anyone know if Escient will carry Sirius Radio again?

I doubt they will have the Sirius Radio again. They were only streaming the stuff that Sirius had on their *Free website. Sirius stopped streaming that content and has no plans to make it available for free listening any more.

Mark do you like the DVDM300. I considered getting the DVDM300 but I didn't want to go from six changers down to three. I also couldn't sacrafice having two zones of output. It is quite common in my house to have someone watching a movie in the theater and having someone else in the kitchen listening to a CD. I do like the fact that they changed the color to silver to match the changer ;) Right now I have the DVDM100 and the e2 300 and they work together flawlessly.

I considered getting the 2000 touchpanel but decided that I could live with the laptop for control when listening to tracks on the back deck. I used one during the beta process and I really, really liked it.

it was a lot of work moving files: if you have a working system as you describe I would not upgrade: once done though, it is a great system

the new UI is very nice, and the wireless panel is cool: however the wired touchpanel is more functional

I wish Escient would make quieter fans: the fan noise of these units is bothersome ( I have a fix for that, PM me) :)

Yeah I really like the new UI too. I have been using them for over a year now and they are so much nicer than the old E and H units. Do you do a lot with the CIFS server? I personally love it, makes putting all of my mp3's onto my iPod a snap.

Is you system local to one room or do you distribute it around your house? Have you considered getting an MP150 to give you an additional zone of audio output? I am wondering how well those work as I haven't seen one yet.

I just downloaded and installed the new DVDM-100 software, which adds a web server to the DVDM-100 so that you can control the unit from a networked connected PC via a web browser. This is a VERY nice upgrade!! The best part is that you now can edit DVD information directly via the web interface (including adding cover art etc). You can even print out an inventory list which is very handy!

However, when I make a change to a disc it does not stick... i.e. if I add additional disc information or change the category and then press "save", the updates are not being made on the unit. Anyone else experience the same problem?

/Lars

Hi

I was never able to change the description even on the old software no matter what you modified it would not save it, but you are right about the Genre it reverts back to what it was, have you tried looking anything up, mine just sits there and times out, works fine from the unit itself but not from the web interface. I am also experiencing another problem it goes back to the screensaver during movies once in a while, it didn't happen on the first few I watched but it has started becoming more frequent. I called Escient and reported it.


Tom

Just thought I would throw my two cents in here and offer a thumbs up on this wonderful device.

I just received my DVDM-100 & SONY cx777ES last week, and quite honestly was very impressed by how easy it was to hook this two up and how seamlessly they work together. The DVDM-100 appears to be fabulous unit and I think I am going to be very happy with it.

As for the 777ES, my only concern when getting this, was that the PQ would be as good as my Panny RP-91. Well I can honestly say, the PQ is just as good if not better. Seems like a very stable and Quality built player.

I just upgraded the software on the DVDM-100 and it substantially improved a few flaws of the old software. Such as slow IR and GUI related response times, especially when using the KB. Now the GUI and IR response is almost instantaneous. Also the fact you can now access this via a Web Browser is really cool! Nice job!

First, I'm betting that I can take the prize for the most compulsive in the group:

DVDM-100 1: Connecting 3 Sony DVP-CX777ES units

DVDM-100 2 Ditto

DVDM-100 3 Connecting only one DVP-CX777ES (strictly for SACD)

DVDM-300 Connecting 3 Kenwood DV-5900Ms (mostly CDs, and DVD-Audios)

I'm just getting done adding a Crestron control system. I love Escient units.

Now here's the zillion dollar question: Will Sony upgrade the DVP-CX777ES to output HDMI at either 720p or 1080i (as they've done with their most recent single disc player)? If so, according to Escient, they will make units that support HDMI. Guess what that does to our systems?

I have also recently upgraded to a Qualia projector, and I'm currently using an Algolith Mosquito (which is one hell of a product). Can't wait for Algolith to release its scaler, the Dragonfly.

By the way, to the old timers on this thread, doesn't the ip addressability of the new units seem a lot like a product we all once toyed with, called DVDEdit? Didn't Joe sell that? Wonder who he sold it to ;)

Nick :cool:

Nick

You beat me I have 2 DVDM-100's and seven Kenwood changers (one not connected to a DVDM) and a Fireball 120 music server, I also love Escient stuff. My only complaint is that I have been trying for nearly a year to get them to add a discrete code to allow me to flip discs in my changers, I have a number of "flippers" in my collection and it's a PITA to have to do it manually (just spoiled I guess). I think it would be great if Sony would come out with an HDMI jukebox but I think that we as owners of the monster multichangers are indeed a minority and as such have to stand way back in line for new products, perhaps when HD-DVD hits we might see something after it has been available for a while, you never know. I have an Infocus 7200 myself but I did have an opportunity to see a Qualia recently and was really very impressed. The new software is pretty nice and yes it is VERY reminiscent of Joe's work. Take care enjoy your toys.


Tom

Tom,

I could have sworn that the Kenwood remote had a button for disc flipping. Couldn't you just learn it to your remote? Why would you need it to be discrete?

Nick,

I can't afford the Q004, but I am buying the Q006 soon. It has gotten really good reviews and is considered the best in it's class. I am debating getting the Algolith combo, but that is also pricey for me after spending on the TV and the stand.

I would have followed you guys into the Escient realm but Digital is the only way to go. Hopefully Escient will introduce a good product in this area at some point.

Nick,

Did you get your issues resolved?

Hey I thought you guys had disappeared :)

I am in on the Algolith preorder: I already have the Mosquito and will be getting the digital upgrade and Dragonfly

My next upgrade will be to look at HD DVD and a Qualia 005 (the 46" LCD flat panel)

Slocko

Yes there is indeed a flip button on the remote, but remember all of the commands that go to the changers are routed through the DVDM and sent on either through the serial or the mini plug connectors unless the Escient can understand and remap the command it doesn't go out. The DVDM works different than the Entre in that all the changers are set to "Main" so if I sent a Kenwood command out into the room all seven changers would flip the disc's at the same time (not good). I have talked to the programmers at Escient several times but have not yet gotten any joy. And yes Mark I did disappear.


Tom

Ok I got it.

One way for them to do it would be to add a screen button for the flip function. I'm sure all the kenwood commands are already present. They just need a way for you to send it. Since redesigning the remote control will take a long time, a soft button on the screen you can navigate to, will do short term.

The Escient codeset for the DVDM has some "spare" codes not currently assigned to a function, what I requested was that they map one of those codes to a Kenwood flip signal, that way I can program the spare Escient code on to a button in my Pronto and viola I can flip a disc. That way no remote or interface changes have to be made, the down side is that a user with a standard controller would not have access to the command. In the latest version of the software they removed the access to the Open Globe web server maybe they could do something with that button on the remote if they wanted to. Also since I have two DVDM's I would need the same code in both codesets.


Tom

b00bie,

My short term solution for you would be to use 1 click, DVD Decryptor or some other DVD recording program to make a backup copy and just insert it into the changer on the other side.

I don't think Sony will provide an HDMI changer until BD comes out (or HDDVD depending on the outcome).

Old Kenwood 5900 changer stopped working today. Added backup changer which had previously been sitting in a box. Fireball went through 3 hours up disc lookups even though I only had 1 DVD in it just for testing. It "thinks" there are 15 discs in it and even shows the coverart for them. They are DVD's that are in my collection but again, there is really only one disc in there.

A work around would be for me to find those discs it thinks are in there and put them in those spots. Other than that, any ideas how to wipe the slate clean?

I would do a re-registration. The 5-5-5-5 works with the DVDM-100 in the same way it did with the Entre, or there is another code, 8-0-2-0, which will get you to the same place. You may even want to take it down to factory default, and then update the software before you start looking things up.

Nick :cool:

Tom,

I could have sworn that the Kenwood remote had a button for disc flipping. Couldn't you just learn it to your remote? Why would you need it to be discrete?

Nick,

I can't afford the Q004, but I am buying the Q006 soon. It has gotten really good reviews and is considered the best in it's class. I am debating getting the Algolith combo, but that is also pricey for me after spending on the TV and the stand.

I would have followed you guys into the Escient realm but Digital is the only way to go. Hopefully Escient will introduce a good product in this area at some point.

Hi Hans:

First of all, the Qualia 006 is everything it is cracked up to be. While I am in love with my 004, I was able to give the 006 a substantial review at CES, and there is no RPTV like it. It's quite a viable alternative to ANY projector, and, at 70", the size is nothing to complain about.

Remember, the Qualia is going to take video inputs into a new realm, and processors, too; the irony may be, at the end of the day, all you will have needed was to plug it in. Escient has said that it will support HDMI if Sony puts out changers which use it. Based on the fantastic Sony DVP-NS975V, I'm betting that's the prototype for the next Sony changer. The 975 upscales to 1080i or 720p through HDMI, and looks like a dream. Most of the Qualia observers find that just feeding it 1080i, and then letting its internal processing to 1080p24sf do the rest, produces the best picture. The current 004 won't accept a 1080p signal, and, from what I read, the 006 never will; I say big deal. What it does in its current condition is head and shoulders above any other DVD or HDTV I've seen. But I'm betting that Algolith is going to make things even better, and that everything I've mentioned is going to become much cheaper, fairly quickly. But, if you can swing it, I wouldn't let anything delay the 006, because you're going to enjoy it that much.

By the way, my registration problems got solved when I realized that by implementing a new wireless router in my LAN, I introduced a new default gateway IP. That part has been solved.

Maybe we're looking at Son Of Entre thread. Anyways, it's nice to hear from y;ou a

Hi Guys

I have given up waiting for Escient to come out with a "patch" for my disc flip problem. I acquired a Xantech RT-8 IR router from a buddy and did some programming on my Marantz 9200 and I now have a workable solution for my "flippers". This also gives me access to the setup menu on each changer without having to go through the PITA process to get at it without direct control. Thanks to all for the suggestions and support.




