I just purchased a DV-400V and all features work beautifully except 1: WMV files will not play. I have tried from both a USB flash drive and from a CD-R. The player recognizes the files as WMV on both the disk and the flash drive but will not actually play the files. The files are not protected by DRM, the resolution matches the specs in the Pioneer manual. I believe the files are WMV 9 encoded because they play without any problems in my Creative Zen that also requires that the files be WMV 9 encoded. Any ideas?

Anyone else having this problem?? Any obvious or potential fixes?

Are you implying that WMV 8 works fine with this machine?

I cannot get the machine to play WMV files at all. It recognizes them as being on the player but it won't play them. I tried converting them to DivX and they worked fine but that is time consuming to do for each file. The WMV files also play without a hiccup in my Creative Zen portable media player which has the same requirement as the Pioneer DV-400V -- that the files be WM Series 9 encoded -- that is why I have assumed (I am still somewhat of a novice at this) that they would be WMV9 compatible. I did not use the free Microsoft Media Encoder Series 9 program to capture these files -- and maybe that is the problem? These WMV files are 25-minute unprotected news casts delivered via streaming video which I capture using a (for pay) program from Applian Technologies called WM Recorder. Maybe this is an incredibly stupid question -- and you will roll your eyes-- but do I have to use (only) the Microsoft Media Encoder Series 9 freeware to capture and save my streaming videos (assuming that it will do that) instead of using the software I purchased which works great? I know my question may seem dumb but I have had to learn alot in a short amount of time -- and capturing the streaming video and converting it to Divx already seemed like quite a feat!! Any insight you could provide would be most appreciated. Thank you for replying to my post.

Use a program called Super that is freeware to easy convert wmv to divx or xivd or anyother format you like.

Sort of this company fixing the wmv problem this is your only solution.

I cannot get the machine to play WMV files at all. It recognizes them as being on the player but it won't play them. I tried converting them to DivX and they worked fine but that is time consuming to do for each file. The WMV files also play without a hiccup in my Creative Zen portable media player which has the same requirement as the Pioneer DV-400V -- that the files be WM Series 9 encoded -- that is why I have assumed (I am still somewhat of a novice at this) that they would be WMV9 compatible. I did not use the free Microsoft Media Encoder Series 9 program to capture these files -- and maybe that is the problem? These WMV files are 25-minute unprotected news casts delivered via streaming video which I capture using a (for pay) program from Applian Technologies called WM Recorder. Maybe this is an incredibly stupid question -- and you will roll your eyes-- but do I have to use (only) the Microsoft Media Encoder Series 9 freeware to capture and save my streaming videos (assuming that it will do that) instead of using the software I purchased which works great? I know my question may seem dumb but I have had to learn alot in a short amount of time -- and capturing the streaming video and converting it to Divx already seemed like quite a feat!! Any insight you could provide would be most appreciated. Thank you for replying to my post.

OK, I haven't replied on the post for a while, I was waiting for someone to post more a useful comment than the one I am about to write now :
"In the several hundred posts made in this threads no one ever complained about WMV files not working, so its one of two, either the files or your player. I think you should try a single file encoded with WM Encoder and see how things go, the only other thing I can think about right now is to offer trying your file on my player if you can upload it somewhere and send us the link"
Hope that helped,

Thanks Aasoror for your reply. I have 2 questions related to your reply. Having never used WM Encoder, forgive my ignorance in asking for clarification but are you saying that 1) I should start from scratch go back to the Internet site and capture/save the archived WMV video stream using WM Encoder (assuming that it will perform those functions, yes?) or 2) that I should take the WMV file that I created when I captured/saved the WMV archived video stream using Applian's WM Recorder and then, convert/encode it with a "better" version of WMV that my player would recognize?

The WMV files are at home. The newscasts I have captured stream on http://jt.france2.fr/20h. I am not sure how or to what location I would upload my actual saved files for you to view but I appreciate the offer. If you have any suggestions I would be happy to forward one or two of the files to that location.

Thanks Aasoror for your reply. I have 2 questions related to your reply. Having never used WM Encoder, forgive my ignorance in asking for clarification but are you saying that 1) I should start from scratch go back to the Internet site and capture/save the archived WMV video stream using WM Encoder (assuming that it will perform those functions, yes?) or 2) that I should take the WMV file that I created when I captured/saved the WMV archived video stream using Applian's WM Recorder and then, convert/encode it with a "better" version of WMV that my player would recognize?

The WMV files are at home. The newscasts I have captured stream on http://jt.france2.fr/20h. I am not sure how or to what location I would upload my actual saved files for you to view but I appreciate the offer. If you have any suggestions I would be happy to forward one or two of the files to that location.

No problem :)
- I don't have much of experience with WM Encoder either, 1 or 2 should be the same, the bottom line is the WMV you want to try should be an output from WM Encoder (I dont think it would be much of difference whether its re-encoded WMV or captured from stream).
- well, any file sharing site would do, rapidshare or the likes (preferably the likes megaupload, myfile ..),
Hope that helped,

Thanks. I will try using the Media Encoder to see if that works.

It would help to know which part of the instructions you weren't able to find in your nero, the burning settings are the same for all versions they might just have different name. just make sure you have the disc name typed correctly its case sensitive, and that its a CD-R not DVD, and its not a multisession disc. (to see all neros setting dont use the wizards or "nero express" just open "nero burning rom" and start from there)

Thank you for the response on my question. Here is a bit more information on my trying to burn the firmware to disc that has failed in my player being able to read the disc.

This part of the instructions is where I had problems:

"ISO" tab
- File name length: "Max of 11 = 8 +3 chars (ISO level 1)"
- Format: "Mode 1"
- Character set: "ISO 9660"
- "Joliet": this option should be unchecked
"Label" tab
- Volume label - ISO 9660: "PIONEER" (without quotes)


That part of gave me issues with my version of Nero (version 6.6). I tried to make the disc anyway but it failed as the player won't read it.

I don't have Format but I do have Data Mode which has a setting of Mode 1 can choose. I am guessing these 2 options are the same. As for Character set, I don't have a setting that just says, ISO 9660. I do have setting choices that say: ISO 9660 (standard ISO CD-ROM), DOS, and ASCII. I am guessing that ISO 9660 (standard ISO CD-ROM) is the choice that is required. Now here is where one of the real problems I have starts. On this same tab I also have a setting for File system. Instructions don't say what to choose here. My choices are: ISO 9660 only, ISO 9669 + Joilet, and ISO 9660:1999. I had guessed I should put ISO 9660 only as the choice and did. My next problem was make sure Joilet is unchecked as I do not have a check box for this. Another problem is under the Label tab when I am to type in the Volume label, and put ISO 9660: PIONEER in the field. Nero renames that on it's own to ISO_9660__PIONEER. Of course I can put this name under manual instead of automatic but then I can't put the colon in the name at all. Seems that character is not allowed.

If someone can help me with making this firmware disc so I can have my player regioin free, it would be appreciated very much.

Oh ****, do I feel dumb now. The few things I used common sense on and those were right. Now the file name, this is where I was stupid. Oh well, at least it's fixed now. I just had to put PIONEER for the label (under manual) and not the ISO part in the name. I guess ignore my previous posts on this.

Check this out ;) CD-RW Burn Guide (http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/burn_guide.php)
And dont use CD-R, its a waste of media, use CD-RW.

Oh ****, do I feel dumb now. The few things I used common sense on and those were right. Now the file name, this is where I was stupid. Oh well, at least it's fixed now. I just had to put PIONEER for the label (under manual) and not the ISO part in the name. I guess ignore my previous posts on this.

Good thing it was resolved, enjoy

Good thing it was resolved, enjoy

The Hakan firmware is working great on my Pioneer DV-400V-K player I picked up from Amazon. I can now play any region dvd again, many thanks to the person who customized the firmware and to those that had pointed it out in their posts so I knew about it and where to find the site.

I am having a problem with flashing and blanking using HDMI 1080P output using Sebastian's or Hakan's firmware. Either firmware works just fine using anything from 1080I on down and it doesn't make any difference if I am using the USB or a DVD for source. The original factory firmware works perfect.

Can I assume that since English is available in all versions , any CP XXXX will be useable . So for ver 1.2 I can use either CP 1252 or CP874 the only difference being the subtitle choices? Tks

Hi, all. I'm new to the forum, and this is my first post. I'm glad to have found these forums, as they seem to offer tons of help. I am considering the Pioneer DV-400V in America, and I am wondering how good the pal-ntsc conversion is after it is hacked? I am currently using a Philips, and it converts absolutely beautifully, but the player itself is glitchy. I would love to get a Pioneer if it does a nice smooth job of converting. I saw a Sampo converting a few years back, and it was terrible--weird motion and blurring. The Philips blew me away, except for its issues. Can I expect a good job out of the Pioneer? Thanks in advance.

Hi, all. I'm new to the forum, and this is my first post. I'm glad to have found these forums, as they seem to offer tons of help. I am considering the Pioneer DV-400V in America, and I am wondering how good the pal-ntsc conversion is after it is hacked? I am currently using a Philips, and it converts absolutely beautifully, but the player itself is glitchy. I would love to get a Pioneer if it does a nice smooth job of converting. I saw a Sampo converting a few years back, and it was terrible--weird motion and blurring. The Philips blew me away, except for its issues. Can I expect a good job out of the Pioneer? Thanks in advance.
Hello and welcome,
The hacking is needed to play multi-region DVD's, out of the box the player will play all region free DVDs regardless of the formate, so it does PAL to NTSC conversion for region 0 and any PAL encoded avi's, personally I didn't have any problems with the conversion, but again its very subjective, I guess you should find a store with a good return policy just in case.
Hope that helped,

Hi, all. I'm new to the forum, and this is my first post. I'm glad to have found these forums, as they seem to offer tons of help. I am considering the Pioneer DV-400V in America, and I am wondering how good the pal-ntsc conversion is after it is hacked? I am currently using a Philips, and it converts absolutely beautifully, but the player itself is glitchy. I would love to get a Pioneer if it does a nice smooth job of converting. I saw a Sampo converting a few years back, and it was terrible--weird motion and blurring. The Philips blew me away, except for its issues. Can I expect a good job out of the Pioneer? Thanks in advance.


I just picked this up recently and that was one of the big reasons I got this. It so far seems to work great. My last player was a Philips DVP 5960 and it was a pain in the ass to say the least. It also broke in less than 6 months. Before it I had 2 DVP 642 from Philips and both of those broke in a short time. This player is great, unless it breaks some time soon, I highly recommend it if you use the hack. Just make sure to read the instructions after you update the firmware to make it regionless. It will require you to make an extra step after you have updated the firmware.

I read on Amazon that there are some restrictions on using DVD+R, saying that you can only use DVD+R for DVD-video, not avi or divx files. Is this true? Also, if I wanted to apply the region-free hack, which version of the Hakan firmware should I use? There seems to be several different versions. Do I just use the most recent? I ask because on the site he mentions that some features of the player may not work with the 2.0 firmware. What does that mean?

I read on Amazon that there are some restrictions on using DVD+R, saying that you can only use DVD+R for DVD-video, not avi or divx files. Is this true? Also, if I wanted to apply the region-free hack, which version of the Hakan firmware should I use? There seems to be several different versions. Do I just use the most recent? I ask because on the site he mentions that some features of the player may not work with the 2.0 firmware. What does that mean?

DVD+R is working no problem with avi and divx
Now this is news for me, where did you find 2.0 ? I just checked it seems the latest on Pioneerfaq is still 1.1/1.2
Thanks,

My mistake. I meant 1.2 So, which should I go with, 1.1 or 1.2? Thanks for the help.

I am planning on purchasing a new DV-400 to replace my current DV-393. I have twqo questions for those of you who already own one:

1. The DV-393 can only scan (FF) Divx files at one speed. I have read in this forum and others different versions about whether the DV-400 can scan Divx at multiple speeds - can anyone clarify?

2. What types of files can be played from the USB ? Can it play Divx, can it read DVD movies? etc.

Thanks

Can this player output PAL as well as NTSC ? Or is this strictly a NTSC player with PAL to NTSC conversion. Tks

Can this player output PAL as well as NTSC ? Or is this strictly a NTSC player with PAL to NTSC conversion. Tks


I've not had time to sit and check out and learn every feature so far and test them all out. But I do know I haven't seen any setting for PAL or Multi format. I assume it's Pal -> Ntsc only, no output of a pal signal. Since I don't have a PAL tv, that's fine by me but those who use PAL, I suppose that wouldn't be so grea. But isn't there a European version of the 400V? If that is true,then that would output a PAL signal.


For the person that asked about what version of Firmware to use, I just used 1.2 from Hakan. Seems to work great if you follow his instructions in it. I had almost forgot to do the hold enter trick and was like what the hell when it wouldn't play my region 3 disc. But then I remembered what the instructions said.

I do wish the damn player wouldn't turn off if you leave it paused for more then a few minues. If anyone has a resolve for that, please post it. I can't find a setting to turn that feature off. At least it remembers where it was when I power it back on.

I am planning on purchasing a new DV-400 to replace my current DV-393. I have twqo questions for those of you who already own one:

1. The DV-393 can only scan (FF) Divx files at one speed. I have read in this forum and others different versions about whether the DV-400 can scan Divx at multiple speeds - can anyone clarify?

2. What types of files can be played from the USB ? Can it play Divx, can it read DVD movies? etc.

Thanks

I haven't tested the USB, I have a feeling the asnwer isn't going to be so cut and dry as to what will play. I think it will depend on many factors. I do know the answer to your other question and that you are right, it only scans divx/xvid at 1 set speed.

My mistake. I meant 1.2 So, which should I go with, 1.1 or 1.2? Thanks for the help.

They are all the same, different is the second language (beside English) you are looking for.
Regards,

I am planning on purchasing a new DV-400 to replace my current DV-393. I have twqo questions for those of you who already own one:

1. The DV-393 can only scan (FF) Divx files at one speed. I have read in this forum and others different versions about whether the DV-400 can scan Divx at multiple speeds - can anyone clarify?

2. What types of files can be played from the USB ? Can it play Divx, can it read DVD movies? etc.

Thanks

1. single speed through divx.
2. whatever is played from disc would play from USB (divx, avi, mp3, wmv, wma), just notice that VOB (dvd video) files wont play either ways, also the player doesn't play MPEG-I files (copied off VCD's)

PAL or NTSC?
The default setting AUTO but it can be changed according to page 53 of the manual.

ON to switch it to standby.
2 Using the front panel controls, hold
down  then press  STANDBY/ON to
switch the TV system.
The TV system changes as follows:
• AUTO > NTSC
• NTSC > PAL
• PAL > AUTO

PAL or NTSC?
The default setting AUTO but it can be changed according to page 53 of the manual.

ON to switch it to standby.
2 Using the front panel controls, hold
down  then press  STANDBY/ON to
switch the TV system.
The TV system changes as follows:
• AUTO > NTSC
• NTSC > PAL
• PAL > AUTO


What buttons do you hold down and press? The characters didnt't show up on here (just squares as you can see). I looked in my manual but I couldn't find instructions for this proceedure and my manual doesn't have a page 53. Not that I really need this but I would like to know how to if I wanted.

