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POPCORN HOUR A-400 is coming soon - Page 38

post #1111 of 1486
1/13/13 at 4:10pm
Okay, my issues with the lip sync were, as I stated Onkyo related. I think I have things where they will be fine now, however I have other questions related to both my PCH A400 and ripping/playing my files.

They are not a negative against the device, I am really pleased at this point with the device, I just have some questions about what is actually accurate and what I am doing wrong.

Now, let me explain my scenario and my ignorance and hope you great folks can educate me.

1. If I play a Bluray move in my PS3, via HDMI, through my Onkyo, and then my TV, through HDMI connectors, it defaults to: "All Ch. Stereo" as the output on the front of my Onkyo.
A. This allows me to hear character speech through my rear speakers which are near/behind my head. Is this what it should be played at? The disc box says "dts-hd" and "dolby digital" on it.
2. If I play either: ISO image or an MKV file (with mkv.passthru chosen in DVDFab) by ripping the "main movie" to hard drive first and then creating the ISO or MKV file, when I play the file on the A400, default audio on the Onkyo is "DTS-HD."
A. In this state, however, the character speech plays through the front channels - and not the rear, and makes it harder for me to hear the conversations.
B. I can switch the Onkyo so it plays the "All Ch. Stereo" and it reverts back to what my PS3 does and I can hear it better like I do through the PS3.

Which is actually the more accurate method to be heard? I always assumed the Onkyo would play the "best sounding" available on the source, in this case that would be the DTS-HD, right? Why does it (when coming from PS3) default to All Ch. Stereo yet the A400 plays the DTS-HD as default? Since I did an mkv.passthru, shouldn't the "source" actually match in either instance?

I'm confused (and not even sure which forum to ask this in, Onkyo? PCH? PS3?).
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post #1112 of 1486
1/13/13 at 4:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wildwolf_ia View Post

Okay, my issues with the lip sync were, as I stated Onkyo related. I think I have things where they will be fine now, however I have other questions related to both my PCH A400 and ripping/playing my files.

They are not a negative against the device, I am really pleased at this point with the device, I just have some questions about what is actually accurate and what I am doing wrong.

Now, let me explain my scenario and my ignorance and hope you great folks can educate me.

1. If I play a Bluray move in my PS3, via HDMI, through my Onkyo, and then my TV, through HDMI connectors, it defaults to: "All Ch. Stereo" as the output on the front of my Onkyo.
A. This allows me to hear character speech through my rear speakers which are near/behind my head. Is this what it should be played at? The disc box says "dts-hd" and "dolby digital" on it.
2. If I play either: ISO image or an MKV file (with mkv.passthru chosen in DVDFab) by ripping the "main movie" to hard drive first and then creating the ISO or MKV file, when I play the file on the A400, default audio on the Onkyo is "DTS-HD."
A. In this state, however, the character speech plays through the front channels - and not the rear, and makes it harder for me to hear the conversations.
B. I can switch the Onkyo so it plays the "All Ch. Stereo" and it reverts back to what my PS3 does and I can hear it better like I do through the PS3.

Which is actually the more accurate method to be heard? I always assumed the Onkyo would play the "best sounding" available on the source, in this case that would be the DTS-HD, right? Why does it (when coming from PS3) default to All Ch. Stereo yet the A400 plays the DTS-HD as default? Since I did an mkv.passthru, shouldn't the "source" actually match in either instance?

I'm confused (and not even sure which forum to ask this in, Onkyo? PCH? PS3?).

The accurate method is to have the devices bitstream, which will send the lossly audio to your avr, which should be the HD audio track if it exists. However, the reason why your Onkyo does the all channel stereo when you play your PS3 is due to your set up in the PS3. If you go to the Audio PS3 set up, you should set it to bistream. This will send the correct signal to your AVR.

If you have a hard time listening to the vocals, you can increase the volume to your center channel speaker by going to the Onkyo's set up.
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post #1113 of 1486
1/13/13 at 4:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wildwolf_ia View Post

Okay, my issues with the lip sync were, as I stated Onkyo related. I think I have things where they will be fine now, however I have other questions related to both my PCH A400 and ripping/playing my files.

They are not a negative against the device, I am really pleased at this point with the device, I just have some questions about what is actually accurate and what I am doing wrong.

Now, let me explain my scenario and my ignorance and hope you great folks can educate me.