Tom

Most of the Qualia observers find that just feeding it 1080i, and then letting its internal processing to 1080p24sf do the rest, produces the best picture.
Really? I've heard really good things about the Qualia's internal processors, and I wonder why there is any benefit from upscaling in a DVD player at all. When viewing DVDs, do you really get better results feeding it 1080i than you do feeding it 480i or 480p? Isn't is simply a question of which scaler is best? I ask this because I have a Marantz VP12S4 with Gennum processing (only to 1080i though :( ) and it looks much better doing all the processing when I feed it 480i from my Kenwood changers than when I give it 480p with the Faroudja processing. I'd imagine that the same is true with upscaling in a player too -- that it is all a question of where the better scaler is. And with a Qualia 004, that is surely in the projector. Am I missing something?

Really? I've heard really good things about the Qualia's internal processors, and I wonder why there is any benefit from upscaling in a DVD player at all. When viewing DVDs, do you really get better results feeding it 1080i than you do feeding it 480i or 480p? Isn't is simply a question of which scaler is best? I ask this because I have a Marantz VP12S4 with Gennum processing (only to 1080i though :( ) and it looks much better doing all the processing when I feed it 480i from my Kenwood changers than when I give it 480p with the Faroudja processing. I'd imagine that the same is true with upscaling in a player too -- that it is all a question of where the better scaler is. And with a Qualia 004, that is surely in the projector. Am I missing something?


No, I don't think you're missing anything. Actually, based on what you've stated, you have accentuated the real dilemma (for me, anyway) with the Qualia: If it "upscales" everything to an output of 1080p (although the highest input it will accept is 1080p24sf), the only thing that should matter is if you could truly do something, prior to the input stage of the Qualia, that would "matter." And, since the Qualia does the upscaling I've described, the only thing that should matter is if (a) it could be modified to accept a 1080p signal, and ergo let the processing truly be done "outboard"; or (b) you had a a processor that could provide--from an outboard at the input stage--1080p24sf (which is what several companies are looking at, and at least one, Lumagen, already has).

Actually, I have a product in the video chain that does assist the picture (and does an excellent job, but would assist any picture) i.e., the Algolith Mosquito. On many DVD and SD signals (and even some HD signals), there is a "mosquito noise" going on which can readily be seen when putting the Algolith in the chain. The Algolith offers a split screen function, which permits you to see the same scene on the screen in two "halves," the processd and the unprocessed. I was quite surprised at the results.

Nick :cool:

I need a third changer. Does anyone here have any strong opinions about the Kenwood changer vs the Sony?

I have two Kenwoods and both are heading to service for different problems.

EDIT: Can I mix changers or do they have to be all the same make?

I need a third changer. Does anyone here have any strong opinions about the Kenwood changer vs the Sony?

I have two Kenwoods and both are heading to service for different problems.

EDIT: Can I mix changers or do they have to be all the same make?

Well, I've got them both. At the end of the day, the Sony outperforms the Kenwood. It's also a more compact unit that is easier to work with. Peformance-wise, I think both are excellent at audio and video.

However . . . don't forget that you can't mix and match brands. If you want to hook up three units to the Escient, the've got to be either three Sonys, or three Kenwoods.

Nick :cool:

Thanks Nick.

Where do you guys draw the line in regards to having enough changers? :)

I wonder what are the chances we will ever see an HD-DVD or Blue ray Mega-changer?

There will probably be a need for one since it will be long time, if ever, before HD movies can be ripped from media.

Well I guess it's driven by the number of discs you want to store, only four of mine are actually full and if I add up the other three its just short of filling five. The only way for me to have easy access to all my movies was to assign A-K in one DVDM with three changers and L-Z in the second one. My odd changer is where I keep my DVD-A's, Concert Video's and my TV episodes and that one is controlled by lists in my Marantz. I think the possibility of a Mega changer to support HD will be determined by how popular the medium becomes, I would guess at least a year and a half after media introduction.


Tom

HD DVD is coming, and it will be backward compatible meaning it will play standard DVD's and CD's

and it will be a significant advance

recently I viewed the Eagles Farewell Tour 1 on NBC HD and then looked at the DVD :(

No comparison: the HD makes a huge difference

I am anxiously awaiting HD DVD; format wars and all

HD is one reason I stopped buying dvds. The more HD I see, the more I want.

I stopped at 650 I think. I have whittled that down to about 350 dvds. It's amazing when you add up the numbers. We've all spent a pretty penny on these dvds and they will be obsolete within 5 years probably.

I always thought I wouldn't be like me dad who had all these LPs and didn't know what do with them. Now it's me who has all these dvds and cds and doesn't know what to do with them :)

I don't know whether or not I will go for the HD DVD's. I LOVE HD TV and have three HD displays in my house, but as an early adopter of HD two of my displays do not have DVI or HDMI interfaces and my projector which does have DVI can only do 720P. The thought of having to replace my changers, DVDM's and displays seems very daunting. Also right now I distribute my DVD output throughout the house and that would also mean a revamp to that whole system It would be a real challenge to convince the better half of the need for such an expenditure when everything is "working just fine".


Tom

I don't know whether or not I will go for the HD DVD's. I LOVE HD TV and have three HD displays in my house, but as an early adopter of HD two of my displays do not have DVI or HDMI interfaces and my projector which does have DVI can only do 720P. The thought of having to replace my changers, DVDM's and displays seems very daunting. Also right now I distribute my DVD output throughout the house and that would also mean a revamp to that whole system It would be a real challenge to convince the better half of the need for such an expenditure when everything is "working just fine".


Tom

Hi guys:

I'm making a bet now: Even if HD-DVD (in the generic sense, i.e., either the Toshiba or the Sony Blu-ray format) comes out, it's going to be quite a while before the available titles begins to even approach what's out there already on DVD. And, while HD is clearly "better" than DVD, there's really nothing objectionable about good DVD playback, even on the most high end systems.

I know the route I'll take, which is to keep my current DVDs and changers, and to add whichever of the HD-DVD formats emerges. If it's a disc that I'm unlikely to watch again (even if I already own it), I won't bother with getting the HD version. If it's a disc that I will watch, well, with over 1000 DVDs, I guess I'll have a few duplicates. It will probably be a while, even after the HD hardware gets released, before Sony gets around to adding a HD-DVD megachanger (they were the first and have been the only real constant in the megachangers), so, while we'll enjoy the great transfers and (hopefully) the superior audio, we're going to be returning to the early days of single disc players, and we're going to be missing the glitzy interfaces that we came to love with the Entres and the Escient units.

Let's face it, on top of the enjoyment we get in playing with our grown men's toys, there's a sense of the stamp-collector or coin collector in our little diversions; it's a guy thing, and it keeps us interested. That's worth a little something as we while away the time (as Mark Twain would have put it), so we allow ourselves a bit of impracticality in our guilty pleasures.

People used to gather on the neighborhood porch to discuss the subject of the day. The internet has just changed the porch a bit. But at least we're talking.

Nick :cool:

How bout passin around that there jug

iPod and DVDM-300 :)

picked up an iPod Photo (30Gb) and am amazed at how user friendly it is with DVDM-300 software: you can drag and drop songs or whole albums right into iTunes ;)

and iTunes uses Gracenotes for cover art which is displayed in color on the iPod

I just recieved my dvdm-100 and touchscreen and everything is setup and the software updated the problems i have are.

1. when I select a movie and touch video a prievew of the movie is supposed to come up on the touchscreen but all that happens is that the screen goes dark and then turns blue and says s-video input if I touch the screen again it returns to the preview screen.

2. when I turn of my dvdm-100 the touchscreen goes to soild blue and says s-video again I thought the dvdm unit was supposed to turn of the touchscreen?

For those that have upgraded their DVDM-100's to the "new" (well it is not so new anymore) web-server software upgrade, how is it now working? I upgraded my fireball and it is awsome and stable. Love the PC access for backups, etc... However I had less use for the upgrade on the DVDM-100 other than moving cover art, which I am now thinking of doing.

I saw a few posts of people having issues using the PC to edit discs and save their changes, etc. Sounded like that was not working well. Has this been addressed or is it still an issue?? The only issue I recall with the Fireball upgrade was it kept dropping off the network by itself and my home automation system would "lose it". A patch on their side fixed that.

This all comes to pass as I am looking at replacing my Kenwood DV-5900M hanging off the DVDM-100 with the Sony changer. I figured if I am going to do that, I might as well upgrade the software on the Escient piece also.

BJBBJB

Hi

The initial "problems" I had with the web interface turned out to be browser related and not Escient software, the upgrade is definitely worth doing, I can't wait for the new one coming this month. Hope that helps.


Tom

Hi

The initial "problems" I had with the web interface turned out to be browser related and not Escient software, the upgrade is definitely worth doing, I can't wait for the new one coming this month. Hope that helps.


Tom

What "new one" is coming this month? New software upgrade? If so, any info on what improvements are in the pipe for that release? Thanks, /Lars

Hi Lars

PDA interface, gapless playback, Shoutcast radio, 16x9 interface and customizable UI.


http://www.escient.com/products/dvdm100.html

Wow - that's great news !! I am in particular happy to see the support of 16:9 screen format... Thanks, /Lars

Well, pre-newbie I guess. Just saw the DVDM-100 and 300 and wow! Awfully expensive though...any pointers on where to get one as inexpensively as possible...would even consider a 'used' one, though I prefer new.

Any pointers on how you all have the equipment set-up would be appreciated too. I've got around 450 dvd's at this point and add usually a couple a week or so.