Also I read that the player supports Macrovision. Does the Hakan firmware update eliminate this and if not, is there a way to turn it off on the player? If I was to obtain a selector box, I don't want images on my dvds being distorted or having to rewire how it's hooked up to my tv just to make the certain dvds play correctly.

Sorry about that. The buttons are: hold >>| (skip to next chapter) and press standby/ON.

How many folders or sub folders does the player support?

From Manual :
File structure (may differ): Up to 299 folders on a disc; up to 648 folders and files (combined) within each folder

Noob to this forum..

I am planning to buy this from Walmart.com for $70 (free shipping to store).
1. Is this compatible and does it work well with Samsung LNT 4671 ?
2. Are there any issues with making it Region free?

Noob to this forum..

I am planning to buy this from Walmart.com for $70 (free shipping to store).
1. Is this compatible and does it work well with Samsung LNT 4671 ?
2. Are there any issues with making it Region free?
Are you saying that the Pioneer DV-400-K is available at WALMART............and for ONLY $70.00?

Please email: kmil123@msn.com

How do you "guys" set up your Pioneer DV-400VK??? Do you set the player to 480P.....
Or do you set the DV-400 to 720P?

The reason I ask is I'm getting a 720P Plasma, the new Panny TH-5-PX80U. Will this TV automatically boost the signal to 720P (768 with the Panny)? Which setting is most likely to have the fewest "conversions" and therefore the clearest/sharpest picture???

Pls email: kmil123@msn.com

I've been pulling my hair trying to figure out how the USB work. I purchased an external 500GB HD and formatted it to FAT32 using a special software. Loaded some movies and it will not play any of my AVIs. Just display the Pioneer Screen Saver. Outlet powered.

So I purchased an WD Passport 120GB HD, Partition Magic to 30GB formatted to FAT32, loaded AVI files, and cannot load any of them "just the Pioneer Screen Saver" again. The Passport is USB powered. The Password turns on when I select USB.

I plugged in the devices, select USB nothing.

Select USB, turn on devices, nothing.

I set it to 1080P does this make a difference?

I can play AVI on a DVD portion but not USB.

I waited 10 minutes and it does't display anything with the USB HD on.

Did I get a lemon? Or am I doing something wrong?

Anyone here using a Hard Drive larger than 30GB to work with the DV-400V?

Please Help - spent too much $$$ for this not to work. :(

Are you saying that the Pioneer DV-400-K is available at WALMART............and for ONLY $70.00?

Please email: kmil123@msn.com


I almost got mine from online at Walmart.com but it was about 5 bucks cheaper with Amazon so I went with Amazon. Plus I wanted it delivered to my door and I figure it would cost extra for shipping to have Walmart send it to my home. Now I look, it seems to be the same price, well actually a tad cheaper then the one I just bought from Amazon.com

The DV-400V-K (black)
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5811826

and

The DV-400V-S (silver) a little more expensive, why would color affect cost? Who knows, just a marketing thing I guess.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9123512


Making these to play any region is not a problem if you are using the Hakan firmware update, at least as my experience taught me. Update the firmware with the hack, then hold down that one button as instructed in the manual and that's it. Perfect player for your needs (unless you pull the power from the wall I hear then you have to hold that button again, which is no problem).

Are you saying that the Pioneer DV-400-K is available at WALMART............and for ONLY $70.00?

Please email: kmil123@msn.com

Yes it is available for that price at Walmart.com . If you choose the option to ship it to store then you do not have to pay for shipping.

Here's a general question. Is this player for $70 a good deal compared to other upconverting DVD players currently out? What would be as good or better that's near the price?

Here's a general question. Is this player for $70 a good deal compared to other upconverting DVD players currently out? What would be as good or better that's near the price?

Here is a general answer, most of the posters on this thread (specifically who bought this player between July'07 and Feb'08) paid something from $100 to $130, what would you think ? ;)

Here is a general answer, most of the posters on this thread (specifically who bought this player between July'07 and Feb'08) paid something from $100 to $130, what would you think ? ;)
From everything I've read, and trust me it was far "too much" the Pioneer 400V is very HIGHLY ranked in its category. Having said this be aware that it is obviously not the "Rolls Royce" of DVD players. The consenses of nearly everything I've come across is that its a player that appears to offer the proverbial "biggest bang for the buck"!

BTW, I just ordered it from Walmart this morning.

Can anyone confirm if DV-400V-K is compatible and it works well with Samsung LNT 4671 ?

Thanks very much for the quick replies. I did also order one from Walmart, but I wonder if I would have been better off with one of the Oppos (980, etc.) that are so highly touted here.

Maybe if you paid 130.00 but at 70.00 it can not be beat.

Hello, new to this forum.

We just purchased a Pioneer dv-400-k, to go with our new 50" 768p Pioneer Kuro plasma. However, DivX/Xvids don't seem to work.

They freeze up a few seconds in. Has anyone else had this problem?

EDIT: Nevermind, it only froze up on one Divx file. Glad to find that out :)

just getting ready to buy this at BB for 103... luckily saw the Wal-mart post! thanks!

i'll be back for more details later after I set it up...

Don't forget to check Amazon, free shipping on it and it's in the 70 dollar range too.

Can anyone confirm if DV-400V-K is compatible and it works well with Samsung LNT 4671 ?

It sends a great 1080p signal to my 4065. Very happy with mine.

I've been looking all over the internet for a recently released DVD. It was just released in australia, new zealand, and europe........UNFORTUNATELY it is NOT Region 1. I'm sure it will eventually be released here in the USA, however I don't want to wait forever.
The reason I mention this is that I recently ordered the Pioneer DVD plalyer DV-400 and it seems to me that I read somewhere that THIS player is capable of playing ALL regions. If so, how do I get the player to do that and what, if any, problems might it cause?

I've been looking all over the internet for a recently released DVD. It was just released in australia, new zealand, and europe........UNFORTUNATELY it is NOT Region 1. I'm sure it will eventually be released here in the USA, however I don't want to wait forever.
The reason I mention this is that I recently ordered the Pioneer DVD plalyer DV-400 and it seems to me that I read somewhere that THIS player is capable of playing ALL regions. If so, how do I get the player to do that and what, if any, problems might it cause?

http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/dv400.php?player=DV-400V&question=Firmwares

Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it! However................this NON nerd is not going to mess with "mother nature". It is my distinct luck that I'd be more than likely to mess up a wet dream...ZZZZZZZZ !

I couldn't believe my eyes,
Pioneer FAQ has two new original firmware updates for our DV-400V (the second one is with Swedish menus)

http://www.pioneerfaq.info/index.php?fraga=Firmwares

I didn't pull the trigger yet, due to lack of information. Besides, I am not sure about what features does the new firmware has.
The naming seems out of place as it used to be YGB[Year][Month][Day][Rev], but I have noticed that all the new original firmwares at Pioneerfaq seems to have this "7C" which seems to be what pioneer calls 2008.
Any way, if any ones considers upgrading, please fill us up.

update : considering they are using 1 digit for month, C is the hexadecimal for 12, that means the release date for this firmware was 12 Dec 07 ;)

update 2: well you know what they say "curiosity killed the cat", done the update, if it weren't for the changed firmware number afterwards I could have never tell any difference. I am really disappointed at Pioneer this time.

Is there a way to tell the DV-400V to show all DVD's and AVI's in their original aspect ratio? This is driving me nuts. At first I had the problem that 4:3 DVD's would get stretched to 16:9. Switching to "16:9 (Compressed)" took care of this, but now AVI's that are 16:9 look squished unless I switch back to "16:9 (Wide)".

You'd think there would be a "show everything in its native aspect ratio" switch, but as far as I can tell, there isn't one. I can't even imagine what will happen if I ever stumble onto content has an aspect ratio other than 4:3 or 16:9.

Is there a way to tell the DV-400V to show all DVD's and AVI's in their original aspect ratio? This is driving me nuts. At first I had the problem that 4:3 DVD's would get stretched to 16:9. Switching to "16:9 (Compressed)" took care of this, but now AVI's that are 16:9 look squished unless I switch back to "16:9 (Wide)".

You'd think there would be a "show everything in its native aspect ratio" switch, but as far as I can tell, there isn't one. I can't even imagine what will happen if I ever stumble onto content has an aspect ratio other than 4:3 or 16:9.

Which resolution are you using ? I can confirm that for 720p/1080i/1080p through HDMI, the player isn't doing any scaling in WS mode (always sending native AR to my WS TV) the result is :
2 black side bars for 4:3 contents (FF)
full screen for 16:9 content (WS)
and two vertical bars for 16:10 content (UWS)
make sure your TV set is set to native

Thanks for the fast reply! Looks very likely that my TV (Sony Bravia KDL-40V2500) is affecting the way that the content is being displayed. The Bravia does have options for rendering 4:3 content, but strangely enough, these options are only enabled when the DVD player sends 480p. In 1080p, it will only zoom or stretch.

So here's where I stand now. When the Pioneer sends 480p:
* 4:3 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 AVI's display as 4:3 (go figure)

When the pioneer sends 1080p:
* 4:3 DVD's are stretched
* 16:9 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 AVI's display at the correct aspect ratio

So it looks like there's no "set it and forget it" option. From what I can tell, I have to switch to 480p when watching 4:3 content. A little annoying, but I can live with it. Is there another Bravia owner out there that has a better solution?

Thanks for the fast reply! Looks very likely that my TV (Sony Bravia KDL-40V2500) is affecting the way that the content is being displayed. The Bravia does have options for rendering 4:3 content, but strangely enough, these options are only enabled when the DVD player sends 480p. In 1080p, it will only zoom or stretch.

So here's where I stand now. When the Pioneer sends 480p:
* 4:3 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 AVI's display as 4:3 (go figure)

When the pioneer sends 1080p:
* 4:3 DVD's are stretched
* 16:9 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 AVI's display at the correct aspect ratio

So it looks like there's no "set it and forget it" option. From what I can tell, I have to switch to 480p when watching 4:3 content. A little annoying, but I can live with it. Is there another Bravia owner out there that has a better solution?

are you sure the AVI's are 16:9 ? sometimes 16:9 AVI's are actually 4:3 letter boxed. check the actual resolution of these files, or run them on your PC in window mode (not full screen) to see their actual resolution.

Well, after owning this player for about a week, I must say I'm very impressed with this player. The ability to play divx from a flash drive is incredibly convenient, and it has played every disc I have thrown at it so far, including a DTS audio CD, widescreen region 2 PAL discs, and DVD+RW. There are, however 2 quirks which really annoy me. I was hoping somebody has a solution. Whenever I skip to the next chapter on a DVD, the blue on-screen bar appears, telling me what chapter I have selected. I wish I could disable it, because it annoys me if I skip a number of chapters. Also, when I skip back a chapter, it only goes to the beginning of the same chapter again. I have to hit the button ultra-fast in order for it to go back a previous chapter, and it gets very difficult to do if skipping back several chapters at once. Any ways to improve this? Other than that, I think it's a great player, and I would recommend this to anybody. For the money, it can't be beat. And everything my Philips did, this can do better, plus a whole lot more.

Thanks for the fast reply! Looks very likely that my TV (Sony Bravia KDL-40V2500) is affecting the way that the content is being displayed. The Bravia does have options for rendering 4:3 content, but strangely enough, these options are only enabled when the DVD player sends 480p. In 1080p, it will only zoom or stretch.

So here's where I stand now. When the Pioneer sends 480p:
* 4:3 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 AVI's display as 4:3 (go figure)

When the pioneer sends 1080p:
* 4:3 DVD's are stretched
* 16:9 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 AVI's display at the correct aspect ratio

So it looks like there's no "set it and forget it" option. From what I can tell, I have to switch to 480p when watching 4:3 content. A little annoying, but I can live with it. Is there another Bravia owner out there that has a better solution?
Sooooooo..........Please tell me what happens to the picture quality if I put my Pioneer DV-440V into 720P........which is the resolution of my yet to be acquired Panasonic TH-50PX80U? Do I keep the tv AND the DVD player set at 720P, OR do I set the DVD to 480P and let the TV do the "upconversion"?

I'm hoping that whatever I use (480P or 720P) the TV shows the picture properly framed with having been stretched out of proportion. What say you??

Guys I'm having a problem burning the region free firmware to a disc. Can someone burn a copy to cdrw for me. I be willing to pay for copy to be sent.

Also, when I skip back a chapter, it only goes to the beginning of the same chapter again. I have to hit the button ultra-fast in order for it to go back a previous chapter, and it gets very difficult to do if skipping back several chapters at once. Any ways to improve this?

I've only had my player for a short time, but what I believe you can do is press Top Menu, then there is a search option where you can choose to go to a particular chapter, or pick a time on the disk. I've only used the time search and it works great. I think you have to press Stop first, then press Top Menu.

Guys I'm having a problem burning the region free firmware to a disc. Can someone burn a copy to cdrw for me. I be willing to pay for copy to be sent.

It would be easier if you can tell us the problem that you are facing perhaps someone can help you with that.
one this to make sure of is that the CD label should be "PIONEER" case sensitive.
Hoping that helped,

Hi folks,

Just picked one of these up, and so far I'm liking what I see. Just wondering if anyone knows how to have the front panel display "time remaining" rather than "time elapsed". I know I can see the remaining time by using the "Display" button, but the OSD stays on, so not optimal :)

Mainly just a convenience thing that I've gotten used to from my "old" Panny RP-62.

Thanks,
Jim

Hi folks,

Just picked one of these up, and so far I'm liking what I see. Just wondering if anyone knows how to have the front panel display "time remaining" rather than "time elapsed". I know I can see the remaining time by using the "Display" button, but the OSD stays on, so not optimal :)

Mainly just a convenience thing that I've gotten used to from my "old" Panny RP-62.

Thanks,
Jim

it wont :(

it wont :(
Sigh, I was afraid that was the answer. Not a huge issue.

Thanks for the reply, aasoror.

Sigh, I was afraid that was the answer. Not a huge issue.

Thanks for the reply, aasoror.

no problem,
its good that this issue isn't bugging you much,
check post #645 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13044095&postcount=645)
for other more annoying limitations,
Regards,

no problem,
its good that this issue isn't bugging you much,
check post #645 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13044095&postcount=645)
for other more annoying limitations,
Regards,
Thanks. I have scanned through the thread, and did see that.

Coming from a player that had no Dvix/WMV/etc support, the issues in that post are minor to me (at this point :) ). And some aren't relevant to what I usually watch (I've never had a need for subtitles, for instance). But, who knows?

Anyhoo, I've only had it for ~4 days, so I'm still getting used to it.

Cheers.

Thanks for the fast reply! Looks very likely that my TV (Sony Bravia KDL-40V2500) is affecting the way that the content is being displayed. The Bravia does have options for rendering 4:3 content, but strangely enough, these options are only enabled when the DVD player sends 480p. In 1080p, it will only zoom or stretch.

