TViX HD M-5000U Media Player [Text View] - Page 5

Nemesis3

10-09-06, 11:06 AM

Coming features:
1. The ability to move files from an external hd(s)/flash drive to Tvix 5000's internal HD.
2. Shoutcast. (From Scandic24: Gpt a reply of still in the works, Oct 9 06.)

Wishlist Features:
1. UPNP
2. The ability to move files from the Tvix 5000's internal HD to an external hd(s)/flash drive.
3. 60hz output for PAL.
4. Folders be able to have a thumbnail.
5. Menu item text to be outlined, or have an option for a different colour (like subtitles) so easier to read with a bright tvix.jpg wallpaper.

Bug fixes:
1. In reference to firmware 1.8.5 "This version has problem to play files from USB external device, so if you play most files from USB device, we recomend not to use this version."
2. Improved MP3 playback.
3. Use wallpapers and thumbnails at the same time

Speed tweaks:
1. Faster ftp/file transferring. (TPeterson:Most likely not going to happen.)
2. Faster picture opening.

Requested but not currently on the firmware update schedule:
1. Transfer files to the 5000 via it showing up as a shared network drive (i.e being able to transfer files to and from it without ftp).
2. An option when you store a text file in the same directory as a video file and then when you press the information button it will also show the contents of this file.

Recently Done From the above list:
1. Thumbnails for photos and video.

TPeterson

10-09-06, 11:13 AM

François--

No, because the TViX has no video inputs.

Crivens

10-09-06, 11:14 AM

is it possible to use an USB WLAN Stick to make the TViX ready for WLAN?Not at the minute I believe. But I use Linksys game adapters for the same effect. Very nice and works brilliantly with 3 Tvixs at the same time (ie. an adapter for each).

With this TVIX box, could I sent the signal from my PC to the TVIX via DVI, and then the TVIX would send the signal to the TV via componentYes. I have DVI out to my projector and component to my TV. I just switch the TV out (single button on remote) to DVI and my projector is up and running. To finish things off I have an RCA (audio jacks) splitter so that I send the sound to the TV or to the Hi-Fi (for projector) at the flick of a switch.

Nemesis, can you change your wishlist so it doesn't have blank spaces between lines? Just takes up a fair bit of space on my work monitor (fine at home with 1920x1200 res). Ta :)

Cheers

Crivens

10-09-06, 11:16 AM

Ah, I didn't read that correctly. Then no. But why not use the PC as a server and stream the information over the network? I can do that, although I choose to FTP to the internal HD.

Cheers

qz3fwd

10-09-06, 01:21 PM

"AJSG: Sorry to interrupt but I was wondering if you guys can confirm that the machine can play ripped commercial DVDs from my file server (Win XP), I currently use DVD Fab Express to rip the DVD.

Also does it FULLY support the menu structure?

I have ordered it after a dissapointing spell with the Pinnacle and a disatrous few days with the KiSS DP-600. "

Yes the tvix FULLY supports dvd interactivity regardless of whether you rip to an iso or to a video_ts folder and regardless of whether you play the ripped dvd off the internal hard drive or over the network.

Nemesis3

10-09-06, 02:27 PM

Nemesis, can you change your wishlist so it doesn't have blank spaces between lines? Just takes up a fair bit of space on my work monitor (fine at home with 1920x1200 res). Ta :)

Cheers
Done, was back and forth over whether it made it easier to read, but less spammy=good.

jetz9335

10-09-06, 09:06 PM

Sorry to interrupt but I was wondering if you guys can confirm that the machine can play ripped commercial DVDs from my file server (Win XP), I currently use DVD Fab Express to rip the DVD.

Also does it FULLY support the menu structure?

I have ordered it after a dissapointing spell with the Pinnacle and a disatrous few days with the KiSS DP-600.

TVIX nicely handle ripped ISO image as well as folder containing .ifo/vob. I haven't seen any problem with DVD menu, but I can't tell that it is perfect as I didn't test it with all DVDs available. :)

Pengwyn

10-10-06, 03:09 AM

Report it to Tvix support. Might not be a timeout if it happens at 2gb for the both of you, but perhaps a file size limit. Is the internal HD formatted to FAT32 or NTFS? Could be a limitation there if using FAT32.

Cheers

My 500GB drive is also formatted as NTFS... Of course. :rolleyes:
I don't think I ever talked about a filesize at which this happens... just noticed that after a prolonged period of time connected to FTP, even when you DON'T transfer any files, the 5000 hangs. A reboot is all that's left then...
Of Course I shall report it, as I do with every fault I find.

Just thought to share it here. There is power in numbers. If more than 1 person complains... they will listen quicker :)
Which they have :D, I got the following response yesterday:

"This is a know bug, and we believe we fixed this. It will be included with new F/W which I believe will be release on next week.
"

Have a good one!

Peng

Pengwyn

10-10-06, 03:12 AM

Not sure if anyone has posted this as one for the wishlist but since it is not on it right now, how about this one: Create a buffer for MP3 playback so you can have the separate tracks play without audible gap between them. Especially nice for Live-albums... And also for all Alan Parsons fans, since they tend to create multi-part songs that when played should flow over in eachother seamlessly...

Cheers,

Peng

Dallas_Native

10-10-06, 09:37 AM

I just wanted to pass along some information on how I am using my TVIX and how pleased I am with it.

I use Beyond TV as my HTPC system with a usb DVICO HD tuner for High Def shows. An hour show takes up about 8+ gig of hard drive space. I use the Showsqueeze feature of Beyond TV to automatically convert them to DVIX HD at about 1.7 gig per hour. I then burn them to a DVD, two 1-hours shows per DVD.

I can then play them back on my big screen HDTV either through my usb DVD player connected to the TVIX or over the network using the dvd recorder in the HTPC. I am thrilled with the quality of the DVIX-HD and wonder how much better, if any, BluRay or HD-DVD would be. Considering that my current solution uses things I already have, I doubt if any improved quality would be worth the considerable extra cost.

I already had the HTPC and the DVD player. It was the TVIX that brought the technology from my home office computer to my HDTV in the living room.

No new information in this post except confirmation that this workflow works and works well.

Mike

Nemesis3

10-10-06, 11:34 AM

Coming features:
1. The ability to move files from an external hd(s)/flash drive to Tvix 5000's internal HD.
2. Shoutcast. (Source Scandic24: Received a reply of: still in the works, Oct 9 06.)

Wishlist Features:
1. UPNP
2. The ability to move files from the Tvix 5000's internal HD to an external hd(s)/flash drive.
3. 60hz output for PAL.
4. Folders be able to have a thumbnail.
5. Menu item text to be outlined, or have an option for a different colour (like subtitles) so easier to read with a bright tvix.jpg wallpaper.
6. Buffered MP3 playback.

Bug fixes:
1. In reference to firmware 1.8.5 "This version has problem to play files from USB external device, so if you play most files from USB device, we recomend not to use this version."
2. Improved MP3 playback.
3. Use wallpapers and thumbnails at the same time.
4. After a prolonged period of time connected to FTP, even when you DON'T transfer any files, the 5000 hangs. (Source: Pengwyn: Known issue and being worked on Oct 10, 2006 should be in next firmware release/)

Speed tweaks:
1. Faster ftp/file transferring. (TPeterson:Most likely not going to happen.)
2. Faster picture opening.

Requested but not currently on the firmware update schedule:
1. Transfer files to the 5000 via it showing up as a shared network drive (i.e being able to transfer files to and from it without ftp).
2. An option when you store a text file in the same directory as a video file and then when you press the information button it will also show the contents of this file.

Recently Done From the above list:
1. Thumbnails for photos and video.

Pengwyn

10-10-06, 07:06 PM

Pengwyn

10-11-06, 03:19 AM

Hey Nemesis,

First of all: Good work on the upgrade-sheet for new firmware you're maintaining!
Question: wouldn't it be a good idea to start a new-topic for that? One only YOU can write in? Then you can put up a single list, that you can the later simply edit and update? Would be GREAT if the guys on the TViX website would then simply link to that list from their site, do the whole world could always see what's in the making and what's open for suggestion... would probably save a LOOOOOT of questions and double posts in all kinds of forums...

I have more for the list:

* Make the HD-5000 display display trackinfo when you press the info-button... or even better: make the info button work as a toggle for the TViX's own display, for several options like:
- Remaining time for currently playing track
- Played time for " "
- Trackinfo
I am using my HD-5000 to play mp3's too :eek: and when I do, my TV should not have to be on... So, I should be able to navigate on the HD-500's display only...

* In that same line of thought: when you navigate through your HD-5000's stash of files, and want to jump to another source, like your shared network folder, you don't get any info from the display... Would be nice if you did... it does give you info for most other folders, even in the setup.

* I have read in another forum about a couple of guys who requested to open up the source for the HD-5000's operating system and program files so they could tinker with it too... Would that not be a good idea?

Greetz,

Peng

Crivens

10-11-06, 03:27 AM

jofa

10-11-06, 04:28 AM

Hey Guys,
The funniest thing...
I had this DVD .img file that the HD-5000 wouldn't see...
So I thought: "What the heck, let0s just change the extension to .iso and see what happens"
Guess what: IT PLAYED PERFECTLY!!! Menus and all!
Looks like another nice feature for the list...

Cheers,

Peng

Addition---
I just tried the same trick with another .img file... nothing...
How strange...
That's how I always do :D
And yes, rarely some .img files just wont play.
A renamed .img file (to .iso) is also mountable in Daemon Tools, for the interested to know...
/J

Pengwyn

10-11-06, 08:42 AM

Pengwyn, did you send those questions to Tvix support? Otherwise it will just stay here as a wishlist. Apparently Tvix employees read this thread, but we don't know if they will actually do anything unless asked directly. I assume if they thought it was a really good idea then they may pick it up anyway, although we have no way of knowing how often they come here.

Cheers

Well, Crivens, I usually take things up with the guys and girls at TViX headquarters through their website, but I think that the more people ask for stuff, the more serious they will take us...
For instance... I asked about the continuous playbak of mp3-files, so you can listen to Live-cd's without the audible silence between tracks. My exact question was:

"The playback of MP3 could be improved... when you play two live-tracks musicfiles, there is a hearable silence between the two files... Also, when you press "info" the Id3v1 tag info is displayed on your television-screen only... How about having the info scroll through the display on the TViX also? Or at least when a new track starts playing... Best option would be to toggle the info you want the display to show: time, or title-info...
"

Their reply:

"It is a good idea, but I don't think we will do this. There are so many things to do and lots of request from the users. We need to decive what we should do, but this is not my job. ;-) We have talked about this lots of time, but we decided not to implement this. Sorry :-|"

I think however that this is a NESCESSARY upgrade of the audio-playback function of the HD-5000...
So, perhaps all of us could ask for the same thing and then they'll decide to implement it anyway...
I also believe that they should themselves open up a forum for this, so they can more clearly see what the majority of users wants to see in the next fw...
I shall inform them also of this proposal of course :) Why don't all of you do the same? There is strength in numbers.

Kind regards,

Peng

Crivens

10-11-06, 09:52 AM

Only problem is that they apparently read this forum and may count us as one. Either that or we will end up trading wishlists like football cards :) I'll request MP3 (even though I don't use it for that) if you request my "Info text" button and outlined menu text. Actually I'll settle for folder icons (not just avi files) although hopefully they will see it as a bug rather than a request. :)

Cheers

justlnluck

10-11-06, 10:21 AM

Anyone have info on the Tvix 5500? I have read posts that it will use a Sigma chip that is even more advanced than the 5101.

Nemesis3

10-11-06, 10:45 AM

A single thread works for me(I believe I mentioned it a few posts back for feedback not sure) with the first post being the wish/upcoming/bug etc list and the posts below it being any updates about/to it. If a seperate thread was made, obviously the best place to post those future thoughts/requests would be in that thread as to stay on topic. Then again I think this thread is really on topic as the title is TViX HD M-5000U Media Player and I think the announcement, release etc use of the thread went away awhile ago and now it mostly deals with firmware updates and users helping users and discussion of problems which of course leads to bug fix requests if there is one. I am fine with either. I will stick one up and if people prefer it here can always let that thread die out.

New thread is here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8631555#post8631555

On a side note I just received my 5000, everything was pretty simple out of the box. Installation of hd and update of firmware was painless. I was suprised and studied the pictures for a moment when I realized that I had two identical HD rails and that only one was used in installation heh.

A question as I am new to the unit and maybe missing something. While playing mp3s my screensaver never turned on though it was enabled. It does have a default SS before you more a pic over to use right? I think it would be nice to have the ability to blank the screen(completely dark) for when you are traveling and want to listen to music while you sleep and the audio is running through the TV.

Right now mp3 info is missing some nice information like mp3 bitrate and whether the file is VBR/cbr.

Could I get a list of all the various required wallpaper, ss, icon sizes(missing something)? Just want to make sure I have the numbers right before I start editing pics:)

Crivens

10-11-06, 10:59 AM

I searched quite a bit and basically found it should be a fair bit more powerful, and will be the 1st Tvix to be powerful enough to handle all H264 (assume they mean HD by this) as the 5101 apparently will not play all H264 files. Plus I'm sure I read somewhere that it will be good enough to do thumbnails on the fly (ie. not pre-generated), although personally I prefer pre-generated as you can find exactly what you want to show.

With any luck it will also have wireless built in, and (cross fingers) 802.11n for no-worries playing of HD over wireless.

Although at the end of the day you just know another "ground breaking" codec will come out and your "future proof" machine becomes a bit shaky (assuming the codec becomes the norm, which hasn't happened yet for H264).

Cheers

Crivens

10-11-06, 11:05 AM

I think it would be nice to have the ability to blank the screen(completely dark) for when you are traveling and want to listen to music while you sleep and the audio is running through the TVI guess. But I assume that most setups will involve sound equipment. Mine goes to the hi-fi when I pipe it the projector.

Wallpaper is 720x480 with the thumbnails resizing to 100x136 (obviously don't want it to process resizing, but will go upto 720x480 for resize). Note that it will keep the scales correct. Luckily it's about right for a DVD cover. I haven't used screensavers.

Cheers

Nemesis3

10-11-06, 11:12 AM

I also run it to to sound equipment but as I mentioned was primarily thinking when you were at hotel, or at friends/family etc that this wasn't an option:)

I guess. But I assume that most setups will involve sound equipment. Mine goes to the hi-fi when I pipe it the projector.

Wallpaper is 720x480 with the thumbnails resizing to 100x136 (obviously don't want it to process resizing, but will go upto 720x480 for resize). Note that it will keep the scales correct. Luckily it's about right for a DVD cover. I haven't used screensavers.

Cheers

Crivens

10-11-06, 11:18 AM

Fair enough, although a lot of TVs (esp. CRT) still have a fair bit of light even when everything is black. And LCD will still have the backlight. Think you are stuffed on that one.

Cheers

Crivens

10-11-06, 11:20 AM

About PAL 60hz:-
I checked with my manager but I regret to say that we do not have plan for this.
I am sorry.

Rats, shot down in flames. Is barely noticeable anyway. Plus my projector has no such problems (and future LCD TV upgrade, although justifying removal of £2500 36" CRT is hard...).

Cheers

Nemesis3

10-11-06, 11:45 AM

Its not too bad, I guess it depends on what you can sleep with. For example, with me, the display of a VCR or in this case the VFD of the Tvicois brighter than a blanked crt (something my PDA+XGa converter can do) and I can sleep with both of those blinking no problem. However a fully lit tv screen makes a huge difference and is quite annoying. Of course the SS functionality depending on how it is done may also work as the little bouncing ball SS that a lot of DVD players have is also quite usable for both playing some music and getting some sleep or playing some music without having the tv on the same image for hours.

