGEnc technical.
    UPDATE
    communication TMPG Support I find problem incompatibility my source files. I was high definition transport stream files .ts find AC3 audio muxing compatible DVD Author 3. I demuxed .ts files separate .mpv & .ac3 files added in DVD Author 3 separate video & audio files. I processed a movie AC3 pass-through & Dolby Digital audio streams. Playback in DivX player 6.4 resulted in Dolby Digital output play correctly AC3 pass-through resulted in appears slow audio soon goes out sync. Playing file in "Mplayer Windows" resulted in correct playback AC3 & Dolby Digital tracks. Media Player Classic only plays one digital track plays correctly. Playback my Freecom Media Player played back AC3 track & Dolby Digital track correctly. So AC3 input compatible then DVD Author 3 successfully outputs AC3 & Dolby Digital Hence playback problems appear in DivX Player.
    video output format DVD selectable MPEG-1 MPEG-2 video resolutions 352x240 352x480 704x480 720x480 29.97 fps in NTSC 352x288 352x576 704x576 720x576 25 fps in PAL. Aspect ratio selectable 4:3 16:9. Bitrate selectable CBR VBR a min/max selectable 1550/9400 Kb/s a nice feature here disc capacity meter shows size project scale changes bitrate adjusted enabling easy selection maximum quality against disc usage.
    video output format DivX® 3 profile settings
    Home Theater
    16x16 720x576 infinitely variable
    HDTV
    16x16 1280x720 infinitely variable
    None
    16x16 1920x1080 infinitely variable
    Pixel ratio selectable 1:1 12:11 10:11 16:11 40:33 Frame rate selectable 15 19.98 20 23.976 24 25 29.97 & 30 fps
    Bitrate VBR 1 pass 2 pass min/max 620/4950 Kb/s advanced options quality.
    Track creation DivX® & DVD facility a first play track (DVD only). Clips can added a combined track encoded one encoded in format (Pixel size Aspect Ratio & Audio Tracks) can different in separate tracks . possible mix DVD DivX NTSC & PAL in project obvious reasons.
    clip edit facility makes easy edit individual clips remove unwanted footage (cut-edit projects frame level) chapter insertion easy menu individual chapters can selected included in menu creation clip linking multiple files in track possible DVD creation resulting in seamless playback track (without there can a slight pause in playback change clip)
    Menu creation previous TMPGEnc DVD creation a choice a template creating a custom menu menus There various options autoplay & combinations Top menus Track menus Motion menus & menu. simulation lets view masterpiece before outputting final project.
    Selecting output gives various file creation burning options starting output give details output file any warnings output file does conform DVD DivX® standard. DVD outputted standard AUDIO_TS & VIDEO_TS folders file size can selected standard DVD-R disc sizes custom size limitations warnings given file structure can still created.
    DivX outputted .divx extension always recognised players changing .avi creation enables compatibility (my KiSS 1600 reviewed earlier one culprit).
    The DivX® outputted a single file can a maximum 4032 MB. tracks & menus included in one file. file can only played correctly in a "DivX ULTRA" compatible software hardware player. So far only software player I correctly playback files DivX® Player 6.4. DVD Players support "DivX ULTRA" very limited present time so unless appropriate hardware software I recommend creating single track files without a menu.
    outputted files can left a file system burnt disc included burning software burnt own preferred software (I prefer ImgBurn as my favorite burning software) & there various post-production process actions can selected.
    TMPGEnc DVD authoring my favorite DVD authoring software version exception quality encoded video equals any other software I AC3 5.1 pass-through good 5.1 encoding left untouched unfortunately DTS audio recognized cannot encoded I see AC3 5.1 audio encoding an option in future releases.
    DivX authoring great higher compressions menu creation a nice touch only marred limited playback software & hardware.

    » KiSS 1600 vs Freecom 350 HD Network Media Players Head Head

    Link:
    After building my Media Player PC I was asked look Freecom HD Network Media Player a stand alone unit & I had pre-ordered Kiss (now owned Linksys) 1600 DVD/HD Media Player decided a Head Head comparison two
    The images below scale I included a DVD drive in scale so sizes can seen in perspective
    Click images see

