As eveyrbody know, the 1.06 has been delayed for a while. The main reason is the HDMI 1.3 compatibility issue. D-link decide to fix this and then release the new firmware. The good news is that this issue has been worked around without any hardware modification. The bad news is that we still need to wait for a couple of weeks before the release is released to the public.

Since my DSM-520 is not connected to the internet I only recently discovered that firmware upgrades are available. My box is now running 1.02. Am I correct in assuming that I can go right from 1.02 to 1.05 without the need to first install 1.03 and 1.04? I think I understand how to do an upgrade using a flash drive in the USB port. Thanks.

att1234,
Thanks for the update on 1.06. Any chance that the problem of displaying a 1920x1080i HD picture full screen has been resolved?
sergioe

Since my DSM-520 is not connected to the internet I only recently discovered that firmware upgrades are available. My box is now running 1.02. Am I correct in assuming that I can go right from 1.02 to 1.05 without the need to first install 1.03 and 1.04? I think I understand how to do an upgrade using a flash drive in the USB port. Thanks.

This shouldn't be a problem.

Alternatively, you could temporarily connect your DSM-520 to the internet and just have the built-in software handle the upgrade for you.

Thanks. I have dialup only so I'm not sure how to temporily connect the box to the internet.

Thanks. I have only dialup and I don't know how to temporarily connect the box to the internet.

Really quick guys. I have done some research and i am a noob at this. So would i just buy this unit , set it up , then be able to play a movie on my PC and have it pop up on my tv screen ? Also be able to control it with a remote from the living room ??


Also i see this uses a wireless G , i have a wireless N (new) that i just got for my PC. Would there be any streaming issues (buffering/skipping) of HD content ?

I know the N's are faster and was trying to find a streamer thats N but i also don't want to pay a ridiculous amount of money for this "toy" . thanks

Really quick guys. I have done some research and i am a noob at this. So would i just buy this unit , set it up , then be able to play a movie on my PC and have it pop up on my tv screen ? Also be able to control it with a remote from the living room ??


Also i see this uses a wireless G , i have a wireless N (new) that i just got for my PC. Would there be any streaming issues (buffering/skipping) of HD content ?

I know the N's are faster and was trying to find a streamer thats N but i also don't want to pay a ridiculous amount of money for this "toy" . thanks

You install the software on your PC and add the folders you store you media in to the list. The DSM-520 will connect to that software which acts as a server and play anything you have setup to play in it so long as it is in the supported formats. It's pretty easy.

I hear HD Media 720p/1080 i-p might have some issues over wireless, I don't have many of those just normal Xvid and those play flawlessly.

Hi,

is it possible to run Youtube clips full screen on PC monitor with ActiveTV software?
I'm not asking about 520 per se on TV - I know I can.

Thanks.

I'm running 1.05. Is it possible to stream Pandora to the DSM-520? If so, how?

Scott -- That would be great, but I don't think so - at least I haven't been able to figure out how. You can get some Shoutcast using Twonky, but until D-Link (or maybe TVersity) gives us support for Pandora it won't work. Interesting that I can get lots more Shoutcast with my PSP than with the 520. Note that Slimserver does support Pandora and Shoutcast so a Squeezebox may be the way to go.

Hi,

is it possible to run Youtube clips full screen on PC monitor with ActiveTV software?
I'm not asking about 520 per se on TV - I know I can.

Thanks.

Just press F1 and the video will be in fullscreen. Press F1 again to go
back to normal mode.

Just press F1 and the video will be in fullscreen. Press F1 again to go
back to normal mode.Thanks.

Yes, you can.

Since my DSM-520 is not connected to the internet I only recently discovered that firmware upgrades are available. My box is now running 1.02. Am I correct in assuming that I can go right from 1.02 to 1.05 without the need to first install 1.03 and 1.04? I think I understand how to do an upgrade using a flash drive in the USB port. Thanks.

As I reply before. I do not see any isue to display picture in 1080i. The problem is that you do need a picture which is 1920x1080. Usually, the camera are 4:3 so that it won't fill the screen at all. If it does, it means that the aspect ratio is incorrect.

att1234,
Thanks for the update on 1.06. Any chance that the problem of displaying a 1920x1080i HD picture full screen has been resolved?
sergioe

att1234,
Somehow you seem to have missed what I have posted in my previous e-mails. I have rescaled my pictures to 1920x1080. Please go to the site where I posted all the pictures that you requested some time ago, you'll see what I am altaking about. Even the DSM-520 displays that the picture is 1920x1080, but doesn;t display it full screen. Check the pictures in this site:
http://home.san.rr.com/sergioe/

Thanks,
sergio

I have seen this post and reply to it. You might miss it.

In summary, your image utility does not scale the picture with distortion. It put some grey area in left and right side to collect the aspact ratio of the origin picture. This is why it "looks" not fill the screen.

att1234,
Somehow you seem to have missed what I have posted in my previous e-mails. I have rescaled my pictures to 1920x1080. Please go to the site where I posted all the pictures that you requested some time ago, you'll see what I am altaking about. Even the DSM-520 displays that the picture is 1920x1080, but doesn;t display it full screen. Check the pictures in this site:
http://home.san.rr.com/sergioe/

Thanks,
sergio

att1234,
Actually, this is what I did. I created a 1920x1080 (16:9) picture that has a light gray background. Then I used a utility (ImageMagik) that superimposes my original picture (4:3) to the background, creating a new picture that has 1920x1080 pixels. This is the pciture that I downloaded. Even the DSM-520 recognizes that the picture has 1920x1080 pixels, using the Info function on the remote. Why does it not display it in full screen, if the picture has the correct resolution and format (1920x1080)?

Any thoughts?
Thanks,
sergioe

According to your snapshot, the DS520 did fill the screen. There is grey border on both side. Am I correct?

att1234,
Actually, this is what I did. I created a 1920x1080 (16:9) picture that has a light gray background. Then I used a utility (ImageMagik) that superimposes my original picture (4:3) to the background, creating a new picture that has 1920x1080 pixels. This is the pciture that I downloaded. Even the DSM-520 recognizes that the picture has 1920x1080 pixels, using the Info function on the remote. Why does it not display it in full screen, if the picture has the correct resolution and format (1920x1080)?

Any thoughts?
Thanks,
sergioe

What's your input? HTMI or Component?

According to your snapshot, the DS520 did fill the screen. There is grey border on both side. Am I correct?

att1234,
The DSM filled the screen horizontally, but not vertically. Did you notice the two black vertical bars above and below the pciture? This caused the image to be distorted when displayed. IMHO, it should have completely filled the screen, which it didn't.

Do you agree?
Thanks,
sergioe

att1234,
One correction to my reply: it should read " did you notice the two horizontal (not vertical) black bars above and below the picture" ...

Thanks,
sergioe

Hello. I need some help with instructions on transcoding. Here's the situation.

I just bought the 520 and hooked it via HDMI to DVI to the TV and via optical link to the receiver. The 520 is connected to my machine via gigabit LAN. After trying NeroMedia Home (which was laggy) and reading here about the D-Link software which supposedly sucks, I decided to install Twonky. So that's my setup. Music, pictures, and the web related stuff works. What does not work is streaming movies.

I stupidly transcoded 285 movies into mpeg-4 with AC3 audio before I bought the 520, and of course they won't play. I used Nero-8, Handbrake, and DVDFab 4.0 so those are the transcoders I have available to me.

What I need help with is exact settings in one of those apps so I can transcode into format that the 520 would play. Please cut me some slack as I am fairly advanced in PC hardware but just started to learn about the AV and network side and my head is spinning from sensory overload right now.

Thanks.

Hello. I need some help with instructions on transcoding. Here's the situation.

I just bought the 520 and hooked it via HDMI to DVI to the TV and via optical link to the receiver. The 520 is connected to my machine via gigabit LAN. After trying NeroMedia Home (which was laggy) and reading here about the D-Link software which supposedly sucks, I decided to install Twonky. So that's my setup. Music, pictures, and the web related stuff works. What does not work is streaming movies.

I stupidly transcoded 285 movies into mpeg-4 with AC3 audio before I bought the 520, and of course they won't play. I used Nero-8, Handbrake, and DVDFab 4.0 so those are the transcoders I have available to me.

What I need help with is exact settings in one of those apps so I can transcode into format that the 520 would play. Please cut me some slack as I am fairly advanced in PC hardware but just started to learn about the AV and network side and my head is spinning from sensory overload right now.

Thanks.

The DLink software never gave me a problem, even the Media Mall software works great.I use DVDFab 4. to rip and nero recode to compile to mpeg-4 with the settings, nero digital profile set to Cinema, the size is 8cm DVD(1.4GB) with fit to target checked. This has worked with any server software I have tried. Including my dsm-323 nas witch I currently use.

I stupidly transcoded 285 movies into mpeg-4 with AC3 audio before I bought the 520, and of course they won't play. Really??? You're better-off getting a player that will play your movies than to try and re-encode that many.

Hello. I need some help with instructions on transcoding. Here's the situation.

I just bought the 520 and hooked it via HDMI to DVI to the TV and via optical link to the receiver. The 520 is connected to my machine via gigabit LAN. After trying NeroMedia Home (which was laggy) and reading here about the D-Link software which supposedly sucks, I decided to install Twonky. So that's my setup. Music, pictures, and the web related stuff works. What does not work is streaming movies.

I stupidly transcoded 285 movies into mpeg-4 with AC3 audio before I bought the 520, and of course they won't play. I used Nero-8, Handbrake, and DVDFab 4.0 so those are the transcoders I have available to me.

What I need help with is exact settings in one of those apps so I can transcode into format that the 520 would play. Please cut me some slack as I am fairly advanced in PC hardware but just started to learn about the AV and network side and my head is spinning from sensory overload right now.

Thanks.

Not sure if it will work for you, but have you given TVersity (http://tversity.com/home) a shot?

Anybody have any experience with Handbrake? I like it because you can queue bunch of movies and let it run for days without any input.


daysinn
Thanks, I am trying that profile now. We'll see if it works. Is there any way to get 5.1 sound to the 520?

Laserfan
Yes, that thought crossed my mind. Any suggestions?

aagha
I tried TVersity. It did not work. It's the hardware limitation of the 520. (Now I know :rolleyes:)


I guess this was a lesson learned for me. I appreciate your input.

Is there any way to get 5.1 sound to the 520?



Yes, I watch Divx/Xvids with AC3 surround sound built in and it is in 5.1. Not completetly sure how the process works, but I have my 520 audio hooked up with the optical out and using tversity as a server.

In the beginning the AC3 5.1 wouldn't work, but one of the firmware updates fixed that.

I would like some recommendations for media servers to use to stream content (video only: mostly Avis, xvid, divx, mkv, vob, wmv) to my dsm 520. I'd also like to be able to "tag" files (like Comedy, Adult, Hockey, etc) so I can browse my content via multiple avenues (ex: so I could find a Will Ferrell movie by tagging it Comedy or Will Ferrell). It'd also be nice to be able to restrict certain 520's in my house to certain content/folders. Am I asking too much? I'm willing to pay if there's a solution out there. So far most options only do some of what I'm looking for.

TVersity doesn't play some of the files I have... and seemingly sends the 520 in an endless loop which requires a reboot, so that's out.

Twonky is great but it costs $$ and won't let me "tag" files like TVersity does

DLink is ok but won't let me "tag" files, and I don't think I can restrict media player access like I can in Twonky.

Anyone else have any suggestions?

Before you give up on TVersity, check out your ffdshow configuration. It may be nothing more than turning on (or off) some of the codecs. Check out the TVersity forum, I posted some of my problems and how I used graphedit to figure out what the problem was.

Alan

I use TVersity.
My DSM-320 can stream "flac" and "rmvb". But DSM-520 can not. I don't know what I did wrong. Please, help. Thank you.

I use TVersity.
My DSM-320 can stream "flac" and "rmvb". But DSM-520 can not. I don't know what I did wrong. Please, help. Thank you.

From the same computer? If not check that ffdshow is loaded and set up to transcode to something the DLink can handle.

Alan

att1234

I'm trying to update my firmware from 1.02 to 1.05 using a flash drive in the USB port.

I downloaded these files from ftp://ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520 to the flash drive:

DSM520_2007.10.15-1351_1.05
DSM520_VerInfo.txt

When I start the player it switches to USB Direct but reports "No content available" so it doesn't

update.

What am I doing wrong since it seems that others have had success using this procedure?

aagha
I tried TVersity. It did not work. It's the hardware limitation of the 520. (Now I know :rolleyes:)


Not sure what you mean by this. I use TVersity on my PC and it acts as a server that the 520 connected to without any issue. Lets me view audio, files, pictures, stream YouTube videos, etc.

My DSM-520 is connected to a Sony DG-910 receiver via HDMI. Everything works ok, except that I am unable to force the 520 to preserve the AC3 5.1 stream when playing VOB files from my server. My receiver decodes the stream as conventional stereo audio and the 'blue' surround indicator light does not illuminate.

However, the VOB is known to contain a valid 5.1 AC3 audio stream, since I can view that exact file using Media Center Classic using my media PC into the same Sony receiver through another HDMI input receiver channel and the surround audio decodes perfectly.

Of course, the 520 is configured for HDMI mode and digital audio output. TVersity and the DLink servers behave identically in this regard. I have tried swapping HDMI cables and routed the output of the 520 to other, known-good HDMI receiver inputs to no avail.

Has anyone ever gotten surround decoding to work via HDMI? Any suggestions?

My DSM-520 is connected to a Sony DG-910 receiver via HDMI. Everything works ok, except that I am unable to force the 520 to preserve the AC3 5.1 stream when playing VOB files from my server. My receiver decodes the stream as conventional stereo audio and the 'blue' surround indicator light does not illuminate.

However, the VOB is known to contain a valid 5.1 AC3 audio stream, since I can view that exact file using Media Center Classic using my media PC into the same Sony receiver through another HDMI input receiver channel and the surround audio decodes perfectly.

Of course, the 520 is configured for HDMI mode and digital audio output. TVersity and the DLink servers behave identically in this regard. I have tried swapping HDMI cables and routed the output of the 520 to other, known-good HDMI receiver inputs to no avail.

Has anyone ever gotten surround decoding to work via HDMI? Any suggestions?

I believe that your issue is HDCP compliance. If one of the components in the HDMI chain is not HDCP compliant the signal is downconverted automatically so it can not be copied in the original HiFi form.

haloguy628 -

Thank you for the reply. However, all of the devices in the chain are known to be HDCP compliant. The problematic chain is DSM-520 through Sony DG-910 to Samsung HLN617W; The data sheets for all products confirm HDCP compliance.

Moreover, as outlined above, I am able to stream the same file from my server using an HTPC equipped with an HDCP-compliant HDMI AV output through the DG-910 into the Samsung with the receiver properly decoding the AC3 5.1 audio stream.

To my mind, the only difference between that successful chain and the dysfunctional chain is the DSM-520 source.

Ok -- Now we have Active-TV, I understand that Hulu isn't in the software (yet, anyway) but one might be able to get there via AOL. But AOL (music, anyway) doesn't work because it doesn't support the XBox (Huh-- I don't have one of those) -- and even if it did, I doubt that Hulu would be supported. Hulu does have good support on the AOL website. But forgetting Hulu, one can't even access AOL music????????????

Any indication that this situation might be improved???

DIVX files keep dropping after 30 minutes playback from the MSSII to the DSM-520 over a standard home network. I had similar problems with a Philips SLM 550.

playback is fine when i use dlink media server from my laptop over the same network to the DSM520. but i got an MSSII so i didn't have to have the computer turned on.

has anyone else had problems with this combo ? suggestions welcome.

