The last thread was so much fun, I thought I would start another. :D

This is preliminary info. I expect this to be similar to the Zenith DVB318. The biggest differences will be HDMI instead of DVI and the addition of a 7-in-2 memory card slot. Current ETA (as always subject, and likely, to change) is September, and MSRP is $249.95.

Robert

This is now on LG's website here (http://us.lge.com/Product/proddetail.do?actCategory=tv&archivedYn=&actType=search&prodId=1000000275&categoryId=0000000104&category_level=3&parentId=0000000001&parent2levelId=0000000001&totalItem=&currentPage=&perPage=). Some interesting additions are the support of DVD-A w/5.1 analog out, Divx compatibility, PAL DVD support, and black level adjustment.

Robert

Awesome. Looks promising.

I was PM'd these pictures a while back by KornerKlub along with the following information:

http://www.kornerklub.com:81/418%201.jpg

http://www.kornerklub.com:81/418%202.jpg

http://www.kornerklub.com:81/418%203.jpg


Written by KornerKlub in PM
Not shown in the logos on the unit is DVD-Audio support. But it does play them. The unit has HDMI output instead of DVI. It will play avi files with most all codec's already loaded (including Xvid). The memory card reader will play MP3, JPG or AVI. The Component output will NOT upconvert to 1080i if the disc does not allow it. Meaning jpg's and avi files will be 1080i, DVD movies will not. I have to send the unit back soon though, once this evaluation is done.

anyone d/l the psf on the unit ? It mentions 1080i upscaling, but nothing about 720p. Could it be that LG/Zenith removed 720p upscaling from the unit since the 720p scaling the dvb318 wasn't nearly as good as 1080i ?

Will this one use the correct color space on the HDMI output? I believe the other LG/Zenith players have problems at the white end of the scale.

If the unit does not upconvert to 1080i for DVD, what is its output for DVD?

Is the $249 MSRP correct?

Originally posted by BousquetP
If the unit does not upconvert to 1080i for DVD, what is its output for DVD?

No, it won't upconvert over COMPONENT to 1080i. It will upconvert via DVI just fine.



Is the $249 MSRP correct?

Can't confirm yet. I like how I've sent LG/Zenith multiple emails here over the past week and have yet to hear anything... :rolleyes:

Thanks Q. Is there a disadvantage that the player does not put out 720p or is this more of an inconvenience? My PJ accepts both.

I have been quoted a price of $250 for the unit, that is why I am interested in the exact MSRP.

Since KornerKlub is the guy who broke this news months ago and demoed this, I just PM'd him to see if he's still around and asked him to hit this thread ASAP. ;)

Since your PJ can go both ways, the only people that are going to miss 720p are those whose displays favor 720p, like Samsung DLP's for example.

Kind of bizarre that they would knock it out. That knocks out some customers for sure.

Aside from the items mentioned in the first two posts and the lack of 720p output, what are the changes from the DVB318 to the DVB418? Specifically, do both have the Instant Replay feature? (The LG USA website doesn't say; I didn't download the PDF.)

http://us.lge.com/Product/proddetail.do

If that links fails you, just go to us.lge.com, hit digital video, and find this unit.

http://us.lge.com/www/upload/modelFile/LGDVB418.pdf

There's the link to the PDF manual.


Here is the link to the LG USA site info on the 418. Make sure you click download PDF specifically. It's there.

I called their customer service and spoke to a good guy there that said it's very likely it's coming out in November or December, along with "the rest of the late Fall releases, but that might change and be even earlier."



Here's what I could get off that site. I'll read through the manual and see what it says. You all can, too. Ignore the manual link near top. Hit the "Download PDF" instead.



Multi-Format Disc Playability: DVD Video/DVD±R/DVD±RW/ Audio CD/CD-R/CD-RW/WMA/JPEG/Kodak CD®
MP3 Decoding: Plays CDs filled with hours of MP3 files downloaded from your home PC
1080i Video Output: A special video processing circuit upconverts all DVD signals to high-definition 1080i (more than a thousand lines of horizontal resolution) for use with compatible televisions
7-in-2 Multi Memory Card Slot: MMC/SD/SMC/MS/ MS Pro/CF/MD
Progressive Scan Technology: Video is processed faster and sequentially to produce superior, crisp clear images
Super Slim Design: Stands only 1.5" high for convenient addition to existing home theater configurations

Divx Playability
Music Photo Album
(JPEG+MP3/WMA)
DVD Audio
SD to HD (1080i) Up-Conversion
HDMI with HDCP
Easy GUI

Q: any IQ control on this one :D ?

Originally posted by Cricricri
Q: any IQ control on this one :D ?

I am seeing a better remote control pictured in that PDF, so that has to be a hell yeah! :D

Interestingly enough, that PDF spec sheet I linked to says this can play DVD-Audio. Maybe this is the direct competitor for units like this forthcoming Panasonic S97...

anyone have any guesses on whether or not this can handle the hdmi port on the
sanyo ht30744? The 318 can't over dvi to hdmi.

the 418 has an hdmi connection not dvi. Does your Sanyo have a dvi port or hdmi ?

The sanyo has an hdmi. If I use a dvi to hdmi cable on the 318, the player hard hangs. That's very likely some sort of HDCP compatability issue, so it isn't 100% clear to me that will be fixed in the 418. I hope it is.

The $249.95 MSRP is still current. It is the same MSRP as the Zenith DVB318.

Robert

^^ This player seems to have more going for it. I would expect the 318's MSRP to be lowered when this thing hits the street. Wouldn't you, Robert?

I've tried downloading the manual, but it does not appear. Only the spec sheet is available.

Originally posted by BousquetP
I've tried downloading the manual, but it does not appear. Only the spec sheet is available.

Right. I had to correct myself. Only a PDF spec sheet is currently available. Just keep a close eye on that site...

720p... Yes
DVD-Audio.... Yes
5.1 Audio Outputs.... Yes
HDMI... Yes DVI....No
720p/1080i on Component... Not for copy-protected material
DIVX and Xvid video files playback.... YES (at 720p/1080i Component even)
Memory Card photos at 720p/1080i... Yes

any details on its availability date and also where?

My dealer friend said his shipment has not been sent yet. Another couple of weeks at least.

Originally posted by mallu2u
any details on its availability date and also where?

Here's what I wrote on page 1:

I called their customer service and spoke to a good guy there that said it's very likely it's coming out in November or December, along with "the rest of the late Fall releases, but that might change and be even earlier."

I would expect it would be in all the same places the 318 is/was at.
I'd also suggest that people that interested email customerservice@lge.com or better yet, call 1-877-9Zenith regularly for updates on release.

I see the player on BB website now: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1087341116425&skuId=6738257&productCategoryId=cat03013&type=product Not available for sale right now..but soon shall be, since its up there...or someone can call BB and find out

Funny thing is that this player is cheaper that than 318 at BB!! $199 vs $259! Can't believe that.

It's just like the Denon 3910 is considerably cheaper than its predecessor, the 5900. They're getting better at these things. ;)

I just looked at the LG player link and I see they have a whopping 3 month warranty on parts for the 418. It would appear that in an effort to serve the customer better, better junk is being produced. Generally, my reaction to the upscaling bandwagon (especially LG's implementation) is that while the technology maybe beneficial to some the implementation of this technology is at such a furious pace and overshadowed by tremendous deadline pressures this tech is being crammed in the box while overall player quality is suffering in the process. I'm certain the predecessor had a one year warranty on parts.

The Warranty on the LGDVB418 is 90 days Labor, 1 year Parts.

Originally posted by JFerg
The Warranty on the LGDVB418 is 90 days Labor, 1 year Parts.

It would appear then that the bestbuy link has the terms transposed. The terms you state makes much more sense. But considering LG is a company that allowed their LG3782 players to bypass quality control in order for sales to approach budgeted targets by stuffing retail shelves prior to X-mas, ya never know how low they will go.

TRUST me on those Warranty Terms ;)

They are valid for USA

Originally posted by JFerg
The Warranty on the LGDVB418 is 90 days Labor, 1 year Parts.

Exactly like the 318's, yes.

DCDi for this player?

Yes.

I just saw this player at Best Buy in Rochester MN but it is marked at 349.99, what gives?

Do you mean, unlike the Zenith, this will not upconvert a DVD (say Star Wars) over component even though the jacks on the back list component as 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i output?

Originally posted by bob53
I just saw this player at Best Buy in Rochester MN but it is marked at 349.99, what gives?

Are you sure you did not see the LST-3510A HD STB/DVD player?

Do you mean, unlike the Zenith, this will not upconvert a DVD (say Star Wars) over component even though the jacks on the back list component as 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i output?

That is correct. As I understand it, only non-copy protected DVDs will be upconverted over the component out.

Robert

FWIW, the website still prices it at $199, even though its not available for sale.

Originally posted by bob53
I just saw this player at Best Buy in Rochester MN but it is marked at 349.99, what gives?


We should make a sticky about this.

Thanks to stupid laws, upconversion over component video is dead. Period.



Do you mean, unlike the Zenith, this will not upconvert a DVD (say Star Wars) over component even though the jacks on the back list component as 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i output?

That's correct. No more, from any mainstream brand whatsoever. Upconversion will only happen over DVI or HDMI or some other digital means.

Why don't I see 3:2 pulldown listed anywhere on the spec sheet?

Extremely interesting...BB shows the player for sale!! When its not even released/available for sale on their website. LOL http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1087341116425&skuId=6738257&productCategoryId=cat03013&type=product

Yeah, I saw that too. Has anyone been to BB in the past couple days to confirm that the player is indeed there? My current player is starting it's nosedive, so I'll be in the market for an upscaling HDMI player sooner than I would have liked.

Just NOW discovered this thread; previous "search" efforts eluded me.
Local BB has this "on sale"; about $190. Goin' today to see; will report with results. BTW- suggestions for a GOOD HDMI-DVI cable??????

I'll be shocked if it's out. I emailed Zenith last week and the gal told me they have no idea when the 418 is coming out.

Thanks, Q (I was hoping you'd notice...) What about a cable?
I'm leaving now for BB, will report later.....

UPDATE

OK, well, apparently "corporate" has things ALL screwed up......
An inventory page shows this model available since 7/21......
Retail website includes this item in a "Columbus Day Sale", with a reduced price, until 10/16......and directs you to local B&M for purchase. Yet another inventory page indicates player not available 'til 10/17 (nationally, for in-stock). Research indicates NO local stores are being shipped any next week; nor can they even order them!!!(Even raincheck or backorder, etc) Actually, nobody knows nuthin' , nor can they learn 'bout it!!!!! BUT- if, or when, it arrives, I've got a compensatory discount comin'!!!!! (BFD)

Really, and truly, I'm sad.........I've waited many months to acquire a tv and dvd player; to catch up on all that I REFUSE to visit a theater for. Guess another week don't matter....... and STILL glad I cancelled G*; waiting this long (and yesterday's advice of another 2-3 wks) may yet see my purchase of a Panny..... (or even 2910!).

The BB web site only allows you to print out the specs, not "add to cart". Darn!

I saw it in the local BB in nothern VA. I grabbed one and was walking down to the cashier, then I've decided wait until I find which chip it's using for DivX decoding. Any idea?

I saw Zenith 318 open box special but with $200 price tag which I think is way too high for openbox.

Maybe I should grab the LG, test it and return it if it doesn't do well with DivX before they're all gone... I've heard that previous LG divx player uses MTK 1389 and it had problems with higher resolution than 720. However, I have no idea which chipset it's using in this model.

Wow, it's out?! Sure, test that sucker out! No info about DivX whatsoever. I know you can go to LG USA's site and download the manual for the unit. Maybe that'll tell you.

The manual on LG site is not really manual. It's more like one page marketing brochure.

And it looks too good to be true if everything they claim to support works w/o any hiccups.

Anyway, I'll probably pick it up tonight or tomorrow and test it out.

Originally posted by hellcat
Maybe I should grab the LG, test it and return it if it doesn't do well with DivX before they're all gone... I've heard that previous LG divx player uses MTK 1389 and it had problems with higher resolution than 720. However, I have no idea which chipset it's using in this model.

It uses the MTK MT1389 for MPEG decoding.

Robert

PROBLEM WITH DVB418:

I picked up a unit from Best Buy in Los Angeles, CA this weekend and it was $199 + tax. It is similar to the Zenith 318 except that the LG has these additional features:

- memory card slots (SD, CF, MS etc.) for digital pictures, music files etc.
- DVDAudio and Divx playback
- HDMI output (but no DVI)

I spent the weekend hooking it up to my Pioneer 43" plasma through a Monster DVI-to-HDMI cable. I also tried the component video cables for comparison. You can select 480p, 720p or 1080i output, but the unit will not send 720p/1080i through component output if the DVD is copy-protected. Most DVD movies are copy-protected. However, it is supposed to send 720p or 1080i through its HDMI connection.

Here is the problem with the DVB418, and I was on the phone with LG tech support this morning on this issue:

The HDMI will only output 480p to the Pioneer 43" plasma, even though the DVI input of Pioneer is fully HDCP compliant. I followed the manual on switching the resolution, but the unit would always revert back to 480p. I tried the unit with 15 DVD's and the result was the same.

I called LG this morning. The unit was manufactured in Sept 2004, and I asked about a possible firmware upgrade. LG tech support was not very helpful, and the senior tech did not even have a manual of DVB418!
He is supposed to call me back on the issue.

As a check, I use the same Pioneer DVI input for my Zenith HD Directv satellite box, and it decoded 720p and 1080i input with no problems. This means that the DVI input is fine on the Pioneer.

I borrowed a Zenith 318 with my Pioneer plasma before, and it was working fine with the DVI connection. I believe that there was a problem with the HDMI connection at the LG unit. I do admit that the LG 480p picture quality through the HDMI is better than my Philips 963sa with component video connection.

I wish LG could get the issue resolved quickly. If you intend to buy this unit, make sure the store has a good return policy.

- Howard

Originally posted by hellcat
I saw it in the local BB in nothern VA.

I'm interested to know which BB has it in NVA. I may grab one to test it out if I can find one.

BB in Tyson's Corner and Reston Towncenter don't have it.

Found it in the one near Dulles Town Center right across Lowes.

I saw about 7 of them stacked up.

Sterling VA (Store 146)
45575 Dulles Eastern Plaza
Suite 188
Sterling, VA 20165
Phone: 703-430-2150

Picked it up today. Played couple of DivX based on XVID. Played fine.
Connected via HDMI-to-DVI to Panny 50LC13. Had Panny XP50 before this.

