[D1E]

I'm sure that this is hardly news to anyone who frequents this forum, but I just wanted to publicly acknowledge and thank Blight for his superb software.


Not only is it massively configurable and tweakable, it supports just about every format - from DVD to Xvid to WMV HD, is very fairly priced, and frequently updated. The upgrade policy is fantastic for registered owners, and the program has become absolutely essential to my HTPC.


After upgrading to TheaterTek 2.0 last night, and discovering several issues that prevent me from now using it as my HTPC DVD player of choice, I tried the new nVIDIA filters in Zoom Player Pro, set up ffdshow, and everything simply WORKED - with flawless picture and stability.


So, long story short, thanks - you've got a customer for life!

 

[Bob Sorel]

Quote:

After upgrading to TheaterTek 2.0 last night, and discovering several issues that prevent me from now using it as my HTPC DVD player of choice, I tried the new nVIDIA filters in Zoom Player Pro, set up ffdshow, and everything simply WORKED - with flawless picture and stability.

That's great! If it wouldn't be too much to ask, would you please write up a complete "idiot's guide" to achieve the Nirvana you have just found? What I mean is, I am a registered owner of ZP, but I never got it to play .ts files or WMV 9 files properly, and I never really got the hang of how to use the various filters together and get everything running smoothly. When I ask for an "idiot's guide" , I mean just that - please start with "run the executable installer for ZP Pro version XXXX and then..." right up to the point where "everything simply WORKED - with flawless picture and stability". I could never seem to get there, and I would love to know how someone did so as easily as you did it. I'm sure there are a ton of other people who would be equally interested. Thanks in advance!

 

[mnn1265]

Quote:

After upgrading to TheaterTek 2.0 last night, and discovering several issues that prevent me from now using it as my HTPC DVD player of choice, I tried the new nVIDIA filters in Zoom Player Pro, set up ffdshow, and everything simply WORKED - with flawless picture and stability.

Lucky for you that you have received your TT2.0 already - I'm still waiting... but like you it appears I won't be using it for my preferred HTPC DVD player because of "bugs" with using ffdshow. Therefore I also would like to use the new codecs in ZP pro.


If you could provide baby-step instructions, as Bob requested, on how to make it work (especialy for us previous TT1.5 users) it would be most appreciated!

 

[D1E]

Sure thing, but it will take some time to write up.


Note that I only have Zoom Player Pro, and not the upgraded Zoom Player WMV Professional. I can play WMV files just fine with Pro, just not DRM-enabled ones (so I can't share any experiences there). With respect to .TS files, I didn't know that Zoom Player supported them - but you have piqued my interest to do some research there. I have always used VLC to play HD transport stream files, but if Zoom Player supports those I'll be able to uninstall yet another superfluous application from my HTPC.


I became even more enamored of Zoom Player Pro just about ten minutes ago - I was playing around with an HD version of 'The Fifth Element' recorded in WMV, and to my delight, the AC3filter output the audio via SPDIF to my receiver as 5.1, vice having to use my analog connections as Windows Media Player requires.


I guess my whole point is that Zoom Player is an enabler - you can mix and match custom filters, codecs, wrapper formats, post processors, etc. until you find what works best for your own system. You aren't locked into "this program uses this decoder - period" because they paid a licensing fee to that company, purchasing their IP.


While I certainly don't recommend "idiots" get anywhere near Zoom Player Pro, I would assume anyone capable of setting up a true HTPC from scratch could handle the process of configuring it for maximum effect.


I'll post my "guide" when it is complete.

 

[ez2logon]

As a certified idiot, I can state that D1E's enthusiasm for Zoomplayer might be leading to some slight exaggeration of its' ease of install


However, asking someone to perform a task that even the developer finds difficult may be asking a little much. I would not want anyone new to the forum to assume that the existence of a guide insures an easy install of of any software/hardware (ffdshow, capdvhs, zoom-wmv, powerstrip, reclock, fusion or whatever). Your mileage will vary.

 

[mnn1265]

Now that I've received and installed TT2.0 it appears that the "AR bug" was not a bug afterall... the problem was fixed by installing the newest version of ffdshow.