So here's where I stand now. When the Pioneer sends 480p:
* 4:3 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 AVI's display as 4:3 (go figure)

When the pioneer sends 1080p:
* 4:3 DVD's are stretched
* 16:9 DVD's display at the correct aspect ratio
* 16:9 AVI's display at the correct aspect ratio

So it looks like there's no "set it and forget it" option. From what I can tell, I have to switch to 480p when watching 4:3 content. A little annoying, but I can live with it. Is there another Bravia owner out there that has a better solution?

Choose "16:9 compressed" and it will display 480i/p content correctly.

Choose "16:9 compressed" and it will display 480i/p content correctly.
I have the Pioneer 400V and will be getting 50 inch panny tv with 720P. If I set the DVD to 720P I gather my dvds will play 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 (square in middle)for regular SD broadcasts correct?

I have the Pioneer 400V and will be getting 50 inch panny tv with 720P. If I set the DVD to 720P I gather my dvds will play 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 (square in middle)for regular SD broadcasts correct?

I haven't tested 720p, what I said applies to 1080p output.

I haven't tested 720p, what I said applies to 1080p output.
Hey "iatacs 19":

Could I trouble you to test that for us? Would sure appreciate it and thanks for temporarily inconveniencing yourself for us.

I have the 50pc77u and so far have found that 480i output allows the pannys scalar to do a great job with both DVDs and with all resolutions of AVIs. I'd be interested to hear your experiences.

I have the Pioneer 400V and will be getting 50 inch panny tv with 720P. If I set the DVD to 720P I gather my dvds will play 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 (square in middle)for regular SD broadcasts correct?

I have the 50pc77u and so far have found that 480i output allows the pannys scalar to do a great job with both DVDs and with all resolutions of AVIs. I'd be interested to hear your experiences.

Sorry for my post not being so informative, but I wonder if 480i is satisfactory (not even 480p) and leaving the upscaling to the TV set, why one should bother with upscaling and HDMI players?, you can get region-free 480p avi/dvd players for as low as $23 these days.

I was able to flash the Hakan firmware to make the player region free (thanks for the help everyone), question, is anyone's player noisy? When I play a DVD movie I can clearly hear the player especially during quiet scenes of a movie (at 8 feet away). Does anyone else have this problem? Should I try another pioneer? Also is it best to use 480i over hdmi for a Panny Plasma?

Nooobie here.
Looking to pick the dv-400v up to go with my soon to be purchased HDTV. I will want to run HDMI to the TV and then run digital audio from the player to my receiver for surround sound(receiver doesnt have HDMI).
I thought i had read somewhere in this thread that people had problems with this because the player would read the HDMI connection and then disable the digital audio out to the receiver.
There must be some type of workaround for this or do i have it all wrong??
Thanks.

hello all. reviews seem to be good for this player. but i was wondering if it would make a big difference for me to get a upconverting dvd player. i have a faroudja chip inside my monitor. its a gateway hd2200. and dont know if thats better than whats in most of these players

hello all. reviews seem to be good for this player. but i was wondering if it would make a big difference for me to get a upconverting dvd player. i have a faroudja chip inside my monitor. its a gateway hd2200. and dont know if thats better than whats in most of these players

at 22" the Faroudja would do so fine, I recommend to get the player from a store with a good return policy though.
Regards,

I have the Harmony 670 and just got a Pioneer DV-400V DVD player. With the DVD player's remote, when you press Display, the display comes up on screen. Push it a second time, and you get a screen that shows more info about the DVD such as bitrate. Push it a third time, and the Display screen closes.

I programmed my Harmony 670 for the Pioneer DVD player. However, when I push Display on the Harmony, the Display screen comes up. But, when I push the Display button on the Harmony a second time, nothing happens. I can push it several times and the Display screen will never go to the Display screen with the more DVD info, nor will it close the Display screen.

I tried doing an IR learning for the display button on the Harmony, but it sill won't work properly.

Has anyone who has this player and a Harmony remote got this to work properly?


I have the same remote. I just made the remote learn the "Display" function in "raw mode", and then it worked as it should..

Guys - should I pickup and try another Pioneer player? Is anyone's noisy during playback? My ps3 is quieter.

I am planning on buying the DV400 as a budget stop gap until blu ray machines drop. i am in no hurry to spend $400+ on a dvd machine.

Just wondering how pleased DV400 owners are with their machines. Of course i can't be too picky over an $80 machine.

Reason i want pioneer is that my receiver is Pioneer and i can eliminate 1 remote by staying with the same brand.

By the way, my display device is a Sanyo Z2000 1080p PJ on a 98" DIY screen.

Guys - should I pickup and try another Pioneer player? Is anyone's noisy during playback? My ps3 is quieter.

Yes, it uses a noisy motor. I can really tell when it's changing chapters or going to menu, but not noticeable so much during regular playback.

the noise will change depending on the media you put in. I found for this player for dvd+r some brands made the player noiser than other media brands - this might be because the reader has problems reading from some media.

I bought another Pioneer from BB (they have a great price on this item on-line) and compared the two units. This one is much quieter on playing DVD movies.

hey all

1st post and i have a quick and easy question about this dvd player.

whats the maximum xvid resolution that it will support?

ive tried to google the question but cant find anything specific..

thanks all!

:cool:

Hi

It supports up to 720x576 (PAL) /720x480 (NTSC).

Hi

It supports up to 720x576 (PAL) /720x480 (NTSC).

cool thanks for the quick reply!


actually 1 more..

1. is the a firmware upgrade available that changes or fixes up the interface? as your aware you can only see like 13 characters of each xvid file and thats a bit crappy.

thanks again.

Thanks to Hakan and crew for the firmware update. I just found this today and installed v2.0, so now I can play Region 2 discs with PAL conversion!

One issue with the install, though: the first time I put in a PAL disc, the front panel of the DV-400V read "576P" as the output mode, and I lost signal on my TV through HDMI ("Unsupported video format"). Apparently, one of the default settings after the update made it think I had a PAL TV and sent out native signal format.

I hooked up through only the yellow component out and saw that it was in fact generating video. Moreover, the logo screen read "Pioneer PAL". If I put in an NTSC disc it would change "modes" and read "Pioneer NTSC", and then back to "PAL" after swapping back. After trying different settings on the TV and DVD player, I walked away for a while to get actual work done.

When I came back, I decided to mess with some NTSC discs for a bit, trying different output resolutions. Unplugged the player to rewire cabling, then more messing around. Finally walked away once more, then came back and tried the PAL discs again... and it worked!

I wonder if the complete power-down might have something to do with it, but I see now that my video output settings would up on "16:9 Compressed" and "NTSC Video". I *think* it might have originally defaulted to "480p" and "Multisync", which I suppose would've given the player the option to output any format it wanted, including the native PAL 576P. (Makes sense, in hindsight!)

At any rate, I just wanted to say "thanks", and to record this experience for anyone that might follow with similar problems. Great unit, great firmware hack!

I wonder if the complete power-down might have something to do with it, but I see now that my video output settings would up on "16:9 Compressed" and "NTSC Video". I *think* it might have originally defaulted to "480p" and "Multisync", which I suppose would've given the player the option to output any format it wanted, including the native PAL 576P. (Makes sense, in hindsight!)
- m

From the firmware readme.txt :
- TV-Type NTSC, PAL or Multi, [restart your player to accept the new settings]

so I guess that might be what you were missing (which was triggered by unplugging the player eventually)

From the firmware readme.txt :
- TV-Type NTSC, PAL or Multi, [restart your player to accept the new settings]

so I guess that might be what you were missing (which was triggered by unplugging the player eventually)
Actually, I did restart it: was necessary, in fact, to get the region-free feature working. Or maybe the "hold down Enter until unit shuts off" method isn't a full restart? However, I also restarted a few times after that to find out that the logo screen changed depending on which region/format disc was in at the time.

Likely I just left it on Multi on the initial restart, then only later I'd managed to switch it to NTSC before powering down for the rewiring. Hard to track all the changes I did after the fact from memory, so unfortunately I can't give a recipe to reliably reproduce what I saw.

Whatever the case, it's certainly a good thing to repeat for others that might have similar difficulties.

I have the same remote. I just made the remote learn the "Display" function in "raw mode", and then it worked as it should..

Thanks, Mr. Miami. That's what I ended up doing with my Harmony 670. For some reason the first time I did it, it didn't work too well. So I removed the DV400 as a device, and then re-added it, did the learning in raw mode and now it works fine :)

Can I use the component video output and the hdmi as an audio output simultaneously on the dv-400?
(my TV doesn't have HDMI input, and I want to enjoy the sound through HDMI on my a/v receiver)

I have the Pioneer 400V and will be getting 50 inch panny tv with 720P. If I set the DVD to 720P I gather my dvds will play 16:9 widescreen and 4:3 (square in middle)for regular SD broadcasts correct?

Just tested this, it works perfectly.

I saw the post on pg 1 regarding clock drift. Wondering if that's my problem or?... I have a new Toshiba Regza 1080p LCD.

When playing back 1080p from the Pioneer DV-400 the video goes scrambled right away. 1080i plays fine until after 30-45 min into the movie there are horizontal lines along the bottom that grow, and after some more minutes it will almost show a split screen effect. Have tried two diff. HDMI cables - same. The TV works fine using other 1080i/1080p inputs.

Questions
- is this the clock drift issue and if so are there any work-arounds?
- is my DVD player bad?

Thanks,
Mark

Acceptable HDMI formats as per Toshiba manual:

...............V. Freq.............H. Freq..................Pixel Clock Preq

1080i......59.94/60Hz.......33.716/33.75kHz......74.176/74.25MHz
1080p.....23.976/24Hz......26.973/27.0kHz.......74.176/74.25MHz
1080p.....59.94/60Hz........67.433/67.50kHz.....148.352/148.50MHz

Personally, I would exchange it for another. How are you connecting the DVD player, and what TV do you have?

I saw the post on pg 1 regarding clock drift. Wondering if that's my problem or?... I have a new Toshiba Regza 1080p LCD.

When playing back 1080p from the Pioneer DV-400 the video goes scrambled right away. 1080i plays fine until after 30-45 min into the movie there are horizontal lines along the bottom that grow, and after some more minutes it will almost show a split screen effect. Have tried two diff. HDMI cables - same. The TV works fine using other 1080i/1080p inputs.

Questions
- is this the clock drift issue and if so are there any work-arounds?
- is my DVD player bad?

Thanks,
Mark

Acceptable HDMI formats as per Toshiba manual:

...............V. Freq.............H. Freq..................Pixel Clock Preq

1080i......59.94/60Hz.......33.716/33.75kHz......74.176/74.25MHz
1080p.....23.976/24Hz......26.973/27.0kHz.......74.176/74.25MHz
1080p.....59.94/60Hz........67.433/67.50kHz.....148.352/148.50MHz

Questions
- is this the clock drift issue and if so are there any work-arounds?
- is my DVD player bad?

Hello Mark,
I tried to notice a difference between your two post (beside being 10 minutes away) but failed, any way:
The Toshiba is quit picky about the supported input, if the player is outputting the frequencies in post#1 it would give you the black "Unsupported video signal" screen (because the reported frequencies in post #1 are below the ranges reported in the Toshiba manual).
Ruling out option one (clock drift) we are left with option two (bad DVD player).
My advice is the same as M4P's (posted 9 minutes after your first post), return player if possible, if not trying to reflashing the firmware might (less likely) help, the Pioneer original firmware are available at pioneerfaq thx to Hakan and his fellows.
Hope that helped,

Hi,

I had mentioned this about 8 or 9 months ago but never really got an answer or sollution.

My Pio DV-400 [US model] does not automatically switch my HDTV to the proper display format when playing DVD movies [4:3 or 16:9]. I have to manually switch the HDTV using the TV's remote. Shouldn't the DVD player do this automatically? My player was bought last summer in June 2007. I wonder if a firmware upgrade is needed to fix this. I had an older Sony DVD that switched the HDTV automatically to 4:3 or 16:9 with regard to content just fine.

Everything else seems to work fine with the pio.

My HDTV is a 32" Sansui model.

Any response would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Has anyone run across the problem of there being audio, but no video output? I've had the player for a few months now and it works great, but occasionally the video will go black after a short while of playing and the only way to get it back is by turning off the player and back on.

The issue has mostly occurred shortly after turning the player on, such as at the menu screen for a dvd or during the beginning of a movie. Like I said, I can here audio still working, but the screen is just black.

My setup: hdmi, maxent 42" plasma, noticed problem with dvd's (can't remember if also occurred with divx)

Any tips? Thanks.

Hello,

I'm just wondering if the following configuration is possible.

1) I'm thinking of attaching the usb port of Pioneer dv-400V to an ethernet/usb adapter.

2) using a wired/wireless connection to the router/switch.

Question:
Is it possible to see the shared directory of all the computers that's connected to the network through this method?

Any input is appreciated. Thank you.

Has anyone run across the problem of there being audio, but no video output? I've had the player for a few months now and it works great, but occasionally the video will go black after a short while of playing and the only way to get it back is by turning off the player and back on..

I've never had this problem, Sach. Maybe you could try a different HDMI cable, I don't know.

Hello,

I'm just wondering if the following configuration is possible.

1) I'm thinking of attaching the usb port of Pioneer dv-400V to an ethernet/usb adapter.

2) using a wired/wireless connection to the router/switch.

Question:
Is it possible to see the shared directory of all the computers that's connected to the network through this method?

Any input is appreciated. Thank you.

Short version: It wont work.
Longer version:
The USB connection is for connecting storage : flash drives (USB 1.1) or externally powered HDD. Think about it this way, if you would connect a USB webcam to the DV-400V would you expect to display the camera feed on your TV?
Hope that helped,

I am noob to hacking. Have gone thru a number of posts but not sure how to go ahead.

Have got the DV-400V-K from walmart.com.

Can someone post easy instructions to hack this and make it region free and also play PAL DVD's.

Thanks

I couldn't believe my eyes,
Pioneer FAQ has two new original firmware updates for our DV-400V (the second one is with Swedish menus)

http://www.pioneerfaq.info/index.php?fraga=Firmwares

I didn't pull the trigger yet, due to lack of information. Besides, I am not sure about what features does the new firmware has.
The naming seems out of place as it used to be YGB[Year][Month][Day][Rev], but I have noticed that all the new original firmwares at Pioneerfaq seems to have this "7C" which seems to be what pioneer calls 2008.
Any way, if any ones considers upgrading, please fill us up.

update : considering they are using 1 digit for month, C is the hexadecimal for 12, that means the release date for this firmware was 12 Dec 07 ;)

update 2: well you know what they say "curiosity killed the cat", done the update, if it weren't for the changed firmware number afterwards I could have never tell any difference. I am really disappointed at Pioneer this time.

Can someone please post the region free firmware, if it's not too large? The pioneerfaq site seems to be down, not sure for good or just temp. THX

(If you can't post it here please someone PM me and I'll send you my email.)

ThX

I've never had this problem, Sach. Maybe you could try a different HDMI cable, I don't know.
M4P: Thanks, I'll dig around to see if I can find one and also check the connections.

