I was at my local Sears today buying a gift card for a friend when I niticed they had a new up-scaling player that I have not seen. The model number is JS4127, I believe it is made by Memorex. Does any one have any info on this player. Price wise it pretty cheap.

More info from the Sears web page

JSI Single Disc DVD Player with HDMI
Sears item #05757145000 Mfr. model #JS4127
A slim, advanced DVD player from JSI that is multiformat compatible to handle your entire entertainment collection - including your DVD home video family memories and MPEG4 video files. Player outputs 1080i/720p resolution through the HDMI.


HDMI output provides an uncompressed all digital A/V link
Progressive scan (480p) technology for high-resolution playback of DVD images
English/French/Spanish/Italian/German/Portuguese/Swedish menus
Vacuum fluorescent display - easy-to-read
On screen active navigation
DVD/VCD/SVCD/DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW compatible playback
CD/CD-DA, CD-R/RW, MP2, WMA, MPEG4 & JPEG encoded disc compatible playback
DTS digital pass-through output
Dolby® Digital AC3 with stereo downmix output
Coaxial digital, Component, S-Video, and Composite output

After more research, I believe this a rebadged 850. It uses the Zoran Vaddis 778 for MPEG decoding and de-interlacing duties, and the Vaddis HD Extreme for scaling.

Hi, Von...

I purchased this player yesterday and have been doing some preliminary tests with it. Here are my initial impressions, in case you or anyone else is interested...

Purchased at Sears at their list price (I know you are not supposed to post non MSRP prices- you can get the price at the Sears web site using the link Von posted. I'll just say it is very inexpensive for an upscaling player. :) )

The box comes with an HDMI cable, a nice touch for such an inexpensive player. My TV is a Samsung 26" CRT model with a DVI input, so I use an adapter to connect the HDMI player to my DVI input. I also own a Momitsu V880N which had previously been attached to the DVI input. Though I love the Momitsu, especially the network capabilities, the loader has become extremely finicky (even with the loader firmware update) and I often have to reboot it to get it to recognize a pressed, retail disc.

Also (I suspect unlike many videophiles here) I watch many DivX/XVid files (mostly anime fansubs) and I have been coming across more and more files the Momitsu can't play. The ability to play MPEG-4 files gracefully is very important to me and was a major consideration in trying this player.

This player is not going to win any awards for solid construction, but I expected that. The unit is very lightweight, and the tray is quite skinny and seems flimsy. The remote is not the worst one I've ever seen, but it definitely leaves something to be desired. Lots of tiny, similar-looking buttons. There are no distinct buttons for accessing the setup menu or for performing slow motion searches - some buttons do double duty. Otherwise, the remote seems to work ok, you don't have to have it pointing *exactly* at the unit for it to work.

The setup menu is as absolutely basic as can be. The setup menu does allow for selection of screen fitting options similar to what the Momitsu offers (full screen, fit to screen, original aspect ratio, etc). Setting changes cannot be made on the fly. The disc must be stopped for any setting changes to be made.

Much to my joy, this player remembers where you left off on several discs, even if the discs have been removed from the player and the player is powered off. This is something that drives me bananas with the Momitsu that I really wish more manufacturers would add to any future product.

The HDMI output is not capable of outputting 480i - only 480P, 720P, and 1080i. Using 1080i, this player is NOT smart enough to pillarbox 4:3 material itself (at least not with my display and the few discs I tried). Fortunately, my TV allows me to switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios when an HD signal is input, but if your display doesn't allow you to do so, and you hate seeing stretched video, this player is NOT for you.

I have not played enough movies yet to make a final decision on image quality. Film-based DVD source seems to play better on this player than video-based source. On one video-based DVD (Muppet show season 1) colors were bleeding and seemed way too saturated compared to the Momitsu. The Momitsu seems to handle video-based material a bit better. Film so far looks good, but I need a little more time to give a more thorough impression.

This player shines in it's ability to play MPEG-4 files. This player easily handled files that the Momitsu refused to play and my Neuneo MPEG-4 player (which supposedly can handle GMC and QPEL) choked on. Using "fit to screen" mode, files played in their correct aspect ratios (Yes, interestingly, this player knows how to pillarbox an mpeg-4 file but not a true DVD). Video files are upscaled. Despite what the manual says, files encoded with GMC and QPEL play fine. The file browser will also display and play MPEG-1 and Mpeg-2 files, as well as the new .divx format (Divx 6 container). .Divx files with multiple audio and subtitles play beautifully, though menus and chapters are not implemented. The player also seems to recognize .srt and .ssa subtitles without issue.

The player is made by the same company that produces the Koss DVD players sold at Sears. I was able to make my unit region free using remote codes available for recent Koss players at Videohelp.com. If it is allowed and people are interested, I will post the codes needed. Pal > NTSC conversion seems fine.

I will try to do a little more testing over the next few days. If I keep it, I may swich the Momitsu to upconvert over component, while this player takes the DVI input. The Momitsu will take over networking and video/4:3 duty while this player would do mpeg-4 and film-based upconverting. At least maybe this will last me until the next generation of networking players comes out with H.264 capability...
:D

Julie

Very nice review, Julie! Can you shed any light as to whether the player can upconvert via component output?

I wouldn't be surprised if it could via some hidden menu, since I think the Samsung has the same chip and it was hacked to allow upconverting over component. I was able to make it region free because I noticed it was so similar to the KOSS players and it happened to use the same hack. I am hoping some enterprising person can find an upconvert hack. I will give it a try, but no setting that I see will allow 1080i output over component.

As for my comment about the picture size automatically stretching for 4:3 material - I wonder if it has something to do with my display or the fact I am using an HDMI > DVI adapter. Why else would you have the picture size settings in the main menu (fit to screen, original aspect ratio, etc)? The Momitsu has similar picture size settings and seems to do this without a problem. I will try hooking it up via component just to see if this is what might be happening.

Julie

Thanks Julie, looks like I will be giving it a test drive.