This discussion brings up a good point though. Should we hash out our wish list etc before adding it to the list? We could always poll features etc to see what most of the users of the forums want etc. Or should the list reflect all the improvements users want and what feedback they received when they requested it and when a good thought comes along and is added to the list all the people who want it will probably contact Dvico?

Has anyone heard from Dvico on what the current hit list is? As who knows the features they have in the making may even be better than some of our requested ones.

Fair enough, although a lot of TVs (esp. CRT) still have a fair bit of light even when everything is black. And LCD will still have the backlight. Think you are stuffed on that one.

Cheers

tolax

10-11-06, 11:59 AM

Anyone care to share a picture of the thumbnails in action? Just wondering if there is finally a system that meets the WAF factor that I have been looking for.

olax

Nemesis3

10-11-06, 11:59 AM

Crivens what are your thoughts on the seperate thread? If you are pro another thread then would you care to post replies that you get back in it? Makes it easier to make sure I didn't miss it, and I think the idea was firmware/request/replies moving to the other thread to keep this one on topic or doing thing here is fine by me as well.

About PAL 60hz:-

Rats, shot down in flames. Is barely noticeable anyway. Plus my projector has no such problems (and future LCD TV upgrade, although justifying removal of £2500 36" CRT is hard...).

Cheers

Crivens

10-11-06, 12:17 PM

Anyone care to share a picture of the thumbnails in action?Hmmm. Would require a fair bit of mucking about to get onto a PC (connect up and output to DVD recorder, then rip onto PC, extract pics etc). Basically it looks like all thumbnails are resized to the 100x136 pixels quoted by Tvix above. Which is about right for a DVD cover. But if your image is not that sort of size (say wider than height) then it will still keep the correct scale but keep it within the 100x136 box. Any folders show as a generic folder icon with back folder looking similar to expolorer. There is no text against any of the icons as it appears at the bottom of the screen when you highlight it. Annoying when all the folders look the same. Tvix are looking into it. Also wallpaper (tvix.jpg) doesn't work with thumbnails (looking into it again). There looks to be enough room (haven't tried though) for 8 icons on the screen at once. So 7 videos and 1 back folder basically. There is a page display at the top though so am sure can scroll down. All in all it looks pretty swish.

Cheers

Crivens

10-11-06, 12:25 PM

Actually, why not use a digital camera? Honestly, a degree in computer science and over a decade of experience as a computer programmer in the industry and I might as well have done art and crafts :)

Anyway, my camera isn't great, and the image on screen is a lot sharper (this is from a normal PAL SD TV, my 720p projector would be better), but you get the idea. Oh, and it looks like 10 icons, not 8.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l187/Crivens999/DSC00957.jpg

Cheers

Crivens

10-11-06, 12:32 PM

Crivens what are your thoughts on the seperate thread?Sorry I missed your comment. I think it's a great idea. But ask the moderators of this board if they can make it a sticky topic. Would be nice, otherwise we will have to constantly bump it.

Cheers

Nemesis3

10-11-06, 12:41 PM

Crivens

10-11-06, 01:20 PM

Dunno about the MP3 slideshow.

is this the correct procedure?Dunno; I never tried making a sticky thread.

Cheers

Pengwyn

10-11-06, 01:58 PM

I remember reading something about playing mp3s while doing a slideshow is this possible?

Edit: I sent a request to have the thread made a sticky, via the "contact us" function is this the correct procedure?

Yes, you can have the HD-5000 play music whilst you view pictures, but you have to put both the images as well as the mp3's in the same directory.
Then you start viewing the slideshow. The music will play in the background.

But....
I can't get it to work though... Unless it is absolutely nescessary to have the slideshow folder in the root...
I have several MP3 folders that have also images in them, so starting them SHOULD start the slideshow... well. It does start the slideshow allright...No sound though... Then, when the images are all played and the pointer reaches the mp3-files, my hd-5000 hangs and shuts down...

The response from TViX on this:
"Thank you for the report. We updated audio player with our newest firmware which is beta tested now. This will be fixed with new firmware. Thank you for your report."
So, that should all be fixed with the new 1.9 fw version to be released somewhat later this week...

Cheers,

Peng

jofa

10-11-06, 03:05 PM

So, does anyone know if the thumbnail function also works for DVD .iso files?
All files? Or just .avi files?
Or have they neglected DVD images again as with many other functions?
(Incorrect info, auto switch NTSC/PAL...)
(I.e. should I start nagging to them before I even try 1.9.0?)

/J

Crivens

10-11-06, 03:31 PM

Incorrect info, auto switch NTSC/PAL..What was wrong with these options?

I think the original test of thumbnails for 1.9.0 was for an iso file and they got it working. I think that if you have a icon.tvix file in the folder then it will look for a videoname.jpg file to use as it's thumbnail.

Oh, and I was just transferring a 4.37Gb single Avi using CuteFTP and it stalled at 74% annoyingly. Interestingly it was just after hitting half an hour of transfer, which is 1800 seconds, which the FTP information (when first login) informs me is the amount of time of inactivity that will be allowed until the FTP deamon kicks me off. I'm betting just transferring is classed as "inactivity". Then I bet it takes a couple of minutes to notice (like a timer that hits every 5 minutes). Doubt is my wireless link (considering other comments before). Sigh. Time to log it...

Cheers

Crivens

10-11-06, 03:39 PM

Ang on... it now says 78%. All the information looks like a freeze (? for left and speed) but the elapsed time is still increasing and the progress bar has definitely increased to 78%. Weird. But on the other hand originally the time left screwed up and said 3 minutes (yeah, right). Plus there are no error messages. Will wait on it then.

It worked fine on smaller files though (300mb-700mb). Perhaps the Tvix doesn't report back correctly to the FTP client on huge files, but because of the sheer size you don't realise anything is happening. Can't see where cuteFTP has a bytes sent column, only a progress bar. Afraid to touch it incase I bust it though. Maybe though this is what happened to the other FTP failure reports in this thread? After it looks like it freezes then just leave it.

Cheers

jofa

10-11-06, 03:46 PM

What was wrong with these options?

Info always shows NTSC 4:3 for video format.
There been som discussion that for DVD files info will show the selected output, but use 16:9, PAL, 1080i....
Time info on DVD files is weird. It says something about chapter time. No time remaining what I can find.
Auto switch PAL/NTSC does not work on DVDs.

Sounds REALLY good that they made the icon work all video files! :rolleyes:
/J

Crivens

10-11-06, 03:53 PM

Ah, ok. Sorry I always use avi files and they seem ok.

Well I believe they work for all video files. I mean it's not that hard. It knows all the file extensions it can play video, so simply check for the same file, but with a jpg extension to show for the icon.

Cheers

jofa

10-11-06, 03:58 PM

Well I believe they work for all video files. I mean it's not that hard.
Doooooh!!
I then assume it doesn't work. You and I are of the same opinion. "It's not that hard" if you can do it for one file extension. However, Tvix engineers often seem to be of different opinion.....

/J

Crivens

10-11-06, 04:30 PM

Note that my FTP did complete in the end. The file was there but it didn't play 100%. Sound was fine, but the image kept getting weird colours every now and again (image was there though). Downloaded Tvix Manager and gave that a go and it said it was unsupported because too many pixels. Tried to use the convert option and basically it told me where to go. What format do I need to convert to for Tvix to do HD?

Oh, just thought, could have been corrupt with FTP perhaps. So will try using USB2 tomorrow instead.

Cheers

kjekor

10-11-06, 06:11 PM

I'm a "Tvix-rookie" - I hope that someone can help me.
Just bought a M-5000-A a couple of days ago - and the screens looks totally different than in the manual - therefor these questions.
1. How to check the firmware version?
- From the screen: "Rev 1.6.8" - is that really the FW version?
2. Just in case - I've tried to download the 1.8.5 PAL English (live in Sweden).
I've managed to get the file into the Tvix in a tvixfw folder - but it states that the file is not a valid "TVIX F/W file" - tried this twice?
Hope anyone can help me !

Cheers

zamzickles

10-11-06, 06:44 PM

Please unzip the file before putting it on the Tvix.

originalsnuffy

10-11-06, 07:08 PM

Pengwyn

10-11-06, 07:09 PM

http://www.tvix.co.kr/gpl/

That's the page where you can find a downloadlink to the sourcecode that drives the HD-5000...
Perhaps of some use to someone?

Cheers,

Peng

Pengwyn

10-11-06, 07:13 PM

Crivens,

I have not been able to install TVIX manager. How did you get it to work--when I tried to install it it did not recognize the 5000A.

Also, does TVIX manager do anything useful for you?

Everybody;

Anybody care to share pointers on creating playlists on the 5000? Pretty please with cherries on top...

Yes, it was quite easy, since the latest TViX manager DOES support the 5000 series.
Just download the lastest version from the TViX site and install.

As for the playlists. I suppose you mean Audio-playlists.
That's quite simple: you hook up your 5000 to your computer with the USB2.0 cable.
Then you open up winamp or your favourite playlist generator program and create a playlist as you would normally do.
Save this playlist to your 5000. I created a special folder for playlists, but that's up to you.
That's it.
Unhook your 5000, hook it back up to your stereo and select the playlist of your choice.

Works fine for me.

Cheers,

Peng

François L.

10-11-06, 08:06 PM

Hello

Can I ask a stupid question?

I have an older Toshiba TW40X181 TV set. Component inputs only.

With this TVIX box, could I sent the signal from my PC to the TVIX via DVI, and then the TVIX would send the signal to the TV via component?

If so, it would prevent me from having to buy a transcoder thingy

Thanks

Francois

I can see I was misguided as to this products' features, thanks to those who replied.

So the deal is this is a streaming device, meaning the content is moving from the PC to the TVIX via LAN (for example). My PC is an older AMD64 3400+/6800 Ultra/1GB and I've been having a very difficult time having smooth playback of HD content (1080p trailers).

This is due to my videocard not having the decode features or something.

But this TVIX wonderbox, it doesn't care of my videocard is a 7600GT (which would play 1080p fine), if it's AGP or PCI express, if it's got all the decode features that are necessary for smooth HD playback, since it does the output itself. Does it?

Am I correct ??

Up to now I was thinking I had NO CHOICE but to upgrade my PC (cpu,mobo,ram,vidcard) to PCI Express in order to have the latest hdcp compliant/hd decode videocard with a C2Duo.

Thanks

Francois

Nemesis3

10-11-06, 10:05 PM

Oh, just thought, could have been corrupt with FTP perhaps. So will try using USB2 tomorrow instead.

GAH! Lets hope not. Please do check and see if it is a corruption isue where your FTp program says the file was complete, it had the same file size, but the transfer corrupted it. I just *moved* (no backup... yes I know) a bunch of stuff to mine with using WSFTP 2006. From the WSFTP logs everything *looks* ok.

Went looking and the 2007 version has a feature which now even sounds better than it normally would(I am all about checksuming crc .sfv .csv and jcheck etc):

"New File Integrity checking"
"Built-in SHA256 and SHA512 file verification validates that your files weren't compromised during transfer and ensures that the source and destination are exact matches."

Nemesis3

10-11-06, 10:12 PM

But this TVIX wonderbox, it doesn't care of my videocard is a 7600GT (which would play 1080p fine), if it's AGP or PCI express, if it's got all the decode features that are necessary for smooth HD playback, since it does the output itself. Does it?

The TVix doesn't use the PC for decoding, that is correct. It is a standalone box that plays content without the PC's "help" if you will or needing to be connected to a PC.

What you can do with the PC and a TVIX 5000:
You can connect the 5000 a PC to move files to it via USB and it acts like an external HD. It can connect to a PC's shared folder to stream those files over your LAN, or you can connect to the TVix via FTP to move files to it from your PC or from it to your PC and delete/rename files etc on the unit.

But once again it actually plays those files without the PC.

Crivens

10-12-06, 03:47 AM

Also, does TVIX manager do anything useful for you?Not that I can see. And it installed with no problems.

Please do check and see if it is a corruption isue where your FTp program says the file was completeI will try tonight. I am assuming, thanks to Tvix manager, that the file is not 100% compatible. It's a bit weird though how manager complains about too many pixels when it is supposed to be HD compatible. Is it just too many pixels for the file type? What does everyone else use for HD files (so I can convert it)?

Cheers

kjekor

10-12-06, 03:50 AM

Crivens

10-12-06, 04:28 AM

Shouldn't make any difference. Personally I put the fw file in the first directory of disk1 and it normally works with no problems.

Cheers

Scandic24

10-12-06, 05:36 AM

I missed to explain - yes - I did of course unzip the firmware and put it in a "tvixfw" folder - but still it says that it's not a valid folder. I do got a M-5000-A (not-U) but that shouldn't make any difference, should it?
Any more help?
I've experienced a similar issue a while ago with my 5000-U. The msg was that the file was not a valid FW file... So, with some help from the manual I did a "safe upgrade" and that worked just fine for me!

Consult the manual before you try anything!

Anyway, here's what I did:
- Connected my PC to the TViX by USB cable and powered it up (on/off button on the back).
- Created a folder on the primary partition on the TViX and named it tvixfw.
- Un-zipped and copied the firmware-file (*.fwp) from my PC to the tvixfw-folder.
- Disconnected my PC and switched the TviX off using the on-off button on the back.
- Pressed and held the Setup-button on the top panel of the TViX and switched it back on again.

- After boot, the TViX-display showed the firmware version.
- I pressed OK on the remote and the upgrade process started.
- The display showed PRE when removing old FW and UPG when upgrading.
- The TViX automatically rebooted when upgrade was complete.

DONE!

Good luck!

gazter

10-12-06, 02:02 PM

Well, had an m5000 for a fewdays now, having great fun. One noticable issue though, is how the player plays .ts files.

For instance, i have tried to watch the 20gb hd version of gladiator, its about 200 .ts files. When i start, it watches it and then gives me a half second pause to the next file.

I have stitched the files using ts joiner, it works and does the job, unlike hdtvtompeg2 which just royally screwed up the motion.

Unfortunately, i get the odd frame drop, I assume because the files are now so large!!!

Is there a way of having tvix just play the .ts files seemlessly????

Gaz

tinhan

10-12-06, 05:24 PM

frosty_aw

10-12-06, 05:28 PM

psychoticus

10-12-06, 06:16 PM

psychoticus

10-12-06, 06:21 PM

Anyone else having problem with the fan? It keeps running and making noise after I shut the Tvix down by the remote-control. If I use the power switch at the back it stops running. Meaning power off and then on by the switch.
my tvix has at two different times turn of the fan when running....not so good when your using a inboard hdd.... last time it happened the tvix overheating protection turned it off. and now it wont auto vary the speed anymore... but i can still set it manually in all the speeds.
wondering if it is the hardware or the firmware thats doing this problem...

Crivens

10-13-06, 03:11 AM

It keeps running and making noise after I shut the Tvix down by the remote-controlMine does that if the Tvix has been on for a while. I am assuming that it is just automatically protecting itself by cooling the hardware for a little longer. It goes off after a while. My projector is like that.

Cheers

frosty_aw

10-13-06, 04:14 AM

my tvix has at two different times turn of the fan when running....not so good when your using a inboard hdd.... last time it happened the tvix overheating protection turned it off. and now it wont auto vary the speed anymore... but i can still set it manually in all the speeds.
wondering if it is the hardware or the firmware thats doing this problem...

