Stand-alone MPEG-4 (DivX, XviD...) Player Buyers Guide

[TiaoMacaleh]

Hehe I installed a new XBMC build (was still using XBMC 1.0 that's why I didn't see the auto temperature control option ;)). When I set the Auto Temperature Control to 60° C the noise was much less but still clearly hearable. But it's bearable now I guess. Thanks for the information :). I think I'll keep my Xbox for now as my movie player until the AVC ND hardware players are out.

(Damn nice new features in this XBMC build: watch music videos, watch trailers and a damn nice skin [mayhem III I believe])


Beware on recent models they REMOVED the thing that measure cpu temp on xbox models.... so it isnt acurate

[Y.T.]

Some good test samples worth mentioning [...]

Thanks for all the links Cyberace, I've added them to the guide.

[Menzonius]

Beware on recent models they REMOVED the thing that measure cpu temp on xbox models.... so it isnt acurate

I'm curious, what precisely do you mean by "it isn't accurate"? Do you mean that the measured temperature deviates significantly from the real temperature (i.e. it is inaccurate), or do you mean that using the thermostatic control on such an xbox will cause it to quickly overheat and shutdown? Thanks in advance.

[Cyberace]

Some good test samples worth mentioning [...]Thanks for all the links Cyberace, I've added them to the guide.
Here are some DivX 6.0 and DMF (DivX Media Format contrainer) test-samples to add as well:
(menu, chapters, multi-sub XSUB, XTAG video tags, 5.1 MP3 Surround in .divx file extension)
http://www.divxtest.com/article.php3?id_article=125
http://www.divxtest.com/form/divxtest2_add.php?lang=eng
http://www.divxtest.com/form/divxtest2_list.php
http://www.divx.com/movies/detail.php?movieID=23&cID=4

PS! To be able to fully enjoy DMF (DivX Media Format, a.k.a. DivX Ultra) (http://www.divx.com/divx/dmf.php) files you played needs to be DivX Ultra Certified (http://www.divx.com/corporate/solutions/divx-ultra_press.pdf). (Current DivX® Certified devices will playback DivX 6 files, but will not offer full support for the advanced media features of the DivX Media Format. Devices that offer full support for the DivX Media Format are expected to reach retail shelves in late 2005 at the earliest).

[Qbfinest83]

Hey I wanted to buy the Sigmatek XM-400 Pro but i live in the US. Does anyone know site that will sale one and ship it to the US.

[Sharro]

Simple question, is there any on the market ?

I'm bored of burning RW just to watch a movie.

All the best,

Sharro

[ubermensch]

Simple question, is there any on the market ?

I'm bored of burning RW just to watch a movie.

All the best,

Sharro

What you want is a modded xbox (original) with XBMC.

Search the forums, it offers just what you asked for.

[SeeMoreDigital]

MT1389xx with Ethernet/Wi-Fi and Hard Disk

Simple question, is there any on the market ?There are already a few "Sigma" chip-set based products that offer connection to your home network via ethernet (and/or wireless). And there are a couple proposed players which will include a "removable" HDD caddy ;)

Plus... the newer Sigma devices are "high-def" capable!

[Sharro]

There are already a few "Sigma" chip-set based products that offer connection to your home network via ethernet (and/or wireless). And there are a couple proposed players which will include a "removable" HDD caddy ;)

Plus... the newer Sigma devices are "high-def" capable!

SeeMoreDigital do you know if the newer Sigma chips support Xvid's Qpel ?
I've used it on all my encodes :( and I'm stuck with MT1389.

@ubermensch: I'm looking for something out of the box...and quiet.

All the best,

Sharro

[SeeMoreDigital]

SeeMoreDigital do you know if the newer Sigma chips support Xvid's Qpel ?
I've used it on all my encodes :( and I'm stuck with MT1389.Yes.... Sigma's high-def capable EM8620L chip-set certainly handles Qpel.

I specifically conducted separate, DivX, XviD and NeroDigital Qpel tests just to make sure.

