Prices dropping on the 610. Thinking preparation for the new model lines underway like the DV420 that's coming. Anyone have the 610 to comment on it as compared to the 410?

Are the 610's that rare? That would make one stop and ponder why as in maybe not buy one regardless of price......

Hkan said if the price was basically the same as a 410 that the 610 is a great player for that price. So I pulled the trigger on one last night.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RO61DO

Shipped by Amazon with my Prime account, no shipping costs, just a bit over 100 bucks.

Now I'll have to f/u with sending Hkan a donation for his 610 firmware....

;)

Hkan's stuff on the 610:

http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/dv610.php

HKan's firmware works perfectly. My dtr. spent the summer in India and brought back some India disk. They play just fine regardless of their region code. Heartily recommended.....

Tried the whopping 2 sacd's I own last night. Sounds great. My Denon 3808 reads the dsd input on HDMI just fine. This just may be a sleeper of a deal....

Price is even a bit lower now on Amazon!

:)

Picked up a multi-channel dsd sacd to add to my growing collection. Now it is a whopping three disk. But the new disk is a multi-channel sacd where the other two are labeled hybrid/sacd but not multi-channel.

Wanted to test the 610 with HKan's firmware and a known test disk.

Did not play multi-channel via hdmi with dsd set to on nor with setting at Auto for HDMI out. My Denon did pick up the DSD signal just fine. Said it was 2/0/0 dsd.

I set the DV-610 to LPCM 5.1 out hdmi and the Denon recognized it as multi-channel in pcm. Sounded good. But that still didn't seem right to me as dsd auto with a multi-channel disk should trigger the Denon to multi-channel in. That's the whole point of "Auto".

So I reset the HDMI Out back to Auto(DSD) and the multi-channel worked. Denon very happy to be receiving the DSD via hdmi and it in Auto mode senses multi-channel in direct dsd. The way it is suppose to.

If any of the many folks who have looked at this thread picked up a 610, just wanted to let you know. DSD Multichannel worked for me. Not sure if by going to LPCM 5.1 out for HDMI turned on a flag, changed a setting, something for the DV610 internally but once I did that, Auto(DSD) works now just fine.

Sounds great too by the way. Its a Celtic SACD Multi-channel. Sounds like I'm sitting in the middle of a live band over my 7.1 system. Even though its 5.1 dsd sacd multi-channel.

Jim

Looks like HKan is going to be releasing yet another updated firmware for the 610. "Soon" is now listed in the firmware section.....

Nice.

Also looks like some of these are still available on Amazon for just over 100 bucks. Loving mine and the sacd playback is stunning.

Also got to the bottom of why the sacd was not sending multi-channel dsd out to my Denon. One of those simple things. I was wrong about my "maybe it is this" conjectures. The DV610 will not send out sacd/dvd-a over HDMI if video resolution set to 480i via hdmi. 480p works fine. So now my 610 sends out 480p via hdmi to my Denon, my Denon 3808 upscales-upconverts the video. DVD-A/SACD work as expected with my Denon in dsd mode sensing and reproducing multi-channel audio.

Looks like HKan is going to be releasing yet another updated firmware for the 610. "Soon" is now listed in the firmware section.....

That's great news! Hopefully a new 410 firmware is also on the way.

V 2.0 for the 610 changed from Soon to Testing.....

http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/dv610.php?player=DV-610AV&question=Firmwares

marl....

My understanding is as Pioneer releases a product with a new firmwware AND Hkan obtains a copy of the new firmware, that's when we see brand new as in new fully numbered releases. Tweaks are the .1, .2, etc. New base firmwares are the 1.x, 2.x, etc.

Given this is a 2, I'm guessing this is a new base firmware. Point is if the 410 is released by Pioneer with a new base firmware and HKAN can get a copy, you'd probably see a new full number version for the 410.

HKan doesn't write a brand new firmware. He tweaks the base firmware.

And he deserves our support via PayPal. Hey, had to throw that in.... :)

marl....
Point is if the 410 is released by Pioneer with a new base firmware and HKAN can get a copy, you'd probably see a new full number version for the 410.

