Correction! The problem with the Greek "flashing" subs appears on all movies and not on some movies.

This is a misleading conclusion...I have an mkv with 15 embedded subtitle streams, one of which is greek and IT DOESN'T flash...the only flashing subtitles for me are idx/sub...

everyone that uses subs a lot will realise that subs on the wdtv is nowhere near perfect. most of the flashing subs problems come from overlapping subs and having 2 sets of subs on screen at the same time where on the wdtv these features are not included in the wdtv subs app. these features really should be easy to fix as there is lots documentation on the net on subs(ass,srt etc) they can even check open source players like vlc if they like.

Repeat BUG

Repeat function in the main menu doesn't work.

When you select repeat when movie is playing it works perfect.

This is a misleading conclusion...I have an mkv with 15 embedded subtitle streams, one of which is greek and IT DOESN'T flash...the only flashing subtitles for me are idx/sub...

Have you tried to see the film with those greek subs, having previously selected greek (iso) as the additional encoding support in options?

Repeat BUG

Repeat function in the main menu doesn't work.

When you select repeat when movie is playing it works perfect.

*Sigh*
Have you tried to play the film(s) by pressing "play" instead of "enter"?

there seems to be more noticeable judder in 24p playback in .07, as compared to the previous prerelease.

perhaps its due to higher quality subtitle rendering in the .07 firmware

so i changed it to use the red and white cables for audio instead of the hdmi cable and it made the voice sync better. anyone know why this is? prettty weird.

hello, can someone confirm whether WD has implemented tag support for the subtitle files in this new firmware, like italics and such?

I have these issues after upgraded to FW 1.02.07:
- TS videos played but NO SOUNDS!
- TS videos in 16:9 won't display right
Those videos worked fine with FW 1.02.06

I will downgrade mine to FW 1.02.06

GuyWD

Outline with Image Subtitle sub/idx Please Fixed...

Regards.

Do you have the same results with external subtitles? (eg. srt)

Yes, they look also really nice! :D

At this time, the source file was:

General
Complete name : G:\Nueva carpeta\ts-septic.mkv
Format : Matroska
File size : 3,73GIB
Duration : 1h 42min.
Overall bit rate : 5 204Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2009-04-11 14:21:29
Writing application : mkvmerge v2.1.0 ('Another Place To Fall') built on Aug 19 2007 13:40:07
Writing library : libebml v0.7.7 + libmatroska v0.8.1

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High@L4.1
Format settings, CABAC : Si
Format settings, ReFrames : 5marcos
Muxing mode : Container profile=Unknown@4.1
Codec ID : V_MPEG4/ISO/AVC
Duration : 1h 42min.
Bit rate : 4 459Kbps
Nominal bit rate : 4 561Kbps
Width : 1 280pixeles
Height : 536pixeles
Display aspect ratio : 2.35
Frame rate : 23,976fps
Resolution : 24bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progresivo
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.271
Stream size : 3,19GIB (86%)
Writing library : x264 core 67 r1130 8475977
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=5 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x3:0x133 / me=umh / subme=7 / psy_rd=1.0:0.0 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=6 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / mbaff=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=1 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / wpredb=1 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=25 / scenecut=40 / rc=2pass / bitrate=4561 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30 / aq=1:1.00
Language : Inglés

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Codec ID : A_AC3
Duration : 1h 42min.
Bit rate mode : Constante
Bit rate : 640Kbps
Channel(s) : 6canales
Channel positions : Front: L C R, Surround: L R, LFE
Sampling rate : 48,0KHz
Stream size : 470MB (12%)

Texto
ID : 3
Format : UTF-8
Codec ID : S_TEXT/UTF8
Codec ID/Info : UTF-8 Plain Text

With external subtitles (srt)

A few bugs I found. (Maybe already reported:

1- File size is incorrect: a 4.7 GB file will show as 700 MB (forgetting the 4 Gig) but an 8.3 GB will show as 8.3GB.

2- Flashing subtitles when they are embedded in the mkv file.

3- Doesn't show the jpg image for the video file, even though same name and in same directory. What dimensions should this jpg file be to show up? (length and height)

4- Does not read external audio file in same directory. Limits you to the embedded audio.

Maybe you have a solution for this. Please let me know.

Joe

hmm the audio still went out of sync a little. this is starting to become a real problem. wtf is going on? does this happen with other people? if i buy a digital reciever and use the optical audio out will it work better? and wahts the cheapest reciever i can get for that? seriously as long as its not awful id be fine with it.

Hello!

Have someone had the chance to compare picture quality (720p and 1080p) by WD with latest firm vs pch a110?

Cheers :)

Hello!

Have someone had the chance to compare picture quality (720p and 1080p) by WD with latest firm vs pch a110?

Cheers :)

I believe it's the same... same chipset, same picture... but the Pch can read filies with more reference frames than WD TV... that is the only diference for me.

But let the WD TV firmware get more mature... ;)

A few bugs I found. (Maybe already reported:

1- File size is incorrect: a 4.7 GB file will show as 700 MB (forgetting the 4 Gig) but an 8.3 GB will show as 8.3GB.

2- Flashing subtitles when they are embedded in the mkv file.

3- Doesn't show the jpg image for the video file, even though same name and in same directory. What dimensions should this jpg file be to show up? (length and height)

4- Does not read external audio file in same directory. Limits you to the embedded audio.

Maybe you have a solution for this. Please let me know.

Joe


1-I ahve not seen this occur, all of my files show the correct file size. You may want to post the particular files mediainfo output for us to get more information.

2-Been reported, but it this occurs (at least for me) off an on.

3-Sorry I will be of no help with this one.

4- I believe I saw something posted about this earlier, but cant be for usre.

GuyWD

Outline with Image Subtitle sub/idx Please Fixed...

