RJ-1500DVX - Very poor manual: Got a question

[Cybershaolin]

I just got this very good player today. Even if it's a really attractive player, I never saw a poor user manual like that before.

Excuse my ignorance but I have a simple question: What are the two inputs behind the player marked Mix-L and Mix-R? In no place they mention anything about these inputs. What are they for?

Thanks for helping me.

[WesleyHester]

Hello, you are sure correct about the manual. I have the RJ-1500DVXII and I really like it.

The outputs you are refering to are the left and right downmixed channels (5.1 downmixed to Stereo or You can set it to LT/RT in the menu if you are connecting to a Pro-Logic Receiver or other surround receiver through analog). Basically, whenever you have the player connected only with white/red RCA cables for the audio, these connections should be used. Also, even if you connect the player via optical or coaxial cables, you still need these connected for karaoke (mic input is only outputted through these connections. DivX and all supported audio formats of this player will output via the digital or analog audio outputs depending on how you set it.
The player has 5.1 analog outputs that have Left and Right but they are for the front speakers of a 5.1 system when you use the RJ-Tech's built-in decoder.


In the Setup Menu:

SPEAKER SETUP
Downmix - LT/RT (for external decoder)
- Stereo (connect to TV or other 2ch device)
- Off (only if you are using the 5.1 analog outputs)
NOTE: you may notice that under Downmix are other options like: Center, Rear, Subwoofer, etc. - they are only available with Downmix set to OFF to allow for proper settings and calibration when using the 5.1 analog outputs.

AUDIO SETUP
SPDIF OUTPUT - Off (when not using digital outputs or using Karaoke)
- SPDIF/RAW (typical)

[Cybershaolin]

Thans for your answer. I got it.

I have a problem with the player though. I don't know but I think it might be defect.

When I connect it to my TV set, (direct connection) using the 3 component outputs, I get a very ugly picture on the TV. It looks really purple. If I use composite or S-VHS outputs the picture is fine.

Very weird because if I use the same component cables with another DVD player, my picture is O.K. on the TV.

And no, I did not make a mistake with the cable connection (meaning put the Y in CB or so...)

Anybody else experience the same problem or my player is defect?

[WesleyHester]

Double check all connections first. Green to Green (Y to Y), etc.

Determine if your are going to be using a Progressive or Interlaced signal.

With this player, their is a button on the remote just under the power button called V-MODE (or video mode). Keep pressing it repeatedly to cycle through all of the available video outputs and modes of the player. I'm not at my player at the moment so I'm not sure of the order but pressing this button repeatedly will cycle through: S-Video/Composite, Component Interlaced, Component Progressive and VGA.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT connect Composite (Yellow RCA type plug) and/or S-Video cables and component video cables at the same time. If you are going to use component video, just hook those cables up only.

Also, if you have the component cable hooked up, the image will not look correct if the player is in the wrong mode:
VGA - will have what you describe above.
S-Video/Composite - you'll see something but it will look bad
Interlaced/Progressive - pick the wrong one for you TV and the image will appear incorrect.

Furthermore, this is a "universal" player in the since it is PAL/NTSC, has a "universal" power supply and is region free. There is another button on the remote below the V-Mode button called P/N (PAL/NTSC). This toggles between the two TV standards. If the player is in the wrong mode for your TV, the video will appear incorrect or not at all.

I have found the Progressive and Interlaced component video output of this player's ESS Vibratto II chipset to be quite good for the price.

[Cybershaolin]

Wow! You're the best. That worked. I was under the impression that my player was defect. I got it now and the picture is very good. I'm so happy.

At no place in the manual they were mentionning this. As I said, the manual is very poor. Would you know a place (or maybe even in here) where somebody has re-done this manual, or at least, explain the functions of this player in a more comprehensive way?

I have a couple more questions if you don't mind.

1- What about the progressive and Interlaced mode? How do I switch these modes? With the same button (V-Mode) or it's another button?

2- Does this player play audio WMA files?

3- Did you experience some trouble with the remote while the player is on standby when you try to switch it on or off with the remote? I have experienced some trouble to turn the player on with the remote at many times.

That's about it, Besides these points, I'm really satisfied with my purchase.

[WesleyHester]

I was thinking the same thing myself about the manual. I too was wishing someone had redone it. You can do a google search for the CAVS DVD-103G player I have that is very similar to the RJ-Tech. It's manual does a better job in explaining things but it still isn't the absolute best. I though about redoing the manual myself but it is harder to do than I thought and would take up too much time.

NOTE: I forgot to mention in my earlier post that the player has to be in STOP mode for the V-Mode button to be used. You can not switch video modes while a disc is playing. Sorry, but you seem to have already figured that out anyway.

To answer your questions:

1. On the RJ-1500DVXII, switching between Progressive and Interlaced is done with the V-Mode button on the remote like you said. I'm at my player now and it cycles the video modes like this: S-VIDEO - YCBCR (that's interlaced) - YPBPR (that's progressive) - VGA/SCART (RJ-Tech just has VGA)

2. Unfortunately, this player doesn't play WMA files. Even though the ESS Vibratto II chipset supports the format, RJ-Tech did not purchase the license for its use in this player.