He already has a newer original 410 firmware (YJB8A13A) ;)
Anyway, I currently use the 610 (StM 1.41) firmware on my 410 player and it works great. The only downside is that with 610 firmware the analog audio out does not work (I don't care because I only use HDMI).

Kwel. Since I sold my 410's to help pay for the 610 I've lost track of 410 firmwares.

I can't believe what a value the 610 is at $115/120. Just amazing pq, sacd is fun. It really is just fun to listen to. Picked up Mood Blues Days of Future Past and the dudes and the orchestra are over my listening stage. I have no clue as to why anyone says it doesn't sound good.

marl....

My understanding is as Pioneer releases a product with a new firmwware AND Hkan obtains a copy of the new firmware, that's when we see brand new as in new fully numbered releases. Tweaks are the .1, .2, etc. New base firmwares are the 1.x, 2.x, etc.

Given this is a 2, I'm guessing this is a new base firmware. Point is if the 410 is released by Pioneer with a new base firmware and HKAN can get a copy, you'd probably see a new full number version for the 410.

HKan doesn't write a brand new firmware. He tweaks the base firmware.

And he deserves our support via PayPal. Hey, had to throw that in.... :)

I'm with you on that one!

So dvd-a, sacd, 480i via hdmi capable (except won't do sacd at 480i), hdmi and component video out at same time, multi-regional out of the box by design, divx pro, all for just over 100 bucks.

Pretty good deal hey?

I used the company that is fulfilled by Amazon just to be on the safe side which meant no shipping cost either as it was Prime Shipping.

It is the workhorse for my SD-DVD and TV Shows on DVD player. Keeps hours off my blu-ray unit.

StM v2.0 (Swedish version) is out - http://www.pioneerfaq.info/dv610.php?player=DV-610AV&fraga=Firmwares.

If its CP1252 its more than just Swedish.

I installed it. The VFD front panel messages are now in Swedish.

I installed it. The VFD front panel messages are now in Swedish.

CP125X is refering to the available character sets when using the file browser. For example, CP1252 supports the displaying of English, French, and Spanish file names. If you want English as the default operating language, you must use the firmware on the English section of pioneerfaq.info. Hakan's English version of YJC8919A is on its way in the near future.

The firmware's support more than one language. If HKan released a Swedish only version for testing, that is up to him and he may have done so. On the d/l page however if the firmwares list more than one language and after installing that particular firmware you can select any of the listed languages in the setup menu. The version I am currently using while displaying English, I could select any number of different languages including Swedish and my choice would be displayed.

Don't over complicate the different versions. It really is straight forward.

Did you check in setup to see if English can be re-selected?

If you want English as the default operating language, you must use the firmware on the English section of pioneerfaq.info
Yeah, I know. I just was too impatient and used the fw from the Swedish section of the site. It will do for now.

The firmware's support more than one language. If HKan released a Swedish only version for testing, that is up to him and he may have done so. On the d/l page however if the firmwares list more than one language and after installing that particular firmware you can select any of the listed languages in the setup menu. The version I am currently using while displaying English, I could select any number of different languages including Swedish and my choice would be displayed.

Don't over complicate the different versions. It really is straight forward.

Did you check in setup to see if English can be re-selected?

You might have a hard time using your player, and not be able to navigate the setup menus.

U can also just reload a previous version.

Yeah, I know. I just was too impatient and used the fw from the Swedish section of the site. It will do for now.

But if you're having trouble using the player, all you have to do is go back to one of the English firmwares for now.

Although this might be the time to find that Swedish girlfriend.... :)

I got a player that Hakan can't work on at this time, the DV-800AV/LX50/58AV. I plan on getting HDMI stuff, but if my family's 10&1/2-year-old Magnovox 27" CRT doesn't die soon, that could be years down the road. So I needed something with good analog audio/video sections. Now I wish I had gotten a DV-49AV and waited to play SACDs on it until I got a receiver that could play unconverted DSD! That way, I could have enjoyed extra features like 0 IRE black level and switchable NTSC/Pal/AUTO. I should have used my head and realize that in this point in my life, I watch movies more than listen to music. On a more positive note, at least I'm getting good audio out of my movies.