Regards.

SUB/IDX subtitles are overlaid bitmaps and therefore the WD TV has no control over font size, boldness, or outline. The one thing you can control is converting the Palette in the IDX from RGB to YUV colors. Your subtitles will look better but will be in greyscale since the WD TV currently ignores the U and V values and sets them to 128 internally.

Anyone that is using IDX/SUB on their PC has to realize that the Palette is expected to be RGB colors, whereas DVD players, and the WD TV included, expects the Palette to be YUV colors. So you have to tweak the IDX files for playback on the WD TV.

-Mod

My HDD - A-Data - contains Hitachi Sata -2.5 doesn't spin down with ver. 1.02.07 , but with WDLXTV- 0.52 it really spin down , so is possible ...
I understand about DTS downmix , but WMA 3 or WMA 9 Pro why is not supported , WMV 9 and Pro are supported but without sound ...why ? Is it about licensing ?

Can you guys confirm that your drives spin down when your WDTV is powered off, and that they spin back up when it's powered on? If you can note what kind of drive you're using (brand and model), that would also be very helpful.

Thanks again. Your feedback is invaluable.
I'm using a Hitachi 1TB internal SATA drive in an external enclosure and it spins down when WD is powered off and spins up when WD is powered on (before upgrading to .07, it did not spin down). Not sure of the exact model # of my drive or enclosure though.

One thing i would like to confirm does the wd tv applies a filter to picture to make it so good?
I say this because i see the same file in computer and in the wd tv the picture is far greater,anyone knows ,sorry the appearing stupid question but i have to know

One thing i would like to confirm does the wd tv applies a filter to picture to make it so good?
I say this because i see the same file in computer and in the wd tv the picture is far greater,anyone knows ,sorry the appearing stupid question but i have to know

No 'filter', simply superior decoding by the (dedicated) Sigma chip of the WD TV-HD.

hello, can someone confirm whether WD has implemented tag support for the subtitle files in this new firmware, like italics and such?

not yet.

Still cannot rewind or fast forward while playing an .m4v file (h.264 encoded). Changing the file extension to .mp4 fixes this, but makes the file unplayable by Quicktime especially when they contain chapters and multiple streams.

when will the new firmware be released?
(I hope the greek subtitles will be correct)

Wow, I haven't been watching and new firmware! Cool.

So I haven't installed yet but will when I get home.

So with the new spindown feature, do I still need to eject before unplugging the drive? Or can I just turn the WDTV off then unplug?

Thanks.

[EDIT] Okay, so I posted before reading the thread fully and I see where this question has been asked, but I don't see a definitive answer. Do we know yet?

when will the new firmware be released?
(I hope the greek subtitles will be correct)

nobody here knows....

ScottWD put out a twitter msg several days ago (24/4) that "WD TV-Public Release being readied. Thanks to all the prerelease testers! We have new developments in the works.".

Personally, and given that tweet, I'm surprised nothing's out yet. But it can't be long, I suppose.

A lot of my Dual Audio anime files (all but 1 actually) don't work with this version but I'm pretty sure they use to. They play but there's no sound, Japanese or English.

I suppose the last 2 I can understand because I believe I read somewhere around here that Vorbis sound wasn't supported but what about the others?

Media info on ones that do not work:


General
Complete name : J:\Video\Anime\Air TV\[Exiled-Destiny]_Air_Ep01_(AE9CD3F6).mkv
Format : Matroska
File size : 341 MiB
Duration : 24mn 11s
Overall bit rate : 1 973 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2007-08-15 14:23:02
Writing application : mkvmerge v2.0.0 ('After The Rain Has Fallen') built on Jan 13 2007 19:58:56
Writing library : libebml v0.7.7 + libmatroska v0.8.0

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High@L5.1
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 8 frames
Muxing mode : Container profile=Unknown@5.1
Codec ID : V_MPEG4/ISO/AVC
Duration : 24mn 9s
Bit rate : 1 034 Kbps
Nominal bit rate : 1 297 Kbps
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16/9
Frame rate : 29.970 fps
Standard : NTSC
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.100
Stream size : 179 MiB (52%)
Writing library : x264 core 56 svn-667C
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=5 / deblock=1:-1:-1 / analyse=0x3:0x133 / me=umh / subme=7 / brdo=1 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / chroma_qp_offset=0 / threads=1 / nr=0 / decimate=0 / mbaff=0 / bframes=2 / b_pyramid=1 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=3 / wpredb=1 / bime=1 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=25 / scenecut=40 / rc=2pass / bitrate=1297 / ratetol=1.0 / rceq='blurCplx^(1-qComp)' / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30

Audio #1
ID : 2
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Codec ID : A_AC3
Duration : 24mn 11s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 448 Kbps
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Channel positions : Front: L C R, Surround: L R, LFE
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Stream size : 77.5 MiB (23%)
Language : English

Audio #2
ID : 3
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Codec ID : A_AC3
Duration : 24mn 11s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 448 Kbps
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Channel positions : Front: L C R, Surround: L R, LFE
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Stream size : 77.5 MiB (23%)
Language : Japanese

Text #1
ID : 4
Format : UTF-8
Codec ID : S_TEXT/UTF8
Codec ID/Info : UTF-8 Plain Text
Language : English

Text #2
ID : 5
Format : UTF-8
Codec ID : S_TEXT/UTF8
Codec ID/Info : UTF-8 Plain Text
Language : Japanese

Text #3
ID : 6
Format : VobSub
Codec ID : S_VOBSUB
Codec ID/Info : The same subtitle format used on DVDs
Language : English

Text #4
ID : 7
Format : VobSub
Codec ID : S_VOBSUB
Codec ID/Info : The same subtitle format used on DVDs
Language : Japanese