1. If I play a Bluray move in my PS3, via HDMI, through my Onkyo, and then my TV, through HDMI connectors, it defaults to: "All Ch. Stereo" as the output on the front of my Onkyo.
A. This allows me to hear character speech through my rear speakers which are near/behind my head. Is this what it should be played at? The disc box says "dts-hd" and "dolby digital" on it.
2. If I play either: ISO image or an MKV file (with mkv.passthru chosen in DVDFab) by ripping the "main movie" to hard drive first and then creating the ISO or MKV file, when I play the file on the A400, default audio on the Onkyo is "DTS-HD."
A. In this state, however, the character speech plays through the front channels - and not the rear, and makes it harder for me to hear the conversations.
B. I can switch the Onkyo so it plays the "All Ch. Stereo" and it reverts back to what my PS3 does and I can hear it better like I do through the PS3.

Which is actually the more accurate method to be heard? I always assumed the Onkyo would play the "best sounding" available on the source, in this case that would be the DTS-HD, right? Why does it (when coming from PS3) default to All Ch. Stereo yet the A400 plays the DTS-HD as default? Since I did an mkv.passthru, shouldn't the "source" actually match in either instance?

I'm confused (and not even sure which forum to ask this in, Onkyo? PCH? PS3?).

Very sure this is not the forum for you to ask these kinds of questions, as this is what popcorn 400 pre-release.
In any case, here is some answers for you:

1) For blu-ray (especially with those that is encoded in DTS-HD or TrueHD), you should not use All Ch. stereo. The All Ch. Stereo is NOT a good format to use as it basically take the 2 channel input and play it on ALL speakers. That gives you a bigger sound, and is usually OK if you have stereo input. However, in a blu-ray DTS-HD or any 5.1/7.1 sound format, you are not distiguishing any speaker and just put the same sound to all speakers. Imagine the director want to create a surround feel of a helicopter by cycling between the 5 speakers so you feel like it is circling around you... you will NOT be able to have this feeling if you to all Channel stereo.

2) So, why do your Onkyo do this? I think the problem is with your PS3. Make sure you do bit-streaming turn ON for Blu-ray and Audio. That way, it will pass the real audio to Onkyo for decoding. You should see DTS-HDMA. Right now, seems like the PS3 is doing the decoding and pass the LPCM directly to Onkyo, and then you apply the All channel stereo processing to it which is NOT the right thing to do.

If you can't hear the dialog "clearly", you can consider raising the center channel setting so it is "louder". Judging by your questions, I feel like you haven't done much on level matching your speaker, so you might want to do that.

Bring this question to the Onkyo thread and we can help you better there.
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post #1114 of 1486
1/13/13 at 6:21pm
Thanks for the help guys, even though it's the wrong forum. smile.gif

For what it's worth, it's not that I can't hear it clearly, it's that I'm getting older and/or my hearing is going. frown.gif

I used the receiver's microphone with super long cord to setup the speakers for where we would be setting. It sounds great in movies - when they're not too soft spoken, then my bad hearing is kicking in...

The PS3 was not on bit-streaming and the Onkyo was setup to use "Last Valid". A few changes and it works as it should - I just needed to know how it should again. I sent it back to get worked on once and it wasn't the same (configuration) after that.

The popcorn hour a400 has been great, though. Much better than my WD TV Live Hub. I've given that to the wife for her exercise DVDs (about 50 of them).

Thanks again for the help.
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post #1115 of 1486
1/14/13 at 11:25am
Would the A400 be overkill for just a very large dvd collection. I'm getting lazy with the whole finding a disk and putting it in a player, narrowed it down to wd tv live or this.
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post #1116 of 1486
1/14/13 at 12:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amber Ale View Post

Would the A400 be overkill for just a very large dvd collection. I'm getting lazy with the whole finding a disk and putting it in a player, narrowed it down to wd tv live or this.

If all you are using is DVD then yes there are cheaper players that will work with DVDs (Including DVD menus) for much cheaper....A400 is really for those who want BR ISO, rips and the such especialy wiht acess for network.....If you plan on moving to Blu-ray and especially Blu-ray 3D then you would need to redifine your search and explain mroe about how you will be playing (direct or network), what types of files, what type of network you have, etc etc
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post #1117 of 1486
1/14/13 at 12:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ph8te View Post

If all you are using is DVD then yes there are cheaper players that will work with DVDs (Including DVD menus) for much cheaper....A400 is really for those who want BR ISO, rips and the such especialy wiht acess for network.....If you plan on moving to Blu-ray and especially Blu-ray 3D then you would need to redifine your search and explain mroe about how you will be playing (direct or network), what types of files, what type of network you have, etc etc

"Technically" though isn't the A400 with the VXP processing supposed to be better for SD content (such as DVDs)?
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post #1118 of 1486
1/14/13 at 1:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbone1026 View Post

"Technically" though isn't the A400 with the VXP processing supposed to be better for SD content (such as DVDs)?