I have been having the exact same problem for a long time now. At exactly 30 minutes into viewing, my DSM-520 loses its connection to the media server. I've never been able to figure out the cause, but having read your post I think it must be either the MSS II or the media server software that comes with it (Since noone else on this forum seems to be complaining of this issue) This never happens when I play a video from a connected USB device. Also, when I start the video file again and "jump" to where I was, often the audio is out of sync with the video. I'll try playing files from my HD using the medialink software and see if that helps.

Also, does anyone have problems connecting MediaLink to their DSM-520 via a Wi-Fi connection? The DSM-520 never seems to pick it up when I open the MediaLink software on my pc. I often have to stand by my pc (in another room from the TV) and keep clicking on the MediaLink icon several times before the DSM-520 finally picks it up.

Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Your mention of 30 minutes reminded me of this setting that can be used in TwonkyMedia:

Disable UPnP Timeout Messages:
If the server disappears after exactly 30 minutes from your device, disable the UPnP timeout messages.


HTH

DIVX files keep dropping after 30 minutes playback from the MSSII to the DSM-520 over a standard home network. I had similar problems with a Philips SLM 550.

playback is fine when i use dlink media server from my laptop over the same network to the DSM520. but i got an MSSII so i didn't have to have the computer turned on.

has anyone else had problems with this combo ? suggestions welcome.

Your mention of 30 minutes reminded me of this setting that can be used in TwonkyMedia:


HTH

Thanks for your feedback! I'm not sure if the MSS II media server has any changeable settings, but I'll definitely have a look when I get home tonight!!

Your mention of 30 minutes reminded me of this setting that can be used in TwonkyMedia:




HTH

Where do you find that setting? I have Twonky, and like it, but the documentation is out of date and the setting you mention doesn't seem available in the latest version. Also, I can't see how to add an internet radio station as the instructions they provide don't work, and their support responses are useless. (sigh) EDIT -- Found it -- I had been running version 4.2, and 4.4.4 has that setting!!

Craig

haloguy628 -

Thank you for the reply. However, all of the devices in the chain are known to be HDCP compliant. The problematic chain is DSM-520 through Sony DG-910 to Samsung HLN617W; The data sheets for all products confirm HDCP compliance.

Moreover, as outlined above, I am able to stream the same file from my server using an HTPC equipped with an HDCP-compliant HDMI AV output through the DG-910 into the Samsung with the receiver properly decoding the AC3 5.1 audio stream.

To my mind, the only difference between that successful chain and the dysfunctional chain is the DSM-520 source.
I have never gotten my 520 to pass 5.1 AC3 via HDMI. Only way I got it to work was to use HDMI for video and optical for audio. Connected that way AC3 works perfectly. Hope this helps. SLS

Where do you find that setting? I have Twonky, and like it, but the documentation is out of date and the setting you mention doesn't seem available in the latest version. Also, I can't see how to add an internet radio station as the instructions they provide don't work, and their support responses are useless. (sigh)

Craig

In Twonky v4.4.4 the setting is in the web based management interface under Network located on top.




I tried TVersity again but again I had problems with detecting the 520 and starting the server.

I figured out the server startup problem with doing the registry edit but could not figure out why the 520 would not see the server. I configured windows firewall, set the port on the router but still no show. I am back now to Twonky as that seems to work OK. I just need to figure out exactly how to recode movies and I'll be set.

cdrsteve -

You are a Hero of the Revolution. Audio via optical transmits AC3 5.1 just fine.

cdrsteve -

You are a Hero of the Revolution. Audio via optical transmits AC3 5.1 just fine.
Glad I could return the favor someone provided for me long ago!

From the same computer? If not check that ffdshow is loaded and set up to transcode to something the DLink can handle.

Alan
Yes, my DSM 320 and DSM 520 stream from same computer. It is very strange, DSM 320 play everything; DSM 520 is fairly picky on which type of files to play, particularly FLAC and RM(RMVB), and some AVI.
I have tried TVersity, D-Link Media Lounge, Orb, Twonky and Windows Media Player. By far, Orb did play most of files, but the quality is not very good. Now I use TVersity mostly.

Yes, my DSM 320 and DSM 520 stream from same computer. It is very strange, DSM 320 play everything; DSM 520 is fairly picky on which type of files to play, particularly FLAC and RM(RMVB), and some AVI.
I have tried TVersity, D-Link Media Lounge, Orb, Twonky and Windows Media Player. By far, Orb did play most of files, but the quality is not very good. Now I use TVersity mostly.

have you set the profile in TVersity for the 520? What version of Tversity are you using? Do you have ffdshow loaded?

Alan

[QUOTE=haloguy628;13368533]In Twonky v4.4.4 the setting is in the web based management interface under Network located on top.

Thanks -- I was running 4.2




I I

att1234,
One correction to my reply: it should read " did you notice the two horizontal (not vertical) black bars above and below the picture" ...

Thanks,
sergioe

sergioe,
I had a similar problem when the "Video Output" setting (setup->general->audio/video) had the wrong value. It was set to "Composite", while my DSM520 is connected to my TV with HDMI. Could your problem be caused by something similar?

kmossel,
Unfortunately, no. I am connected using component video and the video output setting is "Component".
I still believe that it is a firmware bug that hopefully will be resolved in a future release [att1234, any feedback on this one?]

would anyone take the time, and explain what actually is this entertainment extender... i know i sound redicolous, but my English is not so good anyways... what does it do ... for example:

i want to connect my PC to my DVD which is home theater, and which by itself is connected to my LCD HD TV... main reason is not the MPEG4 movies but internet streaming... i want to watch TV stations on my LCD TV through my PC. can i do this with this DSM-520. i want to be able to click on a link that would start a video on flash or java, it doesn't matter, just some kind of internet streaming ... 10x10x10x

internet streaming... i want to watch TV stations on my LCD TV through my PC. can i do this with this DSM-520.

I do this with my DSM520 and HD-LCD (Vizio rocks) - the trick is finding media server software which can directly access an Internet URL. The native DLink server won't do it, nor does Windows Media Player. I made some progress with Tversity - but I wouldn't consider it 'novice friendly'. There's a lot of messing with codecs to get Tversity to stream live TV via the Internet and the most readily available file types (like .nsv) aren't supported.

Lately I've switched over to ORB - this is a great alternative, it does everything Tversity does and works with a lot more file types - plus IT'S FREE. Of course it goes without saying that you need a high speed internet connection (750 down at least) and some of the transcoding quality isn't always up to par - but Hey, why pay the cable company for something you can get for nothing!

happy streaming :)

... but Hey, why pay the cable company for something you can get for nothing!

happy streaming :)

exactly, but just for the start, because too much terminology came up, :) i would have to ask...

1. what is the basic concept of the DSM520, just in two sentences or three,
2. what is the concept of this Tversity and what is it for, is it a software...
3. so... in the end, i would have one PC with Tversity installed, and this Tversity would connect to my DSM520, and would stream wirelessly the data i would tell it to stream, and i would be able to watch it on MY TV which is connected to the DSM520 via HDMI for example ? am i on the right track

In one question: Where do i find basic information for noobs about these types of connections. just basic explanation about media extenders, about Tversity and other related products and services

10x

P.S. Oh yeah, and what about those HTPCs, why are they so different from a regular computer, with good video card and a 5.1 sound card?

Does the DSM-520 support any subs other than just .srt?
would make my life so much easier if it actually supported .sub files, then
sinc it's displaying images and not actual text I would not have to harcode asian subtitles into movies for my wife, is this a possibility in a firmware update?

exactly, but just for the start, because too much terminology came up, :) i would have to ask...

1. what is the basic concept of the DSM520, just in two sentences or three,

The 520 is a media player that will let you play media that you have stored on your PC or stream from the internet.

2. what is the concept of this Tversity and what is it for, is it a software...

TVersity is one os several programs (software) that will organize your media and let you play it on the 520. Active-TV is a program that D-Link provides that will do much the same. Try out MediaMall to see how that one works.


3. so... in the end, i would have one PC with Tversity installed, and this Tversity would connect to my DSM520, and would stream wirelessly the data i would tell it to stream, and i would be able to watch it on MY TV which is connected to the DSM520 via HDMI for example ? am i on the right track

Yes, you are on the right track. Depending on your computer and your internet connection you might or might not be able to watch HDTV, and the wireless connection might slow you down a bit as well, but you have the concept.



In one question: Where do i find basic information for noobs about these types of connections. just basic explanation about media extenders, about Tversity and other related products and services

That is a good question. Go back thru all the message here, and read the FAQ's on the TVersity website. Give Rhapsody a try on your PC to see what sort of music is available. Think of this connection as a wireless I-Pod with video, audio and photos.





10x

P.S. Oh yeah, and what about those HTPCs, why are they so different from a regular computer, with good video card and a 5.1 sound card?

Check the above for some replies

ok, i have been reading, and reading, and i cannot decide, what should i do... should i just purchuse one DSM520, buy this Tversity thing, or just trial it as for the begginging. and go from there, and just post questions as i go along:)... i am assuming that i can return the purchase in a 30-day period :)... but then, what about this DSM750 new media center extender... is it worth it? is it better. i noticed that Dlink offers a bunch of these home theater extenders, with little difference in the specifications... how do they deffer from each other... should i worry about that at all, or just buy the damned DSM520... :D
sounds like it's the HOTest thing right now???!!!

what about this guy's post:

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=643256

doesn't it sound a little concerning?

what about SAGETV extender with its own sage software... i haven't found any reviews on that...

*** at least i know one thing for sure... if i have questions of the sort... connecting PCs with my LCD TV, with my DVD or generally media related questions..... i know where to ask them :D

I just upgraded my firmware from 1.02 to 1.05. Now Cidero doesn't find the DSM520 as a renderer. Is this a known problem? If so, is there a solution?

Thanks in advance.

Anyone want to give it a shot?

I just put it on 5 minutes ago so I have not done a lot of testing. I will say, however, that the sound and video sync problem has NOT been fixed! I can watch a video at regular speed without an issue but if I FF the audio is out of sync.

I am ready to scream!

I just put it on 5 minutes ago so I have not done a lot of testing. I will say, however, that the sound and video sync problem has NOT been fixed! I can watch a video at regular speed without an issue but if I FF the audio is out of sync.

I am ready to scream!

That bugs the crap out of me. Some videos it does it on and some not. I am always to afraid to skip pass the into of a show or a movie for fear and having to start it over.

Does anybody know what differentiates between those videos that are affected and those that are not?

If my memory is correct, the name of configuration file should be DSM520-VerInfo.txt.


att1234

I'm trying to update my firmware from 1.02 to 1.05 using a flash drive in the USB port.

I downloaded these files from ftp://ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520 to the flash drive:

DSM520_2007.10.15-1351_1.05
DSM520_VerInfo.txt

When I start the player it switches to USB Direct but reports "No content available" so it doesn't

update.

What am I doing wrong since it seems that others have had success using this procedure?

If it is 30 minutes, it is definitely the issue of media server. DSM520 will "remove" the server if the server does not send any SSDP message to keep it in the UPnP network. Some media server really miss it!!!

DSM520 will send SSDP M-SEARCH message every 5 seconds. Some media server will may have issue for this. It looks like MediaLink is quite buggy in handling SSDP messsages.

I have been having the exact same problem for a long time now. At exactly 30 minutes into viewing, my DSM-520 loses its connection to the media server. I've never been able to figure out the cause, but having read your post I think it must be either the MSS II or the media server software that comes with it (Since noone else on this forum seems to be complaining of this issue) This never happens when I play a video from a connected USB device. Also, when I start the video file again and "jump" to where I was, often the audio is out of sync with the video. I'll try playing files from my HD using the medialink software and see if that helps.

Also, does anyone have problems connecting MediaLink to their DSM-520 via a Wi-Fi connection? The DSM-520 never seems to pick it up when I open the MediaLink software on my pc. I often have to stand by my pc (in another room from the TV) and keep clicking on the MediaLink icon several times before the DSM-520 finally picks it up.

Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

I have confirmed that this is a firmware bug. The source aspect ratio is incorrectly to be setup as 4:3. However, for pictures, it should be a square pixel (4:4). This is why you see black strips above and below the screen.

kmossel,
Unfortunately, no. I am connected using component video and the video output setting is "Component".
I still believe that it is a firmware bug that hopefully will be resolved in a future release [att1234, any feedback on this one?]

Unfortune, the answer is no.

Does the DSM-520 support any subs other than just .srt?
would make my life so much easier if it actually supported .sub files, then
sinc it's displaying images and not actual text I would not have to harcode asian subtitles into movies for my wife, is this a possibility in a firmware update?

No, the DSM520 is still has renderer inside. is anybody else has the same experience about Cidero?

I just upgraded my firmware from 1.02 to 1.05. Now Cidero doesn't find the DSM520 as a renderer. Is this a known problem? If so, is there a solution?

Thanks in advance.

Please try this.

1. FF to the point you want
2. Stop it
3. Play it again and select resume to the previous play

To see if this help a little bit.

I just put it on 5 minutes ago so I have not done a lot of testing. I will say, however, that the sound and video sync problem has NOT been fixed! I can watch a video at regular speed without an issue but if I FF the audio is out of sync.

I am ready to scream!

Could this be the issue with the Dlink DSM-G600? Is it using a version of Medialink server on that device (if you know).
I had the same issue with Medialink so when I stumbled across the G600 and saw that it was also a media server I grabbed one. Alas, the same issue - 30 minutes in and I am disconnected from the server. Dlink tech support was so helpful, a week after sending an email with my setup in detail that included "wired connection" I got the one line reply "Are you using a wireless connection?" But now reading this I'm thinking it is poor programming on the G600 and I'm just going to have to live with it. Or use another program.

If it is 30 minutes, it is definitely the issue of media server. DSM520 will "remove" the server if the server does not send any SSDP message to keep it in the UPnP network. Some media server really miss it!!!

DSM520 will send SSDP M-SEARCH message every 5 seconds. Some media server will may have issue for this. It looks like MediaLink is quite buggy in handling SSDP messsages.

Not using the new firmware yet, but I just hit the rewind button for about 10 sec and it synchs right back up. Have never not had that fix it. I have even had success in search mode. Jump ahead, out of synch, jump back about 10 secs and all is good again.
Please try this.

1. FF to the point you want
2. Stop it
3. Play it again and select resume to the previous play

To see if this help a little bit.

att1234,

[I have confirmed that this is a firmware bug. The source aspect ratio is incorrectly to be setup as 4:3. However, for pictures, it should be a square pixel (4:4). This is why you see black strips above and below the screen.]

Thanks for following up on this problem. I just noticed that DLink posted firmware version 1.06 with a lot of other fixes and improvements. Is DLink aware of this problem (incorrect pixel size for pictures), so it can be fixed in the next version?

sergioe

Not using the new firmware yet, but I just hit the rewind button for about 10 sec and it synchs right back up. Have never not had that fix it. I have even had success in search mode. Jump ahead, out of synch, jump back about 10 secs and all is good again.

I have had limited success with this method of getting around the problem. It seems to me that this is a big enough problem that they would have addressed it in the 1.06 firmware. I am very disappointed that they did not. I had hoped.

I do a lot of my own encoding of videos. Generally I encode to xvid/ac3. Is there a combination that works better? One that will not loose audio sync?

From DLink's web site:

Version 1.06:
Fixed disconnect issues with Active-TV Online on a Vista PC.
Fixed incorrect Active-TV Online window size.
Fixed issue with Album art not appearing for music files.
Fixed a Live365 account issue.
Enabled more VTuner stations (WMA stations).
Screen saver now works in music playing page and with Active-TV Online.
Enhanced USB support so DSM-520 can now mount multiple partitions.
Fixed Yahoo Music UPnP server support.
Improved playback of high bitrate Ogg music files.
Added support for HDMI 1.3a compatibility.
A new video seek feature was added (Press Pagedown to skip 30 seconds and Page Up to replay 15 seconds).
Changed "WEP" text on Site Survey screen to a padlock image (as WPA and WPA2 are also supported.).
Removed the non-functional "NTSC/ PAL" option in Settings.
Improve jump/seek performance inside MediaMall
Fixed ActiveTV connection issues.
An issue with incorrect play speed for UPnP arguments was fixed.

