View Full Version : BDPrime/HDCenter update: 2GB flash drive
Announcment from HDI:
All Dune HD Center players and all new Dune BD Prime players (starting of Jan 1st 2009) will ship with a free 2GB USB flash drive included.
The next firmware updates will require the use of this flash drive to
use the following player functions:
- Web Browser.
- SMB server.
- Top level menu of Internet Radio stations and IPTV channels.
- Blu-ray bonus content downloading/storage (for BD Live function).
All other player functions will work w/o the need to use the flash
drive.
HDI will also provide a possibility to get a free 2GB USB flash
memory module to all BD Prime owners not received it initially with
the player (after discussion with the corresp. distributors).
The users will also be free to use any other suitable USB flash drive
instead (the minimum size is 256 MB, the recommended size is 1GB+).
When a HDD is attached to the player, it will also be possible to use
a HDD partition for this purpose. USB hubs are supported and may be
used if desired.
The reason for this change is technical: the previously used 1GB
built-in flash memory module turned out to have restrictions, not
allowing to fully robustly use it in all scenarious the firmware
needs to support now (and may need to support in future). This was
not realized from the very beginning. During subsequent firmware
development, it turned out that the way firmware utilized the
built-in flash memory module was not matched by the technical
abilities of the built-in flash memory module. The usage patterns
sometimes (in rare, but possible circumstances) led to wrong work of
the flash memory module, sometimes causing wrong work of some player
functions. So, HDI decided to reimplement the affected player
functions to not use the built-in flash memory module, and instead
use the external flash memory module.
The new approach has the following advantages:
- Better robustness of the player.
- The provided free 2GB flash drive provides double more space for
various player functions (such as Blu-ray bonus content
downloading, storage of firmare components, storage of some user
data, and any other functions that may be added in future
firmware versions).
- The possibility to use any other USB flash drive (of any capacity)
(or even a HDD partition) allows to provide even more storage
space for these player functions, if needed.
HDI understands that the new approach may also be somewhat less
convenient for some users (the need to install the external flash
memory module, the need to occupy a USB port), and apologizes
for any possible inconveniences.
Personaly i thank you for this honest statement and removing the restrictions of having too few (not robust enough) flash memory!
TheMule!
How can we receive this 2gb extra memory? Via divxplayer ?
hello
where can we download files for the usb flash drives?
How can we receive this 2gb extra memory? Via divxplayer ?
yes. if you participated in the buy-in and received your player in December (w/o this USB flash drive)
please don't demand it immediately, because Paul (DivxPlayer) didn't receive the additional USB flash drives from us yet. we should handle it in a few coming days. we'll inform separately when the drives are ready for taking from him and other distributors (for those who received units in December, not from the buy-in).
but note: this is just a totally usual USB flash drive, there is absolutely nothing special in it, and it's blank when supplied. So if you use _any_ other USB drve you may already have, the result will be totally the same (it's only needed to be totally blank and installed into USB port before setting up the new f/w; then the needed files will be installed to the flash drive automatically during the upgrade after you confirm).
In the end, it's up to every buyer of Prime in December if they demand the flash drive from a distributor or not
FredFlintstone
05-02-09, 13:17
Hi
thanks for the update - it is a very honest update and I think a good solution too. This time it is good that I will receive my Dune Center tomorrow - means I already have the stick.
Regards
Fred :D :D :D
hello
where can we download files for the usb flash drives?
you don't need to do it. installing new files to the usb flash drive is done automatically when installing any new version of the f/w
HDI_fw_dev
05-02-09, 13:21
where can we download files for the usb flash drives?
There are no files to download at the moment.
The new approach will start working only with the next firmware versions,
which are not released yet (expected to be released and published soon).
As said, USB flash drive content will be initialized when upgrading to the new firmware.
Could this solve the problem of slowness on some Java Bluray menus ?
+++
Basthi
@HDI_fw_dev
Why have the HD Center a Front with green Display ? Why is the complete Front different to the picture on your website ?
So, the 1gb Nand Memory is also not in the HD Center ?