Initial impression. Too bright but I had XP50 set to blacker black. I had to adjust brightness/contrast down in my TV for LG that was calibrated for Panny XP50.

Set to 720p that is native resolution of Panny LC5013. Looked great. Didn't have chance to verify it's really putting it out to 720p or not. Played Matrix Revol. Skipped over couple of chapters and watched for 2-3 mins. Looked sharp.

Audio, optical-out to Reciever and Analog-stereo to TV. Both works together.

I'll probably play with it tomorrow for other stuffs.

if u want to live dangerously open it and let us know if its using 2301 or 2310 Fajoura Chipset :)

Hellcat,

Thanks. I know that store. It's one of those Super Stores that carry more stuff than other regular BBs.

I have the same TV as yours. Here is a few questions I have:

(1) does it comes with any HDMI to DVI cable at all?
(2) If you switch Panny's input away from DVI and back, does the player maintain a stable HDCP connection with 720p resolution?
(3) Can it pillar-box/squeze 4:3 content?
(4) Can it pass blacker-than-black? Do you notice any Macro Blocking?
(5) How's DVD-Audio sound?

At least, I can answer 1) and 3) now.
1) it doesn't come with HDMI to DVI cable. It only comes with composite video and stero RCA cables.
3) default TV setting was 16:9 display and I left it at that since mine is 16:9.
4:3 material shows up with pillar-box - i.e. real 4:3 on 16:9 screen. And I don't think I can change it with HDMI2DVI. I can check that tomorrow but at least I know that Panny 50lc13 TV won't let me play with AR on Digital Input.

Just one thing. It's so light and slim. And the tray is so thin that it makes me kinda nervous while inserting the disc. I'll bet someone will go off big breaking the tray after couple of use. I wouldn't let my 5 year son to put his power ranger dvd in it by himself.

I hope someone can test the 1080i through HDMI

Since my 1910 has jitter when set to 1080i.

I hope its a Denon only thing so I can email em and nag them to fix it or buy this LG.

Originally posted by hellcat
3) default TV setting was 16:9 display and I left it at that since mine is 16:9.
4:3 material shows up with pillar-box - i.e. real 4:3 on 16:9 screen. And I don't think I can change it with HDMI2DVI. I can check that tomorrow but at least I know that Panny 50lc13 TV won't let me play with AR on Digital Input.

That's a good news. PT-50LC13 and most other TVs only allow AR on 480p/i, digital or analog.

Any LG/Denon 1910 comparisons yet?

I have the 1910, but am still not fully on board with it.

Just read the spec on LG website, the video DAC is only 27MHz/10-bit. LG should just remove the component out altogether. Not that I really care becuase HDMI is the only reason for this player.

Here is my short review of this player after play with it for an hour or so at home.

Setup:

Panasonic PT-50LC13 50" LCD RPTV connected to LGDVB418 with Monster HDMI to DVI adapter and DVI cable that comes with my TV. Optical audio cable connection to my receiver. The DVD player is set to play @ 720p, the native resolution of my TV.

Initial setup is quite simple and easy to do. HDMI connection is automatically recognized and has no problem with my TV at all in all resolution it supported (480p, 720p and 1080i). 480i is not supported via HDMI. Speaker set up for DVD-Audio consists of regular speaker size, distance and individual volume control for each channel (-10db to 0). The later is very useful to compensate issues with LFE channels like Pioneer 578 has. However, I haven't gotten chance to connect 5.1 analog out to my receiver yet.

DVI/HDMI interface:

The HDMI interface seems like HDMI 1.0 device only as it can only pass PCM sound. The manual mentioned you have to set sound to PCM instead of bitstream to get sound out of HDMI. It also does not carry DVD-Audio from the wording of manual. Note, I have no HDMI device to verify this. The overall DVI picture is too bright. Using THX optimizer on ATOC disc, I have to bring my TV's brightness all the way to the minimum to get satisfactory black level. It does pass Blacker-than-black. However, it still exhibits white crush. I can only barely see two shades or white levels (should be four shades). This all seems farmiliar with all the issues of earlier DVB318. The same test also show slight geometry issue (slightly vertical stretch).

4:3 discs:

Contrary to earlier post, 4:3 contents are still stretched (@720p) and there is no configuration in setup to fix that. The worst is 4:3 letter-boxed movies. I tried to use vertical zoom function to correct the aspect ratio but the picture became unstable and jitters up and down.

Marco Blocking: I played the very dark night sence from Mystic River. No MB observed so far.

One more thing, the remote is very unresponsive/sluggish. I sit right in front of the player and a lot of times I have to press some buttons multiple times.

Man, do I feel being ripped off! I opened up the player and you know what, there is no Faroudja DCDi chip to be found. Of course, the manual and player itself does not mention DCDi anywhere. There are only one big chip MT1389FE and four to five small chips on board. The tiny chip next to HDMI port is Silicon Image SiI 9190CT64, some sort of HDMI transceiver chip I think. No wonder I don't see any PQ improvement over DVI.

This crap is definitely going back. Even Samsung HD841 would be a better and cheaper player than this one.

Thanks for the review Foxbat. Will avoid this player now and wait for reviews on Sony & Panny upscaling players

Foxbat21, actually, I played 4:3 DivX tv video material and it played 4:3 with pilar box. I'll probably have to borrow my son's dvd to test 4:3 DVD.

I did't have a chance to open it up so I cannot confirm about missing DCDi. What bothers me though is the too bright pics.

So far it hasn't failed to play any test divx yet. I'm kinda wondering I should keep it or return it for other divx player. I have Panny XP50 just disconnected to test out LGDVD418, Bravo D1 that's just collecting dust since it failed most of my divx movies and lots of dvds as well.

Originally posted by Foxbat121
Man, do I feel being ripped off! I opened up the player and you know what, there is no Faroudja DCDi chip to be found. Of course, the manual and player itself does not mention DCDi anywhere. There are only one big chip MT1389FE and four to five small chips on board. The tiny chip next to HDMI port is Scillicon Image SI19190CT64, some sort of HDMI transceiver chip I think. No wonder I don't see any PQ improvement over DVI.

This crap is definitely going back. Even Samsung HD841 would be a better and cheaper player than this one.
-------

The box clearly shows the DCDi logo, but you are correct that the manual nor the player itself displays the DCDi logo. Thanks for verifying the chip for us.

I cannot get LG tech support to explain why my player could not output 720p/1080i through HDMI. It may be a glitch with the unit, but the LG support is really poor. My tech rep still could not locate a copy of the user manual of the unit.

I did the Video Essentials check-up on the unit, and I agree that the white (contrast) setting is too high. The specs of DVB418 may look impressive, but it is not delivering the expected quality. This player is going back to Best Buy tomorrow.

Howard

Was very interested in this player and almost bought one at Best Buy tonight. Then I looked at the $150 price for the hdmi monster cable and decided the total tally of $350 was too rich for me for this level of dvd player. Granted you can get cheaper cables to reduce the overall cost, but the samsung hd941 due out shortly will have hdmi cables included for around $250, and will be good enough for me until HD DVD arrives.

The reviews posted above aren't very favorable either...

Is there a DCDi dvd player that can play mpeg4 (divx/xvid)???

To my untrained eyes w/ glasses, except the white level issue, the pic quality is close to my XP50. It hadn't have any problems playing DVDs. I know DVD player supposed to play DVD but some don't (like Bravo D1).

It played my mpeg4 collections beautifully. I'm having hard time to give up the convenience of having a single player that can play all DVDs and mpeg4 in decent quality.

hellcat,

Did you try some cheap Samsung players that cost less than half of this player? I heard/read that Samsung has firmware update on its website to enable some players play Divx.

Originally posted by surroundidea
[BI cannot get LG tech support to explain why my player could not output 720p/1080i through HDMI. It may be a glitch with the unit, but the LG support is really poor. My tech rep still could not locate a copy of the user manual of the unit. [/B]

Your problem sounds like a HDCP handshake issue.

Originally posted by Foxbat121
Man, do I feel being ripped off! I opened up the player and you know what, there is no Faroudja DCDi chip to be found. Of course, the manual and player itself does not mention DCDi anywhere. There are only one big chip MT1389FE and four to five small chips on board. The tiny chip next to HDMI port is Scillicon Image SI19190CT64, some sort of HDMI transceiver chip I think. No wonder I don't see any PQ improvement over DVI.

This crap is definitely going back. Even Samsung HD841 would be a better and cheaper player than this one.

The LGDVB418 uses the Genesis FLI2301, which is a DCDi chip. Note, simply "peeking" inside the unit does not allow you to see the OTHER SIDE of the board, where the DCDi chip is.

JFerg,

Thanks for point that out. I was thinking of that possibility but the way the board is located, it does not seem like there were any chips on the other side to me at the time. It's very close to the bottom of the case. Anyway, I stand corrected. But the player is going back to BB for sure. The only reason to buy this player is to use its HDMI output for superior PQ. With all the problems on HDMI and only a wimpy 27MHz/10bit video DAC on component output, it's better wait for other contenders.

you can get hdmi - dvi cable for $31.00 from Pacific Cable online. Monstor cable is a rip off

Got the unit last evening from Best Buy. I had previously tried Toshiba SD 5960 and 5970 with disastrous results. I also tried Bravo D1 player last year.

My 1st critical test is, will it play my DVD-RW. I have a DVD-RW with song compilation of different VOB sources. With the exception of PCs and Notebook, the only player i tested that played without jitters is the cheap Coby 30.00 player and Pioneer Elite.

The LG did play, but i noticed the player was freezing, pausing and was continuing to play without errors. It occurs to me, the player does not have enough "buffer" memory to hold large amounts of data.

I ejected the DVD and played something else, and tried the DVD-RW and it played well, but way into several chapters the behavior showed up again.

I noticed similar behavior on regular hollywood DVD movies as well.

About the picture quality and switching between 480p, 720p etc. Yes 4:3 movies get stretched and i have to switch to 480p by pushing a button on the DVD player.

There is no button on the Remote to toggle between various resolutions.

I played Shrek and the picture quality was pretty good.

Yes My TV setup is: Sony Trinitron Widescreen 30" CRT with a DVI input, with build in 3:2 pullup/pulldown and progressive scan;

About the 7 in 1 card readers: I plugged in my 1 GB Compact Flash card and tried to preview the images. The images were 6.3 MPixel shot on Canon 10D.

The player takes for ever to load 1 image. Imagine if you had 100s of 4.0 MP or higher, you might as well go for a long drive and come back.

The + side of this player is, it plays DVD-RWs, DVD-Rs.
The downside is: erratic playback behaviour, unpredictable at times.
Picture quality: I had seen Stellar picture quality output from the S-video of my Pioneer DVL-700 LD/dvd player, it is the Sony Monitor that does all the scaling.

I have to do a direct comparison between the picture quality between S-Video (Pioneer player), component video (cheap dvd player) and HDMI. I believe Disney or Dreamworks animation would be the best source to carry out the tests.

Conclusions: I would probably wait for the New SONY HDMI player, or wait for Pioneer to come with an affordable HDMI player. The LG has interesting features, but the 7 in 1 card reader is a total waste..

It would be better for LG to trade that 7-in-1 reader for a HDMI cable:D I wasn't even going to try that reader because my TV already comes with one.

Does anyone Notice any Jitter at 1080i with this player?

Since it uses the same chip as the 1910 and it has jitter at 1080i.

No jitter at 1080i. I think it is TV related though. My TV will lock on to most signals without problem. Yours probably too sensitive to slight out of spec signal from 1910. It does show jitter when I tried to use vertcal scaling for letter-boxed video @720p but that's a different type of the jitter: the overall picture does not have jitter but you can see the lines within the picture jumps up and down, almost like a bad deinterlacing.

Has anyone had a problem playing Lord of the Rings extended edition on this player? I've put a bunch of discs through it, and it's the only one it won't play so far. I was thinking of returning it to see if another unit would play it. I find it hard to believe they'd ship this with a bug like that.

I dunno--I think it's decent, but I've been using my old Toshiba I bought in 1999 until I upgraded to HDTV the other day. The monster cable HDMI was the only thing in the store, so I bought it--geez, $130!

I didn't/forgot to test LOTR EE in that player because I was so dissappointed at the player and pack it up early. All the bugs found so far seem all so farmiliar in DVB318 as well.

As Monster cable, you can also buy a HDMI cable for around $30 online (some of them are sponsers of this site) and return that sucker. I don't think the extra $100 will make a bit of different in PQ at all.

FYI - Best Buy just dropped this (on sale) to 179 - awfully tempting

talks abt the troubles on this player, right after being released.

Update--my player plays LOTR just fine...turn sout I just need to let it read it for awhile. Dunno why.

I don't really have any problems with this player. I think it looks great for $180...the only upscaler with DCDI other than the $640 Denon. So hey--I say go for it if you want HDMI. If you're looking for component video, then maybe you should look elsewhere.

Ok this thing has a major problem. I've noticed that all non-anamorphic content seems to have MASSIVE lip sync issues. I swear it's off by 2-3 seconds. Seems to only happen on non-anamorphic content....I'm pretty sure any anamorphic upscaled footage is fine. I haven't tried pressing the format button to view the non anamorphic stuff in 480i....mostly because I can't be bothered to walk up and hit the format button for a short featurette in the extras section of a DVD. :)

I was planning on getting this until I read some of these horror stories...... guess I'll keep waiting for something better soon...... :(

I find it strange that the 418 will have not only the same minor faults as the previous 318 (namely: 4:3 material being stretched at >480p) but that it has more flaws (well those we notice) being that it's the sucessor! Weird. At first I thought of selling the 318 and getting this 418 and using a HDMI to DVI cable.... but now I'm just smiling at my 318 and chanting to myself:

"No more DVD players until HD Blu-Ray players are cheap and proven...." Yah that's the ticket. :)

Yeah if you already have an upscaler--I don't see a big reason to get it. But I'm satisfied with it. When it works, the pictures is great. For 480i stuff I'll have to either hit the format button or use my PS2. But I'm not going to spend $650 on the Denon or whatever....I'll wait for blu-ray or something to make a massive investment.