Looks to me like mostly a bug fix update with few new features.

Alan

So, I just upgraded, and it has fixed the HDMI 1.3a issues for me. I have reenabled LipSync, Deep Color and xvYCC and rebooted the DSM-520 and HDMI works.

The PgDn/PgUp skipping works assuming that the DSM-520 calculates the length of the clip properly. I have a 30 minute m2ts file that the DSM-520 thinks is one minute 24 seconds. This causes skipping to miss behave, though the percent skipping was also broken.

It did fix an AC3 decoding issues. When I recorded American Idol, on previous firmwares, I didn't get the speach, just the music, but 1.06 fixes that, and audio now plays fine.

Looks like the DSM-520 is finally getting close to usable, though the skip times are a bit long.

That bugs the crap out of me. Some videos it does it on and some not. I am always to afraid to skip pass the into of a show or a movie for fear and having to start it over.

I've raised this issue in the past, here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11990579&highlight=aagha+avi+sync#post11990579

Are you ahving the sync issue w/ all file types or just certain types?

On Version 1.06 -- The ActiveTV is much improved, but the changes to vTuner are terrible. I like Classical music. Under genre, there are now only 14 stations listed under "all stations" - tho there are many more if you select a country such as the US. Several of my "favorites" are no longer listed anywhere - but work fine. PLEASE fix the vTuner mess!! (Thanks)

Edit -- All of the "W" stations (WQXR, WGBH, etc.) are gone as are many of the "K" US stations. (sigh)

I keep trying to download 1.06 and my dsm-520 keeps telling me that I have the latest version installed which is currently 1.05. Any idea? Thanks

Scott

1.06 everything work great thanks
DSM-520 hdmi 1.3 to phillips 42 inch LCD

I keep trying to download 1.06 and my dsm-520 keeps telling me that I have the latest version installed which is currently 1.05. Any idea? Thanks

Scott
I'm having the same issue. I've tried multiple times. I've got it set to automatically check for new plus I tried manually having it check.

I've raised this issue in the past, here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11990579&highlight=aagha+avi+sync#post11990579

Are you having the sync issue w/ all file types or just certain types?

I do not know about all files but I do know that I have the problem with xvid files with AC3 audio. I am doing some testing to see if other formats have the same issue.

Is this a problem unique to just a few of us or is everybody else just not bothered by it? I see very little discussion here about it and that is a bit unusual.

does anyone has any idea if they make unofficial firmwares for these extenders, like they do for dvd player and for routers... by "they" i refer to any people that just know well what is going on under the hood :) maybe they can help us...

I do not know about all files but I do know that I have the problem with xvid files with AC3 audio. I am doing some testing to see if other formats have the same issue.

Is this a problem unique to just a few of us or is everybody else just not bothered by it? I see very little discussion here about it and that is a bit unusual.

I'm definately having the issue, though since I moved to TVersity as my media server, it seems to be less common--but it still happens.

I would think this would be something that would drive most people absolutely nuts, and I agree w/ you that I'd expect to see a lot more people w/ this issue.

When I download torrents, 99.5% of the time they're .AVI, and as such that's the type of file that has this problem. I wonder if people are using some formats other than .AVI or .xvid and so they're not having the issue as much??

Same here. Dsm-520 not finding the update.

Found the solution for those that cant update.

If you cant update do this

1. Go to the Setup
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-1
4. Change to the correct FTP server: ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520. Mine was set to hqftp.dlink.com....
5. Check for new update
6. The DSM-520 should now find the 1.06 software and install it.

Found the solution for those that cant update.

If you cant update do this

1. Go to the Setup
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-1
4. Change to the correct FTP server: ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520. Mine was set to hqftp.dlink.com....
5. Check for new update
6. The DSM-520 should now find the 1.06 software and install it.

Appreciate the assistance, was looking forward to the HDMI 1.3 fix.:)

Found the solution for those that cant update.

If you cant update do this

1. Go to the Setup
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-1
4. Change to the correct FTP server: ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520. Mine was set to hqftp.dlink.com....
5. Check for new update
6. The DSM-520 should now find the 1.06 software and install it.

I would like to thank asagala for that "unique" way to update the firmware. I was just on the phone with dlink tech support and they suggested that I do a "reset" of the unit in order to get the upgrade. However, if the unit doesn't have the right ftp address, I don't know how a "reset" will help.

I am upgrading because I have a problem with audio video synchronization.

I play Xvid files with Ac3 audio.

I am checking now to see if this upgrade fixes the problem.

I'm definately having the issue, though since I moved to TVersity as my media server, it seems to be less common--but it still happens.

I would think this would be something that would drive most people absolutely nuts, and I agree w/ you that I'd expect to see a lot more people w/ this issue.

When I download torrents, 99.5% of the time they're .AVI, and as such that's the type of file that has this problem. I wonder if people are using some formats other than .AVI or .xvid and so they're not having the issue as much??

the ".avi" extension is just a "container" for video. The encoding inside an avi can be many things. It can be divx, mp4, xvid or h264, to name just a few. They all have an "avi" extension.

I have noticed that I have trouble with "xvid". I am, even as I type, encoding a file that I had previously encoded in xvid to mp4 and h264 format to see if they fare any better than xvid. I will post my findings.

If others know exactly what the problem is, It could save me a lot of CPU cycles if you would share...

Ever since upgrading to 1.06 firmware on dsm-520 this evening I can't get tversity to stay connected for longer than 10 seconds before it drops off the network. I have not had this problem before in the past. It connects and then almost immediatly drops off the network. Is anyone else having this problem as well?

Scott

It did fix an AC3 decoding issues. When I recorded American Idol, on previous firmwares, I didn't get the speach, just the music, but 1.06 fixes that, and audio now plays fine.

Looks like there are still issues w/ AC3 pass through. A few of the comercials from KTVU are missing the center channel for dialog.

Thanks for these instructions. I have the EU version of the DSM520 and the last update I automatically received was 1.04eu. Ever since then I have been manually checking but no new updates where being found.

Only after following your instructions did I get this latest 1.6 update. Very pleased to report that my EU DSM520 is now reporting that it has 1.06eu.

Also please to report that it is now working through my AV amp via HDMI (it didn't at 1.04eu). Also at long last I can now use ActiveTV!

Just a shame UK DLink support couldn't tell me this when I phoned them a few months ago to complain about when UK owners would benefit from the updates US owners have enjoyed for some time.

Found the solution for those that cant update.

If you cant update do this

1. Go to the Setup
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-1
4. Change to the correct FTP server: ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520. Mine was set to hqftp.dlink.com....
5. Check for new update
6. The DSM-520 should now find the 1.06 software and install it.

Ever since upgrading to 1.06 firmware on dsm-520 this evening I can't get tversity to stay connected for longer than 10 seconds before it drops off the network. I have not had this problem before in the past. It connects and then almost immediatly drops off the network. Is anyone else having this problem as well?

Scott

Scott -- check back over the past 3-4 pages where there is a discussion of some sort of signal that the 520 sends out every 10 seconds (or was it 30 seconds?) Whatever. In any case, the loss of TVersity hs been a problem for me under 1.05 as well. Strange, in that the server can disappear from the "My Media" list, but continue to function - ie play music - if it was doing so before the loss. I think it is a TVersity problem in that none of my other servers (D-Link, Orb, Rhapsody, Twonky) have this problem.

Craig

Increase the supported size of album art

Thanks for the work you've done on the firmware, but what are the specs of the supported size here? What are the improvements you've made?

None of my album art works in v1.06.

the ".avi" extension is just a "container" for video. The encoding inside an avi can be many things. It can be divx, mp4, xvid or h264, to name just a few. They all have an "avi" extension.


Is there a quick way to find out what's in the container so I can do some experiments and identify the file types that are having the sync issue?

Is there a quick way to find out what's in the container so I can do some experiments and identify the file types that are having the sync issue?


Gspot Codec Information. It comes with k-lite codec pack, but can be downloaded also separately:

http://gspot.headbands.com/

Is there a quick way to find out what's in the container so I can do some experiments and identify the file types that are having the sync issue?

If you find anything please post. I am having no luck at all in finding what the differences are between working and non-working videos. I have tried to duplicate the encoding options of a working video and am still missing some special ingredient. I will keep working at it.

Anybody from D-Link here that would care to comment?

[Originally Posted by asagala
Found the solution for those that cant update.

If you cant update do this

1. Go to the Setup
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-1
4. Change to the correct FTP server: ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520. Mine was set to hqftp.dlink.com....
5. Check for new update
6. The DSM-520 should now find the 1.06 software and install it.]

I am having the same problem (wrong ftp server), but after I follow the instructions and open the keyboard window I couldn't find the '/' character to compose the correct FTP server string. Am I missing something here?

You need to push the shift key on the keypad

Unfortunately, upgrading to the current version of firmware(1.6) does not fix this problem.
The problem is independant of the type of UpNP server that is used - I tried Twonky, and the native server in my DNS-323. No luck, still a problem. It must be something in the actual DSM-520 box.
The files that this happens with are .avi files (inside are XVid), with audio of mp3.
Any ideas on fixing this audio video synchronization on the DSM-520?

[You need to push the shift key on the keypad]
Thanks, I should've figured that one out!
sergioe

I just upgraded my firmware to 1.06
The auto-upgrade worked OK on my DSM-520, no problems with the ftp path.

It looks like the problem with album art has not been fixed and version 1.06 still fails to display any images much over 200 X 200

From an earlier post by ATT1234:
{ btw, Att1234 : Thanks buddy! We would be lost without you ! }
"Assume that the resolution is axb. If a*b*3 > 128*1024, we won't show it. 1.04 will crash when there is big album art inside the MP3 so that we put this limitation"

I think this problem is still here in 1.06.
Here are the calculations for reference:
128 X 1024 = 131,072
300 X 300 X 3 = 270,000 bigger
200 X 200 X 3 = 120,000 smaller
209 X 209 X 3 = 131,043 smaller but about max size

Here are some I tried this afternoon.
Using Twonky Media server version 4.4
All files are MP3 with the image embeded in the tag using EasyTag on Linux.
All image sources are png files.
The Twonky database was rebuilt after adding the art to the MP3 and before trying the display on the DSM-520

EarlyTracks.png the album cover is 300 X 294 didn't work
BobTillYouDrop,png the album cover is 301 X 300 didn't work
TransendentalBlues.png the album cover is 300 X 300 didn't work
ThatWasMe.png the album cover is 248 X 248 didn't work
EastNashville.png the album cover is 138 X 140 worked OK

all tracks played OK, fast forward OK, switch tracks OK, so no crash
only the smallest one displayed album art

I think the price and the fact it doesn't play 1080p will be a big handicap for that unit.

Solo

Sorry, my newbie status don't allow me to post links...

It's the DSM-750, check on Engadget. Retail price $329.

Solo

Thanks for the work you've done on the firmware, but what are the specs of the supported size here? What are the improvements you've made?

None of my album art works in v1.06.


I am very disapointed about the support of album art works in version 1.06. I have been using a beta version that I dowloaded from MediaMall for a while
and were quite happy with the supported size (about 500x500). I went
through all my albums and made sure that all the pictures were below this limit. Now with V1.06, most of my album arts won't show. I am thinking
of going back to the beta version.

If my memory is correct, the name of configuration file should be DSM520-VerInfo.txt.
Sorry for the typo. The file on my flash drive is DSM520-VerInfo.txt

Box still can't find content on flash drive. I wonder if one of the earlier firmware upgrades is necessary before it can read upgrades from the flash drive.

On Version 1.06 -- The ActiveTV is much improved, but the changes to vTuner are terrible. I like Classical music. Under genre, there are now only 14 stations listed under "all stations" - tho there are many more if you select a country such as the US. Several of my "favorites" are no longer listed anywhere - but work fine. PLEASE fix the vTuner mess!! (Thanks)

Edit -- All of the "W" stations (WQXR, WGBH, etc.) are gone as are many of the "K" US stations. (sigh)

I contacted vTuner, and there are now lots of additional stations listed. Many of these are WMA (supposed to be supported in this release). The MP3 stations play just fine - but the WMA stations don't play - either they just sit there, or a message comes up saying that the station is unavailable. Is there some setting I am missing here to enable WMA playback, or is this just broken?

Updated to V1.06 with great anticipation but .... still have a/v sync issues with many of my avi (xvid/divx) that played perfectly under V1.02 which I stayed with after the Version 1.03-1.05 ride. Yes, a brief rew and resume normally will resolve the issue but why should we have to resort to that action. Still puzzled as to why we can't have the same reliability/compatibility V1.02 provided in these later firmware releases. New features are great (especially unrestricted NTFS compatibility and f/w-rew) but file compatibilty is on the top of the list for me. As much as I have enjoyed my 3 DSM's, I think it is time to move on ... and not to a 750 which I suspect will be crippled out of the gate. Too bad since the 520 and 320 have both provided excellent platforms for lessons-learned to be resolved in the 750. Solid and well tested (before release) firmware contimues to elude DLink for these high potential units :(

[Originally Posted by asagala
Found the solution for those that cant update.

If you cant update do this

1. Go to the Setup
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-1
4. Change to the correct FTP server: ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520. Mine was set to hqftp.dlink.com....
5. Check for new update
6. The DSM-520 should now find the 1.06 software and install it.]

I am having the same problem (wrong ftp server), but after I follow the instructions and open the keyboard window I couldn't find the '/' character to compose the correct FTP server string. Am I missing something here?

You need to push the shift key on the keypad


That took me a bit to figure out too. I had to type this several times and each time I would get a "unable to connect to upgrade server" error. I thought it might be everything had to be all lower csae or all upper case. Don't know if it matters but, a system reset was able to fix that error and then I was able to upgrade.

Just saw on dlink.com there is a 1.10 version of the media server software released 3/27/08.
http://support.dlink.com/products/view.asp?productid=DSM%2D520

What is the scoop on that?

I am also curious about the Logtech Harmony remote controls like the 880 or the new Harmony One.

I know they are capable of learning the 520's remote commands, but does the Harmony support the 520 with the ease of other a/v components? Such as just being able to download all that stuff right into the remote like other DVD players and receivers?

Anyone using a Harmony remote to control their 520?

I am very disapointed about the support of album art works in version 1.06. I have been using a beta version that I dowloaded from MediaMall for a while
and were quite happy with the supported size (about 500x500). I went
through all my albums and made sure that all the pictures were below this limit. Now with V1.06, most of my album arts won't show. I am thinking
of going back to the beta version.

Thanks for the tip regie.

I downgraded to the that beta verision of 1.06 (it reports the version as 1.04.13). The file name is actually DSM520_2007.11.09-1359__1.04.13

The display of album art is better but not as good as what you reported (500 X 500).
I can now display images up to but not including 300 X 300
300 X 294 works
300 X 300 does not work

Did you adjust any settings to get the display of higher resolution album art ?