Not that it should make any difference. Qpel is Qpel. Unlike GMC with its warp-point variations ;)


Cheers

[bluefear]

I tried that AVI test disc on my Yakumo player which is an MT1389 and it played all the qpel and GMC tests fine - only the hi-definition and .mp4 stuff didn't play.

[therealjoeblow]

Anyone know if there are any available hardware players that support matroska yet?

[SeeMoreDigital]

Anyone know if there are any available hardware players that support matroska yet?For dedicated stand-alone players, sadly not yet!

[Mtz]

Another thing to keep in mind when buying a DivX player is if it support:
- text subtitles. Some of them cannot play MicroDVD Subtitles.
- check your language code page in text subtitles. In east european countries, many of the players on the market are with western code page support.
- in the last time in Mediatek players I saw DTS analog output is removed. From my experience players with DSP: 08.xx.xx.xx. Them are using a new smaller MTT1389... E chipset.
I think this is the most bad thing made by Mediatek. I have a 1389GE player at home which support DTS, and I hope soon with a modified firmware, DVD-Audio.

Discussing about ESS vs. MTK, one great thing for ESS was the capability to load any subtitles. Now in some new unofficial firmwares for MTK you can play any subtitle regardless filename.

enjoy,
Mtz

[BigDid]

Hello mods, Bond?

Just quicly re-read the thread, it seems to me the guide is up-to-date and accurate.

Beside that it is user friendly and, as reported, may save a lot of time or problems to potential buyers. Exemple of discussion about SAP: http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=809299#post809299

If so can it be made sticky?
Y.T. any objections?
In advance, thanks.

Did

[SeeMoreDigital]

Beside that it is user friendly and, as reported, may save a lot of time or problems to potential buyers. Exemple of discussion about SAP: http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=809299#post809299

If so can it be made sticky?I guess it would not hurt ;)

Until that time arrives, there is a link to it in my sticky - I've just increased the text size too!


Cheers

[BigDid]

... there is a link to it in my sticky - I've just increased the text size too!..
Great job, thanks for your support.

Did

[BigDid]

This thread has been made sticky by Doom9.

On behalf of actual, potential and future standalone players(SAP) owners, I send him my full thanks and I extend them to the mods that have supported this demand.

Did

[SeeMoreDigital]

Hey that's great... thanks Doom9 ;)

[Y.T.]

Yeah thanks a lot Doom9! :thanks:

[siddharthagandhi]

why in the first page when you talk about Nero Digital you limit the conversation to the ASP codec?
What about the AVC codec (which in my opinion is the better benefit of Nero Digital)?

[SeeMoreDigital]

why in the first page when you talk about Nero Digital you limit the conversation to the ASP codec?
What about the AVC codec (which in my opinion is the better benefit of Nero Digital)?Probably because MPEG-4 AVC can't be played in stand-alones yet!

Also, lets not forget this thread was started in Aug 2005 ;)

[siddharthagandhi]

whoa it cant??? i thought all along those Nero Digital players that i saw were for the AVC and ASP but its only for ASP

thanks for the enlightenment :P

[Zach]

For the US market, the Oppo Digital (http://www.oppodigital.com/opdv971h.html) looks like an excellent choice. From all the information I have gathered so far, all three of the above can be highly recommended.
So it's now almost a year later, I'm looking to buy, so I was just wondering if this unit is still recommended, or has something better come along (which is available in the U.S.)?

[rectangular]

So it's now almost a year later, I'm looking to buy, so I was just wondering if this unit is still recommended, or has something better come along (which is available in the U.S.)?

http://www.buffalotech.com/products/product-detail.php?productid=96&categoryid=18

Buffalo’s High-Definition Wireless Media Player is one of the best looking new solutions for those of us laking the funds for a full blown Media Center PC. I do not own one, but I am seriously considering making a purchase. Who knows if there will be something coming out with more options than this in the near future, but that would be nice!

[masken]

doesn't even say what chipset there is in that player...

[SeeMoreDigital]

doesn't even say what chipset there is in that player...It's an Sigma EM8620L chip-set... And as far as I'm aware, it's the weakest player in its class!


