I have had my DV-5900M for a week now and really like it. I mostly use it for Audio discs and control it from my PC via the Netnamer DV software. I'm at my PC most of the day, so it's a convieniant way to control/manage what I listen to. But...When I am not at the computer or the computer is turned off, disc management is a pain. The OSD and GUI leave much to be desired. So I am thinking of adding an Entre. My primary question for anyone that has any Audio discs in their player and has an Entre Hub is this... Can you have one CD playing and STILL browse through your collection with the Entre? The 5900 by itself will not allow you to bring up the Library while a CD is playing, and that really bugs me. The second thing... Can anyone confirm that when a CD is played via the Entre, it really stops playing after the last track like the Manual says? The 5900 by itself just automaticly goes to the next CD unless I create a playlist that contains only 1 CD. That's just a pain.

Any info/comments much appreciated.

Bob

Hello everyone,
Excuse my ignorance, but when exactly is CEDIA? Has Kenwood made any indication that they would provide any updates for the PowerTouch III remote in terms of compatibility with the 5900M DVD Changer? Also, I know that most people have Entre issues, but has anyone heard anything about firmware for the players themselves?

I was called not too long ago to take part in a survey regarding the Kenwood Sovereign line. I brought up that my main concerns were with the support, or lack thereof. I echoed many of the forum's concerns. The survey results were supposed to be sent back to Kenwood, and I expected (naively) for something positive to come out of all this? Did anyone else take part in the survey?

Having recently joined the home theater world, I'd hate to feel that I have been burned by Kenwood.

Originally posted by AugustH
Hello everyone,
Excuse my ignorance, but when exactly is CEDIA?

September 25-29.

[i]Disagreed. What more "formats" are you referring to? It does everything except play SACD, (the DV-5900 that is . . ..


Recordable formats for one. They work for the most part, but aren't very robust. It could be just a firmware upgrade.

Originally posted by zinja
What I don't understand is why with all the out of work computer geeks, hackers and programmers, why hasn't anyone hacked the entre, rewrote the programming and developed hardware to do what we all want - 3 changer control, look-up that works, menu's that only show 1 disc per slot, 3 second layer change delay eliminated and all those other problems reported in the last 700 posts. Speaking of lockups, mine just locked up after attempting to manually input the names of the "unknown DVD's".

Why? Because Kenwood will not provide a single bit of information regarding anything about these units. No info on the 5900, no info on the receivers, no info on the Entre. Nothing, zilch, zip. The information is reserved for their 'partner' companies like Crestron, AMX and etc. I guess it is a conspiracy at the top end to keep each other rolling in cash and ample funds for country club memberships or something.

If Kenwood would provide the information and actively support developers at least a tiny bit I think the products would have a much greater appeal not only to developer types but to lots of folks who use the cool stuff they create.

All I care about at this point is that they get a fix out for the multiple problems that exist on the 5900 before they elect to pull the plug which I fear is ultimately coming. If no one is carrying the products it make it rather difficult to buy them which obviously has a negative impact on profitability. Crutchfield and Tweeters both pulling out is a very bad sign. Tweeters for one sells close to MSRP and if they can't even make any money with the huge margins on these items then it is unlikely that many others are making much either. I feel sorry for any indepent A/V integrators that have recommended these units to clients that have spent untold amounts of time trying to make them function as advertised.

I have mixed feelings about the products overall. The 5700 receiver has been great. No issues at all. The 5900 has been a problem child from day one. Myself and many others routinely experience bouts of 'This type of disc cannot be played...' that are maddening as they always occur when A) you have company over or B) at a fairly dramatic moment in the movie. Of course they really happen at other times but those two times are the most memorable.

If Kenwood doesn't have a fix at CEDIA I will be dumping the 5900 and all future considerations for Kenwood products entirely. They have deceived purchasers with erroneous and sometime plain false information, continously deny problems exist and when they do finally admit there is an issue they promise fixes that never seem to materialize (90 days for the multi-changer fix is a perfect example). As much as I don't want Kenwood to drop these products it may actually end up being a mercy killing in the end. At least then we wouldn't all have a false sense of hope that resolution will ever come at some point in the future. Funny to see that the Axxcess units are finally out.. I wonder how much of their potential market has been killed by their sketchy promises and lackluster support to date.

Silly question here, but as of 7-15-02, the CEDIA website does not have Kenwood listed as an exhibitor. Are they using a different name, or should there be some worry that they arent even going?

Originally posted by almighty
Silly question here, but as of 7-15-02, the CEDIA website does not have Kenwood listed as an exhibitor. Are they using a different name, or should there be some worry that they arent even going?

I had to edit this post. At first I thought you were onto something. See http://www.cedia.net/regional_education/list_of_exhibitors.php

They appear to be listed as exhibitors.

Nick :cool:

I was almost certain that Kenwood/OpenGlobe previously stated that Entre support of DVD-A titles/covers will come in a future release, but I can not find where I read it... Anyone else seen this information ?? I thought it was stated in the manual/attachments that I got with the gear, but perhaps I am mistaken.

Btw, has anyone been able to download the updated Entre software to fix the problem with multiple entries??

/Lars

Lars158,

I also remember reading about DVD-A information being provided at a later date -- but I thought it was one of the announcements that came out of CES in January.

As for the update, I don't think it's available ...

I had never read anything about DVD-A being support via OpenGlobe.

In regards to the software...The software is not yet ready, so no down load. They know I also had the issue and sent me the new code to try. It did fix the dups I am happy to say...but I also alerted them to another small issue that they are also now working to get into the release. Blame me for the delay. But seeing I went back to factory to do some testing and accepted loosing over 40 CD burns to the drive to do the test...don't be that mad at me. :)

David have you added this entry to your resume yet :)

Quality Control Tester 2001-2002
Kenwood USA

Too funny!

Please just give them another day or so because of the issue I reported to them. It is in final testing now. :)

Anyone have a problem with the Entre not turning on after its been powered down for a while. I had to reset it to get it back on again. Twice since the update.

I don't believe I've seen that problem -- but I have had the remote stop responding in the guide (only since this last update). Eample, you press a letter to get to a specific part of the guide and nothing happens -- I finally had to reboot.

HM

I was almost certain that Kenwood/OpenGlobe previously stated that Entre support of DVD-A titles/covers will come in a future release, but I can not find where I read it... Anyone else seen this information ?? I thought it was stated in the manual/attachments that I got with the gear, but perhaps I am mistaken.

I have all the manuals downloaded as I research the Entre for possible purchase soon.

On Page 10 of the User's Guide it says.....

"(DVD Audio discs will also be accessed here until the DVD Audio disc information database comes on-line, at which time Entré will handle DVD Audio discs in the Music mode."

And on page 71 it says .....

"Entré will display DVD Audio discs as 'Unknown Disc' under the DVD category in the Movie mode. Once the on-line DVD Audio database is operational, DVD Audio discs will appear in the Music mode."

As I see it, Escient Technologies manages OpenGlobe and Gracenote/CDDB. Whenever they have the database ready, Kenwood will hopefully be right on top of it to update the Entre to access it.

Now if I could could get some help with my two questions in my previous post above, I'll be set to join the "Combo Club". :D

I knew I read it somewhere!

Bob_422,

Can you have one CD playing and STILL browse through your collection with the Entre?

Yes.

Can anyone confirm that when a CD is played via the Entre, it really stops playing after the last track like the Manual says?

Yes.

HM

Thanks Bob, that's where I saw it also. It would be a shame if for some reason DVD-A information would not be supported given that many have the 5900 changers partly due to the DVD-A format support (one of the main reasons I got it). You have a good point though that the Entre can not possible support this until the DVD-A database is made available by OpenGlobe. Either way I expect Kenwood to have such an agreement in place with OpenGlobe since they have indicated that this support is coming and is part of the road-map of future s/w releases.

hmatos, thank you, thank you, thank you. Those were my final 2 concerns preventing me from going ahead with my purchase of the Entre. I will now take the plunge and go get one when I can get a day off. Guess I better call Kenwood and get the USB/Ethernet adapter ordered. :)

See Bob...That is what I get for not reading the manual. ;)

Originally posted by David Bott
See Bob...That is what I get for not reading the manual. ;)

Oh, no!!! That is what you get when you decide your own punishment and you are a lenient judge. What you get from us is the I Like Entre so Much That I Let Kenwood Off The Hook Too Easily award.

So tonight, the award for the above goes to . . . David !!! And the Award for duplicity goes to Kenwood. They sit there and let these statements be made, and hide behind the fact that they are not making them.

(Side bet here: We have an over-under on how many DVD-A discs that David owns--could it be . . . none?. . . . line up, please).

See, the problem is this: David is a great guy, and we all benefit from his efforts in maintaining this site. So when David said a long time ago that this was not a Kenwood issue, and it was an OpenGlobe issue (translated: You can't complain about that, Nick), the last thing I was going to do was look for information to prove him wrong. Because all of us here know that David really believed what he was saying, which is characteristic of all that he tells us.

But now we find that David does not commit 100+ page manuals to memory!!--unlike the rest of us!!! (there must have been a misprint in my manual or I'd have pointed it out then). So do we . . . must we start holding David's feet to the fire, more . . .?

Well, no. That would require us to read the manuals. But, all that said . . . .we must now agree that:

1. The issue of Entre identification of DVD-A discs, in the same way it identifies and provides information and cover for DVDS, is not merely an OpenGlobe issue. In fact, it is squarely a Kenwood issue, because the language from its own manual tells us that the information will be on-line, and will be listed in the music section of the Entre menu.

2. Kenwood, wonderfully forthcoming company that it is, reads this site regularly, and gladly permits an argument to be made in its favor, which is directly contradictory to its own manual. Of course, Kenwood quickly pulled David aside and said ("pssst . . . don't say that . . . someone may look at the manual)--NOT!!! Instead, Kenwood sat like the Cheshire Cat letting responsibility-relieving things be said about it, so long as others were saying them.

This is now the second MAJOR problem with the Entre/DV-5900, because, after all, when a manufacturer puts in a manual that "when" the information is on-line, it is not saying "if" it comes on line. It is saying that it is only a matter of time. And a matter of time implies a reasonable amount of time. Not some point in our lifetimes. One year from its birth stretches the concept of time to its zenith.

Please understand something. Although I've never met David personally, I have talked with him several times on the phone, and we have exchanged numerous emails and private messages. David unselfishly helped me with my first DVD changer, which I purchased a few weeks after he got his--the Sony 850 model. We have been Changer Brothers in Arms from day one, and I hope no one sees this as anything but tongue in cheek as to David Bott, who is aces, and we all know that. This site, which we all derive so much enjoyment from, is largely because of David.

But it really gets my dander up about Kenwood. I am especially offended that Kenwood would exploit its relationship with David to essentially put someone else's credibility at issue. Because the reality is this: Of course if David had seen that in the manual, he wouldn't have suggested otherwise. Neither would I. The point is that neither of us, or anyone posting for that matter, had probably read every last word of the manual, much less memorized it. It's like when I get to the portion of a manual that says, "For those of you with Crestron systems. . . ."

But, if anyone has no claim to not reading the manual, it is . . . Kenwood. And there is a very simple reason for that: they are legally required to live up to the representations they make, when they accept money in exchange for those representations.

I think I am the only one on this particular forum (or thread) making a big deal out of this. But this may be because I am a multichannel music nut. I really only want to listen to DVD-A or Multichannel SACD, and all my money on music software is spent on those discs. My DV-5900 now is full, and 10% of it is filled with DVD-A discs. Those forty discs have been purchased over the last two to three months. The day quickly comes when one can fill a DV5900 with nothing but DVD-A discs. And that's supposed to be an option that I paid for.

So I want Entre to do what Kenwood said it would do. It's a problem that, like the multichanger support, is present now, but will be felt more widespread later--as people need a second changer, or as DVD-A discs become a significant portion of your library. It will only get worse, and Kenwood's feet have to get held to the fire now.

So, David's punishment is that he gets the special software upgrade from Kenwood. He gets the one that cures the three second delay, and makes it an 8 second delay. I hope that everyone, especially David, does not perceive this to be anything but good-natured ribbing on the issue--but only as to him. Kenwood has got 'splainin to do, or maybe nobody would even listen if it did explain. I know that I would go heavy on the salt.

Nick :cool:

David has been quite tolerant of Kenwood's shortcomings and has showed far more patience with them than I could have after spending as much money as he obviously has.

Even so, I have little confidence that Kenwood is giving him the straight scoop. He's certainly getting things with a marketing filter on it, which is to say they tell him what they want, when they want. There very well may be a software upgrade, but the bigger picture is contained in the question "What is the long term Kenwood vision for these systems?"

Since no consumer electronic company has much of a long term vision, the question is obviously rhetorical.

Hi All...

I am sorry, I do not feel I deserve any "Reward" such as that. Even if I read the manual, which I did not, I would NOT HAVE taken that at all to say they WOULD have DVD-A info available for me, but RATHER when the data is available on-line, it will be able to handle it. Nick made some very good points...but I still do not see it as a promised feature. I guess it is all in how you read the words.

I feel that Kenwood has responded to the Entre and the bugs very well and all of my complaints have been handled now expect for the 3 Disk Changer Support via the Entre and the 3 second layer change. I fully support the product and stand behind what I have reported back to the forum. I do enjoy using the product daily. If Kenwood does not come though from what they have told me and I have reported...I of course will be very upset. How could I not be?

BTW...For those that read the joke about the 8 second layer change and did not take it as a joke...Now removed by Nick...thanks Nick...I will say again.....I DO NOT HAVE ANY NEW FIRMWARE INSTALLED IN MY CHANGER. I DO NOT have a 8 second layer change brought on by a software update for the changer. Nick was JOKING!!! Please...no more e-mails on it if you did not yet e-mail me.

Originally posted by David Bott

I feel that Kenwood has responded to the Entre and the bugs very well and all of my complaints have been handled now expect for the 3 Disk Changer Support via the Entre and the 3 second layer change.

David,

I haven't used the entre in a while but I remember a while back you had complained about the Entre remote not passing through navigation commands to the 5900. Has this been fixed or have you just removed it from your list of things that you feel need to be fixed? When I used to use the Entre I remeber thinking this was a big issue. Thanks.

-apnar

Hi apnar...

You are correct and the Entre does not do this even now. It has left my mind for I use an SL-9000 upstairs and an Niles Intelli Control in the theater. So...I do not even use the remote for the Entre unless I am going something special with it.

But you are correct...and I do think it is an issue. I say this because it is made to be a control unit...a HUB...and when you go into DVD mode, the arrow commands do not work. This makes it a pain if you need to setup the DVD. Not sure why they did it this way...for to me it should be logical you can use just one remote, that being the one that came with it.

It is not a "show stopper" for me. To me the big items remaining are the 3 changer support with the Entre and the layer change issue. These seems to be the issues still being talked about that are big issues.

AVIA Guide to Pranksterism


Originally posted by Nicholas


So, David's punishment is that he gets the special software upgrade from Kenwood. He gets the one that cures the three second delay, and makes it an 8 second delay. I hope that everyone, especially David, does not perceive this to be anything but good-natured ribbing on the issue--but only as to him. Kenwood has got 'splainin to do, or maybe nobody would even listen if it did explain. I know that I would go heavy on the salt.

Nick :cool:

Ummm . . . folks. Ever hear anything like the quip about "the cure being worse than the disease . . .?"

Well, along those lines, if a disease were a delay, and the cure made the delay longer . . . .then it wouldn't be much of a "cure" would it . . .ha ha ha . . get it . . .the cure would be worse than the disease. But I guess you had to be in on the math to get it (Only those who knew that 8 was greater than three would have a crack at getting it).

So, next time someone urges a cure which is worse than the disease, and follows up by saying "I hope that everyone . . . does not perceive this to be anything but good natured-ribbing . . ." HINT: that person might not be serious.

By the way, next time you come to that 3 second delay on the Kenwood, stop, look around at the picture, note the things now in still motion that had moved till that moment. Note the subject matter about to emerge. Note the detail you would never have noticed had that still motion opportunity not been provided.

You may find yourself wanting a greater delay. You might find yourself wanting an 8 second delay. You may ask for that software upgrade . . . (WARNING, THERE IS NO SUCH UPGRADE, THIS IS HYPERBOLE, JEST, PARODY, SATIRE, BLACK HUMOR, COMEDY, NOT SERIOUS. DELAYS ARE REALLY BAD THINGS IN DVDS).

Nick :cool:

Hey Nick....I never looked at the 3 second layer change as a "feature" to take the time to "see" the movie. Really cool now that you pointed it out to me! (LOL- that made me laugh!)

Originally posted by David Bott
Hey Nick....I never looked at the 3 second layer change as a "feature" to take the time to "see" the movie. Really cool now that you pointed it out to me! (LOL- that made me laugh!)

Well . . . and this is serious . . . the delay thing never bothered me anyway. In fact, I can't remember the last movie on DVD that I've been able to watch straight through without pausing at least once.

In fact, if the delay were really such a bad thing, and a pause is just a longer (albeit self induced) delay, then you know what the real marketing opportunity in Home Theater is . . . it's in theater seating.

Seats with lids that lift. But to enjoy them, we might have to all adjust our normal positions vis-a-vis these special porcelain chairs..

P.S. The last part was a joke (and a better joke in its unedited version--I edited it--but I wanted to avoid the TWOAVSF's wrath (Three Women of AVS Forum).

Nick :cool:

I guess what are major issues is subjective based on the individual that is using the system. For David the DVD-A support may not be an issue, but for others it sure is.

For me, based on how I use the system, the following are the major issues that I believe Kenwood are obligated to address in order for me to be a satisfied customer:

1) Improved auto-lookup functionality for DVD. In my opinion, all DVD's that can be found by doing a manual search should also be found by the system in auto look-up, period. Take "DVD Profiler" as an example, their auto look-up functionality has been able to identify all my DVD's, no problems. I wish OpenGlobe could team up with InterVocative to get access to their VERY comprehansive DVD database used with "DVD Profilor". The information provided on each DVD from OpenGlobe has much to be desired (I would like to see technical information on aspect ratio, sound encoding, etc - as is the case with DVD Profilor)

2) Support for DVD-A. This has been promised by Kenwood as far as I am concerned (even stated in the manuals - how much more clear can it be). This is a critical enhancement that is absolutely necessary in order for me to be satisfied. It is unacceptable to have a list with 100+ DVD-A's with "Unknown DVD" listed in Entre.

3) Multiple changer support. I have over 500 CD's that I would like to add to my system, but for that I would first need the multiple changer support, which of course will come in due time we have been promised. In the mean time I am using my HTPC to control a Sony Mega Changer with CCD for my CD collection.

4) Improved Media Manager for Entre. This has not been promised, but it would be very nice if we could get an updated PC application for media management, including the ability to edit DVD (and DVD-A) information, transfer MP3 files back and forth between the Entre/PC...

5) Reduced layer change delay. Not a big issue for me compared to the above, but nevertheless it would be nice.

/Lars

Lars158,

I'm with ya! I'd also like to add,

6) Media Manager Stability -- this program in it's current form is extremely unstable/unreliable (just try to change genre information for a few albums).

7) USB Hard Drive Support or a Drive Upgrade Program-- YES, I know I'm dreaming! How can the Entre ever hope to be the "hub" for your digital blah-blah-blah, when it only has a 20GB drive.

8) STABILITY/RELIABILITY-- When I select a disc, that disc should play, PERIOD! I shouldn't have to sit there praying that I don't get the, "disc is unreadable" message!