Not worth the price. Cheap remote and the unit runs hot. I returned it after a few hours because my Sony Receiver only has 1 coaxial audio input that my cable box uses.This is however a good mpeg4 player. The divx and xvid playback were flawless. It took a long while for the disc with about 10 xvid files in 3 folders to load. Displays long filenames and if you hit the info button the title of the divx file is shown along with the mp3 sample rate. I couldn't get the player in the progressive mode. Its done from a menu and the menu was confusing and the manual was no help. The model isn't even listed on JSI's website, so no help there. At about half its current price it would made an excellent divx player. If there is a price reduction, I might buy it as a backup player for my bedroom so I can play my xvids and such.

Not worth the price. Cheap remote and the unit runs hot. I returned it after a few hours because my Sony Receiver only has 1 coaxial audio input that my cable box uses.This is however a good mpeg4 player. The divx and xvid playback were flawless. It took a long while for the disc with about 10 xvid files in 3 folders to load. Displays long filenames and if you hit the info button the title of the divx file is shown along with the mp3 sample rate. I couldn't get the player in the progressive mode. Its done from a menu and the menu was confusing and the manual was no help. The model isn't even listed on JSI's website, so no help there. At about half its current price it would made an excellent divx player. If there is a price reduction, I might buy it as a backup player for my bedroom so I can play my xvids and such.


Not worth the price because your cheap Sony only has 1 coaxial audio input and you can not navigate the simple menu to get progressive out.

Maybe you should keep the player and upgrade your receiver then take 5 minutes to navigate the simple menu.

For those of you who are interested in mpeg-4 playback, I can add a few more facts. This player will also play .sub formatted subtitles and will happily play Nero's mp4 container (standard profile ONLY, though - it refused to play a file I encoded using the "cinema" profile).

As a test, I created a short Nero file encoded using the standard profile and added a chapter in the middle. Interestingly, when I pressed the info button twice to show the file details, the player knew the file had a chapter, but would not let me navigate there using the chapter skip button.

Been busy at work, so I have not had much of a chance to evaluate film upscaling.

Julie

Maybe I should clarify, I spent 25 minutes at the menu screen which easy to navigate to and I selected progressive output. There was a checkmark by the word progressive but the player would not switch to the progessive mode. When I put my TV in the regular mode the output was fine. I reconnected my Panasonic f85, verified that it was in the progressive mode and everything was fine. So I know its not my setup but the player. Maybe I had a bad one. As for my receiver, it has 3 optical inputs and only 1 coxaial input and 1 optical output. Most modern receivers have more optical inputs. While I don't have a top of the line setup, neither do most people who are evaluating a no name DVD player at SEARS.

xeres456,
My apologies. My statement was absolutely too harsh.

I just do not think the reasons that you listed warrant your saying that the player is not worth the price. I bought one of these on Sunday just to see if HDMI could be decent at the price level.

In comparison to my progressive Panny the PQ is about the same. The JSI does seem to sound slightly better though. I have tried 3 other upconverting DVDs and I think that if they are worth $150 or more then the JSI is worth $100.

Julie any new update you can provide on the JSI, especially on picture quality and more importantly, the possibility of a component up-conversion hack?

Will this DVD player play, at full resolution, a DivX file encoded at 1280x720? Or does it downscale the file to 853x480, then upscale it (thus losing some resolution)?

lgmayka,

DivX file encoded at 1280x720 would be considered as HD (Hi-Definition). I don't have this player, but I don't think it suppors HD.

I purchased one of these today when it was on sale for $69.99. I, like most of you am gonna use it to watch fansub anime. I reincoded a file with QPEL and GMC to see if it would play it-it wouldn't even load. But that's ok because 99% of the stuff you dl is xvid without QPEL or GMC and it plays these flawlessly. It will upconvert avi to 720P or 1080I. To use 1080I for avi set the output to componet (duh!!) and then select 1080I from the menu, for 720P select progressive and 720P. I think that 1080I works better for avi the 720P because you get overscanning with progressive. The picture playing mpeg4 (xvid, divx) looks just as good as my LGDVB418 which will upscale unprotected dvds. I will add more as I use this unit-but my initial impression is very good.

I dont agree with the Qpel 99% but all depends on where and what you dload for xvid, my philips 642 wont play qpel, but my cyberhome 1600 recorder will, i thought ive read that this player will play qpel?
I might buy it today and try it out, there's no cyberhome 655's in any walmarts around me so this might be it.

Update-this thing is a piece of ****. It was working fine but 45 minutes into my test session a disc that had 7 xvid selections that had worked fine at the start-the display said "unsupported file format". I ejected it then loaded again-4 of the 7 selectios registered, tried it again, 3 this time. One file that played fine the 1st time did the herky jerky then stopped playing, then it wouldn't load a standard R1 dvd-well, ya'll get the idea. It's going back to Sears as soon as I get done with this post, I haven't decided to spend more money and get a name brand unit or try another one of these in the hope that I just got a bad one.

Hi, everyone,

Sorry, I have been very busy at work lately, so I haven't had much time to monitor the thread. I can try to answer some of your questions. Most of what I use the player for is fansubbed anime, film-based dvd playback and 16:9 material (4:3 and video based material gets played in another player).

First, the player *does* play files encoded with with GMC or QPEL. Admittedly I have not tried a file encoded with both at the same time, but to be honest I have never come across this. I may try this as an experiment just to see what happens. Zrdb - please keep in mind if you are encoding files with GMC you have to watch out for how many warp points you are using. If you're using XVID, I *think* it uses 3 warp point GMC by default. Stand alone players that can handle GMC normally only can handle 1 warp point GMC. That could be the cause of the erratic playback you saw.

That said, zrdb, I think your player was defective. Try to exchange it for another. I have had a lot of "cheap" import players (and one not so cheap ;) ) and none have been as reliable and largely frustration-free as this one. Is it like a Pioneer or a Panasonic? Um...no. But it does 95% of what I want it to do (and even exceeded my expectations in other ways) without a lot of hassle at a very reasonable price.