Cheers

[CColtManM]

I'm in the same boat, and would like to know what the best player is currently on the market. Something new has to have been developed and knocked that OPPO off the top spot.

[thorz]

Thanks for this very useful thread. I have had a KISS DP-500 for 3 years and now it is busted. I am on the search for its replacement.

I have found the Sigmatek XM-400 Pro and a Pioneer DV-393-S (easiest to get) very cheap, almost for the same price. What I need is XVID with packed bitstream and idx/sub subs support as this is the common rule on the internet scene releases. Component out is a good thing for me too, but RGB is just fine. Both of these players support these features after what I have read but what I would really like is to go wireless and access shared files from my PC.

I was exited about the last KISS (DP600) but have read bad reports about it :( I don't need PVR as I am only looking for a playing solution.

Moded Xbox sounds cool but it is not the nicest thing to have on your living room and I have heard reports about the noise. I could consider it if there was possible to buy one already moded and ready to roll here in Europe, but all the info that I have found is outdated (most from 2004). There is also the question on how to make it go wireless.

I have heard that the Sony PS3 is supposed to be a Media Center too but have not read anything concrete.

Are these 2 players (the Sigmatek and the Pioneer) still top notch? I have found a Sigmatek XS-700 on the net too but have not found info about it.

Do you think it is better for me to get one of these stand alones and get a separate solution to stream content via wireless to my TV from my PC? I need support for AC3 sound, idx/sub subs and XVID packet bitstream too on this separate product if I am going to go this route.

I really appreciate your help here. Thank you very much.

[SeeMoreDigital]

I was exited about the last KISS (DP600) but have read bad reports about it :( I don't need PVR as I am only looking for a playing solution. Personally speaking I've been very happy with my high-definition network capable Zensonic Z500...

In-fact Zensonic are due to release a couple of new devices (the CS505 and the CS510) under the brand name Ziova....

Here's what the Ziova Clearstream CS505 (with DVD/CD drive) looks like: -

http://www.ziova.com/images/products/cs505_above.jpg


And here's what the Ziova Clearstream CS510 (without DVD/CD drive) looks like: -

http://www.ziova.com/images/products/cs510_front.jpg


Here's a link to Ziova's web site (http://www.ziova.com/index.php). And here's a link to where you can pre-order (http://www.mpcclub.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=10417) a player... should you feel the urge!


Cheers

[thorz]

Personally speaking I've been very happy with my high-definition network capable Zensonic Z500...

In-fact Zensonic are due to release a couple of new devices (the CS505 and the CS510) under the brand name Ziova....

Here's what the Ziova Clearstream CS505 (with DVD/CD drive) looks like: -

http://www.ziova.com/images/products/cs505_above.jpg


It looks impresive. How does it handles XVIDs with packed bitstream? I have got a Pioneer DV-393s that I can have to test for 30 days but it is dissapointing that the video stuters when NVOPs are present:

VIDEO STUTTERS:
Original (encoded using XVID with packed bitstream (NVOP)):
The "evil" tag "DivX503b1393p" is present under metadata when checking the file with GSpot..

VIDEO OK:
Modified (unpacked, (no NVOP)) with MPEG4 Modifier 1.4.2 http://www.moitah.net:

If the Zensonic players can handle perfectly XVID PB and VobSub idx/sub I am sold.

Can the CS505 be easily made region free?

Thanks a lot!

[thorz]

My Sigmatek XM-400 Pro, with the current official firmware, can handle any packed bitstream XviD thrown at it.

So the Sigmatek XM-400 Pro doesn't stutter with XVID-PB? This is my option if the Ziova doesn't deliver. Can it be easily made region free? Thanks for yur answers Y.T.

[SeeMoreDigital]

I'm currently testing and running "Beta" firmware versions on my Zensonic/Ziova player. So it's difficult to comment!

Given that the XviD encoder offers many different "profile" options, including AQ, VHQ selectivity options, and beta builds compiled by different people using different methods... Determining whether one persons B-VOP PBS encode will play on another persons player will require careful testing!

That said, the beta firmware I'm testing now does not display any stuttering when playing these "video only" samples: -

http://www.mytempdir.com/1057036 and http://www.mytempdir.com/1057076

How well do they play for you guys?