Agree... the green led for a "blue" player is bad... How come this has changed? I have not picked up the HD Center unit just yet but expect not too many changes are made vs the shown product images online. As for the flash, there is still 1GB nand flash inside as far as I know... the 2GB USB stick comes free... (how else will the unit operate without external USB stick...)
dkv... can you clarify a bit how come it is green and not blue?
It is not only the green display that looks bad also the blu-ray tray is very different. The one on the HDI website are just as high as the display and now the tray is much higher and not the same color as the display. Also the photo’s give the impression that the blu-ray logo on the tray is blue lit. And then finally the prints (play, stop etc…) on the unit don’t look as good as the ones on the pictures. I am sorry to say… but to me it looks a bit cheap for my 650 Euros. :cry: :cry:
Seriously?
Can anyone offer a decent picture of the front while I wait for mine unit...
Send it to my mail address so I can see "how bad (good)" it is...
thx
Seriously?
Can anyone offer a decent picture of the front while I wait for mine unit...
Send it to my mail address so I can see "how bad (good)" it is...
thx
It was posted here:
http://www.mpcclub.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=19353&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=360
HDI_fw_dev
05-02-09, 14:56
martix, 'internal NAND flash' is still inside in the currently shipped players, but it does not matter, since 'external NAND flash' ('NAND' is just a type memory, exactly the same kind as used in all USB flash drives) will be used instead for player functions that need it (starting with the next firmware). Basically, the change means that you get 2GB external flash instead of 1GB internal flash. There are no technical differences (btw, internal flash was also internally connected via USB, so it was basically a USB flash drive integrated into the player). JFI, many Bluray players use exactly the same approach (the flash memory used as a local storage for Bluray disks is often implemented as an external USB flash drive/card.)
Can not comment on green/blue issue and other HDCenter design issues, I hope dkv will comment on it. (Maybe this should go to a separate thread.)
Will this 2 Gb external flash drive will improve the speed of Java menus ?
Or will this be fixed later with another solution ?
This problem do not concern the main movie anyway... not essential...
+++
Basthi
HDI_fw_dev
05-02-09, 16:39
basthi, I don't expect that the speed of Java menus in general will be affected by this change, at least we did not notice any differences, and this change is not intended to address this. Although maybe I misunderstand what exactly problem you mean. I've created a new thread for discussing this, please check it: http://www.mpcclub.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=155024
I think Bashi asked a good question:
Could this [the blank 2G+ USB Flash] solve the problem of slowness on some Java Bluray menus ?
I think I will just buy one from a local computer shop as they are quite cheap these days, rather than bother divxplayer as they have replaced my unit once already at their expense.
Andy :)
Edit: Sorry I missed the responce I must have been typing at the time
So is the BD Prime ready for international orders now? I have been waiting for ages...
I don't think it will, the processing of JAVA is done by the Sigma chip and it is not really made for supporting JAVA... Although there is enough memory and power for regular playback, for data processing (including compiling or transfering) the limitations are met by the chip and will deffinately not improve by external USB stick vs internal flash memory...
Just my 2 cents... :-)
Can not comment on green/blue issue and other HDCenter design issues, I hope dkv will comment on it. (Maybe this should go to a separate thread.)
currently in airport. departing right away. will comment on this and connected things tomorrow after flight
I think I will just buy one from a local computer shop as they are quite cheap these days
I agree. I have seen 2 GB and 4 GB flash dries < $10 USD (on sales). It just seems wasteful for Divxplayer to pay more for shipping than the item was worth. Would almost be cheaper for them to "rebate" us what it would cost them and let us go out and buy oir own locally with that rebate. I know that it just doesn't work that way, but it would seem like the better solution (and quicker for most of us).
Questions for HDI :
Does it matter which USB port we plug the flash drive into ? (there are two ports in the back :))
Are there any currently listed bugs, or voted on enhancements, that the flash drive specifically is intended to cover ? (I know the list of items you had in the opening post, but didn't know what else it might benefit)
Many thanks :)
The possibility to use any other USB flash drive (of any capacity)
(or even a HDD partition) allows to provide even more storage
space for these player functions, if needed.