HM

>>>UPDATE<<<

I have received word that ver 1.1.0.10 should now available for download. It was supposed to be turned on this AM....if not already, it should be very soon. Can someone please try and report if it is. (I can not for I have it as a test version.)

Note...After it downloads and reboots...it will start to auto reindex the database. (Not a lookup of the changer.) Thus could take some time based on the amount of data you have. Mine with 267 DVD's took about 20 mins or so.

Also...If you have not already with ver .7, after it is back on-line, have it relookup the Internet Radio stations...for it now has new graphics and better connection speed and time. (Again, only needed if you did not do so after receiving ver .7.)

Has any had luck looking up The Simpsons: 2nd Season? If so what did you type in to get it too look up? Is there any special tricks when doing a DVD lookup?

I try and do movie title followed by comma THE, but with complex titles like the simpson 2nd season or the avengers 67 season, it is almost impossible to guess how it is entered in the DB. Any tips?

I tried to receive it but it just keeps looking for the update. They haven't got it working on their side yet.

I was able to receive it -- but it did not fix the problem! I'm at the .10 release and I still have 915 discs.

HM

Please see your PM box.

Thanks

Carbo...try a reboot and then try the download again. Reboot by holding down the power button on the front of the unit for like 5 seconds. You will hear the HD respin up. Hope this helps.

What happened with the post outlining how to rebuild the database?

I thought I just read the following : Go to the setup menu and press "5555" - select reindex the database. Wait 10 seconds and the Entre will reboot and start the rebuild process.

I have the same problem hmatos reported, so I was just about to try the suggestion outlined by "fadlevic". Was this instruction incorrect since it was removed ??

/Lars

Hello...

No you have it right. I had removed it because it was a back door key. I had sent the info the him via PM and someone else posted it when I was doing that.

Kenwood is making up something for me to post outlining some of the changes and think that is going to be in it. I was just being over protective in protecting the key. But it is out now. ;)


And seeing the info is out...Here is the info I sent to him...

Go into the SETUP mode. Type 5555 and you will get a Advanced Utilities Menu. Select the SECOND option... Library Index Rebuild After 10 seconds it will re-boot and start to rebuild.

Please report back if this solved your duplicate issue. Note....the rebuild can take some time to complete.

The .10 release does not appear to fix the duplicates issue -- well sort of. I still have some duplictes and it will not let me perform a Lookup All. It just says, "Looking for new discs" and then returns to the guide.

It also screwed up the database big time! I select, "The 6th Day", it loads the disc, the only problem, it's "Stigmata". It's happend on several selections so far.

It's also now refusing to read a few discs which it didn't use to have a problem with.

HM

Well...Lets see. Just asking...Did you happen to remove discs and put them back in between the updates at all? If so, did you put them back in the same slots? I hate to ask...But I am just wondering.

The not being able to do a lookup is the last error I had found. It is due to, from what I could tell, duplicate file ID's....one found...and one not found but is the same disc. What I mean is... I had Billy Elliot in slot 15. At one point it was not found. I had did a re-read of slots 1 - 20 and this time it found Billy Elliot in slot 15. However, the old not found record was still their. (Looking in the guide I could see Billy Elliot listed in slot 15...but I also had an Unknown in Slot 15). So when I told it to go look for unknown discs, it is going out to lookup a disc it already has data for and it does not know what to do at that point. Try re-reading the slots again and see if that corrects it. BTW...I had that issue until the current version.

As far as not reading some discs after the update....well, that would not have anything to do with the Entre or the software....that it fully a changer issue. As mentioned...did you pull out some discs and put them back in? Finger prints? Again...just asking and trying to help.

But I need to get to bed. Until later.

My DVD database seems to have the right number of discs after the .10 release, though I haven't checked the slot numbers to make sure they match. I noticed that more of my discs were in the DB and now I only have 4 unknown discs out of 399 - the next DVD I put in there better be really, really good ;)

I have about 200 CDs on the Entre, too - and here I have some duplicates. Some CDs I had tried in the past to rip using the Entre's CD-ROM, but they were unable to be read. For these discs, I deleted any transferred tracks, ripped these CDs on my computer, and then used the Media Manager to transfer the files. It seems that for all of these discs, the originally deleted tracks (from the failed rip) have been 'resurrected' into a separate album. I wonder what will happen if I delete them :confused:

One disturbing thing I've noticed with the .7 and .10 releases is that Ethernet connectivity, which was wonderfully stable on the release previous to .7, is now flaky (at least for me). After about 5 minutes or so, my NetMate's link light goes out, and soon after the Entre hangs. This happens for both DHCP and static IP assignment. I'm wondering if I'm the only one seeing this - I'm using a NetMate Plus from work (which is a NetMate with an integrated USB hub), but it should appear as a standard NetMate to the Entre.

I felt compelled to separate my posts into constructive and non-constructive parts. Here's the non-constructive part.

WHY CAN'T THIS THING WORK RIGHT AFTER AN ENTIRE YEAR?!?! AND WHERE'S THE AXCESS?!?!

Thank you for your indulgence.

9) Verbose message mode - heck I may be happy with useful message mode. Always one line and often truncated depending on what screen you are on. Mainly I'm thinking of error message when internet access fails, or more/better progress messages, etc.

10) Help - many options screens and such have a help button but selecting it always for me says 'help is not available'. Couldn't they at least provide the description of the functions in the help system as they are doc'd in the manual?


Lars158,
Thank goodness. I was questioning my sanity that I expect so much more from the Entre than a very basic menu of DVDs I have. It's look up is absurdly slow (even with cable connection) and it's manual look up that is an all or nothing leaves a lot to be desired as far as an interface is concerned. Enter a partial name and get back a list to select from. It's a relational database as I understand SELECT ... FROM ... WHERE NAME LIKE '%FROST%' i.e. I entered 'FROST' . It seems so darn crazy that they don't capture the failed look ups (auto and manual) and fix those. Certainly they can log enough information about the look up.

The points you make below about aspect ratio, sound encoding, etc don't make a whole lot of sense to me. Many of those things make sense when I want to buy a DVD but not when I own it. The Entre is a user interface that I think of being geared toward friends and other family members that come over and want to see a selection and basic information. This "group" doesn't care so much about those things you mention...not so they can pick a movie to watch. They want to know what type of move it is (genre), how long it last, actors (missing from guide screen), brief overview (missing from guide screen but shown in manual pg 15 as well as in other advertising! recall phantom "info" button), etc. Again I think the menu is/should be geared toward the non-DVD geek in the family/friends. It's supposed to make it friendly/convenient. No offense intended just my user interface design point of view (as a geek I love your suggestions).

Originally posted by Lars158
1) Improved auto-lookup functionality for DVD. In my opinion, all DVD's that can be found by doing a manual search should also be found by the system in auto look-up, period. Take "DVD Profiler" as an example, their auto look-up functionality has been able to identify all my DVD's, no problems. I wish OpenGlobe could team up with InterVocative to get access to their VERY comprehansive DVD database used with "DVD Profilor". The information provided on each DVD from OpenGlobe has much to be desired (I would like to see technical information on aspect ratio, sound encoding, etc - as is the case with DVD Profilor)
[/B]

Ponziani,
The axcess now has an price on the kenwood site when it use to display "coming soon". ( http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/product.jsp?productId=2358 ) I took that to mean it is now available. I want a few of these myself but the Entre bugs and issues are enough to scare me off for a while.

David, et al.
There is text (advertising/manual) somewhere (?) that states that DVD/CDs can be removed (loaned to friend, played in guest room, etc) and then put back into the player ... even in a different slot and the entre will recognize that because it keeps a log/history. As I recall it even listed a number of how many it would keep track of. Thus if you move a DVD to another slot I would expect it to recognize that.

ACTUALLY do you know, can you ask, how to delete that history and start over. For the people who have not customized (new categories and such) too much this may be a better way of cleaning up the dup issue and making sure that the guides entries point to the right slots. I certainly realize that I will have to let the Entre look up all DVDs again but I'll let it do that as I'm sleeping. (manual says, in the Managing Movie Groups section, 'if you have replaced discs with others you will have to manually initiate the "Get Music Info" function from the Options menu". Certainly they meant the "Get Movie Info" function).

I had removed all my DVDs when I first saw the dup issues thinking I could force the Entre to remove it's history somehow. I put them back in different locations thinking it would resync. Not so. Now I have a mess with duplicate entries pointing to different slots. Sometimes it is better to start with a clean slate.

I considered option 1 from the Adv Util menu (5555) but that say reregister.

Anyway, obviously frustrating for all of us. David, I sure am glad you own these so Kenwood pays more attention to these problems. (it is still hard to believe they do not let us know what the new features / fixes are in all the releases ... I suppose there are liability issues or some such things. automatically (weekly entre background setting) getting fixes with unknow things in them is aburd for most PC owners and deathly absurd/foreign to those who maintain systems on mainframes)

David,

Yes, to all of your questions --

I finally gave up and just performed a reset to factory defaults.

Kenwood/OpenGlobe -- WHY in the world would this option now be moved to a secret menu? Do you really believe that a user won't have a need to perform this function?

HM

After upgrading, reindixing and performing a new "lookup all" everything looks pretty good. No duplicates of DVD's and now only 14 unknown DVD's. I do have an issue with duplicate playlists though, but I may be able to clean that out myself - have not tried yet. Overall a clear improvement from the previous .7 sw release...

Updated to new software this a.m., all dups gone, but cover art and description gone on at least 30 DVD's and another 72 discs not reflected on menu. About to do a lookup on all, but am afraid that I'll end up with 100 "DVD Unknown." Funny in bad way, my 400 DVD's have been played by the machine at least four times now and I have not watched half of them. I just can't aford to spend another 24 hours inputting 100 titles, manually looking up those titles and than hoping that the player will still read the DVD (Lawrence of Arabia disc is now "not readable", disc is clean, unscratched etc.) This is not looking pretty.

On another note, ordered the ethernet adapter from Kenwood yesterday. $59.95, but UPS Ground shipping (ten days) is $13. This is absurd shipping price and ten days is ridiculous.

If Kenwood doesn't come out with three changer adapter at CEDIA they will definitely be hearing from me in the form of legal action.

By the way, why cant the individual 5900m units download DVD info into the unit like the CD info. Its all there, Kenwood initially told me that they just did not want to pay Openglobe for that database to be downloaded into the DVD player. As clunky as the standalone 5900 player DVD menu is, its better than the Entre defective, buggy, error prone, user unfriendly menu.

Very frustrating, slot 394 of my 5900m hooked into entre has Vertical Limit - not readable. Put it in my second 5900m (not hooked into entre for reasons detailed throughout this thread since Janaury) and it playes just fine. No scratches, smudges, ect. Anyone have any idea whats up with this?

Reading through the manuals for the VR-5900 receiver, I am curious as to the number of video inputs on the unit. Is it 5, or are there more that I am not seeing? I was going to purchase this unit soon, but I have a need for at least 5 video inputs (DVD, 2 Tivo's, PS2, and High Def input) and I dont want to end up with a receiver that cant suit my needs.

Thanks,

Kirby

Extremely frustrating!

I lost Buffy, Season 2 - Disc 4, X-Files Season 4 - Disc 5, & Steel Magnolias -- there's NOTHING wrong with the discs! Hell, the discs WERE listed in the guide (3 & 4 times each).

All I get now is, DISC IS UNREADABLE

Hello All...

Below is a response directly from Kenwood and also attached to this post is one of two PDF files. The first one is on the new changes and the second, in the next post, is related to the Axcess that has been asked about.


Dear David,


Thanks to you and all the contributors to AVS Forum for their feedback on
the recent launch of updated Kenwood Sovereign Entre' software. The initial
release last Thursday uncovered a latent software problem in the previous
1.0.2.7 software that created duplicate title entries if a known disc was
looked up again manually. OpenGlobe and Kenwood engineers have been working
around the clock since Friday morning to insert a software routine to delete
the duplicate entries and QC a new release. As you, and most of your
members, already know this happened yesterday afternoon.


The new software release, 1.1.0.10, will automatically delete duplicate
records for slots that have a disc present. It will unfortunately, on
occasion, not delete records for empty slots. These records can be deleted
using the "Look up Range" function.


The two attached .pdf files cover the major functional improvements for
Entre', not the least of which is support for Axcess. Yes, Axcess is
available and should be at your local Kenwood Sovereign dealer.


In addition to the information in the attachments, there was a problem with
the back end database server that was breaking the XML code with certain
punctuation symbols. This has been corrected and lookups, although still
not 100% due to database coverage, have been dramatically improved.


Kenwood will be tracking the forum over the next few days to see how the
launch is progressing.


To all of your members, enjoy the improvements. There will be more to come,
but today, you are all the owner's of what I believe to be an unparalleled
example of what can be done when Computer and Consumer Electronics
technologies are merged with the consumer in mind.


Best regards,


Brian


Brian D. Towne
Director, Product Development
Kenwood USA Corporation



Thank you.

Attached is the info on the Axcess unit.

Thank you.

One problem that I am having is when I try to delete multiple songs at once from the entre in hangs and I have to do a reset. Right now I can only delete one song at a time. This is from dup MP3's or MP3's that you gave us that where created when upgraded to 1.1.0.10.

so i will be able to use this to access my mp3s off my media server. interesting. i wonder why they didn't make it black to match the sovereign line.

Well, I swapped out my NetMate Plus with a NetMate, and my network connection has been up for two hours, so it appears that something about the integrated hub in the Plus causes issues with the latest Entre firmware.

David, is Kenwood aware of the "unreadable disc" problem? What are they doing about it? Has anyone noticed if this is a random problem, ie. will it read it at a later time once it decides the disc is unreadable.

I've been away from home for the past few days, and won't be able to do the Entre Software cure until tonight. I hope that the only thing I 'm reading about the Netmate has to do with Axcess (in which I'm not interested right now) . . .

But . . . seeing Axcess appear does remind me of some of the very good things that attracted me to Entre initially as a concept. I give Kenwood credit for addressing an area of the market that people out there want, and for at least providing a method of delivery that is unique.

What makes me really glad about Axcess is that it appears to be the type of feature that suggests financial incentive for Kenwood to support Entre. While I'm not suggesting wholesale relief, because lots of things can happen, it does move the whole scheme back from to the fresh from the stale. But that is still one bug away from evaporating.

So I'll tune up and start my fixes, hopefully tonight. Hopefully, that will go well. Then, in the next few weeks at CEDIA, we'll see if Kenwood is truly on the road to being the convergence feature of home theater and internet that Brian of Kenwood says it is, and I want it to be.

One thing we can trust in about this forum, people get to have their say. And, no, there is no joke involved.

Nick :cool:

zinja...

In regards to the unreadable disc issue...I can not for the life of me see how this could at all relate to the software update that only applies to the Entre. The Entre tells the player what to play and the player plays the disc. If it can not, that would be a player issue.

As far as what are they doing about it....I would suggest calling them, for I do not know.

David and others:

For someone that is about to get an Entre to add to an existing 5050M DVD player populated with about 100 DVD's and 250 CD's, what would be the best course of action?

I assume a new Entre will not have the latest software, so should it be hooked up separate from the DVD player and upgraded first?

Should I remove all discs from the 5050M before hooking it to the Entre? I do plan to remove all CD's from the 5050M, so taking another 100 discs out wont be that difficult.

Also, in regards to the Netmate ethernet adapter, isnt there anyplace that sells that thing besides Kenwood? I looked at a few computer places on the web, and no luck. Even CATC's website has no info I could find on where to purchase.

Thanks!

almighty...

If I were to get it now...because I know their are updates...I would hookup with Entre without the changer and download the new software. Then I would hookup the changer and let it find the discs and add them to the Entry guide listing.

If you do not plan on having CD's in the changer...take them out before the hookup for it will save time. But other than that...it should not matter at all. So I would remove the CD's and put the DVD in starting from slot one to to keep things neat. ;)

As far as the interface....Sorry...I can offer no help their for I also got mine from Kenwood. I do know that their are two different versions of this interface...it was reported some time ago. Same thing, two different chips inside. You really will want the interface to use the Entre like it can be used. It does have a phone line hookup though.

Hope this helps.

David,

Thanks, that is sort of what I was figuring I should do with the Entre. I already have DVD's starting in slot 1, and I loaded my CD's starting in slot 400 and working backwards.

Kirby

Originally posted by Ponziani
Well, I swapped out my NetMate Plus with a NetMate, and my network connection has been up for two hours, so it appears that something about the integrated hub in the Plus causes issues with the latest Entre firmware.

I'm having similar weird problems with the internet access. Since .7 I was not able to update the software. It would do the 'Starting DHCP...', then 'Getting update...' then get the error 'Update cannot be completed at this time. Please try again later'. I took that to mean my internet access was ok but was server busy. I tried several times over a day and a half. At the time I could download cover art so I thought my internet access was ok. (access from other 3 computers in the house was ok)

I ended up doing a 5555 and 'Reset to factory defaults' route to get ride of dups and start with clean slate. I bypassed my Nexland router and directly connected it to the cable modem. I was able to download the .10 release.

After that point my internet access from the entre went downhill. Either directly connected to the cable modem or via the nexland hub.

Getting 'DNS test failure...' when trying to access internet radio. When I look up range for cover art it doesn't say that it failed but just gives 'unknown' DVD. Openglobe button/connect says 'check network connection' or some such things. Depending on where you are at in the interface the messages get cut off at differnet locations. ie. one line limit vs message box in other places.

In looking at system info I see (my entre TCP/IP setting is set to dynamic):

IP@ 169.254.121.50
Gateway 169.254.0.1
Mask 255.255.0.0

What seems odd is the IP should be in the range of 192.168.0.2 and 192.168.0.51 per my DHCP settings in my nexland hub. Normal local lan IPs.

Ponziani or David or other internet savy fellas, understand what the entre is doing when it access the DHCP server, DNS server, etc. There is virtually no documentation on this stuff. I've mentioned before even in the dialogs for TCP/IP settings on the entre that the 'help' button shows nothing. Why is this so top secret? I guess they magically expect it to work and it should but they should provide enough details for it to be diagnosed?!?!

I would have thought it was just me but Ponziani has noticed some oddities as well. Knowing a little of his background from past post I would expect his testing to be valid and thorough in this area.

Bringing this all up here in case others are having internet access issues. I suspicous that there were networking/internet changes in .7 and .10 since we know they did work to speed up internet radio (in common subroutines/modules used in other areas of entre?) and for the Axcess.

Would appreciate any feedback and would love to start a dialog off line if anywould indulge me. Again access from any of the 3 computers during all this time was working flawlessly.

Thanks all

That IP address you referene above looks to be your cable modem IP. Suggest hooking up your Entre again to your router, like you would a computer, and then unplugging the Entre...wait 10 seconds...plug it back in. I would like to see if then you get your internal private IP (a 192.168..0.X). Make sure your Entre is set for DHCP and not static. (I assume it is but wanted to mention it.)

I have not had any issues with the Internet connection and I use the Netmate and it goes through three switches before it even gets to my LinkSys router.

Please let me know back what your IP is after the it comes back on-line.

Originally posted by ScottF200


IP@ 169.254.121.50
Gateway 169.254.0.1
Mask 255.255.0.0

What seems odd is the IP should be in the range of 192.168.0.2 and 192.168.0.51 per my DHCP settings in my nexland hub. Normal local lan IPs.