Man i just picked this sucker up at bestbuy lastnight with a 2 year extended warranty. I am not really impressed at all, being an untrained eye i notice nothing special about the pq of this at any resolution. I am using hdmi out to my panny PT-50LC14. I noticed out of the box it was very very bright!!! It also looks very grainy like if salt or sand was free falling especialy on background stuff like clouds and water etc... The drive is very flimsy aswell i cant believe the POS control i need to hold the button down or tap multible times to get a response and the menus suck. Overall im kinda pissed but im glad i can return it ;) Does anyone know if bestbuy will refund me the full amount including the 2 year warranty? I just dont like having to set my tv to the least sharp picture just to not see grainy pictures does this on all resolutions. I think im gonna just wait to buy a dvd player screw these upconversion things :confused:

yes you should be able to get a full refund. LG is not a good player and that is already discussed in this thread. Look towards Panny S97, Sony 975 and Denon 1910 for good players, in order of preference. Check this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=423609

These are in stock at Best Buy in Hawthorne, CA and they honor the price on the Best Buy website. Will try it out on my PT-50LC13. Had to pay $120 for a Monster HDMI-DVI cable until my $30 replacement arrives from online.

If nothing else, I'll be glad to use this for Divx/Xvid instead of my modded Xbox. Hopefully we'll see some firmware hacks to make it region free like the 318's.

Mofo

Originally posted by Beaker1024
At first I thought of selling the 318 and getting this 418 and using a HDMI to DVI cable.... but now I'm just smiling at my 318 and chanting to myself:

"No more DVD players until HD Blu-Ray players are cheap and proven...." Yah that's the ticket. :)


BINGO! My thoughts exactly. DVD makers have gotten the last $200 + until they come up with something that is definitely better.

I wouldn't take any of the listed problems very seriously until they're confirmed by one of the folks with the right skills/tools. I picked up this player and haven't experienced any issues with it so far, and it seemed to do well after calibrating with DVE/Avia, though I have not spent much time with it yet.

I bought primarily because I wanted a HDMI device with DCDi. The Panasonic looked intriguing, but didn't have the neat features like xvid. 4:3 movies work fine, though as far as I know I need to walk to the unit to switch modes. Lastly, I do not believe the unit has any problems with black levels or white levels with my display (which is HDMI). Of course, as with all 2301's, there is macroblocking.

So, for $179 I don't think the player is a bad deal. Who knows- I may be proven wrong when Kris or someone with a trained eye takes a look.

She went bye bye back to the store today...:D Now i need a good dvi-hdmi cable at a great price...:confused:

Initial impressions after 30 minutes with my untrained eyes.

Hooked it up to my Panny PT-50LC13 using HDMI-DVI cable and set on 720P (natural resolution of my display). Replacing my old Sony NS700P. Everything looks much better - crisper, deeper colors, etc. Noticed everything was much brighter, but this was easily adjusted using Avia. No issues getting the HDMI working at all. Optical audio out didn't work at first, but that was just a bad connection with the cable.

It also plays my Xvid DVDs fairly well. 4:3 ratio is fine. Noticed some audio sync issues with Xvids, but haven't fooled with this much at all.

HDTV quality? No. Better than my previous player? Definitely. Worth the price? Sure. Will it last me a few years until HD-DVD players are ~ $300? Sure.

Mofo

Originally posted by CyberSalad
Ok this thing has a major problem. I've noticed that all non-anamorphic content seems to have MASSIVE lip sync issues. I swear it's off by 2-3 seconds. Seems to only happen on non-anamorphic content....I'm pretty sure any anamorphic upscaled footage is fine. I haven't tried pressing the format button to view the non anamorphic stuff in 480i....mostly because I can't be bothered to walk up and hit the format button for a short featurette in the extras section of a DVD. :)

I noticed this when playing some Xvid clips & a PAL DVD. Both of them are off by about 2 seconds if I output at 720p. Occasionally, this comes back in sync. If I output at 480p, everything is fine. By the way - the Xvid clips are 4:3 and are not stretched at 480p or 720p. The PAL is stretched at 720p but is normal at 420p.

It's annoying. You either have to get up and push a button to watch Xvid/PAL stuff at 480p or deal with it. Not that big of an issue for me since I (at the moment) don't have that big of an Xvid or PAL collection.

Haven't called tech support to inquire.

Mofo

You will have the same problem with NTSC 4:3 disc. And even worse when it is letter-boxed 4:3.

Originally posted by Foxbat121
You will have the same problem with NTSC 4:3 disc. And even worse when it is letter-boxed 4:3.

Any tech support response? I just sent a request in over the web... Will post an update if/when I get a response.

Originally posted by ManhttnBeachMofo
These are in stock at Best Buy in Hawthorne, CA and they honor the price on the Best Buy website. Will try it out on my PT-50LC13. Had to pay $120 for a Monster HDMI-DVI cable until my $30 replacement arrives from online.

If nothing else, I'll be glad to use this for Divx/Xvid instead of my modded Xbox. Hopefully we'll see some firmware hacks to make it region free like the 318's.

Mofo

Which cable did you buy and where?

Originally posted by mallu2u
Which cable did you buy and where?

I used Pacific Custom Cables at http://www.pacificcable.com/

They were recommended (along with some other online retailers) in some of the other forums on AVS.

thanks. let me know how it works out. I plan to receive the panny tomorrow and will be using an adaptor in the meanwhile since i already have a dvi-dvi cable. I prefer the hdmi-dvi cable though.

Originally posted by Foxbat121
You will have the same problem with NTSC 4:3 disc. And even worse when it is letter-boxed 4:3.

I haven't tried yet since letter-boxed 4:3 is kinda rare and I couldn't think of one in my house. But I think either zoom. or switching to 4:3 display in the DVD setup may do something differently.

I wonder what will happen if I set the display to 4:3 instead of 16:9 and play 4:3 dvd.

FYI, divx/xvid 4:3 doesn't get stretched to full screen. Only 4:3 DVD contents are.

Originally posted by ManhttnBeachMofo
Any tech support response? I just sent a request in over the web... Will post an update if/when I get a response.

Here's the response I received. Original question was sent using LG's web-based customer service center on Thursday the 11th. Response was received on Tuesday the 16th:

Your e-mail has been received. Given the nature of your inquiry, it will require further research. Therefore, I will need to reach a consensus with our Engineering Department before I respond. Please note that your original e-mail will remain a top priority until you have been provided a satisfactory response. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions or concerns. Thank you again for contacting LG Electronics.

So it's wait and see (until a firmware fix?)

Mofo

But I think either zoom. or switching to 4:3 display in the DVD setup may do something differently.


In my review posted earlier in this thread, I already pointed out that the zoom function of this player is not useful to zoom in the letter-boxed contents at all. Switch DVD player to ouput 4:3 does not help either. All it does is letter-box the anamorphic content. The only solution is switch the DVD output resolution to 480p and let your TV to adjust aspect ratio.

BTW, this problem is not new. Its predecessor, DVB318, has the same exact problem. So I doubt any amout of firmware will ever come out to fix this at all. Remember, even the new Denon 1910 has the same problem. It's a design issue.

Does anyone know where I can download firmware for all LG DVD player?

Is there a verdict yet on this player? Is it better or worse than the DVB318? I am very happy with the 318 and wonder if I should recommend the 418 as being the same or similar or better. Much like the 318, opinions seem to be all over the place. When I decided on the 318, it seemed every inexpensive upconverting player had plenty of complaints and praises.

Chris

I have been though 2 of these players so far. Both of them had substandard picture quality on the HDMI cable vs. the picture quality on the standard component video cables. Both of them totally failed the first contrast test in the THX video optimizer menu of one of my DVDs. When I connected the players via the HDMI cable (monster HDMI, so a decent cable) the first THX test showed up as a solid block of white. When I switched over to the component cables the 4 shades of white were distinct.

At first I thought it might be the digital board or light engine of my Samsung DLP causing the problems, but after a tech replaced both (solving some other issues I was having and greatly improving the PQ of every other input) the problem remained. I decided to try a different DVD player. I picked up a less expensive Toshiba with an HDMI output and the picture quality is much improved. The Toshiba passes the same THX contrast test with flying colors that the LG couldn't.

The LG also had some lip sync issues with certain DVD titles. The Toshiba does not appear to have any of these issues.

The LG has lots of features over the Toshiba player, but what’s the point when the HDMI output is unwatchable? I’ve wasted too much time with the LG and it never even looked as good as my 2 year old 480P unit. I think I have purchased my last SD DVD player.

can the 418 upconvert via component? if not, is there a firmware that can be downloaded to enable this? ala newer versions of the 318

Anything you can buy at B&M stores like BB won't upconvert through component. 318 is only available through Internet even with BB.

Watched the MGM DVD of "Scanners" on this thing last night and the lip sync was off by like 2 seconds by the time you get to the end of the movie. Crazy. I emailed LG tech support about it, doubt anything will happen. Maybe I should have blown $600 on the Denon.

So, what's the deal? Is this essentially a Panny s97 clone?

I purchased a LGDVB418 yesterday. Yes, it does upconvert through component. Yes, there is some difficulty in choosing between 16x9 and 4x3 outputs for properly displaying letterbox content. The player will not convert copyrighted material (I assume macrovision). I am using the component out into a SharpVision 64" HDTV.

The first non-macrovision DVD I played had a stunning picture and the player's performance adequate (slow, slow response to the remote, and the other minor glitches other folks have mentioned).

I can live with all of this.

What I can't live with is what happened next. After viewing a 2 1/2 hour DVD, I put another DVD into the player. This DVD has macrovision, so can't be upscaled. About 5 mins into the DVD, the player began "stuttering", pausing, and skipping ahead 1 or 2 mins into movie. Cleaning the DVD didn't help. Eventually the player "froze". I replaced the DVD with the first one ... the same thing happened with this DVD even though it played perfectly the first time. I turned off the machine for about an hour. Guess what? It played the second DVD perfectly (the "stuttering" one)! After that DVD played, 18 of the 20 which I played next "stuttered". One hour off ... and they play.

This I can't live with.

Too bad. I liked the quality of the output. But really, all of the freezing is unacceptable (all other DVD players in the house play all these DVD's flawlessly).

I bought one of these players last week at Best Buy. I was looking for a player with HDMI output and this was about the only model they had in stock with that feature. The loading tray is way too flimsy and I would not expect it to survive for long in any household with small children or uncoordinated large ones. My initial impressions of it were that it looked nice and it had a lot of extra features I could care less about other than the HDMI connector. I swapped out a couple of DVDs and then returned one that I had previously viewed to see if it would remember where it left off. It worked for one DVD but any more than that and it went brain dead.

My Sony 715 has enough memory to pick up where I've left off with the countless discs I continually swap out of the unit. The lack of such a feature is totally unacceptable to me so this sucker went back to BB the next day. I've got a Sony 975 on order to replace my 715. There's nothing wrong with the 715 but I wanted a player with an HDMI output so I could calibrate the HDMI inputs on my new Hitachi 60VS810 LCD RPTV.

Is the LDA517 going to be a replacement for this player? I ask because I was interested in picking up a 418 since I have a BB giftcard from Christmas.

They seem similar in features and price, so I was wondering if I should hold of until 2nd Q of this year to purchase the 517.

The component 480p and DVI 480p output looks great on these players but forget trying to upscale using an HDMI to DVI converter. I have an LG plasma which has a DVI input. This player would not up convert the DVI at all and when it attempted to upconvert via component on non-protected DVD's it would lag, hang and eventually I would have to shut it off and then turn it back on to get it working again. I agree with the other users that the remote does not work very well and IR reception on the player (used my TV remote) is very picky. I just purchased a Harmon Kardon DVD22 which supposedly does a great job outputting 480p via component.

If anyone has any suggestions for a good quality DVD player please PM me the details or any personal experience with Harmon Kardon please reply or PM.

-Michael

Yes make sure you play Monsters Inc on the HK before you decide to keep it.

Originally posted by nothru22
Yes make sure you play Monsters Inc on the HK before you decide to keep it.


A friend and I have an ongoing joke that whenever we walk into the local hi-fi stores we ask how much is that by the pound? The more it weighs, the more it costs!! Of course!!

Anyway... Do you know something negative about the Harmon Kardon DVD22 and did you have any less expensive recommendations which I can purchase from a local store.. WalMart, BestBuy, CircuitCity, Ultimate Electronics??? I normally buy online but the price differences for DVD's are not really worth it.

-Michael

Okay, good luck watching any video based or incorrectly flagged sources. I couldn't return this player fast enough.

Originally posted by nothru22
Okay, good luck watching any video based or incorrectly flagged sources. I couldn't return this player fast enough.


nothru22,
What would you recommend for a player? I am happy with HK so far(24hrs) but I am open to any suggestions/recommendations.

I hooked up the DVD22 last night and it looked awesome! I played the Monster's Inc movie and it looked the best out of all the Pixar animations I own. This player looks way better than the LG 418. Is it possible that the DVD22 you purchased was defective in some way? I am hooking this up to an HD plasma monitor which may be more forgiving than an LCD or DLP projection.

-Michael

I just got this this yesterday (LGDVB418). I have it hooked up to component. When I toggle thru the different resolutions (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) something weird happens when I switch to 720p or 1080i. The image seem to have shifted to the left or is being cropped on the right side. I've done this LG main screen (without disc inserted) or with a non-copyprotected disc playing. Is this specific unit bad or is this a general problem with this player? I haven't tried the HDMI output yet since I don't have an HDMI to DVI cable. BTW, it's outputting to an Syntax LT30HV.

I'm getting ready to pack this baby for return to CircuitCity.
-Bruin

So I guess the slight random stuttering I am seeing on this player is not uncommon. I'm just running 480p through component but every now and then I'm experiencing a frame or two of stutter.

The audio is fine and doesn't skip at all - but it is really distracting.

And I too had problems with LOTR Fellowship Special Edition on this as well - it would take really long to load up and when it did it was stuttering all over the place.

Back to Best Buy.

This thing sounds like big piece of s^%t why bother?!

I'm pretty happy with the LGDVB418 (sept 2004). I do agree the remote is slow and sluggish in response though.

I am not sure if my DVD player is playing in anything higher than 480P but it seems my Toshiba 42H83 is accepting all signals via component cables.
The only thing with the player is that you can not switch the different
resolution modes on the fly. Once you select a mode, say 1080i, you have
to stop the player and press play again to continue with movie without
crazy video/audio stuttering.

