Sticky: Zenith DVB318 FAQs - Page 9

I don't know if this will help you or not, but Pronto TSU3000 codes for the DVB318, including undocumented stuff such as upconversion resolution changes, have been available on Remote Central since May. You can download the ZIP file HERE. Maybe you can download also ProntoEdit NG and use it to cut and paste the codes into whatever app you use for programming your Marantz.

I'll give it a shot...thanks so much for your help!

dpip-

Have you come across similar codes for the Home Theater Master 500 remote?

There are codes over at Remote Central for use with the Home Theater Master 700 but I don't think they can be used with MX-500 if you are using the IRClone setup with your MX-500 maybe someone might be able to convert the MX-700 file into something you could use with the MX-500 other wise you will need to find someone with a MX-700 locally that can use the file to learn to your MX-500.

Does anyone know where I can find the "Mac Region Free Hack ISO" for the Zenith DVB318? I followed the link in the facts- but I still can't find it. When I burn the PC hack on my mac the player doesn't read the disk.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

I orderd the Zenith from Amazon

"Shipping estimate for these items:

September 21, 2004

Delivery estimate:September 23, 2004 - October 11, 2004

1 "Zenith DVB318 1080i Progressive-Scan DVD Player"
Electronics; $159.99"

Great, looks like this will probably be the updated version.

Is there anywhere else on the web I can buy that has a good return policy?

Best Buy has a good return policy although last time I checked their price was quite high. Maybe they will match Amazon...

Only available through BB online and it is like $259 or something.

The BB stores by me dont have the Zenith, online only for me.

YOU CAN SPEED UP THE SHIP DATE IF YOU'RE WILLING TO ACCEPT SOMETHING OTHER THAN THE "FREE" SHIPPING.

I Took the "standard shipping", and it saved a week in shipping time - coming tomorrow. If you take the 2-day air, it will cost more, but you'll get it much faster.

Shipping and availability is becoming a "FAQ" item, look like...

Maybe try to burn the CD on a PC. What is in the CD (folder name, file name and size) that does not work?

My guess is anything shipped before Labor Day will be the "non-updated firmware" equipment, based on all the posts found in this thread.

I ordered mine 10 days ago, with a one week arrival date (tomorrow). When I tried to order another one today (for testing), I didn't see these kinds of 30 day shipping dates, rather, they were set for 2 weeks (late August). THE SHIPPING METHOD GOVERNS THE SHIPPING DATE AND DELIVERY DATE. If you use the "free" shipping, it can take upwards of 2-3 weeks. If you use "standard" or the other shipping mthods, such as 2-day, the delivery date drops down to a much earlier date.

There is also some question as to whether or not the existing "hack" for region-free can also work with the new firmware upgrade - the jury is out. This means that no one really knows (as of today) that the component upconvert will have to remain disabled under the new firmware anyway.

That's a best guess only based on a "guestimate" from a Zenith rep, when asked the question in early August. There is no firm date on the new firmware delivery.

Yeah, I've been trying to keep up myself.

I am only assuming it will be the new firmware based on my ship date. It is very far away, I even went back into my account and changed the shipping method, it only shaved of a few days.

I am going to wait a day or so and see if they update my ship date, if not I will have to cancel and order from a place that I cannot return.

Then if I get a buggy one then it will be useless.

Anyone who orders the DVB318 from anyplace at this time should be fine.

The firmware upgrade is still in beta, and anything already manufactured and in stock for shipping should not be affected.

I hope so. Just ordered at Amazon as well (for $159). I am probably behind some of you folks, so I will wait and see if we get the new firmware or not before deciding on cancelling.............

Does this work over the DVI connection? I'm trying to find out if the 318 supports zoom over DVI in order to fill a 16:9 screen with a non-anamorphic letterboxed picture - both for 1.85:1 and 2.35:1 letterboxes.

If you're willilng to pay for quicker shipping, select one of the other shipping options (range from $8.63 standard to ??? for overnight), you can get it quicker. I ordered via standard, and it's being deliverd tomorrow (8 days).