3. I haven't had trouble turning the unit on from Standby with the remote. The remote and/or IR receiver on the unit is/are pretty weak. I've programmed the remote into my One-For-All universal remote and things have improved due to its stronger transmitter. However, the IR receiver on the unit is still very directional - have to point the remote at the player. Personally, I turn the player off and on using the front panel power switch. It stays to warm in Standby mode for my personal taste and the Setup Menu settings stay in place.

This player plays DVD movies very well and has fast layer changes and disc access. The progressive output looks very good (minor CUE but not troublesome). It plays all formats and medias it is said to be able to handle. I've played HDCDs but can't tell any impovement or indication the player is doing anything special with them (most players indicate when a disc is recognized has HDCD and offer filters for improve sound). All karaoke media plays very well. I've also burned 7 two hour movies I've converted to DIVX onto a DVD-R and the player handles them well. Note that from what I've experienced so far, don't use stick on labels with your DVD/CD blank media you burn on.

[Cybershaolin]

I can just say that I thank you so much for all your quick and informative answers.

You help me out to go trough all the missing parts in the manual and made a man really happy about his purchase.

There is only one think that I'm a little bit disappointed and it's the lack of the WMA format support. Maybe later with a firmware upgrade? We can just hope.

Talking about FW upgrade. I went at their web site http://www.rjtech.net/rj1500ii.html and saw there was a FW upgrade for the model. But how do we find out about the actual FW version we have in our player? The file they propose there is bank30.rom

What about the DivX registration? Do we have to go and register this at divx.com?

Well, how come I have these questions again? I thought I had finish!!! Sorry about that.

[windstar]

I agree with cyberlin, the manual is poor, i have the rj-4200 and it took me a long time to figure somethings out and i'm still learning how it works the proper way, the mics have poor quality, i wish somebody could help me how to set it up without any hassle, maybe one of you can post a small guide with precise info how to setup the player the proper way.
Cheers

[Cybershaolin]

Maybe I can suggest to you to start a thread specifically for the RJ-4200

[WesleyHester]

Cybershaolin,

I have yet to find a way to tell the RJ-1500DVXII's firmware version.
The "bank30.rom" firmware upgrade is limited to just a part of the firmware that affects XviD playback and the use of Subtitles on the remote with DivX/Xvid. I've seen "bank30.rom" for other players too, don't know much about them though, just seen them. It may have been issued directly from ESS Technology. Unfortunately, it's up to the individual brand companies to modify (if necessary) and release firmware updates for their particular machines. Some companies do a good job at this and others do not unfortunately.

I installed the update but I could not tell a difference in the player nor did I receive any type of "true" confirmation that it was successful or not.

Your are correct about the DIVX registration. You sign up to their site and there is a place to register your player. Although I have registered my player, I have yet to use this feature. You then go to other sites that offer VOD DivX which you pay for.


windstar,
I came very close to getting the RJ-4200 because I'm more into karaoke. All of the faceplate buttons for track selection, key control, etc. really set it apart as a truely dedicated karaoke player.
Anyway, although the RJ-4200 as a different remote, I'll try to help.

I've gone through and still have over a dozen Asian DVD/karaoke players and their quality can be good to bad even among the same brand name - but I still lov'em though. The same goes for mic quality. The RJ-1500DVXII and CAVS DVD-103G I'm using primarily now have good, clean quality mic sound. You can truely hear my bad sounding singing voices crystal clear! I've used others that weren't quite so good with one recent example being the Sungale 9100 I gave to my Aunt.

To the point: you have to perform a few steps to start karaoke each time and a few more steps to switch back to "movie watching mode" if you use the player for more than karaoke.

(1) First, you must have the right connections. An RCA audio patch cord (white/red ends) must be connect to your TV or Receiver and the player's Mix-L and Mix-R audio outputs (they should be grouped together in the back, seperate from the 5.1 analog output array). The Mix or "Downmix" output is the ONLY output used for Karaoke unless you are using the 5.1 analog outputs connected to a Dolby Digital Ready receiver with 5.1 analog inputs.

(2) Next turn on the player without a disc and go into the SETUP menu. Go into AUDIO SETUP. From there, select SPDIF OUTPUT and then select the OFF option. This turns of the Digital Audio curcuit and is required for best karaoke performance. You see, more expensive players like I normally purchase can support multiple video and audio outputs at the same time and power all of them equally without issue. Less expensive players can not, it's either or with them. That is why this setting must be set to OFF, to allow for the best use of the Analog Audio output.

(2) Turn the MIC input on using either KARAOKE or MIC key on the remote (if equiped - don't know the RJ-4200's remote) or by going into the SETUP menu and select KARAOKE SETUP. Then select MIC ON or KARAOKE or however its worded on your player.

(3) Thats really it for the player. Just flip the mic's switch on if it has one. Adjust your TV's or receiver's volume to raise and lower over all volume and your voice. Adjust the mic level on the front of the player as needed. Also, use the player's volume control to raise and lower the karaoke music. Use all three to balance your voice with the music and get an overall good volume level.