Did you check in setup to see if English can be re-selected?
The setup menus are in English, just the front panel messages like "OPEN", "NO DISC", etc. are now in Swedish :) No big deal.

I made a special Swedish Swedish version that has been released at the Swedish section of PioneerFAQ.
This version is showing swedish on the front panel!

It's a CP1252 version!

Ah, det gir mening.

Information coming on V 2.0 of HKan's firmware.

V2.0
- Based on new original firmware, YJC8919.
- Show all chars in USB mode.
(- Long file names in USB(request only))
- DivX subtitles as in original firmware.

My understanding is long file names for USB can then impact reading or displaying jpg files. To avoid conflicts with jpg's, the default for V 2.0 is to not use long file names. But if you never look at jpg's through your 610 and any issues with jpg is therefore irrelevant, you can request long file names for USB.

If you go to the English firmware page of Pioneerfaq.info, notice under the DV-610AV under where it says 2.0, it says "!!Contributors?" Maybe this means Hakan is having trouble keeping the site running himself and needs our support via PayPal. Such donations would be e-mailed to support@pioneerfaq.info. I know that if you wish to download a service manual, once you donate, he sends you an e-mail with a link for you to download the service manual. Maybe once you donate and request the English edition of version 2.0 of the DV-610AV firmware, he'll e-mail you with a link to your requested firmware file. Considering the popularity of the DV-610AV and DV-49AV, it might be just what he needs to keep the site going!

Hmm Is the pq noticeably better on the 610 or is it exactly the same as the 410?

Hmm Is the pq noticeably better on the 610 or is it exactly the same as the 410?

It's the same. The 610 adds CD-to-USB recording and DVD-A/SACD compatibility. For that little cost difference, I'd rather get the 610. Actually, the 610 isn't a US product. So you won't get Pioneer warranty benifits. If you live in the US, I'd just get the Pioneer Elite DV-49AV, install Hakan's firmware on it, and if you need warranty repairs done on it, just reinstall the factory firmware from Hakan's site.

For what you can purchase a 610 for the warranty is a small issue. Its multi-regional out of the box by design. DIVX Pro, etc.

The Meditek chipset in the 610 is not the same as in the 410 by the way. 610 a bit better.

610:

http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/dv610.php?player=DV-610AV&question=Chip

410:

http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/dv410.php?player=DV-410V&question=Chip

The 610 is not the 410 with a few more features. Their "guts" are different.

For what you can purchase a 610 for the warranty is a small issue. Its multi-regional out of the box by design. DIVX Pro, etc.

The Meditek chipset in the 610 is not the same as in the 410 by the way. 610 a bit better.

610:

http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/dv610.php?player=DV-610AV&question=Chip

410:

http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/dv410.php?player=DV-410V&question=Chip

The 610 is not the 410 with a few more features. Their "guts" are different.

To repair an out-of-warranty player can sometimes cost as much, or more than a whole new player. Also, I read Braille, use screen readers, and use electronic screen magnification. Therefore, I wouldn't be good with a soldering iron. So don't ask me to fix your player--LOL! However, if I touch my forehead to a TV, and a player is converting from Pal-to-NTSC during movie credits, I can tell whether a MediaTek or cheep Zoran is being used. Sometimes, during film credits, I can tell the difference between interlaced and progressive. With a black level of 0 IRE, I get better contrast than at 7.5 IRE.

"cost as much, or more than a whole new player."

Yep. And in today's market and prices for sd-dvd players, even the cost of shipping becomes more than its worth.

Warranty issues for a player like the DV610 in my humble opinion at its price point are irrelevant. In my humble opinion.....

Are the front pannels of the 49AV and 610AV identical as far as button layout? If the model numbers were to be scraped off, would you think you had two of the same player if you placed them side by side, especially if you had the 610 in black instead of silver?

Have not seen a 49AV yet. Next time I'm in the stereo place I'll look at one. It would be more surprising if the two models were not similar than if they were....