General
Complete name : J:\Video\Anime\Kite\Kite Special Edition Uncut OVA 1-2 (XviD1.0.2-DVD-AC3)[F1E84DB1].mkv
Format : Matroska
File size : 702 MiB
Duration : 53mn 12s
Overall bit rate : 1 844 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2004-11-09 04:02:56
Writing application : mkvmerge v0.9.6 ('Every Little Kiss') built on Oct 8 2004 15:18:48
Writing library : libebml v0.7.2 + libmatroska v0.7.4

Video
ID : 1
Format : MPEG-4 Visual
Format profile : Streaming Video@L1
Format settings, BVOP : Yes
Format settings, QPel : No
Format settings, GMC : No warppoints
Format settings, Matrix : Default (H.263)
Codec ID : XVID
Codec ID/Hint : XviD
Duration : 53mn 8s
Bit rate : 1 166 Kbps
Width : 640 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 4/3
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.158
Stream size : 443 MiB (63%)
Writing library : XviD 1.0.2 (UTC 2004-08-29)

Audio #1
ID : 2
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Codec ID : A_AC3
Duration : 53mn 12s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 256 Kbps
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Channel positions : Front: L C R, Surround: L R, LFE
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Stream size : 97.4 MiB (14%)
Title : AC3 - Dolby Digital 5.1 - 256Kbps - 48KHz
Language : Japanese

Audio #2
ID : 3
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Codec ID : A_AC3
Duration : 53mn 12s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 192 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Stream size : 73.1 MiB (10%)
Title : AC3 - Dolby Digital 2.0 - 192Kbps - 48KHz
Language : Japanese

Audio #3
ID : 4
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Codec ID : A_AC3
Duration : 53mn 12s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 192 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Stream size : 73.1 MiB (10%)
Title : AC3 - Dolby Digital 2.0 - 192Kbps - 48KHz
Language : English

Text #1
ID : 5
Format : UTF-8
Codec ID : S_TEXT/UTF8
Codec ID/Info : UTF-8 Plain Text
Title : DVD Softsubs
Language : English

Text #2
ID : 6
Format : VobSub
Codec ID : S_VOBSUB
Codec ID/Info : The same subtitle format used on DVDs
Title : DVD Subtitles
Language : English





General
Complete name : J:\Video\Anime\Elfen Lied\[AHQ] Elfen Lied - 01 - A Chance Encounter.mkv
Format : Matroska
File size : 231 MiB
Duration : 25mn 2s
Overall bit rate : 1 289 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2005-09-05 18:03:10
Writing application : mkvmerge v1.5.0 ('It's alright, baby') built on Jul 1 2005 10:35:18
Writing library : libebml v0.7.5 + libmatroska v0.7.7
Cover : Yes / Yes / Yes

Video
ID : 1
Format : MPEG-4 Visual
Format profile : Simple@L3
Format settings, BVOP : Yes
Format settings, QPel : No
Format settings, GMC : No warppoints
Format settings, Matrix : Default (H.263)
Codec ID : XVID
Codec ID/Hint : XviD
Duration : 25mn 1s
Width : 768 pixels
Height : 432 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16/9
Frame rate : 29.970 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Title : [AHQ] Elfen Lied - 01 - A Chance Encounter
Writing library : XviD 1.0.2 (UTC 2004-08-29)

Audio #1
ID : 2
Format : AAC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec
Format version : Version 2
Format profile : LC
Format settings, SBR : Yes
Codec ID : A_AAC/MPEG2/LC/SBR
Duration : 25mn 2s
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Sampling rate : 44.1 KHz
Title : Dolby 5.1 Japanese
Language : Japanese

Audio #2
ID : 3
Format : AAC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec
Format version : Version 2
Format profile : LC
Format settings, SBR : Yes
Codec ID : A_AAC/MPEG2/LC/SBR
Duration : 25mn 2s
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Sampling rate : 44.1 KHz
Title : Dolby 5.1 English
Language : English

Text
ID : 4
Format : ASS
Codec ID : S_TEXT/ASS
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Sub Station Alpha
Language : English





General
Complete name : J:\Video\Anime\Munto\Munto_OAV_(4CE94EC6).MKV
Format : Matroska
File size : 696 MiB
Duration : 54mn 19s
Overall bit rate : 1 793 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2004-11-19 17:38:19
Writing application : mkvmerge v0.9.4 built on Jul 25 2004 12:57:24
Writing library : libebml v0.7.1 + libmatroska v0.7.1
Cover : Yes

Video
ID : 1
Format : MPEG-4 Visual
Format profile : Streaming Video@L1
Format settings, BVOP : Yes
Format settings, QPel : No
Format settings, GMC : 3 warppoints
Format settings, Matrix : Default (H.263)
Codec ID : XVID
Codec ID/Hint : XviD
Duration : 54mn 15s
Bit rate : 1 401 Kbps
Width : 640 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 4/3
Frame rate : 29.970 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.152
Stream size : 544 MiB (78%)
Writing library : XviD 1.0.2 (UTC 2004-08-29)

Audio #1
ID : 2
Format : Vorbis
Format settings, Floor : 1
Codec ID : A_VORBIS
Duration : 54mn 19s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 176 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Stream size : 68.4 MiB (10%)
Writing library : libVorbis 1.0.1 (UTC 2003-09-09)
Language : English

Audio #2
ID : 3
Format : Vorbis
Format settings, Floor : 1
Codec ID : A_VORBIS
Duration : 54mn 19s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 176 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Stream size : 68.4 MiB (10%)
Writing library : libVorbis 1.0.1 (UTC 2003-09-09)
Language : Japanese

Text #1
ID : 4
Format : SSA
Codec ID : S_TEXT/SSA
Codec ID/Info : Sub Station Alpha
Title : English Audio Text Subs
Language : English