That IP is a result of the Entre not finding a DHCP server. MS operating systems do the same thing, and pick an erroneous IP in the 169 Class B address range. Sounds like the hub's DHCP server is off.

I am not a big fan of using DHCP on my networks. I prefer to assign static IP addresses to all of my computers so there is no shuffling of addresses when things get rebooted. (That's the control freak part of me coming out I guess.) Anyway, on the Ente' I would suggest assigning a static IP of 192.168.1.x where x is greater than 1 but not in use by any other computer on the network. Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 and Router address of 192.168.1.1 , then add the DNS numbers provided by your ISP and you should be good to go. I use a Linksys router and this is how I setup things for everyone I setup home networks for. If you are just using a network hub to connect all of your computers and ente', things can get sticky. Generally speaking, when using an ordinary hub, you would have to order seperate IP addresses for each computer or device connected to the hub from your ISP. That's why things like the Linksys router became so popular. Because with it, you only need a single IP address and it is assigned to the router. Then router then creates a subnet where you use the 192.168.1.x IP addresses on each device. 192.168.1.1 is usually the router's address on the subnet and that number is used as the Gateway Address on all computer's connected to the router.

I'm not sure if any of this information helps, or just makes it more confusing ;)

Bob

Originally posted by Kirby Baker
Also, in regards to the Netmate ethernet adapter, isnt there anyplace that sells that thing besides Kenwood? I looked at a few computer places on the web, and no luck. Even CATC's website has no info I could find on where to purchase.

Thanks!

I tried ordering the Netmate from Kenwood this past Tuesday (Aug. 6th) and got a call back Wednesday from them saying they were out of stock. So, like you, I went searching the web. No one has these things, nor the Belkin that is supposed to be compatible. I finally looked on Ebay and found 4 or 5. They were only $10 + $5 shipping for brand new ones. I accidentally bid on 2 of them. If I actually receive them both and you still can't find one, let me know and I'll gladly send you one for the same $15. (Much better deal than the $72.95 it costs to get it from Kenwood.)

Now if I could just get a day off so I can drive up to Denver and pick up my Entre' :D

Bob Stanley

I had a Kenwood Sovereign 5700 but exchanged it for a Denon 3800 due primarily to the following:

1. VERY slow layer transition. 4-5 seconds on Harry Potter, at the very end of the troll scene. I verified this both on my unit and an in-store demo model. Disc loading/reading is also slow.

2. Poor remote. Small and awkward.

Thank you guys for your input.

This just drives me crazy since all my computers still work and the Entre worked before. Then I get differing messages from various Entre screens. Seems like they need a new menu option that is "check internet connect" where it provides various feedback. No doubt there is something like that there but I'm sure we'd all be killed if the develpers let that out. Heck surprised were still alive after the 5555 treat.

Kirby/Bob thanks for the additional info. Didn't realize that IP could just be erroneous. I would have expect all 1's or 2's or something more "clear". I was going to hardcode my local IPs and started that before my post but I like DHCP aside from the issue mentioned (boot order). Appreciate the details. I'll research and use up some more of my projectors lamp life <frown!>.

If anyone else is having internet issues let me know (PM) or let's start another thread.

UPDATE 10-Aug
Simply could not get the ENTRE to utilize DHCP via my NexLand router that has it built in or directly connected to the AT&T cable connection/modem. Nexland also has feature to assign an IP based on a specific MAC and the device(entre) still can do 'dynamic'. This didn't work either although technique tested and worked on a couple of my computers. (note: while testing I reset nexland, rebooted entre (5 sec power button to make sure valid test. Also verified the computers worked with all these variations.) I ended up setting the entre up like:

static
ip 168.192.0.10
gateway 168.192.0.1 (nexland hub)
dns 192.168.0.1 (nexland hub - pass thru to AT&T's DNSes)
mask 255.255.255.0
and it finally worked.

Seems to have gone fairly well, actually. I have a full 5900 with 400 discs, and I got about 90% done correctly by the Entre.

The remaining DVDs all, with two exceptions, got looked up by hook or crook. Some I could simply do the lookup disc function from Entre. Others wouldn't yield to that, so I had to go into Changer Management and Look Up a "Range" of 1 disc several times.

One thing I noted was that, in the process of retrieving the forsaken discs--whether it was the Edit Disc Route, or the Lookup section in Changer Management--the disc info would momentarily appear as "full"--i.e., I'd have the title, the cover art, the description--but when the full lookup had occurred, calling for me to save or exit, I would miss something. Three or four discs "flashed" their full spectrum before me, but by the time it was done the cover art alone would be there. I would just fill the title in manually. I'd leave the description blank.

Some of the DVD-A discs lost their character as DVD-A discs, and now became "unknown dvds." Since you have to create that information anyway until such information is available from whoever Kenwood intends to get it from, it's not that large a deal, but involves renaming about 10 discs in my case.

If you lost cover art, don't worry, it's there. You may not get the description (because the "gone" discs may be "gone") if they were once there as cover art, they're still there in your Entre, but you have to go to "select cover art" in the Edit Disc function and manuallly scroll till you get past the generic images, and there are all your former images, stacked one at a time. I've had a lot of discs pass through the Hotel known as my DV5900 (because I've filled it and then "disgorged" it several times), but now I just stash the new ones (or the ones I'm taking out of the DV5900) into the other hotel (just darker) called the DV-5050M.

The AVIA disc is still gone, and the other disc that is now "gone" (but not forgotten, per my discussion above) is the DVD Demystified Disc. Actually, although AVIA is valuable, I viewed that latter disc again for a few moments and can't fathom why I even have it hanging 'round, particularly with AVIA already there.

Somewhere, someone mentioned something about a British Flag appearing on the Entre screen (or a similarly colored flag--or something looking like it), and I'm getting that, but it is not bothersome. Overall, I'd have to say that the upgrade is a definite improvement, since it does seem thus far to offer more facile use.

Well, now that this issue has been corralled, I am hopeful of seeing some forward progress, as are all the others here who have made the investment in Entre & Sovereign Changers and waited nearly a year now.

P.S. I bought a Logitech Cordless USB Internet Keyboard (CLDS KBD 967090-0403 for anyone that seeks a model number) after either reading on the Kenwood site that it was compatiblle with Entre, or calling Kenwood after reading the site, and, after getting it, see that you have to load a cd-rom software disc in order to use the keyboard. Anyone know how you "load" software onto Entre?

Happy Landings.

Nick :cool:

Regarding the Belkin USB-to-Ethernet adapters...I mentioned this once before several hundred posts earlier, but it bears repeating: not all Belkin adapters were of CATC design, and (as far as I know) only the CATC ones are compatible with the Entre. If the Belkin adapter doesn't have the CATC logo somewhere on it, it probably won't work.

Originally posted by Kirby Baker
ip 169.254.121.50
lat 169.254.0.1
mask 255.255.0.0

That IP is a result of the Entre not finding a DHCP server. MS operating systems do the same thing, and pick an erroneous IP in the 169 Class B address range. Sounds like the hub's DHCP server is off.

Looks like this is called "Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA)" as it was mentioned here: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot/samesubnet.htm

A pretty good explaination of APIPA is here: http://www.winnetmag.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=7464
and the Microsoft Knowledge base: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q307287&

Seems to be a "feature" that also computers on a local lan to still get a unique IP and still talk to each other.

Hope that helps someone else.

The "unreadable disk" problem is terminal for me now. About 2 months ago, it started happening sporadically and then would go away. Now, nothing I do can get it to read any type of disk, CD or DVD. Does anyone have any suggestions I can try before unloading this beast? Thanks - John

JVS,

I really think it's an issue with the hardware -- I know it's a pain to remove all those discs, but I had the same issue -- happened all the time. After replacing my 5900, I now have 3 out of 350+ discs that it cannot read (consistently).

Take it back!

H

Okay, I'll try asking this in a separate message. No need to jump in with your collective body of knowledge at once. But one informed person ought to be out there. Anyone using a cordless keyboard with Entre (obviously, not the cordless that comes with the DV59000--I'm talking now about the kind that is supposedly compatible with Entre, at least per the Kenwood website)? From my message, posted above and quoted within, it seems that even if I tried to run the keyboard remotely or not, I'd have to load software into Entre. Huh?

Keyboard will come in handywith Entre, as much disc editing is often necessary. Anyone? Bueller?


Originally posted by Nicholas
P.S. I bought a Logitech Cordless USB Internet Keyboard (CLDS KBD 967090-0403 for anyone that seeks a model number) after either reading on the Kenwood site that it was compatible with Entre, or calling Kenwood after reading the site. Now, after getting it, I see that you have to load a cd-rom software disc in order to use the keyboard. Anyone know how you "load" software onto Entre? Or whether I have to at all?



Nick :cool:

Hi Ncvk...

Well I can only say ask this (I just had to ask).... Have you tried the keyboard right out of the box with the Entre? I say thing because unless it came with software for the Entre, which I do not think it would, then you would not need software to load and the Entre should respond to the keyboard if supported. (via IR Codes already built in.) The software is more than likely for Windows computers and thus would not be needed.

Give it a shot if you have not already. ;)

Originally posted by David Bott
Hi Ncvk...

Well I can only say ask this (I just had to ask).... Have you tried the keyboard right out of the box with the Entre? I say thing because unless it came with software for the Entre, which I do not think it would, then you would not need software to load and the Entre should respond to the keyboard if supported. (via IR Codes already built in.) The software is more than likely for Windows computers and thus would not be needed.

Give it a shot if you have not already. ;)

Well . . . I didn't know there was a keyboard in the box with the Entre . . . I have the keyboard that came with the DV-5900 . . . could that be what you are referring to? Or is there another one?

If so, maybe I'll go to the basement now and plunder through the Entre box to see if there was something that I missed when I opened it.

But . . . please . . . I hope you're not being coy . . . is there a keyboard for Entre that came with it? Or does the one that came with the DV5900 work for Entre too? Or what? A keyboard for Entre would be nice these days.

Don't hold out on me, David, I know you're not mad at me anymore.

Nick :cool:

Nick...Not holding out on you, really.

You stated "I bought a Logitech Cordless USB Internet Keyboard..." Thus I took that to mean you DID buy one to use with the Entre and was wondering how to use it. So...I asked the question if you tried it or just stopped when you seen it had software. When I said "right out of the box"...I meant the Logitech box that the keyboard you bought came in. ;)

I totally missed the part about USB...so...take the USB part (the receiver) and plug it into the Entre. Then try the keyboard. Note...I have one at work, it is an older one, but I needed to set the keyboard and the receiver up to talk to each other on the same channel. Make sure you do that if it is needed. (no software required to to that part.)

I believe in the manual there is a way to reset the player. you will lose any title info you have typed in, but might be worth a shot.

Originally posted by JVS
The "unreadable disk" problem is terminal for me now. About 2 months ago, it started happening sporadically and then would go away. Now, nothing I do can get it to read any type of disk, CD or DVD. Does anyone have any suggestions I can try before unloading this beast? Thanks - John

Originally posted by David Bott


I totally missed the part about USB...so...take the USB part (the receiver) and plug it into the Entre. Then try the keyboard. Note...I have one at work, it is an older one, but I needed to set the keyboard and the receiver up to talk to each other on the same channel. Make sure you do that if it is needed. (no software required to to that part.)

No, you're right. Sorry I missed your meaning.

Actually, I've now purchased two of these things, but the 2d one is supposed to be a remote. In any event, before even trying the remote, I did plug the usb connector into the Entre. I assume that's what I did (it's the type of connector that looks like a s-video plug?)


I'm not sure I understand what you mean about setting them up to work on the same channel--sounds like that could be my problem, since I've just plugged it in to the front of the Entre where its USP port is. The keyboard is in fact recommended by Kenwood, but it's really hard trying to get someone at the other end of the Kenwood telephone line that admits that, or is even remotely capabe of helping (definitely no pun intended there). And, of course, the "instructions" that came with this Logitech keyboard (none) are reallly helpful . . .

I sit in my main "Captain's Area," in my "room" (as it's referred to among this household) about 15 feet away from the Entre. Making these text adjustments via remote is a huge pain. I'm betting that a keyboard that works would be a nice benefit to perfecting the Entre screen.

(By the way, I "sort of" ran into another duplicate today. I have the Movie Mulholland Drive, and I have a Randy Newman DVD-A. On the upgrade run, the DVD-A came out as a 2d Mulholland Drive, although not in the same slot. Just imputed those characteristics to the disc in that slot. Had a bitch of a time redoing it, too.)

So . . . ."setting the channel from the keyboard to the Entre . . ." Still not sure, but if you solve this for me, I'll donate several brand new DVDs, still sealed, to the ELF Fund (on top of the normal dough I already gave, and the proceeds off Ebay or whatever can then be routed there . . .hell, I'll do it anyway . . . but I'd like to get this keyboard working. . . . I can beg too, David.

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

Logitech cordless keyboards and mice both use RF and not IR. The RF is VERY low power with the average range being 6-12 ft. I don't know how far away you are trying the keyboard from the Entre but you may want to get closer to see if it helps.

Also, the Logitech stuff all has a CONNECT button on the bottom of it that forces the receiver and keyboard (or mouse) to 'sync' to each other. You may need to play with that to force the keyboard to sync with the Entre as well.


I've got several of the Logitech cordless keyboards and mice and they seem to work pretty well once you get over the limited range. It is highly unlikely you'll be controlling anything across the room with a Logitech for sure. The sweet spot is about 6-7 feet.

Rick...it may be time of another phone call to try to help you understand this. Esp when you say it "looks like an s-video connector" when you bought a USB keyboard.

More or less...The Keyboard RECEIVER (a small box with the USB connectors on it that came with the Keyboard) needs to connected to the USB port of the Entre.

You then need to press the little button on the back of the Keyboard and the Keyboard Receiver, you just hooked up, so they can talk to each other. (This is to set the same channel... and in RF channel. Think of it as setting the channel on a pair of walketalkies.) Once that is done...you should be able to use the Keyboard with the Entre if supported as you mentioned it is.

Yes..range will not be that great.

David:

I'll try again with these instructions, but this particular model I thought had a greater range. If not, I'll look for something that does. In the meanitime, it'll be enough to at least get it going.

David, would you be kind enough to pm your phone number again (I don't save them . . . sorry . . .) and let me know if there are times in the afternoon hours that you are today available? Or sometime in the evening hours this upcoming week?

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

The new version problem certainly raised/reminded us of flaws with the DVD look up and the reason the keyboard is a hot topic again (discussed a few post back and numerous pages back). All the USB compatible keyboards are listed on the Kenwood tips web page http://www.kenwoodusa.com/sovereign/latest_tips

Using the remote is a pain to look up 'Unknown Disk' and really shows the interface errors. Example is when you go to do a search and it leaves the words "Unknown Disk" in the search box so you have to backspace over it. Silly UI stuff. I realize when your search fails or finds the wrong disk this technique lets you start from the last string you typed in but when it is "Unknown Disk" blank it out automatically. Perhaps the rational/excuse is that there may be a DVD named that some day <grin>.

Unless I missed some key on the remote I don't see where you can enter a '(' or a ')' *but* they put those in the titles of some DVDs in their database. ie. "(Disk 1)". Why does this matter...because it failed to find several of my DVDs that were disk 2 also know in some of their titles as "Bonus Material". I sometimes would do a search and find Disk 1 since I knew it was there and then would use that title text format to see if I could locate their wording for Disk 2.

RE: Disc that couldn't be found yesterday
- Harry Potter Disk 2 Special Features (found with manual search)
- Star Trek III: Search for Spock (found with manual search)
- Gladiator Disk 2
- Shrek Disk 2
- A league of their own (found w/manual search)
- Gone with the Wind (found w/manual search)
- Toy Story (found w/manual search)

RE: Repeated idea I think
Why doesn't openglobe allow us to search their list using the internet and our account?!? The same one that allows us to set play list for music.

They could certainly develop this fast and bring back a list of possible matches based on our criteria (...WHERE title like '%Gladiator%).

At the least we then would know the exact title and could easily search for it then using the remote and the manual search.

Clearly it could easily go beyond that capability as well and show what 'Unknown DVDs' are in our player (ie. upload them and their slot numbers to their site). We could access them via the said account and assign them and then let our Entre download the new assignments. That may be pretty tough for them. Or this could be an easy way for us to assign 'Unknown DVDs'/slots/fileids to something in their database. This allows them to allow us a easier way for them to clean up/sync up their database.

Unless I'm confused, it seems this is really HELPING OpenGlobe and just not Kenwood. I say that because if this database is used for their (OGs) Escient Power Play 300 product then WE are helping OpenGlobes highend customers by cleaning up/adding to their database. (BTW, anyone read the Oct 2002 Audio Video Interiors pg 90 article on Elf (see Elf banner on this website for link)...the Escient was listed in the equip list).

Some interesting reading on the OG site related to this topic http://www.escientconvergence.com/pplay.htm See FAQ and Question: Will the movie database (MDB) recognize multiple pressings / versions of the same movie title?

Now I would caution you guys about looking too closely at those PDFs ( http://www.escientconvergence.com/Support/Content/PowerPlayUsers.pdf ) because they show some cool interface stuff that we only dream about with our interface (yes, I realize ours is a much much cheaper system but we are talking about software programing *once* you have the data available like we have on our Entre harddisk)

Originally posted by David Bott
Rick...it may be time of another phone call to try to help you understand this. Esp when you say it "looks like an s-video connector" when you bought a USB keyboard.

More or less...The Keyboard RECEIVER (a small box with the USB connectors on it that came with the Keyboard) needs to connected to the USB port of the Entre.



I asssume I'm "Rick," so your alarm clock went off correctly. Here's the deal.

Bought the first Logitech Keyboard, thinking it was "cordless." To me, that simply means I'm going to be able to operate it remotely. The fact that a a cord is coming out of it didn't bother me.

Well, it soon became clear to me that this was not cordless, and I was having a devil of a time figuring out what to do. I ordered this off the net, so, before returning it, I actually went to the Local MicroCenter, told them what I wanted, and they said "Oh you want the cordless model." Yes. So I bought it. Now I 've got two, and the cordless is the one I want. It's when I open up the box for the cordless that I say, "huh?" Software? Mini-instruction sheet saying "load"? What to do?

The Non-Cordless Model

Has a USB cable coming out from it. It then has an adapter (which I described as a "s-video" type connector--is this what you guys call a USB/Ethernet adapter?) which you can use or not use. I found the USB port on the front of the Entre, and, hooray, this works (so no need for the adapter--just a straight USB connection). Still some confusion as I think that the keyboard cannot be used alone without the remote (for entries such as save, exit, or remote specific items), but the keyboard will be a great help . . . IF . . . .

I can get an effective USB extension cable. My inquiries suggest that the longest USB extension cable I'll find is 16 feet, and it might have to be powered. I ordered one, but we'll see how it works. Ideally, I'd like one about 18 to 20 feet long . . . and it has to extend the existing cable from the keyboard, not replace it.

The Cordless Model

As for the remote keyboard . . . now the guy at MicroCenter says that it will work, but I have to load the software first. What kind of computer is it, he says? Well . . . that's sort of a long story . .. it has internet access, but it's not really a computer in the sense that you mean . . .