I haven't tried it yet (this could be the source of another experiment) but I am pretty sure this player won't play avi files that are natively HD. I will give it a shot and will let you know, but don't get your hopes up.

Still cannot get the player to upscale over component, but I haven't had much time to play around and I'm not all that good at finding those kind of hacks. I believe this model is also sold under the Oritron brand name, and I am hoping some very enterprising soul will help find the hack!

I don't exactly have a high-end setup, but I have been very happy with upscaled film based DVD playback. The only comparisons I have are with the Momitsu V880N and a hacked XBOX. Frankly the XBOX is not the greatest at DVD playback. The Momitsu did better at video playback and does not stretch 4:3 material, but the JSI does do better with film. It's not a HUGE difference, but noticeable to me.

Julie

I took it back and got a 2nd one and it was just like the 1st one in terms of what it would play-I started experimenting and found that if you use dvd rw's it evidently hates +rw's, I couldn't get any xvid on + rw's to play, tried the same ones on an -rw, no problems. Same with + and - r's. It will play 1 point GMC, same as my LG, OPEL-no go. I kinda think mpeg 4 playback on this unit is hit or miss. My recommendation is to spend a few more bucks and get a name brand divx capable dvd player for a primary and use this for a backup. A lot has been written about the LGDVB418 which is my primary divx player, and true -it cost more but in the end it plays avi files a lot more dependably than this thing does. Craveat Emptor

Philips Divx players have this annoying problem where they letterbox 16:9 Xvid avi's as if even a widescreen TV was 4:3 (even when the player's output is set to 16:9). Philips hasn't yet addressed this problem thru a f/w update and it's annoying as hell.

Does this player have any similar issues with the decoder in it?

Seems everyone is reporting here is using this player for xvid, more than the upconverting capabilities,i have a panasonic plasma ED and was thinking it really isnt needed.
Also the lack of optical out is a deal breaker as coxial audio is ok.
I have a cyberhome recorder with only coaxial out and it does not pass DTS thru it
Anyone confirm DTS on this player?

http://www.jsiproducts.com/product%20pages%20DVD/dvd-player-js4127.htm
heres the website, it shows a pic of a orbitron....haha, i wonder what model orbi uses?

OK,

I decided to settle some of the playback questions through some formal tests rather than my own anecdotal evidence. I used a tool called MPEG4Modifier to look through some of my files and find some that were encoded with GMC/QPEL to determine if they can play or not.

Files were burned on CD-R using Nero 7 in ISO9660-Joilet, mode 1. The disk was finalized.

I should note that I did not encode these files myself, and I am relying on the accuracy of the MPEG4Modifier tool to indicate the presence of GMC/QPEL.

High definition (1280 x 720) DivX file: Did not play. (This was the Skeleton Key trailer from the DivX.com website).

File with QPEL only: Played flawlessly.

File with GMC only: Tried two files. Both played very well. There was occasional smearing of lines during fast scenes. Interestingly, both files were GMC 3 warp point.

File with both QPEL and GMC 3 warp point: Tried two files, both played flawlessly, though these particular files did not have much in the way of fast action scenes.

Media tests:

Files on Verbatim 16x DVD-R single layer, closed session: All files recognized and played back.

Files on Verbatim 16x DVD+R single layer, closed session, burned with DVD-ROM bit set: All files recognized and played back.

Files on 4x Verbatim DVD+R dual layer, closed session, burned with DVD-ROM bit set: All files recognized and played back.

I should have some -RW media I can test with, not sure if I have any +RW around here, but I will look and test. I normally don't use RW media for playback.

Nissand: I have a widescreen TV. MPEG-4 files all play in their correct aspect ratios. 16:9 files fill the screen, while 4:3 material is pillarboxed. I should note that this is only for video files. 4:3 DVDs are STRETCHED, not pillarboxed.

Bud-man: Sorry, I currently just use my TV's own sound, so I can't answer your question about DTS. I can check the manual for you if you like.

Let me know if you have any other questions or have something else you'd like me to test.

Julie

You guys must have had much better luck with your samples than I did-what are the chances of 2 different samples of the same player doing the same thing? I finally said screw it and took the 2nd one back and got a Toshiba Sd-4980U and guess what? It plays everything that the JS4127 wouldn't. Can you honestly tell me that the JS is a better player than the Toshiba? They say the proof is in the pudding, not only does the Tosh play all the stuff the JS wouldn't, it has a cleaner picture and it will upscale through the componet with mpeg4 files. I had the same experiance with the Cyberhome upscaling dvd player, pure junk! Nuff said.

I went to sears last night, looked at the jsi, above it was a toshiba 4980, for $20 more i bought that, when i got home i read that the 4980 is crappy too,didnt even open the box and try it out because the sales kid said there is now a 30 day return policy and mandatory 15% restocking fee.

zrdb, did your tosh come with a hdmi cable?, also how do you like the blue panel light? and ive read when switching chapters theres a pop sound thru the speakers......give me a report buddy!

My report!!, this player sucks also, it doesnt play 5:1 with hdmi connected thru optical out, DTS works fine,the blue lighted tray is horrible,when playing 5:1 i get a very loud screeching sound thru my plasmas speakers......HORRIBLE!!
Also i do like the front button for 480p-720p-1080i.....but there is NO difference in picture quality!!
I have a ED plasma which is 480p so upconverting is not worth it on any ED plasma!!!!

No hdmi cable, I found out how to get rid of the infamous "blue light" special, go into setup, select rating and you'll notice a display brighness option, select dim-poof, the blue glow is gone!! I haven't heard any popping through my speakers, it does upscale avi through the componet output. Only downside it that it doesn't seem to be able to read xvid/divx on either dvd-rw + or -'s, maybe it's just the brand cause I tried Fuji -rw's and Memorex +rw's. The manual states it will only read avi files burned to cd'r's-not true, either + or - r's play flawlessly, picture quality-very good, like I said at 1080I it looks very nice!I it a better machine than the JS? Most definetly, but my LG stll takes the cake for xvid/divx playback quality. I think the kid at Sears was giving you a bunch of BS about a mandatory 15% restocking fee. From what I understand the hdmi cable will only output pcm audio, not AC3.