I'll still look forward to seeing you guide as it will be interesting to compare the ZP display to that of the new TT2.0 using the new codec.

 

[mnn1265]

Doh, back to square one... the newer version of ffdshow does NOT correct the AR bug. Although I had ffdshow selected it was not actually funtioning - once I did get it working the AR bug was back.


I'm really interested to see the new NVidia codec in action with ffdshow so I'll give ZP pro a try...


Edit: after checking the TT support web site I found a post by Andrew that states they are aware of the AR problem and will address it as soon as they possibly can.

 

[Spoonfed]

For playback of TS files please download the following

http://members.optusnet.com.au/spoon...8052004_nt.exe


Enable it for use in ZP for ALL MPEG/MPEG2 program and transport streams in the source filter section.


You should then be able to play .TS and .TP files.


ONLY issue is that it seems a little iffy at handleing stream errors (ie interference at capture) where at times it will cause zoomplayer to jump to start of file.

 

[mjolson]

I get the "incompatible pin" error when I try to use the TT2 codec in ZP. Has anyone found a way to set this up correctly?

 

[mjolson]

Quote:

Originally posted by mjolson I get the "incompatible pin" error when I try to use the TT2 codec in ZP. Has anyone found a way to set this up correctly?

I actually got this figured out. In ZP, there were 2 filters shown, 3+ and 3+DXVA - only 3+ works for me. Throw ffdshow into the mix and I'm really pleased with the PQ. Looks great, stable, correct AR - now I'm wondering if I'll ever even go back to using TT again

 

[Zagor]

I absolutely agree, this is the only program (with the correct codecs) that made it possible for me to play and watch a TP HD recorded stream while simultaneously recording an OTA HD program using my fusion3 card and another HD program using my DVB-S card. Simply amazing...

 

[Branxx]

I am using Zoom Pro 4.03 to play .TS files with Elecard MPEG Video Decorder and AC3Filter.

 

[bkzoller]

Is it possible to use the filters from the TT 2.0 advanced audio pack in Zoom Player, or must the TT 2.0 standard audio filters be used? There were some discussions about Dolby and DTS licensing issues that might prevent that option.


Thanks,

Brian

Edit: The answer to my question is that advanced audio is "completely integrated into the product."

http://www.theatertek.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6075

 

[Spoonfed]

ZP is good.... though i still have stablity issues with DVD playback.


At time is just "hangs" on blank screen, sometimes taking the mouse with it.


Usually happens on "play" of the disc, the discs light flicks and then nothing. Does this on both my DVD Drives. Frustrating as sometimes its hard to kill off, and reoccures every time one hit "play" on the dvd again... (by play i mean just "starting" the DVD). If it is doing this recurring usually playing a short bit in say PowerDVD then going back to Zoomplayer see it work.


Its annoying but, esp when one has people over



Setup is ZP 4.03 (for DVD)

WinDVD 5 codec

FFDShow

Reclock

 

[DJRobX]

ZP is great software, although even after over a year later, I'm still a bit sore that I donated money towards the freeware project, and am now being expected to pay for DVD playback functionality that used to be free.

 

[DFA]

Two questions:


1. Fifth Element in WMV HD? WHERE DO I GET IT!


2. What version level of nVidia codecs is TT using? 3.0 or 4.0?


DFA

 

[travanx]

Whats the easiest way to make ZP play .ts files?

 

[Bob Sorel]

Quote:

1. Fifth Element in WMV HD? WHERE DO I GET IT!

It is pirated software. I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you...

Edit: Before anyone else PM's me, no, I don't have a copy of TFE, nor do I know where to get it. My comment was just meant as a joke, nothing more, nothing less.

Quote:

2. What version level of nVidia codecs is TT using? 3.0 or 4.0?

4.0.28

 

[Spoonfed]

travanx,


see my post above for filters needed etc.

 

[DFA]

Thanks Bob.


Yea, I got to thinking about the first question. The poster mentioned that he did not have the DRM version of ZP. Hence, that would mean that the Fifth Element WMV version was not DRM'd. Deduction: Not likely that a WMV Fifth Element was a commercial release. And this not an appropriate place to promote such things (not saying there is an appropriate place).


DFA