There is a receiver, as David mentioned, and a button on top of it that says "connect." But there's not a button on the back of the keyboard. I'm beginning to think that really running a remote keyboard is not possible with Entre. That's okay (if I can return the keyboard, which is such a pain .. . it'll wind up on my wall of eligiible Ebay items) so long as I can make at least a 16 foot extension. I'll just plug in and plug out as I use it, but the Keyboard, I think, is going to become an indispensable part of Entre-Life. That remote is too clumsy to enter data with, and, unfortunately, Entre continues to need help adjusting the data it accumulates.

If anyone can turn me on to a longer USB extension cable, that will work well, I'd like to hear about it.

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

Nick,

This site points to the QVS Active repeater and at the bottom the USB FAQ

http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/answerstips/story/0,24330,3370002,00.html

Do internet search on active usb repeater as it looks like several are out that will extend your range. This google one should do get a few: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=active+usb+repeater

Thanks, Scott. I'm going to try the 16 footer, because, with just a little luck it'll reach to my seating area when I need to do "literary maintenance" on the Entre.

And the Entre needs it. But I don't mind helping, so long as there's a cure. For that matter, I'll probably be compulsive enough to add additional information from the disc jackets to the screens in Entre, though I recognize those could get wiped out on one reboot. I won't go too hogwild, but the fact is that there is simply NO description for certain movie titles, barely beyond the fact that it's a movie.

Thanks for the tip. The good news is that the corded keyboard does work with Entre. Feeling lucky today.

Nick :cool:

Kenwood,

Great job on the newletter and putting out information that current owners will find useful! Also, excellent job with speeding up the interface.

HM

Didn't want to mix a positive with a negative -- so here goes ;)

Has anyone had problems with the Entre maintaining a connection with a pc running Media Manager? I've always had tons of issues with this software, but it seems much worse since the .10 release. I cannot transfer more than 2 or 3 albums without getting, "the library could not be syncronized with the client" -- then it aborts the file transfer.

Keep in mind, I had over 200 "albums" loaded prior to the update (had to refresh ... again). I remember being able to batch load 25 or 30 albums before getting an error.

I've also noticed that when I press the OG button, I'm now at a blank screen and not the OG web page.

HM

Used Look all last night. Seems it did find most of the DVD titles, missed about 10 out of 381 DVD. One it missed was the most recent Gladiator. When I manually looked it up, it came up with the Gladiator starring Cuba Gooding, and not Russell Crowe. Any ideas on how to get the right Gladiator input would be appreciated. The new Time Machine DVD is naother title that I have problems (defaults to the original Time Machine DVD - from about 50 years ago.).

Not sure if this is an Entre problem, a software update problem, or a situation where I've relocated various digital and analog inputs on my Surround preamp.

I never listened much to the Internet Radio, but, as of a few months ago, it was working. Since that time, I have "borrowed" digital and analog inputs on my Lexicon from the Entre, but I think I've got them restored properly. In other words, I think I'm telling the Lexicon to play the signal that I thought would be coming out of the Entre (which, as I recall, may only be an analog signal--not important, since I should get it either way).

The only thing I've done since the software upgrade vis-a-vis the Entre and music is to go to the A/V section of the setup menu, and assign the digital and analog audio to "receiver"--only one that seemed remotely applicable. It was set to nothing before that.

If I've missed an Entre step, or an upgrade step, let me know--if anyone knows. I haven't had the opportunity to listen to much internet radio, but that's an option on Entre that I'd at least like to evaluate before I make a "fair" decision on whether I remain married to Kenwood.

Reading over these manuals again, and just the glimpses of what's going on . . . this product still has so much promise, but this company . . . . well, if they make my multichanger problem go away, they will go a long way to earning back the praise of one of its investors--me. But if I can listen to the radio in the interim, it might help, too.

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

Well, this weekend was going to be my Entre time. And so it has. After the handful of posts I made on keyboards, internet radio, setup. . . . I decided to bag it all and watch something.

Whereupon it wouldn't work. What kept coming up was the last DVD-A disc I had played at various times throughout the afternoon, and I couldn't get the Entre to select another disc. I'd get to the guide, enter the selection . . . . same DVD-A disc in slot 400.

I ejected it from the slot altogether. I turned everything off and on. I tried running a disc directly from the DV5900, which started to work, but, once I turned Entre back on again, I could not get control of the changer.

So I'm turning it off for the night. Perhaps it will have determined that I have fought with it enough for one day, and permit me some degree of control tomorrow. I'm just tired of even trying now.

Funny . . .. the attraction to this stuff, to me anyway, is in large part the control factor. Good night, Kenwood.

Nick :cool:

Originally posted by ScottF200
RE: Repeated idea I think
Why doesn't openglobe allow us to search their list using the internet and our account?!? The same one that allows us to set play list for music.

They could certainly develop this fast and bring back a list of possible matches based on our criteria (...WHERE title like '%Gladiator%).

At the least we then would know the exact title and could easily search for it then using the remote and the manual search.


Zinja,
Ah...you set up to reinforce my point I made in my previous post today where I even used Gladiator as an example <grin>.

If you had the OpenGlobe internet search capability just to look up in their database to see how they name things (as a phase one implementation)...then you would find they callled it:

"Gladiator - Disc 1 (DTS)" and
"Gladiator - Disc 2 - Bonus Material"

So for your quest you can enter "Gladiator -" in the Entre search to find Disc 1. And if you have Disc 2 then you can search for "Gladiator - Disc 2".

Wouldn't it also have been nice if you could just enter "Gladiator" and they bring up a list of them for you to select from on the Entre? Perhaps Kenwood developers just have a crude API where they just pass what the user types and then OpenGlobe will only give them back the 1st one found?!?

Anyway hope this helps you and perhaps others and perhaps Kenwood/OG "find" it in their hearts to improve the search interface.

by any chance anyone here use a usb to serial adapter to control the 5900 with the netnamer software? my pc doesn't have any serial ports so I bought an adapter, but the netnamer software refuses to recognize the serial port.

Nicholas,

"The only thing I've done since the software upgrade vis-a-vis the Entre and music is to go to the A/V section of the setup menu, and assign the digital and analog audio to "receiver"--only one that seemed remotely applicable. It was set to nothing before that. "


As stupid as it sounds -- change the Analog to "Changer" and the other two to "Not Used". You shouldn't need to, but go ahead and restart the Entre and then make sure that when you start playing Internet Radio your receiver is actually looking locking into a an analog signal.

As for the problem with the changer not wanting to select another disc -- you're not crazy, I've seen this as well. I believe this was what happened on the day I ended up returning the unit. It jammed right after I tried to eject the disc and the door never opened afterward.

Kenwood/OG -- the current software has produced a new problem with the Media Manager software (are you waiting to release the next version?). A PC running Media Manager is not able to maintain a connection with an Entre for more than 2 album transfers (uploading to the Entre). I've tried it on several computers running the software, all with the same result.

H

Originally posted by slocko
by any chance anyone here use a usb to serial adapter to control the 5900 with the netnamer software? my pc doesn't have any serial ports so I bought an adapter, but the netnamer software refuses to recognize the serial port.

Yes. I think I got my adapter from Usb Gear or something like that. In any case, it shows up as just another COM port when you look in the Device Manager and then it should be available in NetNamer. If I remeber correctly, you need to make sure the adapter is plugged in before you turn the computer on for it to be recognized. I'm using in Windows ME.

Thxs CR. At least now I know it should work. I am using XP. I see it in device manager so most likely it's the adapter that is incompatible with the software. I will search for usb gear to see if I can find another adapter.

after reading here all the comments about reading the manual, i decided to see what is said about netnamer. kenwood dedicated I think two sentences and a diagram. but it did prove useful in the sense it said the cable was included. i checked my box and sure enuff there was a rs232 cable included.

Originally posted by David Bott
Nick...it may be time of another phone call to try to help you understand this. Esp when you say it "looks like an s-video connector" when you bought a USB keyboard.

Thanks for your help, David. I spent a half hour on the phone with David, and not only did he show me around his Entre setup (this is someone who gets his money's worth out of whole house networking), but David trouble-shot the problem with the keyboard.

I still have to figure out how the keyboard corresponds to the keys on the remote. I don't necessarily know if there's a key for save, or record, or what have you, so that remains a mystery. However, the range is excellent. It's 18 feet behind a cabinet, and it works fine so far.

Thanks for your time, David. Well, this keyboard is helpful, and might solve some problems. We'll see.

Nick :cool:

Originally posted by slocko
I will search for usb gear to see if I can find another adapter.

slocko,

This is the exact one I have if it helps: http://www.usbgear.com/usa/item_288.html

It happened the first time on Sunday. After some play, I pressed the guide button on Entre, and scrolled to a selection. Pressed "select" for that entry, and waited . . . . and waited . . .

Well, it was clear that the 5900 was stuck on its prior disc, not so that I couldn't open it, though. I could press open/eject, and even take the disc out. I did that at least twice, it went through an AutoDetect Sweep . . . and still problem persisted.

I tried operating the 5900 with the Entre off, and it worked. I could go into the 5900 disc menu, make selections (to the extent they were still there from when I entered them Pre-Entre days, or when they would load the titles themselves into the 5900), but the problem was not with the player. I checked the serial connnector between the two units, which was secure in each case.

After pulling the plug, turning it off, taking a few discs out that it had been stuck on and reloading it, it finally "came 'round" yesterday, and I was able to get the Entre to command the 5900 to select a disc. It stumbled a few times thereafter, but then appeared to be working again . . . . until today.

After I got off the phone with David this afternoon, I went to the Entre menu to try out my new keyboard. I selected one of the discs I had been trying to select the evening before (Sopranos disc), and it worked. Left the system on (projector, etc.) for about two or three hours.

After that time, I tried changing a disc with Entre. I first summoned the "guide" menu, and scrolled to a disc. Pressed select, and the Sopranos disc kept playing. No matter what I would do, the Sopranos disc would keep playing.

I've turned both the Changer and the Entre off for awhile, but I've never seen this behaviour before. It only started since the update, but it seems like my changer is having a difficult time locking on whatever signals Entre is sending. So, for the first time like this, it appears not to be working.

Anyone experiencing this? Any ideas?

Nick :cool:

I have not had any problems yet with the entre and 5900 dvd player as far as the remote goes. Maybe its the usb keyboard interfering with the entre. Try disconnecting the usb keyboard, reboot the entre without the usb keyboard connected and see if you have the same problems. You will need to eliminate all possible causes in an orderly fashion. Disconnecting the keyboard and rebooting the entre shold be the first step. Next checking your cables to make sure none of the pins are bent (many times a person will bend a pin inside the cable and not realize it). Then try replacing cables (some cables might have breaks that are inside the insulation). Of course it might be the most recent download, in which case David (having the ear of Kenwood) should contact them to see if there is another bug. By the way David, I was pleasently suprised to see that they did download a patch to fix the duplicate entry problem and yes the look up feature appears to be more accurate. I do agree with other posts that the entre can be a powerful tool, if Kenwood continues its software development.

Hmmm . . . the keyboard was something I tried both before and after. I'll try unplugging it though.

When it first happened, I might have had the usb connector from the non-cordless cable plugged in. Now I've clearly got the receiver for the cordless keyboard plugged in.

But the Entre remote works, the keyboard works. It scrolls. If I press guide, it appears. Problem is that it won't follow through with a command to make the changer do something.

It seems like something that power cycling would work with, and I've done that with the changer. I've also rebooted Entre (by the way, notice how quick it is on the reboot since the update?)

Or maybe it just needs to operate coldly again. I'll keep everyone posted, but keep a lookout for this, thanks.

Nick :cool:

Entre keyboard, unplugged.

Entre responds to remote commands, but does not control changer.

Changer responds to remote commands (from changer remote).

The two do not recognize they are working together. The changer is not listening to the Entre. The changer is taking after my wife.

Houston, we have a problem.

Nick :cool:

Check your RS232 (serial) cable and make sure they are tight.

If they were...then... Disconnect one of the cables and turn on both units. The Entre will show no changer connected. Hook the cable back up and restart the Entre and see if it finds the changer.

My guess is it is a cable connection issue.

Nick, I had the same problem you describe in that the Entre lost control over the 5900M. After a few power on/off tries without any success I finally unplugged the system for a while. When I plugged back the system everything worked fine again... This happened after the .10 s/w update - never seen it before.

On another note - I wonder how often the OG database is updated. I noticed that most of the time when I buy a new DVD release it often takes several weeks before the data base is updated. For example, the new LOTR and also Tarzan & Jane block busters are still not to be found in the OG data base. From day one I could find them in DVD Profilor's database...

As many have pointed out lately, it is really poor that OG can not improve the data base search. Why not provide the ability to search on any string within a title and get multiple hits back where you can make a selection. This should not be that difficult to implement but most likely save hundreds of wasted hours by Entre owners trying to find titles that possible is somewhere in the data base... Another approach would be to add the ability to enter the UPC code in the same manner that DVD profilor is implemented.

And WHY can we not be allowed to edit the genre field of each entry. It is really annoying when a movie has the wrong genre and there is nothing you can do to change it. For example I don't like to have some of the music DVD's in the educational genre. Anyone know about a work around to change the predefined genre of a given DVD ??

/Lars
Swede in Plano, TX

Lars, I was told that there is no workaround for movies in the wrong genre. However, it makes for amusing moments, such as when people see "A Christmas Story" listed under the genre "Horror".:)

thxs. I just ordered it. I hope it works.



Originally posted by crbaldwin


slocko,

This is the exact one I have if it helps: http://www.usbgear.com/usa/item_288.html

Well I think I've tried everything.

I unplugged the system (Entre & Changer) for a day.

I checked the cable connections as David suggested. To further amplify, I swapped out a brand new cable between the Entre and the DV-5900.

The DV-5900 works if operated from its own menu. The Entre either does not control the changer, or the changer won't receive commands. Can't tell which it is.

The DV-5900 just seems to get stuck on whatever disc it's on. I entered Scrooged from the DV-5900 menu, it pulled it up, and then I would pull up the Entre guide . . . tried to change the disc. Whether the Scrooged disc was playing, stopped, at its DVD internal menu . . . whatever . . . it would not move from it. Several times the DVD Changer decided it would just open the door, although that variation passed.

The above is not singular to the one disc. It's representative of what happens whatever the disc that was last playing in the DV-5900.

Now comes the fun part.

I called my dealer, which is a respected and authorized Kenwood Dealer (make that "was") out of Spokane Washington. The Cleveland Ohio area had no local dealers when I purchased, and I don't think there are any now. I was advised that Kenwood pulled the Sovereign line from it, because they weren't supposed to be selling Sovereign over the Net. Now, I had registered all my purchases online with Kenwood when made, so I'm not terribly worried about someone not backing up a warranty--that's a legal matter, and either Kenwood or the dealer will have to make good.

The problem is the headache of it all. I don't know whether it's the changer or the Entre, so both are going to have go in . . . and I understand that it's unlikely that even authorized Kenwood service centers will be able to service the Entre . . . (May I borrow that shotgun, please?)

You know . . . I remarked to David the other day, that, despite my gripes, I really want this piece to work. . . . I have wanted it to work from day one. I was the first one to start the cheerleading thread that this product was a "winner . . ." and while I've been very disappointed by a lot, I will continue to say that this is one of the most forward-looking products I've ever seen in consumer electronics, period . . . conceptually, anyway . . . and for the the time that it does work.

So . . . what the (gross and savage expletive deleted) to do? I really did want this to work . . . if I throw it all out the window, it won't help, because it's all on the first floor.

Nick :cool:

Nick...Sorry to read about your problems. For some reason I think however you may have something not quite right for some reason. I only say this because I know you had moved around a number of cables at one point and made a few other changes to your system and settings on the Entre.

I would suggest a call to Kenwood and ask for advise on what to do and also recheck your connections. You mentioned you changes cables between the two...with what? I do think these are null modem cables (I could be mistaken) and thus I am wondering what you used.

Yes...it would keep playing your last played disc if it can not tell it to switch discs and I also would not expect the DVD changer GUI to stop responding.

Let me know if we need to make another call, I am home afternnons Eastern time. ;)

Originally posted by David Bott
Nick...Sorry to read about your problems. For some reason I think however you may have something not quite right for some reason. I only say this because I know you had moved around a number of cables at one point and made a few other changes to your system and settings on the Entre.

Whatever time you're available, to spend, I 'd appreciate.

I would suggest a call to Kenwood and ask for advise on what to do and also recheck your connections. You mentioned you changes cables between the two...with what? I do think these are null modem cables (I could be mistaken) and thus I am wondering what you used.

The cable I changed was the serial cable connecting the Entre to the Changer. Remember, since I bought two changers, I had two cables. I simply used the other cable Kenwood provided.


Yes...it would keep playing your last played disc if it can not tell it to switch discs and I also would not expect the DVD changer GUI to stop responding.

Let me know if we need to make another call, I am home afternnons Eastern time. ;)

I'm shooting for today. If you want to PM times for me to call, later today, please do so.

Nick :cool:

Nick, if you have two changers, before going to the time, expense, frustration etc. of sending both units back, how about hooking your entre up to the second changer and seeing if the second unit responds. You probably will lose data on those dvd's that were manually input, but at least you narrow down the unit that is not working. Afterall, if cable swapping doesn't solve it and your going to have to send something back, you'll have to start over anyway. Let us know what happens. I have a second changer also, but so far as I know, no problems with the current changer/entre hookup. By the way, isn't there a switch on the back that designates if the changer is 1,2 or 3. Maybe this switch was inadvertently moved.

Originally posted by zinja
Nick, if you have two changers, before going to the time, expense, frustration etc. of sending both units back, how about hooking your entre up to the second changer and seeing if the second unit responds. You probably will lose data on those dvd's that were manually input, but at least you narrow down the unit that is not working. Afterall, if cable swapping doesn't solve it and your going to have to send something back, you'll have to start over anyway. Let us know what happens. I have a second changer also, but so far as I know, no problems with the current changer/entre hookup. By the way, isn't there a switch on the back that designates if the changer is 1,2 or 3. Maybe this switch was inadvertently moved.

Yeah . . . I have considered that. What's easiest for me is to get a longer serial cable, and make the connection, as the DV-5050M is much farther away from the Entre than the DV-5900M

I'm not sure of the switch on the back that you reference. You may be referring to something having to do with normal daisy chaining, in which one unit gets designated as the Master, the 2d sub1, the third sub2. If that's what you're referring to, it probably makes no difference, as that daisy chaining continues to work fine.

I'm going to take it easy today, off work, and take the time to do some trouble shooting that is called for in any event. I'll report back with any progress.

Nick :cool:

Hi...It needs to be in Master Mode. At least mine is.

Originally posted by Nicholas


Yeah . . . I have considered that. What's easiest for me is to get a longer serial cable, and make the connection, as the DV-5050M is much farther away from the Entre than the DV-5900M

I'm not sure of the switch on the back that you reference. You may be referring to something having to do with normal daisy chaining, in which one unit gets designated as the Master, the 2d sub1, the third sub2. If that's what you're referring to, it probably makes no difference, as that daisy chaining continues to work fine.

I'm going to take it easy today, off work, and take the time to do some trouble shooting that is called for in any event. I'll report back with any progress.

Nick :cool:

Watch out when getting longer serial cables. These are not standard RS-232 cables we are using. They are RS-232C cables. The transmit and receive wires have been crossed over. I recommend getting a standard serial mouse extension cable and extending the original cable supplied by Kenwood.

Also, as mentioned above, make sure the switch on the changer you are controlling with the Entre' is set to "MAIN" and not "SUB 1" or "SUB 2". If the switch accidentally got moved to anything other than "MAIN", the Entre' will not be able to control it.