I also like the players diversity because it can play both DVD-R and DVD+R (i have a lot of these) with no problems. I also think that for $169.99 that I got it for at BB was good deal. This replaced a 5 year old Panasonic DVD player so take my review with a grain of salt.

Bottom line is that I happy with my purchase and that I am noticing serious
but subtle details in movies I have not seen before. The audio sounds great and I recommend this player to anyone that wants a versatile player for all formats and have the option of HDMI output. Oh yeah that DCDi is pretty sweet option since I never owned a progressive scan player before.
My question is does DCDi only work in 480p mode? I really can't tell the difference between 480p, 720p, or 1080i!!! I am such a noob.

-Shin0bi1

well - i just bought one of these puppies at bb last nite - all i have to say is that its going back - definitely

im comparing it to my 5 year old non-progressive scan 5-disc player and that thing is even clearer than this one - i should have listened to the majority

i had higher hopes because some of the other sites give it a fairly decent review - but through hdmi - this thing didnt even show the different shades of white on the thx test on pirates of the caribbean - i tested out sky captain and pirates of the caribbean and it definitely looked better on my old player

disappointing but - hey - at least i tried it - i think im just gonna bite the bullet and try to hunt down a panny s97 or sony 975 - those seem pretty sure bets...

and word to the wise - i am not a videophile by ANY means - yet i noticed that this had a poorer picture than a 480i player - beware...

HI:

I'm still at the research stages for an upconverting DVD player and I'm surprised by the negative (mostly) response in this forum. At a region free players website this LG unit is well regarded and it's OK at other forums.

I noticed here most complaints come when using the component outputs and expecting upconversion and things to come up well on their own. I downloaded the manual from LG's site and I found that this unit is not as self setting as others:

* Upconversion is not automatic, you have to press the RESOLUTION
button at the player or the remote, otherwise the image will come out at
480i or 480p. It's recommended that you choose a resolution that
matches your TV/Monitor.

* Protected DVDs won't upconvert through component outputs, they'll be
shown at 480i or 480p or not show at all (this could account for the crazy
behaviour when trying to upconvert).

* Supposedly everything should upconvert through the HDMI output, but
still recommends matching the TV/Monitor's resolution.

* The resolution has to be set with the disc in STOP or, apparently, without
a disc, it will not shift on the fly (another thing that could bring the
crazyness).

I think all this should be set before playing your first DVD, because the unit is not set for HD at the factory. Also the manual doesn't specify if the settings are memorized or not, so maybe these settings should be checked everytime the unit's turned on.

Apparently this like an economy universal unit, in which you have to be checking things before using them; it could play nice, but it may take a bit of time to set. Or maybe I'm being too naive here, but I don't see posts referring to the manual and, you know, doing the correct steps is always important with picky electronics.

unfortunately - i wanted this thing to work quite a bit - i loved the idea of having a card reader right there - plus - ive been a fan of a lot of lg products - however, my experience with this particular unit dictates that its a dud...

perhaps it was the unit i had - theres always that possibility - but after the first poor result - i took the dvd out and whipped out the manual - to my dismay - after all of the fussing with the unit - i popped the dvd back in and still - same result - grainy picture - and the first thx test yielded a solid white block

when i returned the unit to best buy - i went back to the dvd player section to pick up the toshiba 5970 - there were two more "open box" dvb418's sitting there than there were the night before - maybe it was a bad batch - but it looks like other people were disappointed with the unit in one way or another...

anyway - for a low end player, the sd-5970 was a much more solid choice - i immediately noticed the difference the moment i hooked it up...

EDIT - and btw - i hooked this thing up using a monster hdmi-hdmi cable that i borrowed from a friend...

Hmmm, an e-mail to LG seems mandatory; let's see what they have to say.

After we settled on our main HDTV, a Sammy DLP 4663 with both an hdmi and a dvi input, this was the first player I brought home from BB, open box for $159 (though at $199 without an hdmi cable this player is hardly a "value.") I have an LG HD dvr (the 3410 which is great) connected via DVI so an hdmi player was a natural choice. My experience echoed most on this thread (color, audio sync, handshaking issues) and I returned it within the week. Another caution for anyone just starting their selection process and learning curve, there's a big difference reading a manual pre-purchase vs. actually using it with your display--so much of this in terms of picture quality and handshaking is display dependent--your ports, your native resolution and your mileage will vary--and until you have a chance to put any player through its DVE paces in your system you may not be making an informed decision.

My goal was, like many doing due diligence on AVS a few months ago: 1) buy a decently performing moderately-priced upscaling player now while waiting for the HD dvd wars to shake out and 2) determine whether it was worth it to spend more than $200. That the readily available region-free hacks work on these LG/Toshiba players made them obvious first choices for me since I watch lots of non-Region 1 dvds, and that these were carried by B&M stores like BB and CC which have generous return policies also helped. With my displays I ended up keeping the very-extensively-discussed DVB318 hacked to upconvert over component and the Toshiba V592 over hdmi, both had for about $150 each. (The Samsung 841 has new firmware released, which for some may mean you should re-consider this oft-dissed model, especially since it includes a dvi cable and Costco is selling it for $120. And Kricket, I think if you like the Toshiba 5970 you might find the V592 superior--might be worth investigating.)

I'm not as far along on part 2--the "is it worth it to spend more now and will perceive a difference" part--for the likes of the Sony 975, Panny S97, Samsung 941, etc. I admit, I was tempted with their "specs" and almost pulled the plug, but resisted. I'm not sure that these are "sure bets" at all--except for their higher price point and current relative market scarcity--are any of these in B&M stores with a 30 day return guarantee yet? I don't think so, the frenzy has been ordering online with prices $270+ though that will change eventually. More troubling, though, are the other forum threads about these players, the firmware issues, players supposedly being recalled to the manufacturer, etc. None of these are in my local Tweeter anymore. I still hope to try the Sony 975 with my Sammy DLP once they re-enter supply channels, and I'll probably wait until they show up "below Tweeter" in BB. And then go through the white-black-green-crush-push-passing blacker than black-macroblocking-audio sync song and dance hands-on evaluation once again. The thing is, though, you have to go through it, there's no way to be sure in advance. If you do a lot of ripping and burning of video_ts files you'll also want to determine how these players do with your collection of +/- R and +/-RW discs.

Initially the thing I found most irksome was that none of these sub $200 players allowed you to change upscaling resolution with the remote--on all of these players you have to get up from the couch, press stop on the player, press another button to switch resolutions. So that isn't an indictment of any one player, but all players at this price point. I just assumed we'd advanced far enough to do it on the fly via remote. It's nice, though, when a player remembers your last setting.

By the way, what are these other sites praising the 418, and especially the site dedicated to discussing region free dvd players? Are you talking about sites selling region free players at an inflated price?

Originally posted by chefklc
Initially the thing I found most irksome was that none of these sub $200 players allowed you to change upscaling resolution with the remote--on all of these players you have to get up from the couch, press stop on the player, press another button to switch resolutions. So that isn't an indictment of any one player, but all players at this price point. I just assumed we'd advanced far enough to do it on the fly via remote. It's nice, though, when a player remembers your last setting.

i was actually thinking about getting the 592 due to the rave reviews, however, two things were stopping me - 1) i already have a pretty decent vcr that was purchased just last year and 2) space constraints really dont allow for me to have a combo unit...

anyway - so far - ive only watched a couple of movies on the 5970 but hope to bump that total up this weekend - and as far as changing the resolutions - the 5970 actually does have an "hdmi" button which, when pressed, scrolls through 1024p, 480p, 720p, and 1080i resolutions - im not sure if the same holds true for the 592 but i definitely dont have to get up to change resolutions...

also - it seems to do it on the fly - you dont have to stop the dvd - once i select any of the resolutions via the "hdmi" button, the screen goes black for about 4-5 seconds (it seems like a long time) and then clicks back in under the new resolution...

I didn't realize that about the 5970, thanks Kricket, I should have limited what I said to the group of upscaling players I actually had direct hands-on experience with at home--the LG 3510 and the 418, DVB318, Toshiba V592, etc. It's funny, in one aesthetic sense I tried not to keep the dorky V592, I'll never ever use the vcr half of it anyway, I have a D-VHS deck to archive HD material, and as you say, space is always a consideration. I could drop my Mac mini in there instead if the V592 were a dvd only player built more like the Cyberhome. But in my tests after recalibrating, damn, if the V592 didn't outperform the other budget players in terms of picture quality (hdmi-hdmi) with very clean digital sound to boot (over coax/optical.) I'm glad the 5970 is working for you, that's a player, though not as derided as the 841, that hasn't had too many champions on AVS.

Originally posted by chefklc
I'm glad the 5970 is working for you, that's a player, though not as derided as the 841, that hasn't had too many champions on AVS.

oh i know - thats why im trying to keep my boasting down to a minumim - having only played a few dvds thus far i cant really vouch for it 100% - i am pretty happy to date - but this weekend will be the true test - i might post again on monday about how i had to return another player to bb :D

in that instance - im just gonna jump on the bandwagon and get me a v592 - ill just have to move my vcr downstairs i suppose...

Hey chefklc:

You're right that the LG was praised in a RegionFree website and overpriced. The other site was something like shopping.com or another one, it had like 5 reviews, all good. They could've been fake reviews...oh well, guess I'll wait still.

I saw the V592 at Toshiba's, seems OK, but I have 2 SVHS vcrs that work fine...unless the vcr side outputs through the HDMI too...that would be something.

What about the Denon 2910, could it be the only smooth working upscaling player out there?

I think many of the people on AVS happy with the V592 couldn't care less about the vcr half of the unit--it's all about the surprising dvd performance with their HDTV's for the price. It's a stopgap measure anyway until other formats and video codecs arrive. Aesthetically, the unit sucks, the remote is awkward, and its build quality is poor compared to the more expensive players. I'm used to internal slot-loading dvd drives (Powerbook, Mac mini) and cringe a little bit every time the cheap V592 drawer opens. But if you think about sub-$150 expenditures like this as relatively inexpensive disposable appliances anyway, and can look past its form factor, you just might be pleasantly surprised with its resulting performance. (Problem for me is I can't look past quirks on a $300 player, let alone a $600 player.)

Way back before I ever heard about AVS, Julio, I googled for region-free dvd because I wanted a player that could play asian discs and I, too, found those sites. I didn't want to be bound by region codes but I couldn't believe the prices and didn't understand what it was that they were doing to modify those units. I pressed a little bit further, found helpful and likeminded communities like videohelp.com and AVS, and then learned you could hack units yourself. That led me to a Toshiba 4900 and attempting my first region free hack, and I've made every player, superdrive or combo drive since region-free (every drive that could be hacked, that is.)

Julio, raising the 2910 in the context of this thread may not be wise--a $600 player becomes an automatic apples to oranges comparison even if a few people chime in who have compared a 2910 side by side with some of these sub $200 hdmi players. Your best bet would be to digest other threads, there are several concurrent ones dealing with these budget hdmi players and, if you really are piqued by the 2910, I think you'll also find reports of, say, the Sony 975 or the S97 outperforming the 2910, at half the price, firmware, lockup and tray-loading problems notwithstanding. (I wouldn't spend $600 on any dvd player, let alone the Denon, at this point so I can't help you address it in this context.)

Yeah, I wouldn't spend that quantity either, just checking for what makes one work and the other not. Good info on the V592, seems that Toshiba is finally making it work for the DLPs...I have a 52HM84 and so, that's why I'm here.

There's one person at the Tosh thread that had success with the LG...hmmm, I wonder.

I've also heard good things about the Panasonic...maybe everyone is finally correcting bugs.

All in all, I think I'll wait a bit more. Oh, and I'll be asking you later about the hacking skills. :-))

Thanks.

Hello:

Got an answer from LG. They say that the player is fixed and if anyone has problems with it, they can be corrected with the new firmware at the site.

Someone at the Toshiba HM/HMX thread is having a good experience with it, maybe he has a newer unit.

Anyone tried the firmware fix?

Originally posted by Julio Bro!
Hello:

They say that the player is fixed and if anyone has problems with it, they can be corrected with the new firmware at the site.

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I've had no luck finding the firmware on LG's (miserable) website.

If anyone knows where it is, please let us know.

Yeah, I've been trying the same person that told me about the update, but hasn't answered. I guess I'll have to e-mail LG again to see if another tech can help us.

Originally posted by Julio Bro!
Yeah, I've been trying the same person that told me about the update, but hasn't answered. I guess I'll have to e-mail LG again to see if another tech can help us.

Well, if there's actually a firmware update for this unit it must be available only on the new units coming off the production line. I called LG last week and the CSR said her records did not show any firmware updates available for the DVB418. Maybe you guys will have better luck tracking this firmware down, but I've given up on LG....I can't even find the player locally anyway.

Hey Rudy1, everything cool?

I remember it was available on-line, make an ample search. You know, besides the Toshiba 5970, this LG is my other option, given it's versatility and because at the HM thread a few had good experiences.

Originally posted by Julio Bro!


You know, besides the Toshiba 5970, this LG is my other option, given it's versatility and because at the HM thread a few had good experiences.

As for my own experience, I guess what's telling is that I didn't return it. It has the best pq of any dvd player I've had (I'm using component), it plays avis and mpgs off of data discs pretty well, and it's very tolerant of discs that other machines can't read. That's what I was after.

It's definitely quirky. Not being able to switch res from the remote is lame and sometimes it doesn't include 480p in the res rotation. On files or discs it can't read it sometimes gets stuck and the disc has to be ejected (which is better than some players where you have to pull the power). At some settings it stretches the picture inappropriately. The digital audio can get lost on some video files and won't come back without diddling. It doesn't show remaining play time. Sometimes the higher fast forward speeds aren't any faster.

(Why is it so hard for manufacturers to make a list of pretty basic features and implement them properly in one unit?)

Originally posted by Julio Bro!
Hey Rudy1, everything cool?

I remember it was available on-line, make an ample search. You know, besides the Toshiba 5970, this LG is my other option, given it's versatility and because at the HM thread a few had good experiences.

seeing as you mentioned the 5970 - i thought id give you all an update now that ive had it for a few weeks now

so far - everything seems to be just great - im really surprised with the pq - even compressed dvd's seem to look good on it - and the audio is great too - im not getting that syncing problem i had with the dvb418

ive run the gamut of films from highly graphic sci-fi movies to low budget mushy movies and i have to say - i really am impressed with the unit

i think at this point - if you all cant seem to get the right answers with the lg unit - give the 5970 a shot - you might be pleasantly surprised as well (and you really cant beat the price considering it comes with the hdmi cable - still at about $180)...