Thanks,
Hans

Hi Hans


You can find setup diagrams on Escients site, that should give you an idea of how everything plugs together. These units are sold through authorized dealer and while I have never seen a used 300 on ebay a used 100 usually goes for $1000-$1500. The units support different brands of changers and particular models within the different brands, here again a wealth of info can be found at www.escient.com Peruse through some of their literature and if you have specific questions come back and ask.


Tom

Thanks Tom

I did check ebay and didn't see any dvdm's...only music stuff. Do you see them on ebay often? Where else should I look.

Thanks,
Hans

Hey Hans

There is a DVDM-100 for sale on ebay right now...check it out.


Tom

Saw it earlier...keeping my fingers crossed.

What's the lowest price folks have found out there and where? I've got the bug to get one....

Hans

Hans

Forum rules are strict about not discussing prices other than MSRP, ebay is probably the best place to find a "bargain" I bought one of mine there.


Tom

Thanks Tom...didn't realize that about discussing prices. Won't happen again. I'll be watching the auction...

Hans

Hi

No problem, this forum is really a great place and the moderators do a great job with it, I hope you win your auction and don't forget if you have questions come back and ask. The unit is a breeze to set up, Escient provides great documentation and support and it really changes the way you watch your movie collection. You might want to D/L the manual (if you haven't done so already) and start to look through it just to get an idea on setting it up.


Tom

this is off topic, but this new system from Sony is a hint of what's to come.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1872496,00.asp

Interesting piece from Sony slocko. I wonder if that DVD changer with HDMI is a hint of things to come for a replacement for the Sony DVP-CX777ES? I see they replaced their standard line changer with an HDMI unit and now their media center has one. It sure would be nice if they replaced their ES changer with one so the DVDM-100 could use it! (Edit: The DVDM-100 should be able to control it, of course it could not accept the HDMI signal, that would have to go straight to the display device).

BJBBJB

And another thing..... I posted this over in the Kenwood forum but have not seen much activity over there.

Whether Sony comes out with a new ES changer or not, I am definitely going to move from the Kenwood to the Sony at some point in the not too distant future.

I have already read the posts and it seems that those that have done this have not been sorry. I am curious how the transition went from a hookup and DVD ID standpoint? Of course the Escient will "see" a new changer and will want to read each disc. I thought I might have read that when it re-scans them it did not have to go out to the database to download each DVD again? It still "remembered" the disc ID and title/cover from the other changer stored in it's flash. Can anyone confirm that? If so, it would give me a little more comfort about the transition process itself. There are many discs I have done tweaks to from a title standpoint, or chosen one over another, etc. etc. Would be nice not to have to do it again.

Thanks,

BJBBJB

Hi

I know from changing out my Kenwoods to send them in for repair :( that when I put them back in the system the data is still in the DVDM, since it has to read the TOC again it still takes a while to go through all of them but it does NOT D/L anything it uses the local information, I'm sure that this would be true even if you changed over to Sony. Hope that helps.


Tom

i think also. it will probably used the cached information first before it attempts to do the lookup on the internet.

Have anyone installed the latest update? Sounds GREAT!! As I am using 16:9 TV/screen for my DVDM-100 I am in particular looking forward to have the screen formated for this dimension (also adds 2 additional covers per page when in graphical mode)...


Current Version 4.1.1.3 November 2,2005
This is an automatic update.

NEW FEATURES

PDA Web Interface
WMA Audio Playback
Shoutcast/MP3 Internet Radio Stations
Gapless Track Playback
16x9 or 4:3 User Interface
Customizable User Interface
Faster Web Interface
Improved Editing

Hey folks, is the Escient SE DVDM obsolete or is it just the name of the 'entire line' of products? I've been searching for it after seeing it in a store and can't find it. Only models I see on their website is the DVDM-100 or 300. What gives?
Also, for those interested, I was told that Sony has an upgrade to the 777ES, the 999, which has 2 HDMI ports and is available by 'special order'.
Just my 2 cents.

As far as I now the only SE product right now is the SE-80 which is a music server not a DVD manager.

I was told that Sony has an upgrade to the 777ES, the 999, which has 2 HDMI ports and is available by 'special order'.


there is also a DVPCX995 Sony changer with HDMI but...

the Escient DVDM-300 does not accept HDMI: you could run it direct HDMI from the changer to the display (but the component video would be shut off)

Hey folks, is the Escient SE DVDM obsolete or is it just the name of the 'entire line' of products? I've been searching for it after seeing it in a store and can't find it. Only models I see on their website is the DVDM-100 or 300. What gives?
Also, for those interested, I was told that Sony has an upgrade to the 777ES, the 999, which has 2 HDMI ports and is available by 'special order'.
Just my 2 cents.

But for those of us that have DVDM-100s controlling our 777ES changers, how do you pass the changers through the Escient? There's no HDMI input or output on any Escient that I know of.

For what it's worth, at CEDIA this year, Escient said "if Sony supports HDMI output with its changers, so will we." Question is, does that mean you'll upgrade the existing control units, or does it mean we have to purchase new ones?

Is the 999 an ES series? Available by special order from whom?

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

I was told that Sony has an upgrade to the 777ES, the 999, which has 2 HDMI ports and is available by 'special order'.
Just my 2 cents.

Ion-Man,

If you could post who or where it says that a 999 is available by special order, I would appreciate it!! I have checked press releases (or at least 2 weeks ago I did), and some main ES dealers and they knew nothing about a new ES changer model..

As someone mentioned, there is a new standard-line Sony Changer, the DVPCX995 which has HDMI. However the main problem with that one is not only that the DVDM-100 or 300 does not have HDMI as Nick mentioned (you would have to wire direct to your video output and switch from standard where you would make your movie choice and then switch to the direct-to-display HDMI-personally this would not be a huge deal and you at least have the option) but that the DVPCX995 does not have the changer control connections that the Escient requires.

I even called Escient and they said the only changers they currently support are still the Kenwood 5900 and the Sony 777.

Boy I hope this is right about the 999...that is what I am looking for. A dvd changer with HDMI that Escient can control.

BJBBJB

Ion-Man,

If you could post who or where it says that a 999 is available by special order, I would appreciate it!! I have checked press releases (or at least 2 weeks ago I did), and some main ES dealers and they knew nothing about a new ES changer model..

As someone mentioned, there is a new standard-line Sony Changer, the DVPCX995 which has HDMI. However the main problem with that one is not only that the DVDM-100 or 300 does not have HDMI as Nick mentioned (you would have to wire direct to your video output and switch from standard where you would make your movie choice and then switch to the direct-to-display HDMI-personally this would not be a huge deal and you at least have the option) but that the DVPCX995 does not have the changer control connections that the Escient requires.

I even called Escient and they said the only changers they currently support are still the Kenwood 5900 and the Sony 777.

Boy I hope this is right about the 999...that is what I am looking for. A dvd changer with HDMI that Escient can control.

BJBBJB


Sony has been telling people that the 777 is the last of the ES Changer line for now, at least until they come out with BR. That they've upgraded the software for the 777, but have no plans to add HDMI to it. The 995 does not have a RS-232 port, so if you want HDMI, you have to go without the RS-232.

I went back to Tweeter last night and asked again just to clarify the info, he gave this model number from the system: DVPN CX999ES. he stated it was special order and runs around $2900. I made sure to ask if it was a mega changer like the 777ES and he confirmed. Unless he was mistaken, thats what he told me, from his screen.

I must say, I can't find it though.

I recently swapped out my Kenwood changer for the Sony and upgraded the DVDM-100 software. Wow is the Sony transport much smoother than the Kenwood.

I was trying to use the web GUI to browse to custom cover art. I seem to be having the same problem others had quite a while ago where I can select an image, it displays in the option/edit window, but when you hit "save", it does not save the cover art.

Now I thought I was told that the cover art had to be less than 20K??? That is AWFULLY small if that is true. For those that have gotten custom cover art to work, any tips would be appreciated. I was just going to copy the files over via the network, but the only directory I saw was for backgrounds.

The rest of the gui works great. Editing discs easier, and everything is much faster.

BJBBJB

PS. O yeah, I do kind of miss the green/blue classic skin. The fireball kept it as an option but the DVDM-100 did not with the upgrade.

Hey

Glad your enjoying thr\e new software, yes the image MUST be less than 20K or it won't save it. BTW do you display in 16x9 format, the new sftware finally shows the cover art displayed properly like a DVD and not square like a CD.


Tom

b00bie,

Yup it was the 20k. It also seemed to like files created with a simple editing program better than photoshop.

For those using the Sony/DVDM-100 combo, does the Sony changer automatically bypass the menu and go straight into playing the movie all the time? Is there a setting somewhere that controls this?

Actually more times than not, it is a good thing. And of course you can always hit the menu button to get there.
Was just curious.

I have not had one "unreadable disc" or freeze with the Sony. Hope it continues, that is what made me nuts with the Kenwood. I am very happy with the picture and audio quality also.

BJBBJB

I had one of my Kenwood DV-5900M changers go out recently. I tried to get it repaired, but the problem is in the main board and I was told that there are none in the country. I've been looking for a replacement changer that has been updated to the v3 firmware, but there appears to be a real lack of these systems out there. If anyone is thinking of selling their changer(s), please PM me.

Dave

Did you need to buy a VGA to S-Video adaptor to connect the ELO 1224L to the Escient?

Thanks.

I recently got my fireball 100 and 777 changer. Is it just me or does connecting the component output from the 777 into the fireball degrade the signal a little bit?

I notice "scan" type lines on black scenes, or on credits, that move up from the bottom of the screen. Not noticeable at all when there is any kind of picture. When I run the same DVD via DVI, from another player, I do not notice any lines at all.

I dont seem to remember those lines when I ran movies via component on my old xbox, through the same component lines. It reminds me of the kind of interference I used to get before I got a mosnter 5100 line conditioner/cleaner.