(4) To take things further, before you get started there are some other settings I make personally you might want to try in the SETUP menu:

(a) Under SPEAKER SETUP, DOWNMIX should be set to STEREO (if you have a multi-channel receiver, you can switch it to Stereo too or use its surround modes to your liking)

(b) Under AUDIO SETUP, COMPRESSION should be set to OFF. Karaoke and movies are meant to be played "loud" (properly calibrated) and not at low volumes. Dynamic Range Compression compresses the very highs and the very lows so that the can be heard at lower volumes. You don't need that here so turn it OFF.

(c) Don't forget the VOCAL, MPX (or however its listed on your remote control) Button. This allows you to swtich audio modes between STEREO, MONO-LEFT, MONO-RIGHT, AND DUAL-MONO (and VOCAL too on some discs). This is useful on Multiplex CD+G and VCD karaoke tracks that feature performance vocals in either the left or right channel only with just music in the other. With tracks with just music and backup vocals, this setting should be STEREO. On Karaoke DVDs, you'll use the AUDIO/LANGUAGE (or however it is on your remote) to switch between Audio Tracks with guide vocals and those with just the music.

[windstar]

Thanks Wesleyhester for your precious help, i will try to follow your instructions.

[Cybershaolin]

OK I need some more info here. I'm all mixed up again!

I just bought a CD+G disk and I was under the impression that we could see the lyrics on the screen while listening to the tracks. Am I right?

Because I tried it and it does not show anything on the screen but the player screen itself? What do I need to do to enable the option?

Is this the correct type of disk that I must use to see the lyrics on the screen? If not, what do I need to do exactly?

[WesleyHester]

With a CD+G and the RJ-1500DVXII (and the first RJ-1500DVX also) the lyrics should appear on the screen without doing anything special. You don't even have to set the Karaoke mode to ON.
The CD+G's format is digital audio on a CD with a sub channel. This 'sub' channel has nothing to do with a subwoofer. It contains the graphics (lyrics) that 'swipe' on the screen as the music plays. Karaoke is the only real use for this form of Compact Disc. (FYI: special burners are required to make CD+G's). Virtually all CD players and DVD players will play CD+G's. However, unless the players specifically support the CD+G format via soft/hardware, only the music will be heard which is normal. With all players that are supposed to support CD+G's, the lyrics should appear without doing anything special.
Both the 1500DVX and 1500DVXII are suppose to play CD+G's and I haven't seen a case on the internet that has mentioned this type of issue. I've output my CD+G lyrics via component and S-video without issue and it should be the same on composite and VGA too.
I have to admit that I don't know why your player is not reproducing the graphics stored on the CD+G's sub channel. Nothing like this is mentioned in RJ-Tech's FAQ.
May be best to contact them on this one. Sorry I couldn't help.

[WesleyHester]

Well, I'm going to have to reply to my own post. I tried doing different things with a CD+G in my RJ-1500DVXII. When I press STOP or PAUSE on the faceplate of the unit itself and then try to resume, the RJ-Tech Swan Screen remains while the audio starts back up. I was unable to get the Karaoke Lyrics back. That is until I ejected the tray and reclosed it (didn't actually take the disc out of the tray or anything), then when playback started up again the lyrics were there. Weird. I'll have to try that out later on my CAVS DVD-103G (very similar to the RJ-1500DVXII). Anyway, I never thought I had any issue like that until now when I tried something different from what I normally do. Normall with any karaoke discs, I start on a song I like and skip to the next one I like and so forth until I'm finished with it and then I stop playback and eject the disc to put in another one. I never really STOP or PAUSED while a disc was playing the lyrics before.
Anyway, try turning the player OFF and UNPLUGGING it for 5 minutes to allow for a proper resetting and try it again - keeping in mind what I said above (putting the CD+G in, letting in start up and if lyrics are seen, don't stop or pause until you are done, just skip to the next songs your going to sing or let it keeping playing if the song is literally next on the disc.
As always, goodluck.

[Cybershaolin]

OK Thanks for all your answers but I have a question?

Can I take the files I have (which have .cdg and .mp3 extesions) with the same name in front of the file extension, one is the audio and one is the lyrics and burn that directly to a CD or I must convert them first? If I must convert them, convert in what?

Finally, what avout DivX+G files? I saw somewhere that this player is supposed to support this format as well... Did you try to burn and play using this format?

[WesleyHester]

I'll have to get back to you with most of your questions because I have only purchased karaoke media products to this point and have never made any of my own.

Note that in the posts above, I was talking about purchased commercial karaoke CD+G discs.

This player doesn't support MP3+G or any type of MP3 karaoke that I know of. Some other players do play the MP3+G format.

Regarding burning: as mentioned above, for CD+G a special burner will be required. Any other 'custom' format could use any blank media or burner.

I have only seen DivX+G on a karaoke site for sale and I haven't research how to make them myself yet.

I'll try to get back here ASAP with more info.

[Cybershaolin]

Any news?