Text #2
ID : 5
Format : SSA
Codec ID : S_TEXT/SSA
Codec ID/Info : Sub Station Alpha
Title : Japanese Audio Text Subs
Language : English

Text #3
ID : 6
Format : VobSub
Codec ID : S_VOBSUB
Codec ID/Info : The same subtitle format used on DVDs
Title : English Audio Graphic Subs
Language : English

Text #4
ID : 7
Format : VobSub
Codec ID : S_VOBSUB
Codec ID/Info : The same subtitle format used on DVDs
Title : Japanese Audio Graphic Subs
Language : English







General
Complete name : J:\Video\Anime\Love Hina\[AHQ] Love Hina Again - 01 - Kanako.mkv
Format : Matroska
File size : 356 MiB
Duration : 29mn 14s
Overall bit rate : 1 701 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2005-07-13 02:17:34
Writing application : mkvmerge v1.5.0 ('It's alright, baby') built on Jul 1 2005 10:35:18
Writing library : libebml v0.7.5 + libmatroska v0.7.7
Cover : Yes / Yes / Yes / Yes / Yes / Yes / Yes

Video
ID : 1
Format : MPEG-4 Visual
Format profile : Simple@L3
Format settings, BVOP : Yes
Format settings, QPel : No
Format settings, GMC : No warppoints
Format settings, Matrix : Default (H.263)
Codec ID : XVID
Codec ID/Hint : XviD
Duration : 29mn 12s
Bit rate : 1 442 Kbps
Width : 640 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 4/3
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.196
Stream size : 301 MiB (85%)
Writing library : XviD 1.0.3 (UTC 2004-12-20)

Audio #1
ID : 2
Format : Vorbis
Format settings, Floor : 1
Codec ID : A_VORBIS
Duration : 29mn 14s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 112 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Stream size : 23.4 MiB (7%)
Writing library : libVorbis 1.0 (UTC 2002-07-17)
Language : Japanese

Audio #2
ID : 3
Format : Vorbis
Format settings, Floor : 1
Codec ID : A_VORBIS
Duration : 29mn 14s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 112 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Stream size : 23.4 MiB (7%)
Writing library : libVorbis 1.0 (UTC 2002-07-17)
Language : English

Text
ID : 4
Format : ASS
Codec ID : S_TEXT/ASS
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Sub Station Alpha
Title : Episode Subtitles
Language : English



I found out what was wrong. When I updated the firmware, the default audio changed to "Digital" instead of "stereo" and it works now when I changed it to "stereo". I don't really understand why but it just does.

AAC audio needs to be decoded by the WD TV-HD, because almost no receiver on the market has a AAC decoder on board. If you set the audio output to 'digital', the WD TV-HD will pass through the audio stream, and not decode it, hence you don't hear the sound. Currently, the WD TV-HD does not support multi-channel AAC decoding, only downmixing to stereo (if 'stereo' setting is used in the options).

As far as the AC3 audio streams are concerned, you need a receiver that decodes them, if you set the WD TV-HD to 'digital'. If you don't have a receiver, you should always set the output to 'stereo'. The WD TV-HD will downmix AC3 files to stereo then.

Remember that DTS downmixing is not supported. If you have files with DTS audio streams, you either need a DTS compatible receiver, or have to convert the DTS stream to a different format, e.g. AC3. There are various posts about it in the forum.

anyone else noticing the video quality decline over the past few prereleases?
really hard to quantify..
other have noted issues with the black levels and i concur..

but I recall some of my bluray images being much more clear and crisp than they are now.
will try to get some of the older firmwares on to see if i can notice a change, but was just putting it out there..

Yeah, I agree with all that! What I was meaning by "it would be good to know what they are doing though!" was that it would be nice to know what they're working on for the next firmware and general info like that!

There's only 1 small thing I'd like to see in a future update and that's the ability to decide on thumbnail view or list view for individual folders (thought I'd get that in there in case someone from WD reads this! :p)

Apart from that I think the WDTV is fantastic is every way! I'm like a kid with a new toy since I got it! :)


I second that. In fact, I have had to switch off thumbnail mode and have gone back to list mode for now, because while the thumbnails are nice, I haven't taken the time to find suitable thumbnails for every single file inside my folders. So after clicking on the the folder thumbnail, then I am presented with a generic thumbnail screen for all the files inside, and it takes too long to wait for the titles to scroll, and it is too hard to navigate. List mode is much faster.

But I think we ought to be able to choose to have a combination for each folder, so we can have thumbnails for the folder, but list mode inside. Take for example someone who has a folder with an entire season of TV shows. They don't want to try to find 20 different thumbnails for each episode, they just want to see a list. But they have one thumbnail for the TV series that will work well for folder view.

Likewise for people with music albums. They may want the CD album cover art for a thumbnail, to organize their albums, but they don't want to have to find and load a thumbnail for each song.

SUB/IDX subtitles are overlaid bitmaps and therefore the WD TV has no control over font size, boldness, or outline. The one thing you can control is converting the Palette in the IDX from RGB to YUV colors. Your subtitles will look better but will be in greyscale since the WD TV currently ignores the U and V values and sets them to 128 internally.

Anyone that is using IDX/SUB on their PC has to realize that the Palette is expected to be RGB colors, whereas DVD players, and the WD TV included, expects the Palette to be YUV colors. So you have to tweak the IDX files for playback on the WD TV.

-Mod

Thank you for advice, give me the best possible program to convert the subtitle to IDX/SUB

Note: sorry for my language.

Test The subtitle after convert to image IDX/SUB Please and tell me result.