Since a few of you have owned this player for a few months already, I was wondering about the durability of it. Have any of you owners had any problems with it so far? I am only going to use it to play DVDs, since I have no interest in burning movies, converting filetypes and making movies, looking at pictures, etc.

I just bought this dvd player a few days ago and I will be picking up my JVC 30" widescreen HDTV w/ HDMI this coming friday, so I will be able to try it out then.

Anyway, how durable is the JSI, how is the picture quality using the HDMI output, and how is the sound quality? Thanks.

If it's like most of the cheap units on the market you'll be lucky if it lasts a few months before it craps out on you.

Well, we have two cheap players in my house that have lasted for over 2 years. I'm only going to use this JSI to play DVD's anyway.

I don't really care about any features other than durability, picture quality and sound quality.
Can anyone comment about this?

just an fyi about sears' policies. they recently implemented a 15% restocking fee for home electronics items. but they have extended the return policy for the holidays from 30 days to 90 days. so if, as some have expertly opined, the jsi craps out, you do have extended return time with sears. whether that is limited in other ways remains to be seen. but my receipt clearly indicated the feb 06 (90 day) return period and on the reverse indicates a 15% restocking fee.

after playing a few things with the JSI over the weekend, my initial impression is that it's not a bad little unit. pic quality is respectable over hdmi into my 32" LCD. i will test +RW divx files tonight. but it did playback the +R divx disc no problem, though if the bitstream is packed, the playback is not smooth. mpg4modifier solves that. all i'm looking for is something that will playback divx/xvid without problems. hopefully this is it.

ultimately i've had very expensive components from name manufacturers crap out in short time frames, and cheap ones crap out as well. but i've also had cheap units last for years. i think with the competitiveness of the electronics industry, QC has gone down hill quite a bit over the last decade for all brands. so for items like dvd players that are essentially disposable these days, when i buy for the play room it just makes more sense to go with a cheap player like this. you can always buy a 1 year replacement policy through repair master for $10.

I bought the Toshiba 4980 and it sucked, they told me about the 15% restocking fee, i went o another sears closer to me and they gave me my money back no questions asked!
I bought a LG 511 and it's alot nicer picture and the surround sound works!
4980 had a nasty screeching sound if used with the hdmi hooked to my plasma and optical out, only DTS would work also.

Yeah, I know about the 15% restocking fee. I have no problem with that. They also gave me an extended warranty of 90 days, which expires on 2/16/06. If it can last that long, then I have confidence that it will last at least a full year or two. After all, I have two old apex dvd players that have lasted more than 2-3 years.

And yeah, most of the electronics I've owned have been very durable. The only electronic thats crapped out so far was a sony stereo system that is around 8 years old. Besides, it's high likely that I will just use this JSI for playing dvds only, so I'm not worried about it breaking down from trying to play DivX or xVid files or anything else.

So I guess the picture quality is ok through HDMI, huh? How about the sound quality? I will connect it to a 5.1 system in December, so I won't know with my own ears until then.

Julie:
Your original review mentioned that 4:3 DVD's get stretched over 1080i. Were you able to get 4:3 DVD's to play pillarboxed under any setting? Such as 480p, 720p, component, S-video, composit? Has anyone else been able to get it to play 4:3 DVD's pillarboxed?

Say what you want but I'm gonna stick with my LG, I did the same test encode with a short xvid file (rencoded with Virtual Dub Mod, xvid with GMC and Qpel on) and my LG played it without a hitch.

bump

bump

Ok, I have one of these. I am going from hdmi out to dvi in on a plasma ED at 480p. The analogue progressive was not outstanding. But using the hdmi cable and adaptor makes a very noticable improvement which is especially noticable with discs that are not high quality to start with. I watch mostly +/-Rs made from discs that were in turn made from taped performances in the '80s, and the absence of conversion to analogue shows clearly. None of the fuzzy head shadows in movement, etc. I plan to keep the jse and use it for all my watching. Having said that, I confess that I just ordered the sylvania dcdi just because I couldn't resist.

Well, I just got my JVC 30" widescreen HDTV today. Hooked up the JSI through HDMI and with the audio going to my two speaker stereo system. This is my first HDTV, so I can't compare what I see to anything. The only HDTV's I've seen other than mine are the ones in stores.

I popped in Batman Begins first. Went through 30 minutes of the beginning, then went to the bat mobile chase scene. Looked good, but I wasn't too impressed. It was great quality, just not super sharp like I was hoping. Can't expect too much for a dvd player I bought for $70 though. And like I said, I have nothing to compare this to. Well, I do, but I'd rather not compare this to Apex dvd players.

Next, I played Ronin and skipped to the car chase scene. I could easily tell the difference in quality from Batman which was a huge dropoff in picture quality, but you can't really compare the two since Batman Begins is newer and of much better quality.

Can't compare DTS/Dolby Digital until I get my 5.1 system.

So far so good, for now.

I just did what I shoulda done in the 1st place, took both the Toshiba and the JS back and got the LDA511 instead, I'm much happier now, even though the 511 has a slot load instead of a tray I can live with it, course since I work for Best Buy I only paid about 110 bucks for it, much better picture than the Tosh or the JS, nuff said.

I spent about an hour (had to catch a plane) setting up a toshiba 30inch HDTV with this JSI player, and this player blows. Had it connected via HDMI and it just plain blows. I set up some $80 toshiba on a 27inch sony SD trinitron the day before, and that setup looked superior. This JSI blows no matter what you output, upscaled or not. It just blows. I didn't get the chance to try out hooked up to component, I have a hunch it might have been better, but HDMI output just sucked. Noisy, unstable mess of an image, judder, ugh, the colors looked bizarre even though I calibrated everything. I knew it was a mistake to grab this player, but ah well, my family thought it looked wonderful, so i can't argue with that.