Updated to V1.06 with great anticipation but .... still have a/v sync issues with many of my avi (xvid/divx) that played perfectly under V1.02 which I stayed with after the Version 1.03-1.05 ride. Yes, a brief rew and resume normally will resolve the issue but why should we have to resort to that action. Still puzzled as to why we can't have the same reliability/compatibility V1.02 provided in these later firmware releases. New features are great (especially unrestricted NTFS compatibility and f/w-rew) but file compatibilty is on the top of the list for me. As much as I have enjoyed my 3 DSM's, I think it is time to move on ... and not to a 750 which I suspect will be crippled out of the gate. Too bad since the 520 and 320 have both provided excellent platforms for lessons-learned to be resolved in the 750. Solid and well tested (before release) firmware contimues to elude DLink for these high potential units :(

You buy a ATI Radeon 2900 Pro or greater that has an HDMI output connector with a motherboard or soundcard that has an SPDIF (optical output) and run both to your 1080P or 1080i TV and the optical into a good quality amp. I have had zero problems streaming videos to my 54 inch mitisubishi television. If you search for internet cable sellers even 50 foot HDMI and Optical are really inexpensive. In total I spend about 220 dollars about what the bug filled dsm-520 cost. It took what, almost two years to fix the HDMI bug? People still having probs with sinc issues? The FF/REW is practically worthless, although in DLink defense the 1-9 number jump is ok. Transcoding with TVersity to the 520 is ok, but I would rather stream directly from the PC.

There is nothing high potential about the 750, why not stream movies directly from your PC? Allot less heartache. I believe that in a last ditch effort D-Link is actually trying to support this product better right before the 750 release in order to sway 320 and 520 users into buying. To little to late for me PC streaming the way to go!

I am also curious about the Logtech Harmony remote controls like the 880 or the new Harmony One.

I know they are capable of learning the 520's remote commands, but does the Harmony support the 520 with the ease of other a/v components? Such as just being able to download all that stuff right into the remote like other DVD players and receivers?

Anyone using a Harmony remote to control their 520?

I have a Harmony 550 and it works great, actually better than the original,
at least for distance. If programmed correctly, it will turn on the TV, set
the input, turn on the AV receiver, set the correct input, and turn on the
DSM520. My only complain with the remote, is it is slow when sending out
codes to the devices, you have to keep it pointed at the devices,
otherwise it may turn on the TV, but you may miss setting the input if
you set it down before it is complete sending out the codes. I have a real
problem with my wife not understanding/remember that little quirk.:rolleyes:
But she has learned to use the "help" button which does resend the codes
if you walk thru the help pages. Maybe the newer/more expensive ones are better.

Thanks for the tip regie.

I downgraded to the that beta verision of 1.06 (it reports the version as 1.04.13). The file name is actually DSM520_2007.11.09-1359__1.04.13

The display of album art is better but not as good as what you reported (500 X 500).
I can now display images up to but not including 300 X 300
300 X 294 works
300 X 300 does not work

Did you adjust any settings to get the display of higher resolution album art ?

My mistake, I checked all my album arts and indeed, they are all below 300x300 but very close to it. I did adjust them a few weeks ago. Release 1.06 seems to support pictures with lower resolution than 200x200...!

I am also curious about the Logtech Harmony remote controls like the 880 or the new Harmony One.

I know they are capable of learning the 520's remote commands, but does the Harmony support the 520 with the ease of other a/v components? Such as just being able to download all that stuff right into the remote like other DVD players and receivers?

Anyone using a Harmony remote to control their 520?

I have been using a Harmony remote with mine for a while now (over a year) and it works great. The only thing I had to tweak was the timing (since it was skipping over two selections every time i pressed up or down). I just changed it from 3 down to 2.

After the update to 1.06 and the latest software update my DSM-520 has stopped playing HD-WMV files.

I have a Harmony 550 and it works great too. :)

Using a Harmony One remote with my DSM-520 and it works pretty well. The only thing that did not work like some other devices is the "extra" buttons that show up on the LCD were not there by default. I had to add them manually, but no big deal. Actually I kind of prefer that because most other devices have the extra buttons in a wacked out and useless order and it takes longer to re-arrange them and remove the ones I don't want than it does to just add the few extras that I ever use. Harmony One is by far my favorite component in my setup. DSM-520 on the other hand has some issues, but is still very usable.

I am a UK DSM-520 user and have just updated my device to firmware 1.06EU. This supports Active-TV but where can I download it from? I would also like to download the latest US version of the server software.

There is no sign of either Active-TV or v10 of the server software on the UK DLink support site. I can access the US support site and can see all the files I need but am unable to download - I suspect the server detects that my IP is outside of the USA. Same result from the US FTP site.

I have emailed DLink but with no reply as yet.

Thanks

This supports Active-TV but where can I download it from?
If my memory serves, I got my Active-TV form here:

ftp://ftp.dlink.com/Medialounge/DSM520/Apps

HTH

I am not sure whether I am seeing a Twonky or DSM-520 bug but, I have a folder containing some 100 videos. When I view these using the Twonky 'Folder' view, it seems that the details of every 42nd title is replaced with the details of the 43rd title. Hence, I get the 42nd title shown at the bottom of the 7th screen of 6 titles is the same as the 1st title at the top of the 8th screen of 6 titles.

Has anyone else seen this behaviour?
Is the only solution to reduce the number of files in each folder?

EDIT: It would appear to be a DSM-520 problem since I get the same symptoms when using ushare on my WL500gp router.

Thanks sebw7561,

Sadly, being in the UK I am unable to connect to the DLink US server to download...

Interestingly, in response to my email to D-Link UK Support I received this reply:

'I am now being told that the firmware upgrade should not have happened at all, and that ActiveTV is currently not supported in the UK.

Please can you confirm that this was an automatic upgrade and that the version is 1.06EU?'

Any other suggestions regarding downloading would be welcome.

Thanks again.

Thanks sebw7561,

Sadly, being in the UK I am unable to connect to the DLink US server to download...

Interestingly, in response to my email to D-Link UK Support I received this reply:

'I am now being told that the firmware upgrade should not have happened at all, and that ActiveTV is currently not supported in the UK.

Please can you confirm that this was an automatic upgrade and that the version is 1.06EU?'

Any other suggestions regarding downloading would be welcome.

Thanks again.

I download ActiveTV from a link on the US Dlink site. You install this onto your PC. I just tested the link and it does still work. Download the setup from here:

http://support.dlink.com/products/view.asp?productid=DSM%2D520

I can confirm it works with 1.06eu. and I am using the UK model.

Unfortunately I do not have any confidence in the UK support - they have been most unhelpful in the past, even questioning why I wanted to upgrade the firmware!

Sadly, being in the UK I am unable to connect to the DLink US server to download...I am UK also (Southampton), but can still access the US ftp server. Maybe you have a firewall issue?

I contacted vTuner, and there are now lots of additional stations listed. Many of these are WMA (supposed to be supported in this release). The MP3 stations play just fine - but the WMA stations don't play - either they just sit there, or a message comes up saying that the station is unavailable. Is there some setting I am missing here to enable WMA playback, or is this just broken?

To follow up. Version 1.06 does play WMA files in vTuner. Well, maybe not all of them, but I haven't been able to check that out yet. The reason I can't is that after the 16th URL load vTuner stops working. That is, start at the top of your "all stations" list and work your way down, checking out operation, bitrate, etc. of different stations. After the 16th you can no longer load any radio URL's until you reboot the 520. vTuner suggests that this may be a D-Link problem.

BTW, my compliments to vTuner and ORB for the quality of their support. Both are quick, interested and helpful. Twonky is quick, but doesn't answer clearly or completely. TVersity is a great program, but support is useless.

You buy a ATI Radeon 2900 Pro or greater that has an HDMI output connector with a motherboard or soundcard that has an SPDIF (optical output) and run both to your 1080P or 1080i TV and the optical into a good quality amp. I have had zero problems streaming videos to my 54 inch mitisubishi television. If you search for internet cable sellers even 50 foot HDMI and Optical are really inexpensive. In total I spend about 220 dollars about what the bug filled dsm-520 cost. It took what, almost two years to fix the HDMI bug? People still having probs with sinc issues? The FF/REW is practically worthless, although in DLink defense the 1-9 number jump is ok. Transcoding with TVersity to the 520 is ok, but I would rather stream directly from the PC.

There is nothing high potential about the 750, why not stream movies directly from your PC? Allot less heartache. I believe that in a last ditch effort D-Link is actually trying to support this product better right before the 750 release in order to sway 320 and 520 users into buying. To little to late for me PC streaming the way to go!

Yes, I agree in part but I have the need to stream to two other distinct areas in my home other than my media room. Was not my intent to bash DLink... just venting frustration at their inability to get it right after all this time and tons of user feedback. I would opt for a 750 in a heartbeat if I thought (oops; KNEW) DLink got serious under the hood and resolved the 520's various issues. As a matter of fact, I get better file compatibility out of my 320 than I do with my two 520's. Unfortunately, past history holds little hope with DLink improving in their programming efforts. Too bad they won't open source the firmware code..... suspect it would be "fixed" in a heartbeat and they would reap the rewards by realizing increased product sales. Just MHO :)

I am also curious about the Logtech Harmony remote controls like the 880 or the new Harmony One.

I know they are capable of learning the 520's remote commands, but does the Harmony support the 520 with the ease of other a/v components? Such as just being able to download all that stuff right into the remote like other DVD players and receivers?

Anyone using a Harmony remote to control their 520?

BV - I just got the Harmony 880 for use w/ my D-Link DSM-520 last week. Works great. The setup for the 520 was a little un-intutive, but all the button mappings got downloaded directly and I had to do no remote-to-remote mapping.

When you get it and need some help, let me know.

I am also curious about the Logtech Harmony remote controls like the 880 or the new Harmony One.

I know they are capable of learning the 520's remote commands, but does the Harmony support the 520 with the ease of other a/v components? Such as just being able to download all that stuff right into the remote like other DVD players and receivers?

Anyone using a Harmony remote to control their 520?

I am using a Harmony 880 and a Harmony 720 to control one DSM-320 and two DSM-520's. Have had zero problems controlling either of these 3 units. They even control my X360 and PS3!!

Thanks splatzuk,

but I am still getting this message from any download client I use:

'A socket operation was attempted to an unreachable network. This usually means the local software knows no route to reach the remote host...'

I found UK support very quick to reply in this instance but then they did not even know the update had been posted! They asked me to email them a picture of the status screen on the DSM-520 so they could send it on to their own bosses who denied to them that the update was even live...

Amazing!

The firmware upgrade seems to have worked well for me. It did not break any of the Xvid, Divx, or Vob videos that worked previously. The ones that used to have audio go out of sync now all work properly.

With this new release it seems to be finally at a point where all my video media works. Anyone else having the same experience with this version fixing files that used to go out of sync?

I am having the direct opposite results - files that previously worked (in-sync) are out of sync in V1.06. Just went back to V1.02 and everything that was broke under V1.06 is back in sync. Strange and frustrating.

I rolled back to the Beta version of firmware 1.06 and as I reported a few days ago, I have album art working now.

It looks like the limit to what will display is file sizes below 149 KB.

I tried a png file 24 bit depth, 280 X 280 pixels, 149.8 KB
that did not display.

I tried a png file 24 bit depth, 278 X 277 pixels, 148.9 KB
that worked OK
Every png image I used below that file size has worked.

I think I can now see why UK people have had trouble updating to the new V1.06 firmware. The UK 'DSM520-VerInfo.txt' file on the ftp://hqftp.dlink.com.tw/medialounge/DSM520 server points to a firmware called 'DSM520_2008.03.28-11xx__1.06' whereas the actual firmware is 'DSM520_2008.03.28-1100__1.06'.

Does anyone know the differences in function between the US and the UK versions of V1.06 firmware?

US firmware:
ftp://ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520/DSM520_2008.03.21-1638__1.06

UK firmware:
ftp://hqftp.dlink.com.tw/medialounge/DSM520/DSM520_2008.03.28-1100__1.06

It may be that the UK version has not actually been tried!

I just followed these instructions and my UK DSM520 automatically downloaded the correct EU 1.06 firmware. I didn't need to download anything manually.

1. Go to the Setup
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-1
4. Change to the correct FTP server: ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520. Mine was set to hqftp.dlink.com....
5. Check for new update
6. The DSM-520 should now find the 1.06 software and install it.

I think I can now see why UK people have had trouble updating to the new V1.06 firmware. The UK 'DSM520-VerInfo.txt' file on the ftp://hqftp.dlink.com.tw/medialounge/DSM520 server points to a firmware called 'DSM520_2008.03.28-11xx__1.06' whereas the actual firmware is 'DSM520_2008.03.28-1100__1.06'.

Does anyone know the differences in function between the US and the UK versions of V1.06 firmware?

US firmware:
ftp://ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520/DSM520_2008.03.21-1638__1.06

UK firmware:
ftp://hqftp.dlink.com.tw/medialounge/DSM520/DSM520_2008.03.28-1100__1.06

It may be that the UK version has not actually been tried!

I rolled back to the Beta version of firmware 1.06 and as I reported a few days ago, I have album art working now.

It looks like the limit to what will display is file sizes below 149 KB.

I tried a png file 24 bit depth, 280 X 280 pixels, 149.8 KB
that did not display.

I tried a png file 24 bit depth, 278 X 277 pixels, 148.9 KB
that worked OK
Every png image I used below that file size has worked.

Further testing shows it is just file size that seems to matter, not image geometry.

All of these test images worked:
TonyJoeWhite.png 142.3 KB 455 X 455 24 bit
LoveGodMurder.png is 111.9 KB and 500 X 458 at 24 bit
RusselRetrospective.png is 134.5 KB 301 X 300 at 24 bit

I did have to restart the DSM520 after I updated some mp3 files with new images but after that everything seems to work and to switch from image to image with no problems.

splatzuk

The DSM520 looks in the 'DSM520-VerInfo.txt' file that it finds at the FTP server it is pointed at, to see what firmware is available. I was explaining why this was not working with the FTP server that is usually used for European updates, namely:

ftp://hqftp.dlink.com.tw/medialounge/DSM520

Unfortunately this new firmware, while the interface is MUCH improved, still has audio sync problems with all of my ripped files.

This newer version of Media Server now works in Windows 2003 Server. Version 1.09 would not install on 2003, but it looks like they fixed this issue with the new release.

The 'DSM520-VerInfo.txt' file on the ftp server normally covering the UK has changed since my last post and now doesn't point to any firmware at all!!!

It now contains:
VERSION='1.02'
LOCATION=' '

Hi,
Is this the correct link in original software? ftp://hqftp.dlink.com.tw/medialounge/DSM520
One can't join with the server after inscription of this link. Why?

I am UK also (Southampton), but can still access the US ftp server. Maybe you have a firewall issue?

Firewall in serwer D-Link? No.. this impossible..However meybe:confused:

I'm in the U.S., and my DSM-520 also still says that 1.05 is the latest version when I try to update. Earlier updates were detected just fine.

EDIT Same FTP problem as listed by others. Odd, since the hqftp.dlink.com address resolves fine in a web browser and appears to contain the correct firmware, but downloading 1.06 only works after changing to ftp.dlink.com.

Installation has gone successfully. Does anyone have a link to a changelog or release notes?

Use these instructions to update the ftp server location inside the DSM-520:

1. Go to the Setup
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-1
4. Change to the correct FTP server - it should be set to: ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520. Mine was originally set to ftp://hqftp.dlink.com.tw/medialounge/DSM520 which is wrong.
5. Check for new update
6. The DSM-520 should now automatically find the 1.06 software and install it.

If you have a UK/EU model this will correctly install the 1.06eu software. I did this a week or so ago and it works ok.

If you have a UK/EU verison try these instructions and report back here to confirm instructions still work - Dlink may have removed eu firmware. If you have a US version try these instructions and report back to confirm it installs the US version of 1.06. The US version should just show as 1.06 - you will not see any letters after the version number.

You can still use ftp://hqftp.dlink.com.tw/medialounge/DSM520 but it does not contain 1.06eu.



Hi,
Is this the correct link in original software? ftp://hqftp.dlink.com.tw/medialounge/DSM520
One can't join with the server after inscription of this link. Why?

I've the version of EU. After inscription of the name of the server: ftp://hqftp.dlink.com.tw/medialounge/DSM520, he can't join.
This probably not is the correct link for EU/UK
"network error
Your meedia player failed to conect to the upgrade serwer.Please check your network conection"
Internet Conection its OK.....Sugestions?