Sometimes it's the simplest things that cause the biggest headaches.

I hope you get it fixed without having to unload everything and haul it in to be serviced....ugh.

Good Luck...

Bob

Originally posted by Bob_422


Watch out when getting longer serial cables. These are not standard RS-232 cables we are using. They are RS-232C cables. The transmit and receive wires have been crossed over. I recommend getting a standard serial mouse extension cable and extending the original cable supplied by Kenwood.

Actually, it might be a lot worse than I thought. Since there are a number of connections directly from the DV-5900 to the Entre, all of those would have to be substituted as well. The DV-5050M would literally have to go in place of the DV-5900.

Also, as mentioned above, make sure the switch on the changer you are controlling with the Entre' is set to "MAIN" and not "SUB 1" or "SUB 2". If the switch accidentally got moved to anything other than "MAIN", the Entre' will not be able to control it.

I'll look, but it's unlikely. Keep in mind that those switches are used without the Entre for Daisy-Chaining as well. That function is still working, with the DV-5900 functioning as the Main unit, and the DV-5050M is functioning as the "sub1" unit. Those desiganations wouldn't work if they got switched, and they are working.

I hope you get it fixed without having to unload everything and haul it in to be serviced....ugh.

Good Luck...

Bob

You guys will be the 2d to hear about it.


Nick :cool:

In the manual there is a sequence of key presses that lets you re-initialize the 5900. Look for the section on PC-Link. I remember it being around there somewhere.

I doubt it's the player, but you might as well try that as well.

After getting through to Kenwood, they had me try some of the stuff that people have been suggesting, including re-initializing the 5900. That may still be the problem, but here's where it's at.

In the recent software update, I was one of those plagued with duplicate entries. Then, word was to just wait awhile, and I did.

Now, apparently David took some of you through a back door (I'll have to go back and read) of entering 5-5-5-5 on the software update menu. I never did that. I simply downloaded the software update and the duplicate problem was fixed.

Kenwood took me through the 5-5-5-5 door, and wanted me first to break it down to factory default, then download the software again. As I write, there are 374 discs to go.

So not until today did I go to the factory default in the Entre software. I don't know that that should make a difference, since I clearly downloaded the new software, it showed as version .10, and it worked for awhile. So I'm skeptical of this approach, but sometimes just getting these things out of the pattern they're in restores them. We'll see.

By the way, the Sovereign technician, a fellow named Chuck, was very helpful. Remember, my last experience in talking with Kenwood was at CES, when I was still basically explaining to Kenwood reps what an Entre was. I get the feeling that they've caught up over there, and at least have developed the body of knowledge they should have to answer questions.

Or maybe not, we'll see how this one works out.

Nick :cool:

Damm, we may not be right, but we got some good ideas.

You waiting for the .10 release was the RIGHT thing to do. The going into the backdoor with 5555 was only needed for those who still had issues with the dups. Your dups corrected itself with the new .10 code...thus no need to 5555.

Going back to factory is, and always should be, as last resort. In this case...you had to for some reason yet unknown. Bummer.

From what I read somewhere, the Entre has a 20gb drive correct? Being the computer nut that I am, my first instinct was "need more space!!" Something on the order of a nice 120gb drive! But given the price of the unit, I dont think I will be messing with it anytime soon. So, how much of the 20gb is available for MP3 storage? It would be very nice if I could put my 200-300 cd's on the drive at 192kbit (how high can you go on the Entre, 320? more?).

Another question, which I cant seem to locate in the manual, what if you have a DVD disc that has music on it, in your changer. Can you somehow rip those songs onto the drive?

Someone earlier posted the question

"And WHY can we not be allowed to edit the genre field of each entry. It is really annoying when a movie has the wrong genre and there is nothing you can do to change it. For example I don't like to have some of the music DVD's in the educational genre. Anyone know about a work around to change the predefined genre of a given DVD ??"

There is a way to change this by going to the OPTIONS menu and selecting EDIT MOVIE GROUP. After it comes back with the name of the group, press SELECT. It will show you a list of all the titles. The ones with check marks are in the group. You can add or remove titles to the group. If you want, you can even have the title listed in more than one group by doing this. The default genre for a title will be the one edited first - so if you want to change a title that comes back as Horror just un-check the box under the Horror group. Then go check the title under the group you want it under.

Hope this is what you were referring to...

Regards,

Jennifer Prince

Operation Factory Default. Success.

Nick :cool:

One of my recent problems has been getting audio out from the Entre. I had tinkered around with it months ago, when some new things were added to my Lexicon, so I suspected something by way of my setup has gone askew.

It had. I will correct. But I want to see how everyone interprets these connections, as prescribed by the Entre manual. If you have a Lexicon MC-12, and if your setup is working, I may be in real luck.

Kenwood Instructions (substituting "Lexicon" for "receiver")

1. Connect a stereo audio cable from [Lexicon's] TAPE MONITOR OUT (Rec) jacks to Entre's ANALOG REC IN jacks.

---on the Lex rear panel, there is a bank for Rec Audio and Video OUTPUTS. For the AUDIO there is a choice of "fixed or variable." My assumption has been that I can choose either of these stereo outputs as the connection to the REC IN of the Entre. I'm not sure I understand the difference or the significance of "fixed" and "variable" in this context.

Thoughts?


2. Connect a stereo audio cable from [Lexicon's] TAPE MONITOR IN jacks to Entre's ANALOG PLAY OUT jacks.

This may be a combination correct inputs/Lexicon menu setup issue. The Lex has 8 sets of analog audio inputs. In its setup menu, there is a section to choose for each input device (LD, DVD, CD, etc) by which the numerical analog input is assigned.

There is also in the Lexicon menu, a separate menu item designating "Record In" for each input. These give you choices of 1)analog; 2)digital; or 3)dmix.

I am assuming that I choose one of the inputs for Entre, assign its analog inputs accordingly, and this is the connection to Entre's ANALOG PLAY OUT jacks. I further assume that I will choose "analog" for the REC IN section for Entre, in the Lexicon setup.

Thoughts?

3. Connect a digital optical cable from Entre's Digital Optical Output to [Lexicon's] digital optical input. I know this simply means choosing one of the 6 optical inputs for Entre . . . but . . .

4. What about Entre's DIGITAL INPUTS? The Entre manual says that if the [Lexicon] has a digital output, it should be connected to Entre's digital input. Entre has two digital inputs, optical and coaxial. So does the Lexicon. My assumption has been that I can simply choose, and I've used the coaxial input to Entre. I assume that is sufficient?

Thoughts?

Lexicon's record zone seems fairly intuitive. I believe that you initiate it by simply pressing the corresponding button on the front of the Lex panel, to initiate recording of that particular device. Insofar as the Entre is concerned, I'd like to start recording some cds of my own, and I'd like to be able to do it from a turntable I have for just that purpose. If anyone has any experience to be shared in this connection, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks for any help.

Nick :cool:

Princer, thanks for your suggestion on how to change the genre of a title - your procedure worked out fine ! I am now happy with this !!

Anyone else have incorrect changer statistics ? Mine says it has 398 empty slots in the changer, even though it currently have 300+ discs loaded...

Also, I just tried to download a new software package, and to my surprise it started to download. After download was completed the Entre was resetting, rebooting as normal. However, the version still shows 1.1.0.10 in the setup menu after the reboot. Maybe the revision is not always stepped for small updates ?!?!

Originally posted by Nicholas

1. Connect a stereo audio cable from [Lexicon's] TAPE MONITOR OUT (Rec) jacks to Entre's ANALOG REC IN jacks.

---on the Lex rear panel, there is a bank for Rec Audio and Video OUTPUTS. For the AUDIO there is a choice of "fixed or variable." My assumption has been that I can choose either of these stereo outputs as the connection to the REC IN of the Entre. I'm not sure I understand the difference or the significance of "fixed" and "variable" in this context.

Thoughts?

Nick :cool: [/B]

Nick,

I'll take a stab at number 1:

You should use the “fixed” audio outputs from your Lex into the Entre for recording. The fixed output will send a constant 0db signal to the Entre regardless of how the volume control on your preamp is set. Does the Entre have a volume control? If so then you would use the Entre's volume control to adjust the listening level. The “variable” output's level will be affected by the volume control on your preamp. The “variable” output would be appropriate for connecting to an external amplifier.

Hope this helps,
Ken

Ahhh . . . just when I thought it was safe . . .

I am now restoring factory default for the 2d time.

Here's the funny story.

As reported, after the update, Entre quits controlling the Changer.

All externals (cabling, etc.) are checked as fine. Kenwood recommends the 5-5-5-5 backdoor to restore factory defaults. With the enormity of the rebuild mission in mind, I embark.

Factory defaults are restored. Upon restoration, I try to rebuild the Library of 400, which are about 360 DVDs, and 40 DVD-A discs. Previously, at the time of the software update, I recovered about 90% of everything I had. I doubt that I had more than three DVDs without cover art from OpenGlobe.

DVD-A discs were different, but worth mentioning. Prior to the Update, even though Entre would not get information on a DVD-A disc, it would identify it as "Unknown DVD Audio," and the fact that a DVD-A disc was in the system would be listed under a separate column. After the software update, this separate column identification continued. Those who have DVD-A discs can see it in the Entre menu, one right click from the far left. This was a convenient feature, because you could click to the DVD-A column if you just wanted to select from that genre.

So, then . . .

After factory default was restored, so was changer control. Once again, the Entre commanded the changer, as it should. Note that since that event (yesterday) it worked in this regard.

The library rebuild was another issue. After letting Entre try to rebuild the Library, there were now 54 "lost" DVDs. Okay. I've looked them up before, and life is miserable enough that I won't mind terribly looking them up again.

The DVD-A discs were a different story. Everything was identified as a DVD, and not only would I have to enter information, but Entre would not distinguish them as DVD-A discs. Then a curiousity.

After awhile something got stuck. I had to reboot the Entre. When I rebooted it, it engaged the "library rebuild" function (which I had NOT noticed it do earlier). This took about 20 minutes, but after it occurred, I noticed that I was BEGINNING to be able to edit discs, and, if they were DVD-A discs, they began to be identified.

Then, a thunderstorm, while I'm looking things up . . .power out, Entre out, everything out . . . back on . . . and now it won't look the damned things up anymore. I got 9 DVD-A discs on my list before the elements took over . . .

I called Kenwood, told them that we had succeeded in gaining changer control, but what was going on with the Entre. The tech suggested the 5-5-5-5 route again, only this time to initiate a library rebuild. I did it, the rebuild cycled through, but . . . still no identification of DVD-A discs.

Then, as I'm busy trying to manually enter titles and edit discs, I had the urge to ask: Does this still work?

No.

Changer is no longer controlled by the Entre. Of course, in a weekend where this was going to be used to tinker with the system, this happened at just the appropriate hour--about 5:30 pm PST, on Friday.

So . . . I'm backing up my steps. I know the factory default was the appropriate place to start, and that's been done. Now I've gone into the setup menu to start looking up all 400 discs. On that point, perhaps David or someone else will have a recommendation.

The "Lookup All" feature didn't work that great last time, and, as I watched (am watching it)lavor over the first disc in the first slot, I suspect it won't be much better. I've opted to do the lookup by way of look up range--1 to 400--so it will be busy all night until morning. Right now, 6 minutes of the lookup have elapsed, and it hasn't gotten to the 2d disc yet. Great.

Well, this is not looking promising. I might reset the changer, and start this over again if it goes too long. Any input, please provide.

Fun, ain't it?

Nick :cool:

All I can add is...after you went back to factory...did you remember to download the new software before starting your lookup? Hope so.

6 mins and not on to disc 2...something is wrong sir...for that is not anywhere close to the lookup time.

Restore
Download New Software
Tell it to do a full lookup vs a range lookup.
Go to bed
Wake up and see.

Take care...good night.

No, I did not. I will now redo it, download it, and start all over.


AARGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nick, suggest you buy David a roundtrip Greyhound Bus ticket, have him come over for a weekend and help out. Maybe offer him a steak dinner too. Hope everything is working this am, cause if your having this problem, its probably just a matter of time before the rest of us do.

I don't have any DVD-A discs and have not had any remote problems (yet). I do notice that after the new download and "look up all", that I now have 72 (of 400) DVD's that are "unknown" (in changer statistics), even though the title is in the Guide. I will manually look them up today. Also thanks to PRINCER on Genre changes. Funny that Kenwood rep that I e-mailed did not know this work around. Guess we are the few, the proud, the chosen,,,o.k. maybe we are the few that have too much time on our hands and have nothing better to do than fool around with a bunch of DVD's and CD's. Hopefully, Kenwood will do something to make this setup more user friendly, cause I doubt many consumers (buyers) will put up with this aggravation/adventure/experiment.

Also, I am unable to find the USB/ethernet adapter, I do not need it right now (no DSL connection yet). However, any suggestions on what kind of network to connect two computers and the entre to a DSL line would be useful. From what I see there are basically four kinds of networking possiblities: Wi-fi, Wi-Fi+, over the phone lines or over the existing electrical lines. Hardwire would be difficult for me to do. My phone system is 2.4 Ghz and I have an x-10 system. I understand that Wi-Fi+ is fast as long as only one computer is hooked up, so the added expense is really not worth the speed advantage. Would Wi-Fi interfere with phone system. Would electrical line connection interfere with x-10.

Well, I'm waiting for the others to start having the problem, too. I don't want to share the misery, but there's no good reason why I'm the only one having it for now. Actually, one other person reported the lock-up after the softare update.

Beware the lock up. It is The End of Days.

Well, this time through offers a new experience. I did stop matters and download the update, as David advised. But. . . . upon waking, it seems I only have 267 discs. There are some DVD-A discs, but not nearly as many as there, but this could be simply that Entre chose to ignore 40% of the inhabitants of my changer.

We shall see. Remember, End of Days.

Nick :cool:

"I did stop matters and download the update"

But Nick....Did you stop...then go back to factory...then download new software...then to the lookup all?

If not...and you just stoped...downloaded and restarted the lookup....you have a mix of old data and new because some of your lookup was with old code...and some with new. Thus could be an issue.

Originally posted by David Bott
"I did stop matters and download the update"

But Nick....Did you stop...then go back to factory...then download new software...then to the lookup all?

If not...and you just stoped...downloaded and restarted the lookup....you have a mix of old data and new because some of your lookup was with old code...and some with new. Thus could be an issue.

I think I did it right.

I went to factory default, and then, without downloading the new software, began a lookup all. Then came your message.

I stopped the lookup that was in progress. I then downloaded the software update, and it went through its cycle of library rebuild, etc. AFTER this was done, I began ANEW another LOOKUP ALL.

As I've studied what's happened, the changer just stopped looking for discs after slot 289 (it might have missed a few others, but I doubt it). So what I'm doing now, after correcting all the discs that were missed in the first sweep, is doing a "look up range" of 289 to 400. That will take some time, but it seems like the logical approach. Again, some of the DVD-A identification has returned, so it could well be that the others which don't appear were merely in slots that didn't get read--they're getting read now.

You know . . . Kenwood should be sending personal attendants to our homes, sending us to comped trips to Vegas. Know why? Here's why, Kenwood (I hope you're reading):

THIS PRODUCT IS SO BUGGY IT WOULD HAVE NO HOPE OF SUCCESS WITHOUT THE INPUT AND UNVOLUNTEERED BETA TESTERS ON THIS FORUM. IT MAY WORK AFTER ALL, BUT ONLY BECAUSE YOU GOT LUCKY ENOUGH THAT PEOPLE ON THIS FORUM LIKE THE IDEA. OTHERWISE . . .


END OF DAYS, KENWOOD. END OF DAYS . . . (THUNDER IN BACKGROUND)

I may, however purchase Kenwood stock if it's traded. Anyone smart enough to get armies of motivated people working for it for free deserves investment.

Nick :cool:

I second Nick. This product would be all done if not for us. Because their beta tests sure aren't working. If I hadn't purchased this product yet I wouldn't. As much as I like it. For the average person it is way to buggy. It is not plug and play. That is why Tweeter and Crutchfield aren't carrying it anymore. Imagine how many people are calling them if they don't know about this newsgroup/site.

It's a good thing the picture quality is so good on this machine, otherwise it would be another discontinued machine. I can only thank heaven that I am not having problems like some. Mine only on occasion won't turn back on without a reset after being off for a while and this seems to be gone now after .10.

Scott,

I just wanted to let you know that I am also having the same DNS lookup failures you are experiencing. I can usually fix the problem by restarting the Entre. I know for sure it's an Entre specific issue, as I have other equipment on the same switch that don't have a problem.

btw, I've only seen this since the new release.

HM

I also have the DNS problem, but for me it is clearing after I reboot the hub (or the Entre). This started after the .10 update. All other PC's on the hub are working fine, it's only the Entre connection I need to clear once in a while. Seems to me it must be an issue with the .10 release based on all postings in this matter...

Everything is now up and running. Everything--mostly--works. So if Entre loses control of the changer, you now know where to go--back to factory default and start all over, sucker. Then go to the explosives store.

Of 37 DVD-A discs, fourteen do not appear as DVD-A, but normal DVDs. No amount of editing, re-looking up, pouring bourbon on the equipment, has helped. So be it. I've edited the title of each DVD-A disc (whether it admits to being one or not) as, for example, America Homecoming (DVD-A).

By the way, my DV-5900 is in a cabinet. I listened up close to it play for the first time. Is this thing loud? Has anyone noticed that?

I burned a few cds onto the Entre, and I even made the wasteful 320 bit the standard playback. CDs sound better, but it's a neat thing to have.

Still a really cool toy and--yes--stil glad I have it. But this type of maintenance, if required too frequently, will kill this thing. Too, too bad if that happnes, because, again, for all the downsides that exist, there is simply nothing, not on the horizon either, that competes. Hope we're not the cool people of the future who "used to own the Entre when Kenwood supported it."

Anyone know what their sales were on the Sovereign units?

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

Nick, "is this thing loud"

Where you been,,,, playing with your Entre? The 59000s hum like no tommorrow. I have two of the 5900 and both hum like their about to fly away. According to prior posts you can open them (void the warranty perhaps), call for service so someone can come out and put a piece of felt on one of the support beams, or do what I do, ignore the noise. Because if things don't workout, these puppies are going back, with the case intact.

Funny thing, now I have most of my DVD's recognized, but the changer statistics claims that 39 are not processed.

Also Openglobe has a listing for Dog Day Afternoon, but when I manually look it up, it comes up Dreams of Gold (or something like that).

Dark Planet and Aftershock: Earthquake in New York are also in the Openglobe listing, but don't show up when I manually do look up. So question is, if its in the Openglobe library, shoudn't we be able to find it and download it.

Originally posted by zinja
Nick, "is this thing loud"

Where you been,,,, playing with your Entre? The 59000s hum like no tommorrow. I have two of the 5900 and both hum like their about to fly away. According to prior posts you can open them (void the warranty perhaps), call for service so someone can come out and put a piece of felt on one of the support beams, or do what I do, ignore the noise. Because if things don't workout, these puppies are going back, with the case intact.

Good one, Zinj . . . actually I take great pleasure in your response, not because it's annoying to you, but my setup is such that my changers are ensconced in a huge oak cabinet, the product of an Amish madman. This cabinet could hush mass murders, so the DV5900 hasn't been a problem.