Well, the thing is that I don't have any harddrive in my Tvix, running network only. So, it doesn't get hot at all and shouldn't need any cooling when shutdown. I would think at least. If I remember correctly the fan keeps running for a very long time, I think it never stops actually . Have to verify that though.

Crivens

10-13-06, 04:37 AM

Something is wrong with it then. If my Tvix has been on for a few hours then it takes a minute or so after shutdown before completely turning off the fan.

Can't remember the options, but isn't there a fan setting? If it doesn't have an option for no fan at all then send a Q&A message to Tvix requesting one. Might be a good idea to also add that perhaps this option will only be shown if it can detect there is no harddrive inside the Tvix. That way they won't have to worry about complaints of burnt out Tvixs. If you do report it then add it to Nemesis3's bug/wishlist sticky thread.

Cheers

sep1

10-13-06, 04:55 AM

It is strange. :mad: When I put JPG and MP3 files in the autoplay folder (created in the root), for playing a diashow with a soundtrack only the diashow works - no sound. Has anyone a tip. ?
Thanks !

originalsnuffy

10-13-06, 09:14 AM

Thanks for the tip to use winamp to create playlists. When I used music match to create the playlist, it somehow must be hardwiring the list to the PC. With winamp, you can save the playlist directly to the TVIX. This worked.

One observation that I have is that the unit seems to be "happiest" when playing back mpeg movies. Fast forward, etc. all work fairly smoothly. When I move to higher compression files, such a wmv hi def (Terminator II) or XVID hi def renders, the fast forward functions slow to a crawl. Though it gives me an opportunity to appreciate how quickly paint dries.

In the case of T2, the picture is slightly better than the regular DVD, but as noted by others before, the 5000 has to convert the wma soundtrack to two channel analog. I suppose there are receivers that can take a wma digital signal, but my Denon won't and I bet it would take a lot of effort to find one that does. I don't think the amount of effort involved in getting this to play on the 5000 was worth it; but then again I always like a challenge.

If I were to buy another unit, I think I would wait for a 5500. Now I am fairly certain that I'd want a meaninfully more powerful processor in any follow up unit; my sense is that the 5101 is going to be a small incremental step from the 5000.

One final unrelated thought. I notice that the new version of TVIX manager adds support for the 5000A. That might explain why I could not install this software before.

ajs6000

10-14-06, 05:55 AM

A new beta version has been released (1.9.2) and is available at ftp://ftp.dvico.com/Products/TViX/FirmWare/M-5000/Beta/

This version supports icons for folders and wallpaper.

To support icons for folders simply place an image named folder.jpg in the sub folder.

This has worked out really well for me as I had called all my DVD and CD Cover artwork folder.jpg! Now all I have to do is resize them all .......

Crivens

10-14-06, 07:39 AM

Great stuff. Wow they really jumped on my comments for folder icons and wallpaper bug. When you say folder.jpg do you mean foldername.jpg? So lets say I have a StarWars directory then I would have the following files for thumbnails:-
icon.tvix - to make sure we use thumbnails
tvix.jpg - for the wallpaper (that now works with thumbnails)
Starwars1.avi (first film video file)
Starwars1.jpg (first film thumbnail)
Starwars2.avi (second film video file)
Starwars2.jpg (second film thumbnail)
Starwars3.avi (third film video file)
Starwars4.jpg (third film thumbnail)
Interviews (folder)
Interviews.jpg (folder thumbnail)
Trailers (folder)
Trailers.jpg (folder thumbnail)

So what I should get from above is 2 folders folder thumbnails and 3 movie thumbnails along with a different wallpaper?

Cheers

ajs6000

10-14-06, 08:52 AM

Crivens

10-14-06, 09:12 AM

Ah right. Makes sense I guess. Will try now.

Cheers

Crivens

10-14-06, 09:17 AM

Ah yes, that is cool. Interestingly my sub-folder kept the same wallpaper as it's parent. Must remember that point so don't duplicate images.

Cheers

dwouters

10-14-06, 11:53 AM

It is strange. :mad: When I put JPG and MP3 files in the autoplay folder (created in the root), for playing a diashow with a soundtrack only the diashow works - no sound. Has anyone a tip. ?
Thanks !

I had the same problem but works very well after downloading new version.
Succes

sep1

10-14-06, 01:19 PM

I had the same problem but works very well after downloading new version.
Succes
Thanks. What version do you mean ? 1.9 ?

Nemesis3

10-15-06, 07:23 AM

I haven't played with customizing the UI so lets see if I have the breakdown right.

So customized Tvix options inlcude:

tvix.jpg - a folders wallpaper 720x480
folder.jpg Starwars folders thumbail 100x136
icon.tvix - a renamed .txt file that tells Tvix to use thumbnails
Starwars1.avi (first film video file)
Starwars1.jpg (first film thumbnail) 100x136
Starwars2.avi (second film video file)
Starwars2.jpg (second film thumbnail) 100x136
Starwars3.avi (third film video file)
Starwars4.jpg (third film thumbnail) 100x136
Interviews (folder)
folder.jpg (Interviews folder thumbnail) 100x136
Trailers (folder)
folder.jpg (Interviews folder thumbnail) 100x136

**tvix_ss.jpg screensaver, placed in root of first partion 160 * 160

If no tvix.jpg is used in either of the subfolders Interviews or Trailers they would inherent the parent directory, StarWars's wallpaper, for their wallpaper but if they do contain a tvix.jpg it overrides this inheritance?

**The ss only activates "two minutes if there is no input in file browser mode." Mine seems to activate *I think* only at the main setup menu. Which right now, (1.9 not tested in 1.9.2 yet) this means no screen saver will start if your playing mp3s, run to the end of a picture slideshow or have a movie on pause for more than 2 minutes, this hopefully will be getting fixed soon.

From the above then folder structure is:

/ (root, contains audio video photo) can change wallpaper here as well? and no use for a icon.tvix since it is root

/video/ tvix.jpg is video folder wallpaper and folder.jpg is the icon that is displayed from root

/video/Starwars/ tvix.jpg is the Starwars folder wallpaper and folder.jpg =s the icon that is displayed from /video, also contains starwars1,2,3.jpgs for file icons

/video/Starwars/Interviews/ folder.jpg is the folder icon that will be displayed from /video/Starwars/

Crivens

10-15-06, 07:49 AM

Not quite. icon.tvix is just an empty text file that tells Tvix to use thumbnails for the current folder. Any video files that exist inside the folder will use the same name jpg file as it's thumbnail. If there is a folder inside the current folder then a thumbnail will be used to show the folder using the folder.jpg file within the sub-folder itself. And it has to be called "folder.jpg", not the actual name of the folder.

Using this method, and along with the TWAD application and hopefully future transparent thumbnails and up folder override thumbnails, then I should be able to create a very media centre type environment. So in my screenshot the videos would be replaced by folders which had DVD covers in their folder.jpg files. This would mean that the screenshot would be *exactly* the same as I posted, apart from 1.9.2 shows the name at the bottom with a little folder icon rather than a video icon. Then when you select the movie it will actually go into the folder. Instead of having a DVD cover as a thumbnail for the movie I will make a "play" button, hopefully round with transparency. The up folder thumbnail will hopefully be overridable to be a nice cancel button. The tvix.jpg wallpaper can then have a big DVD cover with some information about the film (which I have mostly working by importing from PlayUsa in the TWAD application). Cool eh?

Cheers

Nemesis3

10-15-06, 09:47 AM

Ok I edited my above post to reflect the change about icon.tvix just being an empty txt file that causes the tvix to use thumbmails. Any other changes?

Crivens you sound like a man with a plan. It should be interesting to see what kind of setup people can come up with to display their movie/photo/audio files and folders.

Crivens

10-15-06, 06:28 PM

A man with a very slow plan :) Although I've got to the stage where it will automatically grab DVD covers from the net for your information wallpaper. Will make it automatically create thumbnails too from the covers soon, plus grab text information.

Cheers

thompa74

10-16-06, 11:01 AM

Hello
I wonder if I can thange the image on ISO-files too??
Have a lot of ISO movies on my disk and wants to change the icons on them..
Is that possible??

Crivens

10-16-06, 11:28 AM

Yes. ISO files were the first ones to get working on this thread:-

The folder will therefore contain for example:

The Apartment (1960).ISO
The Apartment (1960).jpg
icon.tvix

I don't personally use ISO files though. Note that I have noticed that the names are case sensitive. So Bob.avi and bob.jpg will not provide a thumbnail from bob.jpg. Bob.jpg will though. This is pretty much the case throughout Unix and Linux (which the Tvix uses), although you never know with 3rd party products.

Cheers

thompa74

10-16-06, 01:12 PM

Have done a folder with this files in it:
icon.tvix
Ronja Rövardotter.ISO
Ronja Rövardotter.jpeg

I know that I should save the image in .jpg but when I do that in Photoshop it seems like that it saves to jpeg.. strange!!!

What should I do?? Not a computer wizard...

Crivens

10-16-06, 01:45 PM

Rename the .jpeg file to .jpg in explorer. Right click on it and click rename, then make it the same with .jpg at the end instead of .jpeg. Jpeg files are basically .jpg files. When I first used computers at Uni (1991) we had to compile our own jpeg and mpeg viewers (literally create the progams from C code), and in those days it was always .jpeg and .mpeg.

Cheers

Crivens

10-16-06, 01:46 PM

Oh, and if it's already on the Tvix's internal HD then most FTP clients should allow a rename. Just right click the file and there should be an option (CuteFTP does on my PC).

Cheers

thompa74

10-16-06, 02:16 PM

god!!! I think I will throw out the computer from the second floor!!
what am I doing wrong. Have done a folder named Ronja Rövardotter that contains :
icon.tvix
Ronja Rövardotter.jpg
Ronja Rövardotter. ISO

That should work, or not....

Nop!! doesnt work, have tried it all
Help please. have 1.92 FW so It should work

qz3fwd

10-16-06, 04:07 PM

Maybe the ö character is causing problems?

thompa74

10-16-06, 04:35 PM

Thanks for the answer but It didnt work either.
I neither can change the icons or the folder pictures..
very strange, but the wallpaper worked..
dont think the FW is the reason just my incompetence :(

Crivens

10-16-06, 05:04 PM

Are you getting the normal Tvix menu or really large icons (similar size to my screen shot earlier in the thread)? If normal menu then I'm guessing the icon.tvix file is wrongly named.

Cheers

Crivens

10-16-06, 05:06 PM

Oh, and it may be a typo in the forum, but there is a space between the dot and the ISO part of the file. Remove that space.

Failing that, are you sure you haven't got that windows option to hide extensions? If so then perhaps the files are really icon.tvix.txt etc.

Cheers

Comp1demon

10-16-06, 06:17 PM

gazter

10-16-06, 07:14 PM

How would you people compare this product to say XBOX MEDIA CENTER? I know the processor on the Xbox cannot play back HD file content such as TS files, MKV files, and WMVHD, + HDDIVx. Though the Xbox will try to play them the processor is not powerful enough to do so. This player I herd can play pretty much anything. I mostly play XVID, MKV, TS, HDDIVX, DIVX, and MPeG1/2/4.

Mostly I download captures of TV shows my Tivo can't all get to since I can only record 2 shows at once and there are like 5 tv shows on that i want to see. I download mostly MKV and XVID + sometimes 720pDIVx.

How well does this player tackly these formats? If I use XBMC just for TV show watching, but can;t play back higer bitrate captures - will i be happy with this product?

How well does the SMB support work?

any user experience would be appreciated.

Thanks

hi i'm a convert from XBMC as well, the product as a video player is much better then xbmx, it does the hd material very very well, easy to use etc. It lacks the customisability of XBMC, and it seems to be significantly less capable when it comes to music and pictures. Its standard windows networking support is significantly better since the newer releases. While it cant network as fast as an xbox, it certainly is good enough for non hd material.

For video the device is a dream come true............

THEROCKER

10-16-06, 09:02 PM

Noony

10-17-06, 07:10 AM

Whilst on the Music subject does it support the Itunes format of m4p??

Thanks

Pengwyn

10-17-06, 09:25 AM

A couple of questions in regards to this unit's music playing. Will it stop after just a single song or will it go straight to the next song on an album? Also can any owners elaborate on why it's not the best unit for music? Thank you.

That depends on the firmware you have perhaps...
I still have 1.8.5 (will update to 1.9.2, after sending this message)
Right now when you start the first song, it will play all other songs in that folder too...
It ALWAYS does this, which is trange, because it says in the manual that only ONE file will be played, unless you use the slide-show function...
Mind you, it plays ALL files in a folder regardless of the file-type...
In FW 1.8.5 playing a musicfile and then trying to play an image in the same folder (which should trigger the slide-show with sound-function) my HD-5000A crashes...
This is supposedly fixed in the new firmware, so I shall try that now.

Kind regards,

Peng

theaxledentaldj

10-17-06, 01:29 PM

Since nobody has made a FAQ on how to setup NFS share with a mac and a Tvix M-5000U, here's mine, even though I don't know how to get an external HDD to share via symbolic. Anyone care to share that info?

The Axledental DJs mac OS X guid on setting up the Tvix M-5000U (firmware 1.9.2 beta) With Mac OS X 10.4.8! 10/17/06.

1. Create a new folder on your Machintosh HDD, in the root called: tvixhd1
3. Download NFS Manager
Its ok to run it in Demo mode/shareware.
4. Click on NFS Shares Tab in NFS Manager
5. Click on Add Entry (unlock Local Directory permissions by the administration first)
Set to AT: Local. Viewing directory:/Netinfo/DefaultLocalNode. Authenticated as :you user name"
6. for the Ad entry, point to the Machintosh HDD folder: tvixhd1.
7.Double click on the /tvixhd1 in the list to set its Options:
treat "root" account as user root and clock ok and activate changes, even though its in demo mode.
8. Setup your Tvix menu for NFS share and match the IP address that the software NFS Manager indicates at the bottom right of the screen of the software.

9. Goto you Tvix and press the Jump button (once you setup the IP address) and connect to network and wait about 5 minutes, it should flash up with your Network shared folders. now enjoy perfect Raw DVD (VIDEO_TS folders) playback, menues, FF, rew, menues and all. No delays or latency issues.

mitchjs

10-17-06, 03:54 PM

AxledentalDJ,
hey is this my long lost brother???

I didnt know u got a tivx

mitch

ajs6000

10-17-06, 04:37 PM

Restriction with Beta 1.9.2

Just a note for anyone using folder icons. There is currently a 31 folder limitation on displaying folder icons. If you exceed 30 folders then it simply displays a blank icon with its name at the bottom of the screen. If you enter a sub-folder and then return to the parent folder it will display the next 31 folders with icons.

DVICO have said that this restriction may be unavoidable due to the limited resources on the box but will try to find a workaround.

Crivens

10-17-06, 04:57 PM

Hmmm that could be annoying. Suppose will normally have divisions as 30 is a bit much. Still can't understand the problem considering they split the icons into pages of 10. I mean surely it shoudn't process anything from the 2nd page until you choose it?

Cheers

elisivan

10-17-06, 07:20 PM

can Someone Will be nice
and prepare instructor to add the icons to the folder of the tvix?
Because so far the single thing that I succeeded to do is to create big folders but they without picture

Crivens

10-18-06, 11:22 AM

In response from Tvix about transparent thumbnails and the ability to change the icon for the upfolder:-

1.9.2 only support jpg which can not have alpha channel. However, the final release will check folder.jpg and folder.png to support alpha blending. To use alpha channel, you must make folder.png insdtead of folder.jpg and the alpha key is 0xC8C8C8.