Let me give some specifics on my issue.
If anyone else has any HD-WMV movies please try them, a good place to get some to test would be movie trailers from Fileplanet.com (Iron Man movie trailer is the file in question that worked before the update).

It used to play flawlessly even over wireless, now it just shows the IGN logo(which makes up the first 1 second of the video) and displays it over and over again(basically it just loops the first 2 seconds of the file over and over again and never progresses)

I've the version of EU. After inscription of the name of the server: ftp://hqftp.dlink.com.tw/medialounge/DSM520, he can't join.
This probably not is the correct link for EU/UK
"network error
Your meedia player failed to conect to the upgrade serwer.Please check your network conection"
Internet Conection its OK.....Sugestions?

I recall that an earlier version of EU firmware (1.01 I think?) used to display this message - the message was wrong. The message should have said that your firmware is up-to-date. This issue was fixed in 1.04.5eu.

I get the impression your first language is not English so I just want to make it a bit clearer as to which server you must configure the DSM520. You must set the server to ftp://ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520 using the instructions I posted earlier.

Hope this helps

I recall that an earlier version of EU firmware (1.01 I think?) used to display this message - the message was wrong. The message should have said that your firmware is up-to-date. This issue was fixed in 1.04.5eu.

I get the impression your first language is not English so I just want to make it a bit clearer as to which server you must configure the DSM520. You must set the server to ftp://ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520 using the instructions I posted earlier.

Hope this helps
You're right I'm not the Englishman.;)
I'll taste to do as you advise

Hi,

I just bought an DSM-520 and would like to know what the best format to backup my DVD's to play on this device.

I would like to have the DVD menus available and be able to play with subtitles. I would also like to use freely available software, if possible. Having the smallest size files is also a bonus.

I have, in the past, backed up to vob using rip it for me with dvd decryptor to play on a Roku HD1000, but it never worked well - is this still a good format or is there "better".

Thanks alot!
Chris

My mistake, I checked all my album arts and indeed, they are all below 300x300 but very close to it. I did adjust them a few weeks ago. Release 1.06 seems to support pictures with lower resolution than 200x200...!

That is what I am seeing, too. I can't tell you how disappointed I am with this latest firmware, especially as D-Link claims to have fixed album art in their release notes.

I bought my DSM-520 when it first came out, and have endured several years of sporadically released, buggy firmware. It's all very well being an "early adopter" but you'd think that after several years they could get something this simple to work, let alone all of the video issues I've seen come and go.

After 2.5 years of this, I think I'm just about done with my DSM-520, and just going to admit defeat and buy an Apple TV instead... I just want something that WORKS!

That is what I am seeing, too. I can't tell you how disappointed I am with this latest firmware, especially as D-Link claims to have fixed album art in their release notes.

I bought my DSM-520 when it first came out, and have endured several years of sporadically released, buggy firmware. It's all very well being an "early adopter" but you'd think that after several years they could get something this simple to work, let alone all of the video issues I've seen come and go.

After 2.5 years of this, I think I'm just about done with my DSM-520, and just going to admit defeat and buy an Apple TV instead... I just want something that WORKS!

Buying an Apple TV removes most of the features you bought the DSM-520 for; such as playing DivX and XVid files. Unless of course, you didn't buy it for video.

That's mainly what I bought mine for, and so far, it's been good. Not perfect, but pretty good.

After 2.5 years of this, I think I'm just about done with my DSM-520

I'd to use my PS3 for everything and get rid of the extra box. I've been asking for simple things like selectable font sizes in the GUI and faster detection of the network and media server, and DLink can't seem to deliver. People are still having sync problems (myself included occasionally) after almost a year. Active-TV would be great for things like Netflix and MLB.TV, but we still wait. The 520 could be the "goto box" for Netflix Watch Now in the living room. Do they care enough to put some pressure on MediaMall?

DLink FINALLY added the screen saver to the Now Playing screen after 3 years. I guess I should be dancing in the streets.

The only thing that holds me back is I don't trust Sony. They just added XVID/DIVX support and who knows if they'll take it away? Also I believe there's still no 5.1 audio support with the PS3 in the XMB. So the 520 stays.

I'd to use my PS3 for everything and get rid of the extra box. I've been asking for simple things like selectable font sizes in the GUI and faster detection of the network and media server, and DLink can't seem to deliver. People are still having sync problems (myself included occasionally) after almost a year. Active-TV would be great for things like Netflix and MLB.TV, but we still wait. The 520 could be the "goto box" for Netflix Watch Now in the living room. Do they care enough to put some pressure on MediaMall?

DLink FINALLY added the screen saver to the Now Playing screen after 3 years. I guess I should be dancing in the streets.

The only thing that holds me back is I don't trust Sony. They just added XVID/DIVX support and who knows if they'll take it away? Also I believe there's still no 5.1 audio support with the PS3 in the XMB. So the 520 stays.

At this point, nothing reasonably priced (<$300) is a panacea (as far as I know). AppleTV sounds very promising, but then you're tied to Apple--kiss NetFlix--who have a TON more movies--good bye. Re a DVR, AppleTV (nor the DSM-520) doesn't have it, but filed a patent for this capability, so it'll probably come down the line.

I find that I'm living with the 80/20 rule with my DSM-520. It meets 80% of my needs. Yes, there are sync issues, but not most of the time (not even 20% of the time). I can get vids and music from my laptop in another part of the house over to the 520 w/o issue more than 80% of the time. I get to watch the shows/movies I want, when I want, more than 80% of the time. Does it have DVR? No. But I almost don't watch any TV anymore, and if I miss something, I can always get a torrent from sharetv or tvrss. Internet video (YouTube) or Active-TV? Cool idea, but nothing I'm crazy about--maybe when the quality (and software) become amazing, then I'll get more excited about it.

I just bought a Western Digital 1TB NAS that I now have all my media on. My Laptop, in another part of the house, runs the media player, pulls up the media from the NAS wirelessly, and then sends it to the 520 wirelessly. Quality: awesome.

80/20 rule? Maybe even better: 95/5 rule. For me, it comes down to this: The D-Link DSM-520 isn't the silver bullet, but for around $200, something that meets most of my needs most of the time, I think it's a great bargain.

They know this issue. It should be fixed in the next release. The won;t fix it because it need a major change and it need to full regression test which is impossible in this stage.


att1234,

[I have confirmed that this is a firmware bug. The source aspect ratio is incorrectly to be setup as 4:3. However, for pictures, it should be a square pixel (4:4). This is why you see black strips above and below the screen.]

Thanks for following up on this problem. I just noticed that DLink posted firmware version 1.06 with a lot of other fixes and improvements. Is DLink aware of this problem (incorrect pixel size for pictures), so it can be fixed in the next version?

sergioe

In my memory, it can support up to 300x300 or 400x400. I am not sure.

Thanks for the work you've done on the firmware, but what are the specs of the supported size here? What are the improvements you've made?

None of my album art works in v1.06.

If you can send me a picture, I can test it and tell you why.

Thanks for the work you've done on the firmware, but what are the specs of the supported size here? What are the improvements you've made?

None of my album art works in v1.06.

It's wired. They may pull the patch out of release. I will check it by myself and update latter. However, it will take some time because I am not work there any more.

I just upgraded my firmware to 1.06
The auto-upgrade worked OK on my DSM-520, no problems with the ftp path.

It looks like the problem with album art has not been fixed and version 1.06 still fails to display any images much over 200 X 200

From an earlier post by ATT1234:
{ btw, Att1234 : Thanks buddy! We would be lost without you ! }
"Assume that the resolution is axb. If a*b*3 > 128*1024, we won't show it. 1.04 will crash when there is big album art inside the MP3 so that we put this limitation"

I think this problem is still here in 1.06.
Here are the calculations for reference:
128 X 1024 = 131,072
300 X 300 X 3 = 270,000 bigger
200 X 200 X 3 = 120,000 smaller
209 X 209 X 3 = 131,043 smaller but about max size

Here are some I tried this afternoon.
Using Twonky Media server version 4.4
All files are MP3 with the image embeded in the tag using EasyTag on Linux.
All image sources are png files.
The Twonky database was rebuilt after adding the art to the MP3 and before trying the display on the DSM-520

EarlyTracks.png the album cover is 300 X 294 didn't work
BobTillYouDrop,png the album cover is 301 X 300 didn't work
TransendentalBlues.png the album cover is 300 X 300 didn't work
ThatWasMe.png the album cover is 248 X 248 didn't work
EastNashville.png the album cover is 138 X 140 worked OK

all tracks played OK, fast forward OK, switch tracks OK, so no crash
only the smallest one displayed album art

Thanks for your report. I believe that there is size limitation as well as you said. The memory of DSM520 is very very tight after the Active-TV support is added. I will try to find the real number and post latter.

Further testing shows it is just file size that seems to matter, not image geometry.

All of these test images worked:
TonyJoeWhite.png 142.3 KB 455 X 455 24 bit
LoveGodMurder.png is 111.9 KB and 500 X 458 at 24 bit
RusselRetrospective.png is 134.5 KB 301 X 300 at 24 bit

I did have to restart the DSM520 after I updated some mp3 files with new images but after that everything seems to work and to switch from image to image with no problems.

Let me share my working on DSM-520 for years.

The biggest missing step of DSM-520 is the public beta testing. DSM-520, actually all similar products, claims too much. There are way too much formats available in the world. It is almost an impossible job to support all of them well. In some cases, it is impossible because different encoder will put different conditions. Some of them are not streaming friendly. The combination of these conditions make us impossible to do full test by ourself. The small poor development team of DSM-520 has no capability to test everything in every changes. This is why it always fixes something and broken others from release to release.

The D-link LAB can guarantee basic functions only. If they can open the source, it will be even more helpful.


At this point, nothing reasonably priced (<$300) is a panacea (as far as I know). AppleTV sounds very promising, but then you're tied to Apple--kiss NetFlix--who have a TON more movies--good bye. Re a DVR, AppleTV (nor the DSM-520) doesn't have it, but filed a patent for this capability, so it'll probably come down the line.

I find that I'm living with the 80/20 rule with my DSM-520. It meets 80% of my needs. Yes, there are sync issues, but not most of the time (not even 20% of the time). I can get vids and music from my laptop in another part of the house over to the 520 w/o issue more than 80% of the time. I get to watch the shows/movies I want, when I want, more than 80% of the time. Does it have DVR? No. But I almost don't watch any TV anymore, and if I miss something, I can always get a torrent from sharetv or tvrss. Internet video (YouTube) or Active-TV? Cool idea, but nothing I'm crazy about--maybe when the quality (and software) become amazing, then I'll get more excited about it.

I just bought a Western Digital 1TB NAS that I now have all my media on. My Laptop, in another part of the house, runs the media player, pulls up the media from the NAS wirelessly, and then sends it to the 520 wirelessly. Quality: awesome.

80/20 rule? Maybe even better: 95/5 rule. For me, it comes down to this: The D-Link DSM-520 isn't the silver bullet, but for around $200, something that meets most of my needs most of the time, I think it's a great bargain.

Although I do understand that it is almost impossible to fully test everything when making a firmware release, I still do not know how they missed certain issues for such a long period of time (like the audio/video sync issues). I am in no way ripping into you or D-Link about this, it is just very frustrating.

Att1234 - Any idea what we can do about this sync issue? It should be escalated, but going through the regular support channels has done nothing for me.

Let me share my working on DSM-520 for years.

The biggest missing step of DSM-520 is the public beta testing. DSM-520, actually all similar products, claims too much. There are way too much formats available in the world. It is almost an impossible job to support all of them well. In some cases, it is impossible because different encoder will put different conditions. Some of them are not streaming friendly. The combination of these conditions make us impossible to do full test by ourself. The small poor development team of DSM-520 has no capability to test everything in every changes. This is why it always fixes something and broken others from release to release.

The D-link LAB can guarantee basic functions only. If they can open the source, it will be even more helpful.

att1234,
[They know this issue. It should be fixed in the next release. The won;t fix it because it need a major change and it need to full regression test which is impossible in this stage.]

I'm glad to hear that they may fix it going forward. Thanks for following up on this.
sergioe

will this device play my mov. files??

Here is the result. The size of the embedded image must be less than 150K. The actual image size limitation has been removed. All of the files in their hand uses JPEG as imbedded image. This size is OK for JPEG. However, PNG files might be bigger.

For now, the solutions is to reduce the file size of the image so that the album art can appear. They can consider to increase the size to be 250K-300K in the future. However, as I said, the memory of DSM520 is very tight. They need to do more regression test before change the memory layout.

It's wired. They may pull the patch out of release. I will check it by myself and update latter. However, it will take some time because I am not work there any more.

I can explian the whole story. First of all, all files in the hand of the development team has not AV sync issue. However, this won't guarantee that every files is OK for our algorithm. This is related to the AVI itself.

The AVI is designed 20 years ago for the storage of media file by Microsoft. They do not even consider the 'network' in their mind at all. This is why Microsoft invent another format, ASF, to replace it for WMV&WMA.

Due to this issue, our network player need to have some assumptions about the structure of the AVI file. The most critical part is how the audio and video are interleaved. When the audio and video is not interleaved well, we need to drop some audio or video to make it sync. Unfortunate, this is almost impossible job for network player since there is no timestamp in the media data. The timestamp is stored in a separate table. In theory, it is possible to look at the table to decide how to make the data in sync. However, it will ask the player to perform a lot of seeks and it will make the playback looks jerky. We can perform this in seek or FF/FB only. This is why jump or seek can solve the AV sync issue.

Therefore, we abandon this idea and use some heuristic algorithm to drop the data. Unfortunate, this won't be perfect obviously. We 'hope' that users will encode their file well for the streaming or use ASF instead.

This is why some vendors like Sony and Apple provides their own encoder program to generate "correct" stream for their player. This can guarantee that all files are OK for the player. Their tech support will always ask you to use their own official encoder to do the job.

Although I do understand that it is almost impossible to fully test everything when making a firmware release, I still do not know how they missed certain issues for such a long period of time (like the audio/video sync issues). I am in no way ripping into you or D-Link about this, it is just very frustrating.

Att1234 - Any idea what we can do about this sync issue? It should be escalated, but going through the regular support channels has done nothing for me.

Only when the video is MPEG4.

will this device play my mov. files??

Here is the result. The size of the embedded image must be less than 150K. The actual image size limitation has been removed. All of the files in their hand uses JPEG as imbedded image. This size is OK for JPEG. However, PNG files might be bigger.

For now, the solutions is to reduce the file size of the image so that the album art can appear. They can consider to increase the size to be 250K-300K in the future. However, as I said, the memory of DSM520 is very tight. They need to do more regression test before change the memory layout.

Ok, this makes no sense. I am trying to get album art to display that is only 16K in size (300x299 JPG) and it is not working. The only way I get album art to work is to have Twonky auto-scale everything down to 150x150. I think that something is not right with the latest firmware. Perhaps the change didn't get put in after all...

...AV sync issue....related to the AVI itself....When the audio and video is not interleaved well, we need to drop some audio or video to make it sync...Good post. I don't have a 520 but instead a SC200 which has the same Sigma Designs chip. These do a great job w/Xvid/Dvix avis, but only if the audio is CBR. If VBR (the default of at least one converter proggie AutoGK) then the chip has problems decoding regardless of WHAT the bitrate is.

Ok, this makes no sense. I am trying to get album art to display that is only 16K in size (300x299 JPG) and it is not working. The only way I get album art to work is to have Twonky auto-scale everything down to 150x150. I think that something is not right with the latest firmware. Perhaps the change didn't get put in after all...