Technically it should be yes, but if your not going to use the device for HD or 3D content I think the price premium is a waste......Most AVR and TVs have some sort of processing going on....Its just my humble opinion that most of the high end players (Dune, Mede8er and PCH A400 would be a "waste" of money for just DVD play back.....
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post #1119 of 1486
1/14/13 at 1:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amber Ale View Post

Would the A400 be overkill for just a very large dvd collection. I'm getting lazy with the whole finding a disk and putting it in a player, narrowed it down to wd tv live or this.

I had the WD Live & it will work great & look good if all you are doing is DVD's.
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post #1120 of 1486
1/14/13 at 1:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ph8te View Post

Technically it should be yes, but if your not going to use the device for HD or 3D content I think the price premium is a waste......Most AVR and TVs have some sort of processing going on....Its just my humble opinion that most of the high end players (Dune, Mede8er and PCH A400 would be a "waste" of money for just DVD play back.....

From what I have read if the VXP processor was used to its fullest capabilities then it would be a big improvement over the standard processing. That being said, from what I have read, the VPX capabilities in the A400 seem to be rather limited (and if I recall earlier in this thread a user noted that SD content actually looked better on the Dune)
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post #1121 of 1486
1/14/13 at 2:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbone1026 View Post

From what I have read if the VXP processor was used to its fullest capabilities then it would be a big improvement over the standard processing.

I don't know I think "standard processing" is pretty good these days. It exists as commodity chips in most of your players, AVRs and displays and pretty much eliminated the standalone video processing market (DVDO, etc.) except for special processing needs (odd resolutions, etc.).
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post #1122 of 1486
1/14/13 at 2:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary J View Post

I don't know I think "standard processing" is pretty good these days. It exists as commodity chips in most of your players, AVRs and displays and pretty much eliminated the standalone video processing market (DVDO, etc.) except for special processing needs (odd resolutions, etc.).

Yeah, I think it is just individual preference. I know some people who still swear by the DVDO over the standard TV/AVR processing. I personally haven't seen any benefit with teh VXP processor in my A400 vs my other players
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post #1123 of 1486
1/14/13 at 2:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbone1026 View Post

Yeah, I think it is just individual preference. I know some people who still swear by the DVDO over the standard TV/AVR processing. I personally haven't seen any benefit with teh VXP processor in my A400 vs my other players

a lot of it also depends what else you have in the chain, any decent AVR will also try to add processing unless you put on direct mode, which is not default then again your tv will do processing unless you put on game mode or whatever your tv calls it, This is the issue some people run into what VXP does on the A400 might clash with what your avr is trying to do then as well as your tv is trying to do.
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post #1124 of 1486
1/14/13 at 2:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbone1026 View Post

From what I have read if the VXP processor was used to its fullest capabilities then it would be a big improvement over the standard processing. That being said, from what I have read, the VPX capabilities in the A400 seem to be rather limited (and if I recall earlier in this thread a user noted that SD content actually looked better on the Dune)

There might be a better result if the VXP was fully utilizaed but as otehrs have said with so many other devices "working" the video sometimes its all for naught.......The VXp may get more functionality, but that is up to Sigma (I believe) since its part of the SDK....
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post #1125 of 1486
1/15/13 at 6:53am
interesting comparison on french forum with DVD

http://www.popcorn-hour-fr.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=5999&pid=43480#pid43480
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post #1126 of 1486
1/15/13 at 11:00am
New Forum firmware smile.gif

http://www.networkedmediatank.com/showthread.php?tid=65338
Quote:
Release date : 15 January 2013
Firmware version : 05-01-130114-24-POP-422-000

1. Known Issues
- Myihome is running when it shouldn't (already disabled internally)
- Updating Samba to 3.6.10 to fix issues with SMB2 (working on it)
- Playing a DVD with DD over Avr and then play any file with PCM gives just noise
- Sample Cars with TrueHD stops at some point and buffers before it continues again
- Sample King Kong with DD+ Video doesn't run smooth

