The mysterious Kendo DVD player

[mas71]

So I bought a new DVD player after getting tired of my Samsung DVD-1E.

I bought a Kendo DVX 9200 and it supports just about everything, MP3 on all DVD medias, Photos, DivX, Xvid etc.

I would like to know if this is a brand sold outside Sweden, perhaps under another brand name, it seems to me impossible to find any information on the manufacturer or to obtain firmware upgrades etc.

Any info is welcome.

[clayts]

Do you know what chipset is under the hood ? If it's a Mediatek MT1389, chances are it's a clone of one of the many players discussed here at Doom 9

[mas71]

I have no idea, and there is no marking as to what chipset is under the hood anywhere on the case of the player.

Here is some images:

[clayts]

Looking at that screenshot, I'd say it's an ESS-based player

[mas71]

OK, thanks, if we assume that as a hypothesis, can I confirm that some way?

Is there good source for firmware and region hacks for this chipset?

I think I have found a twin to my DVD player here:
http://www.neodigits.com/shtmls/divxdvd/index.shtml

The remote control is identical, so is the specs.

[mas71]

Looking at that screenshot, I'd say it's an ESS-based player

You were absolutely right, I had to open the lid to see what it was, I took this photo:

[clayts]

I would say the other player you link to is not the same at all, as that has a Sigma Designs chipset, which is different to the Vibratto you picture above.

I'm pretty sure we discussed an ESS-powered DiVX player here recently - I'll have a search and come back

[clayts]

Here it is - I see you've already found it though

[mas71]

Yes I agree with you, I found out that it was a totally different chipset on the other one.

I also found the thread you are reffering to, the menues are identical.
Other players that seem to have the same chipset are:

* Yamada DVX 6000/6100
* RJ Tech RJ 4000
* Hiteker HE940

the annoying thing is that Kendo seems to be the only one of these that does not have any homepage, they are totally anonymous and no chance for:

* General tech info
* How to find out what firmware version I have
* How to hack region (if even neccessary)

All above have homepages with firmware updates and key combinations for finding out the firmware revision, I've tried them on mine with no luck at all.

[clayts]

No doubt it's a rebranded something-or-other from China - are there no contact details in the manual or on the box that carried the player ?

[mas71]

No they have managed to be absolutely anonymous.

What are the chances that the firmware from for instance a Yamada 6000 or another ESS Vibratto based would work on the Kendo?

Or is it to much of a risk to try that?

[mas71]

Thanks to scrotus I found this region hack, I tried it and it works:

1. Power on the player.
2. Using the remote control, key in the following: Setup, 7, Pause, Prev, Next
3. Choose your region (BYPASS for region free)

It also shows the firmware version!