Right. I found that with firmware 1.06 the dimensions of the image do matter and they must be 200 X 200 or less.
I rolled back to a beta version of 1.06 and am getting good results on album art.
In that version it seems to work as per Att1234's description: there does not seem to be a limit on the dimensions, just on the file size of the image. The maximum accepted seems to be just under 150 KB.
If you use an image larger than that it will not crash or hang the player, it just will not show the image.
Here are some test results:
==============================
LoveGodMurder.png 111.9 KB 500 X 458 24 bit works OK
RusselRetrospective.png 134.5 KB 301 X 300 24 bit works OK
TonyJoeWhite.png 142.3 KB 455 X 455 24 bit works OK
StillCountry.png 147.9 KB 455 X 455 24 bit works OK
AtlantaRythm.png 149.0 KB 298 X 298 24 bit works OK
DocPomus.png 149.1 KB 285 X 276 24 bit works OK
CampadresTexas.png 149.2 KB 289 X 289 24 bit works OK
JohnBorra.png 149.5 KB 330 X 330 24 bit works OK
NoDeeperBlue.png 149.5 KB 274 X 272 24 bit works OK
RevolutonNow.png 149.7 KB 270 X 270 24 bit works OK 153,257 bytes

====================limit is right here
SimpleDreams 149.7 KB 262 X 255 24 bit DID NOT WORK 153,313 bytes
AtTheRyman.png was 149.8 KB 280X280 24 bit DID NOT WORK

Hmm... Discovered another regression in 1.06... Previous firmwares would honor non-square PAR. Now it does not. This means all of my dvd rips are squished, even if the audio sync was correct.

The D-link LAB can guarantee basic functions only. If they can open the source, it will be even more helpful.

Are there plans to do this? Probably not since it took a very long time for D-link to even follow the GPL and release the kernel code for it.

I must say that w/ the skip buttons, I've started watching TV shows I record w/ the DSM-520 (previously I was and still am for some shows, using my MacBookPro hooked up to the TV). Better experience than the PS3 which you can't even *PAUSE* the video from my media server (probably because my media server is so basic).

I do have an issue where some AC3 audio appears to not be decoded/reencoded properly. It appears to drop the center/dialog channel. If I can get a sample, is there a way to get it to someone to fix the issue?

Right. I found that with firmware 1.06 the dimensions of the image do matter and they must be 200 X 200 or less.
I rolled back to a beta version of 1.06 and am getting good results on album art.


Where did you get the beta firmware?

Where did you get the beta firmware?

Look on this thread (post from NC-DSM520User on Wed Nov 28, 2007 9:21 am):

http://forums.tversity.com/viewtopic.php?t=7452&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30&sid=b692acd6c87861f6970e7eb21df0a5bf

Be carefull there is one extra ) that you should remove

I note that although the screen saver does seem to work in more situations it still doesn't work if you are all the way down in Rhapsody menus. That is, if you select a song or album. If you back out one level to the song title - the saver works. If you load the Album Art as I have indicated previously - the saver works. -- but not if you stay on the song selected screen.

BTW -- It would appear that implementing Album Art on Rhapsody would be pretty simple as one can get it now. -- I wonder if there are other issues involved.

Also -- Media Mall reports that they currently have a pre-Beta that supports Hulu so that should be coming along one of these days!!!!

Dlink recently released new firmware for the dsm520. I was HOPING that this new version would support DVR-MS files. Much to my dismay, it does not.

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

I will try again to contact Dlink support to get them to fix this. The product has claimed support for dvr-ms files from Day One and never has worked properly.

Keep your fingers crossed.

The only way I get album art to work is to have Twonky auto-scale everything down to 150x150.

Is this new in Twonky? I don't remember seeing that before, and I haven't yet updated to v4.4.

I decided to hold off on any Apple purchases until after WWDC, so if I can get this working the 520 might get a reprieve. ;)

I will try again to contact Dlink support to get them to fix this

Good luck with that! :P

I am having an issue with my 520 accessing the server properly for the ActiveTV function. It is logging in and handshaking with the server, but the TV screen populates with the typical ActiveTV blue background with no icons and two messages - 'Undefined' for the icons. I can logon as an Administrator on the PC server machine running the MediaMall side, use the supplied ActiveTV icon and see ActiveTV content so my server connect outbound is active. I have disabled all firewalls and re-installed the ActiveTV software.

I noticed I get the same result with the blue background and 'Undefined' message text when I logon on as a different user on the PC server and try using the ActiveTV icon.

Anyone have any ideas before I try to go to D-Link Support?

I was happy to see WMA support in the latest firmware, but less happy with how it works. I have corresponded with the vTuner folks and they aren't sure that the D-Link WMA support will do all it is supposed to. My problem -- I use vTuner for audio feeds (great selection). MP3 feeds all play without problem. WMA feeds may play, may play for a while, or may not play at all. For example, the CBC Radio Two feed will play for a few seconds, or it may play for a few minutes, or perhaps for an hour or 2. When the feed is dropped by the 520 I often need to reboot the unit to get vTuner working again. Are any of the rest of you having similar problems?

I am having an issue with my 520 accessing the server properly for the ActiveTV function. It is logging in and handshaking with the server, but the TV screen populates with the typical ActiveTV blue background with no icons and two messages - 'Undefined' for the icons. I can logon as an Administrator on the PC server machine running the MediaMall side, use the supplied ActiveTV icon and see ActiveTV content so my server connect outbound is active. I have disabled all firewalls and re-installed the ActiveTV software.

I noticed I get the same result with the blue background and 'Undefined' message text when I logon on as a different user on the PC server and try using the ActiveTV icon.

Anyone have any ideas before I try to go to D-Link Support?

What OS are you on?

Also, ActiveTV seems to need quite a few Windows Services "on" in order to function properly. Have you ever gone into Services in the past and turned any off?

I can explain the whole story. First of all, all files in the hand of the development team has not AV sync issue. However, this won't guarantee that every files is OK for our algorithm. This is related to the AVI itself.

<snip>
Unfortunate, this won't be perfect obviously. We 'hope' that users will encode their file well for the streaming or use ASF instead.

<snip>


This is the best post I have seen on this topic yet. Thank you!

I have the problem and I encode my own AVI's. I have tried many different options and as of yet have not found the silver bullet. If you (or anyone) could share the magic formula to make AVI's that do not have the AV/Video Sync problem I would really appreciate it. Is there any one thing I should be looking for?

I am a Linux users (I have a windows box somewhere so don't limit comments to Linux) and I am using the dvdrip front-end to transcode. I have also tried avidemux. Other tools exist that I have not tried but I am willing to try anything that works.

I am having an issue with my 520 accessing the server properly for the ActiveTV function. It is logging in and handshaking with the server, but the TV screen populates with the typical ActiveTV blue background with no icons and two messages - 'Undefined' for the icons. I can logon as an Administrator on the PC server machine running the MediaMall side, use the supplied ActiveTV icon and see ActiveTV content so my server connect outbound is active. I have disabled all firewalls and re-installed the ActiveTV software.

I noticed I get the same result with the blue background and 'Undefined' message text when I logon on as a different user on the PC server and try using the ActiveTV icon.

Anyone have any ideas before I try to go to D-Link Support?


Don't go to D-link, go to MediaMallSupport, ActiveTV is their product and
the are VERY helpful. I have had two problems very similar to your issue
and they have solve both of them.. A couple of suggestions, first you
might try the release of the MediaMall server on their website.
www.themediamall.com (http://www.themediamall.com) then if that does not work, I would go into the
setting menu, and turn on logging, after you have seen the error,
then click on the send button, it will zip up the logs files, then you
email them to support. Also make sure that you see the issue both
from the windows application and from the 520. If you are running vista
ultimate 32, there is registry bug that we ran into that has nothing to do
with their software (they found it for me), and created a work around.
I can not speak for everyone, but I have NEVER found a support group
for a company that really went out of their way to resolve the problem like MediaMall Support.

I haven't seen this posted in this thread yet and I love being the bearer of (hopefully) good news:

"Although I am an April Fool for sure (born on the 2nd), this is no April Fools joke I am so excited about our new software release (2.57 - coming out next week). I just spoke with David — our CTO (in Denmark) and Jeff — our CEO (in NY), and WOW — it is really jam-packed. We are adding in advertising for the first time with Tremor Media and SpotXchange; there is a bunch of new content (Hulu, Howcast, CNN, ESPN, and lots more), a registration mechanism (so we can figure out how many folks are installing MediaMall). We also recently released a new standalone UPnP Media Server. Obviously the dev team has been seriously cranking. Once we release it, D-Link will post it to the DSM-520 user base so that folks can get the latest stuff. And — I’ll let you know when it is available as well."


From this blog: http://www.themediamall.com/blog/


Can Netflix support be far behind???

Note my previous note that Hulu (at least) was pre-beta just a few days ago. I'm excited too, but not planning on holding my breath :-)

This is the best post I have seen on this topic yet. Thank you!

I have the problem and I encode my own AVI's. I have tried many different options and as of yet have not found the silver bullet. If you (or anyone) could share the magic formula to make AVI's that do not have the AV/Video Sync problem I would really appreciate it. Is there any one thing I should be looking for?

I am a Linux users (I have a windows box somewhere so don't limit comments to Linux) and I am using the dvdrip front-end to transcode. I have also tried avidemux. Other tools exist that I have not tried but I am willing to try anything that works.

I use mencoder. I've had varying levels of success with audio sync. Right now it seems to be working great.

I can explian the whole story. First of all, all files in the hand of the development team has not AV sync issue. However, this won't guarantee that every files is OK for our algorithm. This is related to the AVI itself.

The AVI is designed 20 years ago for the storage of media file by Microsoft. They do not even consider the 'network' in their mind at all. This is why Microsoft invent another format, ASF, to replace it for WMV&WMA.

Due to this issue, our network player need to have some assumptions about the structure of the AVI file. The most critical part is how the audio and video are interleaved. When the audio and video is not interleaved well, we need to drop some audio or video to make it sync. Unfortunate, this is almost impossible job for network player since there is no timestamp in the media data. The timestamp is stored in a separate table. In theory, it is possible to look at the table to decide how to make the data in sync. However, it will ask the player to perform a lot of seeks and it will make the playback looks jerky. We can perform this in seek or FF/FB only. This is why jump or seek can solve the AV sync issue.

Therefore, we abandon this idea and use some heuristic algorithm to drop the data. Unfortunate, this won't be perfect obviously. We 'hope' that users will encode their file well for the streaming or use ASF instead.

This is why some vendors like Sony and Apple provides their own encoder program to generate "correct" stream for their player. This can guarantee that all files are OK for the player. Their tech support will always ask you to use their own official encoder to do the job.

That makes sense, and thanks for the detailed response. My only question is: How come certain AVI files worked with earlier firmware versions, but now have an sync issue? Was there a change to this algorithm in the 1.06 release? If so, what was the change?

Everette

That makes sense, and thanks for the detailed response. My only question is: How come certain AVI files worked with earlier firmware versions, but now have an sync issue? Was there a change to this algorithm in the 1.06 release? If so, what was the change?

Everette

Same issue here. Been searching high and low for the answer. I still find V1.02 to be the most compatible of all the firmware revisions in regards to sync stability across my avi list. Files that drop sync in V1.03-V1.06 just plain WORK in V1.02. If the D-Link team could tell us the no-bull settings/encoders to use for best results, I would be a happy camper. I love my 520's but I am actively "looking" for something better without having to go to a full HTPC. As I have said before, so much "potential"!

Same issue here. Been searching high and low for the answer. I still find V1.02 to be the most compatible of all the firmware revisions in regards to sync stability across my avi list. Files that drop sync in V1.03-V1.06 just plain WORK in V1.02. If the D-Link team could tell us the no-bull settings/encoders to use for best results, I would be a happy camper. I love my 520's but I am actively "looking" for something better without having to go to a full HTPC. As I have said before, so much "potential"!

Well, to expand upon what I said earlier, I'm running FreeBSD and using mencoder to rip DVDs. All components are installed from ports:

Mplayer/Mencoder 1.0rc2-4.2.1
x264 20070913 snapshot
xvid 1.1.3
ffmpeg 2007-10-04 snapshot

That's pretty much the "versioning". The encoding options are (for say, my spiderman 2 dvd):

mencoder -oac copy -ovc lavc -ffourcc DX50 -ofps 24000/1001 -passlogfile Spiderman_2.log -vf crop=718:360:0:58,scale=704:-11:::0.00:0.75,harddup -aid 128 -msglevel all=-1:statusline=5 -lavcopts autoaspect:vcodec=mpeg4:mbd=2:mv0:trell:v4mv:cbp:last_pred=3 :predia=2:dia=2:vmax_b_frames=2:vb_strategy=1:precmp=2:cmp=2 :subcmp=2:preme=2:qns=2:turbo:threads=1:vbitrate=2000:vpass= 1 -channels 6 -o Spiderman_2-lavc.avi -dvd-device Spiderman_2 dvd://1

That's the first pass, the second pass doesn't have turbo and specifies vpass=2. So far all the files encoded have had proper sync on 1.05. Because I'm preserving the aspect ratio (anamorphic mpeg4 streams), 1.06 does not play it properly. However, there seem to be some color problems on 1.05, I'm reflashing to 1.02 to see if they go away.

But I have to agree, 1.02 has hands-down been the most compatible firmware to date, even if the interface is much slower.

[EDIT] Firmware 1.02 doesn't display the color differently... Probably my TV. So, those encoder settings seem to work well with 1.05.

Everything said, I find the 520 to be a fantastic machine considering I bought it in 2006 and I still feel that it has devlivered on everything it advertised, unlike all the H.264/MKV/ISO promises of so-called next gen players.

If you are thinking of upgrading to a DSM-750 be sure to check out the 750 thread here on AVS Forum. Lots of serious problems in trying to get the units to work at all -- but they sem to work well when they do. Bottom line -- a batch of defective units was apparently shipped. I suggest waiting a bit for this to get ironed out.

I don't have any windows machines in the house, so the "Media Center Extenders" out there are not an option.

....... Bottom line -- a batch of defective units was apparently shipped. I suggest waiting a bit for this to get ironed out.

Problems with the 750? Say its not so. Somehow this does not surprise me. D-Link continues to shoot itself in the foot. Whether firmware or hardware, the DSM related product line continues to be pushed to (on) the market before its ready. Really wanted to upgrade one of my 520's to a 750 but not with the 750 getting off to this rather bad start.....

Bit of a bump here from an earlier post:

I have a folder containing some 100 videos. When I view these video files through the DSM-520 (firmware V1.06), the details of every 42nd title is replaced with the details of the 43rd title. Hence, I get the 42nd title shown at the bottom of the 7th screen of 6 titles is the same as the 1st title at the top of the 8th screen of 6 titles.

I can now confirm that these symptoms exist when using V1.10 D-Link Media Server. I have tested under other media servers such as Twonky and ushare with the same problem seen.

Has anyone else noticed this bug?

Can this bug be fixed in the next release?

Look on this thread (post from NC-DSM520User on Wed Nov 28, 2007 9:21 am):

http://forums.tversity.com/viewtopic.php?t=7452&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30&sid=b692acd6c87861f6970e7eb21df0a5bf

Be carefull there is one extra ) that you should remove

Looks like they pulled it :(

Is this new in Twonky? I don't remember seeing that before, and I haven't yet updated to v4.4.

I decided to hold off on any Apple purchases until after WWDC, so if I can get this working the 520 might get a reprieve. ;)


I think it may be. I remember being surprised after updating and having the art show up. In the new version, in fact, this feature is enabled by default. So, if you don't want art downsized, you have to tell it not to.

News from Tracy is that the new version of MediaMall (and Active-TV) should be out by the end of next week. The D-Link version will be available on the MediaMall website. Hulu support not quite there yet, but beta support may be there. Check the MediaMall website and blogs.