I spent about an hour (had to catch a plane) setting up a toshiba 30inch HDTV with this JSI player, and this player blows. Had it connected via HDMI and it just plain blows. I set up some $80 toshiba on a 27inch sony SD trinitron the day before, and that setup looked superior. This JSI blows no matter what you output, upscaled or not. It just blows. I didn't get the chance to try out hooked up to component, I have a hunch it might have been better, but HDMI output just sucked. Noisy, unstable mess of an image, judder, ugh, the colors looked bizarre even though I calibrated everything. I knew it was a mistake to grab this player, but ah well, my family thought it looked wonderful, so i can't argue with that.


I picked one up and use it through HDMI to my Sanyo 32" and it looks great. Perhaps you got a lemon?

I agree with him-I had 2 different ones and they were both horrible, they wouldn't play but 1 or 2 out of 20 dvds with avi files recorded on them, + and - r's and rw's, as I said a few posts ago-you get what you pay for, cheap is cheap.

well i guess with HDMI it blows and component it sucks. a versatile machine if you ask me. . .

anyway, i think i can answer one of the q's above -- i got this machine to play 4:3 material (spiderman '67) in 4:3 on my 16:9 monitor via hdmi in 1080i. the jsi was set to output something like "best fit" from the menu. i had to adjust the monitor setting to get this, but it did it. i don't think it was stretched in 4:3 mode, but i only viewed it for a few seconds on my way out the door this morning. i'll check it out a little more closely to reconfirm.

also to charlieee, i don't have the unit hooked up to a receiver, just into the TV. so can't comment on its ability to transfer dd/dts.

still haven't tried xvid files on a dvd+rw, but no problems playing back the files on a +R. a fine piece of home theater equipment it ain't. but it serves it purpose well -- a decent low cost machine that plays back a wide variety of formats. not sure what people really expected for $70. i got it for our playroom to go with a basic LCD HDTV with HDMI and for casual viewing it's a reasonably decent set up. if you get a unit that is not defective i think you'll be satisfied with it.

One last word on this player-if I tried 2 of dthem and had the exact same problems I'd say the problems are intrensic to the unit, not the samples. Let the buyer beware.

It's been about 2½ weeks since I got it, and everything's been running fine. I've never had any picture or color problems whatsoever. The player is at $64.99 right now at sears, by the way.

The next player I want to get is the oppo or the LG 511, whichever one is the best bargain before February. When that time comes, I'll be able to make a good review on this JSI. But so far, it's been good.

Well, I guess you had better luck than I, the LGA-511 is the only wat to go if you have to do upscaling through componet if your hdtv (like mine) doesn't have either an hdmi or dvi input. The oppo only does upscaling through its hdmi output, it only outputs 480I through componet.

Well, I guess you had better luck than I, the LGA-511 is the only wat to go if you have to do upscaling through componet if your hdtv (like mine) doesn't have either an hdmi or dvi input. The oppo only does upscaling through its hdmi output, it only outputs 480I through componet.
Does your tv have a HDMI input? That might be why you're dissatisfied with so many players.

No it doesn't, but then a lot of people who purchased hdtvs a year or more ago don't have them, componet works for me. And most of my issues with this and other players are in their lack of ability to play back properly coded avi files on different types of media, cd, cdr, dvd + & - r's and rw's, something this one definetly fails at and the LG excells at.

No it doesn't, but then a lot of people who purchased hdtvs a year or more ago don't have them, componet works for me. And most of my issues with this and other players are in their lack of ability to play back properly coded avi files on different types of media, cd, cdr, dvd + & - r's and rw's, something this one definetly fails at and the LG excells at.
There aren't a lot of players that can upconvert through component. The JSI doesn't, which is why it obviously is not for you. Most of the cheap players are the same way.

Well, aside from the hdmi issue-which for me isn't a problem, as I said my biggest problem with this player is its inability to play 80% of the discs that I have avi files on, while the LG plays all of them.

zrdb,

Are you encoding your own files? If so what codec/settings are you using? Does the player display a message that it cannot play the files burned on the disc, or are you saying the player is not reading the physical disks you've burned the files on (gives you a "No Disc" message)? I ask simply because you have had the exact opposite experience that I have had with the JSI.

I am no stranger to standalone DivX players - I have had 4, including the JSI, all with different chipsets (ESS Vibratto II, MediaTek 1389, AMLogic, and the JSI's Zoran Vaddis). I believe the MediaTek is the same chipset used in the LG. In terms of both file playability and least amount of player annoyances, the JSI whups them all by far. The only files I have run into that have problems are ones which the chipset clearly does not support (like H.264) and files using OpenDML (which is easily fixed in VirtualDub without re-encoding the file). XViD, DivX (including the Divx6 container's audio/subs), MPEG1, MPEG2, and even Nero Digital standard play beautifully - no audio out of synch, no weird artifacts. Multiple audio tracks and subs are no problem. Files play in their correct aspect ratio with no mucking with my TV's zoom features. It just works, and that's a beautiful thing.

I don't use rewritable discs, so I can't speak to that if that is what you were having difficulty with. I have burned media files on single layer DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-R, and dual layer DVD-R discs with no issues whatsoever. I guess I can try burning something on DVD-RW as an experiment.

I wouldn't tell anyone that this is the highest quality, best player on the market. However, if you want to play digital files on your TV, and want to upscale to boot, I don't think there is a more versatile player available in the US right now. The only thing I've found that plays more files is a hacked XBOX with XBMC (which I do have and also enjoy), but this is not exactly a plug-and-play solution for most people and using the XBOX as a DVD player is just painful.

Julie

The player is now $65.00 so its worth a second look. I found an open box deal at my local Sears for $43.00 so I bought it. (Probably the one I returned months ago) All my avi DVD's are playing just fine and the +rw avi files worked without a hitch. No skipping. I set the book type to DVD rom and close the session, so far no problem. I love my LG 511 its the best but at 43 bucks the JSI is great for my bedroom and an excellent backup to the LG should it need repairs. The Phllips 642 is now retired and moving to Florida. The 642 allowed me to watch hundreds of hours of downloaded TV shows from all around the world and it never gave me any problems. I hope I have the same success with the JSI.