+2dB gain on pure PCM audio stream means that the sound becomes a little louder, but also results in heavy clipping when signal approaches 0dB, introduces additional distortion (harmonics) and prevents DTS wav audio from being properly decoded by external DTS receiver!

[edit]

All of this concerns audio files (ie. wav, flac) only, DTS signal from movies or concerts is properly sent thru toslink (the path is bit perfect in that case) and is decoded by DTS amplifier with no probs.

I hope someone from WD explains these abnormalities in treating digital audio streams in music files vs. movies.

+25 (if I'm not deemed greedy)

I haven't been following the threads in here for months (been dealing with a lot of personal issues that have had me "afk" for sometime).

I appreciate your wording of this issue. This was something I had asked ScottWD for back before the first firmware update was offered and have heard nothing more about it.

If this is the reason, and it makes logical (and scientific) sense, can WD not rectify the problem and not add the +2dB gain?

The WDTV is a great little device that does about 90% of what I wanted it to do. I'm still waiting on .ISO Menu Support but that might happen before the second coming at this rate. Again, as somebody had mentioned on a previous thread, I'd like nothing more than to "rip" all my concert DVDs to a hard drive for easier playback.

If you want DTS support or DVD menus then buy a product like the PCH that supports those features NOW instead of purchasing a product at half the cost and complaining that it doesn't do the same thing.

Let the flame wars begin.

Why? Because many people, myself included, have asked REPEATEDLY for DVD MENU support and proper DTS support (which apparently does not skip anymore) from Day One. It shouldn't be difficult to do. And if I'm using it for material that I own so that I can "box up my collection" once I've backed it up, is that not better than using it for the latest ESiR or CiNEFiLE release? I know others want DTS downmix but that won't happen until WD pays DTS for licensing fees and implements software/hardware to do so in a future revision.

If you need DTS downmix, run PopcornAudioConverter and convert the DTS audio to AC3 if you need it that badly.

I'm off my soapbox.

Let the flame wars begin.

Why? Because many people, myself included, have asked REPEATEDLY for DVD MENU support and proper DTS support (which apparently does not skip anymore) from Day One.

Buying a product in hopes that it will someday do something it currently doesn't do (DVD Menus), and then complain when the manufacturer hasn't added the feature (DVD Menus) you were hoping for it to one day support, seems foolish. A bit like the cart before the horse. Counting eggs before they're hatched.

I bought the WD TV knowing it can't do DVD Menus, but I watch movies and TV Series, not menus. A DVD Menu is just a navigation interface for DVD discs, but guess what, we aren't using discs anymore. WD TV has it's own navigation interface (listview or thumbnails), why would I want to navigate to an ISO and then navigate again to an episode? I don't care if it's episode 13 on disc 4, I just care it's episode 13 in it's own file named episode 13.

-Mod

Thank you for advice, give me the best possible program to convert the subtitle to IDX/SUB

Note: sorry for my language.

Test The subtitle after convert to image IDX/SUB Please and tell me result.

DarknessX, you can use AVIAddXSubs (http://www.calcitapp.com/AVIAddXSubs.php). Currently supports the generation of idx/sub from srt with YUV color palette. Is the one I am using right now and I have completely solve the subtitle problem with subtitles as I choose.

At "configuration 1\SUB 1" I configure VP=540, CP=360. You can check the options "Do no copy avi when no XSUB" and "Do not Convert idx/sub to XSUB" in "configuration 2". That's it, you will get very satisfying subtitles. But if you don't like them you can play with other options to your preferences. Guess what: tags supported, like <i></i> for italics.

I think every one complaining with subtitles, can use this solution and maybe never will need anything more and forget the matter.

WD TV has it's own navigation interface (listview or thumbnails), why would I want to navigate to an ISO and then navigate again to an episode?
Because then I can rip my DVD-9 without any extra work to HDD and watch them from there. Granted, I knew this before getting the player for testing thus I'm only bitching about WD not bothering to give an official statement on whether this is a licensing issue with the DVD-Forum or not.

I'm also aware that idx/sub is officially unsuported (which is a pity as it would sidestep codepade issues) but I'd still like to know why my selfmade files look fine on several standalones/PCs but only WD has palette issues (even in 1.02.07)?!

Buying a product in hopes that it will someday do something it currently doesn't do (DVD Menus), and then complain when the manufacturer hasn't added the feature (DVD Menus) you were hoping for it to one day support, seems foolish. A bit like the cart before the horse. Counting eggs before they're hatched.
Quite agree :)

I bought the WD TV knowing it can't do DVD Menus, but I watch movies and TV Series, not menus. A DVD Menu is just a navigation interface for DVD discs, but guess what, we aren't using discs anymore. WD TV has it's own navigation interface (listview or thumbnails), why would I want to navigate to an ISO and then navigate again to an episode? I don't care if it's episode 13 on disc 4, I just care it's episode 13 in it's own file named episode 13.

-Mod
I guess the reason why many people (myself included) are keen on DVD menus is because of dvd rips. For example, I have my entire series collection of Frasier on the WDTV as iso rips (can't be bothered to rip them out to separate files etc). So currently to view the 3rd episode on the disc I have to fast forward which again isn't great on the WDTV.

Not saying I'm mad with WDTV for not providing this feature and yes I was totally aware that this feature was missing when I purchased. But with so much of firmware development (official/non-official) I can certainly hope :)

DarknessX, you can use AVIAddXSubs (http://www.calcitapp.com/AVIAddXSubs.php). Currently supports the generation of idx/sub from srt with YUV color palette. Is the one I am using right now and I have completely solve the subtitle problem with subtitles as I choose.

At "configuration 1\SUB 1" I configure VP=540, CP=360. You can check the options "Do no copy avi when no XSUB" and "Do not Convert idx/sub to XSUB" in "configuration 2". That's it, you will get very satisfying subtitles. But if you don't like them you can play with other options to your preferences. Guess what: tags supported, like <i></i> for italics.

