DVD firmware and CD/DVD formats

[c_hernandez32]

I wanted to know what is involved in a DVD player that lets it play specific formats and not another? Some will play VCD, but not SVCD or DVD-R, but not DVD+R. Does the firmware control what formats can be played or is it physical decoders, or possibly a mix? Is there a DVD player that plays all out of the box or a player that can be upgraded with a new firmware that will allow you to play all/most formats?

[tweedledee]

There are lots of dvd players that play everything, mostly the cheap ones. I'm in OZ but I'm sure if you asked in the shops in Texas for what you want, they would point you in the right direction.

[offline]

Nothing plays "everything". Your best bet is to buy a good quality brand name and a elcheapo Chinese player.

As to your Q. The answer is a mix.

- Encoder type
- board firmware
- drive firmware
- license from format copyright holders

[jeex]

actually, there is a better way.. its called the pioneer dv-260(s)

there isnt a macrovision/region hack that i know of.. but this dvd player is KICK ASS..

its plays, vcd/svcd/xvcd/xsvcd/dvd-r/dvd+r/dvd-rw/dvd+rw/mp3/wma/jpg
(i think there is a conversion kit so it will play vinyl too, heh)

it even converts pal to ntsc.. and it also has menu navigation buttons on the player itself, should you lose your remote.

it plays cheap cd-r's & dvdr's.

and its not a cheap ass foreign dvd player that'll crap out on your in a couple of months.

its under $80 at walmart..

the dv-250 is alright, buuuut no dvd navigation buttons on the dvd player and it wont convert pal dvd's to ntsc (it does for s/vcd though, wierd)...

[tweedledee]

Nothing plays "everything".
--

Well, Sorry, Mine plays cd,svcd,vcd,dvd+r,dvd-r, dvdrw+-, mp3,jpeg, in fact everything I've tried, except dinner plates, soup dishes and paint tin lids. The "el-cheapo" players still have a 12 month warranty, they sound good and are value for money.

[offline]

Well, Sorry, Mine plays cd,svcd,vcd,dvd+r,dvd-r, dvdrw+-, mp3,jpeg

Does it play VOB's on cdr? Does it play AVI? Does it play Recode?

[lets]

Does it play DVD-RAM?

[tweedledee]

Never tried RAM or VOB's or AVI as most movies around are not in that format. Maybe that's common in the states.