I do have a 50' monster cable run to my PJ, now though it runs through two switches, the escient being a new one.

Im also using a cheaper component cable from the 777 to the escient, ill try upgrading that to a top of the line monster to see if that helps.

I also just moved to the 777ES with the Escient piece. I previously used the Kenwood. And what I noticed with the new Sony was on DVE crosshatch pattern (while converging a....well rather old Pioneer Elite RPTV) the pattern had little bumps or squiggles in the lines.. I do not recall that from the Kenwood?

Now since my HDTV is a few months away (hopefully a 70 inch Sony SXRD if they come out with one in the consumer line) I am actually using a rather ancient connection: S-Video!

I tried cranking down the contrast and it did not matter.

Any thoughts? I would hate to think my new player has an issue. It is hard to benchmark though when you are using a rather old set.

All the above being said, I saw some scan lines too....

BJBBJB

It could be a lot of things, BJBBJB.

I am running a 40 foot monster 3 component feed to my Ruby from a 4x1 component switch. I also am running a 10ish foot monster cable from the escient to the switch, and a 3 footer from the 777 to the escient.

I also now notice the "scan lines" on other devices that I have feeding into the 4x1 switch, including my x360 and my DVHS deck (30k). I do not have any "scan lines" when viewing same DVDs on my upconverting Samsung DVD player via DVI.

It could be that the analog signal degrades because of the switch, or because of the long cable feeds whereas with the 50 foot DVI cable there is no degradation because it sustains the digital information enough, even at that distance.

When I get to use DVI, either through a RX-V2600 or Vantage HD or Lumagen HD Pro or DVDO VP30/40, to send even my analog sourced signals the long distance I hope that the "scan lines" go away.

I also bought these broadband router type devices that allow you to use your power outlets to run broadband througout your house. Im not sure if that messes the with the signal, though you would think that my monster 5100 power conditioner would filter out any of that stuff. Not really sure but never really noticed the scan lines until after the escient 777 were set up, about the same time that I plugged in those devices. Unplugging the devices do not make the scan lines go away, so probably not have to do with that .. though you never know.

Have a question...

I like the idea of using the SE-D1 along with the Sony 777ES. Going to my main TV is easy. My five year old likes to watch DVD's on the kitchen computer if we are using the main TV to watch something else (e.g. Tivo). I know that I can control the SE-D1 from a computer on the same LAN but can't stream the DVD content. I have two RG-6 runs plus a spare Cat. 5 run to the computer, is there someway that I can send the signal into this computer so it would be like using an external DVD player to play a movie on screen I guess. Seems like my challenge could be sound as opposed to video....

I know it sounds strange but might work well for our household. Escient indicates you can use all of their outputs simultaneously....

Appreciate any advice.

Thanks.

I just expanded into an Escient DVDM-100 and three CX-777ES changers. My other system is a Kenwood Entre and DV-5900M changers. To say that the Entre/DV-5900M combination is quirky, would be kind, but the Escient / 777ES integration is impressive.

A side benefit for me, was the Escient's ability to display video simultainiously though its component, composite, and S-video connectors. I used an unused port on my ChannelsPlus device to deliver DVD movies to the other TV's in the house.

I just finished setting up my DVDM-100 and I couldn't be happier with it's performance. I am using it in conjunction with an old E-40 music server with the newer software, sort of a poor mans DVDM-300. It's actually kind of nice having the server separate from the rack as I can use the web gui to access the music server to rip discs as well as the video display.

It sure is nice removing all of the DVD boxes from the Family Room, and putting them in storage. It is also a nice feature that the DVD's start playing immediately, bypassing all of the FBI, chapter, extras, etc.

I am in the A/V business, and have sold the K-Scape products for about 1 1/2 years. While they certainly have their place in certain homes & budgets, the DVDM is a very elegant solution for the money.

FWIW

Kevin

I just finished setting up my DVDM-100 and I couldn't be happier with it's performance. I am using it in conjunction with an old E-40 music server with the newer software, sort of a poor mans DVDM-300. It's actually kind of nice having the server separate from the rack as I can use the web gui to access the music server to rip discs as well as the video display.

It sure is nice removing all of the DVD boxes from the Family Room, and putting them in storage. It is also a nice feature that the DVD's start playing immediately, bypassing all of the FBI, chapter, extras, etc.

I am in the A/V business, and have sold the K-Scape products for about 1 1/2 years. While they certainly have their place in certain homes & budgets, the DVDM is a very elegant solution for the money.

FWIW

Kevin
WHAT AND HOW DOES THE E-40 INTERGRATE HERE?
THANKS
KRP

I just finished setting up my DVDM-100 and I couldn't be happier with it's performance. I am using it in conjunction with an old E-40 music server with the newer software, sort of a poor mans DVDM-300. It's actually kind of nice having the server separate from the rack as I can use the web gui to access the music server to rip discs as well as the video display.

It sure is nice removing all of the DVD boxes from the Family Room, and putting them in storage. It is also a nice feature that the DVD's start playing immediately, bypassing all of the FBI, chapter, extras, etc.

I am in the A/V business, and have sold the K-Scape products for about 1 1/2 years. While they certainly have their place in certain homes & budgets, the DVDM is a very elegant solution for the money.

FWIW

Kevin

I, too, am a veteran of the Entre/Escient/Kenwood Changers/Sony Changers. I agree, but how do you bypass FBI warnings? Neither my Entre/DV-5900 would do that, nor would my Escient DVDM-100 (+ 3 Sony DVP-CX777ES changers), nor will my DVDM-300 (+ 3 Kenwood changers).

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

Kurt,

The E-40 integrates as if it were a DVDM-300, that is when you press Music, all of the music on the hard drive shows up on the guide of the DVDM-100 as availible music. I have it hooked up on the network, there is no direct connection to my receiver.

Nick,

Whenever I select a movie it starts playing. It doesen't go to the menu, I just get the "20th century" etc. movie banner and then the movie starts. I will play with it a little more to see if it was an isolated thing, however if memory serves me I've played several movies with similar results. I will see what firmware is running on the DVD player (Sony). I just received the unit from Escient last week so I didn't do a whole lot but connect it up and modify my remote program.

I will find it much harder to make a case for the Kscape system to my customers. Other than the obvious issue with needing the DVD's to reside in the players, and a slight delay once a selection is made, the functionality is very much the same. For the vast majority of customers the ability to watch two separate movies at the same time is really not neccessary. Sharing the DVDM video feed can be accomplished with a Kramer or similar video switch, or even a video distribution amp.

I'll report back once I've sampled a handful of movies.

Regards,

Kevin

Well...I verified it with more movies. From the latest Harry Potter to War Games the movie just starts. There is no delay other than the time it takes to load the DVD.

The DVDM-100 software version I'm showing is FB-D 4.1.4.2, as far as the DVD player is concerned I couldn't see what firmware was installed.

Oddly enough the version of software seems newer than the on listed on their support website. Whatever the reason I'm happy with the results. I certainly couldn't ask for better performance thus far.

Kevin

I love my Escient DVDM-300 : but the fan noise is objectionable

I took a close look at the fan and noticed there is a fan guard on the inlet of the fan on the inside of the unit: the fan blows air out: it is Sunon P/N KDE1206PTV3 12V .7w) This inlet fan guard serves no purpose except restricts airflow and causes more noise (there is still a fan guard on the back of the unit for the fan outlet)

By carefully removing the top cover, you can remove the fan (4 screws on back panel): now remove the inlet grill and reinstall the fan and cover: this provides a reduction in noise level and somewhat more airflow

fan noise is still there but at a noticeably lower level

Still working on further noise reductions :)

looking closer at this fan design: there are vent holes in the side of the cabinet near the fan air inlet: this means much of the air being drawn in by the fan (it exhausts out the back of the cabinet) is being drawn in from the side (being bypassed) and does not provide much airflow over heat producing components!

Very poor thermal design in my opinion: it may make more sense to turn the fan so it blows outside air into the cabinet (easy to try)

The HD produces most of the heat in the cabinet and there are no vent holes in the top cover over the HD!

My next step is to add perforation vent holes in the cover directly over the HD

my DVDM is finally quiet :)

the fan in the DVDM-300 is a 12 vdc fan that, out of the unit is fairly quiet: it is noisy when mounted in the Fireball because of structure borne noise (vibration of motor/bearings to metal cabinet), and the airflow going over an unnecessary inlet grill and an outlet guard

First I added an electronic fan speed control with a potentiometer to adjust fan speed: you cannot use a dropping resistor since the fan may not always start at low voltages

Then I removed the inlet fan plastic guard and cut away the metal guard on the outside of the unit: mounted the plastic grill over the opening, and isolated the fan with rubber at its mounting points: there is still some transmission because of the mounting screws

by running the fan at approx 6 volts, you can barely hear it running

I also added perforations in the top cover directly over the HD: but that was probably unnecessary: the heat comes from 3 heat sinks below the HD so the fan cooling is needed

the two most effective things you can do without a lot of work are remove the inlet plastic grill and remount the fan with rubber isolators

Is anyone out there actually using one of these that can give me some real world, actually using feedback on the good, the bad and the ugly. Due to cost of this, I really want to make sure before I jump.

Thanks in advance.

Mickey

Im also in the market for a DVM-100, where can I get a great deal on one of these, any dealers here with new or demo units providing " forum member pricing?" pm please

Is anyone out there actually using one of these that can give me some real world, actually using feedback on the good, the bad and the ugly. Due to cost of this, I really want to make sure before I jump.

Thanks in advance.

Mickey

I have a few. They are excellent, and do everything that you could hope them to do. Let's face it, though, that amounts to a glitzy user interface for a changer.