It wasn't until recently, when I had lots of tinkering to do, particularly with thinking that the changer was jammed . . . well, it sounds like it is jammed. But then it works. That's what prompted the question.

They really should do something about the noise, though. It doesn't inspire a lot of confidence in the build quality of the player.

As an aside, now that all is back up . . . I actually watched a movie, Vertical Limit. This deserves honorable mention.

This was one of the rare movies I'd actually seen at a commercial theater two years ago (great place to take kids on New Years Eve). I remember being so unimpressed by the movie, thinking it was pretentious. On second view, it's still not a great drama, but it's actually a good movie. Thank goodness Isabella Scorupca lives. Too bad all her scenes take place in the cold.

The Superbit DVD is perhaps the best home theater I've ever seen or heard. I don't know if there's a regular edition DVD that differs from the Superbit (usually the Superbit is a marginal improvement, if that, over what is already a great transfer . . . could be true here, too), but I had nothing but the theater to compare.

It's at least a tie, if not the outright winner, for the best looking DVD I've ever seen. It's about that way from an audio perspective, too. I've got "7.2" surround (7 speakers with 2 subs) and everything was in play in this flick. The surrounds, the subs . . . if I had to criticize it's that the movie lacks a great musical score . . . lacks it sorely, actually . . . because if you had something memorable like from Braveheart, this movie might really be something.

Nonetheless, it had my audio singing. I run my DV5900 through a 8" CRT projector and a Faroudaj NRS at 720p. It has never, ever, looked better than with this disc. If anyone wants a "showoff" disc, this Superbit is worth it.

Okay, rare ranting on actually enjoying the equipment. Kenwood, make it quieter, make it work the way it's supposed to, and do it now. And we'll appreciate it.

Nick :cool:

Nick, my two 5900s are also in a custom entertainment center, but, built by cubans. So, the sound does not bother me, except that it means that something inside the unit is vibrating enough to make noise. Usually, that would mean something might fail later on. Glad I got the extended four year warranty from the place I purchased them (assumes the place will still be in business in four years). They have lasted a lot longer than the two pioneers that I had daisey chained (should I say five - four had to be replaced). Those only lasted about two full rotations before they jammed.

Nick, if you thought Vertical Limit was good, get the new Lord of the Rings. During the first battle (about two minutes into the movie) turn you sound way up (just be sure that there are not pregnant woman, people with bad backs or heart conditions in the neighborhood). It has to be one of the best sound effect DVD's of all time. I only wish I had a better subwoofer, but the wife drew the lline at two SL3 martin logans and a center martin logan with two Boston rear and two front effect speakers all running through the Yamaha RX-V1. She claims that jewlery goes up in value, but home theatre equipment is obsolete in 6 months (can't really argue with her on that one).

Tomorrow's headline:

Nick dies

Kenwood Announces Entre Finally Supports Multiple Changers

No sooner does the systerm work out, and I post a glowing aside about my Vertical Limit experience, then . . . I turn things on, disc (Vertical Limit) gets stuck in changer, jammed, literally gets spit out on the side of the carousel . . . with . . . a deep gash in the disc.

In order to get it out of the changer, I had to take out a bunch of discs, reload thereafter, and do a lookup range of 56 discs (because I needed to be sure they were properly replaced.

I need to order a new Vertical Limit. By the way, anyone else have problems with DV5900 jamming? Should I be pressing stop-stop when it powers on to make sure it's not stuck from last play?

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

Does anyone have anything written by Kenwood that states that the Entre supports upto 3 Sovereign DVD Changers? At one time, their website did not say, "coming soon" next to this feature. I'm hoping someone might have received some marketing literature that clearly states that the Entre supports more than 1 changer.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

HM

Nick, I almost had a heart attack, when you said entre announced mutiple changer support, till I realized that its tomorows news and tomorows news and tomorow never gets here.

I have not had the nasty episode yet with my 5900's. However, one changer will read some of my discs that the first says are not readable. But never has one been spit our in such a rude and uncivilized manner. I suggest that at this time it might be appropriate for you to return the changer for a new one.

Originally posted by hmatos
Does anyone have anything written by Kenwood that states that the Entre supports upto 3 Sovereign DVD Changers? At one time, their website did not say, "coming soon" next to this feature. I'm hoping someone might have received some marketing literature that clearly states that the Entre supports more than 1 changer.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

HM

I have it. It was the stuff originally on their website. But even today, go to Audio Advisor (which carries Sovereign) and it's always been stated thus in its catalogue.

However, there is no question that this was what was intended. The mere fact that in Entre's setup it distinguishes between "changers" and some other indicators show that this was intended from the start.

As for my post above . . . boy, Entre users are serious. First, I really hope to live to see the day that Entre supports more than 1 changer (ergo . . the joke . . .Nick dies . . .it finally happens . . . get it?). But, by the way, when it happens, it won't be headlines.

Nick :cool:

Nicholas,

At one time I had a copy of their website on disk, I've since misplaced it. I have already secured the return of my changer and they are working with me to take back the Entre, but they're asking for my help. The store manager can take the unit back immediately, if I can show him Kenwood literature which clearly states that it would support multiple changers.

Otherwise, it turns into an ugly and drawn out process.

H

Originally posted by hmatos
Nicholas,

At one time I had a copy of their website on disk, I've since misplaced it. I have already secured the return of my changer and they are working with me to take back the Entre, but they're asking for my help. The store manager can take the unit back immediately, if I can show him Kenwood literature which clearly states that it would support multiple changers.

Otherwise, it turns into an ugly and drawn out process.

H

Try it like this. Tell him to go to the setup menu in Entre. Then go to "Changer Management." Then go to "Changer Statistics."

In that section, it will read like this:

External Changers Connected:1

Empty Changer Slots . . . (etc.)


1. Why are they identified as "changers?" (plural)

2. Why would there ever be the need to count them, if only one was contemplated?

Alternatively, send me a PM with your email, and I'll scan and send you a copy of the information sheet I got from my dealer, and which was on their website, which says:

"controls transport functions of up to 3 Daisy-Chained DVD changers."

I can't believe the dealer is giving you a hard time on this one. There should be no dispute about it.

Nick :cool:

I once read about a website that is archiving the internet. I know it sounds absurd, but they were trying to take snapshots of the web at a particular point in time.

I wish I had more info, and it's probably a long shot, but maybe they saved Kenwood's original web page.

Google keeps cached pages - depending on how recently Kenwood changed it, Google might have a cached copy.
Run a google query and pick the 'cached page' link once you think you've found the right page.

Can someone tell me if the port on the back of the changers is a Male or Female port? I am at work, and trying to build a short "patch" cable for mine using a very small connector (yes space limitations!) and need to know if I need a male or female socket to plug into the unit. Thanks. Also, the cable for the player is just a standard RS-232C cable, correct?

I believe it's male. If you download the instruction manual for the 5900 from the kenwood site, you will be able to see a diagram and also the specs on the 232 cable.

Nicholas, Slocko, & Patrick B.

WOW! I didn't expect so many responses :)

Thank you all for the additional information. I'll report later this evening on what happened with the return.

HM

HM,

Did anything specifically break the camel's back?

I might get an entre soon if I can find a used one. I am sick of inputing dvd titles and then having to work with that retarded display screen on the unit of the 5900 to categorize them. I am also terrified of losing all the information I have typed in there already.

Slocko, the Entre is a great unit for sure. It appears to me that many of the severe probelms are related to the changer rather than the Entre. For me I can live with a sw problem on the Entre, as long as we have support from Kenwood (it will be addressed sooner or later with easy sw download). However, problems with jamming, "cannot read disc" etc on the changer itself would be a real hassle. So far I have had no such problems with the changer (5900M), and most of my complaints/comments on the Entre are really things I believe will be addressed in due time. In the mean time I really enjoy the system and would not at all be happy without the Entre. The Entre is the key component for me.

As much as I've bitched about certain things, I'll make an observation to the contrary: You will miss it.

Fact is, for all of the headaches, it really has features that are so far outside the realm of normal availability that they get easily taken for granted. Like anything else in that regard, you won't know what you've got until it's gone. Unfortunately, no one can be accused of unreasonably losing their patience.

I'm holding out, because I know I'll miss it when I get rid of it, and I do want to give Kenwood the chance to make good. Call it self interest, hopefully enlightened self interest.

Nick :cool:

i am sure i will like the entre, but I also wish Kenwood would give the developer the info they need to develop an alternative to netnamer.

i would be happy managing my 5900 via my pc. at this point in time my needs are simple and i am content with the 5900's osd. i just need an easier way to manage my collection and have that backed up. netnamer gives me some of that, but i am sure a developer could have designed something much slicker by now. Maybe integration with dvdprofiler.

dvdlobby is nice but requires a slinke and it doesn't support categories yet. so it looks like i might as well as bite the bullet and get an entre, hopefully used.

Just got back from a short vacation to relatives who live in smalltown, USA. I helped him raise his barn roof that was saging. Refreshing to get "away." Watched a DVD on the laptop on the ride home, tho <grin>.

Originally posted by Patrick Bennett
Google keeps cached pages - depending on how recently Kenwood changed it, Google might have a cached copy.
Run a google query and pick the 'cached page' link once you think you've found the right page.

It was the WayBack Machine that keeps web archives and was mentioned on the Langa list a while ago.

I found this cached page that shows support for 3 changers without the 'coming soon' phrase. Bring it up people and save it to disk <grin> as they my get contacted by Kenwood to delete it....

http://web.archive.org/web/20011106034640/http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/product.jsp?productId=2357&productLineId=2


HM/Lars, thanks for letting me know about the DNS look up failures after the .10. I was fairly sure I wasn't crazy nor technically inept. I updated my post a day or so later to state what I did to "fix" the darn thing.


Nick, your endurance is pretty impressive and entertaining...saying that only after I went through a few days of pain after the infamous .10 upgrade as well. Glad you are still among us (in mulitple ways).

Originally posted by slocko

dvdlobby is nice but requires a slinke and it doesn't support categories yet. so it looks like i might as well as bite the bullet and get an entre, hopefully used.

DVDLobby can be used with a Kenwood without a Slinke.

OK, I'll bite, what is DVDLobby, how do I get it, and how is integrated into the Kenwoold 5900.

Yes, I forgot about your little program. I think it's yours. So I guess my only gripe about dvdlobby is the lack of categories and it seems that it takes some time to get all the pieces working. Time is something I dont' have a lot of these days.

Did it work out for you Ken with dvdlobby?

Dvdlobby is an application written in flash that is very graphic rich. It basically displays dvd covert art and has some slick screen savers and skins. It also can spawn any command you specify in association with a dvd title.

You will need a pc connected to the kenwood and for the best integration, dvd profiler and the application that controls the kenwood. But you need to do a lot of configuring and tweaking to get all three pieces talking to each other. You also need a way to remote control the pc if you plan to use the interface to play dvds from your couch. Some people bought pc tablets with wireless cards and are using that to control the main pc that is connected to the kenwood.

Search for dvdlobby here in avsforums and you will find some very long threads.

Originally posted by kelliot


DVDLobby can be used with a Kenwood without a Slinke.

The interface program is chgctrl.exe. Its not mine, but it does work. My 5050M is still a work in progress.

I just saw the Crutchfield ad for the Sony 875. The Kenwood still looks better, IMO. Maybe shipment of the Sony, however, will get Kenwood and Pioneer moving to improve their products.

Here's the link --> http://www.gadgetland.net/chgctrl/ .

I haven't started using DVDLobby either for the same reason Slocko, but one of these days...

slocko,

Where do I begin? I purchased these products when they first came out and have had to deal with every "little" BS problem since day one. The last release of the software, pretty much tells me where Kenwood & OG are going with these products. The list thus far,

(*) lack of MULTIPLE CHANGER support after almost a year and as I've said before, I doubt this will work reliably when and if it's ever made available

(a) the number of times I've had to perform a reset to factory defaults

(b) the number of times I've emailed Kenwood & OG requesting their assistance and gotten no answer or a bogus canned response two weeks later

(c) the number of calls I've placed to Kenwood support and gotten some of the most ridiculous answers to the simplest questions

(d) the number of times the CD and/or DVD guides have been corrupted with duplicates (yes, this was there before the .10 release -- just not as severe)

(e) the number of times I've tried to use the Internet Radio feature and gotten nothing but, "buffering", "radio station cannot be found", and skipping

(f) the number of times I've selected a disc in the Entre Guide and watched my changer's, "READING" and the dreaded "DISC FLIP" messages

(g) the number of times I've had to reboot Entre, PC, & Changer just to be able to transfer mp3 files from my PC to the Entre

(h) the number of times I've reclassified music and watched the Entre & Media Manager completely ignore the new information

(i) DNS failures (oh joy a new feature) :)

(j) Entre lockups (granted these have gotten much better -- now I just lose remote functionality causing me to reboot the Entre)

(k) Media Manager lockups

(l) missing DVD titles and/or incorrect information in the OG database

(m) layer change times

(n) SLOW, SLOW, SLOW disc read/access times

I'm more than just a little tired and extremely disappointed with these products. I'm sure there are people out there that feel differently -- this is my opinion.

When you spend more time trying to make these devices work correctly than actually "watching & enjoying" a movie -- guess what, it's time for them to go back. I purchased these products because I was tired of having to deal with constantly having to tweak my HTPC. I never had any intention of trading one headache for another. Ironically, I've had to use my HTPC on several ocassions (disc is unreadable).

I understand these things might not bother anyone else or for that matter may not be happening to everyone. They are however, happening with my Entre & 5900.

I will not miss these units at all! They have not worked reliably since day one and I don't have the time, money, or patience to wait around for Kenwood & OG to get their act together.

btw, If anyone needs the NetMater Cat-C USB to Ethernet Adapter -- I'll let it go for a reasonable price (just PM me). ;)

HM

Well Slocko, I am in the same position as you. I've had my 5900 for 3 1/2 weeks now and have been using the NetNamer software. I agree that in the right hands, that software could be much improved. But it works ok, just has more potential. I just can't stand the 5900's OSD and Library when I am not at my PC or have my PC turned off (At night and during movies). So I bit the bullet and picked up the Entre' today. Unfortunately I can't even begin to play it with until my USB/Ethernet adapter arrives. I ordered it 2 weeks ago on Ebay. Getting a bit nervous on that deal. If it isn't here by Friday, I may be in trouble. Anyway, I'll keep you guys updated on my experiences when I get 'er up and running.

Bob

HM,

I'm sorry to see you move on as I'm sure others are since you are always willing to provide input and help. Your list of concerns is well understood and we can only hope that Kenwood and OG "read" how they can even drive away the most dedicated customers.

Certainly the bugs reported on this thread and others have cost them future potential customers as well. I only hope they enhance the product while improving their quality.

Take care and check in from time to time.

Scott Fauque

Can anyone report on the Kenwood Axcess now that it's generally available? I gave up waiting for it quite some time ago in favor of the Audiotron, but I'm still curious as to what it can do and how well it works.

I ordered right after your post so you owe me $15 bucks if it's a scam :)

I wrote to the guy today since he had sent me email saying it had shipped on the 12th.

Originally posted by Bob_422
Well Slocko, I am in the same position as you. I've had my 5900 for 3 1/2 weeks now and have been using the NetNamer software. I agree that in the right hands, that software could be much improved. But it works ok, just has more potential. I just can't stand the 5900's OSD and Library when I am not at my PC or have my PC turned off (At night and during movies). So I bit the bullet and picked up the Entre' today. Unfortunately I can't even begin to play it with until my USB/Ethernet adapter arrives. I ordered it 2 weeks ago on Ebay. Getting a bit nervous on that deal. If it isn't here by Friday, I may be in trouble. Anyway, I'll keep you guys updated on my experiences when I get 'er up and running.

Bob

*post deleted*

As it turns out, the Kenwood website has incorrect information on it regarding the VR-5900 and its Universal HD (go figure!). Website clearly states it would downconvert any input to any other input, but yet the unit does not. So I have no choice now but to wire everything with s-video alone (right?). If I run component and s-video between all my components, receiver, and entre, with s-video to the TV from the entre, I assume the entre will not give me a picture (because it could sense an active component input from the receiver?)

Thanks for any reply...

Thxs CR. That usb to serial adpater worked. I finally hooked it up today and it worked.

What a disappointment with netnamer. It's worst than I thought. The only marginal improvement over the native interface is that I can categorize the titles after I input them.

Well I guess I will take what is given. I wonder why kenwood hasn't devoted any resources to improving netnamer. I am sure one developer can re-write that app in less than a month.

Entre is looking better every day!

Originally posted by crbaldwin


slocko,

This is the exact one I have if it helps: http://www.usbgear.com/usa/item_288.html

I just received my Axcess yesterday. Boy is this a cool :) It works pretty well. I am using the D-link HPNA to Ethernet bridge. Playing mp3s from the entre works great. I am having a little trouble with the internet radio, but it may be related to the switch I am using on my network. I am going to try a different one today. The axcess sounds really good! They also did a pretty good job with the interface.

On a seperate note: Why is Crutchfield selling these if they are dropping the Entre/Sovereign line up???

I have been very interested in the concept of the Kenwood Sovereign Axcess since purchasing the Entre last December. After browsing the information briefly, it looks like it will only do internet radio and play MP3s. I was hoping it would also play CDs in my 5900 and regular radio from my 5700 reciever.

If anyone has the Axcess, can you tell us what it can and cannot do?


Regards,

Jennifer Prince

re: Universal Video on the Vr-5090, 5700, and 5900, the receiver wil UPCONVERT any signal to component, but will not downconvert component at all (what's the point if you're viewing S anyway?) So just connect everything in your system with composite and S if your TV only has an S video input and you'll be OK!

Originally posted by JD-NH
re: Universal Video on the Vr-5090, 5700, and 5900, the receiver wil UPCONVERT any signal to component, but will not downconvert component at all (what's the point if you're viewing S anyway?) So just connect everything in your system with composite and S if your TV only has an S video input and you'll be OK!

Well the point of it would be in my case being able to wire everything now for my future HDTV, and not have to worry about it. Just add the component video to the Entre when I get the set and be done. Not to mention that the website for Kenwood stated that it did in fact up and down convert. Oh well.

Ok, I pretty much have my whole system hooked up, but not sure about the remote cables and the control cables. I have a remote cable installed between the Entre and the Receiver. No other cables between devices. Am I supposed to have them hooked up between anything else? And if so, which type, and between which components?

Also, from what I can tell, the control cable that came with the DVD changer, is a "stereo" cable, while all the others I got (and see mentioned in manuals) are "mono" style. Is this correct?

Thanks,

Kirby

Kirby-
Ahh...I see what you mean. Just out of curiosity, I checked both the online manual and the product description and only found this reference:

"A Universal Video HD™ video transcoder lets you watch composite and S-Video sources through an advanced component-video equipped monitor for the best possible picture quality – and it's ready for high definition video..."
-from KenwoodUsa. com product description of VR5900

and I KNOW the manual doesn't claim downconversion of component, but it is a complicated feature. I guess your best bet would be to run the S video AND component, and simply disconnect the 2 S cables when you get your new TV. Good luck!

When you view kenwoodusa.com, and the VR5900 main page, click on "technology" and see this listed:
Universal Video™ HD

To you, Universal Video™ HD means fewer wires between your Kenwood Sovereign Receiver and your TV or monitor. It also means you don’t have make two steps to switch video sources. What Universal Video™ HD does is automatically upconvert or downconvert the video signal from composite, S-Video or component to the highest quality connection out to your TV or monitor. Even HDTV signals! You get the benefit of the highest quality picture possible with easy connection and easy operation. Plus, recording from TV, cable or satellite is remarkably simple. Universal Video™ HD is featured on the VR-5900, VR-5700 and VR-5090.