I am not sure about upfolder. ;-0
Wooop. My round icons are back on :) Hopefully his little smiley at the end means he is tipping us the wink. ie. it should get done but he won't get bitten if it doesn't. Not essential but would add to the illusion of a full media centre system when I'm done :)

Cheers

theaxledentaldj

10-18-06, 12:05 PM

I just figured out how SMB works with Sharepoints. And Sharepoints is easier to use, has no demo nag screen, and the Tvix connects alot faster. It takes about 10-15 seconds compared to the FAQ about with NFS manager takes about 5 minutes. As for playback for a Raw DVD (VIDEO_TS folder) it plays back perfectly fine, just like when I use NFS manager.

Seeing as nobody has shared here how to share an external USB HDD with the Tvix, I just may not come forward with an updated FAQ.

Pengwyn

10-18-06, 06:05 PM

theaxledentaldj

10-19-06, 12:36 AM

I got word from Eric from Divco, that 1.9.5 is due out sometime today with fixes and mount point fixes! So I maybe able to share my external USB HDD on my Mac with my Tvix via SMB/NFS!!! YEAh!

theaxledentaldj

10-19-06, 03:18 AM

Yes, Tvix M-5000U/A firmware 1.9.5 is released!!
unfortunately I dont have enough posts to give you the link but its up on the Tvix USA main site!

tord00

10-19-06, 03:59 AM

And here it is...

http://www.tvix.co.kr/eng/support/M5000Firmware.aspx

Crivens

10-19-06, 05:15 AM

Hurrah, transparent thumbnails and better FTP. Good stuff. :)

Cheers

Pengwyn

10-19-06, 10:57 AM

And one more for the update-list for the next FW:

My mail to DVICO:
Would be a great feature if you could put txt files in a folder with the same name as a media-file that are displayed when you press the "info" button on your remote...
Now it just display generic info about your harddrive... a bit useless...

Kind regards,

Peng

Reply to your question is as below.

Hi,

I will put on the list.
Thank you for your idea.

REgards,
Eric

Can you put it in the fw "wiki" nemesis?

Cheers.

Peng

Crivens

10-19-06, 11:06 AM

Um, I already asked for that (should be in Nemesis' list already). They basically said they doubted it would be done (ie. no-one else asked for it). Glad they are now thinking about it.

Yep, just checked and I asked a couple of weeks ago. This was the reply:-
Thank you for the idea. However, currently we do not have plan for this
features. Anyway I will report this to our engineer for their reference.

Regards,

EricWell maybe this actually means that if they get more than one request for the same idea then they will put it on the "to do" list. Hmmmm. Anyone want to request an override for the "up folder" thumbnail so I can do a nice "cancel" button instead? Although it looks like there is an issue with the total number of thumbnails on the Tvix. Hopefully they can sort it out (if they are caching it all in the very beginning and it is a memory problem then surely it has enough speed to process very small images (100x136) on the fly?, or maybe some other strange problem...)

Cheers

theaxledentaldj

10-19-06, 02:18 PM

I tested SMB share ext. USB HDD. It works, but there is stuttering because SMB is slow with the Tvix. The alternative, is to install Mac OS X on my Ext. Firewire HDD and then I can use NFS (Normal) with the Tvix to share all of my 500Gbs of DVD rips, which I already tested and it works.

DVDwizard

10-21-06, 09:21 AM

As has been mentioned, the current implementation has a 30 item limit for showing cover art/icons. But this is not 30 items per folder; it's 30 total.

Depending on how you browse through your folders, it appears almost random, but after playing awhile I realized what was happening. The first thirty items it encounters that have icon files, will display them.

I sure hope they can resolve this, as it's a nice feature (tedious to set up, though).

I do find the green selection rectangle to be a little too narrow; it get's 'lost' on some icons. (see the Reggie Perrin icon in the screen shot). And the icon spacing is a bit tight. But it's a good beginning.

Mike

P.S.
I had to put the screen shot in the next post (have to get to five posts before I can include an image.)

DVDwizard

10-21-06, 09:24 AM

Here's another shot of the TVIX displaying cover art.

http://www.writersblocklive.com/images/tvix_cover_art.jpg

Crivens

10-21-06, 10:45 AM

30? Ah man, thats rubbish! What are they playing at? I mean how hard is it to process the thumbnails for each page? Sounds like they are caching the icons or something, problably for speed. But if we all keep to the smallest file size possible then surely it would be ok (or at least give us the option)?

Can't be having 30, especially if my "final solution" comes to fruition which would require an icon for the movie folder, a play icon for the movie within the folder itself and, with any luck, a cancel icon for the up folder. That would be four icons for every movie. Cannot see why there has to be any limit to be honest.

Cheers

ajs6000

10-21-06, 03:15 PM

With regards to the 30 folder icon issue. If you press bookmark key and then return to the folder it does display the next 30 icons. I assume this forces a flush cache.

Also if you enter a folder that doesn't use icons this has the same effect.

Pengwyn

10-22-06, 06:24 AM

Hi folks,

Perhaps a silly question, but how does one delete the bookmarks list?
Because, when I stopped mid-movie and later want to start from the beginning, i cannot... it starts from where I left off...

Cheers,

Peng

Crivens

10-22-06, 06:50 AM

But thats the point of the bookmarks; to take you back to where you were. If you select the video from the normal menu then it plays from the start. Remember too that you can use the "goto" button to make it go anywhere in the film.

If you could delete it from the bookmarks list then it won't be on the list. So you would have to select it from the normal menu. Which would, as it does now, play from the beginning.

Cheers

originalsnuffy

10-22-06, 02:21 PM

So, any comments on firmware 1.95 in general?

I have noticed that FTP transfers are faster; I am getting at least 50% better throughput. Smart FTP shows throughput of roughly 350-420 kbps; I was getting more like 170-250 before. I have not done any long file transfers so I do not know if the timeout issue is fixed.

I also cannot comment on the NFS or Samba sharing, as I gave up on my cheapo approach a bit ago. I am waiting for some new lower cost solutions to come on the market before I begin new testing.

The FTP capability has become a mainstay for me. I even transferred the new firmware using FTP; and after upgrading removed it using FTP. I really like the way I can maintain the machine without removing it from the stereo cabinet.

oferlaor

10-23-06, 03:39 AM

SMB works much better now, it streams TS content now (didn't try to check bandwidth restrictions yet, but it worked on quite a few typical TS files without gagging).

Still, it is quite limited when compared with competing units - it should only need to list the IP address (if that) of the server and then detect all the shares and present them all. Right now, it only tries to connect to share TVIXHD1 with username guest or username TVIXHD1 password TVIXHD1... Other units actually see all the SMB shares on a network and use that. I hope they get rid of the clunky interface and just offer 3 NFS shares + 1 generic SMB interface that shows all the SMB servers and shares on the local network and under them - all the shares a particular server offers.

justlnluck

10-23-06, 04:00 AM

I have seen some people refer to a future product, called the M-5500, but they have been very vague. What features are supposed to be included in this future DVICO product and when is the scheduled release date from now? 6 months? One year?

Crivens

10-23-06, 08:16 AM

Summer 2007 apparently. The M5500 looks like it will play all H264 files and be a significant step forward (M5101 won't play all H264 files and looks like a small step forward. Bit like a M5000 v1.1). If I was a betting man I would guess HDMI, and Wifi included. With any luck 802.11n, or at least a gigabit network connection would be nice.

Cheers

jofa

10-24-06, 02:47 AM

Has anyone had any stability ptoblems with FW 1.9.5?
I seem to get more occasions when the Tvix just hangs. Both when playing DVD ISO and MP3. But I haven't bothered to switch back to earlier FW and compare...
Anyone with similar impression of 1.9.5?

/J

Meenenator

10-24-06, 04:13 AM

And again a new FW has been released while I was away... I seriously must consider travel less ;)

Will look into 1.9.5 tonight or tomorrow night. Looks promising with all the icon stuff they have implemented. It does look more wife-friendly now.

Will also try out SMB and NFS. Have yet to get SMB to work 100% primarily since I have not enabled the guest account. Will try to see if there are any holes I can use. hehe...

Again, a big thanks to DVICo to once again giving us a new firmware. Great work guys!

madshi

10-24-06, 05:18 AM

Will the 5101 be able to play non copy protected 1080i50 H.264 streams? That's all that I need. Here in Europe all HD broadcasting is done in 1080i50 H.264, so that's a fairly major requirement for me. And when is 5101 going to be released? Thanks!

KenC

10-24-06, 06:44 AM

I updated to firmware 1.9.5 recently and I had no issues with ISO's. I also used FTP to send JPG thumbnails of DVDs to the unit and had success displaying it like DVDwizard did. I found that the name of the file (except the extension) must match EXACTLY as the ISO otherwise it will not display that JPG. I haven't shown the DVD cover thumbnail feature to my wife yet, but I am sure she will love this feature.

Noony

10-24-06, 12:51 PM

Hi,

I just recieved my unit, up-graded to latest firmware ok and could see folders ok.
Have TVIX NetShare installed but dvd iso files stutter like crazy. So i went to change the to Static IP to see if this helped. Changed the setting then the unit locked up and i couldn't navigate anywhere so i restarted the unit now it takes nearly 5mins to boot/load is this normal? Plus i cant see my folders anymore even tho the settings are right. Any thoughts?

Cheers

DVDwizard

10-24-06, 12:56 PM

takes nearly 5mins to boot/load is this normal?
No, not normal. Mine takes less than 30 seconds (and I'm connecting to two different servers)

Static vs DHCP shouldn't make any difference, as long as it has a valid address.

Did you try rebooting your server machine?

Noony

10-24-06, 01:22 PM

Yep,

Rebooted Server and Switch! I'll try again later. I've turned it off and left it off to see if that helps.

TPeterson

10-24-06, 01:48 PM

Try the emergency recovery technique described in the manual and re-install the 1.9.5 fw. I seems that you may have a bad installation.

Noony

10-24-06, 03:23 PM

Thanks for the replies.
I've just plugged it back in and it booted in-side 30secs.
Change it from NFS to SAMBA and all iso's play perfect and music is great.

I know most people use the TVIX for Movies but is there a way to play a music file and then browse for the next song, as soon as i leave the folder the file stops playing, which is annoying the wife!

Cheers

Crivens

10-25-06, 03:34 AM

I found that the name of the file (except the extension) must match EXACTLY as the ISO otherwise it will not display that JPGAlso remember to put folder.jpg in subfolders to make folders show as thumbnails too.

is there a way to play a music file and then browse for the next song, as soon as i leave the folder the file stops playingReport it on the Tvix site. You never know; they have fixed quite a few things we reported to them.

Cheers

jofa

10-25-06, 03:59 AM

is there a way to play a music file and then browse for the next song, as soon as i leave the folder the file stops playing, which is annoying the wife!
Cheers
Yeah, report it to Tvix!
I have already asked for it. I don't remember the exact answer but it was somewhat posivitve. The more of us that asks for a feature the more likely they will implement it.

/J

lilian69

10-25-06, 04:10 AM

I know most people use the TVIX for Movies but is there a way to play a music file and then browse for the next song, as soon as i leave the folder the file stops playing, which is annoying the wife!

More report and maybe fast solution ! :)
I suggested them (Dvico) to not stop the song when validate a folder or upfolder.

tazmania23

10-25-06, 05:12 AM

when i use nfs my plasma blacks out and thats kind of annoying (like just for a second but at least once a minute).... i switched it back to SAMBA and now it seems to be working again... Anybody else had that problem?

The other thing thats bothering me is that USB Bug is still not fixed (just downloaded F 1.9.5)... Anybody has any idea when they're going to fix this?

Other than that only good things to tell about this box... FTP transfer is working pretty fast (1 MB/s) and im looking forward to trying out the thumbnail thing...

taz

am1968

10-25-06, 06:55 AM

when i use nfs my plasma blacks out and thats kind of annoying (like just for a second but at least once a minute).... i switched it back to SAMBA and now it seems to be working again... Anybody else had that problem?

taz

Hi taz

Can you tell me what output your Tvix is set to, NTSC or PAL and if this only happens when streaming the file.

I'm having a similar problem when watching NTSC files (Xvid etc) but only with the Tvix set to NTSC and when streaming from my PC. Although i only get the blanking maybe 6-7 times during a 40 min period. If the Tvix is set to PAL i have no problem and if the file is played from the internal hard drive i have no problem whether the Tvix is set to PAL or NTSC.

I recorded one instance of this using a camera and can be seen here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3K-BP28JFc

Is this the same as yours?

tazmania23

10-25-06, 09:34 AM

am1968

10-25-06, 09:45 AM

I've not tried SAMBA yet so i'll try that tonight. I set up NFS as i read it was faster and better for ts files.

I have streamed several files using PAL (remember to turn auto switch off if using NTSC files!) and have not seen the blank screen, but thats not to say it won't happen.

I'm have informed DVICO of the problem and sent them a 10min clip which shows the blank screen happen twice, but that was only a couple of days ago.

Ikke_23

10-25-06, 12:38 PM

Is the H.624 codec suported by the TViX HD M-5000U?

Thanks,

Peter

am1968

10-25-06, 02:17 PM

its exactly the same thing.... im using a dvi cable and NTSC output.... and it only blacks out when i stream files through the network.... and only when i use NFS.... SAMBA seems to be working fine.... i try out to switch to PAL.... ill tell you how it worked....

taz

Well i've just watched a 45 min Xvid file in SAMBA mode with NTSC output, and it didn't black out once :)

Only problem with SAMBA mode is that when i tried playing a HD ts file it only played for a couple of mins before stopping, which i expected as SAMBA is slower :(

KenC

10-25-06, 03:25 PM

Also remember to put folder.jpg in subfolders to make folders show as thumbnails too.

Crivens,

I just use default folder icon for my "movies" folder. What icons do you use for the folders? Where did you get them? If you could post pics of them, that would be great!

Glen Graham

10-25-06, 04:26 PM

qz3fwd

10-25-06, 08:01 PM

" My TVix should be delivered this afternoon -- and I am trying to figure out what the best way would be to connect it to my Infrant ReadyNAS. NFS or Samba? I tried searching on it and got kind of lost in the results..."
I started a long time ago (several firmwares) with SMB, had a prob streaming Star Wars Episode III-HD, then switched to NFS and have not hard a single problem since and have one full 2TB ReadyNAS and another on the way from newegg. NFS works very, very well and I have no reason to go back. I suggest static IP addresses as dynamic addresses can change as you power up&down hardware which is very inconvenient to have to change in the settings.

I need to order another tvix tonight from digitalconnection-maybe they will throw in the add-on hd atsc tuner for me to beta test. One can only dream.

Good luck and we hpe you enjoy your new tvix. (Now if they would only release the h.264 version)

Crivens

10-26-06, 03:19 AM

Is the H.624 codec suported by the TViX HD M-5000U?No. That should come with the 5101 (at least partial support apparently with full support apparently coming with the M5500).