Nick :cool:

Mickey,

I've got the DVDM-100 and like Nick said, it just works, especially when paired with the Sony piece. I loved the Kenwood picture but the Sony changer's transport is smooth and it also "just works". I have been very pleased with it.

Escient has continually upgraded the software on the DVDM-100 adding features like Palm device control, web control (on a local LAN), etc.

I also don't cringe when I see a "software update downloaded" message like I do with some other PC or consumer electronic devices. Also, their tech support is great. These days any electronic device that does what it is supposed to without making me research every nuance of its operation is a winner in my book.

Nick,

My DVDM-100 also bypasses the menu and has done so through all of the software upgrades with the Sony. At one point I was also trying to find out what setting does this and determined it must be something with the Sony changer firmware or settings as my Kenwood always stopped at the menu when paired with the exact same DVDM-100.

Most of the time I like it, but sometimes I want it to stop at the menu and I just have to hit the menu button, no big deal. But it would be interesting to see what controls this behaviour.

So Nick, do you exect a Blu-Ray changer that works with the DVDM-100 soon??!!

BJBBJB

can someone recommend a touchscreen manufacturer and model # ( most likely from elo) that will work with the dvdm-100 and my sony 777es 400 disk changer? im assuming that the touchscreen will have to use rs232, can the dvdm-100 accomodate the sony changer and a touchscreen panel requiring rs232 at the same time? and are there any wireless touchpanel solutions without getting crazy using things like crestron?

I can verify that you can run the DVDM-100, Sony Changer and RS-232 at the same time. I do it with an AMX touchpanel. Not familiar with other direct-programmed-interface touchpanel solutions.

However, with the software upgrade, you can use any PC on the local network to access that unit. So if you used a wireless handheld device, laptop, or XP tablet laptop, those could access the DVDM-100 directly over a wireless local network. I have only used it with standard laptops/desktops so cannot speak to the tablet PC experience with the DVDM-100 interface but those are a few options.

BJBBJB

so with a laptop running xp on the same local network as the dvdm-100 I should be able to lookup movies and view cover art etc? also what is the model # of you AMX touchpanel?

so with a laptop running xp on the same local network as the dvdm-100 I should be able to lookup movies and view cover art etc? also what is the model # of you AMX touchpanel?

Yes as to the first question.

Nick :cool:

My AMX is an older AXT-CP4 and requires the netlinx interface and system to work. You don't get cover art. Need to use a PC or another network/based touchpanel to get that.

Here is what the "Web" (read local network) GUI looks like:
Web Gui (http://www.escient.com/manuals/WebUIUM.pdf)


BJBBJB

Hello,

I have four dvdm-100 managers with 3 sony dvd exchangers each. I am having some problems with my dvd managers.

1- I can not update my dvdm-100 to latest software version.
2- Because When I connected my dvdm-100 to internet. I was able to update my movie database without any problem but when i tried to update the software it connected to internet and verified connection and got the list for update but suddenly it reboots and from here it starts the problem.

Now I am three days having this message "" Connecting to server Please Wait..."" and the light at front panel keeps flashing. Please tell me the soloution quickly or tell me the way so that i will get these managers up again. I am in critical position please update me soon as you can.

Best Regards,

naimarshad

Hi
I assume that only one of the DVDm's is hung up not all four, do a hard reset (pull the plug, count to ten and reinsert) let the system come up. If you are currently on a software version earlier than 4.0.6.8 then you must register with Escient to get the latest updates go to Escient's site go to support and then updates, scroll down to the DVDm 100 and you will see a link wher you can register, you must do this for each of your units, good luck


Tom


http://www.escient.com/support/updates.html

Hi
I assume that only one of the DVDm's is hung up not all four, do a hard reset (pull the plug, count to ten and reinsert) let the system come up. If you are currently on a software version earlier than 4.0.6.8 then you must register with Escient to get the latest updates go to Escient's site go to support and then updates, scroll down to the DVDm 100 and you will see a link wher you can register, you must do this for each of your units, good luck


Tom


http://www.escient.com/support/updates.html
Hello Tom, Thanks alot for your TIP tell me that where can I find the coustomer ID because all of the dvd managers are not booting even after hardreset! guide me with a proper soloution.

Thanks agan for the reply!

Naimarshad

Access the Setup screen select utilities and then system information.


Tom

Hello Tom, Thanks alot for your TIP tell me that where can I find the coustomer ID because all of the dvd managers are not booting even after hardreset! guide me with a proper soloution.

Thanks agan for the reply!

The customer ID is on the system information link on the Setup menu.

If you want the very latest update, you will need to go to the Escient site and enter your serial, and request to update, it is here:

http://www.escient.com/dupdate/index.html

After you finish on that form go to your DVDM-100 and make it manually request an update. Voila, i guess the reason for this is that it will confer it DVDM-300-like abilities, but at the same time glitches may occur. None so far for me.

Fireball Backup kit FBK-300>>>use of Retrospect 6.0

I am having problems using Retrospect 6.0 to do scheduled backups from my DVDM-300 to the Maxtor drive

I did an initial backup of all my music onto the Maxtor by copy and paste of files: that went OK: and I followed all the instructions carefully (installed drivers only, not enitre Maxtor program)

Fine: now I want to do periodic backups of changes: I installed Restrospect 6.0 , mounted the DVDM, selected duplicate in the program, and set:

DVDM content as source
Maxtor drive (E) as destination

as soon as I do that: I get a red/yellow exclamation warning: Do you really want to replace all files? and if I click yes, the program crashes

Called Escient: they were no help: told me to call Dantz

any ideas?

Have any of you run across a DVD that the Escient database did not have the info/cover art for? I know you can add your own info, but is there a way you can add your own cover art similar to how you can for music albums?

Thank you,

Hi

The easiest way is to use another PC on the same network as the DVDM, the picture needs to be JPG and less than 20K. Log into your DVDM by putting the IP address of your DVDM (this is available on the network page in the settings menu) into your browser address bar then select your movie push the options button and click on edit disc. At the bottom of the page you can browse your PC for the image and save it. Since the new software (I am running 4.2.3.4) you have to exit out of the browser before the image actually saves if you are running 4.1.7.8 it should be reflected immediatly when you return to the movie view. Hope that helps.


Tom

Cool.....so it works pretty much the same on the Web GUI as putting your own CD album art in there. Thanks!

would suggest assigning a static IP to your Escient: that way it will never change

Yes, I automatically assign static IPs to every networked piece of gear.

I tried this on my MX-111 last night and it worked just fine (DVD cover art). I got the file size and res limitations from the ones supplied by the Escient db since it didn't give specs in the manual.

Sorry for the newbie question but why is the Fireball M100 and a Sony 400 Disc Changer both needed?

If I don't have a gazillion DVDs and CDs then why can't I just do with the Sony VP CX777ESBK for instance?

Thanks

Dennis

dfchang,

It is all about the gui interface. Sure you can try to navigate the movie discs with the native changer interface. You either type in the disc titles one by one and use the changer interface (not great) or can have some PC program download the info to a remote to get the titles (I think Harmony or Pronto these days)....it does work, but it is not that easy.

The Escient units automatically download the title over the internet as soon as the disc is read and allow you to browse your discs easily by title, genre, cover art, etc. Certainly it become more and more useful based on the quanitity of discs you have.

Once you use it, you get hooked. But of course you pay for this functionality.


BJBBJB

Once You Go With An Esscient You'll Understand

Couldn't live without my Escient....

Really - my wife would KILL me if I ever contemplated getting rid of it. Somedays, only Baby Einstein will sooth our little girl and the Escient makes playback a quick and painless process of choosing just the right one for any given occasion.

Has anyone gotten their Sony DVP-CX777ES to read the Casino Royale widescreen movie disc 1?? Unlike my old Kenwood this Sony almost never has this issue and hasn't with hundreds of other DVD's. I have read in other forums that some people are having problems playing this disc in various standalone DVD players. But in a SONY???!!

I even returned it and got another one...same thing. It reads the disc 2 bonus disc but can't read disc 1.

Thanks,
BJBBJB

While not perfectly on topic, I have a Escient E-120 and was wondering if anyone has tried to control their Escient with an off brand 7" touchscreen like a Lilliput? I have a spot that would work great.

Thanks for any help

Not a lot of activity here lately, but anyway...

There does appear to be a problem with some newer Sony DVD's and the Sony Changer/Escient combo. The Sony/Escient combination has a problem reading their TOC when it is trying to read it to download the disc info. Casino Royale, and now Pursuit of Happiness has the issue.

The work-around has been to put a disc in the player can read, then re-insert the disc it can't, edit the title, and it will play.

However today I saw an Escient menu option that I have not seen before that instead of just showing as an "unreadable disc" and not allow you to play it, it shows as unreadable and by hitting info, you can select an option to "play". I did see a DVDM100 automatic maintenance release in April so perhaps this is what added the option. At least you can play it and then edit it.

Regardless of all of the above, it is a real pain if this is how all new Sony discs have to be handled from now on.

BJBBJB

If Escient does not have the information on a certain dvd you can mail them the dvd they will put it in their system so that 100% of your dvds will be seen on your display. Thats customer service. I have 100% of my 400 dvds in my current system. Greg

Greg,
Yes their support is very good. Unfortunately in this case it cannot read the DVD so the issue is not that it is not in their database.

BJBBJB

You would have thought that the rootkit fiasco should have taught Sony a lesson to at least test their own DVD releases in their own DVD players, when they decide to play with new versions of their strongarm copy protection that they load on them, if nothing else. At first they tried to place the blame on every DVD player that would not play them properly, but finally they fessed up, and admitted that a screwup in their copy protection that's on the discs was the entire cause of it.