Let me just say I have been reading some of the stuff going on
over at MediaMall, and they have some really neat features that
are available for download that make nice add-on's. And let me just
say "chenrikson" is 100% on target, speaking as someone who's seen
some new stuff in action;).

Go check this out, http://active-tv.blogspot.com/ and look for
"Free TV-web Channels" on left. There is tons of documentation
on this page that should help. Just unzip them then look in
"My Media and Programs".

It's been posted before and "chenrikson" got his info here
http://www.themediamall.com/blog/

Enjoy!

Edited: To "chenrikson" comments below, I believe you need to be running the
MediaMall released version of MediaMall, instead of the D-Link released version.

Am I the only one that has issues with photos not being rotated correctly? They show up sideways.

Am I the only one that has issues with photos not being rotated correctly? They show up sideways.

This was something I notice and document last fall here in the thread, basicly some of the
new cameras include in the header information the orientation (portrait/landscape) which
the d-link image app or the basic viewer in MediaMall has addressed this issue.
If you use the photoshop elements plugin or picasa plugin to mediamall,
it will correct the orientation. At least that is what I see with my Canon EOS-20D images.
Hopefully if enough people complain, maybe they will put it on their list of
feature fixes ;)

Mike

Go check this out, http://active-tv.blogspot.com/ and look for
"Free TV-web Channels" on left. There is tons of documentation
on this page that should help. Just unzip them then look in
"My Media and Programs".


[/B]Enjoy!

I had seen them and downloaded a few. In Vista I think one should extract them to the C:\Program Files\Common Files\TV-Websites folder. I did that, but they don't seem to show up on Active-TV. I would appreciate any suggestions!!

chenrikson,
Check your PM, Mike

This is wired! I will try to understand it.

Right. I found that with firmware 1.06 the dimensions of the image do matter and they must be 200 X 200 or less.
I rolled back to a beta version of 1.06 and am getting good results on album art.
In that version it seems to work as per Att1234's description: there does not seem to be a limit on the dimensions, just on the file size of the image. The maximum accepted seems to be just under 150 KB.
If you use an image larger than that it will not crash or hang the player, it just will not show the image.
Here are some test results:
==============================
LoveGodMurder.png 111.9 KB 500 X 458 24 bit works OK
RusselRetrospective.png 134.5 KB 301 X 300 24 bit works OK
TonyJoeWhite.png 142.3 KB 455 X 455 24 bit works OK
StillCountry.png 147.9 KB 455 X 455 24 bit works OK
AtlantaRythm.png 149.0 KB 298 X 298 24 bit works OK
DocPomus.png 149.1 KB 285 X 276 24 bit works OK
CampadresTexas.png 149.2 KB 289 X 289 24 bit works OK
JohnBorra.png 149.5 KB 330 X 330 24 bit works OK
NoDeeperBlue.png 149.5 KB 274 X 272 24 bit works OK
RevolutonNow.png 149.7 KB 270 X 270 24 bit works OK 153,257 bytes

====================limit is right here
SimpleDreams 149.7 KB 262 X 255 24 bit DID NOT WORK 153,313 bytes
AtTheRyman.png was 149.8 KB 280X280 24 bit DID NOT WORK

No, this is not an issue of D-link by themselves, but also SIgmaDesign and firmware vendors. However, we can try to push to see if this will happen or not. If the SIgmaDesign SDK is available, we can write one from scratch as well.

Are there plans to do this? Probably not since it took a very long time for D-link to even follow the GPL and release the kernel code for it.

I must say that w/ the skip buttons, I've started watching TV shows I record w/ the DSM-520 (previously I was and still am for some shows, using my MacBookPro hooked up to the TV). Better experience than the PS3 which you can't even *PAUSE* the video from my media server (probably because my media server is so basic).

I do have an issue where some AC3 audio appears to not be decoded/reencoded properly. It appears to drop the center/dialog channel. If I can get a sample, is there a way to get it to someone to fix the issue?

The WMA radio stations use MMS protocol(Microsoft propriatary). This protocol has no public document. Therefore, everything is reversed. In addition, a lot of radio stations use some non standard HTTP protocol which work in IE only. Some stations even has bug in their HTTP response. Even worse, these stations may change their response from time to time. This make the support of WMA stations become more difficult.

In short, if mplayer can play the station, DSM520 should be able to play it. IT may confuse end users. Actually, DSM520 team has internal debate to see if they want to put this support into the firmware or not. The final decision is to release it since it may help some people to get their favorite stations.


I was happy to see WMA support in the latest firmware, but less happy with how it works. I have corresponded with the vTuner folks and they aren't sure that the D-Link WMA support will do all it is supposed to. My problem -- I use vTuner for audio feeds (great selection). MP3 feeds all play without problem. WMA feeds may play, may play for a while, or may not play at all. For example, the CBC Radio Two feed will play for a few seconds, or it may play for a few minutes, or perhaps for an hour or 2. When the feed is dropped by the 520 I often need to reboot the unit to get vTuner working again. Are any of the rest of you having similar problems?

This is great question. We should ask them to "freeze" the algorithm since it will never be perfect. Once they change, they may impact some people. I will try to get a list of changes in the algorithm and post it latter.

That makes sense, and thanks for the detailed response. My only question is: How come certain AVI files worked with earlier firmware versions, but now have an sync issue? Was there a change to this algorithm in the 1.06 release? If so, what was the change?

Everette

Ooooh, what an amazing bug report! You have a good eye.

I will try to see if I can reproduce it.


Bit of a bump here from an earlier post:

I have a folder containing some 100 videos. When I view these video files through the DSM-520 (firmware V1.06), the details of every 42nd title is replaced with the details of the 43rd title. Hence, I get the 42nd title shown at the bottom of the 7th screen of 6 titles is the same as the 1st title at the top of the 8th screen of 6 titles.

I can now confirm that these symptoms exist when using V1.10 D-Link Media Server. I have tested under other media servers such as Twonky and ushare with the same problem seen.

Has anyone else noticed this bug?

Can this bug be fixed in the next release?

DSM520 does not honor the orientation tag in the photo.

This was something I notice and document last fall here in the thread, basicly some of the
new cameras include in the header information the orientation (portrait/landscape) which
the d-link image app or the basic viewer in MediaMall has addressed this issue.
If you use the photoshop elements plugin or picasa plugin to mediamall,
it will correct the orientation. At least that is what I see with my Canon EOS-20D images.
Hopefully if enough people complain, maybe they will put it on their list of
feature fixes ;)

Mike

This is great question. We should ask them to "freeze" the algorithm since it will never be perfect. Once they change, they may impact some people. I will try to get a list of changes in the algorithm and post it latter.

Thanks att1234 for the inside scoup and help!!!

how come i don't see anything about the video files freezing when i forward or backward while the video is being transcoded... is it that only i am experiencing this really big big bug... is it a tversity issue, ?

secondly:" can i rest my mind that dsm520 actually doesn't support any kind of subtitles natively, and the only way to get subtitles on it, is to transcode the video? Is it possible that an old version of this player (dsm 320) supports .srt subtitles and this new version does not? ...maybe the new dsm750 does?!!

The WMA radio stations use MMS protocol(Microsoft propriatary). This protocol has no public document. Therefore, everything is reversed. In addition, a lot of radio stations use some non standard HTTP protocol which work in IE only. Some stations even has bug in their HTTP response. Even worse, these stations may change their response from time to time. This make the support of WMA stations become more difficult.

In short, if mplayer can play the station, DSM520 should be able to play it. IT may confuse end users. Actually, DSM520 team has internal debate to see if they want to put this support into the firmware or not. The final decision is to release it since it may help some people to get their favorite stations.

Thanks for the positive information. You are certainly correct in your first paragraph. I have noticed odd bitstream information on some of the WMA feeds - for example 66 bps -- and these feeds don't play. Sometimes the same feed will show up with 64 bps and then play fine. Obviously something amiss - and not always D-Link's fault.

Found the solution for those that cant update.

If you cant update do this

1. Go to the Setup
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-1
4. Change to the correct FTP server: ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520. Mine was set to hqftp.dlink.com....
5. Check for new update
6. The DSM-520 should now find the 1.06 software and install it.

For the life of me i couldn't find the / to update to the new url. So i just pulled the files from the ftp link, and put them on a anon ftp server on the same network. Looked like it worked so far. Its 33% through the d/l.

Thanks for the info!

I really need to ebay this thing and nab a mac mini for a replacement. muhahaha. Just have to hope apple puts the penryn stuff in the mini soon. I'm getting tired of waiting!

Hi Everyone

Try putting both files on a usb stick then power up dlink. It works

LawrenceIt worked for me to.

Ok, I'm a new DSM-520 owner, so go easy on me :D First some specs:

DSM-520 hardware revision A4
Firmware 1.06
Running D-Link Media Server v1.10 on MCE 2005 with latest patches/rollouts.

I just want to do one thing (start with basics, right?) ... play back standard definition DVR-MS files stored on my MCE HTPC on my upstairs TV via the DSM-520. Simple in theory, but I can't get it to work.

The DSM-520 can see the server, access the list of media files, and it can play back the DVR-MS. Problem is, the audio skips and stutters, and is out of sync with the video. The video also appears a bit blocky as well.

I've attempted to stream via wireless G (with excellent signal strength, and no problems playing back the same files to a laptop via Wi-Fi G). I've also tried a direct 100 Mb/sec LAN cat-6 cable. Same results.

I then tried TVersity, but I admit I'm a newbie in this regard. Couldn't make sense of the ffdshow filters and configurations. I did use the DSM520 profile in the TVersity server config page. However, when I tried to play DVR-MS files, all I got was a black screen and no audio. When I went back to the server config and changed it to "never transcode" files, I got the DVR-MS to play, but then I suffered the same problem as with the D-Link server software: choppy audio and sync issues.

Has anyone successfully streamed DVR-MS from MCE 2005 to the DSM-520? If so, please help with some details about what server software, settings, etc you used. I would appreciate it!

hey Tarrant1701, welcome to our brotherhood of sufferers...

i am using XP SP2 right now with Tversity on a dsm520. i did quite some research on the problems i experience with this combination even though there is no answer to them, at least an adequate one...

the black screen i fixed by uninstalling all codecs that were installed on my computer and installing k-lite codec pack with selective options, (meaning installing only what i really needed. important option that i included was all possible formats that i might want to play to be handled by ffshow, even MPEG-2, thats why i can watch DVDs on the 520 now also.

About the synch problem, i hear it is fixed now... i don't have it, never did... try reading at the beginning of this last page here in this thread...

My problem is that i cant get subtitles of any kind to work if i transcode the video, and even if do... some day, to watch a transcoded video is the last thing i want to do. TERRIBLE QUALITY OUTCOME. pls anyone...

can ANYONE hear meeee.... how to make the player process my .srt subtitle files without transcoding the video PLSSSSSSSSS AnyOne!!!!!!!! why i keep reading that it supports .srt natively...?!

The Tversity transcoded video can not FF/FB/seek at all. The reason is obvious. How can we seek to an non-existed file? The Tversity transcode vide on the fly from the origibnal file to a virtual file. If we issue an byte seek within the virtual file, Tversity is confused and reject to do any seek. This is why the video freeze. This is a feature.

In order to implement "seek" for transcoded video, the media server must support server-side trick mode defined in the DLNA document. Unfortunate, the only server support this is the dead Intel Viiv media server. Tversity does not support this feature at all.

You can try MediaMall server under ActiveTV mode. It supports "jump" for transcoded video. No FF/FW through.

how come i don't see anything about the video files freezing when i forward or backward while the video is being transcoded... is it that only i am experiencing this really big big bug... is it a tversity issue, ?

secondly:" can i rest my mind that dsm520 actually doesn't support any kind of subtitles natively, and the only way to get subtitles on it, is to transcode the video? Is it possible that an old version of this player (dsm 320) supports .srt subtitles and this new version does not? ...maybe the new dsm750 does?!!

Display subtitle for transcoded video requires media server support. The DSM520 will the xxxx.srt as the subtitle file. However, for transcoded video, the filename is changed. Therefore, DSM520 can not get the subtitle file at all. If Tversity can keep the filename unchanged for transcoded video or recognize the transcoded-filename.srt as the subtitle file URL, DSM520 should be able to display the subtitle. But, there is nothing DSM520 can do now. Hopefully, Tversity will fix this in the future release.


hey Tarrant1701, welcome to our brotherhood of sufferers...

i am using XP SP2 right now with Tversity on a dsm520. i did quite some research on the problems i experience with this combination even though there is no answer to them, at least an adequate one...

the black screen i fixed by uninstalling all codecs that were installed on my computer and installing k-lite codec pack with selective options, (meaning installing only what i really needed. important option that i included was all possible formats that i might want to play to be handled by ffshow, even MPEG-2, thats why i can watch DVDs on the 520 now also.

About the synch problem, i hear it is fixed now... i don't have it, never did... try reading at the beginning of this last page here in this thread...

My problem is that i cant get subtitles of any kind to work if i transcode the video, and even if do... some day, to watch a transcoded video is the last thing i want to do. TERRIBLE QUALITY OUTCOME. pls anyone...

can ANYONE hear meeee.... how to make the player process my .srt subtitle files without transcoding the video PLSSSSSSSSS AnyOne!!!!!!!! why i keep reading that it supports .srt natively...?!

Hi,

I am running the latest version of the firmware on a DSM-520. I have ripped a couple of my DVD's to a QNAP Nas using Twonky. When I go to play a DVD, I can see the DVD menu appear, but I can't navigate it.

I ripped the movie using DVD decryptor and shrink to vobs.

Is this a known issue that I missed in this thread? Thanks!
Chris

For those who are interested, we've just posted a new release (2.57) of Active-TV Online:

http://www.themediamall.com/downloads/dlink/install

If your DSM-520 firmware is at version 1.04.xx, please take a look here to learn how to upgrade your firmware to version 1.06:

http://www.themediamall.com/blog/?p=16

For those who are interested, we've just posted a new release (2.57) of Active-TV Online:

http://www.themediamall.com/downloads/dlink/install

If your DSM-520 firmware is at version 1.04.xx, please take a look here to learn how to upgrade your firmware to version 1.06:

http://www.themediamall.com/blog/?p=16

Mediamall,

Thank you for the new release. Can you please describe what is new in it. I tried Hulu but its is not available in Canada

Hulu is not in this release. XM radio doesn't work, tho this may be an XM problem,, Daniel's free TV feeds seem to be having a problem. In both cases major attention is being paid to the issues - the support behind MM is truely unbelievable.

This is limitation. DSM520 is not a DVD player. Therefore, it is impossible to have navigation menu. It can only play the video inside the DVD if it is not encrypted.

Hi,

I am running the latest version of the firmware on a DSM-520. I have ripped a couple of my DVD's to a QNAP Nas using Twonky. When I go to play a DVD, I can see the DVD menu appear, but I can't navigate it.

I ripped the movie using DVD decryptor and shrink to vobs.

Is this a known issue that I missed in this thread? Thanks!
Chris

ATT1234, Thanks for the confirmation. I was hoping it could play a DVD menu.

Does anyone have any idea on a media streamer that has this capability? That and a better music manager for my ripped CDs would be nice.

Thanks, Chris

Well, to expand upon what I said earlier, I'm running FreeBSD and using mencoder to rip DVDs.

mencoder -oac copy -ovc lavc -ffourcc DX50 -ofps 24000/1001 -passlogfile Spiderman_2.log -vf crop=718:360:0:58,scale=704:-11:::0.00:0.75,harddup -aid 128 -msglevel all=-1:statusline=5 -lavcopts autoaspect:vcodec=mpeg4:mbd=2:mv0:trell:v4mv:cbp:last_pred=3 :predia=2:dia=2:vmax_b_frames=2:vb_strategy=1:precmp=2:cmp=2 :subcmp=2:preme=2:qns=2:turbo:threads=1:vbitrate=2000:vpass= 1 -channels 6 -o Spiderman_2-lavc.avi -dvd-device Spiderman_2 dvd://1

That's the first pass, the second pass doesn't have turbo and specifies vpass=2.