2. Firmware
- Fixed Some MP4 files with AAC let the framework crash
- Fixed external subtitle is shown inside the movie instead of black bar at the bottom
- Fixed some mkv with embedded HD idx/sub (vobsub) freeze when first subtitle should show up, disabled this feature for now
- Fixed mkv chapter limit, increased from 62 to 128 chapters
- Fixed buffering icon blinking on screen after seek
- Fixed buffering icon blinking issue even on local hdd with some high bitrate mkv files (Jellyfish Samples up to 120Mbps)
- Fixed Planet.Earth.-.S01E12.-.Desert.Lions_Not_Smooth.mkv sample with VXP turn on cannot playback smoothly
- Added MKV with MVC support (2D only for now)
- Added bookmark support for iso files

3. System
- Fixed next or previous info crash issue in File browser
- Fixed unable to access NMJ and Jukebox Manager from File browser
- Fixed Total item in the Filebrowser listing do not update after perform Delete function
- Fixed Unable to perform Ascending/Descending function in Filebrowser if only one Local device is connected
- Added slow transfer over samba fix from Network Test Firmware
- Added show HDD space and size in File browser
- Fixed Show wrong HDD size. Happen on 3TB HDD
- Added uninstall NMT App at NMT App Wizard
- Changed vm.min_free_kbytes=4096 to vm.min_free_kbytes=16384
- Removed default bold for small font feature in 05-01-130110-24-POP-422-999

4. NMJ
- Fixed French word is corrupted at help "general"
- Fixed some entry missing from database after update scan via read-only nfs
- Fixed last screen capture for full HD video and show at NMJ last watched
- Removed default Photo Image in Wall view mode
- Updated Polish Translation
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post #1127 of 1486
1/16/13 at 11:27pm
Hello:

My A-400 is arriving tommorow, my first media streamer. I have a nas, but its an older Dlink dns-321, mainly use that for pictures and itunes server. So At the moment I might hold off using that till i can get a synology ds 413j. Plus I havent changed out all my homenetwork to gigabit capable yet. I have to upgrade my 16-port and numerous switches to gigabit first. So for right now I'll have to just use my external drives, I have (2) 3tb drives a wd & seagate flex. Are there any settings I have to do in the a-400 to make sure it sees the (2) drives ext drives as once source? Or will the a-400 do that automatically? Thanks for any tips.


JR.
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post #1128 of 1486
1/17/13 at 2:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amber Ale View Post

Would the A400 be overkill for just a very large dvd collection. I'm getting lazy with the whole finding a disk and putting it in a player, narrowed it down to wd tv live or this.

Well, it's twice the price. However, I think it would be worth it. You could put a drive in the A400 which would handle a lot of DVD's or get a NAS. The A400 case is really nice and doesn't feel junky. Some of the $100 players just feel like junk in my opinion.

philip
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post #1129 of 1486
1/17/13 at 7:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jonathanR View Post

Hello:

My A-400 is arriving tommorow, my first media streamer. I have a nas, but its an older Dlink dns-321, mainly use that for pictures and itunes server. So At the moment I might hold off using that till i can get a synology ds 413j. Plus I havent changed out all my homenetwork to gigabit capable yet. I have to upgrade my 16-port and numerous switches to gigabit first. So for right now I'll have to just use my external drives, I have (2) 3tb drives a wd & seagate flex. Are there any settings I have to do in the a-400 to make sure it sees the (2) drives ext drives as once source? Or will the a-400 do that automatically? Thanks for any tips.


JR.

Take a look over in the NMT forums there is a guide on how to set up multi drives into one jukebox, regardless of what you do, when you browse by "folder\share" it will always show as 2 drives.......
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post #1130 of 1486
1/17/13 at 8:01am
If you are only using Networked attached storage all you need to use is NMJToolbox2 to update the database. You just select the multiple shares that are used with the database and the A400 and tablets can easily access the database which will encompass multiple shares.
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post #1131 of 1486
1/17/13 at 8:37am
How do you update the database with NMJToolbox2? Everything is stored on the internal hard drive. Thanks
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post #1132 of 1486
1/17/13 at 9:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cadett View Post

How do you update the database with NMJToolbox2? Everything is stored on the internal hard drive. Thanks

in NMJToolBox2, you just navigate to the location of the database, select the database file, and NMJToolbox2 will open it. I keep a copy on each of my a400's, a copy on a network share, and a local copy on a pc. So my tablets can open it up from any of those locations.
When I add/edit the database with NMJToolbox2, , I'll do it with the copy I have on the PC. Then I'll just copy it to my other locations.
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post #1133 of 1486
1/17/13 at 10:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaronwt View Post

in NMJToolBox2, you just navigate to the location of the database, select the database file, and NMJToolbox2 will open it. I keep a copy on each of my a400's, a copy on a network share, and a local copy on a pc. So my tablets can open it up from any of those locations.
When I add/edit the database with NMJToolbox2, , I'll do it with the copy I have on the PC. Then I'll just copy it to my other locations.