With certain new Sony DVD's, It's all entirely Sony's problem, with the faulty way they implemented their latest version of their own ARccOS copy protection scheme. It was so bad, that certain new discs from Sony will not properly play in quite a few different brands of players, including Sonys own players! It's not at all Escient's fault. Call up Sony at 800-860-2878 and tell them that you got one of the new screwed up disc, and they will arrange to replace it with another one where they fixed their own latest screwup.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6434584.html


http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070418-sony-to-replace-incompatible-dvds.html

Agreed. This is absolutely *NOT* an Escient issue. They have been great in dealing with it.

BJBBJB

I recently obtained a used dvdm-100 and i can not get the unit to see my sony dvd changer. Does anyone have advise as to what i could be doing wrong? I believe i have all connections correct and it is my understanding the unit should automatically recognize the dvd player. I have tried to reset the dvdm-100. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Hi

The unit "sees" the changer through the rs-232 port, you must be using a null modem cable in order for it to recognize the changer properly. Hope that helps.


Tom

Does anyone know if the 777ES sends out an anamorphic flag over component when it plays anamorphic content, and if so, does it pass through the DVDM-100?

(These flags can be used by TVs to switch between anamorphic/non-anamorphic automatically, which is particularly useful for DVDs which have menus and extras in 4:3 and the movie in anamorphic 16:9. I think the flag is put onto one of the blank lines above the visible picture)

using mx-800 remote- the dvdm100 seems to lock up and the remote /unit do not seem to react...

even the dvdm remote seem to stick or not perform well

has anyone else had this problem?

using mx-800 remote- the dvdm100 seems to lock up and the remote /unit do not seem to react...
even the dvdm remote seem to stick or not perform well
has anyone else had this problem?

Are you using RF or IR with the MX800? I just had similar problems using RF thru an MRF-300 directly wired to the Escient (AVX-331). Switching to a flasher instead fixed all the issues.

If you're using a flasher, it could be partially obstructing the sensor and thus affecting your Escient remote's ability. Have you tried rebooting the Escient?

I haven't had any control issues with my system. I have the Escient DVDM100 and (3) Sony ES 400 disc changers. I have enjoyed using this for the past 2 1/2 years. I am selling my system now in the marketplace, but only because I am finally switching to a server. The Escient system was fun to use and the best part about it was I had a real excuse to NOT have to loan out DVD's to friends. :) Hey, I'm sorry buddy. I'd love to loan you my entire Star Wars DVD collection, but everything is loaded up in the DVD changers.

Jeff,

I noticed the same problem with my Fireball, but when I consolidated my remote controls with an MX-700 the unit really came alive. I have near instantaneous response from remote signals and the GUI is very fast. I suspect that their included remote control isn't sending a "clean" signal to the Fireball unit.

Off topic, but relevant :)

My MX-800 /fireball remote combo seem slow to respond -- is yours working ok

is that true?
if not, are there any drawbacks in using other changers?

If you look a little closer, you will find that you can also use it with a Kenwood DV-5050 or 5900. The only Sony DVD changer you can use it with is the DVP-CX777ES. It also works with a few Sony CD changers for CD use only, but you can not use a mix of both CD changers and DVD changers together. It flat out will not work at all with the Sony DVP-CX995, if that is what you were/are thinking. Or any other non supported DVD changer that does not have RS-232 control support.


http://www.escient.com/literature/DVDM100SellSheet.pdf

what kinds of touchscreen panels are compatible with this unit, other than escient's brand....

what kinds of touchscreen panels are compatible with this unit, other than escient's brand....

I called Escient some time back and they told me most generic LCD Touchscreens with serial connector for touch screen should work (he gave me the Industry standard for the TS interface but I don't have it)

these appear to be the screens:

http://www.touchscreens.com/products-dvdtouchmonitors.html
http://www.touchscreens.com/products-desktopntsc.html

these appear to be the LCD's that Escient rebrands: for the DVDM300, the monitor needs to have an S Video input for video display, and RS232 for touch control: not sure if it resistive type or other

I ended up buying the TS from Escient

Thanks Mark,

I am looking for the most cost effective solution.

Touchscreens are not really cheap to buy no matter where you buy them from.
About the only way to save a few bucks, is to buy a overlay touchscreen adapter and put it on a monitor you already have. And trying to find a monitor with a S-video input can be a problem, although there are adapters for that also.
And even doing it that way, usually somewhere costs around $200 just for the touchscreen overlay panel.

http://www.magictouch.com/addon.html

Plus any needed S-video adapter will also add to the cost as well.'


The other option is fleabay sellers, but be aware, many of them are not selling genuine Escient touchscreens. And that some are selling setups that also require the S-video adapters, however most will sell you the needed S-video adapter for about $50 extra over and above the price of the touchscreen setup they are selling.

I was eyeballing one of these ebay items plus the adapter for $50.....

http://cgi.*********/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200186145912&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=010

Can't see spending more than $500....Am I being unrealistic? The whole escient setup is way over priced IMHO. $2000 for a resistive touchscreen?? $2000 for a DVD controller??

I plan to have a Sony 777ES SDI modified and I want to use the touchscreen to select the DVD while leaving my plasma on the input for the DVD changer.

All this to avoid changing inputs with a remote.....;)

I own several fireballs, a dvdm-100 amoung them and have been very happy. Sure i could throw another pc togather with 4 TB of raid 5 storage and use xlobby / dvdlobby as a front end and it would work. BUT I don't want to rip all the dvds, aside from leagl issues ( which I don't want to discuss ) there is a significant amount of time to rip 1000 dvds. Additionally, my wife and the aupair can use it without any problems.

I do agree that the touch screen is expensive for what it is. I have been using a tx-1000 / msc-400 from urc and have been quite happy. The real key is to get the common commands from several devices ( proj, cx777es 1,2,3 and dvdm-100 ) all togather in a reasonable fashion. It would be nice if I could have the dvdm-100 speak to the projector and set the proper screen size, but pushing one buttom isn't too bad.

I own several fireballs, a dvdm-100 amoung them and have been very happy. Sure i could throw another pc togather with 4 TB of raid 5 storage and use xlobby / dvdlobby as a front end and it would work. BUT I don't want to rip all the dvds, aside from leagl issues ( which I don't want to discuss ) there is a significant amount of time to rip 1000 dvds. Additionally, my wife and the aupair can use it without any problems.

I know what you are saying! Been there, done that.

I have, and used to use. Xlobby and DVDlobby, along with a bunch of the other Cinemar suite of programs. And compared to my Escient DVDM-552 with 5 Sony changers, running the Cinemar Lobby suite package was only a just kludge option. There is way too many things and also other needed additional programs like DVD profiler to set-up, (and also to go wrong) with running the "lobby" programs. Not to knock those with HTPC's who want play around to try and save some money, but after awhile you reach a point where you'd rather have something that just simply works, without having to first spend endless hours and in many cases even days in trying to get it all set it up to all work together. Features like having the Escient look up the DVD in a database all by itself, instead of you having to enter in the DVD data into DVDprofiler just to interface with another needed program. That, and when coupled with other things like the relatively easy operation by just about anyone else other than the person who set the system up, make the added cost of something like a Escient system well worthwhile.

well, with that last post, I am joinging the club! My DVDM-100 and two changers are on the way.

:)

I have been using Escient for years, I presently have 3 DVDM-100's and nine changers to house my 2100+ DVD's and I can't imagine using anything else.


Tom

Does it get more complicated setup-wise with so many pieces? Like do the DVDM's connect to one another to effectively have one interface/one controller in theory? Just curious.........

Also, are you using a different interface such as a laptop, touchscreen, higher end remote to access your library or are you simply using the remote on your screen?

Fran

No you cannot chain the DVDM's together, in my particular setup I use three different inputs on my receiver (see attached word doc) Movies a-k, movies l-z and tv shows/concerts. Up until recently I have only used the TV interface but I just got two new Pronto TSU9600's and am working with another fellow developing a full blown interface for the Escients (the Pronto provided one is severely lacking) and hope to be able to use that in conjunction with the present setup.


Tom

Hi Tom. I see that your collection keeps growing :)

I sold my Kenwood players almost 3 years ago and had been watching HD stuff from the satellite. Shifted my habits to more HD recorded TV shows. Recently I was able to pick up a HD-DVD player for $99 on sale and a Blu-ray for $195. So I'm back to watching a lot of movies. But just renting, not collecting this time around.

RTI has an excellent interface for Escient control: using one of their touchscreen remotes or touch pads via Ethernet or 802b

Slocko and b00bie,
Good to still see you around! I too got rid of the Kenwood for the Sony changer quite a while ago and still love the DVDM-100 for SD DVD.

Also have a single disc HD-DVD player for rentals and a few bought DVD's. Seems pretty clunky after having the changer for everything else but for now, it's the most reasonable solution. Think we've got a while to wait for a dual-HD-Format Changer! :)

As to the advice to the new buyer, could not agree more. The Escient just plain works.

BJBBJB

Hey guys

I wound up changing over to Sony also (except for 1 for my DVD-A discs), I did add an HD-DVD drive to my XBOX 360 but only have a few HD-DVD's. I just am too used to being able to watch what I want where I want it to take HD seriously, don't get me wrong I have DirecTv and love to watch HD content but I am just lazy to go back to getting up and puting in a movie instead of pressing a button. Now if Sony came out with a changer that talked to the Escient I might consider it :) I wasn't aware of the RTI stuff Mark, thanks for the tip, I think I will probably stay with the Philips stuff for now since I just invested in two of them....


Tom

RTI has an excellent interface for Escient control: using one of their touchscreen remotes or touch pads via Ethernet or 802b


And don't forget if you have wireless capabile PDA, like a Pocket PC or a Palm. If you have the Escient running on a wireless setup. That you can also use those devices to control the Escients, via a web interface.

http://www.escient.com/support/supportdocuments/PDAWebInterface.pdf

I have a Nevo SL that I bought some time ago but haven't had a chance to fool around with yet. Maybe I will look into that. I think I'd like a wireless web based app instead.