As most people with HD Center will install an iternal hard drive is the anything speacil we should bear in mind when making a partition on the hard drive.
The flash player can be plug in the USB back slots or it has to be on the front of the player ?
If the USB Flash is not plugged the BD Live 2.0 function will work ?
I fully agree with Veliferum: the HD Center is quite different from the pictures on HDI's site. In my opinion all the changes are for the worse. The Centre on the site looks like a sleek device, now, with the changes the actual device looks like a cheap HTPC.
It looks like the buttons have shrunk, the symbols next to them are too big and too white (stand out too much). The new, big Dune logo certainly is no improvement on the smaller one depicted on the site. The smaller, gloss black BD tray gives the front a more balanced look than the one used now. I do hope the green VFD display is a mistake
Honestly: I think the Tvix 6500 (among others) looks better.
HDI what have you done?
Why was no notice given that the final product was quite different from the pictures that are still on the site?
Perhaps some text should be added to the pictures on the site: "Artists imperssion of a good looking HD Center.
I don't really understand how a product like this, aimed at the upper part of the market, where looks are very important, can be launched without informing the early adopters"of these changes.
This is not the first time that info from HDI is just not coming. Silence as taught by the Koreans? :wink:
Value for money is not what I expected.
To top this off my HD Centre is missing the small "trap door" to keep dust out of the optical output.
It wasn't in the bag fitted over the device for shipping, so a defective optical output must have been fitted during production. I don't care if dust gets into the optical output (use HDMI), but the red searchlight projected on my wall is annoying me.
I'll contact Divxplayer_NL to ask what to do about the optical out.
...HDI what have you done?
Why was no notice given that the final product was quite different from the pictures that are still on the site?...
They already knew at the CES that the design was changed, I searched a little and found this picture made at the HDI stand on the CES.
[img:804:381:f4c81c146e]http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2009/01/duneproto.jpg[/img:f4c81c146e]
This is not the first time that info from HDI is just not coming. Silence as taught by the Koreans? :wink:
I can totaly understand your frustration regarding the not announced changes of the case, but this statement is absolutely wrong! HDI has been more communicative than any other manufacturer on this forum!
@ Mule: You're right; in general HDI (DKV, HDI_fw-dev) has been more communicative than other companies I keep track of. My comment was certainly not aimed at them.
During the delays in delivery of the HD Centre's there were long silences (see post by H-J).
Frustrated? Yes, I gues so, and disapointed.
Any company producing units at the price point of the HDI boxes would have done their homework on how to keep the complaints to a minimum.
They would have read these very forums esp. that related to the TV6500.
By giving early feedback on firmware updates and future plans that heat will be taken off and I really hope the box lives up to the expectations of many.
As to why units are now being produced with a green LCD is now being is beyond me (A fault in production surely) .
I returned my HDI prime as the unit had a number of stratches and marks on the case and it produced stuttering via component (HDMI was fine). I was going to buy the more expensive variant . . . but not with a green LCD.
I did think the unit was the best media player I've owned though. It weighed about 10x more than that of a Popcorn A-110 :)
Any company producing units at the price point of the HDI boxes would have done their homework on how to keep the complaints to a minimum.
This is just a dream! Think of onkyo with their av-receivers: Even the highend models (up to 2000€) had to be returned in order to repair hw issues.
Think of phillips tvs having problems with flickering ambilight or microsoft with their rrod on the xbox360
There are hundreds of examples of even large companies having issues... Welcome in the technology wonderland of 2009!
This is just a dream!
NACK. This is simply what customers are entitled to expect for their money.
I think I will just buy one from a local computer shop as they are quite cheap these days
I agree. I have seen 2 GB and 4 GB flash dries < $10 USD (on sales). It just seems wasteful for Divxplayer to pay more for shipping than the item was worth. Would almost be cheaper for them to "rebate" us what it would cost them and let us go out and buy oir own locally with that rebate. I know that it just doesn't work that way, but it would seem like the better solution (and quicker for most of us).
