Pioneer DV-676A: delay loading discs?

[Adam D]

I've just gone out and bought myself a Pioneer DV-676A DVD player (the model
that plays DivX, etc), to replace my now ageing Pioneer DV-533K.

The 676A seems to work fine, except that it takes forever to load certain
DVDs. For example, once I insert the Star Wars Ep. II DVD, it displays
"loading" for over 70 seconds before it recognises the disc as DVD-Video.
The disc isn't scratched, and other drives load it up quickly. My Ep. II
disc is the worst offender, but some others (eg The Matrix) might take 30
seconds or so. I guess the average time is around 10 seconds.

Each individual disc will take the same amount of time to be recognised, no
matter how many times I insert it, which doesn't seem to indicate the player
is having trouble actually reading the disc content. I'm wondering whether
the drive (which can handle DivX, mp3, wma, and jpeg files in addition to
DVD Video/Audio/SACD) simply has to scan the entire contents of the disc
before determining what it is, hence the delay loading some discs?

Has anybody else noticed this problem? I haven't yet encountered a DVD from
my collection that has refused to play (eventually), so I'm reluctant to
return the player as faulty. But if Star Wars Ep. II loads up fast for
others with a 676A, let me know, and I'll take mine back.

Cheers,

Adam

(Remove the "no-spam-" if replying directly)

[Fishbee]

I don't have your pioneer but my standalone Divx player have the
same problem - it takes ages to load any disc plus the stupid eject
button will not work until it detects there is no disc. My player reads
everything your pioneer reads except the SACD layer of a SACD disc
( it will read the CD layer).

Fishbee
"Adam D" <adamday@no-spam-newave.net.au> wrote in message
news:415e7426$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> I've just gone out and bought myself a Pioneer DV-676A DVD player (the
> model
> that plays DivX, etc), to replace my now ageing Pioneer DV-533K.
>
> The 676A seems to work fine, except that it takes forever to load certain
> DVDs. For example, once I insert the Star Wars Ep. II DVD, it displays
> "loading" for over 70 seconds before it recognises the disc as DVD-Video.
> The disc isn't scratched, and other drives load it up quickly. My Ep. II
> disc is the worst offender, but some others (eg The Matrix) might take 30
> seconds or so. I guess the average time is around 10 seconds.
>
> Each individual disc will take the same amount of time to be recognised,
> no
> matter how many times I insert it, which doesn't seem to indicate the
> player
> is having trouble actually reading the disc content. I'm wondering whether
> the drive (which can handle DivX, mp3, wma, and jpeg files in addition to
> DVD Video/Audio/SACD) simply has to scan the entire contents of the disc
> before determining what it is, hence the delay loading some discs?
>
> Has anybody else noticed this problem? I haven't yet encountered a DVD
> from
> my collection that has refused to play (eventually), so I'm reluctant to
> return the player as faulty. But if Star Wars Ep. II loads up fast for
> others with a 676A, let me know, and I'll take mine back.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Adam
>
> (Remove the "no-spam-" if replying directly)
>
>

[Michael]

It's endemic to this particular player, by the looks. I noticed it loaded a
little slower, even turning the machine on, than my previous Pioneer, a
DV-535. I hadn't tried EPII though, and you're right, it takes ages. The
new 'Star Wars' discs just released don't exhibit the same problem, nor does
'Finding Nemo', 'Fifth Element:SB', 'Return of the King': these were just
discs I trialled when I got it. A disc of divx/xvid takes a bit longer than
a normal DVD, but nothing like a minute. Maybe it's to do with EPII's
different menu each time you load novelty?

"Adam D" <adamday@no-spam-newave.net.au> wrote in message
news:415e7426$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> I've just gone out and bought myself a Pioneer DV-676A DVD player (the
> model
> that plays DivX, etc), to replace my now ageing Pioneer DV-533K.
>
> The 676A seems to work fine, except that it takes forever to load certain
> DVDs. For example, once I insert the Star Wars Ep. II DVD, it displays
> "loading" for over 70 seconds before it recognises the disc as DVD-Video.

[Adam D]

"scalpel" <scalpel.1dhzi3@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
news:scalpel.1dhzi3@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
> Apart from the problems you are having, what is the quality of the unit
> like? Build, picture etc.

With regard to build quality, the best I can say is that it's a typical
Pioneer. The front panel switches feel extremely similar to those of my
533K. And I can't pick any difference with regard to picture quality (using
component cables on a non-progressive capable 4:3 68cm tv) or sound quality,
but then I didn't expect to either.

One major difference is the noise from the drive mechanism - you can quite
clearly hear a disc being spun up as it's inserted, which I'm not used to.
It sounds very similar to my Pioneer PC DVD-RW drive. Perhaps the playback
of DivX content requires a faster spin, hence a faster and noisier
mechanism? It's fine once the DVD is running, but the initial read is loud.