I think every one complaining with subtitles, can use this solution and maybe never will need anything more and forget the matter.

To Greek Community users

You can use idx/sub subtitles instead of srt! I just tested it, it works!

I hope that with the final firmware release the "flashing" subtitles problem will be solved. :)

d100 thanks a lot for your suggestion! :D

Hi all,

I flashed my WDTV yesterday with the 1.02.07 firmware and then re-flashed with the ext3-boot 0.9.2 (zorander) (http://wiki.wdtv.org/doku.php?id=ext3-boot-releases). However, after the flashing process, my hard drives are not recognized. If I ftp to the WDTV, I can see the hard drives showing up. However, when the WDTV scans for media on the drives it doesn't seem to find anything. Also when browsing using the folder view it doesn't list the hard drives.

Any ideas on what might be wrong? Anyone else faced the same issue before?

Also does anyone know with the 0.9.2 version of the ext3 firmware, if custom background and screensavers are supported (just as in the wdlxtv v0.5.1 (http://b-rad.cc/) onwards)

Because then I can rip my DVD-9 without any extra work to HDD and watch them from there.

I guess the reason why many people (myself included) are keen on DVD menus is because of dvd rips. For example, I have my entire series collection of Frasier on the WDTV as iso rips (can't be bothered to rip them out to separate files etc).

In the time it took me to type this I split out 4 episodes from an ISO backup. Both DVD Shrink and DVDfab allow you to open an ISO on a HDD as the source, so there's no reason to rip from disc again. Not only do you end up with one episode in each file, but you save a lot of HDD storage compared to a full DVD-9 ISO. Also, since you are reading an ISO file off HDD that has CSS encryption removed, it's very fast to split episodes to files.

So in the end you just don't want to be bothered to split out your episodes from your ISOs, but yet find the time to type responses in these forums.

-Mod

So in the end you just don't want to be bothered to split out your episodes from your ISOs, but yet find the time to type responses in these forums.

-Mod

Managing my dvd rips is not my ONLY job in life :rolleyes: I cannot work with my dvd rips when I'm away from home which in most cases I am, but I can post using my PDA wherever I am and if I need to :cool:

If it is as quick as you say can you elaborate how you rip the episodes? Do you separate them as separate vob files? I have dvd decrypter, dvd fab and dvd shrink installed so software should not be an issue.

And BTW, just because a feature is not too important for you doesn't mean it is not important for someone else. No one is judging any requests you make, are they? :rolleyes:

If it is as quick as you say can you elaborate how you rip the episodes? Do you separate them as separate vob files? I have dvd decrypter, dvd fab and dvd shrink installed so software should not be an issue.

DVDfab, Mobile Generic, select title, audio, subtitle (if desired)
Conversion settings, generic, dvd.vobpassthru

If subtitles are desired you can remux vob, idx, sub files into one mkv with mkvmerge GUI. If no subtitles, I'd recommend renaming the .vob to .mpg or remux to mkv for better FF and REW support.

Here's another technique I haven't used myself but works well for ff_mark:
open the DVD with DVDshrink, then click re-author, you will then see each episode as a separate file which you can drag across to the re-author window

that should produce 1 vob file for each episode which you can rename to suit.

that's how I've done all mine and it works perfect :)

And BTW, just because a feature is not too important for you doesn't mean it is not important for someone else. No one is judging any requests you make, are they? :rolleyes:

I haven't made any requests, I deal with the hand I was dealt instead of wishing for a royal flush.

-Mod

I haven't made any requests, I deal with the hand I was dealt instead of wishing for a royal flush.

-Mod

Right on brother!

DVDfab, Mobile Generic, select title, audio, subtitle (if desired)
Conversion settings, generic, dvd.vobpassthru

If subtitles are desired you can remux vob, idx, sub files into one mkv with mkvmerge GUI. If no subtitles, I'd recommend renaming the .vob to .mpg or remux to mkv for better FF and REW support.

Cheers, will give that a try but it does seem to take a lot longer than typing out a post on a forum. Will know for sure once I've had a go after I get back.


I haven't made any requests, I deal with the hand I was dealt instead of wishing for a royal flush.

-Mod

Nobody's wishing for a royal flush mate :rolleyes: I said it was nice to have. If they do provide this feature in future firmware releases, it will be cool. If they don't we haven't lost anything. That's the point I was trying to make.
There's nothing wrong IMO in making requests as long as it is done politely, will give WD a sense of what the public wants and they can prioritise the features (if feasible) in the next fw release. Well that's my 2p anyway

So far this new Firmware is very good! I like it!

Hi all,

I flashed my WDTV yesterday with the 1.02.07 firmware and then re-flashed with the ext3-boot 0.9.2 (zorander) (http://wiki.wdtv.org/doku.php?id=ext3-boot-releases). However, after the flashing process, my hard drives are not recognized. If I ftp to the WDTV, I can see the hard drives showing up. However, when the WDTV scans for media on the drives it doesn't seem to find anything. Also when browsing using the folder view it doesn't list the hard drives.

Any ideas on what might be wrong? Anyone else faced the same issue before?

Also does anyone know with the 0.9.2 version of the ext3 firmware, if custom background and screensavers are supported (just as in the wdlxtv v0.5.1 (http://b-rad.cc/) onwards)

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I don't think simply requesting DVD ISO/Chapter support is some "outlandish" request.

Also, I am sure he has things he enjoys more than re-authoring his entire DVD collection (or posting on message boards).

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I have a thought! :D

Perhaps using the search tab and entering "ext3-boot 0.9.2" (or more) would be the way to go. There are lots of posts there. Some may even answer your question!