Questions for HDI :
Does it matter which USB port we plug the flash drive into ? (there are two ports in the back :))
Are there any currently listed bugs, or voted on enhancements, that the flash drive specifically is intended to cover ? (I know the list of items you had in the opening post, but didn't know what else it might benefit)
Many thanks :)
This is not up to Divxplayer but HDI to cover for both USB sticks and shipping costs or refunds... We will see what HDI will offer in the coming days to relief the pressure on people by having changed so many things...
Just received news from one of American resellers...HDi informed them that international orders will commence somewhere in March this year...so its back to waiting game again.
Can not comment on green/blue issue and other HDCenter design issues, I hope dkv will comment on it. (Maybe this should go to a separate thread.)
currently in airport. departing right away. will comment on this and connected things tomorrow after flight
Are you always on board ?
Why have the HD Center a Front with green Display ? Why is the complete Front different to the picture on your website ?
the answers for this and some other questions are here:
http://www.mpcclub.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=20486
Just received news from one of American resellers...HDi informed them that international orders will commence somewhere in March this year...so its back to waiting game again.
not exactly true. the EU, Russian and Israeli distributors ordered everything manufactured in/for January and February. That's why we are telling now to all the distributors/resellers that the next stuff which can be ordered now will come in March.
To fully clarify things:
1.) By installing an external USB thumb drive to one of the USB ports the player shuts the internal (nand)flash off?
2.) Is there a difference in usb ports (side/back) some people suggested that there was a difference
3.) does it matter how the USB thumb drive is formatted (FAT/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3) is there a best option?
HDI_fw_dev
09-02-09, 23:23
sodium:
1. Yes. The next fw version will not use the internal flash memory at all.
2. No difference, any USB-port can be used. The player will recognize the USB drive by its content.
3. To start using USB drive, the original filesystem does not matter. USB drive will be autoformatted by the player (into EXT3) when you initialize it. Actually, the internally used filesystem does not matter, as the USB drive is completely hidden from the user once initialized (it is not listed in the top player menu and is not directly accessible by the user).
Some additional clarifications:
Historically, the USB drive for Prime/Center is a "workaround" (it was not needed initially, and now it will be needed), but technically, it is a fully reasonable solution. It is a widely used approach for Bluray players to provide "local storage" capability function for BD-Live functions. Many Bluray players use exactly the same approach and require the user to attach USB stick (or insert a memory card) to use these player functions. E.g. Sony S550 Profile 2.0 player has "EXT" USB port and ships with 1GB USB stick included. Sony S350 Profile 2.0 player has "EXT" USB port and ships w/o the USB stick.
@HDI_fw_staff
thanks for the answers :)
please answer http://www.mpcclub.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=20554 (or let dkv answer ) :)
I'm not really happy about this external USB Flash implementation. I'm currently using a 1TB USB HDD as my playback source for HD material. This is plugged into the player all the time (except for occasions when I move the HDD to my PC to load a new movie onto it), I therefore want it plugged in at the back, not the front of the player. So where am I supposed to plug the USB flash drive? I certainly don't want it sticking out of the front of the player all the time.
Contrary to what someone else has said, there is only USB port on the back of my player (and this is the same on all the photos of the production player on the web site).
Having USB ports on the front is handy for temporarily inserting a derive to view photos, or listen to music etc, but this is not an acceptable location for the permanent attachment of a USB device. I wouldn't regard this as being acceptable for a "low end" device, let alone something that is claiming to be "high end".
I'm not really happy about this external USB Flash implementation. I'm currently using a 1TB USB HDD as my playback source for HD material. This is plugged into the player all the time (except for occasions when I move the HDD to my PC to load a new movie onto it), I therefore want it plugged in at the back, not the front of the player. So where am I supposed to plug the USB flash drive? I certainly don't want it sticking out of the front of the player all the time.
Contrary to what someone else has said, there is only USB port on the back of my player (and this is the same on all the photos of the production player on the web site).
Having USB ports on the front is handy for temporarily inserting a derive to view photos, or listen to music etc, but this is not an acceptable location for the permanent attachment of a USB device. I wouldn't regard this as being acceptable for a "low end" device, let alone something that is claiming to be "high end".