    KiSS 1600 Network HD Media/DVD Player

    Freecom 350 Network HD Media Player

    KiSS 1600
    High Definition Media Player
    Multimedia Player Ethernet & Wi-Fi Network Connectivity
    Features
    • Bring digital videos pictures music living room
    • Stream music video pictures TV Audio system a computer (PC MAC) Network wire Wireless connection
    • Best in Class DVD Player upscaling DVD 720p HDMI 1.2 connection
    • Linksys Online portal provide thousands Web Radio stations Games
    • Playback Multi formats
    Product Description The convenience seeing TV
    Stop crowding around PC monitor. Sit back relax enjoy a state-of-the-art multimedia experience directly TV screen. KiSS 1600 can stream digital multimedia files computer other digital devices disc directly TV and/or entertainment center.
    HDMI
    The KiSS 1600 upscale standard definition DVDs 720p 1080i resolution provide a high definition entertainment experience HDMI connection.
    Linksys Online
    Moreover KiSS 1600 DVD media player designed harness power Internet. Users can access unique Internet connectivity capabilities Linksys online service (for example applications services Internet radio stations online gaming etc.).
    The hub multimedia components
    Play everything in digital library. KiSS 1600 compatible media formats (so can example access favourite movies music picture slideshows games directly TV). Watch Windows Media 9 Nero Digital files in standard definition high definition enjoy collection movies music pictures DVDs CDs USB network. We even included an extra software pack so can encode play burn Nero Digital.
    Seamless connections home entertainment network
    Use wireless Ethernet connections KiSS 1600 player instantly send data TV. course USB 2 port also allows connect a hard disk MP3 player digital camera etc.
    Free upgrades
    The KiSS 1600 fully upgradeable (so can immediately install new features enhancements). can upgrade latest version KiSS 1600 firmware directly Internet download firmware manually install upgrade CD-R.
    The KiSS 1600 is in a similar design KiSS DP-450 I reviewed over 4 years ago.
    I got love my DP-450 firmware updates improved functionality removed initial glitches. KiSS design unique neat clean cut uncluttered front panel completely flat center a metallic plastic finish else being a black gloss transparent plastic. unit 1/2 width a standard DVD player (230mm) front controls just two large rectangular buttons glow blue when unit powered on. DVD tray blends in front half black & half silver match rest unit. Under DVD tray a large LED display indicates operation & functions remote control a similar smaller design previous KiSS remotes. remote an essential part unit there being only 2 buttons player functions without remote very limited.
    features player great playback HD & standard definition content excellent functionality marred glitches should able overcome firmware upgrades.
    The convenience seeing TV player works well a DVD Player upscaling DVD movies 1080i 720p giving great picture quality my Sony Bravia 40" TV. plays a variety HD media formats MPG TS AVI WMV,
    Streams Video & Audio via wired & wireless network USB well a it's own DVD-ROM drive (Which read DVD-R/RW DVD+R/RW DVD-ROM DVD-RAM & CD-R/RW)
    Output connections most TV Video/Audio connections
    • Composite Video RCA
    • S Video 4 pin Mini Din
    • Scart RGB Video & Audio
    • Component RCA
    • HDMI Video & Audio
    • Coaxial Digital Audio RCA
    • Optical Digital Audio SPDIF
    • Stereo Analogue Audio RCA
    HDMI Upscale 720p 1080i integrated audio
    Linksys Online
    Connects internet & accesses Radio Stations & gaming etc. Radio choice extensive quality excellent
    Seamless connections home entertainment network Connects wireless wired network shared folders network. Additional software required PC sharing USB 2 port connect a single USB2 hard disk MP3 player digital camera etc.
    Free upgrades Setup menu allows connecting Linksys upgrade service can download & upgrade player's firmware
    Freecom Network MediaPlayer-350 WLAN
    Features:
    • Connects directly TV Hifi
    • Enjoy movies music photo's without use a PC
    • Can also AV Streaming device any PC network
    • HD Video-File compatible
    • Supports multiple formats: MPEG1-4 DIVX XVID MP3 JPG...and
    • Easy use screen-menu
    • Fully remote controlled
    • Firmware upgradeable
    • Can also standalone USB-2 hard drive
    • High quality design
    • 2 Years manufacturer's warranty unlimited free help desk support
    Product Description
    A new generation portable media playback devices     new Network MediaPlayer-WLAN Freecom adds another dimension world portable media playback devices. player connects wireless access point thereby opening a world multimedia entertainment. can now play back any multimedia content stored any computer in network watch TV. can store movies and/or music built-in harddrive enjoy directly player TV without PC switched on. choice yours
    player also available a 'Drive in Kit' without hard drive built-in. can assemble a hard drive yourself use device without hard drive a AV Wireless streaming device.
    new MediaPlayer WLAN powered latest generation Sigma Design chipset supports playback HD files. firmware upgradeable ensure always latest updates newest features. Experience a new level computer home entertainment provided Freecom. Free mind
    The Freecom 350 looks a mini PC in appearance three circular buttons a circular navigation 5 buttons there 3 LEDS indicating Power Network traffic & HD activity. navigation buttons provide most control necessary use player making remote only necessary initial setup purposes backlit when unit powered up panel flashes boot up when unit being a USB drive other backlight LEDS there LED display indicate operation unit.
    This player works well a DVD Player a USB DVD-ROM drive upscaling DVD movies 1080p 1080i 720p giving better picture quality my Sony Bravia 40" TV ( I am unable test 1080p resolution because my Sony TV does support it). plays a variety HD media formats MPG TS AVI WMV Streams Video & Audio via wired & wireless network well USB Harddrive DVD-ROM Output connections most TV Video/Audio connections
    • Composite Video RCA
    • S Video 4 pin Mini Din
    • Component RCA
    • DVI Video without Audio
    • Coaxial Digital Audio RCA
    • Optical Digital Audio SPDIF
    • Stereo Analogue Audio RCA