I shot my DVP642 to put it out of its misery. I have the 511 and 418 for my divx needs and am very satisified with LG dvd players-now if I could only get the damn things to play H.264 I'd be really happy. I don't belive there are any stand alone dvd players out yet that can do H.264.

The player is now $65.00 so its worth a second look. I found an open box deal at my local Sears for $43.00 so I bought it. (Probably the one I returned months ago) All my avi DVD's are playing just fine and the +rw avi files worked without a hitch. No skipping. I set the book type to DVD rom and close the session, so far no problem. I love my LG 511 its the best but at 43 bucks the JSI is great for my bedroom and an excellent backup to the LG should it need repairs. The Phllips 642 is now retired and moving to Florida. The 642 allowed me to watch hundreds of hours of downloaded TV shows from all around the world and it never gave me any problems. I hope I have the same success with the JSI.
How would you compare the picture quality of the JSI to the LG?

OK, has anyone else (other than zrdb) actually tried this DVD player for it's upconverting abilities? I'm all about using cheap chinese DVD players (I'm currently using a Daewoo for it's region-free abilities)... wondering if it's worth the $ to move up to HDMI and upconverting.

The upconverted picture quality is good on the JSI and its better than a standard defintion player, but its not as good as the LG players. If you only want to spend 65 bucks its the way to go. On the other hand if you want the best possibly picture, a better remote and better build quality get the LG 511.

As a standalone Divx/Xvid player this unit is hard to beat. I know others have had problems with some files, but I check everything with "AVI Check" and "mpeg4modifer" before burning to make sure the files are within the specification.
Anything that is out of spec is reencoded and all those files play perfectly on the JSI player.

I am very tempted to get the JSI, but I'm *furious* with Sears for the 15% restocking fee. What a bunch of idiots. They should call CompUSA and ask them why they *stopped* their 15% restocking fee about a year ago.

Boo, Sears!!!!!

More than likely because a lot of people complained frequently and loudly.

Are you guys sure about the 15% restock fee? Per Sears website:


Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back
Our goal is that you are completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not satisfied, simply return your purchase in its original packaging, with your receipt within 90 days of your purchase, 30 days for Home Electronics and Mattresses for a refund or exchange. If you are not satisfied with your purchase after these time periods, please let us know. Your satisfaction is important to Sears.

* A 15% restocking fee applies on select Home Appliance, Home Electronics, Home Improvement, Household Goods, Lawn & Garden, and Automotive products not returned in the original box, unused, and containing all original product packaging and accessories.


It seems as if it only applies if you want to return it not in the original box.

Are you guys sure about the 15% restock fee? Per Sears website:



It seems as if it only applies if you want to return it not in the original box.

I decided to buy one (despite the restocking fee) and when I made the purchase the guy told me if I return it opened and it's not defective, there will be a 15% restocking fee.

The word "unused" is the part that makes it a pain to return.

Luckily, I don't think I'll have to. This DVD Player is (so far) great! I don't have time for a detailed review, but let's just say I am pleasantly surprised. I'm surprised no one has pointed out how similar the player is (in concept and menu design) to both the Cyberhome Upscaling DVD Player sold at Wal*Mart, as well as the dreaded Toshiba SD-4980. I know that they all use the Zoran Chipset, so that's what I suppose makes them similar to me.

At any rate, it still sucks that Sears has the restocking fee. I'm not one to use stores as a "free rental service," but there are certainly times that I want to return something *not* because an item is defective, but because it does not "deliver as advertised." I guess that's 15% that we pay for bad quality.

Of course bad quality can always be argued as a defect.

I decided to buy one (despite the restocking fee) and when I made the purchase the guy told me if I return it opened and it's not defective, there will be a 15% restocking fee.

The word "unused" is the part that makes it a pain to return.

Luckily, I don't think I'll have to. This DVD Player is (so far) great! I don't have time for a detailed review, but let's just say I am pleasantly surprised. I'm surprised no one has pointed out how similar the player is (in concept and menu design) to both the Cyberhome Upscaling DVD Player sold at Wal*Mart, as well as the dreaded Toshiba SD-4980. I know that they all use the Zoran Chipset, so that's what I suppose makes them similar to me.

At any rate, it still sucks that Sears has the restocking fee. I'm not one to use stores as a "free rental service," but there are certainly times that I want to return something *not* because an item is defective, but because it does not "deliver as advertised." I guess that's 15% that we pay for bad quality.

Of course bad quality can always be argued as a defect.
Can you compare the PQ and SQ of the JSI to any of the other players like the LG, Oppo, Sony DVP-NS70H, etc?

I just picked one of these up yesterday. I'm using it with a Panasonic CT-26WX15 via hdmi at 1080i. For $65, I'm very happy with the player, so far anyways. The output is much better than the old philips non-progressive player it replaced. It has played every kind of disc I have (dvd + and - r, +rw) and has done fine with divx content and mp3s. One quick note for divx files and the like, if it's helpful, I set the output scaling to "fit to screen", and 16:9 content fills the screen while 4:3 content gets pillar boxed, which is exactly what I want (when set to "original", divx content gets both letter and pillar boxed).

I was unable to get it to display a 1920x1080 jpg, so I need to play around more with this. One other thing I'm unable to get working is having it pass dts audio straight to the set via the hdmi cable (is this even possible?). Under the audio settings I can change the digital audio output from pcm to raw, which I haven't tried yet.

For those that have had success playing +RW discs, what kind of discs did you use? I have standard dvd files burned onto Ritek 4x +RW, burned with -ROM booktype with an NEC 3500 and the JSI refuses to play them for some reason. Everything else plays like a charm.

One other question - has anyone found an option for quick start/play of dvd's on this unit (similar to the function on most Toshibas)? It seems to jump right to the first .avi file, but goes through the entire dvd start up with commercials, etc. The manual is so pathetic it wouldn't surprise me if its an option that's not listed. . .