Asking your question in a forum devoted to a different firmware release is not the way to go.

I don't think simply requesting DVD ISO/Chapter support is some "outlandish" request.

Also, I am sure he has things he enjoys more than re-authoring his entire DVD collection (or posting on message boards).

I agree, the same as DTS downmix, we are all here trying to help WD to fixbug and improve the firmware. tis suggestions are not demands because we bought the device thinkink it will do it some day, its just that competition is started, now LG TV sets decode HD material including MKV out of the box, they have USB ports to just connect the HDD without any player, It's embeded on the TV, also plays mkv, H264,...
With an economy like this, listening to users suggestions is a good idea, if thats what most people wants that will help improve sales

updated information

concerning playback of 24/88.2 encoded music files (flac).
Serious synchronisation problems that temporary vanish when pausing and starting playback again. No sync problems with 24/96 flacs .

SUB/IDX subtitles are overlaid bitmaps and therefore the WD TV has no control over font size, boldness, or outline. The one thing you can control is converting the Palette in the IDX from RGB to YUV colors. Your subtitles will look better but will be in greyscale since the WD TV currently ignores the U and V values and sets them to 128 internally.

Anyone that is using IDX/SUB on their PC has to realize that the Palette is expected to be RGB colors, whereas DVD players, and the WD TV included, expects the Palette to be YUV colors. So you have to tweak the IDX files for playback on the WD TV.

-Mod

From an end user standpoint, there is still a clear and visible regression in 1.02.07: prerendered subtitles that had outlines in previous versions lack them now.

As someone who went through the process of converting each and every of my SRT files to SUB/IDX because SRT files were poorly rendered, I don't picture myself tweaking all my IDX files to match the current firmware.
a) because quite frankly it's a hassle.
b) because I can't know that the decoding won't revert any time in the future.

I'm not moaning or anything, I appreciate and fully realize the work that's been put in the whole thing. I'm just reporting what I consider a regression and that's what betas are for. And I really hope it will be quickly addressed.

All that being said, I'm fully aware I can downgrade back to the last best known version, I'm just saying I'd like to get the benefits from any subsequent versions without having to trade them for existing features.

AAC audio needs to be decoded by the WD TV-HD, because almost no receiver on the market has a AAC decoder on board. If you set the audio output to 'digital', the WD TV-HD will pass through the audio stream, and not decode it, hence you don't hear the sound. Currently, the WD TV-HD does not support multi-channel AAC decoding, only downmixing to stereo (if 'stereo' setting is used in the options).

As far as the AC3 audio streams are concerned, you need a receiver that decodes them, if you set the WD TV-HD to 'digital'. If you don't have a receiver, you should always set the output to 'stereo'. The WD TV-HD will downmix AC3 files to stereo then.

Remember that DTS downmixing is not supported. If you have files with DTS audio streams, you either need a DTS compatible receiver, or have to convert the DTS stream to a different format, e.g. AC3. There are various posts about it in the forum.

I never said I cared about DTS. Remember, I said in my post that I never set it to that setting in the first place. I just got confused when the firmware did it for me after flashing.

But thanks for the information in the first 2 paragraphs. It was informative.

OK -- I'm confused (my normal state, but more-so now). I thought 1.0.2.07 was a beta pre-release and NOT official firmware. When I went to the WD site just a few munutes ago, the WDTV download firmware on their production site is 1.02.07. So is that it? Are they done? Is 1.02.07 the officially released firmware? Wasn't GuyWD "twittering" about last minute updates. Is there a 1.02.08 on the horizon?? Don't get me wrong -- I think 1.02.07 is fine for my needs, however, I was under the impression there were additional last minute "surprise" improvements to be included in the final release and if this were so, why officially release .07?


http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/wdtv/

I think this is the official FW!!!


Version 1.02.07 Now Available!

We've received tremendous feedback on WD TV and some great suggestions to improve the product even more. In response to your requests, we're pleased to offer release product enhancements to make your viewing experience better than ever. Updating your media player is simple. Just follow the instructions below, grab your remote and enjoy the show!

What's New?

Release 1.02.07 (4/27/2009)
(includes all previously released updates)

Enhanced cover art, album art, and thumbnail support for media files and folders
Additional subtitle languages and decoding support
Improved media playback and navigation
More audio formats for MKV container
Fixed bugs reported by the WD TV user community

I think this is the official FW!!!


Version 1.02.07 Now Available!

We've received tremendous feedback on WD TV and some great suggestions to improve the product even more. In response to your requests, we're pleased to offer release product enhancements to make your viewing experience better than ever. Updating your media player is simple. Just follow the instructions below, grab your remote and enjoy the show!

What's New?

Release 1.02.07 (4/27/2009)
(includes all previously released updates)

Enhanced cover art, album art, and thumbnail support for media files and folders
Additional subtitle languages and decoding support
Improved media playback and navigation
More audio formats for MKV container
Fixed bugs reported by the WD TV user community


Allright, they made it official, and says: "Improved media playback and navigation"

But, how about the stuttering and no sound bug with 1080p files, when subtitles are on, that I and another user reported here? The problem is real, ALL 1080p movies DTS has this bug. I don't want to use 1.01.02, because subtitle is bad, and I want to use the covers.

Please, WD guys, check and fix this problem, because this is is happening. Thanks

I think this is the official FW!!!


Version 1.02.07 Now Available!

We've received tremendous feedback on WD TV and some great suggestions to improve the product even more. In response to your requests, we're pleased to offer release product enhancements to make your viewing experience better than ever. Updating your media player is simple. Just follow the instructions below, grab your remote and enjoy the show!

What's New?

