KiSS DP-558

[Lord_KiRon]

Here : http://www.mpeg-playcenter.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=3369&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
is my "blog style" review of this new KiSS recorder with DivX capabilities (Sigma EM8560 based) .

The thread is a bit long and sorry for my sometimes bad english but it covers recorder from user expirience point of view.
I was adding problems and ideas from the day I got this recorder up until now (and going to continue) .

But if you wish to know how this recorder performs day by day read that thread.

I intentionaly did NOT covered MPEG4 playback , just general user expirience.
In that area it's basicly same as my old DP-500 player but with better DivX 3.11 support , bit faster (but still slow) FF/REW and a lot of freezes :(

Bottom line - it's really bad :( , I don't know may be with time software(firmware) will be more mature but for now it stinks, I'd say not even Beta level - Alpha.

[bond]

Originally posted by Lord_KiRon
this new KiSS recorder with DivX capabilities (Sigma EM8560 based)are you sure about the "EM8560"? sigma doesnt offer such a chip (also not an EM8650)

the most easiest way to test whether this player uses an old generation chip or a new generation one is probably to try playing a file using qpel, as qpel is supported on the all the new sigma chips, but on none of the old ones

[Lord_KiRon]

Quet sure :)
I also "chated" with Keith (Sigma engeneer) at AVS forums and he confirmed this.
Acording to him EM8560/8510 is "overclocked" (CPU clocked 200 or 233Mhz) versions of EM8550/8500 with support for more video memory (up to 16MB instead of 4MB) and RAM (up to 64MB instead of 12/8).
also DSP is separated from main ARM CPU.

He sais they did not updated the site because was busy with CES and few other things.

Btw: they are mentioned here : http://www.sigmadesigns.com/products/selection_guide.htm

Anyway except better DivX 3.11 support that still goes slideshow on higher bitrates but this time no at 800+ but at about 1300+ that quet acceptable and faster FF/REW that still slow + promise for Nero support "soon" there are no real changes.
At lest for good :) , DP-558 freezes hell lot more and have more problems playing files (especially XviD) then older DP-500.

Please note no QPel support , QPel is only in EM8620L and newer chips , this one is new version of EM8550.

[bond]

thanks a lot! :)

so this player uses a slightly modified EM8510 as mentioned on the sigmadesigns homepage here (http://www.sigmadesigns.com/products/em8510.htm)
pretty old one ;)