Have not seen a 49AV yet. Next time I'm in the stereo place I'll look at one. It would be more surprising if the two models were not similar than if they were....

I'm sure there are pictures of the DV-49AV at http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/Blu-rayDisc+DVD/EliteDVDPlayers/ci.DV-49AV.Kuro.

And there are pictures of the 610 as well. Is there a reason you can't look at both on our own?

Anyway I looked at the 49AV, looks just like my 610.

And there are pictures of the 610 as well. Is there a reason you can't look at both on our own?

Anyway I looked at the 49AV, looks just like my 610.

I thought I told you guys that I have a sight condition. I guess it didn't register yet. Anyway ... After checking the manuals to the DV-696AV, DV-600AV, and DV-610AV, and then the DV-46AV, DV-48AV, and DV-49AV, I noticed the instructions are the same except the US models don't have Scart output and switchable AUTO/Pal/NTSC unless you install Hakan's firmware on them. If the DV-49AV looks just like the 610AV, that proves my theory that since 2006, Pioneer USA has decided to sell their budget universal players as Elite models, doubling the MSRP. Regardless, I still love Pioneer budget players for their durability and build quality. I just don't think it's fare to pay double for features if there's nothing to be gained from it. For the record, I think one of the best deals in history was the Pioneer DV-563A budget universal player because it converted DSD straight to analog without PCM conversion, passed blacker-than-black/below black, and could be made multi-region via IR without a firmware upgrade, all for just $249! Those were the days! Huh?

I picked up the 610 that does all that stuff for 124 including shipping.

The 610 converts DSD to PCM if you use its analog outs. The only way you could get pure DSD with it is by connecting it to certain receivers via HDMI. Also, it requires Hakan's firmware to make it multi-region, multi-system, and able to pass blacker-than-black/below-black. However, Pioneer's newer budget players beat the 563 because of the MediaTek decoder which provides better Pal-to-NTSC conversion and no noticeable layer change. It would have been cool if Pioneer had stuck with the DSD-compatible Burr-Brown DSD1791 and DSD1702 DACs, instead of the PCM1742 ones that can only accept PCM, requiring a DSD-to-PCM conversion. If you want the combination of MediaTek video performance and DSD analog audio for SACD playback, then you'll have to see if you can get a DV-800AV/LX50/58AV and hope that someday, Hakan gets one and adds switchable AUTO/Pal/NTSC video output and switchable 0-IRE/7.5-IRE black level in order to allow BTB.

"pure DSD with it is by connecting it to certain receivers via HDMI"

Yep. And that is precisely what I do.

Do you guys know if the 610 passes blacker-than-black and whiter-than-white? I just got the 410 and it doesn't pass btb unless I tweak the dvd player's internal brightness. I have a feeling the finagling I had to do to make everything work may have screwed with the pic a bit. I really hate doing that and always prefer to do it only in tv so, if the 610 passes btb, I may exchange the 410.

Do you guys know if the 610 passes blacker-than-black and whiter-than-white? I just got the 410 and it doesn't pass btb unless I tweak the dvd player's internal brightness. I have a feeling the finagling I had to do to make everything work may have screwed with the pic a bit. I really hate doing that and always prefer to do it only in tv so, if the 610 passes btb, I may exchange the 410.

Let me make this very clear. The 410 nor 610 pass BTB from the factory. If you have no plans on getting into DVD-AUDIO and SACD for high-resolution music, stick with the 410. In order to get true BTB, all you have to do is install the enhanced firmware found at http://www.pioneerfaq.info/click/click.php?id=397! Once you do that, you'd think you just got a new player. I wish I had a player I could put Hakan's firmware on! The features added are so cool that I think it's well worth sending Hakan a PayPal donation to support@pioneerfaq.info in order for him/her to keep the site going as long as possible, as well as get a few SD players he/she doesn't have yet so he/she can develop enhanced firmware for them, and also so he/she can get BD players and develop enhanced firmware for them!

Val,

Isn't that a question best asked in the 410 thread?