Release 1.02.07 (4/27/2009)
(includes all previously released updates)

Enhanced cover art, album art, and thumbnail support for media files and folders
Additional subtitle languages and decoding support
Improved media playback and navigation
More audio formats for MKV container
Fixed bugs reported by the WD TV user community

Yeah, sure... But the Readme.txt file shows:

"This is a prerelease version of the firmware. Feel free to install it but be aware this is beta firmware so use it at your own risk. If you are not comfortable with this, please wait for the final version.


Fixed items:

* Added option to toggle subtitle default to 'On' or 'Off'

* Added subtitle outline thickness selection

* Added hard drive spindown on WDTV power off"

That's unchanged from the beta prerelease.

GuyWD,

there is 1 bug in the 1.02.07 i discovered today(not sure mentioned before).

In a ext3 drive, half of the subttiles(srt) of my episodes don't load!
But SAME subtitles load just fine on a mirror NTFS drive.
Tried resetting and adjusting options but it just says "no subtitle" when using the ext3 drive.

I've attached 1 srt which i can confirm doesn't show on ext3 but fine on ntfs.

PS: Both the drives have same content,so filenames are all the same.

NOTE: I renamed the srt to txt so that i can upload it here,but it's actually an srt file.

Pls look into this. TQ

To Greek Community users

You can use idx/sub subtitles instead of srt! I just tested it, it works!

I hope that with the final firmware release the "flashing" subtitles problem will be solved. :)

d100 thanks a lot for your suggestion! :D

Awesome quick solution!!! Thank you!!! D100 & GregoryG..

But in the case of .mkv 720p movies I can not configure it to display the subs centered to the bottom.
What is the trick ?

The quick flashing of Greek .srt (with Greek ISO encoding on WD settings) is still here :( and it seems that the quickest (painless) solution is the idx/sub until WD fix this.

BR

Aris

GREECE

i have everything ripped as .iso....how can i get cover art to work with these??

i have everything ripped as .iso....how can i get cover art to work with these??

Read the Release Notes (http://www.wdc.com/en/products/wdtv/releasenotes/WDTVreleasenotes.pdf)

-Mod

Thanks Mr Mod for your tip on how to rip episodes from a DVD using Shrink. It takes a bit of time but works great. I have joined to two resultant vob files using a free program called JoinVobFiles which is only 425kbs and works very quickly. So when they go onto my external drive I can press either Enter or Play to get it to work.

Great little machine the WD!

Thanks

In the time it took me to type this I split out 4 episodes from an ISO backup.
Well, you didn't split 20 min eps like Futurama, did you? Cause those are not recognized by the WD TV, neither as ISO nor single VOB, probably cause each ep is < 1 GB.

I have joined to two resultant vob files using a free program called JoinVobFiles which is only 425kbs and works very quickly.
Pointless work cause Shrink can output to one single vob set in it's preferences.

Well, you didn't split 20 min eps like Futurama, did you? Cause those are not recognized by the WD TV, neither as ISO nor single VOB, probably cause each ep is < 1 GB.

You are correct in that ISO or VOB under 30 minutes or so are shown to be unrecognized. I remux the vob and idx/sub (after palette correction) into a mkv when transferring to my USB hard drive.

-Mod

First thanks to the WD people to release this firmware works great with my m2ts and x264 movies. The 1080p/24 is no more stuttering with Samsung 37" Full HD not even every 40 sec. Most people complaining about it but i'm a lucky basterd, i know.

There is a big Bug with the external srt subs when resume play with a movie that has already started. The subs are way of minutes realy frustrating bug. Tested with ts, m2ts and mkv files. It was working fine with the 1.01.02 fw. :mad:

Imbedded subs are working fine with resume play.

Please can WD do something about this problem please.

JantjeB

Is anyone else having problems with FF/Rew on .ts files? When I do the 10 minute skip it jumps back a minute or so before the point where I stopped it.

BTW, I wonder if we'll ever see a native resolution output setting.


Ken Whitcomb

You are correct in that ISO or VOB under 30 minutes or so are shown to be unrecognized.
I just don't get what's causing it, is it under 30 mins or < 1 GB? Cause I've merged 2 Futurama eps with DVD2One (append mode) resulting in an ISO of 40 mins and > 1 GB which is not recognized either (albeit being no different to a 40 min ep of Supernatural re-authored with DVD Shrink).

I also must admit that I'm disappointed in MKVmerge GUI since it does not allow to import the subs from the original unencrypted DVD so I would have to add another ripping step with VSrip compared to ISO.

I just don't get what's causing it, is it under 30 mins or < 1 GB? Cause I've merged 2 Futurama eps with DVD2One (append mode) resulting in an ISO of 40 mins and > 1 GB which is not recognized either (albeit being no different to a 40 min ep of Supernatural re-authored with DVD Shrink).

I also must admit that I'm disappointed in MKVmerge GUI since it does not allow to import the subs from the original unencrypted DVD so I would have to add another ripping step with VSrip compared to ISO.

Yeah I'm not sure on the size or length limit, probably a combination of both.

I use DVDfab which generates the idx/sub when I rip. It would be nice if MKVmerge allowed a direct import of subs from the VIDEO_TS, but then it would have to include the code to convert from DVD format to VobSub format (IFO/muxed sub versus IDX/SUB). Since the WD TV needs a non-standard IDX color palette anyways, a two step process allows the palette to be tweaked before muxing into the MKV.

-Mod

Yeah, I've tried your script to change palette colors, good job (as with your bug discovery in mkvmerge)! However, albeit improved the subs still do look inferior to the original DVD or the idx/sub on my standalones, gonna post some screenshots on that soon. I'm also still pondering whether to stick with the device cause I have a lot of extra work steps compared to my usual workflow so as to keep files that do work on my other standalones too.

Shouldn't we abandon this thread and continue here?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1143535

It's difficult to follow all these threads..