What icons do you use for the folders?Actually I haven't had time to setup my Tvixs lately (very busy) apart from experimenting with the folder.jpg functionality. But personally I am planning on using DVD covers (using my TWAD application once I have a working beta) for the folder icons, then when you enter the folder have the tvix.jpg wallpaper look like a nice movie info screen (big DVD cover and description of movie etc). Then the actual avi movie file will have a thumbnail that looks like a "Play" button (using transparent png graphics, which works in 1.9.5 apparently, for a nice round button). With any luck Tvix will produce my request of skinning the up folder button so I can make that into a nice "cancel" button. With this design it will give a media-center type effect. They are also going to do the mod I originally asked for to produce extra text on the info button from a text file you supply. All good basically :)

Cheers

Noony

10-26-06, 03:44 AM

Has anybody tried Tvix Netshare 1.06 with firmware 1.95? I only used netshare once with the previous version, and it worked. Now I can't get it to work; but I have changed other system settings on the computer in addition to upgrading firmware on the 5000.

I've only just got my unit, but i up-graded to 1.95FW straight away and installed Netshare 1.06 and have yet been able to get NFS to work, i can get SAMBA to work but not NFS. Having not used NFS with previous versions i can't fully say that we have the same problem but it does seam very similar. Netshare NFS is very slow when playing MP3 and wont play iso files is this the case for you?

tazmania23

10-26-06, 05:38 AM

Ok... It seems to be working with NFS and PAL.... No more blacking outs detected....

So thanks... Still i wonder when they fix the USB bug... Cause i got my 500 GB mybook and i want to use it as well...

So anybody has an idea if its going to be in the next firmware or do we have to wait another couple of months?

taz

Meenenator

10-26-06, 06:36 AM

My TVix should be delivered this afternoon -- and I am trying to figure out what the best way would be to connect it to my Infrant ReadyNAS. NFS or Samba? I tried searching on it and got kind of lost in the results...

Now, my problem is I forgot to get an adapter to convert the DVI to HDMI for my projector... guess I'll have to run to Best Buy on the way home!!!

I see that you have gotten a few replies. Just gonna throw in some extras for you.

When you use the Readynas you can use NFS as stated. I use my tvix directly to the ReadyNas (X6). I have set up the tvix to access using NFS and have specified the media share also. On the Readynas you only need to make a new user named tvixhd1, with similar password. Works perfectly. No more PC in the loop. Just how I like it!

Good luck.

Meenenator

10-26-06, 06:46 AM

Just a quick question:

On the tvix firmware page it is stated (http://www.tvix.co.kr/eng/support/M5000Firmware.aspx):

"1. The network mount points can be changed.
If you use NetShare, you must not change the mount point.
The mount point does not include the PC name, so just put the share name only.
This will work for SAMBA share also."

What do they mean by that?
- when using Netshare, you must not change the mount point?

I expect that you can still use Netshare to change what folder to use on the XP.
It could be that you should not change the "sharename" under NFS setup (i.e. use tvixhd1 sharename).

Still have to try out 1.9.5 (was planned for yesterday, but too many things went wrong with one of my PC's and also my NAS... almost had to reinstall Xp... good thing I had a pretty recent restore point)

Anyone got dynamic samba shares to work. Tried it in 1.9.2b(?), but didn't try hard enough. Do you still need the guest account enabled in order to use Samba?
Hopefully they will implement username/pw into both the NFS and Samba setup. Not just the changeable sharename. For us with a more rigid security system ;)

DVDwizard

10-26-06, 08:56 AM

Do you still need the guest account enabled in order to use Samba?
Yes, it still has to be guest access (for SMB or NFS). But at least you can specify the mountpoint and share name now.

DVDwizard

10-26-06, 11:44 AM

Here's a new note from the TVIX site about the limit of 30 icons. Looks like a fix is coming.

Hello,

We just fixed this bug, and this will be included in next release. You can see all icons regardless of the number of icons.

However, folder.png will not work on current version and this will be fixed on next release.

Regards,
Eric

Noony

10-26-06, 12:04 PM

Do you still need the guest account enabled in order to use Samba?

I've just disabled the Guest account and SAMBA and NFS both work!!

Noony

10-26-06, 12:06 PM

Found an answer to my NFS problem. Netshare does not work with windows 2k server. Tesed it with windows 2k pro and it works fine!

Glen Graham

10-26-06, 05:22 PM

When you use the Readynas you can use NFS as stated. I use my tvix directly to the ReadyNas (X6). I have set up the tvix to access using NFS and have specified the media share also. On the Readynas you only need to make a new user named tvixhd1, with similar password.

Yeah... last night did not work out so well for me. On my ReadyNAS, I created a tvixhd1 share. Then tried to create the user, and it said it could not (I guess you can't have a user the same name as a share?).

My unit came with 1.6.8 firmware. I think the manual was for much older, as setup only had 2 icons (AV & misc - network was in misc).

From the manual, it looks like the username is tvixuser (not ...hd1). Created that.

Out of frustration, because I hated having to go from downstairs (computer room) to upstairs (theater), I brought my laptop in with me. I eventually got the TVIX to connect to the laptop and updated the firmware.

All during this, and with the new firmware, never did my Netgear router acknowledge that it had a device attached (in its admin screens). Sure, the light was on. I could PING the darn TVIX from my laptop, but could not see it in the router.

Weird.

Could not get the TVIX to connect to the ReadyNAS. Will try again tonight with a fresh attitude... and a fresh margarita.

Oh yeah. I could only get the TVIX to connect to my projector in 480p mode. 720p and 480i both produced blank or messed up screens.

Hmmm... now that I think about it, I may have the HDMI port on my projector set to expect 480 (ie, have my projector doing the upscaling). Will have to check that out...

tolax

10-26-06, 06:20 PM

The new jpg feature seals this for me. It means the wife and kids will like it and also it gives me some fun graphic stuff to play around with. :)

I would really like h.264 support but if the updated model isn't here till next year then I'll just bite the bullet now. Checking on usenet most of the HD stuff is still not h264 yet so middle of next year would be okay I think.

Hmmmmm Did some searching on the internet and mpcclub.net are reporting that there is a TIVX 4000 model due in November. This seems to be the same spec as the 5000 but in a 3000 case.

Anyone know about this - confirmed details availability etc?

Also which hard drive is recommended. I'm guessing Seagates looking at the DigitalConnection website.

Thanks

Darebear

10-26-06, 07:43 PM

I have a question that I haven't seen addressed anywhere.

Will the M-5000U mount and play cue/wav audio CD images?

tolax

10-27-06, 01:21 AM

So from reading this and various other forums is the general consensus as to the next TVIX releases.....

4000 - Nov 06 - Should have same functions as 5000 but in a 3000 form factor and possible cheaper (website saying Nov 10th - http://www.webhallen.com/prod.php?id=65089)

5001 - Early 07 - Some h.264 functionality but basically same as 5000 features

5500 - Summer 07 - full h.264 functionality plus maybe wireless built in

Anyone care to comment (especially from Digital Connection) :)

Crivens

10-27-06, 03:09 AM

5001 - Early 07Unless they changed the name it should be 5101. Wonder why they didn't call the 5500 the 5200 or somesuch. Obvious upgrade path for quite a while then...

Cheers

oferlaor

10-27-06, 03:19 AM

I can only hope that the FFMPEG/MENCODER fellas will issue a fix to their codec to work with PAFF encoded files - which will let free converters like SUPER convert H264 content to DIVX and make the need for native H264 support a lot less critical...

TPeterson

10-27-06, 03:33 AM

Predicting the schedule of unreleased DViCo products is a fool's errand. ;)

Meenenator

10-27-06, 04:06 AM

Yeah... last night did not work out so well for me. On my ReadyNAS, I created a tvixhd1 share. Then tried to create the user, and it said it could not (I guess you can't have a user the same name as a share?).

My unit came with 1.6.8 firmware. I think the manual was for much older, as setup only had 2 icons (AV & misc - network was in misc).

From the manual, it looks like the username is tvixuser (not ...hd1). Created that.

Out of frustration, because I hated having to go from downstairs (computer room) to upstairs (theater), I brought my laptop in with me. I eventually got the TVIX to connect to the laptop and updated the firmware.

All during this, and with the new firmware, never did my Netgear router acknowledge that it had a device attached (in its admin screens). Sure, the light was on. I could PING the darn TVIX from my laptop, but could not see it in the router.

Weird.

Could not get the TVIX to connect to the ReadyNAS. Will try again tonight with a fresh attitude... and a fresh margarita.

Oh yeah. I could only get the TVIX to connect to my projector in 480p mode. 720p and 480i both produced blank or messed up screens.

Hmmm... now that I think about it, I may have the HDMI port on my projector set to expect 480 (ie, have my projector doing the upscaling). Will have to check that out...

Sorry to hear about your trouble.
The Readynas (I will call it NV) can not have both a tvixhd1 share and user as you experienced. Remove the share, and create a user...
In FW1.9.x you no longer need to specify a tvixhd1 share on the NV.

So in order to get it to work:
1. Remove the tvixhd1 share (just keep you default media share if that is what you normally use)
2. Create a user on NV called tvixhd1 with same PW.
3. On the tvix, select NFS and change the default tvixhd1 sharename to media (which is the default NV media share, or change it to whatever you are using on the NV)
3.1 You might need to specify the IP-adress of your NV (which you are using fixed IP on, right? (if not it is reccomended)) (can't remember if you need to specify IP adress for NFS, or if its only for Samba, could be both)
4. Save it and maybe reboot the tvix.
5. It should work now...

Not sure if I can help you with your PJ trouble. But it do sounds a bit weird that you can specify the pJ to only accept 480p over HDMI. If you can, set it to Auto. My PJ accepts everything I throw at it from the tvix (Tx200) (although I've been using a VP30 for a while now, but have been using a direct DVI-HDMI cable from tvix to PJ also). Check your settings...

Good luck... and in any case you brought some margaritas...

M.

danton1

10-27-06, 07:39 AM

I have installed the new 195 firmware. Can I connect the tvix to a dreambox and see the ts movies I have on the dreambox hardisk ?

Mvh/Danton

tolax

10-27-06, 02:57 PM

Does anyone have this working 'on it's side'?

My AV cabinet has 6" shelves and this seems to be about 7.25" high. Hence I was wondering if I could just lie it flat instead.

thanks

svr

10-27-06, 04:47 PM

I want to let you know about my TviX experience. I got my TViX from Digital Connection, LLC a couple of days ago. My configuration was a TViX M5000-A, although Digital Connection swore that they dont sell M5000-A. (They told me that they only sold M5000U). Well.. anyways. I was using component video and Digital Coax out. I have a Pioneer Elite Receiver and a DVDO. I have an NEC Plasmasync. I previously owned a Roku Photobridge which died and hence the TViX. The DVDO takes the receiver in, and upscales the input.

I was most interested in the IFO file support.

I was able to get the TViX do to most of everything except the functionality that I wanted most; playing IFO files so that I could navigate the ripped DVDs on my Video server. The TViX was just hanging when I played the IFO files.

The quality of the JPEG photographs, was not that great. Also their configuration does not allow us to browse the disks as we want them. I have about six disks that have media files and once I see them in TViX I should be able to navigate the disks for specific media files. Since I had more than what I could configure in their network settings, four to be precise, I decided to make symbolic links in /tvixhd1 directory to see if the player would follow the symbolic links; nope it did not. I then decided to create a directory called /tvixhd1 and make subdirectories from disk1 thru disk6 and mount all my disks in these directories and exported /tvixhd1. This did not work either. I tried Samba settings as well after modifying my video server, a Linux box, to do Samba instead of NFS. This did not work as well. I gave up and finally returned my player because of very poor support.

I am hoping that people would benefit from this experience.

Ramesh

macattackman

10-27-06, 04:57 PM

I just received my Tvix from Digital Connection today as well and it's acting a little weird.
I've upgraded to 1.95 and enabled 1080p, which works on my DVI2 port (I have a westy 42, no luck on DVI1), anyway, the boot process seems to take about 2 minutes until I can do anything and I'm experiencing random freezes -- is this a symptom of the 1.95 firmware? The remote also winds up being unresponsive and sometimes has serious lags... So far, not so impressed...

TPeterson

10-27-06, 06:49 PM

Two minutes seems a rather long time for rebooting. Perhaps your upgrade didn't go well? I suggest trying that again. Also, you might want to try a different display option, such as component or svideo, just to make sure that the DVI connection isn't causing some of the weirdness.

Guy Kuo

10-27-06, 07:39 PM

20 to 30 seconds would be more normal boot time. At least that is what I see on my unit.

BTW, if you happen to be a Mac OSX user, "myDVDEdit" is a must have application for correcting Video_ts folders that don't play correctly on the TVIX. I had quite a few that worked fine under Apple's DVD player or Nice Player, but would produce a blank, black screen on TVIX. After letting myDVDEdit do its automatic correction and saving the results, those bad folders now work correctly on TVIX. The tool works fast and can operate in situ on the TVIX FAT32 drive. It also lets one enable user operations. Just 10 to 15 seconds per folder are needed to get things fixed up and saved back out.

DVDwizard

10-27-06, 07:40 PM

the boot process seems to take about 2 minutes until I can do anything and I'm experiencing random freezes
I second the suggestion to try the firmware recovery procedure and re-install the new version.

Two minutes to start up is way too long. I've timed my unit and it starts up, ready to play, in 28 seconds or less.

I'd also examine your network settings, both on the TVIX and your server. The long delay could be caused by the TVIX attempting to communicate with your server, but not being able to.

macattackman

10-27-06, 08:31 PM

If by firmware recovery mode, you mean the safe mode upgrading, I can't get the unit to display anything other than "USB ON". I've installed an IDE drive in and am redownloading the 1.95 firmware .. I'll first try the 1.73 firmware and then move back to 1.95.

The network settings seem to be correct -- but everytime I go into the network settings to set my nfs address and attempt to back out, the unit freezes -- 100% reproducible.

I'll flash back to 1.73 and see if I can get to 1.95 without a problem.

Thanks..

macattackman

10-27-06, 09:09 PM

Interesting, 1.73 boots within 28 seconds or so but the network connection is hosed.
I'm running sveasoft on my router and have assigned a static IP address -- it gets it fine along with the subnetmask/dns server but anytime i attempt to access the network, it freezes.. the initial firmware version worked fine [though i didn't write down what it was]

Edit: NFS/Samba don't make a difference either.

Edit 2: Rebooted twice and suddenly it has found my network and was able to stream a single ISO and then ISO streaming stopped..

Ok, I think it's possessed....

macattackman

10-28-06, 08:03 AM

1.73 and 1.95 are now working perfectly in 720p -- DVDs stream from the network without issue. However, I have 2 problems:

-If I set it to 1080p, I wind up getting green sparklies on the screen [I have a 42" Westy and only DVI2 works, DVI1 flashes a discolored screen]

-If I'm in either 1080p or 1080i: I get a one inch column on the right of the screen which is unused -- e.g. the picture moves to the left and I have a black vertical bar.

Looks like this unit might have to go back :(

am1968

10-28-06, 09:29 AM

-If I'm in either 1080p or 1080i: I get a one inch column on the right of the screen which is unused -- e.g. the picture moves to the left and I have a black vertical bar.

Looks like this unit might have to go back :(

Have you tried using the scroll funtion to move the screen to the right.

macattackman

10-28-06, 10:05 AM

Have you tried using the scroll funtion to move the screen to the right.