Maybe I'll use one these:

http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/30/hp-iq770-crossfire-19-inch-touchscreen-media-pc-revealed

I can't see spending $1000's on a touchscreen specifically for the escient but I may be able to justify a full blown touchscreen PC for a $1000. Then I could just run the Escient app on the PC, correct?

Fran

Can the Escient system handle more than 1200 DVD's? Can it handle single archive DVD's that are split between two DVD+R discs? Will the Escient system go straight to playing the DVD's without forcing you to view previews, trailers and FBI notices?

Thank you.

You need several DVDM's, each one can handle 3 sony changers equalling 1200 dvd's.

I don't know the answer to the other questions

Escient does make some models which can handle 2000 DVD's such as the 552 and 752 series servers. I am not sure what you mean by handle the discs are actually read by the changer, my Sony seems to handle DVDr's pretty well, but if a movie is split over two discs you would have to manually change to the second disc once the first one has finished playing. That depends on the coding on the disc, the Escient will always try to play the movie when it is selected in almost all cases it skips the previews and menues but on some discs you still get the ratings and or FBI warning. Hope that helps.


Tom

Anyone one looking to buy a Escient, if you don't mind buying a Escient authorized refurb, with a full 1 year Escient warranty. Check out secondact.com, savings on some items can be more than 50% off of MSRP, in most cases it's usually around 30%-35%. Stock can vary from day to day, and what they have today they may not have tomorrow. So it's worth checking back every day or so if they don't have in stock what you want right now. They are legit and they are fully authorized by Escient.

Also...
Right now, they have a killer deal going on now on a NEW (not a refurb) AVX-552. (just go to their website and look, it's a very good price!)
For you people who want a one of the Escient's that can operate up to 5 changers (2000 DVD's), and not just 3, it probably would be worth you looking into this one!

Johnla-
Thanks for the words about our site. I noticed your post today as I wanted to pop in and let folks know that we put the AVX-552 on our Deal of the Day today. It really is a great value if you're in the market for this kind of gear.

http://www.secondact.com/category/promo?cid=avs

Mark-
Second Act

Johnla-
Thanks for the words about our site. I noticed your post today as I wanted to pop in and let folks know that we put the AVX-552 on our Deal of the Day today. It really is a great value if you're in the market for this kind of gear.


Mark-
Second Act

Darn you Mark.... See what you did to me, I just could NOT pass that up!
And so now you have 1 less AVX-552 in stock...;)

That is such a absolute insane killer price, that I went ahead and ordered one even though I allready have a DVDM-552 that I bought from you last year.

John

Does the Phililps TSU9600 remote work with the DVDM-100 to control video of a Sony changer?

I see on Escient's sites a pdf which shows compatibility for the DVDM "audio" files but no video......

Fran

Not yet, there is a third party developer currently working on a device that will support all of the functions of the escient.

Tom

Not yet, there is a third party developer currently working on a device that will support all of the functions of the escient.

Tom

Actually I called Escient today and they said the TSU9600 DOES control the changer now.......

Instead of my disagreeing with them, why don't you D/L the editor software It is available at RemoteCentral and take a look at the Escient device. I have three DVDM's and an E2 in my system, the current device supports MUSIC only check it out......


Tom

I'll take your word Tom. Maybe it would be best to contact Escient yourself and see what they say. I spoke to Mike in Tech support and he said "it definitely" works with the Sony Changers for DVD's and gave me a step by step. Iused to use Pronto Edit and I looked at their pdf for the TSU9600 so I understood what he was telling me. I obviously don't have the remote so this is only hearsay.....

Fran

Perhaps the "control" word is what we are trying to understand. By nature the DVDM is meant to control multi-disc changers, if you issue the proper command through the escient device it will control the changer, for example if you have a cd in the changer and the music shows up in the list, the current 9600 device will allow you to play the music that is on that CD. When I look back at your original post you asked about video playback. The current 9600 device has only two screens the list/genre and the player screen which play music period. The device I am beta testing has hooks into the iRadio and movie interfaces which will alow you to play those also. I am not splitting hairs with Escient but believe me the current device is music only...If you would like to take a trip down from Connecticut I would be happy to demonstrate :)


Tom

BTW Did you get your DVDM and changers yet?

Tom,

I specifically said "video" to them. I described to them that their pdf file showed music only....I guess I am going to play with my Nevo SL in the meantime.

I did get my changer and DVDM100....it's very slick and so user friendly....I love the ability to control it over the web too. For some reason I am having problem with IR control through the back of the Escient with my Xantech stuff, not ssure why yet...

I am trying to decide what I want to use for a front end with Escient. If I SDI mod the sony player, I will need to see the Escient interface somehow. The web interface is cool, but I really like the whole touchscreen concept....was hoping the TSU9600 would be the solution but I guess it's not there yet.

What's this beta unit your messin with? What's the est price going to be on it and what can it actually do?

Fran

Anyone having problems with fireball pc? I have a DVDM-100, SE-80, and ZP-1 and one pc running fireball. The SE-80 is using the PC as a server, the other 2 fireballs use the SE-80 as a server. I seem to get audio drop outs when playing FLACs stored on the PC. It seems to happen regardless of which fireball I play the music on. Any ideas?

My setup uses Fireball PC with 3 DVDM's and an E2, I have no music in the Escients its all in the PC and all of the units use the PC as the server, about 20% of my music is FLAC and I am not having any problems with drop outs. My network is all wired no wireless. Hope that helps.


Tom

Fran

Time to eat a little crow, I did some more research and apparently you can adjust the 9600 device to control movies or music (but not both at the same time) so the answer is if you set the device up for movies you can control them. If you wanted to do music also, you would need to have two devices in your config. Sorry for the misinformation.


Tom

Well, I think I found out my "problem". The SE-80 does not support FLAC. Well it sort of does, it will play a FLAC from a fireball-pc server, but there are audio dropouts. It seems a bit silly that the fp-1/zp-1 will play flac and the more expensive se-80 won't. Now it does play AAC files perfectly and I can't hear the difference, but it is just annoying.

This is a pisser, anyone want to buy a lightly used SE-80?

On a seperate issue. I have looked thru the extrenal control manual, but didn't see anything about this.

I have an "extra" dvdm-100, that isn't fully populated with cx777es changers. I would like to control the video switcher via rs-232 so that I can use one of the open component inputs for something else ( wii, vcr, whatever ) I was hoping that someone stumbled along and found an undocumented feature that would allow this.

UPDATE...

Just got off the phone with Escient. Tech support claims that the SE-80 will play FLAC from a fireball-pc. Hmm... Claims that I have a network problem, that is interesting since all my fireballs are on the same switch, and I have just swapped out the cables again. Has anyone actually had this work?

Fran

Time to eat a little crow, I did some more research and apparently you can adjust the 9600 device to control movies or music (but not both at the same time) so the answer is if you set the device up for movies you can control them. If you wanted to do music also, you would need to have two devices in your config. Sorry for the misinformation.


Tom

No problem Tom...but I did order a Nevo Q50 and passed on the Pronto....:) Oh well, trying to find a touchpanel that is plug and play instead!

So how is the TSU9600 with the DVD control, am I missing out on something big??? Please tell me "no" ;)

Fran

Fran

I understand thse Q50's are really great. As far as movie control I'm sure you can set up the Nevo to control the Escient just the way you want so the answer is indeed no....good luck with it and post something once you get it up and running.


Tom

Salin,

Did you get the FLAC issus sorted out? I'm looking at an SE80 and would probably rip to FLAC.

Hey folks,
Just a little background first. I bought a Sony 995 a couple of years ago, come to find out that the on screen menu SUCKS. So I bought a mx-3000 to use the dmx program but it was all to much programming. I only put a total of 10 dvd in the thing. I finally sold it and bought a 777es at a Sony outlet in January. I just purchased an Se-D1 from second act, I have a couple of questions before it gets here. lots of people here have the dvdm-100/300 are there any people here with the d1. second, can you use any type of keyboard to type in the info that the escient does not get. and on that subject, what percent of dvd's do you think the escient software does not get. Does the escient handle copies of dvd's well? my wife travels a lot for work and likes to take different dvd's with her. It might be easier to make a copies of her more popular dvds and keep theses in the changer so she is not always swapping them out.

thanks for the info

Steve

Hi

The Escient looks up better than 95% of the discs it gets, some of the data and spelling leave a lot to be desired but then again I am a little anal when it come to this. When I switched from my Kenwood changers to Sony I lost the ability to flip discs and I had a number of "flipper" movies so I did copy the second sides of those discs and they all seem to work fine in the changer, remember it is the changer not the Escient that determines how to "handle" the discs, as long as the necessary information that Escient uses to look them up is copied to the backup the Fireball should get your information. As far as the remote is concerned the D-1 has a different remote than the D-100 I ASSUME the code base is the same for both units, that said I think you will need to get an Escient keyboard (try ebay) their keyboard is IR based and is really a glorified remote and not a standard keyboard. There are PDF's on Escients website in the support area that go into detail on the remotes and keyboard. Hope that helps.


Tom

Be careful if you buy a Escient keyboard off of ebay, as there are at least two different models that they made, and in many cases they are not interchangable with each other. So before bidding on, or buying one, it's best to confirm it with Escient support first as to which keyboard will work with your Se-D1.

ok so now i have my se-d1 hooked up and i cant seem to connect to the escient servers, my gear is in my basement and the router is on the first floor all the addresses are correct ande i can control the se-d1 from my notebook but everytime i try to register it give me a error.
HELPPPPPPPP

THANKS
steve

Hi

I don't quite understaand your issue, are you saying you have additional Escient music servers in your system and you can't see the music in your D1?