I guess what I really want to know is if there is way to update(scan for recently added movies) the database file of movies that I just added without having to fire up the PCH & update the database with the on board update tool.
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post #1134 of 1486
1/17/13 at 10:56am
That is what NMJToolbox2 does but since you are running it on a local drive you need to have NMT apps installed to NMJToolbox2 can access the media.db and it can scan it and update it, there is also ways to set a cron job to autoscan while you are away from the popcorn hour as long as you keep it on in standby red light on. there is a nice guide written here http://www.networkedmediatank.com/showthread.php?tid=65322&highlight=cron

if you are fine with NMJ updating then do the cron way set it to update every 3 hours or so,

If you want to manually add a single movie or update information NMJToolbox2 is the tool for the job
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post #1135 of 1486
1/17/13 at 11:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by halfelite View Post

That is what NMJToolbox2 does but since you are running it on a local drive you need to have NMT apps installed to NMJToolbox2 can access the media.db and it can scan it and update it, there is also ways to set a cron job to autoscan while you are away from the popcorn hour as long as you keep it on in standby red light on. there is a nice guide written here http://www.networkedmediatank.com/showthread.php?tid=65322&highlight=cron

if you are fine with NMJ updating then do the cron way set it to update every 3 hours or so,

If you want to manually add a single movie or update information NMJToolbox2 is the tool for the job

So, whenever you access the database file NMJToolbox2 automatically updates new videos that are stored onto the scan location, or is there a command within NMJToolbox2 that I need to run. Thanks for the link, I'll read upon it.
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post #1136 of 1486
1/23/13 at 11:39pm
Hello. Just received my new A-400. But it completely disappointed for me.

I have random black screen after logo PH booting. Player didn't have picture on HDMI. Random I have black screen & reboot - black screen again - reboot etc. Sometimes reboot - have a picture. Turn it off - turn it on again - black screen and no picture!

I use Sony Sony KDL-65HX920 TV. I use direct HDMI connection via Audioquest Carbon HDM 1.4 cord. Also I'll try QED Performance HDMI 1.4. Nothing. I also have random black screen issue. After this happend - I try component connection. Black screen again. What can I do? I cannot see movies on A-400!

Of course, fisrt what I did - install latest firmware 05-01-130118-24-POP-422-000, latest NMT apps & run restore factory settings. Also I'll try set Video Out from Auto to 1080p24 (sync 24/pal/ntsc).

Now my video settings is:

video output - 1080p24
framerate sync 24/ntsc/pal (also try framerate sync off - nothing changes, random black screen exists)
video zoom - fit to screen
tv type - 16:9
color space - srgb 16-235 (also try ycrcb auto - nothing changes, random black screen exists)
3d output - on
vxp features
adaptive contrast
demo - off
shadows - 4
highlights - 4
adaptive deiterlacing - on

What can I do?

Regards
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post #1137 of 1486
1/24/13 at 5:28am
Not sure many will be able ot help you better than what you are already getting at the NMT forum.....
http://www.networkedmediatank.com/showthread.php?tid=65540
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post #1138 of 1486
1/24/13 at 5:31am
Just to confirm what I tested, forced subs in mkvs work, but not in BD Folder structures, correct?

Finally putting together my A400 review ...
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post #1139 of 1486
1/24/13 at 8:20am
OK, finally got my review posted:

http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2013/01/24/review-pch-a-400/
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post #1140 of 1486
1/24/13 at 8:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbone1026 View Post

OK, finally got my review posted:

http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2013/01/24/review-pch-a-400/

Hmm - no test of 3D BD ISO files? 3D BD ISO files including Disney titles, etc.

It would be helpful to mention/link the NMJ Tookit that's widely used by people to quickly/easily update their NMJ via the computer. I'm with you on NMJ -I don't like how it looks so I'm using evZap and getting ready to use some Legion skins and People mods.
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