Originally posted by momusu
...Not being able to switch res from the remote is lame and sometimes it doesn't include 480p in the res rotation. On files or discs it can't read it sometimes gets stuck and the disc has to be ejected (which is better than some players where you have to pull the power). At some settings it stretches the picture inappropriately. ...

Why is it so hard for manufacturers to make a list of pretty basic features and implement them properly in one unit?)

Haven't check the manual yet, but it can't get 1080i on the components?

Regarding the stretch, I have an old JVC progressive which has several screen settings. At first I set it for a fixed 16:9, but for some widescreen material it chose as if for 4:3. so I changed to the Auto 16:9 for which pretty much assumes everything is 16:9. Check and compare.

Tried e-mailing LG again, for equipment issues this is the answer:

-----------Reply to Customer Enquiry------------
Dear Julio, Thank you for inquiring of LG Electronics. The firmware update for this unit is only available through factory service. It is not downloadable by the consumer. Please contact customer service at 1-800-243-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for information pertaining to the update and having the unit sent in to factory service for the update. Thank you again for contacting LG Electronics. Cyndi E-mail Administrator Customer Interactive Center LGEAI."

Sorry, that's the best I could do. So, any of you who have problems with it, give them a call.

Originally posted by Julio Bro!
Sorry, that's the best I could do. So, any of you who have problems with it, give them a call.

Thanks for passing that news along. I might call to see if they have specific info on what would be fixed.

Sorry if this has been asked and answered, but does this unit come with an HDMI cable included?

Originally posted by dapdrums
Sorry if this has been asked and answered, but does this unit come with an HDMI cable included?

No it does not come with an HDMI cable. I found a 6ft HDMi cable at Sams Club for $22.00.

Thanks bigdaddy10, just as a followup, what HDMI players, besides the Zenith (which has a DVI-to-DVI cable included), come with a HDMI cable (or a DVI cable). Perhaps only the zenith does.

Just got my DVB418. Really pleased to find an affordable 1080i player that can play back divx/xvid. I'm no expert on video quality, but I REALLY like what I see, and when my THX DVD arrives later this week I should be able to educate myself enough to see whether the unit is a keeper.

Here is the note I sent to LG via their website. I'll post again if I get a response. If I'm missing something, someone please let me know. Thanks!

I am enjoying the player so far. I have the unit in 1080i mode, connected via HDMI converter cable to the DVI port of my LG 44" DLP RU-44SZ63D TV.

There are three areas I'm asking for help on, all related to divx playback and all of which I believe could be addressed through a firmware update (unless there are features I have not yet discovered).

1) When I press "Display" during playback, I get a readout of elapsed time on the current file, and the ability to dial in a starting time. What I would also like is the ability to see total playing time of the file, as well as time remaining.

2) Response to the remote control seems sluggish.

3) Divx files formatted in 4:3 (for example, the very common 512x384) are sent to the TV (over HDMI) with black bars on the sides, making it impossible to adapt the image to fill the picture. I need an option to output the material in 16:9 (I understand the picture will be distorted) so that I can use my LG TV's "zoom2" mode to present a more pleasing image.

Please let me know the following:

1) Whether I can achieve the above without a firmware update, and if so how;

2) Whether current or future firmware releases will let me meet these goals;

3) The currently available firmware release and how I can obtain it; and

4) How to determine the presently installed firmware on my device.

Thank you in advance.

I bought my LGDVB418 Thursday, hooked it up and imediatly turned it off and returned it. I let the CC salesman talk me into taking another 418 home and trying it. . .

I have now had it running almost non-stop since Friday. We watched the entire season 1 of Deadwood on Saturday at one sitting and I'll be damned if it isnt getting better the longer it plays. I am using HDMI and I have found that once set at 1080i she stays there.

Just to be sure I am not "Bonding" with my new DVD player I still have my 4800 Toshiba hooked up so I can A-B the two from time to time.

I am still pissed at the CC sales rep for blowing smoke up my a$$ but I guess he is in sales. . .

I can live with mine but I am not over joyed. I used VE for setup and noticed nothing major that was not fixable on my 55in Sony Grand Vega LCD RPTV. All in all it is a bit better than "OK". . . One big gripe for me is the LOGO screen. . . The LG logo is so fuzzie that it almost looks like it was meant to be that way. I run all comercial DVDs and nothing peculiar yet except that on a couple my TVs video input label pops up once during the movie. . .WTF. . .

Blah. I got a response to my e-mail (see above).

Thank you for inquiring of LG Electronics. At this time, there are no plans for firmware updates for these features. Most firmware upgrades are performed by Factory Service if the unit is having a problem. The unit is shipped to LG for this. There isn't a way for you to determine the firmware in your machine. This is determined by the factory. For further information or troubleshooting, you may contact us at 800-243-0000 for LG Customer Service assistance. An agent will be glad to assist you. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions or concerns. Thank you again for contacting LG Electronics.

I called LG about the audio/video sync problem. Very nice girl said LG is aware of the problem and working on a fix. I also asked her about my inability to adjust the brightness to see the 8 white squares when using the THX Optimizer. She said she was not aware of the problem, but that they had an update for a "white crush" problem. I said that this is the same thing. So LG is sending me a disk to fix the white crush. She said to call back in a week or so about the audio/video sync problem. I doubt there will be a solution that soon, but I'm happy they're acknowledging the problem. I'll let y'all know if the disk fixes my brightness problem.

Outstanding. I had noticed a sync problem here and there, but I've sort of been in denial about it. Please keep us posted!

Originally posted by stevedee
...Very nice girl said LG...is sending me a disk to fix the white crush. I'll let y'all know if the disk fixes my brightness problem.

That's cool man, give us the phone number and ext. of said nice girl so we can call her in the future.

Originally posted by Foxbat121
One more thing, the remote is very unresponsive/sluggish. I sit right in front of the player and a lot of times I have to press some buttons multiple times.

I haven't seen many comments regarding the remote control other than this post. I just purchased this LG unit over the weekend and to say the remote control is sluggish is being kind IMO. Is nobody else having this problem besides Foxbat and myself? :rolleyes:

Is it possible I have a bad unit or bad remote? FWIW, the player has clear line of sight. I've had 4 other DVD player/changers on the same shelf and they all worked fine with each punch of the remote. This LG takes usually 2-5 punches before reacting.

I just ordered one for only $156 from a company called Pac-2000. Just go to google and punch in the model and found it...What a deal!!

where's the firmware to fix the sync issue? it's really annoying :(

ps... my remote is laggy too

Originally posted by craysv1
where's the firmware to fix the sync issue? it's really annoying :(

ps... my remote is laggy too

Thanks for the feedback on the remote. I was so frustrated with the remote action [or should I say inaction] I returned the unit and purchased the Zenith DVB318 instead. It lacks DivX but I will forgo that to gain the ability to watch 720p upconverted over component cables, this saves me $200+ that I don't have to spend on a HDMI switcher.

Just bought a Sony 55" WEGA LCD rear projection and an LGDVB418. The Sony comes on Sunday, but I walked out with the DVD player. The only TV I have at home currently is a small 21" Orion that only has a coax input. I also have a couple of orion VCRs that have composite inputs.

I plugged the LGDVB418 into the VCR composite inputs and tried to watch a movie.

Noticed right away, that the picture looked awesome... For a few seconds. Then it would darken and would attain a strong red push. After a few more seconds, the image would brighten back to an awesome picture (for a small 4:3 crt). Tried both VCRs, both had the same result.

This occurred on the static LG menu page, except it would just darken, since there is no red in the image.


That is problem 1.

Problem 2:

I have a SE phone with a 32MB memory stick duo. I have the duo to memory stick converter module, but I was not able to get the DVD player to view the images on the card.

The CF module I used with my digital camera works fine (if a little slow loading images).


Has anyone else seen any of these problems?

I am hunting for some cheap HDMI cables to test the new TV with. Paying over $100 seems pricey to me. Maybe I will buy a component cables as well.


I agree on the remote... Does seem a little sluggish.

TIA,
K

Originally posted by millman
I plugged the LGDVB418 into the VCR composite inputs and tried to watch a movie.

Noticed right away, that the picture looked awesome... For a few seconds. Then it would darken and would attain a strong red push. After a few more seconds, the image would brighten back to an awesome picture (for a small 4:3 crt). Tried both VCRs, both had the same result.

This sounds like normal operation for any DVD player when going through a VCR (it does not work). A separate RF modulator will normally work fine, however.

Robert

The changing colors is most likely due to copy protection - it thinks you'll try to copy the DVD onto VHS.

Not to be a kill-joy, but make sure you don't lose your receipt. This may not be a problem with you, but I have experienced two annoying things about this DVD player: 1. delays between the audio and video (video lags the audio); 2. HDMI white crush, though Component outs did not have this problem, and actually looked fantastic.

I tried component outs, and that solved the white crush issue, but it no longer passed blacker-than-black. What a disappointment. Is there no firmware update available?

Hey Folks,

Could someone please describe this "white crush" for me?
I am using HDMI with this player and haven't noticed anything odd. Either I don't have the problem, or ignorance is truly bliss.

The audio "sync" problem is really frustrating too.

David

white crush is similar to black crush. White crush: view a scene with very bright white, for example in Matrix Reloaded where the ship arrives at Zion. The command center is pure white. If you have white crush the very white scene you should barely be able to make out any details, would look like one big white blob

Despite all the bad reports within this thread, I went ahead and decided to try out the LGDVB418. I was thrilled with its performance for the first few days, but now I'm also getting the a/v sync problem.

I also am having another issue with the player- most discs I watch will freeze for 1-2 seconds, then resume as normal. This happens every few minutes. I haven't seen any reports of this issue in this thread, so I was wondering if anyone else had the same problem. Some discs will work fine, but some will freeze every so often.

It's really a shame that this player has so many problems, because I have really enjoyed the PQ that it has given me. LG customer service told me that they were working on a firmware update for the sync problem. Anyone gotten theirs fixed and/or updated?

Despite all the bad reports within this thread, I went ahead and decided to try out the LGDVB418. I was thrilled with its performance for the first few days, but now I'm also getting the a/v sync problem.

I also am having another issue with the player- most discs I watch will freeze for 1-2 seconds, then resume as normal. This happens every few minutes. I haven't seen any reports of this issue in this thread, so I was wondering if anyone else had the same problem. Some discs will work fine, but some will freeze every so often.

It's really a shame that this player has so many problems, because I have really enjoyed the PQ that it has given me. LG customer service told me that they were working on a firmware update for the sync problem. Anyone gotten theirs fixed and/or updated?

I contacted LG and created a case log to be notified when the firmware update is available to fix the audio sync problem, but I still returned the LGDVB418. When LG notifies me, then I'll buy a player and see if the firmware update works.

Too bad too. The picture quality is incredible. I can say this even after just getting a hold of the Panasonic S97S two days ago. Good picture on the S97, but so far its PQ is not wowing me the way the LG did right out of the box. Blasphemy, I know, but I'm going to have to believe my lying eyes above all S97 true believers. If it wasn't for the audio sync issue, I'd prefer the LG. In fact, I'm still trying to tweak the S97 to get the PQ as good as the LG.

I heard that LG was coming out with a new HDMI player this year. I hope that is true, but I'm also too afraid to return the S97 back to Fry's because I'll probably never find another one like it. The S97 I bought was the last one in stock, an open box for $279 in perfect working order, brand new condition with all of the cables, remote, and batteries factory sealed and never used. If the S97 wasn't so hard to find, I'd return it and wait to check out the next LG player coming out this year.

yeah, i returned my 418 as well... the lipsync was unbearable and they still haven't released a firmware update. i have a new panasonic s77s sitting here that I will be trying out...

shephrd: what's the manufacture date on that s97s? did you update the firmware to at least version 540? it's supposed to be significantly better than what they ship with..

shephrd: what's the manufacture date on that s97s? did you update the firmware to at least version 540? it's supposed to be significantly better than what they ship with..

I don't know the manufacture date of my S97. How do I check it? I didn't update the firmware. Should I return the S97 and get the S77? What problems will I notice with the old S97 firmware?

Thanks.

well, i don't have the s97, but the 1st post in this thread will help you... i just got my s77s today, but people say the pic quality is identical to the >540 firmware version of the s97...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=501352

85E540 S97 Summary so far...

Things fixed:
1.) Layer Change pause reduction [[same as 536, about .9 sec.]]
2.) Player responsiveness increase [[appears same as 536, nice and quick.]]
3.) Recovery Time improvement [[same as 536]]. This can be seen on the Galaxy Quest intro. and the Faroudja test disc using the diagonal moving box and lines test.
4.) 3-2 Cadence Video Flags passes in Auto1 and Auto2 modes (Galaxy Quest intro using the planet fly-by scene, the 3-2 film pulldown is grabbed even quicker now). [[Same as 536.]]
5.) Film grain/MPEG background noise reduction (edge enhancement reduction in 720p and 1080i over HDMI). [[Looks the same as 536 to me.]]
6.) MB reduction for people that are experiencing it, although there is no way to quantitatively measure this. MB is not present with all displays. I don't have any MB with my Sanyo PLV-Z2 720p LCD projector. I checked some new Anime clips from Sango and one clip he posted a link to on the Forum (Geneon intro). I had no MB at all with my Sanyo Z2 display at 720p/HDMI. I compared this to my XP30, it looked the same (MB-wise).
7.) I can now set my brightness to 0 (instead of +1 with 85E528) to get perfect BTB using DVE (I am running in 720p over HDMI/DVI). [[Same as 536, 0 is perfect using DVE.]]
8.) Pink tint reduction in black and white scenes, though some may still be seeing a small amount of pinkness, I don't think I am seeing it on my display. [[I can't see any pinkness with 540 using DVE test patterns for BTB, grayscale, etc.]]

Things still not fixed:
1.) Incorrect Progressive Flags test still fails in Auto2 mode only (strange since other FL2310-based players don't have this problem, so this is easily fixable via firmware, and the problem is not present in Auto1 mode). [[Still fails in 540.]]
2.) 2-2 Cadence Film Flags test still fails in Auto1 mode only. [[Still fails in v540.]]
3.) Picture fuzzy when using the Zoom feature in the player. [[Still the same in 540.]]
4.) Panasonic, can you start posting firmware updates on your website?