I just picked one of these up yesterday. I'm using it with a Panasonic CT-26WX15 via hdmi at 1080i. For $65, I'm very happy with the player, so far anyways. The output is much better than the old philips non-progressive player it replaced. It has played every kind of disc I have (dvd + and - r, +rw) and has done fine with divx content and mp3s. One quick note for divx files and the like, if it's helpful, I set the output scaling to "fit to screen", and 16:9 content fills the screen while 4:3 content gets pillar boxed, which is exactly what I want (when set to "original", divx content gets both letter and pillar boxed).

I was unable to get it to display a 1920x1080 jpg, so I need to play around more with this. One other thing I'm unable to get working is having it pass dts audio straight to the set via the hdmi cable (is this even possible?). Under the audio settings I can change the digital audio output from pcm to raw, which I haven't tried yet.


Yes, change the audio setting from PCM to RAW. You will get real Dolby Digital, Pro Logic, and DTS.

Yes, change the audio setting from PCM to RAW. You will get real Dolby Digital, Pro Logic, and DTS.

Awesome - thanks!

For those that have had success playing +RW discs, what kind of discs did you use? I have standard dvd files burned onto Ritek 4x +RW, burned with -ROM booktype with an NEC 3500 and the JSI refuses to play them for some reason. Everything else plays like a charm.

I'm using japanese fuji 4x +rw discs, burned on a 3500a with nero. I've only tried two +rw discs, but both worked fine.

Anyone else have this problem with the 4127?

I set the player to 1080I, but when I power it off and on again, it defaults back to 720P. I guess its not a big deal to switch back when I want to watch a DVD in 1080I but the annoying thing is that when in 720P, there's a multi-colored line that shows up on the right edge of my TV screen whenever the entire or part of the screen is black.

I have a Samsung 30" Widescreen CRT with a DVI connection, and Monster M-DVI to F-HDMI Adapter

The line might be caused by the adapter... but I figured I can get around it by just staying in 1080I....

Any info would be appreciated...

Anyone else have this problem with the 4127?

I set the player to 1080I, but when I power it off and on again, it defaults back to 720P. I guess its not a big deal to switch back when I want to watch a DVD in 1080I but the annoying thing is that when in 720P, there's a multi-colored line that shows up on the right edge of my TV screen whenever the entire or part of the screen is black.

I have a Samsung 30" Widescreen CRT with a DVI connection, and Monster M-DVI to F-HDMI Adapter

The line might be caused by the adapter... but I figured I can get around it by just staying in 1080I....

Any info would be appreciated...
Never seen this problem. So when you go back into the setup menu under video, it's set at 720p? Odd. Mine stays at 1080i.

Mine seems to revert back to 480p (from 1080i) when powered on. Like you said, it's a 2-second fix, but a pain nonetheless...

Never seen this problem. So when you go back into the setup menu under video, it's set at 720p? Odd. Mine stays at 1080i.

Yea, it reverts back to 720P when I go back to the setup menu. I called their customer service number (btw its Oritron) and the rep told me they are aware of this issue and I should call back in one week to check if the new firmware is available. Will let you all know when that happens...

got the players in sears on sale... sound stopped working through HDMI after a few hours. No other HDMI devices to check if it's the TV or the cable :(

are there any firmware updates available for the player?

After speaking with the Oritron reps, they told me to email Koss support with my issue. So I did, and after one week, I got a response:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for contacting Koss Customer Support.

We apologize for our delayed response.

We would like to inform you that we will send you an upgrade disc to
override the auto-default mode. Please e-mail us, with your complete name,
mailing address or P.O. Box No and contact numbers, so that we could
forward it to the concerned department to send an upgrade disc to you at the
earliest.


Please note that the JS4127 DVD player has an auto-default mode which will
match with the TV setting. Once you plug-in the HDMI cable, the TV set will
communicate with the DVD player and set the resolution automatically every
time you turn on the unit. Apparently the TV is preset at 720P at the
factory. Please note that 1080i compatible doesn't mean that the resolution
of the TV set is up to that level. The TV factory will downgrade the signal
to match with the resolution of the screen. You could easily judge the
picture quality at 720p and 1080i.

Koss Service Center
11733 Missouri Bottom Road,
Hazelwood, MO 63042
Phone 1-800-726-3801

Please feel free to contact us for further assistance.

KOSS Customer Support
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Once I get the "upgrade disc", I'll let y'all know whats on it...

That's good news. I've been frustrated about the constant 480p reset. My Vizio L32 LCD is native 720p, or so I'm led to believe from the manual. I'd prefer to view discs in 720p or 1080i and not have to go into the menu to switch each time. I wonder a lot about the player><TV communication that they are describing. Seems far-fetched. . . Definitely keep us informed please!!

Did the upgrade disc ever come from Koss?

Yea did the upgrade disc show up? I'd be interested if someone would host a copy. Got mine today, and I'm pleasently surprised as well, although I noticed subtitles like to come up for dvds, hopefully the setting in the menu to turn it off sticks.

May be goofy but I like the "look" of their other player much more over the one being discussed...

http://www.jsiproducts.com/product%20pages%20DVD/dvd-player-ks4110.htm

It almost looks like it could an ultra high end darkhorse of a player, but of course it certainly isn't :D

Did the upgrade disc ever come from Koss?

No, I haven't yet. I sending an email to them now to check status...

I noticed subtitles like to come up for dvds, hopefully the setting in the menu to turn it off sticks.

Happy to report it does stick once you select subs off in the main set up/info menu.

any word on that firmware fix for the 480p reset?

Does anyone know of a working IR remote code for the JSI 4127?

Chi

Try the remote code for Oritron.

Try the remote code for Oritron. Thanks for the suggestion, but this brand isn't even listed for the Time Warner Cable remote for the SA HD DVR box.

Anyone else successfully configured their universal remote to the JSI via IR code?

Chi

GC_Chi...