Can someone please confirm if this player can play regular VOB files, especially the high bitrate uncompressd rip ones through the USB port of the harddrive? It seems like the older version of this player cannot do that.

Can someone please confirm if this player can play regular VOB files, especially the high bitrate uncompressd rip ones through the USB port of the harddrive? It seems like the older version of this player cannot do that.

Hello,
There is no older version of this player (unless you mean older firmware).
VOBs will only play from a DVD with the normal DVD directory structure, in other words, ripped (coppied) VOBs wont play from DVD/CD/USB.
Regards,

I get a really unusual error with this when I use it with my Panasonic TH AE500 Projector. For reference purposes it is the same as the PT-L500U (http://www.projectorcentral.com/Panasonic-PT-L500U.htm), except it has an additional input for the Japan-only D4 Input.

I have it connected via a 10 meter HDMI cable which connects to the DVI input via an HDMI to DVI adapter, but there is a weirdness that becomes problematic when I attempt to use the upscaling features.

480p registers as 525p, which is okay, because the projector supports that. It's also noticeably visually...different from the component video, which rates as 480p.

720p registers as 750p and does not display.

1080i registers as "HDTV 60" and does not display.

1080p, which the projector isn't rated for anyway, simply doesn't work (didn't expect it to). The little "progressive" light does come on, and I get perfectly fine 480p (or 525p if my projector is to be believed) playback, so there's no reason it shouldn't work, it just doesn't...and in a really weird way.

I checked the firmware. I have version YGB7516A. I downloaded the HDMI->DVI Firmware from PioneerFAQ, but am apprehensive about using this as I bought it as a region-modified, variable power (110-220) mod from Region Free DVD.net (http://www.regionfreedvd.net/) and am worried that changing the firmware might cause issues as I don't know what they actually did to this thing to make it Region Free and useable with different current. I'm worried that flash it will either remove the Region Free functionality or, worse, brick it.

I also have no idea how to apply the firmware update, so it's a moot point anyway.

Thoughts?

I get a really unusual error with this when I use it with my Panasonic TH AE500 Projector. For reference purposes it is the same as the PT-L500U (http://www.projectorcentral.com/Panasonic-PT-L500U.htm), except it has an additional input for the Japan-only D4 Input.

I have it connected via a 10 meter HDMI cable which connects to the DVI input via an HDMI to DVI adapter, but there is a weirdness that becomes problematic when I attempt to use the upscaling features.

480p registers as 525p, which is okay, because the projector supports that. It's also noticeably visually...different from the component video, which rates as 480p.

720p registers as 750p and does not display.

1080i registers as "HDTV 60" and does not display.

1080p, which the projector isn't rated for anyway, simply doesn't work (didn't expect it to). The little "progressive" light does come on, and I get perfectly fine 480p (or 525p if my projector is to be believed) playback, so there's no reason it shouldn't work, it just doesn't...and in a really weird way.

I checked the firmware. I have version YGB7516A. I downloaded the HDMI->DVI Firmware from PioneerFAQ, but am apprehensive about using this as I bought it as a region-modified, variable power (110-220) mod from Region Free DVD.net (http://www.regionfreedvd.net/) and am worried that changing the firmware might cause issues as I don't know what they actually did to this thing to make it Region Free and useable with different current. I'm worried that flash it will either remove the Region Free functionality or, worse, brick it.

I also have no idea how to apply the firmware update, so it's a moot point anyway.

Thoughts?

Hello,
There is reported DVI problems with all the firmware versions (but the original one listed on pioneerfaq), your concerns about the problems of downgrading is certainly in place but this is your only option if you would want DVI/HDMI to work correctly.
now for the reason why 1080p wont work, this is because the native resolution of your projector is 1280x720 Pixels so there is no way to squeeze the 1080 horizontal pixels (1080i is actually 540p which is less than 720p)
for reflashing your player, just unzip any firmware file and you should find a readme.txt for step by step application
Hope that helped,

Hello,
There is reported DVI problems with all the firmware versions (but the original one listed on pioneerfaq), your concerns about the problems of downgrading is certainly in place but this is your only option if you would want DVI/HDMI to work correctly.
now for the reason why 1080p wont work, this is because the native resolution of your projector is 1280x720 Pixels so there is no way to squeeze the 1080 horizontal pixels (1080i is actually 540p which is less than 720p)
for reflashing your player, just unzip any firmware file and you should find a readme.txt for step by step application
Hope that helped,

Helped a great deal, thanks!

I never expected the 1080p to work, but I figured that while I was in there tinkering to get the information for this post (been awhile since this first came up) I'd do it and see what it reported back.

Have people coming over on Saturday, so I'll wait until next week to try it. By then I'll have the HTPC set up to where it can take over on the R2 playback should I knock that function out with the Firmware change.

That said, does anyone know where I can get the Firmware I have now or an alternate that would allow playback of discs from all regions? That way at least I can get it back where it needs to be if I do mess it up.

Also, is there anyone who used this firmware from a Region Free Player? Could you still playback all-region discs afterwards?

Could the firmware change possibly be avoided altogether by putting an HDMI switch or another similar device in the loop between the projector and the DVD Player?

Heard back from the folks at Region Free DVD.net

Our modification is a hardware chip as well as a firmware change. The firmware for this unit has not been updated, so I don't think that a firmware change will fix it. It is probably the fact that the projector is not HDCP compliant so the unit will revert back to 480p.

The projector is HDCP compliant, so swing and a miss there. Ah well, I'll put a post up after I put the new firmware on next week and give you a heads-up as to what I get.

I just bought a Pioneer DV-400V-K yesterday and everything worked fine except the USB Playback. I plugged in my external 250 GB Harddrive which is in FAT32, I could play the AVI files it they are in the parent folder or the first subfolder, however, if the files are in the third subfolder, they can not be played and the DVD would just freeze, this also goes with the music files and JPEGS, could someone help me with this. Thank you

I just bought a Pioneer DV-400V-K yesterday and everything worked fine except the USB Playback. I plugged in my external 250 GB Harddrive which is in FAT32, I could play the AVI files it they are in the parent folder or the first subfolder, however, if the files are in the third subfolder, they can not be played and the DVD would just freeze, this also goes with the music files and JPEGS, could someone help me with this. Thank you

How many files are there in that 3rd subfolder ..? there is a constraint on the directory depth as well as the flat number of files in a certain folder.
Is that HDD externally powered ..?

How many files are there in that 3rd subfolder ..? there is a constraint on the directory depth as well as the flat number of files in a certain folder.
Is that HDD externally powered ..?

It is externally powered, and the number of files in the 3rd doesn't really matter, I just can't open it if it's a 3rd subfolder.

It is externally powered, and the number of files in the 3rd doesn't really matter, I just can't open it if it's a 3rd subfolder.

The model of my hard drive is Comstar Platinum 250GB 2.0 External Hard Drive! Please help, thanks

kmil 04-20-08 01:08 AM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pioneer 400V Connection Setup

Folks, I'd like to get your opinions on connections for my new 400V which is currently hooked up to my Sony 46W3000 LCD TV with HDMI connnections.
My previous player, a three year old Samsung HD 931 was hooked up the only way it could be.....by COMPONENT.

I must say that the picture was excellent, crisp and sharp. My Pioneer 400V is hooked up via HDMI and I must say I'm not entirely thrilled with the picture and think it could be better. I'd like to hook it up with my high quality COMPONENT cables. One of my questions to "you all" is can I KEEP the HDMI connections hooked up as they are now AND also hook up the COMPONENTS too at the same time. Will BOTH connections be useable and will having them BOTH hooked up will it cause the other to "incapacitate" the one I'm using so I can't switch back and forth between HDMI and COMPONENT to see which has the best picture? My HDMI cable (from Monoprice.com) has "beer cans" on each end of the cable. My gut tells me I may well get a "better" picture with the COMPONENTS.

Lastly, am I correct in assuming that I may be able to switch between COMPONENT and HDMI be simply going through my DVD setup menu? At least that seems to be the way to do it. What do you folks think and what would you advise? Please let me know at: kmil123@msn.com

Thanks!


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:26 AM.

Hi, I am thinking of buying this player.

Can someone tell if me regular WMV files work fine off DVD-R discs?

Thanks

I bought a new Samsung 1080p LCD HDTV and a new Pioneer DV-400V-K. The video output is thru HDMI. I have a Yamaha componet, sound output goes to the Yamaha thru digital input. The picture and sound quality is very good.

Watched a few DVDs, the first week was great. Then I started watching my DVD collections so I skipped back and forth a few times, then I started noticing the image flickers, a fast flicker, since LCD is very bright I noticed the flicker. First I thought it might be the skipping of the chapters, so I thought nothing to worry about. But on the 3rd week I noticed the flickering happens almost every 15 minutes. Then it worried me so I turned off the player, just watched TV. The flickering does not happen with TV alone.

Then I thought the player I got has some bug so I exchanged the same model, another new one, not a return one. I played for a week, and started to notice the flicker starts to happen while watching DVD.

All my DVDs are clean, no finger print or dirt.

Any help to fix this flickering will be greatly appreciated. I hate to return the Pioneer player, I heard so much good things about it.

I bought one of these Saturday night when my 360 finally gave the RROD.

I connected it using an HDMI 1.3 cable for picture and audio is being sent via the coaxial (the store display had an optical, but the one in the box did not?) to my Onkyo. I popped in Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix after setting it to output 1920x1080 in 1080p mode. During the movie there were times when the picture would jump a tiny bit, and sometimes, go out completely for a second or two. One thing that was consistent througout was the appearance of lines running vertically in various areas. I noticed it mostly on the faces of the characters where it went from full-lit to in the shade. Weird? When running at 1280x720p output the lines weren't present

Hello Fellas.
Does anyone know if there is any firmware to correct the severe limitation of player not read formats .Mpeg and .Mpg?
Thanks.

MPEG is a compression type. .MPG and .MPEG are containers and don't always mean the files uses MPEG compression.

but these videos (. mpeg and .mpg) open in other DVD players from Pioneer .. and in most DVD players in general.

nothing?? Impossible run mpeg videos???
really a great disappointment this dvd player !!!!!!!!
Note 0 for the Pioneer!

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

nothing?? Impossible run mpeg videos???
really a great disappointment this dvd player !!!!!!!!
Note 0 for the Pioneer!

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

Well you shouldn't be that made, VCD's are getting as obsolete as video tapes, its certainly inconvenient but not a major disappointment (at least for me), consider this as as trashing latest mp3 player because it doesn't play WAV files.
It will actually take about 40 minutes of a descent machine to transform 2 VCD's into a single DIVX file in around 1/3 - 1/2 the size, using free conversion tools available online.
Hope that help,

Hello can anyone help me to solve my problem?
I have been using dv-400-k for 4 months connected via HDMI cable to Sony KDL-46V3000. My problem is that although my TV can play 1080p. Whenever I set my dv-400 upscaling player to 1080p, I always get this annoying sound lost for 1 second once in awhile sometimes after 15 mins, 5 mins or 30mins. I already replaced my HDMI cable two times still having the same problem. I even upgraded my firmware and was forced to use 1080i inly to get rid of the problem.

I even tried to call pioneer service center here in Canada and was informed that they are not aware of any reported problem the same as mine.

Can anyone give me your expert advice or tweak to resolve my problem?

Try running the player on HDMI 2 on the TV. I have had the same problem with the DV-400 on the HDMI 1 port of my 40A550.

I bought a new Samsung 1080p LCD HDTV and a new Pioneer DV-400V-K. The video output is thru HDMI. I have a Yamaha componet, sound output goes to the Yamaha thru digital input. The picture and sound quality is very good.

Watched a few DVDs, the first week was great. Then I started watching my DVD collections so I skipped back and forth a few times, then I started noticing the image flickers, a fast flicker, since LCD is very bright I noticed the flicker. First I thought it might be the skipping of the chapters, so I thought nothing to worry about. But on the 3rd week I noticed the flickering happens almost every 15 minutes. Then it worried me so I turned off the player, just watched TV. The flickering does not happen with TV alone.

Then I thought the player I got has some bug so I exchanged the same model, another new one, not a return one. I played for a week, and started to notice the flicker starts to happen while watching DVD.

All my DVDs are clean, no finger print or dirt.

Any help to fix this flickering will be greatly appreciated. I hate to return the Pioneer player, I heard so much good things about it.

I just got my PIO 400v-k and have had a couple of discs lock up or freeze. Has anyone else had this problem?

I have a 60" Sony Grand Vega XBR950. I know the TV can handle 720p without any problems. I have read about the firmware issues, but it all starts getting confusing when the modded firmware topics get mixed in with the original firmware stuff.

My Serial number starts with "GI", so that means it has the dreaded new firmware. I want to be able to produce 720p over my HDMI-DVI Monster Cable. I find it frustrating that I cannot currently do that. The DVD player is a paper weight if its upscaling is restricted to 480p over a HDMI-DVI connection.

My questions are:

Does the modded firmware allow 720p over a HDMI-DVI cable? If so, which would be the best one to use?

Is there a way to flash back to the old firmware? If so, does someone have a copy?

Is there another way to make it work with out flashing the ROM?

Any answers/solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Nevermind about the stuff above.

I found what I needed on the PioneerFaq site. I used the YGB7328I IOS and everything is awesome now!

I am running 1080i and RGB. I now have BTB, especially during "Sweeny Todd", and the picture looks great!

The only thing I noticed is a few slight "Blips", where the screen will do a slight flicker for a sec. Either way it's not bad at all, it'll only do it a few times.

Thank you!

BTB (Blacker Then Black) in moddified firmware and you use HDMI Color COMPONENT you need to adjust the the Brightness to +1 (or +2) and then adjust Contrast to -1(or -2), then you should be able to have BTB. For the other values in HDMI Color you dont need to do anything!

YGB7328I is a none moddified firmware and should not be able to show BTB!
How ever I could be wrong as I havent tested this firmware!

Well, now that I think about it it is prolly not BTB. Before when I would watch DVDs with dark sceance it would have almost no detail. Anything black would just become one big blob of grey. Now I can see a massive amount of detail, and the blacks have a big difference in shades. Definitely an improvement.

I thought about using one of the modded versions, but I noticed that they were built on the newer version image. I didn't want the newer image because of the HDMI - DVI issues.

I bought the DVD player couple of days back... thorough USB it runs avi, divX perfectly...
But for WMV files it gives the sound but no display. It says "resolution" is not correct.. do i need to change the resolution to see an WMV file.. (i have already done but it did not solve the issue)
Do i need a firmware update?

I've had the dv 400v for 2 weeks. It was working fine, now it will not load any discs, it says loading then says no disc. I've tried multiple dvds, even a brand new one. The usb portion works fine. Anyone else have this problem?

I have heard that they can get a "Disc Read Error". The best thing to do would be taking it back to the store and exchanging it.

There is a new model, DV-410V-K on the Pioneer US web site:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/Blu-rayDisc+DVD/PioneerDVDPlayers+Recorders/ci.DV-410V-K.Kuro

Excepting the design, I did not see any difference between the 400 and 410 models, nor the price. Am I missing something else?