    The Player available various capacity 3 1/2" hard drives up 500g installed a bare unit without a hard drive I factory installed 500g Hitachi hard drive looking it should easy ebn0ugh install my own harddrive. output 1080p higher resolution Kiss (but I TV check out quality) DVI output does include audio when fed my TV via a DVI HDMI cable. Quality Video Playback @ 720p & 1080i great although AC3 5.1 audio fussy how audio & video muxed I had Remux half my MPEG 2 videos "Elecard XMuxer Pro" get audio playback
    Features Kiss 1600 Freecom 350 Format Kiss 1600 Freecom 350
    HD Digital HDMI Auto. 1080i 720p 576p 576i DVI 1080p 1080i 720p 576p 576i
    Component Auto 1080i 720p 576p 576i 1080p 1080i 720p 576p 576i
    RGB SCART No Scart
    Composite Yesyes
    S-Video yes yes
    PAL Output 50hz 50hz
    NTSC Output 60hz 60hz
    Analogue Audio Left & Right RCA Left & Right RCA
    SPDIF Coax Yes Yes
    SPDIF TOS Link Yes Yes
    Wired LAN 100/10Mbps
    Setup quite straightforward    		 100/10Mbps
    Setup quite straightforward
    Wireless LAN 802.11G 54Mbps Twin Aerials
    Setup quite straightforward    		 802.11G 54Mbps
    Setup quite straightforward
    Networking PC 3rd party sharing software work Windows Media Player 11 Kiss PC Link.
    Kiss PC Link software easy install adding a drive letter a live folder does identify there provision in software change this    		 Used normal Windows Network Share folders easily locates shared PCs & folders network
    USB Input Single connector external USB DEVICESupports Only ONE Device a time so use USB hub multiple devices possible
    Prone locking up when removing USB connection
    Absence front power switch makes resetting difficult disconnect supply inaccessible reset button rear.
    Does support multiple HD Partitions -- only selects first partition connected Hard Drive a Seagate 400g hard drive came a Dynamic Drive Overlay selected overlay section instead primary NTFS partition I had remove DDO & reformat drive able use
    File sort order sorted alpha/numerical    		 Supports Multiple USB Devices connected via a USB Hub including DVD-ROM
    Hot plugging multiple USB devices confuses system sometimes a reboot necessary get correct USB device identified
    Supports DVD-ROM Drives & browses file system play media DVD VIDEO_TS.IFO provision eject disc eject button disabled. Eject can only initiated disconnecting USB
    Supports Multiple HD Partitions
    File sort order appears random & I suspect probably order files disc makes difficult find a particular file
    USB Output No USB "mini-B" connector use internal hard drive a PC USB drive.
    When connected PC player totally disabled
    Power Internal PSU via fig8 connector polarised fixed plug supplied lead polarised continental 2 pin mains lead supplied Holland (I expect UK version a 13a UK plugSeparate PSU standard PC type mains connector continental & UK mains leads supplied. plug Player a mini din type 4 large pins I find type PSU confusing there does seem any standard type connectors commonly output connections although appear similar seem different pin configurations possible plug in wring PSU & cause untold damage. I labeled my PSUs indicate appropriate device mate up to.
    DVDYes Internal DVD drive plays most DVD discsOnly external USB DVD drive manually selecting VIDEO_TS.IFO initiate DVD playback
    DVD HD Fails recognise .IFO files. Plays .VOB files Plays DVD .IFO file. Plays .VOB files
    DVD ISO Fails recognise ISO filesReads a DVD ISO image file a DVD plays a normal DVD. read ISO files other DVD images
    Multiregional No there maybe a remote code available Depends DVD-ROM drive can bypassed playing main movie .VOB files direct disc
    Audio CD-R Yes Internal drive plays Audio CD-R a nice screen menu No play Audio CD-R external USB drive
    SVCD NoNo
    VCD NoNo
    HD DVD NoNo
    BD ROM No No
    MP3 YES CD-R & DVD USB & Network Yes CD-R & DVD USB & Network
    JPG YES slow opening folders a large number jpg pictures took nearly 1 minute open a folder 1000 .jpg files
    Aspect Ratio wrong!    		 YES
    8 seconds open a folder 1000 jpg pictures in it
    BMPYES
    Aspect Ratio wrong!    		SOME
    Will play large files due lack memory
    GIF YES
    Aspect Ratio wrong!    		 NO
    PNG YES
    Aspect Ratio wrong!    		 SOME play large files due lack memory
    AVI DivX 3 OK OK
    AVI DivX 5