Thanks for the tip, I just tried it and it fills the screen, however, where the black vertical bar was, the image looks like it's being seen through strong prescription eyeglasses -- all blurry. An interesting side effect of moving the screen is that the green sparkles seem to have been minimized a little bit.. I've tried 1080i/720p and the blurry vertical bar is in all resolutions... The green sparklies are just in 1080p

am1968

10-28-06, 10:10 AM

Thanks for the tip, I just tried it and it fills the screen, however, where the black vertical bar was, the image looks like it's being seen through strong prescription eyeglasses -- all blurry. An interesting side effect of moving the screen is that the green sparkles seem to have been minimized a little bit.. I've tried 1080i/720p and the blurry vertical bar is in all resolutions... The green sparklies are just in 1080p

Another option would be to access the tv's service menu if possible.

I had a similar problem with a vertical bar on the left, but this could not be removed by scrolling with the Tvix. I used the horizontal setting of the tv and shifted the whole picture left to remove the black bar.

macattackman

10-28-06, 10:55 AM

I decided to give component cables a try and to my surprise, I was able to select 1080p(DVI) and it is passing the signal. The westy says: 1920x1080, no vertical blurry bar and not green sparklies...

patja

10-28-06, 11:14 AM

Green sparklies on DVI are usually due to the cable. If your cable isn't up to the bandwidth requirements of the higher resolutions you will see green sparklies at higer res

oferlaor

10-28-06, 02:28 PM

I saw lots of problems with 1080P output, lots of green sparkies. Nothing to do with cables, it's the unit that simply can't do 1080P well...

am1968

10-28-06, 02:58 PM

I saw lots of problems with 1080P output, lots of green sparkies. Nothing to do with cables, it's the unit that simply can't do 1080P well...

Does this include WMV HD @1080P... because all the ones i've tried have played perfectly.

tolax

10-28-06, 09:36 PM

Apologies if this is a daft question - just wanted a reality check.....

On my XP PC I have pics in the standard C Drive 'My Pictures'. Movies though are on a D:\movies and music in the cunningly called d:\Albums. :)

Just ordered a TIVX 5000 from DC. Should be here mid-week. I'm installing a 400Mb HD in it but I also wanted to access the above directories via the network. Is this possible? (I read something about 2 shares limit).

Has anyone put together an idiots guide to configuring your Windows PC for the TIVX box to access it? I see SAMBA, NFS, SMB mentioned as well as various servers mentioned. A quick point in the right direction (i.e. most people are using protocol X and running server Y would be good enough - I'll happily search after that). Or 'it's all in the manual when it arrives' is a good answer as well. :)

Glen Graham

10-28-06, 10:48 PM

I am having severe issues with my TVIX displaying anything except 480p - with DVI output (converted to HDMI, and passed over a cable that my DVD player can easily do 720 & 1080 upsampling)

480i results in a blank screen

720p results in a 1/2 height screen, overlayed on top of the previous 480p screen.

Blech.

I am using a 30-foot Blue Jeans HDMI cable (very thick, high guage) that has never had any issues with 480/720 or 1080. I bought a Monster (blech-overpriced, but all I could get a the last minute) DVI-to-HDMI converter.

As a last resort, I will try putting the TVIX up on the shelf in the back of the room next to the projector, and using a 6-foot HDMI cable. A horrible solution, but I will at least test it. I am not confident, as my 30' ($150) HDMI cable has no issues with any other device.

For DVD ISO images, it is not a huge issue - but I am sure that my Panny projector does de-interlacing better. DVD ISO images look quite noticeably worse than my Panny DVD player.

However, for JPG slideshows, the TVIX downconverts my 5-MP image to 480-lines, then my projector upconverts it to 720-lines. The lack of quality is very noticeable on a 133" screen.

Crivens

10-29-06, 06:07 AM

Nothing to do with cables, it's the unit that simply can't do 1080P well...What makes you say that? Google HDMI sparkles and pretty much everyone says it is the cable. Not just Tvix but anything with HDMI. Considering we have people on this forum who have said they have 1080p working perfectly over HDMI with the Tvix then either it's the cable (and it happens with a lot of cables by the look of it), or it's only on a percentage of Tvixs and happens to totally replicate a well known problem with HDMI cables.

Cheers

macattackman

10-29-06, 06:14 AM

I've tried 2 DVI-D cables which I had purchased from monoprice and both produced the green sparkles at 1080p. I also wind up with the one inch black/blurry vertical bar on the right hand side of the screen (regardless of resolution). I doubt it's my DVI ports as I've hooked up an upscaling DVD player and set it to 1080i on my monitor (using the same cables) and it worked fine. Perhaps my DVI port needs to be fixed on the TViX? and perhaps the monoprice DVI cables don't pass 1080p reliably? Seems I have 2 problems with the unit...

KenC

10-29-06, 07:26 AM

macattackman,

Do you have any HDMI switcher in the path? If you do, that could be contributing to the sparkles.

macattackman

10-29-06, 07:58 AM

Nope, I go directly into my DVI port on the back of my Westy 42

am1968

10-29-06, 08:43 AM

Some posters in this thread are having the same problems with green sparklies....looks like it could be your tv/monitor.

http://avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=689997

Crivens

10-29-06, 09:09 AM

Could easily be a problem with the Tvix. Not saying it isn't. Just there seems to be an awful amount of stuff on the web about HDMI cables and sparkles. Heard about it way before I got a Tvix. I'm guessing that if it is a problem with the Tvix then it probably isn't a design problem as people on this thread have got it working even at 1080p apparently. Perhaps something wrong with the hardware in your unit? I know I get a tiny amount of red sparkles on my HS50 projector when using 720p on my Tvix but put it down to the cheapy DVI-HDMI cable I have. I actually have 2 other Tvixs so I may give them a go too. Although if I get the same effect on all then it doesn't clear the cable or Tvix I suppose. Would be interesting if one of the Tvixs didn't do sparkles with the same cable though...

Cheers

macattackman

10-29-06, 09:41 AM

I'm beginning to think it is the TViX. I have a Dell XPS with a DVI output, so I hooked it up to DVI1 and was able to pump out 1920x1080 without a single sparklie showing up on the screen -- the picture was crisp and the colors popped -- no issues on the edge of the screen either.

gkinma

10-29-06, 05:55 PM

I see the same issue with my MG350-HD, which uses the same chip set as the Tvix 5000. I atually had to return one unit because the DVI output at 720p/1080i was definitely bad. This was using the same cables, on two sets, that work perfectly with a hi def cable box and PC. I believe there IS an issue with the DVI output of the Sigma chip set. It's beautiful at 480p over dvi, and beautiful at 720p/1080i over component. But the 720p/1080i over DVI gives occasional sparlies and color flashes, as well a a synch problem on one of the two tvs. This was deifnitely NOT a DVI or DVI-HDMI problem, but a problem with the unit itself.

Guy Kuo

10-29-06, 06:14 PM

Working nicely here with a 500 GB Maxtor drive locally inside the TVIX and streaming two NFS mount points that are hosted on an old G4 PowerMac. Setup of the NFS shares on the Mac wasn't exactly the most intuitive process, but it works great once accomplished. This also means I could use regular HFS+ volumes on the Mac instead of dealing with SAMBA. The drive inside the TVIX still has to be FAT32, but it too can be written/read by my Macs.

All in all, the TVIX is working well, does decent scaling to 720P and passes BTB and WTW signals via DVI.

TPeterson

10-29-06, 06:38 PM

Does that mean that you cannot use the Mack to format or read/write NTFS volumes, since the TViX has no problem using NTFS?

Guy Kuo

10-29-06, 06:54 PM

Macs can only READ NTFS. Can't write to NTFS because that is a close Windows only format that hasn't been "cracked." For cross platform drives, you end up having to use FAT32 as the format for R/W access. That works, but it's a bit messy and slower than using native Mac HFS+ volumes.

Ultimately, it is not a problem because most of my content is on the NFS server Mac. There I can use native HFS+ and take advantage my usual set of system tools. So in terms of day to day, the lack of NTFS capability is not a real problem when streaming from a Mac running OSX with NFS shares.

Meenenator

10-30-06, 03:53 AM

Hmmm? This is weird... A lot of people have problems with 720/1080i/1080p.
Is it with the new FW?
I have mine since 1.7ish and have had no problems at all with either 480p/720p/1080i (up to 1.9.5 now) Haven't tried that much with 1080p since my VP30 do not accept 1080p input (but I seem to recall that I have tried it using a direct cable to my 720p PJ which accept 1080p.

Weird....
Could it be a bad batch you guys are having (with some defect chip(s) in them)?

It plays everything I throw at it (incl. .ISO, .IFO and all the other stuff). It does well on HD to both 720p and 1080i material. Although I need to use NFS to get by without hickups on HD.
Don't know why people are saying Samba is better. In my setup, its not.

The only thing I still need to figure out, is Samba access to one of my shares. I have yet to enable the guest account. However, I can see the share, and its content but it is not playable. I can browse folders etc, but again nothing is playable. I haven't tried enabling guest account since my trials with 1.9.0 (on 1.9.5 now).
Nothing major. I use NFS most of the time. And 95% of my stuff is on a Readynas w/NFS and I'm happy with that.

When doing photos (having a 7.2Mpix camera) I select 720p output from the tvix to minimize any scaling effects. It think it looks superb.

Have you guys addressed these issues (1080i/p) to DVICo? They are quite helpful.

One more thing that is worth mentioning. When upgrading from 1.9.0 to 1.9.5 none of my settings was lost. They all retained their values throughout the upgrade. A new feature, or just because I upgraded from 1.9.0 to 1.9.5 (which is almost identical)?

M.

Kaizen28

10-30-06, 09:52 PM

Hi All

After scanning this forum for months I am now the proud owner of the TViX 5000A. I'm running it with 1.9.5 as a discless unit with my content stored on an Infrant ReadNAS X6.

My needs are quite simple and I'm running the TViX at 1080i over component inputs into a SONY Bravia KVL-46V2500. With one minor setup hiccup the device is performing beautfully.

However, I just can't seem to get the bookmark feature to work. When I stop the playback of an AVI file, pressing the bookmark key shows nothing. If I play the file from the start and press the GOTO button, I seen the time mark of wher I last stopped and can jump to it. However, if I put the unit in standby all this information is lost.

What am I doing wrong?

jofa

10-31-06, 02:28 AM

You're not doing anything wrong I guess.
This was written for firmware 1.3.6 (in fact it was carved in stone since it was soooo long ago):
[ 10 ] Network Bookmark Function has been Blocked

(It has been blocked because the Bookmark function would not work if the Network were not connected after rebooting.)

I can't recall reading anything about this having been changed....
Anyone with other info?
/J

oferlaor

10-31-06, 08:49 AM

bookmarks still only work on the internal drive.

This behavior has not changed since the addition of bookmarks...

Kaizen28

10-31-06, 12:30 PM

Bugger

originalsnuffy

10-31-06, 03:01 PM

Going back to the Westinghouse 42 inch problem; there is a vaguely familiar thread on the topic in the Denon 3806 forum.

(No I don't have the Westinghouse, just trying to help out).

tolax

10-31-06, 03:13 PM

I'm getting the TVIX tomorrow (via DC)

Looking at my archives most of my movies are in avi format and consist of two 700 mb files

so

my movie part 1.avi (700Mb)
my movie part 2.avi (700Mb)

On the tvix if both files are in the same directory will it play both automatically or will I have to join them together?

Also I want to put images in for each file - would this be another good reason to join the files?

Glen Graham

10-31-06, 04:06 PM

bookmarks still only work on the internal drive.

Shhhh.... Don't tell that to my TVix!

At least, I had assumed it was bookmarks...

I am only using ISO DVD images from my ReadyNAS, and when I stop a movie, and hit play, it goes right back to the same spot.

I'll have to play around some more, and I'll see if it works after exiting entirely (I don't remember if I stopped the ISO, but I think I did). I didn't push anything - in fact, I haven't noticed a bookmark button yet :)

If I get a chance to play with it this evening (Halloween), I'll try to resume the Spongebob Squarepants movie my daughter was watching the other day...

However, my main goal is to figure out if my TVIX is bad. It will only display 480p via DVI (HDMI). I am going to move it to the back of the room, next to the projector, and use a 6-foot cable and see if it still has problems. My 30-foot cable works perfectly with my Panasonic S97 DVD player set to 720p, and even 1080i...

Crivens

11-01-06, 03:36 AM

On the tvix if both files are in the same directory will it play both automatically or will I have to join them together?Yes, it will play the 2nd one once the 1st has finished. You will have a small gap though between the two files, and perhaps a "No subtitles" type message on the screen for a second or so (like when you first play a video). Either use a video joiner program to make one big avi, or send a support request to Tvix asking for an option to not show anything between files (so more like the pause you get on DVD layer changes, but slightly longer). They may do it.

Cheers

Meenenator

11-01-06, 03:43 AM

Yes, it will play the 2nd one once the 1st has finished. You will have a small gap though between the two files, and perhaps a "No subtitles" type message on the screen for a second or so (like when you first play a video). Either use a video joiner program to make one big avi, or send a support request to Tvix asking for an option to not show anything between files (so more like the pause you get on DVD layer changes, but slightly longer). They may do it.

Cheers
As far as my experience goes this is correct. One thing Crivens did not mention explicitly was that the lag between the two files are very short (much shorter than the time it takes to start the first file). So it seems it does some form of buffering of the second file.

I personally haven't bothered with joining files since the gap is so short. Not worth all the time it takes to join them, and the hassle if you indeed have subtitles for each file.
Probably no biggie to do it, but I never got around to master it fully. Although I had my share inside VirtualDub and other joiner tools in the past ;)

Meenenator

11-01-06, 04:09 AM

However, my main goal is to figure out if my TVIX is bad. It will only display 480p via DVI (HDMI). I am going to move it to the back of the room, next to the projector, and use a 6-foot cable and see if it still has problems. My 30-foot cable works perfectly with my Panasonic S97 DVD player set to 720p, and even 1080i...
Glen,

What type of PJ do you use? What you have described in previous posts sounds weird.
I am assuming it is of at least 720p or higher.
I am also assuming that it works rather well using your DVD player.

Have you tried setting the PJ to auto for the resolution. You do not need to configure the PJ to 480/720 etc. You do that on the source (DVD/tvix) and the PJ will do the scaling if appropriate.
Assuming you have a 1280x720 LCD there should be no rescaling if you are feeding it 720p (at least I'm assuming that).
You could have a 1280x768 PJ, and if feeding 720p to it, it will rescale to 768.
If you have any other native resolution on your PJ (f.ex 960x540) it will rescale. As long as you are feeding it its native resolution it should not rescale.
Have you btw set it up using DVE etc, and checked if you indeed are bypassing its internal scaling. Check pixel mapping. Keystone will also do some nasty stuff if enabled/used. I was unable to get pixel mapping as long as keystone was used.
However, what you describes doesn't sounds like a keystone-issue.

I personally (as mentioned before) is using a TX-200 (1280x720) and a DVDO VP30. The Tx200 is set to auto, and I'm using the HDMI input. I have perfect pixel mapping using 720 output from the VP30.
When playing around with the tvix output I can verify on the VP30 what resolution its receiving. When using 480p, it says 720x480, when using 720p it says 1280x720 and so on.

So indulge us with info about your PJ.
Maybe Oferlaor could contribute? He knows this stuff very well.

And again, good luck!

tolax

11-01-06, 11:38 AM

Crivens, Meenenator - Thanks for the response much appreciated

Crivens

11-01-06, 03:07 PM

I have a Sony HS50 projector which can do 720p. I have a small amount of red sparkles with my lounge Tvix, but I need to experiment with my other 2 Tvix's, and perhaps another DVI->HDMI cable to see if this fixes the problem.