[thorz]

I will test these on the Pioneer DV-363s and will post the results. But it would be easier to spot the problem with video stutter or flicker with an scene with lots of horizontal camera panning. On my Pioneer it is difficult to spot it with static camera like the one that your samples use.

Is it true that these players don't support VobSub idx/sub subs with XVIDs?

Thanks.

[SeeMoreDigital]

Is it true that these players don't support VobSub idx/sub subs with XVIDs?No they don't if your sources are MPEG-4 AVI's, with external IDX/SUB streams.

However, if you re-mux the MPEG-4 stream together with the IDX/SUB stream into the MP4 container with AAC audio (using YAMB/MP4Box), the VOBsubs should work okay on all players/devices offering NeroDigital certification.


Cheers

[kurt]

I'm currently testing and running "Beta" firmware versions on my Zensonic/Ziova player. So it's difficult to comment!

Given that the XviD encoder offers many different "profile" options, including AQ, VHQ selectivity options, and beta builds compiled by different people using different methods... Determining whether one persons B-VOP PBS encode will play on another persons player will require careful testing!

That said, the beta firmware I'm testing now does not display any stuttering when playing these "video only" samples: -

http://www.mytempdir.com/1057036 and http://www.mytempdir.com/1057076

How well do they play for you guys?
Everything works fine here, no stuttering at all. My SAP: DK Digital DVD-339 (MediaTek MT1389xx Chip (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=646038#post646038))

[_ck_]

By the way, any chance these high-end divx players can handle 1920x1080 mpeg2? Or are the HD-DVD/Blu-Ray players the only game in town for that?

[SeeMoreDigital]

By the way, any chance these high-end divx players can handle 1920x1080 mpeg2? Or are the HD-DVD/Blu-Ray players the only game in town for that?There are plenty of players based around Sigma's EM8620L chip-set that can play 1920x1080 MPEG-2...

I have an Zensonic Z500... And it plays 1920x1080 MPEG-2 (and MPEG-4) just fine ;)

[Scott_]

I would like to thank the contributors of this post and the other guide-based post (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=91616). I was finally able to find a good MPEG-4 DVD player for my system after carefully perusing each post's contents. Yay! So what did I get? Well first I bought a Samsung HD-860. Big mistake! I think I got a buggy one. Anyway, took the HD-860 back and decided to go with a player using the MediaTek chip-set. This time it was a Pioneer DV-490V (http://www.pioneer.com.au/products/home_entertainment/DVD_Players/DV490V/index.html). Quite simply this is an absolute brilliant solution for my modest system! I've thrown absolutely every kind of media and format I have here at it and it's handled them with ease. Even DVD-R DL discs play perfectly, which is a feat I've never been able to reproduce on my old Toshiba SD-2810 nor buggy HD-860 (the one I took back). Very happy days! I can highly recommend this player for a good cheap solution (Australia). Thanks again to Doom9!

And I waited five days to post this. Ha!

[thorz]

Everything works fine here, no stuttering at all. My SAP: DK Digital DVD-339 (MediaTek MT1389xx Chip (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=646038#post646038))

Interesting, thanks a lot.

@Scott: I think I have read that this is the same DV-363 but with HDMI?
It is a very good player, if it was not for the XVID+PB issue it would have earned a 9 of 10 in my book. It earns an 8 as it is now.

[Scott_]

Thorz, I think they are the same. But what issue is it that you're talking about?

[thorz]

It stutters with XVID+PB videos. Is subtle, but you can easily see the issue in scenes with camera pan.

[Appu]

Thanks Y.T for this excellent post. I stumbled upn this post during my search to buy a standalone player which supports mosts of the formats. Most of my queries were answered now.

Some more questions though..

1) Does these players supports more than 2 B Frames in XVID?
2) What is the status of H.264 and VC1 support now?
3) What about the support for arbitary resolution?. Say I have an XVID Stream of resolution 416X400 and 1280x720. Is there any player which supports SD output ( 720x576 or 720x480 ) for these resolutions?

Appu.