You can change your shipping method until the shipping date arrives itself. Then you're "locked in".

More important, once you set this up, does it hold that configuration?

I just upgraded to 2 day shipping (~$10), and only gained a couple of days. Oh well...

I know there are tons of info on this, but can someone give me a quick summary on what I can expect from this DVD player via component?

What problems I can expect (look for), simple/basic tweaks?

like is it true that upconverting a 4:3 movie will stretch it and I will have no option to watch it 4:3? Is there a way around this?

Thanks, sorry but my head hurts from all the info on this forum!!! lol

And it looks like I must order this player very very soon if I want to be able to upconvert via component.

Thanks again!!!

This DVD player does not do any stretching at all the people having problems with 4x3 stretching are people whose TV's automaticly set the aspect ratio to 16x9 when a 720p or a 1080i input resolution is detected. Sony TV's are one brand that has this problem however you can shut off the 1080i enhanced mode on the Sony's in the service menu. Then it will display 4x3 correctly someone else was having the same kind of problem with a Toshiba RP TV I do not know if he was able to disable the TV's automatic aspect change with 1080i or 720p inputs. Some people have had a problem with green saturation over component since this player seems to use a HD color standard for the 1080i and 720p resolution vs the NTSC color standard however on my unit with my Sony KV40XBR800 I have not had the green saturation problem. Those are about the only issues I have heard about with the upconverted output over component. The picture is absolutly stunning on my Sony at 1080i over component it seems the limiting aspect is the transfer quality of the DVD a poor quality DVD transfer really shows just how bad it is where a good transfer will look stunning. This DVD player also does not like a hot enviroment or any weight on top of it some people have had lockup problems due to heat issues or weight on the top of the player. I have put about 50-60 disks though my 318 sofar without any problems its a great player for my system.

Yes, the zoom works over DVI and component. You will be able to correct non-anamorphic widescreen DVDs.

And to answer HDTVFAN0001


No, it does not hold the Zoom configuration. It stays as long as the DVD is playing (usually). Press the Stop button or turn the unit off and it resets to no Zoom. And personally, I believe that is a good thing.

Peters62

Thanks for that info, I don't believe my tv (JVC HD-ILA) forces the stretch, allthough I really don't know. I have a button on my remote that lets you choose what stretch mode you want to view and from what I can recall when you have an HD signal, these modes actually change names.

One other issue I remember reading about were white lines via 1080i, is this a common issue or just here and there?

TIA!!!!

That was a problem on some Sony TV viewing 1080i they would have a faint white line moving across the screen like a ghost image also some projectors had some problems with a white line on one of the edges. The problem on the Sony TV is with the TV not the DVD player they have to change some setting in the service menu or in some cases change one of the circuit boards to correct. I think the other white line problem was just with front projectors.

my Sony tv had the faint white line scrolling across the screen, never noticed it until I started using the Zenith dvd player over dvi.

the fix is posted on the directview forum for the sony tv's. Fortunately, my tv has the correct "B" board, so I just made the changes in the Sony service menu. Ever since I made the simple changes the white line disappeared.

Where can I find a model that does have the upconversion feature over component for sure?

Are there any other DVD players on the market that have upconversion to HD over component?

Any Zenith 318 with a build date of March 04 or eariler will upconvert over component however you will have to hurry. It has been rummored that the new beta firmware update is about ready to be implemented on newly manufactured 318's. If the store has it currently in stock you should be OK there is another thread talking about other DVD player that upconvert over component you can check out http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...hreadid=435800

peters62

Thank you very much for all of your help. I ordered the DVB318 from gauchners (spelling?).

I should have it next week sometime, I can't wait to test it out. I am just nervous about the 4:3 stretching and the green, but hopefully (fingers crossed) I will not have any of these problems and have great DVD viewing via component and my HD DVR box via DVI to HDMI.

Thanks again for all of your help!!!!

I have been playing around with Amazon and it seems that even if you go with the 1 day shipping, the estimated ship date is between September 17th and October 1st...which leads me to believe that it will have the firmware upgrade.