zmaj
11-10-2004, 12:08 PM
Ok guys, this is my first post so here it goes...
Bought XMS-888 after detailed testing in the stratfield store.
In the store everything that I ever wanted played back no problem, so I grabbed a new unit out of the box and took it home only to discover that it doesn't work as well as the display unit. So what was the problem?
New units out the box have firmware:
EM311D20D4A
They basically play everything except that some DivX311 and XviD files don't playback audio. Besides being a bit slow at times.
The display unit has a firmware:
DF002B
This is the latest firmware and it kicks! It is fast and it does it all.
So, for the people that questioned what to do... for those that are stuck with the EM311D20D4A just upgrade to the DF002A which is the best you can do and see if it plays more of the stuff you wanted. Until the DF002B gets publicly released.
-----------------
Outputs... VGA
The unit hasn't got the VGA output which is something I really wanted. Not a problem, get a screwdriwer out and get to work. After popping the lid, take the screws out that hold the main controller pcb. Underneath you will find that all the header pin connections are labeled (very nice and handy). The header next to the component out has all you need. (VSY,HSY,GND,G,R,B) Write the location on the paper and screw the board back. Google the VGA output pin description. (1=R; 2=G; 3=B; 5,6,7,8,10=GND; 13=HSY; 14=VSY) Make a cable that connects the female 15 pin D connector to the header on the board and that is it! Now, one more thing... when using the VGA output the output has to be configured as a RGB in the menu otherwise the colours will not be right.
There are other outputs that others might require like the Karaoke stuff. It is all there just needs hooking up. If you inspect closely the front pannel next to the power supply has got all the provisions for the pots and 6mm mike sockets. Meaning that the enclosure and the front pannel is standard fitting and probably there is a rebage somewhere with exactly the same stuff decked fully out.
It makes you wander why wasn't it all done by default... Well cutting costs. I got my unit for $140 with some bargining.
My only complaint is the the fact that the CD tray doesn't come out far enough, and the reason for this is probably because the older version had those red LEDs in front so the drive mechanism couldn't be moved any further forward. I will be drilling my case (4 holes) and moving the mechanism over as soon as I get some time.
Overall, this unit is exactly what "doctor ordered"! I use it on my projector and picture is absolutely fine. Slight comment though is that when VGA output is used the white colour is not definitely white but slightly pinky. But this could be my projector playing tricks.
Finally one thing that I did notice while playing a Xvid file was that the audio stutters when ever it is full music sound but with speech is absolutely fine.
Overall, 9/10 but it certainly solved my problem of having to use a PC to playback all my video collection.
Would I buy this again if I had a choice? Yes but make sure it has firmware revision DF002B. Easy to check press: SETUP, STOP, |<<, >>|. This is also where you change the region to 0 for all region DVD playback!
Enjoy!
Bought XMS-888 after detailed testing in the stratfield store.
In the store everything that I ever wanted played back no problem, so I grabbed a new unit out of the box and took it home only to discover that it doesn't work as well as the display unit. So what was the problem?
New units out the box have firmware:
EM311D20D4A
They basically play everything except that some DivX311 and XviD files don't playback audio. Besides being a bit slow at times.
The display unit has a firmware:
DF002B
This is the latest firmware and it kicks! It is fast and it does it all.
So, for the people that questioned what to do... for those that are stuck with the EM311D20D4A just upgrade to the DF002A which is the best you can do and see if it plays more of the stuff you wanted. Until the DF002B gets publicly released.
-----------------
Outputs... VGA
The unit hasn't got the VGA output which is something I really wanted. Not a problem, get a screwdriwer out and get to work. After popping the lid, take the screws out that hold the main controller pcb. Underneath you will find that all the header pin connections are labeled (very nice and handy). The header next to the component out has all you need. (VSY,HSY,GND,G,R,B) Write the location on the paper and screw the board back. Google the VGA output pin description. (1=R; 2=G; 3=B; 5,6,7,8,10=GND; 13=HSY; 14=VSY) Make a cable that connects the female 15 pin D connector to the header on the board and that is it! Now, one more thing... when using the VGA output the output has to be configured as a RGB in the menu otherwise the colours will not be right.
There are other outputs that others might require like the Karaoke stuff. It is all there just needs hooking up. If you inspect closely the front pannel next to the power supply has got all the provisions for the pots and 6mm mike sockets. Meaning that the enclosure and the front pannel is standard fitting and probably there is a rebage somewhere with exactly the same stuff decked fully out.
It makes you wander why wasn't it all done by default... Well cutting costs. I got my unit for $140 with some bargining.
My only complaint is the the fact that the CD tray doesn't come out far enough, and the reason for this is probably because the older version had those red LEDs in front so the drive mechanism couldn't be moved any further forward. I will be drilling my case (4 holes) and moving the mechanism over as soon as I get some time.
Overall, this unit is exactly what "doctor ordered"! I use it on my projector and picture is absolutely fine. Slight comment though is that when VGA output is used the white colour is not definitely white but slightly pinky. But this could be my projector playing tricks.
Finally one thing that I did notice while playing a Xvid file was that the audio stutters when ever it is full music sound but with speech is absolutely fine.
Overall, 9/10 but it certainly solved my problem of having to use a PC to playback all my video collection.
Would I buy this again if I had a choice? Yes but make sure it has firmware revision DF002B. Easy to check press: SETUP, STOP, |<<, >>|. This is also where you change the region to 0 for all region DVD playback!
Enjoy!