> Have you thought about talking to pioneer - in the past I was able to
> talk directly to a technician - which was quite helpful. It seems very
> odd to have such long load times. Are all the discs originals that
> cause the problems - I notice that my Denon Dvd player has trouble
> reading some brands of dvd -r discs (particularly el cheapo ones) - it
> will eventually read them though, after a looong read time.

Yes, the DVD-Video discs I tried were all purchased originals. I have lodged
a support request on the Pioneer website; if I'm not satisfied with the
response I get, I'll request the contact details of someone with technical
knowledge of the player, because I have to say, 70 seconds to load a DVD is
poor. Hopefully the Ep.II is a one-off problem with this player (shame it
was the first disc I tried).

Interestingly, the CD-R mp3 discs and CD-R and DVD-R DivX discs I tried all
loaded up within 10-15 seconds or thereabouts.

> I have been thinking about buying one of these players (as a
> progressive scan player) to replace my old pioneer player that went to
> heaven.

If you don't expect the quality of a big-dollar unit, then you won't be
disappointed. As far as I'm concerned, it's an absolute bargain for what it
does, but it's a bit rough around the edges. For $249, that's
understandable. I paid $650 for my 533K in 2000, and have been entirely
happy with it; for less than half that outlay and all the extra features,
I'm presently satisfied, even given the loading times (assuming it will be
an infrequent inconvenience).

Adam

[Adam D]

"Michael" <quadhammerNO@SPICEDHAM@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:415ea08c$0$29780$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.a u...
> It's endemic to this particular player, by the looks. I noticed it loaded
a
> little slower, even turning the machine on, than my previous Pioneer, a
> DV-535. I hadn't tried EPII though, and you're right, it takes ages.

So yours takes a minute or so too? Well, that rules out my taking mine back
and exchanging it. I wonder if there is a way around it with new firmware
that may become available in future?

> The
> new 'Star Wars' discs just released don't exhibit the same problem, nor
does
> 'Finding Nemo', 'Fifth Element:SB', 'Return of the King': these were just
> discs I trialled when I got it. A disc of divx/xvid takes a bit longer
than
> a normal DVD, but nothing like a minute. Maybe it's to do with EPII's
> different menu each time you load novelty?

Well, Episode I only takes 15 seconds or so, and it has the same menu design
as Ep.II, so I'd say the issue's not related. I'm guessing it may have to do
with the disc containing a large number of files that the player needs to
scan for DivX, mp3, wma, and jpeg content before it auto-starts playback.

The DivX discs I've tried also took a little longer than the average DVD,
but nothing too bad. I have noticed that the player often takes quite a
while moving between titles (different DivX videos) on a single disc though.

Adam


>
> "Adam D" <adamday@no-spam-newave.net.au> wrote in message
> news:415e7426$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> > I've just gone out and bought myself a Pioneer DV-676A DVD player (the
> > model
> > that plays DivX, etc), to replace my now ageing Pioneer DV-533K.
> >
> > The 676A seems to work fine, except that it takes forever to load
certain
> > DVDs. For example, once I insert the Star Wars Ep. II DVD, it displays
> > "loading" for over 70 seconds before it recognises the disc as
DVD-Video.
>
>

[trekkie]

My DV-676A takes 67 seconds to load EPII vs 13 seconds for my Pioneer DV-344. Its not a big problem for me as I usually load my DVD in a few minutes before I turn the rest of my system on. I hate wasting my time watching copyright warnings and other BS. My biggest issue with this player is that it takes 5 seconds to open the tray after you push the eject button (when the unit is off). My DV-344 takes only 1 second.

[rider007]

I have noticed this problem to.Takes about 1 minute to load Ep 2.Also slow
to start up which is around 8 seconds before anything shows on the display.I
wonder if a firmware upgrade may be able to fix it in the future. Apart from
this niggle it is a great player for the price.
"Adam D" <adamday@no-spam-newave.net.au> wrote in message
news:415ed8e2@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> "Michael" <quadhammerNO@SPICEDHAM@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:415ea08c$0$29780$afc38c87@news.optusnet.com.a u...
>> It's endemic to this particular player, by the looks. I noticed it
>> loaded
> a
>> little slower, even turning the machine on, than my previous Pioneer, a
>> DV-535. I hadn't tried EPII though, and you're right, it takes ages.
>
> So yours takes a minute or so too? Well, that rules out my taking mine
> back
> and exchanging it. I wonder if there is a way around it with new firmware
> that may become available in future?
>
>> The
>> new 'Star Wars' discs just released don't exhibit the same problem, nor
> does
>> 'Finding Nemo', 'Fifth Element:SB', 'Return of the King': these were just
>> discs I trialled when I got it. A disc of divx/xvid takes a bit longer
> than
>> a normal DVD, but nothing like a minute. Maybe it's to do with EPII's
>> different menu each time you load novelty?
>
> Well, Episode I only takes 15 seconds or so, and it has the same menu
> design
> as Ep.II, so I'd say the issue's not related. I'm guessing it may have to
> do
> with the disc containing a large number of files that the player needs to
> scan for DivX, mp3, wma, and jpeg content before it auto-starts playback.
>
> The DivX discs I've tried also took a little longer than the average DVD,
> but nothing too bad. I have noticed that the player often takes quite a
> while moving between titles (different DivX videos) on a single disc
> though.
>
> Adam
>
>
>>
>> "Adam D" <adamday@no-spam-newave.net.au> wrote in message
>> news:415e7426$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
>> > I've just gone out and bought myself a Pioneer DV-676A DVD player (the
>> > model
>> > that plays DivX, etc), to replace my now ageing Pioneer DV-533K.
>> >
>> > The 676A seems to work fine, except that it takes forever to load
> certain
>> > DVDs. For example, once I insert the Star Wars Ep. II DVD, it displays
>> > "loading" for over 70 seconds before it recognises the disc as
> DVD-Video.
>>
>>
>
>