There is a new model, DV-410V-K on the Pioneer US web site:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/Blu-rayDisc+DVD/PioneerDVDPlayers+Recorders/ci.DV-410V-K.Kuro

Excepting the design, I did not see any difference between the 400 and 410 models, nor the price. Am I missing something else?

Looks like HD JPG playback is the only one :mad:

Region free hack please

Using a One for All modem-upgradable remote, send the WAV file found at http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=download&file_id=5558 to it. Once the remote has been programmed, set it to VCR/2000. Turn on the DVD player via the front pannel or its supplied remote. Using the One for All, press POWER. Turn your DVD player back on once again via the front pannel or its supplied remote. Insert a previously unplayable DVD. It should play as normal. It worked on my 2004 Region 1 US model DVD player/receiver. This in my opinion is much more convenient, as well as less expensive, than Prontos, PDAs, celphones, soldering homemade cables, etc. Unfortunately, downloadable, burnable, multi-region compatible firmware does not exist for all Pioneer models. Also, when I installed downloadable, multi-region compatible firmware on an internal computer DVD drive, the drive had disc-reading problems ever since. As a result, I personally am not going to install such firmware on my set top DVD players.

Was planning to buy the Pio Dv400 when I came to know about the new Dv410 model launched. Anyone knows what exactly are the improvements in 410 over 400 ?

From the Pio websites, I could gather 2 new features - Virtual Surround Sound from stereo output (which I dont care about) and 'HD JPEG' playback. Now what exactly is HD JPEG ? Is it a better way of displaying the same .jpg photos we clicked from our digicams ? Or does it refer to the 'HD Photo' aka 'JPEG XR' format (in which case its of no use since our digicams do not store in this format).:confused:

Any pointers welcome !

Was planning to buy the Pio Dv400 when I came to know about the new Dv410 model launched. Anyone knows what exactly are the improvements in 410 over 400 ?

From the Pio websites, I could gather 2 new features - Virtual Surround Sound from stereo output (which I dont care about) and 'HD JPEG' playback. Now what exactly is HD JPEG ? Is it a better way of displaying the same .jpg photos we clicked from our digicams ? Or does it refer to the 'HD Photo' aka 'JPEG XR' format (in which case its of no use since our digicams do not store in this format).:confused:

Any pointers welcome !

As long as the price is the same and it shouldn't be too long before its release, waiting for the latest and greatest is no big deal in my opinion.

Was planning to buy the Pio Dv400 when I came to know about the new Dv410 model launched. Anyone knows what exactly are the improvements in 410 over 400 ?

From the Pio websites, I could gather 2 new features - Virtual Surround Sound from stereo output (which I dont care about) and 'HD JPEG' playback. Now what exactly is HD JPEG ? Is it a better way of displaying the same .jpg photos we clicked from our digicams ? Or does it refer to the 'HD Photo' aka 'JPEG XR' format (in which case its of no use since our digicams do not store in this format).:confused:

Any pointers welcome !

Hello,
There is almost no changes but for the rearranging the buttons and ports.
DV-400 already has virtual surround from stereo input. a thorough look at the manual reveals it still has all the flows : - no optical output, same crippled GUI, single speed FF and REW in divx, no support for DIVX Ultra, etc .. I dont really understand the reason for releasing a new machine if there is no real upgrade over the existing one, this will only help in reducing the cost for the DV-400. I think 'HD JPEG' means ' we might now display the pics that we never used to although all budget player was already displaying', honestly I think this just needed a firmware update nothing more.
so any way, I would recommend that you wait for the DV410 and then buy the DV400 to save some bucks (beside there is still no guarantee for the availability of a region free hack for the DV410).
I can almost bet that the DV410 will be using the same mediatek chipset that the DV400 uses, but lets wait and see.
Hope that helped,

Hello,
There is almost no changes but for the rearranging the buttons and ports.
DV-400 already has virtual surround from stereo input. a thorough look at the manual reveals it still has all the flows : - no optical output, same crippled GUI, single speed FF and REW in divx, no support for DIVX Ultra, etc .. I dont really understand the reason for releasing a new machine if there is no real upgrade over the existing one, this will only help in reducing the cost for the DV-400. I think 'HD JPEG' means ' we might now display the pics that we never used to although all budget player was already displaying', honestly I think this just needed a firmware update nothing more.
so any way, I would recommend that you wait for the DV410 and then buy the DV400 to save some bucks (beside there is still no guarantee for the availability of a region free hack for the DV410).
I can almost bet that the DV410 will be using the same mediatek chipset that the DV400 uses, but lets wait and see.
Hope that helped,
After all these years, it seems that Pioneer plans on sticking with that special service code which thanks to a few One for All modem-upgradable JP1 remote users, is not too expensive or complicated to gain access to.

Using a One for All modem-upgradable remote, send the WAV file found at http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=download&file_id=5558 to it.
Unfortunately, downloadable, burnable, multi-region compatible firmware does not exist for all Pioneer models. Also, when I installed downloadable, multi-region compatible firmware on an internal computer DVD drive, the drive had disc-reading problems ever since. As a result, I personally am not going to install such firmware on my set top DVD players.

Hello BigC,
Actually I do have a couple of things to say:
- the link you have listed doesn't work.
- I have no doubts the IR trick worked for you on your 2004 Model (as you listed in another thread) but this doesn't make it applicable to 2007/2008 models.
- True, there doesn't exist a multiregion compatible firmware for ALL Pioneer models, but fortunately for the DV400 owners there exist a downloadable, burnable, multi-region compatible firmware that is based on the latest original Pioneer firmware updated dated december 2007 (check pioneerfaq)
- Check other forums, before Hakan firmware update IR trick was reported to fail several times for the DV-400, before Hakan firmware there was ABSOLUTELY no region free version of this player.
- I agree, applying firmware is risky, it voids your warranty and there is a big chance you might mess your player (like you did with your internal one), but I guess we can take hints from the several thousand downloads from pioneer faq, and those seller who are selling the pre-moded version.
- Just to be fair, Hakan is the only one who acted (freely and without charging us money) to what Pioneer failed to do, even the updated official firmware that is now released on the new DV400 isn't available any where else but on Hakan's site, the only official version that works correctly with DVI displays is again only available on Hakan's site.
- I do understand why you personally wont apply "downloadable , compatible firmware updates" and I certainly respect that.
Thanks again,

Hello BigC,
Actually I do have a couple of things to say:
- the link you have listed doesn't work.
- I have no doubts the IR trick worked for you on your 2004 Model (as you listed in another thread) but this doesn't make it applicable to 2007/2008 models.
- True, there doesn't exist a multiregion compatible firmware for ALL Pioneer models, but fortunately for the DV400 owners there exist a downloadable, burnable, multi-region compatible firmware that is based on the latest original Pioneer firmware updated dated december 2007 (check pioneerfaq)
- Check other forums, before Hakan firmware update IR trick was reported to fail several times for the DV-400, before Hakan firmware there was ABSOLUTELY no region free version of this player.
- I agree, applying firmware is risky, it voids your warranty and there is a big chance you might mess your player (like you did with your internal one), but I guess we can take hints from the several thousand downloads from pioneer faq, and those seller who are selling the pre-moded version.
- Just to be fair, Hakan is the only one who acted (freely and without charging us money) to what Pioneer failed to do, even the updated official firmware that is now released on the new DV400 isn't available any where else but on Hakan's site, the only official version that works correctly with DVI displays is again only available on Hakan's site.
- I do understand why you personally wont apply "downloadable , compatible firmware updates" and I certainly respect that.
Thanks again,

I just read my post, clicked the link, and it works for me. Also, I have read reports of success when hacking this player via IR. For $25, I think it's worth a try!

Hello,
There is almost no changes but for the rearranging the buttons and ports.
DV-400 already has virtual surround from stereo input. a thorough look at the manual reveals it still has all the flows : - no optical output, same crippled GUI, single speed FF and REW in divx, no support for DIVX Ultra, etc .. I dont really understand the reason for releasing a new machine if there is no real upgrade over the existing one, this will only help in reducing the cost for the DV-400. I think 'HD JPEG' means ' we might now display the pics that we never used to although all budget player was already displaying', honestly I think this just needed a firmware update nothing more.
so any way, I would recommend that you wait for the DV410 and then buy the DV400 to save some bucks (beside there is still no guarantee for the availability of a region free hack for the DV410).
I can almost bet that the DV410 will be using the same mediatek chipset that the DV400 uses, but lets wait and see.
Hope that helped,
Ok after searching thru various threads in this site I conclude that 'HD JPEG' actually scales all our digital photos directly to 1080i resolution for display in the HDTV whereas a standard jpeg viewer would downscale it to 640x480 first. So I have decided to wait for a few weeks till the 410 is available in the local stores, we have better clarity on its features and then pull the trigger.
On a sidenote.. the dv410 manual talks nothing of HD JPEG. I would imaging there should be a new setting in the HDMI Resolution section to enable/ disable HD JPG. So either the manual is inaccurate, or the player is hard coded to only display jpegs in HD or.. ?!

Could yo pls try out the HD JPEG function on your 410.. in particular, compare the jpeg display at HD vs non-HD for the same photo ( I assume the player has a setting to toggle between the two) and report if you saw a noticeable improvement in pq on the hd jpeg display ?

Thanks for the feedback...

I got the multi-region issue squared away. I am well-aware that the US model outputs in the NTSC mode, as well as converts Pal to NTSC very well. The manual for the US model does not explain how to switch the video output between NTSC, Pal, and AUTO. However, the manual for the European model does. It can be found at http://www.service.pioneer-eur.com/peeservice/RegistrInstrMan.nsf/(CountDownloadinInstructionManuals3)?openagent&ID=93EC87D0DE485DE9C12572F1002729CF&Attachment=VRB1471_DV-600AV-S.pdf. To those of you who haven't installed Hakan's firmware, nor purchased a modified player, I (and I'm sure many of us) would like to know if the procedure found in the above PDF link will work on an unmodified US model. Thanks.

I paid $8.40 for my new DV-400V. I bought it on ebay from a liquidator. Even my Monster HDMI-DVI cable was only $1.40. I love Ebay.

It may not have all the features of the latest and greatest DVD players, but for the money it is awesome :)

There is a new model, DV-410V-K on the Pioneer US web site:


Excepting the design, I did not see any difference between the 400 and 410 models, nor the price. Am I missing something else?


Hello ... I just bought the 410, and had a look inside.
The sales person claimed it would have a never processor ..
But the unit has the same decoder chip build in as the 400k.

I could see no added benefits, and in fact I think it's a cheaper design.
I did not like the remote control since it was rather shabby with a cheap feel to it.

I made pictures of the 410k inside, and will post them soon.

I returned the 410K and got a 400 for $30 less ($70)

The firmware seems to be the same (as much I can tell from the GUI)
Besides I like the location of the USB-Port better compared to the 410 since with the 410, the USB connector is in the way of the tray and does obstruct the view of the display.


I hope that's of interest to you people (I only registered to let you know) :)


Cheers,

Andrew

Hello ... I just bought the 410, and had a look inside.
The sales person claimed it would have a never processor ..
But the unit has the same decoder chip build in as the 400k.

I could see no added benefits, and in fact I think it's a cheaper design.
I did not like the remote control since it was rather shabby with a cheap feel to it.

I made pictures of the 410k inside, and will post them soon.

I returned the 410K and got a 400 for $30 less ($70)

The firmware seems to be the same (as much I can tell from the GUI)
Besides I like the location of the USB-Port better compared to the 410 since with the 410, the USB connector is in the way of the tray and does obstruct the view of the display.


I hope that's of interest to you people (I only registered to let you know) :)


Cheers,

Andrew

Are you saying that Pioneer is straying from their tradition of high build quality? Are they now the equivalent of Coby, CyberHome, Mintek, etc.? I was seriously considering my next player being a Pioneer because I wouldn't have to worry about the disc mechanisms breaking for a few years. If they're really going down hill in the way that I'm thinking, I might as well get an Oppo. At least you could get additional warranty coverage for $50 and still get a good deal. Could they all have finally figured that if they lower the durability, people will buy DVD players more frequently or something? I really hope I'm wrong on all I said above!

Thanks Andrew,
I love being right.
I am so sorry for such a non-informative post but I couldn't help myself.
Thanks so much Andrew can't wait to see the pictures.
Regards,

Hello ... I just bought the 410, and had a look inside.
The sales person claimed it would have a never processor ..
But the unit has the same decoder chip build in as the 400k.

I could see no added benefits, and in fact I think it's a cheaper design.
I did not like the remote control since it was rather shabby with a cheap feel to it.

I made pictures of the 410k inside, and will post them soon.

I returned the 410K and got a 400 for $30 less ($70)

The firmware seems to be the same (as much I can tell from the GUI)
Besides I like the location of the USB-Port better compared to the 410 since with the 410, the USB connector is in the way of the tray and does obstruct the view of the display.


I hope that's of interest to you people (I only registered to let you know) :)


Cheers,

Andrew

Hello,
There is almost no changes but for the rearranging the buttons and ports.
DV-400 already has virtual surround from stereo input. a thorough look at the manual reveals it still has all the flows : - no optical output, same crippled GUI, single speed FF and REW in divx, no support for DIVX Ultra, etc .. I dont really understand the reason for releasing a new machine if there is no real upgrade over the existing one, this will only help in reducing the cost for the DV-400. I think 'HD JPEG' means ' we might now display the pics that we never used to although all budget player was already displaying', honestly I think this just needed a firmware update nothing more.
so any way, I would recommend that you wait for the DV410 and then buy the DV400 to save some bucks (beside there is still no guarantee for the availability of a region free hack for the DV410).
I can almost bet that the DV410 will be using the same mediatek chipset that the DV400 uses, but lets wait and see.
Hope that helped,

the USB connector is in the way of the tray and does obstruct the view of the display.


How's that? My 410's usb port doesn't block the drawer or the display....

He doesn't mean the USB port itself, but connecting any of those bulky USB external HDD, or a USB card reader. if the USB cable isn't long enough it would at least block couple of neighboring control buttons.

Was planning to buy the Pio Dv400 when I came to know about the new Dv410 model launched. Anyone knows what exactly are the improvements in 410 over 400 ?

Any pointers welcome !

I'm still using my modded Pioneer DV-578 s and find that the picture is quite good on progressive scan output.

I might try a DV-400 if I can pick one up cheap, now that the DV-410 has been released.

Again not sure how. My 410 the usb port is on the bottom toward the right side of the unit. With a thumb drive nothing would block the display nor the drawer. A cable woudn't even come close to blocking anything.

So I'm just not sure what is blocking anything.

Is the 410 basically the 400? Yes, I believe we already know that is the case. The 410 is still a nice unit. When looking at both units at Best Buy there is nothing about the 410 that is cheapened compared to the 400. The idea that the 410 is a cheapened 400 just doesn't seem to be the case.

You can compare them side by side on Pioneer's web site.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Shop/DVD

One of the reasons a thumb drive is called a thumb drive is its as small as a thumb ;) so I don't think it would pose the problem mentioned.