Ok, I think I have found the silver bullet. I can finally reproduce success when encoding. The AVI's I produce now FF, skip and RW without loosing audio sync when played on my DSM-520.

I use Linux and transcode (I like the dvdrip program and it uses transcode) and the trick was to specify "1" for key-frames instead of taking the default of "50".

On another note, I found that by specifying a BPP between .30 and .35 the quality of the picture is much better. The blocky appearance is pretty much eliminated.

Both of these options increase the size of the resulting AVI file but I encode for quality not size so this is not a problem.

ATT1234, Thanks for the confirmation. I was hoping it could play a DVD menu.

Does anyone have any idea on a media streamer that has this capability? That and a better music manager for my ripped CDs would be nice.

Thanks, Chris

The Netgear EVA 8000 will do menu's. Check out their forum for info. Nobody with an EVA 8000 seems to post here. Note that the EVA 8000 doesn't really do uPnP, so if you use Rhapsody look elsewhere. There are also others that will do the job.

Alan

I just noticed this with the latest firmware but it exists in 1.05 too. It seems the DSM-520 does not interpret MPEG-1 layer II 48khz audio correctly. (This is the Audio stream within a ReplayTV MPEG-2 file).

It seems that it's interpreting the audio as being 44.1Khz and causing the pitch of the audio to be slightly lower but noticeable (everyone has a deeper voice and the pitch of music is brought down about 10% I guess). It is not effecting the audio sync.

Is anyone else hearing this?

Hulu is not in this release. XM radio doesn't work, tho this may be an XM problem,, Daniel's free TV feeds seem to be having a problem. In both cases major attention is being paid to the issues - the support behind MM is truely unbelievable.

Actually, Hulu support IS in this release. I watched the pilot episode of "Emergency" last night on the big screen via Active-Tv/Hulu.

Ah yes:

To get the Hulu beta -- simply open notepad on your PC and copy the text below into it...

<application
url="mymedia.html?containerID=Hulu"
name="Hulu TV"
thumbnailImage="http://www.themediamall.com/online/images/hulu.jpg"
description="Watch your favorites. Anytime. Anywhere."
>
</application>


...then name it Hulu.mcl and put in the folder "Program Files\Common Files\TV-Websites"

Then when you are in Active-TV on the 520 (4th option from the main menu), go to My Media and Programs (1 down from the starting point), and then you will see hulu and cbs -- both of which are in beta.


I've noticed only a couple of minor issues with Hulu. Very occasionally, after playing the pre-show commercial message, the main menu loads, but, otherwise, I'm very pleased. I'm anxious to see how the interface gets tweaked over time, because it's not particularly friendly to quick navigation. But, to be perfectly clear, Hulu support takes the DSM-520 very near to the realm of "killer app."

DSM520 once has similiar issue for MP3. I beleive that the layerII is the similiar issue. I will notify the team to check it.

I just noticed this with the latest firmware but it exists in 1.05 too. It seems the DSM-520 does not interpret MPEG-1 layer II 48khz audio correctly. (This is the Audio stream within a ReplayTV MPEG-2 file).

It seems that it's interpreting the audio as being 44.1Khz and causing the pitch of the audio to be slightly lower but noticeable (everyone has a deeper voice and the pitch of music is brought down about 10% I guess). It is not effecting the audio sync.

Is anyone else hearing this?

I had an EVA-8000 for about 48 hours before I returned it. It's method of "browsing" was not good. Go to the netgear forums and read about it before you buy it, including in the BETA TEST forum.

[QUOTE=Enbom;13759513]Actually, Hulu support IS in this release. I watched the pilot episode of "Emergency" last night on the big screen via Active-Tv/Hulu.[Quote]

Well, yes, I did know that. But I wasn't sure that a beta release was the bestsolution in answer to the question. Glad to hear it works.

I am sort of aware of that as well. I have a QNAP TS-209 Nas that I use and I have heard that the 8000 does not like the Twonky implementation that comes with it. I guess it is somewhat OK as long as I use only SMB.

Are there any devices that will allow you to use a DVD menu off a VOB rip that also has a decent interface to a ripped CD collection and Internet radio? That's all I want, really (but apparently that is alot to ask). I would like to try the active TV and hulu, but I guess I can't do that unless I have it talk to my computer instead.

Thanks for any advice (again!)
Chris


I had an EVA-8000 for about 48 hours before I returned it. It's method of "browsing" was not good. Go to the netgear forums and read about it before you buy it, including in the BETA TEST forum.

I cannot answer you question about using DVD menus (sorry), but I also run Twonky on a NAS and stream to the 520.

While I can see why the 520 needs Active TV to access the web and on-line media like utube and Hulu, etc, it kinda defeats the reason why I preferred to run the media server on a NAS - I simply don't want to have my PC turned on all the time.

So I am still looking for the ideal media player that can access my NAS media server and can access web content without needing my PC to be switched on. While I accept that the 520 cannot do everything that I want, it does everything else ok.

I am sort of aware of that as well. I have a QNAP TS-209 Nas that I use and I have heard that the 8000 does not like the Twonky implementation that comes with it. I guess it is somewhat OK as long as I use only SMB.

Are there any devices that will allow you to use a DVD menu off a VOB rip that also has a decent interface to a ripped CD collection and Internet radio? That's all I want, really (but apparently that is alot to ask). I would like to try the active TV and hulu, but I guess I can't do that unless I have it talk to my computer instead.

Thanks for any advice (again!)
Chris

Hi att1234

Any news on the 42nd title problem: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13683142#post13683142

I have notified them before. However, I don't hear anything after that. Do you test other server yet? I doubt that this is media server issue.

Hi att1234

Any news on the 42nd title problem: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13683142#post13683142

Do you test other server yet?Yes, I tested using Twonky and ushare installed on NAS (WL500gp + Oleg). These both gave the same error.

To att1234:

If I recall correctly, you mentioned that D-Link was going to work on changing the font scaling (to allow widescreen TVs to fit more of a file's title) in an upcoming firmware release. 1.06 has not added this feature. Can you give an idea when this might occur?

It's disappointing not to have this, especially since the video titles are cut off so quickly. If you have an entire season of TV shows, for example that look like this:

"TV Show Title" SE02E04 -"Episode Title"

All you'll get is:

"TV Show Title" SE02E04 -"Ep..."

I have tons more space on my 42" plasma, and could probably fit the entire file name in most cases. It also seems like it would be a relatively easy thing to fix, and that you could even make it an option to switch back and forth (so people still using old 4:3 televisions would have no issues).

To att1234:

If I recall correctly, you mentioned that D-Link was going to work on changing the font scaling (to allow widescreen TVs to fit more of a file's title) in an upcoming firmware release. 1.06 has not added this feature. Can you give an idea when this might occur?

It's disappointing not to have this, especially since the video titles are cut off so quickly. If you have an entire season of TV shows, for example that look like this:

"TV Show Title" SE02E04 -"Episode Title"

All you'll get is:

"TV Show Title" SE02E04 -"Ep..."

I have tons more space on my 42" plasma, and could probably fit the entire file name in most cases. It also seems like it would be a relatively easy thing to fix, and that you could even make it an option to switch back and forth (so people still using old 4:3 televisions would have no issues).
Even on 4:3 sets there is alot of extra space on both sides.

I am sorry that we forget this one :-)

I will try to "remind" them to put this one in the next release.

YC

To att1234:

If I recall correctly, you mentioned that D-Link was going to work on changing the font scaling (to allow widescreen TVs to fit more of a file's title) in an upcoming firmware release. 1.06 has not added this feature. Can you give an idea when this might occur?

It's disappointing not to have this, especially since the video titles are cut off so quickly. If you have an entire season of TV shows, for example that look like this:

"TV Show Title" SE02E04 -"Episode Title"

All you'll get is:

"TV Show Title" SE02E04 -"Ep..."

I have tons more space on my 42" plasma, and could probably fit the entire file name in most cases. It also seems like it would be a relatively easy thing to fix, and that you could even make it an option to switch back and forth (so people still using old 4:3 televisions would have no issues).

I am sorry that we forget this one :-)

I will try to "remind" them to put this one in the next release.

YC

Thank you.

So I just notice lately that my xvid movies tend to get off sync about 75% of the way through, reencoding them seems to help, but this never happened before the last firmware was applied.

The browse error (in the 42nd title) has been fixed. It's introduced in 1.06.

Fixed in 1.06 or 1.07?

Any word on the problems with MPEG4 streams with embedded aspect ratios in them not working any more (work with 1.05 fine)?

The browse error (in the 42nd title) has been fixed. It's introduced in 1.06.Thanks very much. This is the only problem I am experiencing with V1.06, so I look forward to V1.07. It may be of interest to others to know that my video files are UK DVB-T and DVD backups encoded using AutoGK and DivX.

On D-Link's website they list a 1.06.01 firmware as of April 22, 2008.

support.dlink.com/products/view.asp?productid=DSM-520

It seems I can't post a link until I have three posts, so you'll have to add the "http://" yourself :P

-Steve.

Is there a file size limit that would prohibit using FF and Skip?

I encoded a video and it was rather large. Just over 2GB. When I tried to FF, it would do so but when I hit Play it took me to the beginning of the video. Pressing the page-down to skip forward or any of the number keys to skip ahead also restarted the video from the beginning. When stopped and restarted I was prompted to restart where I left off and, you guessed it, it started over again.

I re-encoded the video and split it up into 1GB chunks and now all works well.

On D-Link's website they list a 1.06.01 firmware as of April 22, 2008.

support.dlink.com/products/view.asp?productid=DSM-520

It seems I can't post a link until I have three posts, so you'll have to add the "http://" yourself :P

-Steve.

Looks like this update does not have any changes/new features.
Bummer...

Note: 1.06.01 is for people that cannot see 1.06 if they currently have 1.05 firmware, due to a bug in 1.05 if the "factory reset" was used (which leads to the wrong update site URL being set on the 520).

Note: This is the same features as the as the 1.06 available via the regular Internet update

Laptop with XP or Vista Home.

I am sort of aware of that as well. I have a QNAP TS-209 Nas that I use and I have heard that the 8000 does not like the Twonky implementation that comes with it. I guess it is somewhat OK as long as I use only SMB.

Are there any devices that will allow you to use a DVD menu off a VOB rip that also has a decent interface to a ripped CD collection and Internet radio? That's all I want, really (but apparently that is alot to ask). I would like to try the active TV and hulu, but I guess I can't do that unless I have it talk to my computer instead.

Thanks for any advice (again!)
Chris

What's the format? If it is AVI, there is 2G limitation.

Is there a file size limit that would prohibit using FF and Skip?

I encoded a video and it was rather large. Just over 2GB. When I tried to FF, it would do so but when I hit Play it took me to the beginning of the video. Pressing the page-down to skip forward or any of the number keys to skip ahead also restarted the video from the beginning. When stopped and restarted I was prompted to restart where I left off and, you guessed it, it started over again.

I re-encoded the video and split it up into 1GB chunks and now all works well.

Yup... AVI. OK, I will keep it under 2GB. Thanks!

Hi I'm a uk dsm 520 user desperately trying to update from firmware 1.04.05eu to 1.06eu! I've spent hours reseting everything changing ftp server address on my box to the us and back to the uk server. I've downloaded 3 different versions of 1.06 to usb but my box won't read it. So far I haven't come accross the actual 1.06 firmware with the EU suffix - does anyone know where I can get this? I'd really like to get the active tv server which works perfectly on my computer to my box but have run out of every trick in the book as to how I can get it to work. Any suggestions or advice on how to do this would be very gratefully received. Many thanks in anticipation of your suggestions!

Hi I'm a uk dsm 520 user desperately trying to update from firmware 1.04.05eu to 1.06eu! I've spent hours reseting everything changing ftp server address on my box to the us and back to the uk server. I've downloaded 3 different versions of 1.06 to usb but my box won't read it. So far I haven't come accross the actual 1.06 firmware with the EU suffix - does anyone know where I can get this? I'd really like to get the active tv server which works perfectly on my computer to my box but have run out of every trick in the book as to how I can get it to work. Any suggestions or advice on how to do this would be very gratefully received. Many thanks in anticipation of your suggestions!

The upgrade to 1.06 is not straight forward (the following site has an explanation and the solution - http://www.themediamall.com/blog/?p=16).

I didn't find that site when I originally updated to 1.06 but found an alternative way to update firmware.

1. Go to the Setup
2. Choose Version
3. Press the following keys on the remote: Menu-PageUp-PageUp-PageDn-1
4. Change to the correct FTP server: ftp.dlink.com/medialounge/DSM520. Mine was set to hqftp.dlink.com....
5. Check for new update
6. The DSM-520 should now find the 1.06 software and install it.

I think the USB key solution described in the blog will be marginally easier but I'll let you choose what method to follow. The main advantage you will see on 1.06 is you can now use Active TV (UK users couldn't do this at 1.04.05).

Make sure you set your DSM520 to UK not US before you do any of this.

Hi again and thanks for your quick reply Splatzuk! Unfortunately I'd already seen and tried the mediamall solution but to no avail. The problem is that the firmware 1.06 isn't meant for the EU and my box won't connect to the US server or read US firmware from usb. I'm assuming that what I need is the 1.06eu firmware but can't find this anywhere though other people seem to be saying they have it. You also mentioned changing the setting for country on my box? I haven't seen an option for doing this anywhere. Is this possible? Thanks for your help and any other possible tryouts or solutions really would be very greatfully recieved as I seem to have hit a brick wall with this one!

I was searching for a solution to the audio sync problem with jump or FF on an AVI of House. I re-encoded the AVI with this profile in mencoder and the audio stayed in sync:
[mpeg4]
profile-desc="MPEG4/MP3 encoding"
ovc=lavc=1
lavcopts=vcodec=mpeg4
oac=mp3lame=1

Hope this works for others.

Jim

Hi again and thanks for your quick reply Splatzuk! Unfortunately I'd already seen and tried the mediamall solution but to no avail.I used the USB method OK. The Blog is a bit slim on describing the process. Did you turn the DSM-520 on with the stick in place as I believe it is only during powering up that it looks for upgrade via the USB?

When I looked at ftp.dlink.com I could only see one zip file containing one firmware 1.0.6.01. There was no mention of US or EU.

When I did this upgrade using the steps I wrote earlier it automatically gave me 1.06eu - maybe they have taken the eu version off the site or maybe the single firmware installs the correct US/EU version.

When I get home tonight I will see if my DSM520 automatically tries to get this new firmware and will report back.

You don't need to worry about changing the country id for your box if you haven't tried doing this before - I only mention this because there are some instructions on this site explaining how to install US firmware on a EU model - I wasn't sure if you had done this, so ignore my ramblings on this. :confused:

Your best bet maybe to download the zip file from ftp.dlink.com/Medialounge/DSM520, unzip the two files and stick them on a memory stick. Put the memory stick in the DSM USB slot and then power on the DSM. See if this starts the update. I'll see if I can do that too if I get some time, but in the meantime please report back what happens.

Hi again and thanks for your quick reply Splatzuk! Unfortunately I'd already seen and tried the mediamall solution but to no avail. The problem is that the firmware 1.06 isn't meant for the EU and my box won't connect to the US server or read US firmware from usb. I'm assuming that what I need is the 1.06eu firmware but can't find this anywhere though other people seem to be saying they have it. You also mentioned changing the setting for country on my box? I haven't seen an option for doing this anywhere. Is this possible? Thanks for your help and any other possible tryouts or solutions really would be very greatfully recieved as I seem to have hit a brick wall with this one!