Cheers

Meenenator

11-02-06, 05:09 AM

Did a very short test yesterday.
I changed from 480/576p (which I always use for SD since my VP does the scaling to 720p) to 720p and 1080i.
As said before the VP30 reported 1280x720, and 1920x1080i as inputs. No red dots, no green stuff. Everything ok...

I am using a DVI-HDMI cable (3") from svideo.com (Great cable. Cheap($8), free shipping worldwide and works very well). Check it out if you need more cables (they do not advertise anywhere, but are using word-of-mouth (just as I'm doing now))
From the VP30 I use a 11m (or is it 12m?) Supra HDMI-HDMI cable to my TX-200.
Have verified it on 1080p 50and60Hz. No issues.
That said, I think I read somewhere that the VP30 has a strong signal output on HDMI (so it might help). Denon is said to have a very weak signal output.

Are the latter tvixs from a bad batch, since it does seem like a few people lately (with newly acquired units) have problems.
Had mine since early summer.

Crivens

11-02-06, 12:18 PM

I will have to check my other 2 Tvixs. The first two were from a few months ago now, but the one connected to the projector is only a couple of weeks old.

Cheers

mkerdman

11-02-06, 01:26 PM

Is the playback hardware in the TViX HD M-5000U Media Player similar to the MyHD Card?

Aside from the obvious functional differences between a media player and a PC, does the TViX HD M-5000U Media Player have the same superior hardware decoding playback of HD video streams?

TPeterson

11-02-06, 01:48 PM

Murray--

In essence, the answer to your question is "yes", although the actual hardware is quite different between TViX and MyHD. The TViX chips are a much newer design, but do have hardware MPEG2 decoding and also lower power (I think). There isn't a lot of headroom for networking tasks during MPEG2 rendering with the TViX. But it does render up to 1920x1080p very smoothly when network handling doesn't get in the way (i.e., from its HDD or USB ports or with NFS networking).

originalsnuffy

11-02-06, 03:00 PM

I decided that fooling around with network streaming using a wireless box is silly except for low bit rate material. For my setup, a big hard drive is the way to go. So I just ordered a really big Seagate hard drive (750!). I hope the amazon "partner" is reliable (the reviews seemed pretty good). The price was reasonable ($336 including 4-10 day shipping).

I figure that I can stuff up the baby pretty good with all that storage. I'll probably allocate about half to audio, half to video. If I recall, the unit pauses between tracks, so I suppose I'll have to use a music editor to connect up tracks for albums with index marks but the music does not pause (Dark Side of the Moon, etc.).

pantherman007

11-02-06, 06:15 PM

I decided that fooling around with network streaming using a wireless box is silly except for low bit rate material. For my setup, a big hard drive is the way to go.

I'm trying another route - UPS should be dropping off my first TViX and a pair of Netgear 200Mbps powerline networking adapters today. I know I won't get anywhere near 200 Mbps in practice, but I'm hoping its fast enough to stream high bit rate movies and HD from my NAS unit instead of duplicating the files to a local (TViX) drive.

Dallas_Native

11-02-06, 10:54 PM

I'm trying another route - UPS should be dropping off my first TViX and a pair of Netgear 200Mbps powerline networking adapters today. I know I won't get anywhere near 200 Mbps in practice, but I'm hoping its fast enough to stream high bit rate movies and HD from my NAS unit instead of duplicating the files to a local (TViX) drive.

I am using the Netgear powerline adapters with my TVIX and they work perfectly. I stream HD content from my HTPC upstairs to my HDTV downstairs without a problem. You will not be disappointed.

BTW, I hooked my Powerbook up to the Netgear adapter and was amazed how much faster it was using the powerline adapter over wireless.

My success with the TVIX has encouraged me to purchase an HDV camcorder since the TVIX will play the videos beautifully on my Mitsubishi HDTV. (Tested many, many clips from the internet prior to purchasing) I have one external USB hard drive dedicated to my HDV Home Videos.

Mike

KenC

11-03-06, 12:30 AM

Glen Graham

11-03-06, 01:11 AM

Have you tried setting the PJ to auto for the resolution. You do not need to configure the PJ to 480/720 etc. You do that on the source (DVD/tvix) and the PJ will do the scaling if appropriate.
Assuming you have a 1280x720 LCD there should be no rescaling if you are feeding it 720p (at least I'm assuming that).

Thanks for your help! My projector is a Panasonic AE-700, and I had a quick look the other day and could not find anything I could change to tell it what resolution it was receiving... it just accepted anything I sent it.

That matches what I remember from when I bought my Panasonic S-97 DVD player... I set the player to 480, 720, and even 1080 -- and never had to change anything on the projector. It just automatically adjusted for what it gets.

I could be wrong. I have not had time to play with my TVIX this week. Yeah, it is sad - I have a great theater, but honestly, we maybe only watch 1 movie a week in there. With a 2-year-old daughter, we spend a lot of time with her in the evenings, and when she goes to bed, we often aren't in the mood for a whole movie - so we watch TiVo stuff downstairs instead.

I hope to spend a couple of hours with my TVIX and try different HDMI cables to figure out what is wrong...

Glen Graham

11-03-06, 02:00 AM

So I just ordered a really big Seagate hard drive (750!). I hope the amazon "partner" is reliable (the reviews seemed pretty good). The price was reasonable ($336 including 4-10 day shipping).

For those interested in these drives, California (and some of the rest of the US) has a retail store called Fry's Electronics.

They've owned Outpost.com for several years, and have just launched their own store, an outpost clone (same login) at www.frys.com

The 750 GB SATA drive was $299 last week, with free shipping.

I emphasize it is a large, West-coast retail store, so their website is extremely trustworthy, since they have a large physical presence. The parallel version, in their store, was $20 cheaper than the serial.

Meenenator

11-03-06, 04:54 AM

Thanks for your help! My projector is a Panasonic AE-700, and I had a quick look the other day and could not find anything I could change to tell it what resolution it was receiving... it just accepted anything I sent it.

That matches what I remember from when I bought my Panasonic S-97 DVD player... I set the player to 480, 720, and even 1080 -- and never had to change anything on the projector. It just automatically adjusted for what it gets.

I could be wrong. I have not had time to play with my TVIX this week. Yeah, it is sad - I have a great theater, but honestly, we maybe only watch 1 movie a week in there. With a 2-year-old daughter, we spend a lot of time with her in the evenings, and when she goes to bed, we often aren't in the mood for a whole movie - so we watch TiVo stuff downstairs instead.

I hope to spend a couple of hours with my TVIX and try different HDMI cables to figure out what is wrong...
Glad to be of help. I know how frustration it is when nothing works, and I use this and other forums extensively when I'm in trouble.
And most of the time someone need to have trouble, and someone needs to answer it in order for me to be found... so...

Anyway. Your PJ is 1280x720. The best you can do is to check which one of your devices does the scaling best.
Since you are also using your S-97 in 720p it seems to me that you are not using the PJ for scaling.
The tvix is not bad in its scaling (it is not that difficult to scale to 720p). De-interlacing is another matter, but not much choice when using HDMI (only 480p ->).
I would try with setting the tvix to 1280x720p and go from there.
According to the simple manual (AE-700) I found it should accept 480, 576i/p, 720p and 1080i.

Do you have any HD material to try it with? There should be plenty out there you can download w/o DRM (trailers etc). At least you can check with full 720p.

Are you using the AutoPal function or just NTSC? I recon you only need to worry about NTSC... (I'm in PALland so I need to consider both). I have it enabled and it works fairly well.

I have also made an .ISO of my DVE DVD, and run it on the tvix. Esp. to check my set-up and to adjust contrast, brightness etc. (I could check my settings if you would like them... not sure if they would be useful to you, but tell me if you need them).

Well, give it a go and good luck.
I don't watch that many movies myself (mostly since I want the whole thing in one go, and as you mentioned, often you need to stop halfway...). Episodes are less timeconsuming in one go so I prefer those... ;)

M.

mexiace

11-03-06, 02:42 PM

Just received my new Tivx 5000A. Nice little unit. I had a question that may have already been answered. I am looking to create images of my dvds as wallpapers. Tivx has a feature in which you can name a jpg tivx.jpg and place it in a folder. Is there a place on the net to download dvd images that can possibly be used for this purpose. It would be a nice feature.

tolax

11-03-06, 02:53 PM

Just got mine this week as well. Spent last night grabbing DVD covers from Amazon - click on bigger image of DVD cover then save as to get the image. Only thing to watch is that the JPG is case sensitive so must match exactly your file name.

Crivens is writing an app to do all this automatically. Not sure of the status of that though.

Hope this helps

olax

pantherman007

11-03-06, 05:17 PM

I am also using TVIX M5000 in my home network that has three Netgear HDX101 Powerline ethernet adapters. My Netgear utility tells me that the worst of the three has Tx rate of 18Mbps and Rx rate of 40Mbps at my router side where TVIX is attached to. Rates on the adapter hooked up to ReadyNAS NV are: Tx at 108 Mbps and Rx at 100 Mbps. My PC side has Rx and Tx rate of 200 Mbps.

Using these, I sometimes get couple of short dropouts when streaming DVD ISO from my ReadyNAS NV. Not bad. The powerline adapter is rated at 200Mbps but I think that is the ideal case and your actual rates could be significantly lower. Still, I am very impressed with ease of use -- you just plug it in, that's it!

Glad to hear that all the pieces are working well together. I got the M5000 unboxed and updated to the latest firmware last night, and got some video to play from a local hard drive that's installed temporarily.

Then jumped into the network side for a bit. Changed the ReadyNAS NV from share to User mode, added a user with tvixhd1 (name and PW), entered the NV's IP (static) into the M5000 with NFS, and set (I think) the mountpoint to "media". No dice - "unable to connect to disk" or something like that. It was getting late and I gave up.

Before I jump back into this tonight, are there any obvious things to look at? There's an earlier post that says "tvixuser" might be what's necessary on the ReadyNAS. ??? I was also thinking that either the NV account or the M5000 settings might be case-sensitive and I could have capitalized something. Or there might be some lingering settings wrong on the NV after switching from Share to User security mode.

KenC

11-03-06, 05:47 PM

pantherman007,

These are my ReadyNAS NV and TVIX settings:

ReadyNAS NV (RAIDiator™ v3.00c1-p2): Under Shares -> Share List, share name is media with no password
TVIX (Firmware 1.9.5): Under Network -> Network Disk 1, Server Name is media with Server IP equal to static IP address of ReadyNAS NV

Glen Graham

11-04-06, 01:59 AM

I have my ReadyNAS set to share mode. I originally posted about "tvixuser" - which did not work.

Using the latest firmware (1.9.5), you no longer need a "tvixhd1" share. Thus, you create the user "tvixhd1" and password "tvixhd1" on the ReadyNAS.

Add that user to any share you want it to access.

TVIX setup: Have your ReadyNAS set to a static IP (so it never changes). Go into the TVIX network setup, and give it a static IP address as well (ensure you exclude these static IP addresses from your router).

From the TVIX network setup, go into the first network share. Set the "name" to be the share name on the ReadyNAS, and use its IP address.

I have 3 separate shares on my ReadyNAS set up in my TVIX:
music
photos
video
(all with the same IP - the ReadyNAS IP).

I do not have a local hard drive, nor any USB drives. I can access all music, movies & photos from my TVIX.

I hope this helps!

ajs6000

11-04-06, 07:58 AM

For info: Beta 1.9.8 is available on the FTP site:-

ftp://ftp.dvico.com/Products/TViX/FirmWare/M-5000/Beta/

This fixes the icon display issue.

DVDwizard

11-04-06, 10:12 AM

Yup, the cover art/icon feature seems to work nicely in the new beta.

Guess I'll be spending my morning finishing up all the icons. :)

pantherman007

11-04-06, 01:47 PM

For info: Beta 1.9.8 is available on the FTP site:-

ftp://ftp.dvico.com/Products/TViX/FirmWare/M-5000/Beta/

This fixes the icon display issue.

I see a "shoutcast.m3u" file out there as well. Fingers crossed ...

Thanks to all the helpful posts about connecting to the NV. Everything's up and running now via NFS. The new icon feature really makes a for a nice UI.

theaxledentaldj

11-04-06, 05:07 PM

Yes Winamp Shoutcast has been implemented along with the Folder icon limitation bug has been corrected and some AVI and DVD compatibilities have been corrected, although the new firmware is korean, so I'm not trying it out, I need english.

DVDwizard

11-04-06, 05:13 PM

although the new firmware is korean, so I'm not trying it out,The beta is international, so has english as well.

Guy Kuo

11-04-06, 06:12 PM

Ugh! The beta makes navigation back up folder trees much more clunky. Before this firmware 1.9.8beta, one could go up a level simply by pressing stop. Now you have to scroll up to [up folder] and enter to go up. That's enough to make me go back to the old firmware.

KenC

11-04-06, 06:20 PM

They changed the background as well.

DVDwizard

11-04-06, 06:27 PM

Before this firmware, one could go up a level simply by pressing stop or the left arrow. Now you have to scroll up to'Stop' works to go up a level for me.

Guy Kuo

11-04-06, 06:31 PM

Weird. Stop with 1.9.8 selects my drive icon rather than going up a level. Is there a user setting somewhere for this?

Oh Wait. Are you using 1.9.8? That is the one I'm complaining about navigation.

Stop does go up using the older 1.9.5 firmware

DVDwizard

11-04-06, 06:33 PM

Is there a user setting somewhere for this?Not that I've seen. I wonder if it has anything to do with whether or not you have a hard drive, or how many servers you have connected? I have no hard drive but two servers.

Guy Kuo

11-04-06, 06:34 PM

Running one internal drive and a NFS server with two mount points here.

DVDwizard

11-04-06, 06:39 PM

Guy - I'll try popping in a hard drive to see if it makes any difference in that behavior.

Update - the spare drive I thought I had turned out to be dead, so I can't check it.

Guy Kuo

11-04-06, 10:08 PM

Update here as well. Things are even more strange. I flashed down to 1.9.5 then back up to 1.9.8. Now the stop button once more goes up a level. It definitely didn't the first time I flashed to 1.9.8. Gremlins in beta software I guess.

DVDwizard

11-04-06, 10:22 PM

Glad you got it working!

It's working great so far for me, and my family is very pleased with the new 'look'.

justlnluck

11-05-06, 12:41 AM

How does the TViX 5000 handle divx files? It is possible to jump ahead and back in 5 minute intervals or something? Or can the files only be fast forwarded and rewinded?

DVDwizard

11-05-06, 07:56 AM

It is possible to jump ahead and back in 5 minute intervals or something? Or can the files only be fast forwarded and rewinded?No preset interval for jumping (unfortunately), but there is a 'go to' function that lets you type in the time code you want to jump to. It's not as convenient as just skipping through 'chapters', but it works.

zamzickles

11-05-06, 05:13 PM

Well, Shoutcast is semi-operational it's very buggy and locks up often. Even with their sample station if you try to stop and re-enter the display goes black and requires a reset. Having said that, I'm excirted to see this feature added although I'd rather have the HDTV tuner project finished.

Meenenator

11-06-06, 03:48 AM

*snip*
Then jumped into the network side for a bit. Changed the ReadyNAS NV from share to User mode, added a user with tvixhd1 (name and PW), entered the NV's IP (static) into the M5000 with NFS, and set (I think) the mountpoint to "media". No dice - "unable to connect to disk" or something like that. It was getting late and I gave up.