    540x224 23.98fps    		 Plays OK aspect ratio wrong fills screen OK
    AVI DivX 5
    720x480 29.97fps    		 OK OK
    AVI XVID MPEG4OK OK
    AVI FFmpeg M$ MPEG-4 v2 10,000kbps 1920 x 1080 24 fpss UnsupportedUnsupported
    DIVX
    (Divx 5 divx ext)    		 *.divx extension:- recognised plays files renamed avi extension
    Update Firmware 1.1.4 *.divx file types now recognised. Also need add file types *.divx in Kiss PC Link software    		 OK
    MPG MPEG1 OK OK
    MPG MPEG2 OK OK
    MPG MPEG2 1920x1080i 25Mbps OK OK
    MPEG2 TS OK OK temperamental badly encoded AC3
    MP4 MPEG4 Video Video OK Audio AAC 48,000Hz OK
    Audio AAC 24,000Hz Audio
    ASF Unsupported OK
    WMV Windows Media Video 7 Unsupported Unsupported
    WMV Windows Media Video8 Unsupported Unsupported
    WMV Windows Media Video 9 WMV 9 Pro OK
    Only outputs WMA 10 Pro 5.1 audio stereo    		WMV 9 Pro OK
    Only outputs WMA 10 Pro 5.1 audio stereo
    MOV Quicktime Unsupported Unsupported
    Both players perform well HD Media players Freecom going up 1080p resolution against 1080i Kiss Kiss a scart socket DVD-ROM drive additional Audio output via HDMI connection. Freecom an internal Hard drive USB output enable a PC USB Hard Drive Kiss an internal power supply against Freecom an external plug-in PSU Kiss 2 aerials wireless connection against 1 Freecom Freecom USB connect multiple devices time (via a USB hub) & recognises multiple hard drive partitions well optical drives
    The Kiss only connect one USB device a time does recognise multiple HD partitions
    There anomalies players I don't think could improved I hope Linksys & Freecom read review take any necessary action improve product. care contact me answers I public
    KiSS 1600
    HDMI if output disconnected (in my case via an HDMI switch box) auto-sense reverts an alternative output can revert component S Video Scart Component Composite Then player locks up asking user response there display when HDMI reconnected. Connecting alternative display (in my case S Video) video can viewed appropriate user response taken.
    If KiSS switched without HDMI being connected connecting HDMI Auto sense reverts Component Video resulting in a green display cannot resolved without a power reset.
    Update Firmware 1.1.4 This issue appears fixed & Auto detect HDMI should now function correctly
    Ejecting a DVD disc button front player whilst playing media files USB hard drive network instigates stop command & playback stops. stop/eject command a combined function button.
    Connecting a USB device whilst playing a DVD movie stops playback menu reverts USB device
    Playback high definition high bitrate movies OK normal speed any attempt fast forward picture search causes player freeze a system reset inevitable
    Sometimes come out standby without a reset
    Having a USB hard drive connected when rebooting can stop system booting up
    The player prone locking up whilst accessing corrupt media only way unlock resetting can done pressing reset button rear player disconnecting power. absence a power reset button front unit makes simple task difficult when installed in a confined space where power connection rear unit inaccessible
    FREECOM 350
    Setting up software NDAS quite straightforward my unit wired network write key missing I was only able use wireless write hard drive. Phone support was friendly & suggested I sent an email my details request write key took a week get a key Freecom even though Danny SVP technical support requests my behalf apparently key had come manufacturers in China UK Freecom help desk very apologetic taking steps ensure similar delays occur. Networking uses Windows 98 compatibility network share names larger 8 share corrupt Windows XP I had shorten file names my shared drives my shared drives visible
    Using internal HD a USB drive my PC simple when connected my PC (with PC powered up not) disables unit I find I physically remove USB able use player very inconvenient when Player & PC built in physically moved purpose a workaround although ideal break plus-cc wire in USB cable fit a switch in it. switch isolates plu-vcc player was preventing booting up.
    Both players play back HD Video & up-scaled DVD content very well apart anomalies mentioned I can recommend them. neither any real edge over other so go whichever takes fancy


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