From what I can tell (and Paul's/Sango's comments as well), it looks like they removed any traces of pink tint in B&W material and more MB improvements for 540. It's like a fine-tuned version of 536.

LG is coming with a new DVD Player soon, it's the LDA-511. It's a universal player, even plays double layer discs, with Divx support, and other goodies. You may check some info at J&R and Best Buy websites. I think you may even pre-order.

I'm trying to get it, along with the LG LRY-517 (DVD recorder/VCR combo), with the electronics supplier that got me a Toshiba HDTV.

yeah, i returned my 418 as well... the lipsync was unbearable and they still haven't released a firmware update. i have a new panasonic s77s sitting here that I will be trying out...

shephrd: what's the manufacture date on that s97s? did you update the firmware to at least version 540? it's supposed to be significantly better than what they ship with..

I ended up returning mine also due to the lip sync problem. I was really impressed with the picture quality though........I'm gonna hold out for the HD Dvd players coming out later in the year. if they are too expensive I'll get the new LG upconverter coming out.

The HD DVD players will surely start at $1K, I don't think I'll be getting one of those like in 2 years from their release. And remember, the kinks will have to be worked out of them first.

So did anyone ever get a Firmware update for this DVD Player? Someone mentioned that they were being sent "a disc." Did it ever arrive?

If something as simple as a firmware update will fix this DVD Player's problems, it seems that it would be a waste to return it.

Who knows...maybe LG *likes* selling "refurbished" DVD Players. Because that is exactly what is going to happen to them if they don't start making their firmware releases available to the general public.

Atrac, I tried to get something from them and after a few e-mails, they said they don't have firmware updates, and that if a unit needed repairs or anything, it should be sent to them.

I would recommend you e-mail them regarding any problems you have with a unit, unless you wanna wait for the 511...supposedly coming soon at less than $200.

I would recommend you e-mail them regarding any problems you have with a unit, unless you wanna wait for the 511...supposedly coming soon at less than $200.
The LDA-511 was recently listed on the BB web page for the same price as the LGDVB418. It was not in stock today at my local store.

Want a cheap HDMI to DVI cable? :-)

http://www.surpluscomputers.com/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetail&item=CBL10158

I have the LGDVB418 (manufactured April 2005) hooked up to my 61" JVC HD-ILA 61Z786 (manufactured March 2005) via HDMI and the PQ is really wonderful. The LG replaced my samsung hd850 because of PQ. I haven't experienced any lip sync issues with the DVD's I played and the player hasn't skipped or frozen on scenes but I do have an issue facial sunburns in all my DVD's. The sunburn is not all over the faces but randomly on certain parts.

Could you please tell me on which DVD's you experienced the lip sync issues and the 1-3 second freezes?

So far I've played (all widescreen dvd's):

Gladiator
Star Wars 1, 2,4, & 5
The Day After Tomorrow
Independence Day
Harry Potter
Saving Private Ryan
HG Wells The Time Machine
The Village
Signs

I have the LGDVB418 (manufactured April 2005) hooked up to my 61" JVC HD-ILA 61Z786 (manufactured March 2005) via HDMI and the PQ is really wonderful. The LG replaced my samsung hd850 because of PQ. I haven't experienced any lip sync issues with the DVD's I played and the player hasn't skipped or frozen on scenes but I do have an issue facial sunburns in all my DVD's. The sunburn is not all over the faces but randomly on certain parts.



*** UPDATE ***

Well so much for cheap HDMI cables, my uncle brought over his Monster 1000 HDMI cable which I've been telling him that it wont make a difference because digital is digital, etc..., well, he proved me wrong, he replaced my HDMI cable and PRESTO! NO MORE SUNBURN! THE COLOR IS FANTASTIC! He paid over $200 for that cable, I bet a $50 Belkin HDMI cable will do the trick for me, just like the monster!

I went to walmart and they have a Panasonic HDMI cable for less the $50. No problems with my Sony GW IV. No audio/video problems that I can detect.

The guy that came to hook up my set said he had nothing but problems with the monster cables.

*** UPDATE ***

Well so much for cheap HDMI cables, my uncle brought over his Monster 1000 HDMI cable which I've been telling him that it wont make a difference because digital is digital, etc..., well, he proved me wrong, he replaced my HDMI cable and PRESTO! NO MORE SUNBURN! THE COLOR IS FANTASTIC! He paid over $200 for that cable, I bet a $50 Belkin HDMI cable will do the trick for me, just like the monster!

Originally posted by millman:

I went to walmart and they have a Panasonic HDMI cable for less the $50. No problems with my Sony GW IV. No audio/video problems that I can detect.

The guy that came to hook up my set said he had nothing but problems with the monster cables.


Maybe your hookup guy had a bad Monster cable? I dunno. The cheap HDMI cable that gave me the sunburn I purchased on ebay for about $18. I looked for that Panasonic HDMI cable you mentioned at my local Walmart but I couldn't find it.

Maybe your hookup guy had a bad Monster cable? I dunno. The cheap HDMI cable that gave me the sunburn I purchased on ebay for about $18. I looked for that Panasonic HDMI cable you mentioned at my local Walmart but I couldn't find it.

Hey dkennedy, at ebay there's a store that sells HDMI, DVI and game cables pre-tested, so you know they'll do the job. I think the 6ft HDMI is $35, which is nice for a sure-fire cable.

Search for "HDMI tested", they should appear.

Hi everyone, New member here. I bought the 418 yesterday. Hooked-up to my new HDTV via HDMI. Right out of the box would not play any DVD's. Alot of clicking and then just "disc error" messages. I did manage to get a DVD menu on one movie. No sound. When I pressed play ..disc error. Brought it back today. Exchanged for another 418. This time
movies start at their menu's. Play also but No Sound. Setup confirms PCM audio. What are the chances 2 in a row defective? This unit is that bad? I need to use the HDMI output as my component inputs are occupied. This setup is in my bedroom so HT is not very viable.
All components are brand new>>DVD player,HDTV, AR HDMI cable...any thoughts.......Zag

Hey dkennedy, at ebay there's a store that sells HDMI, DVI and game cables pre-tested, so you know they'll do the job. I think the 6ft HDMI is $35, which is nice for a sure-fire cable.

Search for "HDMI tested", they should appear.

Thanks Julio, I did just that!

Dave

Hi everyone, New member here. I bought the 418 yesterday. Hooked-up to my new HDTV via HDMI. Right out of the box would not play any DVD's. Alot of clicking and then just "disc error" messages. I did manage to get a DVD menu on one movie. No sound. When I pressed play ..disc error. Brought it back today. Exchanged for another 418. This time
movies start at their menu's. Play also but No Sound. Setup confirms PCM audio. What are the chances 2 in a row defective? This unit is that bad? I need to use the HDMI output as my component inputs are occupied. This setup is in my bedroom so HT is not very viable.
All components are brand new>>DVD player,HDTV, AR HDMI cable...any thoughts.......Zag

Zag,

I went thru 4 before I got a good one at BB. The one I found good had a manufacturing date of May 2005. I recently returned it when I found the s97 at BB.

Thanks dkennedy, I just checked the unit "November 2004". #2 going back today
Are you happy with Panny?
I would like a player that plays most formats +R. -R ...ect. The LG supposedly did. That's predominately why I bought it. I've recently started using -R after a year of just +R. So I'd still like to play my older discs. The reviews read very positive with the S97.....Thanks again.......Zag

Zag - I would have kept the LG but because of all my problems with the LG, the BB store offered the s97 for the same price, I couldn't pass it up.

I have read all the secrets reviews and many avsforum members told me the PQ would be better.

Is the PQ better? Yes. I don't understand the underlying technical stuff since the LG and Panny share the same DCDI Faroudja chip. Why is the PQ in the Panny better than the LG? I don't know...maybe it's just the software... Am I satisfied? Yes...this will hold me over until the HD-DVD's are released.

Dave

I brought back the LG today.Took my money and ran! But first I looked at the remaining LG in stock and it had the "nov. 2004" right on the box.

BB doesn't stock the S97 anymore.Most of the local Sears carry them. I'm expecting to pay about $300.00 for this box. I might wait till HD-DVD also. I think I'm going to get a decent VGA cable and use my laptop DVD as the player.Probally do a better job than a STB.

Too bad LG doesn't come up with a firmware upgrade for the 418. Then I saw somewere LG is coming out with a new DVD player similar to the 418 only with better features. So their eggs are in the new basket so to speak.

Zag

I brought back the LG today.Took my money and ran! But first I looked at the remaining LG in stock and it had the "nov. 2004" right on the box.

BB doesn't stock the S97 anymore.Most of the local Sears carry them. I'm expecting to pay about $300.00 for this box. I might wait till HD-DVD also. I think I'm going to get a decent VGA cable and use my laptop DVD as the player.Probally do a better job than a STB.

Too bad LG doesn't come up with a firmware upgrade for the 418. Then I saw somewere LG is coming out with a new DVD player similar to the 418 only with better features. So their eggs are in the new basket so to speak.

Zag

Zag,

You should be able to find the panasonic s97 by going to a Best Buy with a Magnolia Home Theater department. Call BB's in your area and ask if they have a Magnolia Dept. I got mine at the BB Magnolia Home Theater at the Walt Whitman Mall in Huntington, Long Island. Also, you can order a panasonic s77 from Walmart.com. Both should give you excellent PQ until HD-DVD arrives...

Dave

Dave, Thanks for the info. I'm in MA and BB doesn't have the Magnolia's in this state or N.H. I went to the sears in this area and they don't have them as panasonic's website states.I might get the S77 or just wait for Blu-Ray.

Thanks Again
Zag

For the people that have this player (and kept it :p ).....will it play a Divx file off the memory card???

Zagman,

I live in MA, and the Best Buy in Framingham/Natick does have a Magnolia center. I believe the one in Nashua NH does too.

Julie

Thanks Julie,

I just got back from BB in Braintree. They have a Magnolia HT there. They also had a demo of the S97 DVD player I want but none in stock. They said it would be 3 days to have them in. I said OK I'll take one. When it rang-up I said I don't want it. $399.99. I'll wait for Blu-Ray. Panasonic's website sells them direct for 299.99. So thanks again....Zag

Well my 2nd unit(Nov 04 PD) is ready for return. This one started freezing badly..couldnt go 20 minutes before the problem started. Also, this one, like the other, never could make the Digital handshake with my JVC HX2. I got the best HDMI to DVI that Ram carries.Never got a picture. So, I tried it on a LCD screen ..still nothing. The LG rep admitted that these units returned are refurbished units and suggested I have my unit sent for repair rather than exchange. ANY SUGGESTIONS WHAT I SHOULD ASK FOR REGARDING LATEST FIRMWARE,OR WILL THEY KNOW TO UPGRADE IF AVAILABLE? Thanks, Fishman

I bought one of these at BB and seems to be working well. It had manufacture date of May 2005 so I bought it. For the record - I called to see if BB (w/ Magnolia in it) had the S97 and they said yes - only for them to say "Oh - I thought you meant the S27". Then I asked if LG unit had HDMI cable and they said yes - but I knew it probably didn't so I got AR HDMI cable for $65. Hooked the thing up right out of box and I'm happy with it. Then again, I had older Sony hooked via S-video so that clearly has a lot to do with it.

Mainly - I'm happy DVDs actually fit my screen correctly now. Older Sony DVD player didn't have stretch features etc... and couldn't vertically stretch anamorphic titles. I've only got 34 inch XS955 so can't lose real estate on large black bars. 4:3 titles look good stretched too - let DVD player stretch to 16X9 then vertically expand using TV option. Pictures look sharp and not stretched at all.

As for "black crush" and macroblocking - I don't really see it on my display via HDMI except somewhat in certain scenes (MB in Star Wars IV desert scene w/ c3po/r2d2 - but not as bad as others report). Black crush doesn't really affect me - put in Pirates and LOTR and looked good to me. Besides, Darth Vader looks more sinister when he's ultra-black.

Why everybody talks up players (like Panasonic and Oppo) that no one can find in this forum I have no idea. I don't want to order via Internet - I want to go to local store and get it. Tell Panasonic and Oppo to release their product to local stores. I wasted a lot of time looking for those players before finally getting frustrated and buying LG - which seems perfectly fine to me. I think that "May 2005" manufacture date probably makes a difference. Also, if you think Panasonic doesn't check out this site and say "aha! they are recommending our player! Let's add an extra $100 to the price!" you must be living in Middle Earth or something.

I owned this player over a month ago and ended up returning it. I had called about a firmware upgrade and forgot about that before I returned it. Surprisingly, a disc came in the mail from LG with a Firmware Update for it.

If someone is willing to host the file, I can email it to them. That way everyone can have access to it. What I won't be able to do though is take individual requests to email them the file. I don't have the time or the bandwidth requirements to repeatedly send a file. :(

The only thing I can say about the file is it is a 3.05 Meg Disc Image, dated April 29th, 2005. Since I returned the player I am unable to test it or provide any support or commentary on it. I would be curious to know from people how it ends up working out for them though.

So if someone wants to Private Message me and is willing to host the file, I'll send it. :)

ATRAC, thanks for sending me the image - I'll try to get it hosted somewhere in the next couple days.

I bought the LGDVB418 a few months ago after my 5 year old Toshiba died on me. Its an OK little player, I really like the fact that it accepts a wide variety of media types and file formats. I have never had it reject a recorded CD or DVD and it seems to play any .avi I feed it. The PQ when scaling to 1080i is great. Also, there is a region free hack available which is cool. However, the biggest disapointment is the sputtering, choking, and syncing issues when changing resolutions and skipping around chapters.

Not sure if this is a new firmware feature or I just never noticed before, but there are 2 stretch modes available for non anamorphic DVDs. But unfortunately, while both modes worked great in 480p, when switching to the zoom feature in 1080i the image becomes unstable and jumpy. Also, the strech modes display 4x3 content in the correct AR but cut the top and the bottom of the image off. I have yet to find a way to propperly letterbox 4x3 content with this player. If anyone knows please tell me.

Finally, the sputtering and syncing issues are mostly gone now. The player also seems much quicker and responsive to control inputs especially chapter skips.

I have only played with it for a short time since I upgraded so I anticipate hearing other peoples experiences, if anyone actually still owns one of these things besides me ;-).

Also, there is a region free hack available which is cool.
Is this available to the public? I have the lip-sync problem and possibly a white crush problem with my player. LG said they would send me a software upgrade when it becomes available, but I never heard back from them.