Not a bad idea to read the first post of a thread :roll:
You can either put a small partition on your drive and that will be used or you can use a USB hub on the back
Not a bad idea to read the first post of a thread :roll:
You can either put a small partition on your drive and that will be used or you can use a USB hub on the back
I missed the full text of the first thread. Frankly I don't care how much you roll your eyes at me.
This remains a dreadful shabby workaround that isn't acceptable for a media player at this price point.
Lord_Kiron
11-02-09, 16:02
I do not like it too , but on the other hand the player also supports USB hubs , so it's not that bad.
I do not like it too , but on the other hand the player also supports USB hubs , so it's not that bad.
Yes, I guess it's not the end of the world. Will give it a try with a hubs and see how it goes. I won't be using any "interactive content" anyway, but I do want to use the samba server for uploading files onto the internal HDD.
I missed the full text of the first thread. Frankly I don't care how much you roll your eyes at me.
ok :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:
This remains a dreadful shabby workaround that isn't acceptable for a media player at this price point.
I agree with you :)
What I want to know:
I do not want a USB stick stuck into the player (my audio rack is a tight fit) and preferably I also do not want a peace of USB cable in the rack.
So my question: is there an internal USB port that can be used for this?
for those of us willing to open up the player an stick the USB stick internally.
I'm not really happy about this external USB Flash implementation. I'm currently using a 1TB USB HDD as my playback source for HD material. This is plugged into the player all the time (except for occasions when I move the HDD to my PC to load a new movie onto it), I therefore want it plugged in at the back, not the front of the player. So where am I supposed to plug the USB flash drive? I certainly don't want it sticking out of the front of the player all the time.
Contrary to what someone else has said, there is only USB port on the back of my player (and this is the same on all the photos of the production player on the web site).
Having USB ports on the front is handy for temporarily inserting a derive to view photos, or listen to music etc, but this is not an acceptable location for the permanent attachment of a USB device. I wouldn't regard this as being acceptable for a "low end" device, let alone something that is claiming to be "high end".
you can use USB hub if you want (for example, for the back side USB connector). Player doesn't care how many USB devices and in which way are connected. All of them are equal for it. When istalling the next f/w if you have at least one blank USB drive connected in ayway, the installing procedure will ask you if you want that drive to be formatted and contain the internal extended data of the player.
What I want to know:
I do not want a USB stick stuck into the player (my audio rack is a tight fit) and preferably I also do not want a peace of USB cable in the rack.
So my question: is there an internal USB port that can be used for this?
for those of us willing to open up the player an stick the USB stick internally.
no vacant ones. if you use any of the internal connectors you'll loose one of the external.
...for those of us willing to open up the player an stick the USB stick internally.
no vacant ones. if you use any of the internal connectors you'll loose one of the external.
That's fine by me... I do not want to see a USB stick...
I suppose you'll support this by warranty?
That's fine by me... I do not want to see a USB stick...
I suppose you'll support this by warranty?
we don't handle warranty directly. it's one of the main reasons why we work with distributors. If you got the unit from the buy-in please consult with Paul (Divxplayer.nl) if he takes this responsibility. It's his decision in the end.
Announcment from HDI:
All Dune HD Center players and all new Dune BD Prime players (starting of Jan 1st 2009) will ship with a free 2GB USB flash drive included.
The next firmware updates will require the use of this flash drive to
use the following player functions:
- Web Browser.
- SMB server.
- Top level menu of Internet Radio stations and IPTV channels.
- Blu-ray bonus content downloading/storage (for BD Live function).
HDI will also provide a possibility to get a free 2GB USB flash
memory module to all BD Prime owners not received it initially with
the player (after discussion with the corresp. distributors).
I would like to know if there is any action on this point for people who bought units before this date ?
I could buy a USB key myself, but it is more the feeling the support is ok for me..
I had the same question see http://www.mpcclub.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=21173
Would the "same questiobn" not need to be in "the same thread" :-)
lol
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