The 410 isn't a bad player at all its just a shame on pioneer to be released like this. they just wanted to put something in their booth at CES'08.
Check the press release for DV-400 at CES'07 (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/PressRoom/Press+Releases/Home+Entertainment/Two+New+Pioneer+DVD+Players+are+Small+in+Size%2C+Big+on+Feat ures) and for DV-410 at CES'08 (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/PressRoom/Press+Releases/Home+Entertainment/New+Pioneer+Slim+DVD+Players+Deliver+Entertainment+in+Every+ Room).
Even if its not a cheaper 400, rebranding the 400 as 410 without addressing any of usability concerns for the 400 had several bad effects on the existing owners of the 400.
First lowering the market value of the 400, those who paid around $120 (without performance plan) for the 400v several months ago have to deal with the fact that its now being sold for $70 (BB, amazon) which means they would be lucky to get $50 for their used ones.
Second owners of the 400 should forget any hopes about getting firmware updates for this player, because it wont be so long before Pioneer discontinues it ( I can almost bet that they aren't producing any new ones and stores are just depleting their stock as amazon did back in march), the good side is as 410v is actually 400v any firmware upgrades for 410v should work on the 400v with the least modifications.

Sorry for the long email

Hello again, and sorry for the late reply.

Here are some 410 inside pictures.
I don't know how the 400 does look inside, but maybe someone out there can compare to his 400?

In addition I'd like to outline that I have chosen the DV-400 over the DV-410K because I saw no added benefit and
I liked the DV-400 remote better. On top of that the DV-400 comes at least $30 cheaper compared to the DV-410K.

As you can see from the pictures at least the Mediatec-Chip is still the same.
There might be other differences except for the design that I have not found out about ..

The Pioneer WWW keeps silent about any breakthrough changes.

Anyhow ... here we go:

Here are the pictures of the remote control:

Here's the front.

By the USB obstructing the view of the Display, I meant that the USB port is directly in front of the display.

It may be a matter of taste, but I liked the older design better.


Besides they note on the 410K a 108/12 BIT D/A Converter
which is exactly what the 400K has.
So no difference it seems.

I'm only about halfway through the posts, so I apologize if this was addressed previously.

My player has been working great but my only complaint is the length of characters displayed in the windows.

I am using the original firmware YGB73281....so which one can I upgrade to so this problem is address.

I purchased the WD MyBook 500gb Usb drive and it works great. Haven't noticed any slow downs when playing back movies and tv shows.

What is it the USB port is blocking for you?


That depends on which angle your player is at relative to where you are SITTING. My player is set up so that it's on top of a shelf, and I watch tv sitting on a couch.

This means I have to look up to see the player and any USB stick will block the view of the LCD.

Hello again, and sorry for the late reply.
Here are some 410 inside pictures.
I don't know how the 400 does look inside, but maybe someone out there can compare to his 400?


Here you are

How about some screen caps of the new firmware running? I'd like to see the changes...ie. longer filename

Here you are


Hey!

Thanks a bunch! :)
At first sight I see almost no difference ..

I'll nee to do a closer look!

:confused::)

Hey!

Thanks a bunch! :)
At first sight I see almost no difference ..

I'll nee to do a closer look!

:confused::)

no problem,
well, there is some differences due to the different USB port location (you can easily track the cables to the same main board connector).
There was some rearrangements for around the meditek video processor chip, there is also a changed power plug. Nothing major I guess (unless someone more knowledgeable than myself gives a thorough inspection).

Yes,

Indeed there are a few cables here and there (as for a difference) ..
As for the power plug, that is not due to another version, the pictures from your side are simply from the
European Version of the player ;) (You can tell by the SCART-Connector!)

But there is still almost the same layout and placement of the circuit boards.
So nothing ground-breaking ...

Btw. is this the right board to ask about why this player is unable/unwilling to play *.mpg files?

I'm quite disappointed that the player does not play any MPEG1/2 files on a single file basis!

I have installed another firmware, but no change ..
:mad:

Any clues why that is the case?

Cheers!

torque...

Since this thread, partly my fault. has gotten mixed with the 400/410 which model are you talking about? And which one had the firmware you mention?



Sorry about the mixup ..

I'm referring to the 400 and the firmware is on the 400 as well.
I used the Smash The Mac Firmware from
http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/dv600.php?player=DV-600AV&question=Firmwares


Besides I think that 410 and 400 might be able to share the same firmware base...

Sure,

But for me it was helpful since I have many Region 2 DVDs.
I'm pretty certain there will be a Firmware for the 410 too.

Cheers! :)

torque...
At this point I haven't run into anything that I would like to see the firmware change.

Obviously I don't own a 410, but I have read the manual throughly just to make sure it has the same crippled firmware plaguing the 400.
If you really "didn't run into anything that you would like to see the firmware change" then I my best guess you aren't into using divx movies.
let me recap ( I just doubled checked with couple of my 410 friends to make sure )
- no multispeed FF/REW into divx files (on dvd or on USB)
- no time seek on divx files (on USB)
- no pan and scan for ultra wide screen content on wide screen displays (yes, the letterboxing you see on almost all new movies can be dealt with on some other players)

Although the Hakan firmware doesn't handle any of these concerns, yet multi-region was a break through + lots of other features he took from AV-600 and surprisingly enough it worked.

Sorry for the long and non-constructive post but these are my 2 cents,

Btw. is this the right board to ask about why this player is unable/unwilling to play *.mpg files?

I'm quite disappointed that the player does not play any MPEG1/2 files on a single file basis!

I have installed another firmware, but no change ..
:mad:

Any clues why that is the case?

Cheers!
Torque,
Found several players out there that wont run .DAT/.mpg/.VOB without the proper VCD/DVD file structure. I remember one customer support guy telling me "This is to limit piracy and prevent direct copy" LOL, but looking at the bright side, lots of free encoders will take around 20-30 minutes to convert a VCD movie into a divx file with no loss in quality and in around 1/4 - 1/6 of the original size. Same for VOBs as well (check pocket encoder).
Hope that helped,

When I play CDs on this DVD player it only directs the sound through the HDMI channel and not directly to the AV receiver via coax. Is there a way around this? When playing DVDs it goes through the coax connection.

Hi, I have just bought Sony KDL-40D3550 LCD TV(it has same technical specifications as 40D3500). I tried upscaling dvd film with Pioneer Dv400V-S DVD player by HDMI(Monster Ultra 600 cable) but some problems occured. When I set the HDMI resolution 1080p from DVD player settings thin black lines appears on the bottom of screen and increases and merge, finally becomes black strips. If I set the resolution 720p screen looks good for approximately 1 hour, after then same damn! thin black lines appears again. I have to set the resolution 576p and in this resolution there is no black line. Where is the problem? Another problem is no sound on TV while HDMI upscaling 720p or 1080p.I tried some TV and DVD player HDMI settings but no success.
Thanks in advance

Is there is "optimal" setting for when one should select component, RGB or full RGB?
I mean I'm not sure what it is used for...

I use RGB because I use an HDMI to DVI cable. That allows me to see the best color. My blacks and whites were clipped when using Extended, and Component is only for a HDMI to HDMI connection.

Do either the 400 or 410 have USB 2.0? I understand that USB 1.0 caused choppiness/stuttering for the Philips 5982, but haven't seen such a problem for the Pioneer.

I would think that since Philips corrected the problem with the 5990/5992 release with USB 2.0, Pioneer would do the same

I have also seen a suggestion that the 400 was USB 2.0 capable with a firmware upgrade. Can anyone confirm this or does anyone have this firmware upgrade?

Do either the 400 or 410 have USB 2.0? I understand that USB 1.0 caused choppiness/stuttering for the Philips 5982, but haven't seen such a problem for the Pioneer.

I would think that since Philips corrected the problem with the 5990/5992 release with USB 2.0, Pioneer would do the same

I have also seen a suggestion that the 400 was USB 2.0 capable with a firmware upgrade. Can anyone confirm this or does anyone have this firmware upgrade?

both of them are 1.1 which means that it wont power the devices connected (i.e. external HDD that is internally powered),
Dont know about any firmware that claims to upgrade the port.

The 400 and 410 HAVE USB2.0. They do power external HD's, thumb drives, and will even charge your Ipod while listening to it.

I use my USB all the time.

Do you mean that they have USB 2.0 transfer capabilities or USB 2.0 compatibility with transfer at USB 1.1? There is a difference.

The 400 and 410 HAVE USB2.0. They do power external HD's, thumb drives, and will even charge your Ipod while listening to it.

I use my USB all the time.

Hello,
There is two main differences between USB 1.1 and USB 2.0: Data rates and power consumption.
- Thumb drives are backward compatible with USB 1.1 in terms of data rates ( they will be slower on USB 1.1 but will still work), most thumb drives doesn't need power levels of USB 2.0.
- Ipods will still charge using USB 1.1 it will just take longer, apple link here (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1584)

DV-400v doesn't support USB 2.0 data rates:
Here is a detailed discussion for the USB cababilities of the DV-400 here (http://forum.pioneerdivx.net/tematy54/1008.htm?sid=a795055f465590ac859a0ef6cdbdbe41)
bottom line is the transfere rates of the USB port on the DV-400 around 3 Mbps max as opposed to 480 Mbps for USB 2.0 (thats why any higher quality xvids regardless of the resolution will be choppy on the USB and play fine on the DVD)

DV-400v doesn't support USB 2.0 power levels:
Check the manual, it clearly states (Chapter 6):
"If a USB ERR message lights in the display, it may mean that the power requirements of the USB device are too high for this player."
Now given the fact that there is no internally powered USB device out there that requires power more than what USB 2.0 already provides, this is pioneer saying "don't count on compatibility with USB 2.0 devices."

I think I can safely conclude that the DV-400v USB port IS NOT USB 2.0 (even if some reports that the Mediatek Chipset used would support USB 2.0, experiments showed that Pioneer has messed it up with the implementation.

Sorry for the long post, I hope it was informative,
Regards,

Hello,
There is two main differences between USB 1.1 and USB 2.0: Data rates and power consumption.
- Thumb drives are backward compatible with USB 1.1 in terms of data rates ( they will be slower on USB 1.1 but will still work), most thumb drives doesn't need power levels of USB 2.0.
- Ipods will still charge using USB 1.1 it will just take longer, apple link here (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1584)

DV-400v doesn't support USB 2.0 data rates:
Here is a detailed discussion for the USB cababilities of the DV-400 here (http://forum.pioneerdivx.net/tematy54/1008.htm?sid=a795055f465590ac859a0ef6cdbdbe41)
bottom line is the transfere rates of the USB port on the DV-400 around 3 Mbps max as opposed to 480 Mbps for USB 2.0 (thats why any higher quality xvids regardless of the resolution will be choppy on the USB and play fine on the DVD)

DV-400v doesn't support USB 2.0 power levels:
Check the manual, it clearly states (Chapter 6):
"If a USB ERR message lights in the display, it may mean that the power requirements of the USB device are too high for this player."
Now given the fact that there is no internally powered USB device out there that requires power more than what USB 2.0 already provides, this is pioneer saying "don't count on compatibility with USB 2.0 devices."

I think I can safely conclude that the DV-400v USB port IS NOT USB 2.0 (even if some reports that the Mediatek Chipset used would support USB 2.0, experiments showed that Pioneer has messed it up with the implementation.

Sorry for the long post, I hope it was informative,
Regards,



I guess there are no firmware upgrades floating around to enable USB 2.0 transfer speeds?

Also, I am surprised that the 410V doesn't boast USB 2.0 transfer speeds with the new Philips 5990/5992. It would seem that Philips has the edge now for a lot cheaper. Have you heard or seen anything about the 410V? I don't even understand the purpose of the 410V

I guess there are no firmware upgrades floating around to enable USB 2.0 transfer speeds?

Also, I am surprised that the 410V doesn't boast USB 2.0 transfer speeds with the new Philips 5990/5992. It would seem that Philips has the edge now for a lot cheaper. Have you heard or seen anything about the 410V? I don't even understand the purpose of the 410V

Check out the posts in the last couple of pages for a thorough discussion about the purpose of the infamous 410v. Beside making the potential buyers happy with the 400v "reduced to clear" price, there is no single advantage of 410v over 400v .. oh how can I forget ?!, HD JPEGS :cool:
I wouldn't hold high hopes for unlocking the USB port, even if, its highly unlikely to find any difference in image quality for bit rates above 3 Mbps considering the fact the image would still be of the standard definition resolution.
And yes, being a pioneer owner I hate to admit that, Philips does have the edge since the second half of 2007 all their released players (even non-upconverting) are equipped with USB 2.0 ports :(

I wrote an email to Pioneer about the USB version on the 410V and I just got an email from them and they said that the DV-410V has USB 2.0.

I wrote an email to Pioneer about the USB version on the 410V and I just got an email from them and they said that the DV-410V has USB 2.0.

These are the same CS guys who confirmed that "DLs disk aren't compatible with the player" which turned out to be wrong. ;)
I would suggest actual test, try a divx file with bitrate around 8 - 10 Mbps and see how that works.
I would be very thrilled if that turned out to work, this would imply a possible firmware porting from the DV410 to unlock the DV400's USB port.
Thanks,

These are the same CS guys who confirmed that "DLs disk aren't compatible with the player" which turned out to be wrong. ;)
I would suggest actual test, try a divx file with bitrate around 8 - 10 Mbps and see how that works.
I would be very thrilled if that turned out to work, this would imply a possible firmware porting from the DV410 to unlock the DV400's USB port.
Thanks,
I don't have any divx files to try out. If someone could send me a divx file, I'll glady will test it on the DV410 to make sure it has USB 2.0 port.

I use RGB because I use an HDMI to DVI cable. That allows me to see the best color. My blacks and whites were clipped when using Extended, and Component is only for a HDMI to HDMI connection.

Component is for HDMI to HDMI connection? Is this correct? I connect using HDMI.

Hi, I have just bought Sony KDL-40D3550 LCD TV(it has same technical specifications as 40D3500). I tried upscaling dvd film with Pioneer Dv400V-S DVD player by HDMI(Monster Ultra 600 cable) but some problems occured. When I set the HDMI resolution 1080p from DVD player settings thin black lines appears on the bottom of screen and increases and merge, finally becomes black strips. If I set the resolution 720p screen looks good for approximately 1 hour, after then same damn! thin black lines appears again. I have to set the resolution 576p and in this resolution there is no black line. Where is the problem? Another problem is no sound on TV while HDMI upscaling 720p or 1080p.I tried some TV and DVD player HDMI settings but no success.
Thanks in advance

These are the same CS guys who confirmed that "DLs disk aren't compatible with the player" which turned out to be wrong. ;)
I would suggest actual test, try a divx file with bitrate around 8 - 10 Mbps and see how that works.
I would be very thrilled if that turned out to work, this would imply a possible firmware porting from the DV410 to unlock the DV400's USB port.
Thanks,


If someone could actually confirm high-speed USB 2.0 transfer, I would probably buy it today.