ATRAC, thanks for sending me the image - I'll try to get it hosted somewhere in the next couple days.

I bought the LGDVB418 a few months ago after my 5 year old Toshiba died on me. Its an OK little player, I really like the fact that it accepts a wide variety of media types and file formats. I have never had it reject a recorded CD or DVD and it seems to play any .avi I feed it. The PQ when scaling to 1080i is great. Also, there is a region free hack available which is cool. However, the biggest disapointment is the sputtering, choking, and syncing issues when changing resolutions and skipping around chapters.

Not sure if this is a new firmware feature or I just never noticed before, but there are 2 stretch modes available for non anamorphic DVDs. But unfortunately, while both modes worked great in 480p, when switching to the zoom feature in 1080i the image becomes unstable and jumpy. Also, the strech modes display 4x3 content in the correct AR but cut the top and the bottom of the image off. I have yet to find a way to propperly letterbox 4x3 content with this player. If anyone knows please tell me.

Finally, the sputtering and syncing issues are mostly gone now. The player also seems much quicker and responsive to control inputs especially chapter skips.

I have only played with it for a short time since I upgraded so I anticipate hearing other peoples experiences, if anyone actually still owns one of these things besides me ;-).


Could someone tell me the correct folder format of the firmware update CD as I was sent the file only by LGE and it doesn't appear to work at the root of a folder.

Thanks!!!!

Could someone tell me the correct folder format of the firmware update CD as I was sent the file only by LGE and it doesn't appear to work at the root of a folder.

Thanks!!!!

I just got the cd yesterday and here is the email I just sent to LG today:

I called customer service and they sent me a CD. However, the person making copies of this firmware upgrade doesn't understand computers because they burned the .iso file to the cd...The DVB418 of course could not recognize an .iso file, so I copied it to my computer, and then burned the .iso as an image like they should have done in the first place.

The firmware upgrade worked, and now I don't have the lip sync problem. Do you know how they fixed the lip sync problem? I do, they pause the movie every 30 seconds or so to resync the audio and video! This is terrible! I tried multiple DVD's (pressed and copied dvd-r disks) and they all do this.

Did I get the wrong upgrade? Or, is this the final solution to the problem? If this is as good as it gets, as much as I love the dvb418, I'm going to have to return it. Please let me know what's happening at your end. Thanks again,




So, to answer your question, copy the .iso to your computer, open up nero (or a similar CD burning program) and use the .iso as the image you want to burn. An ISO file is similar to a zip file as it has files and folder structurs inside. When you burn this new cd, it will have a few folders nested, and the real firmware file inside.

If anyone else has tried this update, please let me know if you get the pause/skipping problem that I now have after the update.

Slappie

I just got the cd yesterday and here is the email I just sent to LG today:

I called customer service and they sent me a CD. However, the person making copies of this firmware upgrade doesn't understand computers because they burned the .iso file to the cd...The DVB418 of course could not recognize an .iso file, so I copied it to my computer, and then burned the .iso as an image like they should have done in the first place.

The firmware upgrade worked, and now I don't have the lip sync problem. Do you know how they fixed the lip sync problem? I do, they pause the movie every 30 seconds or so to resync the audio and video! This is terrible! I tried multiple DVD's (pressed and copied dvd-r disks) and they all do this.

Did I get the wrong upgrade? Or, is this the final solution to the problem? If this is as good as it gets, as much as I love the dvb418, I'm going to have to return it. Please let me know what's happening at your end. Thanks again,




So, to answer your question, copy the .iso to your computer, open up nero (or a similar CD burning program) and use the .iso as the image you want to burn. An ISO file is similar to a zip file as it has files and folder structurs inside. When you burn this new cd, it will have a few folders nested, and the real firmware file inside.

If anyone else has tried this update, please let me know if you get the pause/skipping problem that I now have after the update.

Slappie


Slappie,

Would you mind e-mail me the firmware file? I have a LG 418 and I just can't stand the lip sync problem any more. Mine already pass the 30days return period.

Thanks
mcf168

Is this available to the public? I have the lip-sync problem and possibly a white crush problem with my player. LG said they would send me a software upgrade when it becomes available, but I never heard back from them.

Hey Steve, I followed the instructions below and it worked for me....But the region free hack is not the same as a firmware upgrade- they are 2 different images. If anyone wants the firmware upgrade PM me and I will send it to them or you can always call LG at 1-800-243-0000 and they will send you a CD with the image which will arrive in a week....

"This is how I did it.

Go to - http://lgregionfree.tripod.com/2005/menu1.htm

Select the 6000 series and you will be able to download the files to your hard drive. Then burn the folder labled "RMT000" to a recordable CD (CDR).

Once that is done, take the CD and pop it in your DVD player and it will read it and you just follow the instructions (basically you enter "0" to tell it you want it region free).

After you have done that you have to turn off the DVD player to complete the process.

This worked perfectly for me. I think there are more detailed instructions (if needed) on the AVS forums in the LG DVB318 thread. It's a different model, but the same region hack works for both units."

Slappie,

Would you mind e-mail me the firmware file? I have a LG 418 and I just can't stand the lip sync problem any more. Mine already pass the 30days return period.

Thanks
mcf168

Sure, PM me your email addy

Can anyone help me out? My friend has this DVB418 player with the Sammy Plasma EDTV connected via HDMI to DVI cable. We can't seem to change the resolution of the player other than 480p. Is the player disallowing the resolution change because the Plasma EDTV is really just 480 (native reso)? Shouldn't he be able to change to 720p and 1080i since he is connected via HDMI/DVI? He gets a "NO SIGNAL" on the TV when he switches to 720 and 1080. He just got the DVD player some 2 weeks ago. Thanks for all your help!

I just bought this DVD player. Has anyone tried setting it up with DVE? It doesn't appear to display blacker than black. Anyone else seeing this?

Jeff

Does the May 2005 release of this DVD player fix a lot of the issues the previous builds had from Nov. 2004 such as lip-synch?

This 418 thread seems dead. I guess it's time to let my friend know to throw his 418 in the garbage can and buy a new one.

Hello everyone, n00b here. I also just purchased the 418 last weekend, and it has the May 2005 date on it. I haven't noticed any problems with it, but I've only used it in 480p on a Dell DLP projector, using the component-M1 adaptor cable.

My question is about this hack for making the player region-free. Will that also allow HD upconversion through the component cables? If not, is there something out there for this LG player that will allow 720 and 1080 through component video cables?

Hello everyone, n00b here. I also just purchased the 418 last weekend, and it has the May 2005 date on it. I haven't noticed any problems with it, but I've only used it in 480p on a Dell DLP projector, using the component-M1 adaptor cable.

My question is about this hack for making the player region-free. Will that also allow HD upconversion through the component cables? If not, is there something out there for this LG player that will allow 720 and 1080 through component video cables?

Can anyone give some insight? Seems like nobody is looking at this thread anymore. :(

Hey Steve, I followed the instructions below and it worked for me....But the region free hack is not the same as a firmware upgrade- they are 2 different images. If anyone wants the firmware upgrade PM me and I will send it to them or you can always call LG at 1-800-243-0000 and they will send you a CD with the image which will arrive in a week....

"This is how I did it.

Go to - *url removed cuz I'm a n00b*

Select the 6000 series and you will be able to download the files to your hard drive. Then burn the folder labled "RMT000" to a recordable CD (CDR).

Once that is done, take the CD and pop it in your DVD player and it will read it and you just follow the instructions (basically you enter "0" to tell it you want it region free).

After you have done that you have to turn off the DVD player to complete the process.

This worked perfectly for me. I think there are more detailed instructions (if needed) on the AVS forums in the LG DVB318 thread. It's a different model, but the same region hack works for both units."

Can somebody help me with this file? I d/l the one called 6000.zip and the zip file was only 1 KB in size. It had a readme.txt file and a *.dvd file, which was very small. I also d/l a file from another site called LG5000.zip, and it also contained only a *.dvd file and a readme.txt file, but this time the dvd file was about 5 MB. Where does the RMT000 come from?

Can somebody help me with this file? I d/l the one called 6000.zip and the zip file was only 1 KB in size. It had a readme.txt file and a *.dvd file, which was very small. I also d/l a file from another site called LG5000.zip, and it also contained only a *.dvd file and a readme.txt file, but this time the dvd file was about 5 MB. Where does the RMT000 come from?

The region free hack does not enable 1080i over component for protected content.

However, the LG will play unprotected DVDs over component at 1080i.

AFIK, players that have the May 05 manufacture date, already have the updated firmware.

I checked the zip file for the region free hack and its fine. When you extract the zip it will create folder named RMT000. Burn this folder and its contents to a CD.

Just in case anyone was wondering, this region free hack doesn't change anything about your DVD Player. It is just a file that when the DVD Player reads it from the disc, it tells it to open the Region Setting menu. So the file is basically a "Command." The file itself doesn't get written as data to anything on your player. The only thing that changes is what you choose as the Region.

I researched this because I was worried about using such an "old" file downloaded from the internet and that it would somehow change my firmware version to something older. It doesn't. ;)

I am seriously considering buying this player. There's only 1 piece of info I need to know before I do. Does it play packed bitstreams?

I've been researching this on the net this past week, asked it at several forums, searched videohelp, searched these forums, but so far I haven't been able to answer this question.

I'm not talking about pcm vs bitstream; I couldn't care less about that, just like the upscaling and a lot of other features. I simply need a DivX-player which can handle XviD's with packed bitstreams. I know those can be unpacked with mpeg2modifier, but I already have a whole collection of movies burned on DVD's and CD's which have packed bitstreams (since my previous player, the Elta 8882, had no problems with it; unfortunately it died and it isn't available anymore) and I don't want to unpack and reburn all of them.

Ofcourse I need some other features as well, and this DVB418 has all of them. So this is the only thing I still need to know. So, does anybody know if this plays packed bitstreams? Thanks in advance.

For the people that have this player (and kept it :p ).....will it play a Divx file off the memory card???

Yes, I've just downloaded a bunch of movie trailers and music videos from divx.com, copied to 1GB SD, plugged it into DVB418. Most of them played just fine.

The ones that it had trouble playing were the "HD" trailers in 1280x760. It was able to play only the audio portion without video.

The SD materials with 640 pixels wide all played fine. All of them had some motion artifacts and lip synch problems, and the quality wasn't as good as the DVD. The mileage will vary depending on the compression ratio and bit rate used for each titles.

Sure, PM me your email addy
wow i could really use the 418 firmware too!

I am seriously considering buying this player. There's only 1 piece of info I need to know before I do. Does it play packed bitstreams?

If you want to send me a short clip in this format I will try it on my player and let you know. PM if your interested.

If you want to send me a short clip in this format I will try it on my player and let you know. PM if your interested.

Same here, I'll test it if you still need someone, pm me your email.

wow i could really use the 418 firmware too!

I think it was you neo, but whoever has (username omitted for privacy)at vertexpc as their email, I tried to send the 4mb firmware update to it and got an error:
"user is over quota"

Please clean your inbox, or supply me with another email address that will accept a 4 mb file. Sorry for not PMing this, but I can't remember the AVS user name of this particular person...

Slappie

Hey,
I just bought the lgdvb418 and I see the same issue with the dvd's "skipping", and it's an issue for me... On the box, it says May2005. Would the firmware you guys are talking about solve this problem, or should I just take the player back to best buy?
Thanks,
OV

It'd be really swell if someone sent me the 418 firmware, or told me where I could get it.

I'm new to this thread so my apologies upfront if this is a known issue.

I purchased the LGDVB418 from BB and have been using it with my new Samsung 61" HLR HDTV. We've been experiencing a progressively worse synchronization problem between audio and (progressive) video -- where audio progressively leads video. It takes a while for it show up. I'm using HDMI from DVD player to TV and have tried both dig optical audio out and standard audio out to my Yamaha DSP-A1. It doesn't seem to matter, both get out of sync over time (after ~30 mins or so). I've also experienced some glitches (pausing) during playback.

I've seen on this thread about the pausing. Is the audio/video sync issue also known for this DVD player? Is this issue related to the processing time required for progressive video .vs. audio? Is there a better progressive DVD player?

I'm experiencing this lipsync problem now (newly purchased player ($199), manuf. May 05) while playing back "The Matrix" (which is anamorphic). I intend to bring the player back...along with the HDMI cable ($120). What is causing the lipsync issue??

The lip sync issue is common with Faroudja 23xx-based players, and it is very common with this particular player. Based on my experience with this player and the threads here, I don't believe it's a sound option at this time.

Thank you jpco. I've been furiously reading the threads this morning related to lipsync problems..

What is the general consensus on the best upconvert DVD player and any other components necessary for 720p and minimal (to no) lipsync?

Update: I thought I'd try routing the audio out from the TV to the receiver, hoping that would provide better lipsync. Unfortunately, my new Samsung HLR61" doesn't split the audio out from the HDMI to the digital optical out -- so i'm stuck. I could use component out from the DVD player to the TV (but that limits me to 480p, right? I.e. 720p is only over HDMI or am I mistaken?)

For those who want to make the jump, the 511 is more a universal player than the 418 since it'll be able to play current double layer copy DVDs and, supposedly, it will have better picture with less glitches than the 418.

You may order one right now at

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...DVD_PLAYER.html

It's $179.95 + shipping. Cheaper than the other potential sites. Or get one from a Best Buy or J&R store.

Stopped by my local BB at lunch and the 418's are marked down to $134.99 all with a May 05 manufacturing date.

I picked up the 511 (fingers crossed) and am looking forward to a weekend of Superbit titles that I purchased for an outstanding price at BB also.

Mahalo,

DBK

For the record, mine has no problem with DL copies. I've had my 418 for 3 or 4 months now and love it. Got an HDMI cable from Tigerdirect for $22 andit works great. The only audio sync problem I had was with Troy and when I played it a secont time it was fine. The upconversion via HDMI is damn near HD quality. It's as good as the average HD cable broadcast, but not quite as good as the 2-3 best HD channels. I am very happy with it. Be careful with the Toshiba upconverter because it doesn't use +R DVDs (most of my backups are +R). By the way, everything is view on a 50" Sony LCD Rear Proj. HDTV and even my backups with considerable compression look excellent.

I could use component out from the DVD player to the TV (but that limits me to 480p, right? I.e. 720p is only over HDMI or am I mistaken?)