Try using one of the codes for KOSS, if you have the codes available. The JSI seems to have most of the same guts and remote as KOSS players. KOSS, JSI and Oritron brands are all manufactured by the same company.

I made the JSI region free using one of the KOSS hacks as well. Give it a try.

Julie

The Time Warner Cable remote by Universal Remote (what a great name for a company that makes universal remotes huh?) doesn't seem to support Koss or Oritron. Its a shame too because the remote that came with the SA Cable Box is really excellent and one of the best remotes layouts.

I found this learning One for All remote (URC10820) that is similar and should do the trick. The price is next to nothing for a 10 system learning remote. Thanks for responding.

Chi

any word on that firmware fix for the 480p reset?

I also had the same issue, the JS4127 always go back to 720p even though I set it to 1080i. Today I recieved a mail from JSI about the fix for this issue, if you want you can download it from here (http://www.jsiproducts.com/faq-answers/faq-answers-DVD-QS-KD.htm) it is at the bottom.

Well it looks like either my 3 year old kid or sixty something inlaws killed my JSI while away on vacation, or it died of "natural (cheap) causes". Everything I load into it, brand new storebought, homeburned -R, +R, etc, reads "bad disc". tried unplugging for a while, nothing. could be that it needs a cleaning, but i think those cd cleaners are bogus. i'll give it a try before buying another, or the LG 511. this time though, i'll definitely do the 1 year replacement wty for an xtra $10 or so. i do it on most electronics, but didn't on this one for some strange reason . . .

for the 6 months i've used it day after day with our 3 year old, and it has worked out quite well. i love the fact that it, unlike most other players, plays divx files in the proper AR. but i am a little bummed that it died so soon . . .

decided to go with a little more name brand player and picked up the new philips 5960 hdmi and divx player. so far it looks ok. seems to play avi files in the proper AR on my 16:9 tv, but i've only tried a couple. will report back more once i've had a chance to play it a bit. ..

I also had the same issue, the JS4127 always go back to 720p even though I set it to 1080i. Today I recieved a mail from JSI about the fix for this issue, if you want you can download it from here (http://www.jsiproducts.com/faq-answers/faq-answers-DVD-QS-KD.htm) it is at the bottom.

Thank you for that link! The firmware upgrade fixed FF/RW in mpeg-2 files for me. Seems to make the system respond a little faster too.

I just found the GFM branded version of this player (for $17 on clearance at Meijer) and wondered if someone would host the firmware file. The link to JSI is dead now.

BTW, I am having a lot of pixelation (random colored chunks jumping around the screen) when playing DVDs (but not during the menus). Is this a common issue with this player? I have it connected to my TV with an HDMI to DVI cable if that helps. Thanks.

Hi,

I have the firmware, which I can send to you if you like, but I don't have anywhere to host it. Let me know if you want it.

Julie

Julie, I'm having problems with some Nero Digital files on the JSI. Some of the files I encode freeze after scanning. The DVD player doesn't lock up or anything. I know you use the Standard profiles for Nero Recode, but is there anything else I need to pay attention to. Do you use 1 pass or two? What are you settings?

gc_chi:

I generally use standard profile, one pass. If you turn on the "expert mode" under "Nero Digital Settings" you'll see more options. Under Quality/Speed I use Best Quality and leave all other setting at their defaults. Under "Advanced" I use the defaults, which mean everything is checked except simple profile, interlaced vop, and global motion compensation. make sure you are NOT using H.264 - quantization should be H.263 or the JSI can't play it. All other settings are at their defaults.

Do these files play on your computer correctly? Can you use a program like MediaInfo or GSpot to see how your computer is rendering the file and whether GMC or H.264 is being used?

Julie

Do these files play on your computer correctly? Can you use a program like MediaInfo or GSpot to see how your computer is rendering the file and whether GMC or H.264 is being used? The files play just fine on my PC and the properties tab confirms that its H.263. Gspot does not correctly identify the files at all.

Hi all! I was given a JSI DVD Home Theater System model JS5010. I have a Kameleon 8 universal remote (URC-9960B01) - does anyone have the manufacturer's code for JSI components?

I found codes for Oritron (723) and Koss (745) DVD players at <url deleted>, and I tried the Koss and Oritron codes in the Kameleon manual (1366, 1380, 0651 - I think those are audio component codes), but nothing works. (I understand from this site that these brands are by the same manufactuer).

Tried looking up <url deleted) and calling 800-763-8303, but both are defunct.

If anyone has codes or advice, I'd appreciate it!

Thanks!

Hello, Does anyone have the password for the firmware update?

Found it! JSI code is 0651. Alas, I don't know anything about the firmware update thing.

I bought one of these JSI's from Sears open box, and it had no manual.

Does anyone know of a website where I can download the JSI 4127 manual? From reviewing the chain, it looks like the JSI-brand is the red-headed stepchild that no one manufacturer wants to claim. I tried to back-track via KOSS's website per the info from jf300 above, but the KOSS webiste says that Koss Electronics (USA) is now defunct.

Does someone have this manual in pdf or scanned that they are willing to send me a copy of?

Also - can anyone update whether the JSI code of "0651" reported by Fredric5 on 01-30-07 indeed works to program a universal remote for the JSI-4127 player?

Finally - can someone send me the link for or the file itself to download for the 480p-1080i reset fix?

Thanks all!

(By the way, kudos to all on this forum for your dedicated follow up!)

I accidentally switched the setting from NTSC to PAL in the video settings menu and now cannot see anything on my LCD TV. Does anyone know if there is a procedure to reset the js4127 player to the factory defaults? Or at least a way to undo my boo boo?

This unit kicked the bucket after about 6-7 months. :mad: If anyone wants it for parts (I have the box, remote and manual) or wants to try to revive it -- I think the circuit board in the front of the unit is shot -- shoot me a PM or email and you can have it for the shipping cost.

Dave

Hi!
I am interested in the remote and manual. Let me know how we can get this going. You can mail it USPS first class parcel. Please let me know! Take care,
Reynaldo