[Simon Howson]

"Adam D" <adamday@no-spam-newave.net.au> wrote in message
news:415e7426$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> I've just gone out and bought myself a Pioneer DV-676A DVD player (the
model
> that plays DivX, etc), to replace my now ageing Pioneer DV-533K.

Is this player region free out of the box?

Simon Howson

[trekkie]

My DV-676A was region-free out of the box.

[Michael]

Yup.

"Simon Howson" <simonhowson@NOSPAMyahoo.com.au> wrote in message
news:6NR7d.12777$5O5.9546@news-server.bigpond.net.au...
> Is this player region free out of the box?

[Steve Batt]

"Adam D" <adamday@no-spam-newave.net.au> wrote in message
news:415e7426$1@duster.adelaide.on.net...
> I've just gone out and bought myself a Pioneer DV-676A DVD player (the
model
> that plays DivX, etc), to replace my now ageing Pioneer DV-533K.
>
> The 676A seems to work fine, except that it takes forever to load certain
> DVDs. For example, once I insert the Star Wars Ep. II DVD, it displays
> "loading" for over 70 seconds before it recognises the disc as DVD-Video.
> The disc isn't scratched, and other drives load it up quickly. My Ep. II
> disc is the worst offender, but some others (eg The Matrix) might take 30
> seconds or so. I guess the average time is around 10 seconds.
>
> Each individual disc will take the same amount of time to be recognised,
no
> matter how many times I insert it, which doesn't seem to indicate the
player
> is having trouble actually reading the disc content. I'm wondering whether
> the drive (which can handle DivX, mp3, wma, and jpeg files in addition to
> DVD Video/Audio/SACD) simply has to scan the entire contents of the disc
> before determining what it is, hence the delay loading some discs?
>
> Has anybody else noticed this problem? I haven't yet encountered a DVD
from
> my collection that has refused to play (eventually), so I'm reluctant to
> return the player as faulty. But if Star Wars Ep. II loads up fast for
> others with a 676A, let me know, and I'll take mine back.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Adam
>
> (Remove the "no-spam-" if replying directly)
>
>
I was just thinking that you guys must lead real busy lives if you are
worried about less than 2 minutes :)
Is the Pioneer unit better than the zensonic z330 I am thinking of getting ?


Steve

[Jeßus]

On Monday 04 October 2004 11:20, Steve Batt [ battsteven@bp.net ] wrote:


> Is the Pioneer unit better than the zensonic z330 I am thinking of getting

The Pioneer is much much better.

--
Jeßus

[Ian Galbraith]

On Mon, 04 Oct 2004 01:20:26 GMT, "Steve Batt" <battsteven@bp.net>
wrote:

[snip]

>I was just thinking that you guys must lead real busy lives if you are
>worried about less than 2 minutes :)

Come on, 2 minutes to simply recognize the disc is a long time.

[snip]

[scalpel]

Quote "I was just thinking that you guys must lead real busy lives if you are
worried about less than 2 minutes"

You obviously dont have a two year old who wants different DVDs all the time. I would find that sort of delay enough to not buy this player, which is a pity. There is enough waiting time with all the menus / intros etc on a DVD without adding another 2 minutes.

I guess I could just never buy Ep II.

[Steve Batt]

"scalpel" <scalpel.1dl8mc@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au> wrote in message
news:scalpel.1dl8mc@no-mx.forums.eyo.com.au...
>
> Quote "I was just thinking that you guys must lead real busy lives if
> you are
> worried about less than 2 minutes"
>
> You obviously dont have a two year old who wants different DVDs all the
> time. I would find that sort of delay enough to not buy this player,
> which is a pity. There is enough waiting time with all the menus /
> intros etc on a DVD without adding another 2 minutes.
>
> I guess I could just never buy Ep II.

Ahh, children .... Been there done that, all grown up and left home


Steve

[Gadgets]

Thanks for the detailed comparison Adam, I'm also thinking of moving from
the 533... just wondering how it compares for layer changes?
I know some players cache playback more and have almost no visible pause,
but the 533 has a clear half-second-ish pause...

Cheers, Jason (remove ... to reply)
Video & Gaming: http://gadgetaus.com