Well, you can do 1080i over component, if the disk is unprotected ( No Macrovision) All my ripped DVD+R play at 1080i over component. I leave the player set at 1080i and when I put a protected disk in it switches to 480p. I assume it would work the same way for 720p output.

I think it was you neo, but whoever has (username omitted for privacy)at vertexpc as their email, I tried to send the 4mb firmware update to it and got an error:
"user is over quota"

Please clean your inbox, or supply me with another email address that will accept a 4 mb file. Sorry for not PMing this, but I can't remember the AVS user name of this particular person...

Slappie
that was me...
I cleaned out my mailbox....but i actually got the CD from LG with the firmware update. the problem is, it wouldn't recognize the cd.
They nested the file like this:
D:\lg_dvd\firmware\upgrade\lg\LV80700011.MIH

i even tried renaming the file to lgromout.bin, lgromout, and even LV80700011.MIH in the root, all on new CDs
nothing worked :-(
Can anyone help me with getting this done the right way?

that was me...
I cleaned out my mailbox....but i actually got the CD from LG with the firmware update. the problem is, it wouldn't recognize the cd.
They nested the file like this:
D:\lg_dvd\firmware\upgrade\lg\LV80700011.MIH

i even tried renaming the file to lgromout.bin, lgromout, and even LV80700011.MIH in the root, all on new CDs
nothing worked :-(
Can anyone help me with getting this done the right way?

I noticed that I have a different .mih file than you do, mine has a size of 2,097,152 and a modified date of 4/29/2005 9:32am. Maybe you got the wrong file for some reason?

Here are the best instructions I can come up with:

To All,
Here is the file that if you call LG customer support, they send to you on a cd. Here are the steps I did that worked just fine for me:
1 - save the .iso to your computer
2 - open up nero (or a similar CD burning program) and use the .iso as the image you want to burn. If you are using nero, here are the steps: right when you open nero it has an "new compilation" window. Close that. Click on the recorder menu, select "burn image". Put in a blank CD-R disk (NOT a DVD, I havn't tried with a CDRW but people say it works). By default nero will finalize the disc when you burn in this way, do NOT uncheck this box. The disc must be finalized to work (so I hear). After you burn this disc, if you open up my computer, and look at the disc, it should have some directorys on it (firmware, hardware, dvd, lg, I don't remember exactly, but there is a file nested deep in there with the actual firmware) wherever it is is fine, that is where it is supposed to be. If for some reason, the .iso file is in the root of the disc, this is wrong. The exact placement of the file is

(cddriveletter):\LG_DVD\FIRMWARE\UPGRADE\LG\LV8070261.MIH

Refer to my explanation at the end about .iso files.
3 - Turn on the DVD player and take out any disc that is currently in there
4 - Put in the disc you just burned
5 - It will take about 30 sec to load the disc, then it will say on the tv (so make sure your TV is on and set to view the DVD player) "lift disc and press (up arrow) to update firmware"
6 - take out the cd with the firmware on it, and press the (up arrow) key on the remote (you know, the 4 buttons around the ok/select button)
7 - wait. this part takes like 2 min, so don't think it froze
8 - I think the dvd player turns off when it's done.

The only obvious way to know that the new firmware worked that I can see, is that the screen saver is different now. I don't get the lipsync problem any more, and I never noticed the white crush problem in the first place (I have a LG62SX4D dlp hooked up using a sony HDMI cable if this helps). I do, however, notice that sometimes the dvd will pause/skip for a second sometimes. I think this is because it is resyncing the audio and video, it drives me nuts on some burned dvd-r's because it happens every minute or so. I am using dvdshrink to fit these discs, but they played fine before the update.

An ISO file is similar to a zip file as it has files and folder structurs inside. When you burn this new cd, it will have a few folders nested, and the real firmware file inside.

If anyone else has tried this update, please let me know if you get the pause/skipping problem that I now have after the update.

Slappie

just looking at the disk they send.... and sure enough, it is for the LGDVT418, but i have the LGDVB418
can you send me the file again?
Thank you!!

Has anyone been able to return this to LG and get a refund? I purchased mine from Best Buy over 30 days ago so I can't return it to them. The audio sync is so annoying. I've gone through firmware updates, etc.

LG told me they don't offer refunds and the only option is to send it in for a repair. I have no idea how a repair would fix this and I'm sick of dealing with the issue. Am I out ~ $200?

Ugh.

Has anyone been able to return this to LG and get a refund? I purchased mine from Best Buy over 30 days ago so I can't return it to them. The audio sync is so annoying. I've gone through firmware updates, etc.

LG told me they don't offer refunds and the only option is to send it in for a repair. I have no idea how a repair would fix this and I'm sick of dealing with the issue. Am I out ~ $200?

Ugh.


yep!!

Can someone who has the new firmware upload it to Putfile.com. You just need to add .mpg (sites is restricted to media file types) to the filename so it will be able to upload.

Hey guys,

Unfortunately, my new LGDVB418 (May 2005) is also showing the audio synch issue. Right now, I'm using component cables (HDMI cable on its way) with audio being run through the Digital optical. Could anyone with the updated formware please PM me?

Thanks ahead of time!

I had the nov 2004, no problem until I plug in HDMI to my Sam LCD. Need firmware update. Would someone send me the upgrade and I will post it at megaload or rapidshare after that.

Thank million,
Pdog.

Someone finally posted it. I need a few more posts to be able to include a url. PM me if you want it

I think i just hit the magic number.

http://www.turbofroggy.com/images/dvb418_firmware.zip

I think i just hit the magic number.

http://www.turbofroggy.com/images/dvb418_firmware.zip
I just unzipped that file, but it gave me only one 2MB file, but I burned it to a CD anyway. The DVB418 spit it back out at me within 10 seconds with a "Disc error..." I thought it was supposed to be multiple files???

I just unzipped that file, but it gave me only one 2MB file, but I burned it to a CD anyway. The DVB418 spit it back out at me within 10 seconds with a "Disc error..." I thought it was supposed to be multiple files???
The zip file contains an iso file which is a cd image. Obviously I don't know what burning software you use, but you'll need to select the option to burn an image, then point to the iso file as the source. You'll end up with a CD with a series of directories and the firmware upgrade itself.

Has anyone been able to return this to LG and get a refund? I purchased mine from Best Buy over 30 days ago so I can't return it to them. The audio sync is so annoying. I've gone through firmware updates, etc.

LG told me they don't offer refunds and the only option is to send it in for a repair. I have no idea how a repair would fix this and I'm sick of dealing with the issue. Am I out ~ $200?

Ugh.

I feel you man, that's one of those places any of us don't want to be. I would send it for "repair", I understand that LG, like others, have a 1 year warranty on the unit.

They'll try to repair it, either by firmware, replacing main chip, or whatever...if it doesn't work, they'll send you a new one.

Now, and this I've learned thru many warranty and shipping transactions, do a nice job at writing your return note:

1) As the unit is under warranty, don't tell them about your firmware trials, they probably won't ask.

2) Technically you can claim the shipping, so make 2 copies of the receipt, one to be included with your note, and the other to tape on top of the shipping box. This way everyone knows how much you spent.

3) Make the note a sad one, telling them about your troubles, and that you've been getting a bad rap about this unit in forums and such. Maybe...you know...they could send a new edition of the unit or the 511.

The results are not guaranteed, but you loose nothing by asking, and probably they'll give you something...like a refund for shipping.

Good Luck.

Hooray!

It took me less than five minues to download, burn and install the firmware upgrade at the URL posted above by kyleAV, which is presumably the same as what LG is sending out on CD.

Ten minutes after installing the update, I believe my lip sync problem is resolved. And it's even possible that the new firmware has resolved the trouble I was having where the player was somewhat sluggish in responding to the remote.

Ten minutes is hardly enough to be sure. I will post again if I have further trouble or see the "pause effect" reported by slappie. But if you see nothing more from me on this thread, take it to mean I'm back to being very happy with my LGDVB418.

Hooray!

It took me less than five minues to download, burn and install the firmware upgrade at the URL posted above by kyleAV, which is presumably the same as what LG is sending out on CD.

Ten minutes after installing the update, I believe my lip sync problem is resolved. And it's even possible that the new firmware has resolved the trouble I was having where the player was somewhat sluggish in responding to the remote.

Ten minutes is hardly enough to be sure. I will post again if I have further trouble or see the "pause effect" reported by slappie. But if you see nothing more from me on this thread, take it to mean I'm back to being very happy with my LGDVB418.


Can you give us a step by step of the process you followed with burning and installing that update?
Thanks
BMW

Can you give us a step by step of the process you followed with burning and installing that update?
Thanks
BMW
If you're having trouble, it's probably because you're having burning problems. The file must NOT be simply burned to CD. The .iso file contains a "map" of files and information on precisely how they are to be laid out on the disc so that the player will recognize the CD as a firmware upgrade, not just another data disc that might have photos/mp3/divx/whatever.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: realize that there is a real possibility that you will cause your DVD player to stop working forever. This can happen if a) you try to apply a firmware to your DVD player for which it was not designed; b) someone has accidentally or maliciously altered the downloaded .iso file; c) something else unexpected.

This is not without risks, and don't say I didn't warn you. If you decide to proceed:

1. Download the .iso file.
2. DO NOT BURN THE FILE TO CD IN THE NORMAL WAY.
3. Look for a "Burn Image" menu item. Nero has an option for this. I prefer Nero, but Roxio and other burning programs can do it too. There are a variety of file types that are similar to .iso, including .cue, .nrg, .mdf, .ccd... If your CD burning software prompts you for the location of your image file, but doesn't show it to you, make sure "show all file types" is selected at the bottom of the dialog box.
4. After the disc has been burned, power on your LGDVB418 and insert the CD. It should put up a message about upgrading the firmware, ask you if you're sure and eventually instruct you to remove the disc to complete the process. Then it will sit there for a minute or three, then the screen will go black, then it will reboot and (if it worked), you'll have an upgraded player and can throw away the upgrade CD.

Detailed tutorials on burning an ISO image are available. Since I'm a new member I can't post the URL. Do a google search for "How to successfully burn or write an ISO-image".

Since I'm a new member I can't post the URL.There, now I have 5 posts. Here's the ISO burning tutorial with links to free burning software: http://iso.snoekonline.com/iso.htm

I just purchased the LDA-511 a few weeks ago for $140.00 at brandsmart. This is one of the very few players that is problem free, for me. It plays everything DVD-R, DVD+R ect. I had the Zenith DVB318 which was a great player, but I thought the $190.00 I paid was too much. I tried several Samsungs, 841,850 and 941. The 941 was the best of the Sammies and the PQ was fantastic at near 1080i, but had many problems in which I ultimately sent it back for a refund. I did not notice a difference in PQ with the 841 and 850, between 480p and 1080i via component. I think the LDA-511 offers the best PQ via component using a near 1080i resolution, then all of the players I tried. The 511 will upconvert non HDCP movies to a near 1080i, but it will scale back to 480p with movies that are protected. I found that by burning the HDCP protected movies, that I am able to play them in near 1080i. Is there a firmware or hack that will allow the 511 to upconvert HDCP protected movies? Burning them is no big deal, however it's time consuming and can be a little costly if you burn lot of movies as well as altering the picture quality from the compression.

Yes, I've just downloaded a bunch of movie trailers and music videos from divx.com, copied to 1GB SD, plugged it into DVB418. Most of them played just fine.

The ones that it had trouble playing were the "HD" trailers in 1280x760. It was able to play only the audio portion without video.

The SD materials with 640 pixels wide all played fine. All of them had some motion artifacts and lip synch problems, and the quality wasn't as good as the DVD. The mileage will vary depending on the compression ratio and bit rate used for each titles.I got all excited, bought a 1GB compactflash card and loaded it up with stuff. No good. It's a SanDisk model, but not the ultra/high speed version. My LGDVB418 could play an xvid file off the card that had 1071 kb/s video and 130 kb/s audio, but it was too slow to handle an xvid file with 1002 kb/s video and 174 kb/s audio--it was stuttering and stuff. I know this math makes no sense, but that's the result I got. Both files played fine off a CD-R.

I'm not sure getting a faster "Ultra Speed" card would help. Your basic divx file (like the files described above) is about 150 KB/sec (kilobytes per second), yet my laptop was able to load the card with data at a rate of 1MB/sec (1000KB/sec). So I think the player just can't pull the data off the card fast enough to be useful with a variety of video files. This is supported by complaints earlier in this thread that it's super-slow to display large photo files.

Ah well, still a cool player for the price.

Anyone have any Region\Country code issues after installing this update?

We installed the update but now all of our DVD's won't play, it gives us a region error.

We are in the United States.

Any ideas? We set the country code to US but no go.

Anyone know how to make the LGDVB418 region free? I have the current firmware installed and it seems buggy. I can play a disk, stop the DVD then goto the menu and restart from the beginning and it will error saying it cannot play that region. It is set to US. so I dont know what the F is happening. It just seems very buggy. Any help in circumventing the region isssue would be appreciated!
WD

Edit:
To answer my problem with the fix, goto MichD's earlier post and hit the 6000 series iso. It will allow you to set the dvd player to "0" wich frees the region issue. The latest firmware has corrected the audio timing and jerkyness or the play back. I bought mine thru compugeeks for 79$, so now I am thinking what a deal. It works great now. Thanks MichD!
WD

I updated the firmware in my player about a week ago. So far every thing seems to be running good. I haven't seen any video/audio lag on the movies that would do it before the update..

I even e-mail LG just to see what they had to say about it, and got back this:

"Dear Jerry, Thank you for inquiring of LG Electronics. A firmware update is available for audio/video synchronization. This disc will be sent to you right away"


This is a must! Update your frimware...... :D

I updated the firmware in my player about a week ago. So far every thing seems to be running good. I haven't seen any video/audio lag on the movies that would do it before the update..

I even e-mail LG just to see what they had to say about it, and got back this:

"Dear Jerry, Thank you for inquiring of LG Electronics. A firmware update is available for audio/video synchronization. This disc will be sent to you right away"


This is a must! Update your frimware...... :D

Which Download did you use to update?
THanks
bMw

Which Download did you use to update?
THanks
bMw

I don't have enough posts for putting up a link yet, but its the one posted by kyleAV.......

O got that one I was just waiting to hear from more of us that it is GOOD TO GO! It would seem that it is so I am going to proceed and will report back my results.
Thanks
bMw