But I doubt it from this post from videohelp forums:

I just picked up the DVP5982 and the Pioneer DV-400V-K to test the USB. The Pioneer is on sale + they give you a 20 dollar gift card.
PBHT- Poor Boys Home Theatre was my goal using a 250GB hard drive.
The AR for 720P and 1080i/p = 1.777
My ZVW - Zen Vision W pvp = 1.765
The videos work for both my ZVW and PBHT
I used StaxRip(the ultimate encoder), XviD Codec, Resolution 720x408 = AR of 1.765, with AutoCrop.
The best .avi I could achieve with the DVP5960(old) was 1400 to 1500 kbps.
The DVP5982 and Pioneer both maxed at 3000 kbps .avi XviD.
I liked the picture and USB Funtionality of the DVP5982 much better. Pioneer jumps, where Philips was very smooth when fast forward through USB.
My HDTV is 1080i but 720P looks much better(DVD Player setting Vivid). I'll take progressive(p) over interlaced(i) any day, and since they both have the same AR, the screen is full.
The 5982 has a new option Wide Screen Format>Super Wide. When I chose this option, my screen went totally red when I started a video. Once I changed it back to off, problem solved. I mention this b/c someone had commented on the red screen earlier. The Super Wide is unnecessary so just leave it off. Also, I switched the player from USB to DVD, and while the power was on to the player and the External Hard drive, I removed the USB cable; it sort of popped and then went back to 480p. Everything was fine and I changed it back to 720P, but from now on, both the player and HD will be off when I remove the cable.
Xvid at 3000kbps is outstanding, Full AR resolution from great software, I could not be happier with this player.
The Pioneer is going back.



see http://forum.videohelp.com/topic324555-60.html

When I play CDs on this DVD player it only directs the sound through the HDMI channel and not directly to the AV receiver via coax. Is there a way around this? When playing DVDs it goes through the coax connection.


I just ordered a Pioneer 410 - has this been resolved? I intend to use it for a CD player too and of course expect it to output a digital signal to my receiver while playing audio CDs.

I need to know about the cd player thing too. If it doesn't then I need to cancel my order and get something else.

I need to know about the cd player thing too. If it doesn't then I need to cancel my order and get something else.



I called Pioneer this morning and spoke to a support person. She said may not pass digital thru the coax output if HDMI is enabled but couldn't definitely answer the question. So I decided to cancel the order and tried calling just past the opening time 7:30 PST. I finally got through to Pioneer's sales dept 4 hrs later and they cannot cancel my order. Already in the warehouse being processed. Their advice is to refuse the package when it gets here, and they will credit my card when it arrives back.


I did find this in the Operator's Manual I downloaded, which implies that it's either HDMI or coax out, but the digital coax out cannot be set if it's connected to an HDMI device.

From Pg 35 :

"The Digital Audio Out settings only need
to be set if you have connected the digital
output of this player to an AV receiver, or
other equipment."

Then below that:


"The Digital Audio Out and Component
Out settings cannot be set if the player is
connected to an HDMI-compatible
component using the HDMI connector."


Probably already answered my own question, but could someone please check their DV-410, put in an audio CD and see if the digital coax out is present when it's also hooked up to HDMI? THANKS!

You have to go into the initial settings and turn off the HDMI audio. That allows the audio to pass through the COAX or RCA outputs.

I play CD's through the COAX, which is connected to my receiver.

You have to go into the initial settings and turn off the HDMI audio. That allows the audio to pass through the COAX or RCA outputs.

On a 410 or 400? And, is something connected to the HDMI connector at the same time? Reason I ask, the way I interpret it you can't change the audio with HDMI connected.

So I can't pass through HDMI to the tv and then RCA to the receiver? I want the tv to be there for movies and the rca for cds. If I can't do both then it's pointless for me to own this.

You have to go into the initial settings and turn off the HDMI audio. That allows the audio to pass through the COAX or RCA outputs.

I play CD's through the COAX, which is connected to my receiver.

I finally got it to work after doing this too - but I also flashed to a newer firmware at the same time.

So I can't pass through HDMI to the tv and then RCA to the receiver? I want the tv to be there for movies and the rca for cds. If I can't do both then it's pointless for me to own this.

You can pass video to the TV via HDMI and use the digital coax connection to the receiver for audio (CD and DVD), if you disable HDMI audio output

I'm glad I could help!

Okay well that doesn't help. My receiver is only for audio. and I only use it to listen to music. So I will need to return this unit it appears. I need to be able to hook up the tv and then run audio to a receiver so when I play a CD it goes through RCA but when I watch movies have it go through the tv.

Okay well that doesn't help. My receiver is only for audio. and I only use it to listen to music. So I will need to return this unit it appears. I need to be able to hook up the tv and then run audio to a receiver so when I play a CD it goes through RCA but when I watch movies have it go through the tv.

Be sure to tell Pioneer why you are returning it. No excuse to disable the other outputs to have HDMI audio and vice versa. My Oppo 981 has active audio on all outputs, nothing to select where the audio gets sent.. but I digress. Definitely something you will probably need to look at on any low cost model. Let us know what you settle on!

Sorry it didn't help.

I never listen to movie/cd audio on my TV. It goes straight to the receiver. The Grand Vega may sound good, but it's nothing compared to my receiver.

Sorry it didn't help.

I never listen to movie/cd audio on my TV. It goes straight to the receiver.

It helped me. I do the same when I watch a DVD- run the sound through the receiver. The way the Pioneer works will actually save me the trouble of turning the sound off on the TV when I watch a DVD. Good to know that I can use the Pioneer that's on the way.

Yup, I hated having to always turn the TV down. Might as well leave it out of the loop. I only use it when I'm watching a TV show, never for a movie.

Okay I called pioneer and they claim that I should be able to have HDMI output to the tv and RCA to the receiver and use both without haveing to turn the tv on. It should still go out RCA jacks.

Okay I called pioneer and they claim that I should be able to have HDMI output to the tv and RCA to the receiver and use both without haveing to turn the tv on. It should still go out RCA jacks.
You are using the L & R RCA analog audio outs? I will be using the coax digital out to the receiver and the Pioneer person I spoke to told me it wouldn't do both simultaneously. I guess when we get them we'll find out for sure.

yes I would be using the analog outputs. So analog may always be on, but digital only on if HDMI is not.

Iit will only pass digital through one medium at a time. So to use the COAX you must disable the HDMI audio and vice versa.

Will the DV 400 output HDMI and component at the same time ( output set at 720p)

So it sounds like analog out + HDMI out = okay, but only 1 digital output at a time.
Still may send this unit back though because I think my tv does a good enough job upscaling.

Hi, I have just bought Sony KDL-40D3550 LCD TV(it has same technical specifications as 40D3500). I tried upscaling dvd film with Pioneer Dv400V-S DVD player by HDMI(Monster Ultra 600 cable) but some problems occured. When I set the HDMI resolution 1080p from DVD player settings thin black lines appears on the bottom of screen and increases and merge, finally becomes black strips. If I set the resolution 720p screen looks good for approximately 1 hour, after then same damn! thin black lines appears again. I have to set the resolution 576p and in this resolution there is no black line. Where is the problem? Another problem is no sound on TV while HDMI upscaling 720p or 1080p.I tried some TV and DVD player HDMI settings but no success.
Any suggestion?
Thanks in advance

Kevinf- Yes it will play video out of both at the same time. It helps when you have set the HDMI resolution to high and lose video, then you can flip over to component and switch it back.

Zegore- The only problem I had was a slight flicker at high resolutions. You may have a faulty player.

I picked up a Pioneer DV-400V (Silver) from WalMart for $99 Canadian, to replace the $75 RCA with USB Support which turns out has Overheating problems.

Anyways, I love the Pioneer so far it pretty much plays everything I've thrown at it as far as MultiMedia files. Here are a couple of issues that I'm not sure if its a limitation of the unit or I'm doing something wrong.

1. The unit is connected to my Sharp Aquos via HDMI Cable and I was under the impression that if I turn my DVD Player and play a movie, the TV should switch to the DVD Player mode automatically.

2. Cant Play DVD Content on USB: As a test I hooked up a 2.5" External USB Drive (40GB) to the player and to my surprise it accept it, and can play .avi files no problem. So I thought great I can put some of my commonly watched DVDs onto the drive in their native format. So I did and no luck. It does not treat the video_ts folder as DVD Content nor the actual video_ts files.

I'd hate to have to convert my movies into .avi files losing the option to skip chapters etc..

Anyone else tried this and have any solutions??

I picked up a Pioneer DV-400V (Silver) from WalMart for $99 Canadian, to replace the $75 RCA with USB Support which turns out has Overheating problems.

Anyways, I love the Pioneer so far it pretty much plays everything I've thrown at it as far as MultiMedia files. Here are a couple of issues that I'm not sure if its a limitation of the unit or I'm doing something wrong.

1. The unit is connected to my Sharp Aquos via HDMI Cable and I was under the impression that if I turn my DVD Player and play a movie, the TV should switch to the DVD Player mode automatically.

2. Cant Play DVD Content on USB: As a test I hooked up a 2.5" External USB Drive (40GB) to the player and to my surprise it accept it, and can play .avi files no problem. So I thought great I can put some of my commonly watched DVDs onto the drive in their native format. So I did and no luck. It does not treat the video_ts folder as DVD Content nor the actual video_ts files.

I'd hate to have to convert my movies into .avi files losing the option to skip chapters etc..

Anyone else tried this and have any solutions??

Welcome to the Club ;)
1- I don't understand what you mean by the DVD-Mode, do you mean that the TV will do input switch for the DVD ? If so, well it certainly depends on the TV set.
2- Nope, direct copies of DVDs, VCDs will NOT play from the USB, I am afraid you would have to rip them
Enjoy this player, :)

Welcome to the Club ;)
1- I don't understand what you mean by the DVD-Mode, do you mean that the TV will do input switch for the DVD ? If so, well it certainly depends on the TV set.
2- Nope, direct copies of DVDs, VCDs will NOT play from the USB, I am afraid you would have to rip them
Enjoy this player, :)

Thanks for the welcome. :)

1. Yeah thats what I meant, I thought switching input settings automatically from the connected device was a standard feature when connecting VIA HDMI. I guess I'll have to do some more reading.

2. Ok so I'll have to convert them into AVI's to play off of the USB. A bit more time consuming than a direct rip and I will lose the ability to skip chapters.

It would be nice to have this capability on a standalone dvd player with USB Support.

I Guess we cant have everything. :)

My dv400 is connected to my 1080p LCD via HDMI, everything works fine except all the DVDs play in 1080p 50Hz, resulting in the images being slightly vertically elongated. How can I set it to 1080p 60Hz, I can't see that setting in the "initial settings" menu?

My dv400 is connected to my 1080p LCD via HDMI, everything works fine except all the DVDs play in 1080p 50Hz, resulting in the images being slightly vertically elongated. How can I set it to 1080p 60Hz, I can't see that setting in the "initial settings" menu?

Are you playing PAL DVDs or is it a PAL player? Just a guess.

My dv400 is connected to my 1080p LCD via HDMI, everything works fine except all the DVDs play in 1080p 50Hz, resulting in the images being slightly vertically elongated. How can I set it to 1080p 60Hz, I can't see that setting in the "initial settings" menu?

This is PAL output, just set the TV type in the DV400 menu to NTSC instead of Automatic / Pal

I thought along the same lines (PAL/NTSC) but I don't get access to these settings with HDMI?

What country are you from? What dealer did you purchase your Pioneer from? I know that on certain Pioneer DVD players, by turning it off, and then holding down the front pannel's forward button while turning it back on each time switches between Pal, NTSC, and AUTO. Does that help?

BigC, I will try that, thanks.

One question - does PAL/NTSC make any difference when using HDMI?

BigC, I will try that, thanks.

One question - does PAL/NTSC make any difference when using HDMI?

Short answer: Yes it does, over HDMI the image refresh rate for NTSC is 60 Hz while it is 50 Hz for PAL.
Long version : check here (http://hometheater.about.com/od/televisionbasics/qt/ntscpalframes.htm)

What country are you from? What dealer did you purchase your Pioneer from? I know that on certain Pioneer DVD players, by turning it off, and then holding down the front pannel's forward button while turning it back on each time switches between Pal, NTSC, and AUTO. Does that help?

That did the trick. Thanks a lot.

Hi, I'm new here. I've just bought a 400v and installed the YGB73281 firmware from PIONEER FAQ. All went well and it shows as the installed firmware in OPTIONS , however I cannot make it go region free . I have pressed "enter" on remote and also tried the button on the player but nothing happens. What am I doing wrong. Any help much appreciated.:confused:

Please ignore my last post.... idiot alert, was using original untouched firmwares not v.2.1. All ok now!!

Please ignore my last post.... idiot alert, was using original untouched firmwares not v.2.1. All ok now!!

If you install those firmwares at pioneerfaq.info, you could void the manufacturor warranty. There's a better way. See my posts at http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks.

Is the YGB7821A Version 1.2 Dated 3-8-2008 Seb@stian the only firmware with long file names shown in the menu? Also who has the latest firmware for the 400?

http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/dv400.php?player=DV-400AV&question=Firmwares

I love the StM version.

Vince

http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/dv400.php?player=DV-400AV&question=Firmwares

I love the StM version.

Vince

But which CP version? There are several.

I just grabbed the first one that said english.

Vince

the audio is out of sync with my video using wmv files any ideas??

I've been using the DV400 for a couple of weeks now, and most movies play as expected, but i have had one movie where the sound stuttered, and one movie that simply stopped playing at a certain point in time.

Should i install these firmware updates, or do those only fix cosmetic bugs?

I've been using the DV400 for a couple of weeks now, and most movies play as expected, but i have had one movie where the sound stuttered, and one movie that simply stopped playing at a certain point in time.

Should i install these firmware updates, or do those only fix cosmetic bugs?

well the latest official update is YGB7C12A (http://www.pioneerfaq.info/english/dv400.php?player=DV-400AV&question=Firmwares), the non-official is more of cosmetic fixes (aside from the region free playback).

If you don't have that official version its available on the site (if you dont want to apply the non-official firmware), you might want to consider upgrading to it.

I would also recommend checking if the problem is with the movie itself, run it through a divx encoder for maximum compatibility.

Hope that helps,

I hope this isn't a stupid question. Bu I was wondering if anyone has had any success or if it is even possible to use the USB input on the 400V with a PC to upconvert and play movies? I understand people have been successful playing movies thru a USB stick. i was hoping the same would be possible via PC. Love to use hardware upconverting versus PC software to play downloaded movies and video files.

I hope this isn't a stupid question. Bu I was wondering if anyone has had any success or if it is even possible to use the USB input on the 400V with a PC to upconvert and play movies? I understand people have been successful playing movies thru a USB stick. i was hoping the same would be possible via PC. Love to use hardware upconverting versus PC software to play downloaded movies and video files.

Short answer : no.
Longer answer:
Think about it in the following fashion :
if you connect a USB webcam to the 400V port and expect the webcam to send video to your TV via the 400V then your setup should work.