Tom

sorry for the confusing question,
last night I set up my d1, hooked it up to my 777 and that is all fine.
But i can't set it up for online, so I cant do any downloading or registrating.
I had it set up wirelessly and that was not working, even though, i can remotely control it from my notebook in the other room.
Today i move it and connected it directly to the router, still nothing.
I get to the screen which is tries to contact the escient server and then i get an error message that the registration has failed. So it sm like it might be one of my ports but that is beyond me.
I can see it on my home network but its not going out of the house.
Not sure what todo I might send a email to escient tomorrow. I'm not a network type of person, I have just enough knowledge to get me in trouble.

thanks
steve

Hi

There should be a button on the Ethernet Connection Quick Start screen that saya perform test, try that and see if it tells you what is not happening.

Tom

BTW Is the green LED next to the jack where you plug your CAT cable lit?

yep did that, everything says ok next to it, thats the strange thing about it.

also the green light is lit but it is flashing does that mean someting?

steve

All is well now. It wasn't me it was them. they still had the d1 set up under the previous user so when i tried to connect it said i wasn't them. they reset it and away I went. Great machine.

Steve

Cool:cool: Enjoy

ok, I loaded 385 dvds into my player and it found all but 20 of them, what is the best way to get the other titles. should I wait a couple of day to see if the escient servers find them. or should I take the dvds out and put them back in and see it that does anything? What do you folk do when the database do not fin a dvd?

steve

What do you folk do when the database do not fin a dvd?

http://www.escient.com/support/supportdocuments/AddingDiscInformation.pdf

what about pictures. I see a catagory for them, but when I put my picture folder in the pc fireball program it does not do anything.

steve

ok, I loaded 385 dvds into my player and it found all but 20 of them, what is the best way to get the other titles. should I wait a couple of day to see if the escient servers find them. or should I take the dvds out and put them back in and see it that does anything? What do you folk do when the database do not fin a dvd?

steve

Manually type it in.....

Salin,

Did you get the FLAC issus sorted out? I'm looking at an SE80 and would probably rip to FLAC.

Yes and no. I had a hd failure on my SE-80. Sent it back, they replaced the hd and did a power supply upgrade, all for free. I really do like Escient.

My SE-80 now perfectly plays FLAC files. The only problem is that you can't load FLAC files onto the SE-80's hard disk. The FLAC files need to be on either another fireball ( E2-40, 531, etc ) or on a fireball PC server. Thus I am not totally plused with my SE-80. However, as BGM goes the mp3 format is fine for me.

What I am thrilled with now is using wireless web based control of the fireballs. I have an old dell PPC with wifi that was collecting dust. I now am using to control the zp-1 in the piano/music room. Very small, a I don't need an ugly monitor ( very high WAF ). It has me rethinking how I will control everything, love the idea of two way control.

I was on flea bay recently and saw a number of nokia 770 wifi web tablets pretty cheap. They run linux :D and use opera as a web browser. Anyone know if the web server on the fireballs is compatable with opera?

if anyone is interested, secondact.com is having a sale on escient items 25% off.

steve

Wahoo! Got really lucky on ebay for once. For only $20.49 total shipped. I won the bid on a new-in-box Escient keyboard to go with my AVX-552. It arrived today, and yes it's brand new, even the included batteries for it are still shrink wrapped. I can't believe I was the only one that bid on it, and that I got for it's opening bid price of only $9.99, shipping was $10.50, but the seller also sent it out via 2nd day DHL without me even asking for that kind of service! So considering that, the shipping cost really was not even anywhere near the typical rip-off that some ebay sellers do to people with their overpriced shipping charges. Just about every other time in the past year when I bid on one of these keyboards, and most times they were used ones and not new. They usually ended up going past $50 plus whatever shipping costs were. I'd normally quit my bidding at about $40, but on the few I went higher than that, they all went for over $50.

Just wondering,
Do you think that escient will, come out with a firmware upgrade or a refresh to its software interface? I know its really great, but it could be a little better, I think, maybe. I have had a se-d1 for about 3 months now and i think this machine is the sh*t. but with the new vision line out now, what do you think. just wondering

steve

Does the Fireball pass title information via rs-232 to the kenwood DV-5900M internal library so it shows up on the kenwood changers library as well as LCD display on the front of the 5900? i

n other words if will the fireball populate the dvd title text for each slot on the kenwood dv-5900m itself so I don't have to manuall enter title info in the kenwood dv-5900m library. I am hoping This title info should be passed via RS-232 into the dvd changers from fireball

Hi

No it does not, just for my own info why would you want to have the data in the changer?

Tom

Hi

No it does not, just for my own info why would you want to have the data in the changer?

Tom

because in my theater room I prefer to browse the library on my SDI modded changer, so its important disk is labeled.

Two issues with the dvdm100 1) picture quality and 2)working with mp3

the Userinterface for the music portion via web is not working well for me...when accessing via the web ui or onscreen to create music playlist specifically a playlist of networked fireball pc mp3s..( i have itunes for downloading and sorting and point the fireball pc to the same folder for the mp3s) the ui doesn’t seem to respond…it just sits there…clunky, slow, freezes whole system, very frustrating to use, cant sort fast like u can itunes…. Might something be wrong

is there an escient upgrade or a product with a faster and more flexible web ui anything like itunes that integrates or works with escient products—or a newer ui for the mp3 streaming..any fixes or recommendations

also my picture quality is horrible compared to hddvd and blueray-

what have you seen people do to improve picture quality?
I am running the signal thru my Yamaha rxv3800

The latest software available for the D100 is 4.2.5.6 and FBPC is 4.2.3.6 if that is what you are running than that is the latest. Is it possible that your index got fouled up? You could try deleting the .ESCIENT file (or moving it and reindexing your collection to see if that helps). The web GUI has always been slower than the interface on the unit, with all of the work being put into the new Vision I don't beleive that there will be an upgrade soon (but I have been wrong before). As for the picture, the interface is 480i and what you see is what you get. The unit can pass 480P through the component connections so if your changer outputs a progressive signal that will help the quality of your movie but when you return to the guide you are back to 480i. You should be able to get your display to work a little magic on the signal or if you are so inclined perhaps an external video processor may be in your future, DVDO is planning on releasing a new sub $1K unit any day now. BTW Escient stores its music with strange headers and as far as I know there is no other software that you can use to access it properly.


Tom

Doesn't seem like there is a lot of escient threads running around. I noticed these things are available at a very reasonable price. I decided to grab one as I am getting tired of using my MX3000 remote to run my changer. It is a real pain to add new movies to the remote as well as the use of the changer is not flawless. Looking forward to giving this a try.

I am guessing the lack of interest is that people have moved on to servers

ksharp4,
Mine still chugs along just fine with the Sony Changer.
No real problems with it....it just works and I still love it.

After living with it for so long, feeding Blu-Ray discs to a single disc player one at a time seems absolutely barbaric! :)

Can't wait until a BR changer comes down in price and interfaces with an Escient piece.

No server here....I have enough PC headaches. I just want my movies to play, not crash!

BJBBJB

I have my three changers hooked up to my fireball.....love it, fool-proof, rock-solid!

I said goodbye to the pc setup in the living room along time ago.

If it's Windows based, it's bound to crash.

I have nine changers hooked to four DVDM-100's. they just keep going and going and going. It appears that the control protocol in the new Sony Blu-Ray changers is the same as the old 777's so I am assuming that Escient will make the new Vision stuff compatable with them.


Tom

My escient DVDM-100 showed up last night so pretty excited to plug it in. I only have one changer right now but will likely expand to 2.

From what it sounds like I no longer need to have the Sony DVD changer on my remote as the escient completely controls the changer (i.e., power on, play, etc)--is that accurate?

I am excited to not have to continue updating my remote everytime I add a dvd and this should make my remote a lot simpler.

My escient DVDM-100 showed up last night so pretty excited to plug it in. I only have one changer right now but will likely expand to 2.

From what it sounds like I no longer need to have the Sony DVD changer on my remote as the escient completely controls the changer (i.e., power on, play, etc)--is that accurate?

I am excited to not have to continue updating my remote everytime I add a dvd and this should make my remote a lot simpler.

It's essentially true, but not entirely true.

There are a number of commands on the Sony remote dealing with some of the more ignorable features of the Sony--things like DVD setup, Angle, Audio, Subtitles, Display--that you won't find on the Escient control. You may want to have the Sony remote around just in case you want to look in one of those obscure closets, but the Escient will give you control of all the functions you really need.

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

Howdy....is the database for DVD's still active and updated for Escient equipment?

I'm looking to purchase a used Powerplay and MC-201D changer but only if the DVD database is still active.

Thanks.

Still active and being added to with new releases.

Thanks Nick

Hmmm...last few days my DVDM-100 has not been able to search for discs and I get the "can't login to Escient" message.

I know it is on the network as I can "see" it from the webgui and my home system. And I know my network can see the internet as another device on the same switch can see the internet. However the DVDM-100 is not able to login. Hopefully this is just a glitch and not a glimpse of things to come with Escient's transition.

Anyone else able search with their Escient piece?

BJBJB

Yea all four of mine are failing also, the server must be down.

Tom

I was able to connect on 11-12-10 and 11-19-10, but I do worry about what will happen in the future. I just got my fireball and changers, seems like I'm a little late in the game but I could not pass up the incredible deal! I have a couple of questions I hope you guys could answer.
1. is there any way to resume a movie after the unit is turned off?
without the fireball it is a great feature of the standalone sony
2. is there any way to turn it off from the web gui or browser ?
I know you can go to the utilities screen and reboot it but that does
not shut the changers off
3.does the touchscreen interface have a way to turn the fireball off?

I only have the one remote and did not get a keyboard and have the FB setup to display in mulitple locations.

thanks,
dj_ok