Pioneer 470 - firmware and features

[rich_jtg]

I recently purchased one of these players to mainly play back Div-X files.

However, after viewing a couple files, it would appear that the Div-X playback is pretty ropey... the image appears to be very jerky.

After reading a few threads on here that reported that the playback would be smoother after a firmware upgrade, I tried to use the firmware file from AV Land, but with no success - probably because it is meant for the 575

So I phoned Pioneer today to ask if I could have a firmware disc sent to me.

During the conversation, I was told that the firmware would only add the subtitle feature to Div-X, and would remove any multi-region feature from the player - something I didn't think was true.

If I am just going to use the player for Div-X, am I probably better off just returning the player and purchasing a different one, or is there any way of improving it's performance with MPEG4 files?

I'm fairly pleased with the player otherwise... the only other gripe being the fact you can't set the output of the scart to RGB at the same time as having component selected, but that's jsut a small thing!

[rickardl]

Originally Posted by rich_jtg

However, after viewing a couple files, it would appear that the Div-X playback is pretty ropey... the image appears to be very jerky.

If it is an Xvid-encoded file, I bet it is the "packed bitstream" problem
which every player with MediaTek 1389EE suffers from.
Check with the latest GSpot release if it has both B-VOP and N-VOP.
Use Mpeg4modifier to unpack the file, takes a minute or so.
Or if you are playing NTSC files and you have it set to AUTO,
try setting the player to convert it to PAL, it works pretty well.

[rich_jtg]

Thanks for your reply - much appreciated!

It would appear that I was suffering from "packed bitstream problem".

Had a go with Mpeg4 Modifier 1.2.0, but received an error message every time I opened a file.

After a bit of Googling I found that it was a common problem, and after a bit more searching found an older version (1.1.0) of Mpeg4 Modifier which appears to unpack files nicely!

I don't think I'll bother with the firmware update, as I only need to view subtitles occasionally, and would prefer the multiregion feature ot stay intact.

Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!

[rockyglw]

I upgraded my 575 firmware and the multi region function is not affected. I would assume that the 470 would be the same

[Indiana Jones]

I had jerky playback on my Pioneer DV470 also and it turned out it was because 99% of my files had packet bitstream. I just used the program mentioned above to remove it and they now playback perfectly.
I do have a few files that I cant load into the program though, it comes up saying "No dummy N-VOP for packet frame".

Anyone know what this means?

[rich_jtg]

Originally Posted by rockyglw

I upgraded my 575 firmware and the multi region function is not affected. I would assume that the 470 would be the same

Indeed... that's what I thought, but according to Pioneer that's not the case... as it's only to get subtitles I don't think it's worth the risk for now.

[rich_jtg]

Originally Posted by Indiana Jones

I had jerky playback on my Pioneer DV470 also and it turned out it was because 99% of my files had packet bitstream. I just used the program mentioned above to remove it and they now playback perfectly.

I do have a few files that I cant load into the program though, it comes up saying "No dummy N-VOP for packet frame".

Anyone know what this means?

That's the error I was receiving when using version 1.2.0

I downloaded version 1.1.0 and the files worked fine. Maybe worth a try if you are using the new version.

[NX3]

You can upgrade the 470 with the 575 firmware but its kinda pointless imo. I have the 470 upgrade disc from Pioneer, if you PM me I can copy it for you.

The new firmware adds ogg support, divx subtitle and prob some other fixes Pioneer won't tell us about.

As I've posted so many times now, jerky playback is a packed bitstream problem as everyone else said.

Updating the 470 with new firmware does NOT effect its region settings. E.g if your machine is region free it stays region free. If your machine is region locked, it stays region locked. Pioneer might not admit to this as they do not support or sell region free machines, they are unlocked by 3rd parties.

[Indiana Jones]

Thanks for that, tried the older version of the problem and it loaded the files I couldnt load before and they work fine now.

Out of interest, does anyone who has the newer firmware have Star Wars Episode 2 as it takes forever to load on my DV470 and I was wondering if the newer firmware fixed the problem.

[jtf]

star wars takes about 30 secs to load on my 575 with the updated firmware

[NX3]

If anyone wants me the 470 updated firmware original Pioneer cd copied let me know and I'll email it to you. Its only a few mb.

[rich_jtg]

Originally Posted by NX3

If anyone wants me the 470 updated firmware original Pioneer cd copied let me know and I'll email it to you. Its only a few mb.

Check your PMs!

[nogimmix]

I've just brought a 470 and had a few jerky divx films, just trying out the software to see if I have any joy.

As for the latest firmware, could someone send it over to me please.

[NX3]

private msg me your email addess, you need to be able to accept 1.2mb files.

[nogimmix]

Don't worry mate, I managed to download a updated version last night.

Cheers anyway.