Hope that helped,

I have an issue with playing divx files.
Copied to a flash drive, they work just fine, but when I copy the same avi to a dvd+r, I get the error "this disc can not be played" or something like that.
How to play divx files (avi) from a DVD+R???

I am hoping one of you scholarly gentlemen might be able to help me.
I have a Pioneer DV-400V going via hdmi to an lg scarlet series widescreen television.
Now I would assume that a widescreen picture shown on a widescreen television would not be in a letterbox format, yet that is what I am looking at when I watch a dvd. I'm not talking about a slim black line at the top and bottom. I'm talking a good few inches.

I'm pretty sure it comes down to the Pioneer dvd for 2 reasons:
1. When I'm watching free to air HD, it takes up the whole screen, no letterbox there.
2. When I'm watching a dvd, subtitles are displayed beneath the picture in the black bar.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, because I'm failing to see the point of a widescreen tv that displays widescreen in a letterbox format.

Well, it the studios that we have to complain about.
They just can't settle on a formate.

couple of years ago most of the new releases were presented in WS (wide screen) formate which has an aspect ratio (AR) of 1.78:1. This AR fills the whole WS display and that is the current displays industry standard.

I think studios realized people are enjoying their displays and not going to the theaters they decided to ruin their home theater experience. so now most new releases are released in even wider formate AR 1.85:1 and even worse AR of 2.40:1.

Most of the HD broadcasters do the proper pan and scan before the contents are aired but remember you are losing some details in the process (far .. far .. far ends of sides of the frames)

while some players do a pan and scan to zoom in the picture and remove the horizontal bars (at least for AR 1.85:1) the DV-400V doesn't know how to that, it just send the picture as it is.

some of the displays has proper zooming setting to do the pan and scan themselves usually called Cinematic , wide theater or Ultra wide screen zoom.

Hope that helped,


I am hoping one of you scholarly gentlemen might be able to help me.
I have a Pioneer DV-400V going via hdmi to an lg scarlet series widescreen television.
Now I would assume that a widescreen picture shown on a widescreen television would not be in a letterbox format, yet that is what I am looking at when I watch a dvd. I'm not talking about a slim black line at the top and bottom. I'm talking a good few inches.

I'm pretty sure it comes down to the Pioneer dvd for 2 reasons:
1. When I'm watching free to air HD, it takes up the whole screen, no letterbox there.
2. When I'm watching a dvd, subtitles are displayed beneath the picture in the black bar.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, because I'm failing to see the point of a widescreen tv that displays widescreen in a letterbox format.

My pioneer dv 400v wont read dvd's anymore it always saying "No disc", I can see the loading message on the tv whenever I put any dvd disc but after 1minute or so it will just say no disc. any ideas? Thanks

Laser pickup ass'y has probably failed. Or maybe if you get lucky there's just a big piece of dust on the lens keeping it from reading the data on the disc. If it's out of warranty and it's the laser pickup, time for a new player!

ok thanks

I'm sorry if this has been answered already, but I couldn't find anything using the search. Does the DV-400V display extended file names on a thumb drive/HD or is it limited to the old 8.3 format. I ask because I have a Philips DVP-5960 with that limitation and it is really annoying trying to abreviate long movie titles.

Thanks

I'm sorry if this has been answered already, but I couldn't find anything using the search. Does the DV-400V display extended file names on a thumb drive/HD or is it limited to the old 8.3 format. I ask because I have a Philips DVP-5960 with that limitation and it is really annoying trying to abreviate long movie titles.

Thanks

with Hakan firmware update it will display extended file names but only on DVD/CD not from USB (thumb/HD).
Original firmware wont display extended file names either cases (Disc / USB)
Hope that helped,

Hey everyone,
I've had my DV400 for about 5 months now. It's always played Divx DVDs flawlessly. Now though I'm having trouble with one disk where the sound keeps dropping out. I took the same DVD and played it on my PC fine. Since it plays fine on the PC, I'm thinking the problem lies with the DV400. Any thoughts? I"m using an HDMI connection if that makes any difference. Latest stock firmware.

Hey everyone,
I've had my DV400 for about 5 months now. It's always played Divx DVDs flawlessly. Now though I'm having trouble with one disk where the sound keeps dropping out. I took the same DVD and played it on my PC fine. Since it plays fine on the PC, I'm thinking the problem lies with the DV400. Any thoughts?

Not necessarily the DV400 problem, usually your PC has much richer codec set and higher processing capacity than those of the player, the thing is the file might be a little out of the spec (higher audio bit rate) for the player yet a PC will play it no problem.
I would recommend running the file through a certified divx encoder (dr. divx) just to be sure the file is in specs.
Hope that helped,

Not necessarily the DV400 problem, usually your PC has much richer codec set and higher processing capacity than those of the player, the thing is the file might be a little out of the spec (higher audio bit rate) for the player yet a PC will play it no problem.
I would recommend running the file through a certified divx encoder (dr. divx) just to be sure the file is in specs.
Hope that helped,

Thanks a lot for the reply, Aasoror. I will check out the file. The other thing I need to do is see if I can get sound through the TV. I have the DV400 connected via digital coax to my A/V receiver for sound through my stereo system. I also have it hooked up to my LCD tv via regular RCA cables. Video is connected to the tv via HDMI. I'm going to try to play the file through just the TV to see if I get any sound dropping out. I will also try what you suggested to see if the file is in spec. I play a lot of Divx and this is the first time I've had this problem. I really like the DV400 and hope that's not the problem.

Edit: I put the DVD back in and it played fine. I made sure all the cables were tight, both to the DVD player and the receiver. I have a strong suspicion the cat was back there and knocked one of the cables loose.

Regarding DTS on this player, I have tried a DVD that was supposed to be DTS. On my A/V receiver, which does decode DTS, I get no indication that the disk playing through the DV400 is in fact DTS. Is there something I'm doing wrong perhaps? Any special setting to get DTS?

Check your settings in the Home Menu --> Initial Settings --> Digital Audio Out --> DTS Out --> should be set to DTS otherwise it is downmixed to PCM.

Check your settings in the Home Menu --> Initial Settings --> Digital Audio Out --> DTS Out --> should be set to DTS otherwise it is downmixed to PCM.

Thanks, Hkan, I appreciate it. I believe this is how I have it set up, but will check when I get home from work.

i have a pioneer 400v, and although i think the pioneer gives an excellent picture[ after adjusting the sharpness to fine], my philips 5960 and 5982 are more user friendly. like going from song 50 =>100 using my flashdrive. can't do that with my pioneer[and that pisses me off]

I saw the post on pg 1 regarding clock drift. Wondering if that's my problem or?... I have a new Toshiba Regza 1080p LCD.

When playing back 1080p from the Pioneer DV-400 the video goes scrambled right away. 1080i plays fine until after 30-45 min into the movie there are horizontal lines along the bottom that grow, and after some more minutes it will almost show a split screen effect. Have tried two diff. HDMI cables - same. The TV works fine using other 1080i/1080p inputs.

Questions
- is this the clock drift issue and if so are there any work-arounds?
- is my DVD player bad?

Thanks,
Mark

Acceptable HDMI formats as per Toshiba manual:

...............V. Freq.............H. Freq..................Pixel Clock Preq

1080i......59.94/60Hz.......33.716/33.75kHz......74.176/74.25MHz
1080p.....23.976/24Hz......26.973/27.0kHz.......74.176/74.25MHz
1080p.....59.94/60Hz........67.433/67.50kHz.....148.352/148.50MHz

Has anyone else seen this and offered a fix. Last nite was real bad, by the time the movie was over the lines were 3/4 up the 5080's screen. My DV-400 was set to 1080i. I could not find anything with the setups that would remove the lines until I reset the DV-400 to 1080P and that seemed to correct the immediate issue. Will see if it is OK long term or not. Shouldn't be a compatibility issue between two Pio devices I hope? Anyone have a fix?
Thanks
Mike

I have a Sony KDF-E50A10, so I initially put this DVD player in 720p mode, figuring that it would be best to have it output in my TV's native resolution. Apparently not. While watching some stuff over the past week I started to notice horizontal lines, especially with objects in motion. It was noticeably bad. Worse than the cheap upscaling Toshiba I had before. So, this weekend I changed it to 1080i, and it looks perfect. Very odd. Has anyone else here set this thing in 720p and noticed the same?

Here is another with the horizontal lines problem, see my initial post above. Can anyone point me in the right direction to correct?
Thanks

Hi everybody,
I have upgraded the Pioneer to last official firmware but black lines still appears when I upscale 720p and 1080p. I realized that the problem is double upscaling between Pioneer and Sony LCD TV. I think that Sony LCD TV has very good upscaling and we don't need extra upscaling with Pioneer. So I leave the Pioneer HDMI upscaling setting 576p and video image perfect with no black lines anymore. I tried Philips and LG DVD,Divx Player with 720p,1080p upscaling before, the result is very bad but there was no blackline appear. So Pioneer is the best DVD,Divx Player I have ever seen. Continue with the Pioneer.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hkan
Check your settings in the Home Menu --> Initial Settings --> Digital Audio Out --> DTS Out --> should be set to DTS otherwise it is downmixed to PCM.

Thanks, Hkan, I appreciate it. I believe this is how I have it set up, but will check when I get home from work.

Update: I had my settings on the Pioneer set correctly. I put in a movie I know is DTS, but still couldn't get DTS. So just for kicks, I clicked on the Language option in the DVD's menu and that's where I found was where you choose DTS (if I recall correctly, it's usually Sound Options where you would find this setting, not in Language, on my DVD's). Anyway, DTS now works fine.

I'm just curious, is DTS really better than Dolby Digital 5.1?

Lastly, how do most of you have color set up - RGB, Full RGB, or Component?

I have my 410 connected to my sammy LN46A 550. I have looked all over for help on the settings on the 410 and have seen none. Am I to set on default and let my Sammy do all the work? I also have a non upscale DVD player and haven't really seen any real noticeable differences in the quality. I would appreciate any insight as I try to better understand my options.

I have my 410 connected to my sammy LN46A 550. I have looked all over for help on the settings on the 410 and have seen none. Am I to set on default and let my Sammy do all the work? I also have a non upscale DVD player and haven't really seen any real noticeable differences in the quality. I would appreciate any insight as I try to better understand my options.

Although you might get a better luck at the 410 thread, but given the fact that the 400 and 410 has the same upscalar chip, I think an answer from here might be beneficial.
All HDTV has there own upscaling chips so the input can be mapped to the native resolution of the display. If you have an 2007+ display its more likely that the display is outperforming the player.

I have 42" 2007 Regza display and I didn't notice any visible difference between the following:

- Toshiba HD-DVD player 1080p upscaling (one of the top tier upscaling chipsets)
- DV400v 1080p upscaling (midrange upscaling chipset)
- Philips progressive player (no upscaling done)

Hope that helped,

I received my new Pioneer DV-400V-K today (modified to play as an all-region player). The all-region mod. seems to work fine. My problem is with something quite different. I have a wedding video on a 78,877 KB .wmv file which has been burned to a CDr. When I insert the CDr into the DV-400V, the disc loads and when I press "play", only the file's audio plays. The video displays an error message, "The video resolution fo this file is not supported". Well, what resolutions of .wmv files are supported by the DV-400V? And how do I tell what resolution is of the file?

BTW, the CDr's file - its video & audio - plays fine on my laptop. Note, when I try to go into the DV-400V's "Disc Navigator" to display the file info., the screen just goes black.

The DV-400V is hooked up to my 5 year old Sony KE-42TS2U plasma set.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
r-gordon-7

I received my new Pioneer DV-400V-K today (modified to play as an all-region player). The all-region mod. seems to work fine. My problem is with something quite different. I have a wedding video on a 78,877 KB .wmv file which has been burned to a CDr. When I insert the CDr into the DV-400V, the disc loads and when I press "play", only the file's audio plays. The video displays an error message, "The video resolution fo this file is not supported". Well, what resolutions of .wmv files are supported by the DV-400V? And how do I tell what resolution is of the file?

BTW, the CDr's file - its video & audio - plays fine on my laptop. Note, when I try to go into the DV-400V's "Disc Navigator" to display the file info., the screen just goes black.

The DV-400V is hooked up to my 5 year old Sony KE-42TS2U plasma set.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
r-gordon-7

Max resolution is: 720x576 (PAL) /720x480 (NTSC).
I dont know what program to use to check the resolution of a WMV file, but I gues if you click on properties and then choose Summary and Advanced it shoud show the resolution of the file!


Becouse you have the film in resume postion you can not go in to the Disc Navigator, you have to press Stop twice to exit resume and be able to enter the disc navigator.

Thank you Hkan! This morning I was able to get a copy of the .mwv file in 428 x 240 resolution and it played fine – a bit fuzzy on my 42” HD plasma TV, but it played. Turns out the larger file is 856 x 480 – just a little over the maximum 720 x 480 the DV-400 will play. Next, I’ll see if I can get the original 856 x 480 file saved to as close to a 720 x 480 resolution as possible to maximize the available image resolution.

I have another question/problem. I’m having trouble getting the DV-400V’s upconversion to work with my 5 year old Sony KE-42TS2U plasma TV.

My understanding is that to get upconversion to work, I have to hook up using HDMI. My Sony plasma TV is 5 years old and doesn’t have an HDMI input, but does have a DVI input. So, I was sold an “HDMI to DVI” cable and was told it would work – just need to also use a set of RCA cables for the audio, which is not a problem. I was also sold a DVI switch box because my Sony plasma TV has only one DVI input – and I need to share that DVI input with the DVI output of my digital HD cable box.

My Sony TV plasma supports up to 1080i and 720p – but (and I believe this is the problem) apparently the maximum resolution that Sony plasma TV will display is 1024 x 1080i or 1024 x 720p. So, when I hook the DV-400 to my Sony plasma TV using the “HDMI > DVI” cable, the only HDMI resolution that “works” is 720 x 480p. Trying to manually set the DV-400 to any other resolution (e.g. 1920 x 1080i or 1280 x 720p) simply causes the Sony plasma TV screen to go black (and then I have to reset the DV-400 back to it’s initial setting using “Standby |<<”.)

My understanding is that my Sony plasma TV downconverts the higher resolution digital HD cable box’s 1080i or 720p signals arriving through the TV’s DVI input to accommodate the TV’s maximum 1024 line resolution, but for some reason, it seems it won’t do that for the DV-400’s incoming signal…

Or - am I missing something?

Even though I thought that to use the DV-400’s upconversion at all I had to use the DV-400’s HDMI output, when I hook up using “Component” cables instead of the “HDMI > DVI” cable, I can manually set the DV-400 to “Progressive”, and seem to get the same 720 x 480p setting as when using the “HDMI > DVI”. So, I suppose in my case there’s no need to use the “HDMI > DVI” cable/DVI switchbox after all…

Is this all correct, or:

1. Is there any way I can successfully upconvert to anything higher than 720 x 480p?

2. If not, is there any other reason why the “HDMI > DVI” connection would be preferable to the “Component” connection? (If not, I might as well return the “HDMI > DVI” cable & DVI switchbox, which the vendor told me I can do, and use the “Component” connection instead…)

Thanks,
r-gordon-7