[Ninjabrownie]

Hi,
great thread, I've picked up a lot from here and the doom9 alltogether. I'm looking for a standalone player that supports H.264 (x.264). It would be nice to be properly equiped for the future, besides it seems like a waste of money to buy anything else. Then again, I just started educating myself on the matter bout a week ago, so perhaps standalone players that support x.264 are either extremely expensive or simply non-existent?
The list of NeroDigital's collaborations with various manufacturers provided here (http://www.nero.com/nerodigital/eng/DVD_Player_Recorder.html) offers some interesting products. At least GOWELL Enterprises has a distinctive category for H.264 players right here (http://www.gowellent.net/ProductsWeb/DVB.htm).
It is not clear to me whether NeroDigital actually can playback files encoded with eg x.264. Does it??

I have been told that basically all new DVD players are capable of playing *.mp4 files encoded with x264 although I find that very hard to believe. Recently I ordered the Xoro HSD 8410, believing it could playback such files. Tech support clarified the mistake, no Xoro players are able to do so. Seems like I'll have to return it after 10 days of testing:D .

Next to DVD players (and home cinema systems, PC's) there are of course the nextgen gaming consoles. I assume the PS3 and Xbox 360 are able to handle the new codec. As for the Wii, I found this: Sonic+Nintendo=HD playback (http://www.sonic.com/about/press/news/2006/11/nintendo.aspx). Very interesting. I was supposed to get one within 2 weeks, now I think I'll wait another 6-10 months...

Anyhow, I would very much appreciate if someone who has more insight joins in to bring this thread back to life.
:thanks: in advance

[DewAsmara]

Hi,
great thread, I've picked up a lot from here and the doom9 alltogether. I'm looking for a standalone player that supports H.264 (x.264).

All Sigma HD chipset player support H264/X264/VC1 already, there is Zensonic, Snazzio and many other brand. I have been test at DivX HD 720p, WMVHD 720p and many other format. But I really do waiting for Pioneer or Panasonic even JVC to launch Micro HiFi DVD Home Theater that can play such format. No need HDMI for material HD, component is fine, but pretty bad none of those big brand give what we need. Not because I don't like Snazzio or others, but that kinda player too much complete for me, as I really want only to play that material on DVD Disc not streaming it through Wifi or LAN.

[SeeMoreDigital]

All Sigma HD chipset player support H264/X264/VC1 already, there is Zensonic, Snazzio and many other brand.... No, no, no, no, no!

None of these players support MPEG-4 Part-10 (ie: AVC/H.264/x264) or VC-1 (high profile). Sigma's EM8620L chip-set does not support these formats. Only Sigma's EM8622/3L, EM8624/5L and EM8628/9L chip-sets do.... And they are not available yet!

[pd]

three good candidates: the Kiss DP-1600 the elta 8882 and the OPPO DV-981HD 1080p High Definition Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI <-- my personal favorite:)

[hgoku]

Hi

Can anyone recommend me a really good dvd player which plays xvid files and possibly ogm files. I live in the UK and the sigmatek xm-400 and the pioneers are not available anywhere in the UK, so i'm looking for some other ones, however I have got no idea which ones are good and which ones are not. The only decent ones I have come across on divx-compare are 2 PEEKTON ones. The PEEKTON PK6006N and PK6005-MK2 Black LE but these are not available in UK either as they are old. Are there any good recent ones out there which will not die on me.

[kitsaros2000]

Where can i find nowdays an decent idx/sub capable player ? The article is rather old. Peekton players are hard to find.
Sigmatek
XS-700 Pro
XS-520 Pro support vobsubs ?

[azzoti]

Got this a week ago and it has played everything (20+) Divx Mpeg4 I have thrown at it. (I now use AcidRip with -ffourcc DIVX option which tricks hardware players into thinking that its DIVX.) A couple of my older (gordian?) backup rips will not fast forward or rewind but will play and pause.
Live TV pause and all recording superb.
Plays DivX/Mpeg4 straight from USB powered FAT32 hard disk.
Five stars.
Replaced my sigmatek 400 dvd player which broke after 18 months.