But as you suggested, I ran dual connections, and will abandon the S-video later.

Kirby-
The bit with the "stereo" and "mono" cables is a little odd...let it suffice to say that you can use either when the connection calls for mono, but only stereo when the connection calls for stereo. For your aplication (IR control) the "tip" and "ring" conductors are simply shorted out and used in place of the sigle "tip" conductor you'd find on a mono cable. The "shield" conductor remains the same for both.
Good luck!
JD

Jennifer:

The Axcess will do just what you said it would....that being...Stream your MP3's and also connect you to Internet radio. Note though...to use Internet radio you need to be using a DLS or cable modem (or other highspeed connection) and also a Home PNA to Eithernet Bridge.

But that is what it was made from...MP3's from the Entre and Internet Radio. All info shows on the unit's display and if something is playing you want more information on...you can press an OpenGlobe button and it will store your selection on the Entre so you can look it up on screen later. You can play up to 4 streams at the same time to 4 diffent Axcess Points.

The units have a 20 watt amp in them so all you need to do is add speakers. It also has Low Level RCA Audio out jacks so you can hook it into your home receiver you you want. It also has a AUX in for like TV hookup.

So...Sorry...it will not play your CD's for you.

Thanks for the info. In the back of my mind, I was hoping it could do it all (MP3, Internet Radio, Radio, and CDs) since it is all tied to the Entre already. I guess I will have to start looking for a different solution.

Is there something out there that could control all of these functions without costing a ton of money. I plan on running speakers to the bedroom and another set for around the house. Eventually, adding a TV to the bedroom would be an option. Something that could control the entre and pipe the audio and video to that location would be nice.

Regards,

Jennifer Prince

I know, I'm late to the party compared to most all of you, so please be gentle.

Got everything hooked up this weekend finally, and as David had recommended, I upgraded the Entre's software before installing it with anything else. This went fine, and then I told the Entre to rebuild to Sirius stations, and it apparently did.

However, now when I am in Radio, up at the top of the screen I keep getting a message about "Please press (open globe button) to update Sirius links.." or something like that. How do I make it stop?! Or is this normal?

Also, on the DVD lookups, I only have a paltry 82 DVD's right now, 7 of which were Unknown. Manual lookup has solved all but one, that being "Batman & Robin". Anyone have luck lookuping this DVD?? I've tried just about every combo I can think of.

Thanks.

Jennifer... The reason it can not do CD is because it would have to encode it on the fly to stream it to you. Not to mention...seeing it can support up to 4 users at the same time...if you are playing a CD and someone else case to...they would be stuck and thus loose that function. Not that they could not make it say "Already in use" or something like that. But the issue here is the encoding live at the same time and the time for all this to occure. Burn your CD's to the Entre and problem solved. :)


Kirby... The top banner is just that ...a banner that they replace like we do on this site. It is used to let people know about things. In this case, to update your i-radio info. No big deal.

Glad to read all is working well...I do not have that DVD so I am sorry...no help on that one. Darn...somewhere in this very big thread is an e-mail address for Kenwood to send your missing DVD info to so they can have it added by OpenGlobe.

How about dvdtitles@kenwoodusa.com? Gotta love the printable version link, and "display all 8796345 posts on one page" to search by :)

LOL....Never thought of that!!!

Any idea as to how many MP3s it takes to fill up the internal hard drive? :p

Regards,

Jennifer Prince

No...but based on using a 128bit encoding, you should be able to do something like 300 CD's. (I think that was the number.)

Since adding the factory software update, what little MP3 stuff I had burned to the hard drive was wiped out (for my faithful followers, they know that I had to do a factory reboot before the download, before the changer would again respond--so, very biblically, what little I had was lost).

Since downloading and adding a few new titles, I opted for the highest bitrate (I think it's 300 some) thinking that, since I don't use it much, what the hell.

Well, my only basis of comparison is that, when I was at the 128 default bit rate, I couldn't tell a difference between the cd and the MP3 burned onto the hard drive. Now that I've unleashed all the space . . . I still can't tell a difference. Fact is that, at the recommended bit rate (and the Entre tells you how many hours of available space you have, given the bit rate) . . . you can pretty nearly fill what's in a 200 disc changer on the HD.

That really should do the trick, I would think.

One question, though, with Axcess: How are you communicating with Entre from another room? Are you able to get a video menu to choose from?

Nick :cool:

Same problem with Batman & Robin. Prior to .10 it actually looked up and had Batman & Robin listed in the entre (at list I think it did). After .10 download I have not been able to locate Batman & Robin, so I just use the cover art from Batman. Not a great solution, but it works.

What I dont understand is this, the DVD changer actually displays "Batman & Robin" after the Entre looked it up, but the Entre cant get the title. How did the DVD changer get it?

I ask, because isnt it the Entre that triggers the auto-lookup of the discs when you add them?

Kirby....The Changer read the DVD Text info that is on some DVD's. Thus the disc had the Title Text stored on the DVD provided by the studio and read it.


Nick...The Axcess uses your phone lines in your home over the HPNA connection. (Does not stop you from using the phone.) The info is shown on a two line display on the Axcess itself.

I KNOW THE REMOTE IS RF, BUT IS IT INFRA RED AS WELL? I WANT TO USE CRESTRON TO CONTROL THE RECEIVER, BUT NEED TO MAKE SURE I CAN "LEARN" RECEIVER IR COMMANDS.

THANKS,

Originally posted by David Bott


Nick...The Axcess uses your phone lines in your home over the HPNA connection. (Does not stop you from using the phone.) The info is shown on a two line display on the Axcess itself.

What information is it, though? I'm assuming that if you've got MP3 files listed in your Entre menu screeen (as we do on the Entre), that you would be able to scroll through the menu with something remote, that would permit you to look at your selections, and play them. Is this the info that is on shown on the Axcess, i.e., a sort of mini-printout of the Entre's Music Menu?

Nick :cool:

Nick....Yes. You can go though your list like you can on screen or on the Entre itself and select the artist CD or go in and just select a track in on the CD. You also have the play back options like shuffle, repeat, etc.



amargiot...Yes. I use a Niles Intellcontrol with it.

I am not sure if this has been addressed yet in this monstrous thread but here goes.
When listening to music we should be able to browse movie listings. I thought it didn't work because as soon as you hit the movie button on the remote it changed output on the receiver but that is not the case. The receiver output doesn't change until you actually play a movie. I think it should be a simple firmware fix to allow us to browse other guides while listening to one. Sometimes while listening to music I would like to browse my movie list to see what I would like to watch next especially when company is over .
Just my $.02

Hello everyone!
First off, I'd like to thank everyone for the fantastic feedback being made by so many of you on this thread. I know it might seem doubtful at times, but we at Kenwood have indeed been monitoring this site pretty carefully, and have been correcting as many of the issues you've reported as we are able to.
In the hopes of providing better service to our power users (you all!!) I'll be follwing the thread and posting as many replies as I can re: the installation, operation, and setup of Kenwood Sovereign equipment. I'll also do my best to answer any questions involving interfacing your Kenwood gear with other equipment you might own. Regrettably, I will not be able to comment on "coming attractions" in the Sovereign line, but will be sure to post any new information to the site as soon as it is released by Kenwood corporate.
Thanks again for all your postings thus far, and a special thanks to the folks at AVS for hosting this great forum. I hope I can be a service to you all going forward.

All the best

Jeff Coates
Home Audio Training Manager
Eastern Region
Kenwood USA Corp

Welcome to the forum Jeff. Gald to have you here to help out.

Welcome aboard, Jeff.

Your presence is a very positive thing. For the participants of this thread, however, bring a thick skin and deft ducking abilities.

In any case, the fact that Kenwood is now officially "present" on this thread tells me that it is committed to making the product as good as it should be. That alone is encouraging news.

Kindest regards,

Nick :cool:

Welcome Jeff.

Here is an easy one I hope. If I have entered most of my titles into the dv-5900 via the osd, does that information get saved into netnamer once it reads the memory off the disc changer?

I am mainly interested in making sure I have a backup of all the titles I have typed in manually until such time that I buy your wonderful product, the entre.

Also, are there plans to improve netnamer?

Originally posted by JD-NH
Hello everyone!
First off, I'd like to thank everyone for the fantastic feedback being made by so many of you on this thread. I know it might seem doubtful at times, but we at Kenwood have indeed been monitoring this site pretty carefully, and have been correcting as many of the issues you've reported as we are able to.
In the hopes of providing better service to our power users (you all!!) I'll be following the thread and posting as many replies as I can re: the installation, operation, and setup of Kenwood Sovereign equipment. I'll also do my best to answer any questions involving interfacing your Kenwood gear with other equipment you might own. Regrettably, I will not be able to comment on "coming attractions" in the Sovereign line, but will be sure to post any new information to the site as soon as it is released by Kenwood corporate.
Thanks again for all your postings thus far, and a special thanks to the folks at AVS for hosting this great forum. I hope I can be a service to you all going forward.

All the best

Jeff Coates
Home Audio Training Manager
Eastern Region
Kenwood USA Corp

Jeff, Welcome!
I congratulate Kenwood taking the bold step to allowing a rep on the Internet. I don't want to incur Dave's wrath or create sensitivities, so I won't comment on too many negatives.

At the same time the ban on "coming attractions" is a negative. There aren't many competitors in the changer market and I'll be happy is Kenwood stays in it.
I own a 5050M that I'll probably have to get or write a third party program to use effectively, but I may not be your target market. I hope you can make the Entre work in the near term.

You can't comment, as you stated, but I can comment on some things I'd like to see from Kenwood.
1) A true HTPC interface other than the Entre for the 5900M, etc. Something other than Netnamer, easily the lamest piece of user software ever supplied. On my PC, the buttons don't line up and it never did a good job of much of anything. The Entre is too expensive in the day-and-age of $600 PCs.
2) A nextgen successor to the 5900M with the latest and greatest features.
How about a DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+RW/DVD-RW/DVD-RAM recording changer with built-in 1080i/720p scaler? You can follow it up with an HD read-write changer.

"At the same time the ban on "coming attractions" is a negative."

Oh come on now! :rolleyes: Thats all I got to say on that one.

do you guys have any idea where I can find a used entre? I have searched ebay, ubid, and google with no results.

anyone here looking to get rid of one?

Dave you should give people who subscribed to your new magazine access to the classifieds :) kind of incentive you know.

slocko,

You can try Good Guys in Concord, CA -- they may have kept my Entre & DV-5900M as open-box items. The sales manager wasn't too clear on what they would do with the products.

HM

I'd like to think there aren't a ton of second hand Entre out there because eveyone loves theirs too much to part with it :)
As far as the "coming attractions" question, the last thing we want to do is announce something is coming and not be able to deliver in a timely manner. Sometimes things come up that we aren't preapared for and even planned products get delayed! So it's really less paranoia than a desire to make sure you're getting accurate information.
In regards to NetNamer, I'll be doing some testing in the next day or so in the hopes of answering "slocko"s and other questions...I've been spoiled by disc management via Entre, and my NetNamer knowledge has slipped :)
Thanks for the suggestions and comments

Jeff

Hopefuly once you start playing with the Netnamer software you will remember how bad it is and began harassing the developer to release a new version :)

Jeff, Thanks for the response. I've edited my reference to "corporate paranoia". I hope Kenwood can learn from the forum some new ideas for great new products that will show up in "coming attractions" when they appear.

I have been ripping all my CD's to Entre's drive the past few days, and noticed that cover art is a lot more difficult to get for a CD than a DVD. Has this been everyone's experience? In particular I have had CD's with the wrong cover art (Police: Every breath you take The Singles gets cover art for Every Breath you Take: The Classics) or a lot of missing covers (particularly on CD singles).

Does the NetNamer software allow you to create cover art, or somehow import it? I tried to download it last night from kenwoodusa.com, but everytime I log into my account, it wont let me get to the download area. Anyone know where I can get it from? And is there an email address to report missing CD coverart to, like listed below for DVD's?

Lastly, for anyone that sent requests to dvdtitles@kenwoodusa.com, did you ever get a response to know when the DVD was added?

Thanks

Netnamer will not allow you to do anything with cover art. It doesn't even use cover art. But the Kenwood Entré Media Manager software lets you change cover art.

Netnamer is used when you have a direct serial connection between your changer and your PC. If you have an Entré Hub, Netnamer becomes useless because you now have your serial cable connecting the changer to the Entré Hub instead of the PC. That's where the Kenwood Entré Media Manager software comes into play. You will use it to transfer and edit all of your MP3 info and cover art from your PC to the Entré through your LAN.

Keep in mind that I haven't actually used the Kenwood Entré Media Manager software yet. My Entré Hub has been sitting in my entertainment rack for a full week, but I haven't been able to even use the darn thing because my CATC Netmate USB/Ethernet adapter has not arrived yet. So I have been reading the manuals and help files a lot.

Bob

Oops, thats the software I meant, Media Manager, not Netnamer.

Many thanks to Dave. He helped me find an Entre and hopefully it will be on it's way soon. So Bob, I will be keeping you company waiting for the adapter to make its way from Canada.

I put this in a nice way...Screw the adapter! Get yourself a HPNA bridge like the D-link or the Netgear. It is a box that will convert a HPNA network over to a cat5 network. So..you then can use the HPNA port on the Entre, run it though your home phone lines to the bridge and then to your hub or router. It does not interfere with your phone use.

Just wanted to confirm also, that the Linksys HPB200 HPNA bridge also works. And if you are like me, and dont want to hookup your actual phone line (as I've been known to get lightning surges over it!) just hook a phone wire between the 2 devices...Works like a champ!

I will attempt to use a wireless d-link adapter with a wireless d-link router.

Anyone else attempt a wireless connection with the entre? In theory it should work I guess.

Also, will the HPNA solution work with a splitter on the phone jack? I currently have my sat receiver using the phone jack.

I do not think wireless will work for the Entre. It would need the USB drivers for it and it does not.

Yes, you can use a splitter.

Only problem with using a HPNA/Ethernet bridge that I see is that you can't use the Kenwood Entré Media Manager software when connected that way. At least that's what it says here.
ftp://upload.kenwoodusa.com/pub/tech_articles/EntreNetworkHPNA.pdf
I really want to be able to manage the media on my Entré from my PC. It would be much easier for me to transfer MP3s back and forth and edit ID3 Tags and Cover Art from my PC.

They have info on connecting the Entré to a wireless network here...
ftp://upload.kenwoodusa.com/pub/tech_articles/EntreNetworkWireless.pdf
If that is of any help.

Originally posted by Bob_422
Only problem with using a HPNA/Ethernet bridge that I see is that you can't use the Kenwood Entré Media Manager software when connected that way. At least that's what it says here.
ftp://upload.kenwoodusa.com/pub/tech_articles/EntreNetworkHPNA.pdf
I really want to be able to manage the media on my Entré from my PC. It would be much easier for me to transfer MP3s back and forth and edit ID3 Tags and Cover Art from my PC.

I dont see how this can be.. I havent seen the software yet, still cant find a download link to it. But My Entre is sitting in plain view on my network. And I can ping the heck out of it. So if the software allows you to specify to IP of the Entre, you are set.

Kirby,

If you registered your Entré at the Kenwood website, log in at the bottom of the main page. After logging in, click the Profile link (tiny red letters) at the bottom of the page. Now you should see everything you have registered and under your Entré will be a link to "Download Entré Desktop Media Manager".

Give that a shot if you haven't already.

Awesome. Thxs. Hopefully the adapter comes soon. My entre should be here before the end of the week!!!

Originally posted by Bob_422
They have info on connecting the Entré to a wireless network here...
ftp://upload.kenwoodusa.com/pub/tech_articles/EntreNetworkWireless.pdf
If that is of any help.

I must have spent two days looking for the link for netnamer. I thought the website was broken because everytime I went to download it would take me to my registration information. Finally I noticed that way at the bottom they have the link.

That was some frustrating. When you select download you expect to be taken to a download area, not your registration page!!!!

Originally posted by Bob_422
Kirby,

If you registered your Entré at the Kenwood website, log in at the bottom of the main page. After logging in, click the Profile link (tiny red letters) at the bottom of the page. Now you should see everything you have registered and under your Entré will be a link to "Download Entré Desktop Media Manager".

Give that a shot if you haven't already.

Originally posted by Bob_422
Only problem with using a HPNA/Ethernet bridge that I see is that you can't use the Kenwood Entré Media Manager software when connected that way. At least that's what it says here.
ftp://upload.kenwoodusa.com/pub/tech_articles/EntreNetworkHPNA.pdf
I really want to be able to manage the media on my Entré from my PC. It would be much easier for me to transfer MP3s back and forth and edit ID3 Tags and Cover Art from my PC.

Bob,

Just so you know, I just got Media Manager installed, and it found my Entre with no problem. The Entre is on the HPNA bridge, and my PC is a wireless client connected to my wireless bridge (that the HPNA bridge is hooked into). So the Pdf is incorrect.

Now to figure out what this software can do.

Several posts/pages back it was mentioned that a firmware upgrade for the 5900M would be supplied this "summer" that would address the layer-change issue and hopefully other issues. What ever became of this?

Wow, busy day on the thread!

Kirby- If you'd like to import graphics for CD covers, you can do that using Media Manager. Simply bring up the disc you would like to edit, double click on the "generic" cover art, and replace the image with one you've either scanned in, or borrowed from somewhere else. Keep in mind that image resolution is limited to 200x200, and Media Manager will modify any graphic you import to meet those criteria. Not a big deal, as long as you're starting with an image of equal horizontal and vertical res...otherwise it might get distorted!

As for the networking issues, I agree that HPNA is the way to go. As pointed out by Kirby, you don't even have to have tone on the line, just good ol 2 conductor phone line with an RJ11 plug on each end.

If for some reason you don't have a phone line in the room you'd like to install Entre, we've had some success using the system with wireless networks. You'll need a wireless bridge (approx $100), AND the ethernet adaptor ($75?) in addition to the 802.11b router you already have, so the system isn't cheap. I don't like this connection method as much, as sometime Media Manager is unable to "find" your Entre through all the wireless switches, so that app won't function. You also lose the abilty to listen to internet radio through any Axcess portals you might add. Ok as a last resort, but use HPNA if you can

HPNA works fine with Media Manager, and allows your Axcess portals to stream internet radio...they talk back through the phone wire to the HPNA bridge, and from there out to the internet. Very cool once you get it running.

Just as a little sidenote, at home I have Entre connected to a D Link wired/wireless router via one of the RJ45 ports into an HPNA bridge. I can run Media Manager from any of the PCs on the network (hard wired or wireless) and still maintain full functionality of the Axcess unit plugged into the phone line upstairs.

Originally posted by JD-NH
Kirby- If you'd like to import graphics for CD covers, you can do that using Media Manager. Simply bring up the disc you would like to edit, double click on the "generic" cover art, and replace the image with one you've either scanned in, or borrowed from somewhere else. Keep in mind that image resolution is limited to 200x200, and Media Manager will modify any graphic you import to meet those criteria. Not a big deal, as long as you're starting with an image of equal horizontal and vertical res...otherwise it might get distorted!