Before I jump back into this tonight, are there any obvious things to look at? There's an earlier post that says "tvixuser" might be what's necessary on the ReadyNAS. ??? I was also thinking that either the NV account or the M5000 settings might be case-sensitive and I could have capitalized something. Or there might be some lingering settings wrong on the NV after switching from Share to User security mode.

Panterman, did you get it working?
I see that you have two answers to your problem, and they generally answer your question.

As they pointed out:
- Make a tvixhd1 user on your Readynas. After changing to user mode(which you have done). Not sure if it must be case-sensitive. Just in case use small Caps (tvixhd1 for user and PW, then media as share on tvix)

- Set up tvixhd1 as a user w/read-access (safest) on all the shares you want to access. If you are using the default, your media share should be media.

- You might also want to check your general access on the Readynas. I know that you can specify acess from specific IP-adresses as well.
(so both IP-adress and users can be used for access/no-access)
(if it's not working after you hav set up your tvixhd1 user, you might also try to add the tvix IP-adress under read/write access panels on the Readynas)

- Enable NFS if not enabled

- Set up network (NFS) on the tvix. Specify the share name (media if using default on Readynas), and enter the Readynas IP-adress

- When all is done, select the desired network share (can't remember the exact button right now, but it could be the "back"-button.
When you are "on the network" you can use button 1-4 to change between share 1 to 4.
If you are on a network only (no internal disk). Share 1 is the default, and will come up automatic. If that is the case, you can also select share 1 thru 4 using the number buttons.

Good luck.
If you still have problems, do tell us.

M.

pantherman007

11-06-06, 10:26 AM

Panterman, did you get it working?
I see that you have two answers to your problem, and they generally answer your question.

Good luck.
If you still have problems, do tell us.

M.

Everything is up and running nicely, thanks. The only piece in question is the Netgear Powerline networking setup - the wall warts feel *very* hot to the touch (so much so that I'm nervous about leaving them connected all the time) and the speeds aren't that great. The M5000's response time when browsing the share is noticeably slower over the powerline than direct ethernet. Video plays smoothly once started; it's just slow in changing/displaying fiolders. I might just bite the bullet and just run another cat5 cable. That's not the M5000's problem, though...

Now that I'm through the setup phase and an actual user, it's time to get greedy and move into feature requests for future firmware: ;)

***Video playlists:
For television shows, I have the directory structure on my NAS setup like this:
Media --> Television --> Show Name --> Season # --> Episodes

I'd like to be able to create a video playlist in the "Show Name" folder that includes all episodes in all seasons. Since the unit already supports this for music/ m3u playlists, I wouldn't think it would be a structural change. For movie watching, it would also mean that you could bundle a THX, Dolby/DTS, and film trailers before the main feature.

***Network directory structure/icon caching
This is really a workaround for network issues, but I can see a benefit in being able to cache some things (directory structure, file list, icons) from the network locally, either onto the internal drive or a USB memory stick. Have the M5000 check timestamps for changes/additions, otherwise reuse the cached version(s).

I'm really impressed with this box so far. Shoutcast support (when stable) and sorting out my personal network issues will be icing on the cake.

originalsnuffy

11-06-06, 01:28 PM

elee532

11-06-06, 05:14 PM

Does the M5000 play WMA lossless files?

Thanks for any info.

Meenenator

11-07-06, 03:16 AM

[QUOTE=pantherman007]Everything is up and running nicely, thanks. The only piece in question is the Netgear Powerline networking setup - the wall warts feel *very* hot to the touch (so much so that I'm nervous about leaving them connected all the time) and the speeds aren't that great. The M5000's response time when browsing the share is noticeably slower over the powerline than direct ethernet. Video plays smoothly once started; it's just slow in changing/displaying fiolders. I might just bite the bullet and just run another cat5 cable. That's not the M5000's problem, though...

Now that I'm through the setup phase and an actual user, it's time to get greedy and move into feature requests for future firmware: ;)

***Video playlists:
For television shows, I have the directory structure on my NAS setup like this:
Media --> Television --> Show Name --> Season # --> Episodes

I'd like to be able to create a video playlist in the "Show Name" folder that includes all episodes in all seasons. Since the unit already supports this for music/ m3u playlists, I wouldn't think it would be a structural change. For movie watching, it would also mean that you could bundle a THX, Dolby/DTS, and film trailers before the main feature.
QUOTE]

Good to hear things are working out. One user down, more to come ;)

Wrt. the playlist on episodes. Do you really need it?
The tvix will continue to play the next episode if there are more in the directory.
This will work perfectly as long as you keep in mind how the tvix will sort its files.
Episode are usually numbered ok, S01e01, S01e02 and so forth.
It is fact working so well, that I often fin myself onto the second or third episode even when I just wanted to watch one... LOL

The only thing that buggers me a bit is that "_" (underscore) is treated as "the last caracter". I.e. I sometimes use a foldername with f.ex _watched. And this ends up in the bottom. While on the XP it's on the top. Weird.

I had another streamer before tvix, and this has a library function (residing on the PC), such that I had control over which episodes I had watched. Sadly the tvix do not have such a function, and I need to organize what I've seen.

No biggie though. I can live with it.

M.

Meenenator

11-07-06, 03:46 AM

Okay, I have broken down and bought a new LCD monitor. Sony; with 1080p capabilities. ( know we don't talk about price here, but in general the prices of these 40 inch units has become very attractive!

So a few questions. Can component cables carry 1080p? Is there a noticeable difference between HDMI and component? Does the 5000 in fact actually output 1080p?

With HDMI, is the sound signal carried on the cable also to the monitor? I assume so, as the monitor has an optical digital out. Does the 5000 mux the optical onto the HDMI?

Sorry, this stuff may seem silly to most of you, but I am still working with an early sony tube hdtv monitor.

By the way; what is the res limit for a 36 inch Sony tube (put into similar terms as current monitors).

Thanks all.

I had this long nicely written reply ready to be submitted, and whammm... Lost...
So I need to write it again. Might be shorter...

Anyway. Congrats with a new 1080p LCD!

The tvix will only allow 1080p on the DVI port (i.e no 1080p on component). The sound will not be sent thru the DVI port, if you f.ex are using a DVI-HDMI dongle.

Component cable should be able to transport 1080p. Look for a decent quality cable, as quality is more important in the analog domain than the HDMI digital domain. Some might disagree with me, but a component have no problem with 1080p. (I tried this using my low-cost RG59 cables with a DVDO VP30 as source).

Generally component might be softer that HDMI due to D/A, and A/D convertion. So look for quality components.
I at least found the component output from the tvix a bit soft, so I uses DVI now.
Also note that 1080p is NOT available from the tvix.

Also try out what scales best to 1080p. Try with either the tvix(1080p on DVI) or use the Sony for scaling (by sending 480/720p from the tvix). In general they are not that good (on 1080p) either of them (esp. with SD sources)

Consider looking into a dedicated scaler (if you do not have one already). I have a DVDO VP30 in which I'm very pleased with.
It is also a switch incl. HDMI. It is so versatile that it saved me from buying a new receiver. My old receiver is only doing surround now ;)
It should be fairly ok priced, as the VP50 is out.
It has its shortcomings (check the video processing forum in here), but it works wonders for me. Esp. it can not process 1080p input. The VP50 can, but at $3000 it should ;)

So good luck with your new TV set, and all the 1080 marvels you have in the US. We here in Europe are barely getting any. None here in Norway (buts its coming soon)... those late buggers!
UK have a few, so those mainland Europe.
I better go find some SD to watch in the meantime... LOL.

originalsnuffy

11-07-06, 09:46 AM

pantherman007

11-07-06, 05:49 PM

[QUOTE=Meenenator
Good to hear things are working out. One user down, more to come ;)

Wrt. the playlist on episodes. Do you really need it?
The tvix will continue to play the next episode if there are more in the directory.
This will work perfectly as long as you keep in mind how the tvix will sort its files.
Episode are usually numbered ok, S01e01, S01e02 and so forth.
It is fact working so well, that I often fin myself onto the second or third episode even when I just wanted to watch one... LOL

M.[/QUOTE]

I was hoping to create a couple of playlists in a high-level directory that include files from multiple seasons and shows. So an "Anim_Comedy" playlist that includes all of my South Park seasons, Futurama, Venture Brothers, etc. Then be able to play randomly from that playlist - South Park S07E03 might be followed by Futurama S02E01, then Venture Brothers S01E09, etc. Kind of like a personalized TV channel.

Or on the movie side, create "Titanic.pls" that would play some Dolby/movie/THX trailers (stored in a separate directory) before getting to the actual "Titanic.avi".

I know I'm getting greedy here. The thing is with the icon feature, the M5000 out of the box can do close to what I've spent lots of time, energy, and $$$ getting HTPCs to do. With video playlists I'd be ready to dump the HTPC and buy another TViX for the living room. Add in music visualization capabilities (something like MilkDrop) and the box would be almost perfect.

justlnluck

11-08-06, 03:06 AM

How many are like me, and are tempted to purchase a 5000, but are waiting because we know the 5100 could be just around the corner?

Guy Kuo

11-08-06, 03:21 AM

Get a 5000 now and if you really like it, get a 5100 later. I can certainly see the utility of having two streaming devices. Mine's been definitely worth every cent. The only down side is the unending desire to add more and more storage to the network.

Meenenator

11-08-06, 03:23 AM

Meenenator,

Thank you for the very helpful posts. You and so many others here do make this hobby more fun. (Yes, I regard the 5000 as something as a hobby in its own right...).

If I understand your post correctly, the 5000 does not output 1080p to either the component or dvi output; although both cable types are capable of 1080p. Please let me know if this is incorrect.

I have been focused on component and s-video because of the age of my primary monitor. It did not have "digital inputs" so I had let much of the DVI and HDMI world pass right by. Consequently, I had not even fully realized that the 5000 had DVI not HDMI! I guess it is good when your "world view" changes!

This train of thought led me to look more closely at what outputs the SFA 8300HD box has. Turns out the cable box (SFA 8300HD) has HDMI 1.0; so the HDMI male to HDMI male cable I just ordered will work ok. I was a bit worried that I had just ordered a cable that made no sense for the system, but that concern was premature.

The TV (Sony Bravia KDL-40V2500) gets delivered today. Since it has two HDMI inputs, but not DVI, it looks like I will need a dvi to hdmi cable for the 5000 connection. Anybody have experience with this kind of cable?

The Sony only has two component inputs; which would easily be overloaded with an xbox 360; 8300hd, and tvix 5000. But, I could delay purchasing the dvi-hdmi cable for the 5000, given that the 8300 hdmi cable that is coming should buy some time.

The 5000 at first will only be used part time on this machine. My plan is hold off on a second machine until the 5500 is out.

I am also in the process of filling up the new 750 gb hard drive with audio and video.

The TV also has an computer input (RGB I think); but the forum for the unit implies that the resolution is somewhat limited in this mode. That exploration is best left for another time...

Always happy to help!
The tvix will give you 1080p ONLY on the DVI port.
Component will max out at 1080i. (Cables will work at 1080p, but the limitation here is the tvix).

If you need a cheap and good cable look at svideo.com. They have DVI-HDMI for $7 incl postage. That's for a 3". At least they did. They are cheap in general (however component cables are more expensive). They also have DVI-HDMI adapters, for your HDMI-HDMI cable. That will work also. And they ship fairly fast. US-company. Look them up...

I haven't tried much 1080p material so I can't be sure if tvix will playback that. But for your normal .TS files they are in 1080i (99% of them). They will do fine on the tvix using component to your 1080p capable Sony. The Sony will de-interlace the 1080i signal.

Try both types of cables, and decide what is best for you.

My suggestion wrt the tvix: use DVI output. It is better. At least I think that. More detail, more color... the component looked more "foggy". And since you have two digital inputs on the Sony use those.

Meenenator

11-08-06, 03:28 AM

I was hoping to create a couple of playlists in a high-level directory that include files from multiple seasons and shows. So an "Anim_Comedy" playlist that includes all of my South Park seasons, Futurama, Venture Brothers, etc. Then be able to play randomly from that playlist - South Park S07E03 might be followed by Futurama S02E01, then Venture Brothers S01E09, etc. Kind of like a personalized TV channel.

Or on the movie side, create "Titanic.pls" that would play some Dolby/movie/THX trailers (stored in a separate directory) before getting to the actual "Titanic.avi".

I know I'm getting greedy here. The thing is with the icon feature, the M5000 out of the box can do close to what I've spent lots of time, energy, and $$$ getting HTPCs to do. With video playlists I'd be ready to dump the HTPC and buy another TViX for the living room. Add in music visualization capabilities (something like MilkDrop) and the box would be almost perfect.

Ok, I see your point now. Your own personal comedy central type channel.
Send DVICO a request (or get it into the sticky thread in this forum). Maybe you are lucky.
Great shows btw! (if I only could find the time to see them all)

I have been wondering to make a HTPC, for the fun of it, mainly due to some abandon HW from my last upgrade. But it is hard to get there, since the tvix is doing most of what I need. It is fun to build, but a pain with all the SW ;)

Again, good luck to you.

duh FooL

11-08-06, 11:39 AM

I've upgraded to the beta firmware for the M-5000A and now looking for other people's experience.
My Westinghouse 42" seems to be having problems with the 1080p display. Image is shifted about ~1/2 inches to the left when using HDMI or DVI2.
With DVI1, it may or may not display the 1080p image.
It detects a signal, since it doesn't auto shutdown, but there is no actual image being displayed.

Part of this may be due to the Westinghouse 42" having problems in general, but I want to guage at how bullet proof the TVIX itself is.

Can anyone trying the 1080p as well give some input?
I'm playing a wide screen AVI file (the HD film samples from Microsoft has black bars on the sides, so you can't quite tell if it's shifted without a really close look).

originalsnuffy

11-08-06, 04:02 PM

Methinks that there needs to be a separate thread for the Westinghouse 42 inch display.

I am seeing way too many issues for this unit on the TVIX 5000 and Denon 3806 threads (by process of elimination soon you will know of all my toys....).

And no, the Westinghouse is not one of my toys. I did just acquire a Sony 40 inch LCD, and am now trying to learn its intricacies.

Jet-X

11-08-06, 05:14 PM

I too have had issues with 1080p and Westinghouse (37" and 42" units). Picture is mangled and shaky, with a lot of interferance on HDMI or DVI2. I run 1080i, no problem.

FLABOY

11-09-06, 01:19 PM

Hi, I went to http://www.tvixusa.com/default.asp and it says
HD 5000A Model Released but then at the bottom of the same page it has
True HD Multimedia Jukebox HD M-5000U. What are if any the differnece in these 2 boxes.
Thanks in advance. I'm trying to pull the trigger b4 thanksgiving!

qz3fwd

11-09-06, 01:20 PM

"How many are like me, and are tempted to purchase a 5000, but are waiting because we know the 5100 could be just around the corner?"
I finally caved and purchased a second 5000 last week and it is now proudly hooked up to the second Sharp 45" 1080 LCD in the office.
I couldnt wait another 6 months. Now if they only release the add on ATSC HD tuner-I will be buying 2 of them. When they release the H.264/AVC hardware,
I will replace the 2 5000's, giving one to my brother and hooking the other to the Sony 50" 720 RP LCD in the living room.

"Mine's been definitely worth every cent. The only down side is the unending desire to add more and more storage to the network."
I hear ya. Just added another 2 Terabytes of network storage. I'm getting WAY behind on watching my HD content. Cant keep up with par repairing,
extracting, joining them in addition to work and graduate school! I cant wait to watch "Star Wars Episode IV-A New Hope" in HD this weekend!