And now for the question of the day.... Where can I find good CD cover art on the web? I looked on gracenote.com but when I looked up discs, I didnt see cover art. And I dont think we can access OpenGlobe without the Entre for free, correct? So short of scanning in CD covers (which is possible, just takes more time) where should I be looking?

And for question 2, what is the possibility that we could somehow transfer DVD cover art into the Entre for those few discs that just cant be found?

Kirby-
Not that I would recc. taking cover art from amazon.com or cdnow, but I understand there might be some cover art there! As for DVD jackets, there is currently no way to edit them using Media Manager...sorry
Jeff

if you find something on the web just right click, and use "save as" to store on your local PC

Jeff,

Why doesn't kenwood correct that erroneous pdf file? This is the third instance of something being incorrect on kenwood's internet domain. First was the entre support for multiple changers that took forever to correct, then the statement that the vr-5900 can downconvert component (it can't) and now this pdf file that states you can't use media manger via HPNA bridge.

I just checked d-link web site and their HPNA ethernet bridge prodcut is discontinued. it there another product that Kenwood recommends in the even I can't find the d-link product. Or will any HPNA bridge work.

Also, is there another vendor that makes a compatible usb to ethernet adpater that works with the entre besides net mate. my d-link router is a wireless router so that might cut down on switching issues.

The Belkin F5U111 is listed as compatible here (http://www.kenwoodusa.com/group_info.jsp?categoryTypeId=130&productId=2357&productTypeId=147).

But I haven't seen anyone here that has actually tried it.

Just after posting this I noticed they added the following:

LinkSys USB100TX
D-Link DSB-650TX
Belkin F5D5050
SmartBridges SmartNIC2

great. I think I will go ahead and order the d-link 650tx. I like their products. 15 bucks wasted on the net mate if it doesn't show up is acceptable.

Originally posted by slocko
15 bucks wasted on the net mate if it doesn't show up is acceptable.

<sniff> :( <sob>

;)

Re: additional HPNA bridge products, you can try the linksys HPB200, or even better, their HPRO200 (HPNA bridge and router all in one) both should still be available

Jeff

I think someone heard your sniff. The net mate got here yesterday :)

The ironic thing is that I already had ordered the d-link and the place I bought the entre from, might have included the usb adapter. So from none I might end up with three!

Jeff,

Thxs. I will check out one of the bridges if I have too much trouble with my wireless setup.

With the media software can you save and reload your dvd information in the event of having to re-initialize the entire system? I hope so. From what I have been reading here we are talking about hours to look up 400 dvds? Also, I imagine it has to load and unload all those dvds in the process. That sounds like a lot of wear and tear.

Any progress on finding out if netnamer stores information from the disc memory that you inputed outside of netnamer? I will like this to be my backup.

Originally posted by Ponziani



<sniff> :( <sob>

;)

"With the media software can you save and reload your dvd information in the event of having to re-initialize the entire system?"


Nope. But you really should have have to dump your OS ever. That was the first time I had even done it and I only did it so I can do some testing. It needs to read the disc info so it knows what disc is in what slot.

David,

Good point about having to verify the slot number. But if I know I didn't move any dvds around, it would be nice to be able to import my configuration right back into the entre. It would also facilitate things if you have to replace the entre with a new unit, or a later generation unit.

Jeff you listening????? Take notes :)

David is absolutely correct about Media Manager not being able to remeber "last known good" configuration for your DVD changer. He's also VERY correct in saying that the chances of the average consumer ever having to reset their Entre to default is virtually nil...especially after the changes that happened with 1.1.0.10 ( so much so that the "restore Factory Default" option had been removed from the Utilites menu!

Jeff

Jeff:

I recall when Netnamer (right name?) came out that it could (I think) only deal with CDs. Something like that. Shortly thereafter, I got my Entre (you'll recall that the changers were released slightly before the Entre--at least at my dealer they were). As a result, I never pursued the Netnamer thing.

Now that I've got the Entre, does the Netnamer add anything to my setup. I recognize there's a utility if you don't have the Entre, but I'm wondering if there's any real benefit when you do?

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

Nick-
In all honesty, if you have an Entre, I wouldn't worry about NetNamer DV so much. NetNamer DV was designed as an update of the original NetNamer which was a way to allow CDDB information to be transferred from a PC into the CD changer's memory, and give you some basic RS232 control of the player using a PC. Entre's a much better solution, and when you add Entre Media Manager software, completely eliminates the need for NetNamer DV.
Jeff

ps The hard thing for some folks to get used to, is that with Entre, the changer is just a disc spinner. All the database information, groups, playlists, etc live in the Entre.

Slocko beat me to this one. I would also like to see the media manager "mirror" the data on the Entre to a safe location on my PC so I could do an emergency "restore" if my Entre suddenly puked or if I had to do what Nick did. I understand that discs would have to remain in the same slots, but that's not a problem for me. I kept a list of what I put where from the start.

The media manager software could be improved to provide us with slot numbers, that would make it even easier. Plus add DVD support and I would be happy as a could be. :D

On another note.....
I got my USB adapter yesterday and got it all hooked up. I did the software update as soon as I completed the network settings. It was a breeze. I left my changer turned of during that part so it wouldn't be detected and start looking up discs. After it installed the update and rebooted, I fired up the changer.

All was going smoothly until it hit disc 185. Then I heard horrible noises of discs falling and scraping around as the changer started spinning the carousel back and forth. I stopped it immediately. Tried to open it....Uh oh...It's jammed...won't open. Turned it off and back on. It started it's usual detection and tried to turn. I hear a huge "SNAP" then the sound of discs rolling around loose. I hit open and this time the door opened and everything came to a stop. (Including my heart)

6 discs had gotten thrown out and were laying in an area of empty slots. 4 others were jammed in between other discs. I pulled the loose discs out, then had to gently pull the other 4 that were wedged in between the others. Fortunately none were damaged. But it had moved about 8 other discs in a group over one slot from their original position.

I moved them all back where they belonged an reinserted the rest of them. Once the door closed, it picked where it left off and finished looking up the remaining discs. Whew...sigh of relief.

Oops, spoke too soon. 2 hours after it finished the lookup, it suddenly stopped controlling the changer. (Hi Nick) I thought I was going to have to wipe it out and start all over. I tried several on/off combos with both the Entre and the changer, but to no avail. Then while cruising through some of the options, the Entre froze.

At this point it's midnight and I'm tired and very ticked off. I turned the changer off and went to bed. Yeah, I left the Entre on in it's frozen state.

This morning I turn the changer back on and force the Entre to reboot. Much to my delight, when it powered back up, I had control over my changer via the Entre again.

It's been 5 hours of nothing but playing CDs and things seem ok. (knock on wood)

What a first day huh? lol

Bob

Hi Jeff,

Let me first say that I really like the system, but there are a few frustrating aspects that I hope will be resolved in future software/firmware upgrades.

Mainly, is there any particular reason DVD's can not be managed in the Media Manager ? After all, the main usage of the Entre with the changers are for DVD's (I would think), so it would be natural to also add that support. My main complaint on the System is actually that I have no easy way to add the DVD information to the Entre when I add new DVD's, without having to spend frustrating time trying to guess the exact title of the movie in the primitive search function (in the options menu). Also, for the DVD-A discs (and still a number of DVD movies) that do not have cover art I would really like to be able to add cover art through the media manager. This added ability to the Media Manager should be a no brainer and would make the system much more attractive for a small investment on Kenwoods behalf (I would even be willing to spend $$ to get such an upgrade to the Media Manager sw).

Regards, /Lars

Bob-
So what was the problem with the disc in slot 185? was something loose in there, or did the changer just not eject the disc all the way? As for the freezing Entre, did you manage to get 1.1.0.10 loaded before this happened? Did it freeze after you powered off the changer or during the aborted lookup? Just FYI if a process gets hung up...say, by a bunch of discs trying to off themselves "en masse" the Entre might lock...it's telling the changer to do something, and the changer isn't responding etc. Anytime tihs happens, just press and hold the Entre power key until the power LED starts flashing. This will reset the Entre to "Guide" mode and will hopefully correct any locks.
I've also never had a system simply arbitrarily stop controlling a changer unless the changer was switched off, and the Entre was told to "ignore" the fact that the changer was disconnected. All your guides would come back up in this case, but Entre wouldn't send commands to the changer to cue up discs, etc.
Jeff

Lars-
Have you had any more luck with DVD titling with the new software? I'm getting about a 90% hit rate with 1.1.0.10, which certainly beats the old "guess what the title is" game :)
I'm assuming when you say there is no easy way to add new DVD information, you're referring to the "lookup this disc feature", not just keying in a title and adding generic art...
DVD-A discs are a known shortcoming right now...it's being worked on, so please hang in there!
As for adding DVD video/audio cover art, I'm not sure why Media Manager does not allow this feature, but it's been added to the wishlist !
Thanks
Jeff

Jeff,

But don't you think there is a benefit to being able to easily restore a configuration to a second entre in case you have to replace the original. Or when the time comes to upgrade to a better model.

I don't know, it just sort of makes sense to me. If that information is stored on the hard drive, it could conceivably crash at some point and wipe it out.

As for Netnamer, I agree that it's will never be as good as the entre solution, but not everyone can afford an entre and a dv-5900 at the same time. I am breaking my budget buying a demo unit. So I think it would be nice if Kenwood looks to improve it. Or release the specs that developers need to develop their own solution.

Can you tease us with any info to look forward to in September.?????? Please??????? :)

By the way I am not busting your chops. I am just excited to finally being able to join the entre party. Like Nick said, you joining this board was a sign of good faith on Kenwood's part and hopefully it will be mutually benificial.

Jeff-
I don't think anything was wrong with disc 185. It played fine during the month that I have have had my 5900M.

Yes, as I stated, I updated the Entre software before doing ANYTHING else to the system. And verified that it was indeed version 1.1.0.10 before proceeding.

I then powered on the changer and the Entre recognized it, and started looking up discs.

All was going fine until it jammed on 185. Most of the discs that were affected were before 185. It was apparantly cramming discs in between others (where there was no slot) before it got to 185. It just finally got to a point where it couldn't turn and started to make all the noises.

That's when I stopped it and I tried to open it. The Entre had not frozen yet. The sudden loss of control came several hours after it had finished looking up the remaining discs. I had played several CDs and MP3s and even a few Radio stations. All was going well. Then, the next CD I selected did nothing. I tried many diferent discs and the Entre would say play at the bottom, but the changer was not responding. Entre was still working at this point because I could still play MP3s and Internet Radio.

That's when I tried turning the changer and Entre on and off in different sequences to see if I could get them to talk to each other. None of that worked. I was rechecking the settings of the Entre in the Setup menu when it froze.

I left it for the night and forced the reset as you described in the morning. Ta Da! It all came to life.

Nick had a similar problem but was forced to use the 5555 back door on 2 occasions I believe before his changer started responding.

Both nick and I have the wireless Logitech keyboard, but I wasn't using it at the time.

It's almost as if the changer got ahead of itself, or maybe behind, and put a disc back where it didn't belong and they started stacking up until it jammed.

Bob

Bob's and Nick's experience is one reason that the reading of discs in mass should be avoided if possible. Having to load and eject more than 10 discs in a row is wear and tear for the load and eject mechanism.

Jeff, yes the new software release certainly did improve the "hit rate" for the auto look-up. Probably at about 80-85% of the DVD's are now identified, and most of the other DVD's can be found by using the manual search. I still have a few that can not be found by manual search for which I really would like to add the information using the Media Manager. And yes, some of the DVD-A discs are now identified with the new sw release, which is very good news!

Talking about the manual search, can you also add to the "wish list" the ability to search on a title sub-string and get back multiple matches that can be selected. This would be a huge improvement !!

Regards, /Lars

Hi Jeff:

I cannot get the high resolution signal of a 96/24 digital audio disc to pass. This is the two channel audio-only DVD discs. It plays . . . then cuts out. It will play fine if downconverted.

At least three others I know of have experienced this on the DV-5900, leading me to conclude there's a problem with the DV-5900 and this format, although the DV-5900 is supposed to play it. It's admittedly not a huge problem, since there's such a limited amount of these discs available, and I don't see the format going anywhere.

Nevertheless, is this an acknowledged bug? If so, any plans for fixing? I have never heard of anyone that can get an uninterrupted signal.

Nick :cool:

Does anyone have a Pronto Pro CCF for IR Codes for the Kenwood Sovereign equipment? My husband recieved a Pronto Pro for our anniversary present (from me ;) ) He is having a difficult time getting the Pronto to learn the remote for the Entre.

We have the following equipment for our home theater:

TV Toshiba TW56x81
DSS Toshiba DRD303RA
Reciever Kenwood Sovereign VR5700
DVD Kenwood Sovereign DV5900M
Hub Kenwood Sovereign Entre

To accompany this we have x-10 for lighting control (and a sweet sound system with our Atlantic Technology 350THX speakers).

Regards,

Jennifer Prince
princer7@attbi.com

Originally posted by princer
Does anyone have a Pronto Pro CCF for IR Codes for the Kenwood Sovereign equipment? My husband recieved a Pronto Pro for our anniversary present (from me ;) ) He is having a difficult time getting the Pronto to learn the remote for the Entre.

We have the following equipment for our home theater:

TV Toshiba TW56x81
DSS Toshiba DRD303RA
Reciever Kenwood Sovereign VR5700
DVD Kenwood Sovereign DV5900M
Hub Kenwood Sovereign Entre

To accompany this we have x-10 for lighting control (and a sweet sound system with our Atlantic Technology 350THX speakers).

Regards,

Jennifer Prince
princer7@attbi.com

Jennifer,

If your husband hasnt yet, he needs to http://www.remotecentral.com and check out the huge Pronto file area :)

As for learning, and having difficulty, is he trying to learn direct to the remote, or learn with the remote hooked up to the PC (and learn into the software)? I dont have my CCF done yet, so I cant send it, but I do know that there are some CCF's on the site above, that you could copy and paste the IR codes into your CCF.

Jennifer, where can I find a wife that will buy me all those toys, as it is now, I have to sneak out and buy my toys when she is out of town and than hope she doesn't realize that there is another piece of home theatre equipment in the enterainment unit.

there are plenty of ccf for pronto at remote central, good luck and be sure to tell your husband that you love him before he starts fiddling with the pronto and the computer...remember to feed him once and a while, because once he gets started with the pronto, it will be months before he is human again.

Originally posted by princer
Does anyone have a Pronto Pro CCF for IR Codes for the Kenwood Sovereign equipment? My husband recieved a Pronto Pro for our anniversary present (from me ;) ) He is having a difficult time getting the Pronto to learn the remote for the Entre.

Jennifer:

I don't know why that would be. I have two CCFs posted at Remote Central, one for the Pronto Pro, and the other for the Marantz RC 9200, and each has the DV5900 and the Entre. But you are always better off teaching them from the hard buttons than downloading the codes.

The far better of the two is the one for the RC9200, on that site. It's called "The Marilyn Remote," because it's got all kind of Marilyn Monroe Icons on it.

It takes practice and tinkering on the ProntoProEdit software, but once he has a configuration he likes, he'll still want to teach the remote, as much as possible, from the hard buttons themselves. By the way, do you know that the discrete codes for the DV5900 (on/off) are taught from the keyboard supplied with the DV5900?

He can PM me if he wants any help.

Nick :cool:

Thanks for the info everyone. I am relieved to hear the Pronto does in fact work with the Kenwood Sovereign components (Entre, DV5900, etc). We were a bit concerned when the Pronto would fail to learn codes directly from the Entre's remote. The CCF for the Entre on the Remote Central site looks great! BTW, how did you create the buttons/graphics for the CCF?

Now I have something to tinker with for a few hours...days, etc.

Have a great weekend!!

Roger Prince
princer7@attbi.com

I have one little problem I can't seem to solve. I have 215 audio discs loaded and a few DVDs. (Just starting my DVD collection now) There are 2 audio CDs that were given the same Title, Track, and Cover art info. They are both by the same artist of which I have 30 other CDs by. But these 2 seem linked together in some mysterious way.

Using the Media Manager software I corrected the one disc that was wrong. I put in the correct info and cover art and sync'd the library. Well, it changed both disc's info to the one I updated. So I tried re-entering the info directly into the Entre using the edit disc option. After saving the changes I see that it renamed the other CD again to match the one I edited.

Ok, now I removed the incorrect CD from the changer and close the door. Entre goes through it's lookup routine and determines that slot is now empty. Good. I put the CD back into the changer and let Entre do it's magic. It looks at the disc, but does not bother contacting Gracenote. It just stuck the old, incorrect, info back in. So I still have 2 CDs with identical info and every time I change one, it changes the other to match.

Anyone have any ideas on what I should try to get these 2 separated?

Thanks,
Bob Stanley

Bob-
To have the system do a fresh lookup for a disc:
Go to "Music" guide
Highlight the disc you'd like to edit
Press "Options"
select "Edit Disc"
select "lookup this disc"
the unit will contact Openglobe and re-d0 the TOC lookup.

Good luck!
Jeff

Jeff-
Sorry, I forgot to mention I tried that too. There needs to be a way to completely wipe a single disc from memory and have it look it up again. The 2 discs are still displaying identical info. Anything I do to one disc auto applies itself to the other disc. I've tried moving them to different slots too. No luck.

Bob

Just got it fixed. I took both discs out and let Entre discover the 2 empty slots. I then put in just one disc and let it look it up. It was identified correctly. I then added the 2nd disc and it was also identified correctly.

I did this yesterday without success. For whatever reason it worked this time, so it's all good. :)

Bob

Originally posted by JD-NH
Bob-
To have the system do a fresh lookup for a disc:
Go to "Music" guide
Highlight the disc you'd like to edit
Press "Options"
select "Edit Disc"
select "lookup this disc"
the unit will contact Openglobe and re-d0 the TOC lookup.

Good luck!
Jeff

Jeff:

I'm assuming you'd advise the same process for video DVDs, but has anyone else noticed that if you're putting a different disc in a slot previously occupied (and looked up by Entre), this often won't work--you get the same information as was there before. Also, since the software update, I've had the error a few times of the Entre reading the slot next to the one I've entered; so if I'm putting in Pulp Fiction Collector's Edition in slot 73, and Braveheart is in slot 74, I get two Entre listings of Braveheart.

The way I've been successful in correcting it thus far is to go in through the back door (or front door, I guess, depending on your perspective). That is, I go to the setup menu, enter Changer Management, and then Lookup Range. But, even when it's just one slot, I'll enter the range as, for example, 73 to 73. That approach usually tells the Entre that a different disc is in the slot, whereas the Edit Disc approach did not.

Of course, people wouldn't normally know about such things unless they had to keep swapping new discs into a full DV5900, and placing the other ones in the Changer-in-Waiting DV-5050M--because I've been dealing with the product for a long time now with a full changer. That's why I've harped as much as I have about getting multi-changer control (still waiting for CEDIA--won't lose my cool until then). You get a unique perspective when you're always dealing with a player that has 400 discs in it--new situations get pointed out that wouldn't otherwise be pointed out.

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

Jeff,

Per your message about help interfacing Sovereign equipment, can you provide any information on the RS-232 commands for the 5700/5900 receivers? I have extracted many of the commands but would be very grateful if you could provide a complete list.

I know there are many more commands available than I have discovered. In particular I am looking for the commands to adjust the surround levels, enter test tone mode and set tuner presets.

I've got the RS-232 protocol reference for the 5900 changer but cannot find anything on the receivers.

Thanks.