If VSX-820 has got component video output, you can try the first method i.e. HDPro ---> HDMI ---> VSX-820 ---> Component Video ---> TV.

Otherwise, (1) HDPro ---> Component Video ---> TV (for video only) (2) HDPro ---> HDMI ---> VSX-820 (for audio only)

Is this a recommended firmware update for HDPro? If mine is working fine (mine is the Oct firmware), I don't have to update?

Hi Yangxi. I bought my HDPro in May10. Is it HDPro+? But so far all the new firmware still can use?

It's already Nov firmware in my HDPro. I just updated last week from Sep firmware.

WLAN not quite recommended for HD video files. Best to have it on wired unless you can live with some lag especially for the high bit rates ones.

Otherwise, the HDPro player is a value buy and can play most popular formats competently. Can handle the MTS files from HD video camera too.

HDPro has a LAN (RJ45) FAST Ethernet (10/100mbps) port.

If you want WLAN, you will need to get a separate dongle from Yangxi (or a compatible one) that is plugged into the USB port of the HDPro.

If you are familiar with video formats from interweb, you'll know that there are many different kinds. Most of the time, you'll watch these on your PC where there is much support.

However, as far as I know, most HDTVs are very limited in terms of the video formats they can play.

That is why there is a industry for dedicated media players that can play these video files on your HDTV hassle free instead of watching it from your PC.

You're right with the smoother playing of videos. On top of neb's reasons:

- you'll probably need a high spec'ed laptop and video card to play HD videos properly
- HDTV can display only certain resolutions but not all PC screen resolutions correctly. There will be scaling issues.
- it's a hassle to carry and plug in your laptop to the HDTV (unless the laptop is like a HTPC which is, more or less, permanently placed close by the HDTV)
- you'll probably need some technical know-how to setup your laptop and software players to play the videos from internet properly

A media player is relatively cheap solution compared to all the above hassles. Plug and play is a very important feature for non-techs (like my other family members lol) without needing to know much technical stuff like starting up a laptop and running the correct software.

1.5TB would be a 3.5" HDD? Usually those external HDD cannot just run by plugging into one USB port alone but will also require external power (AC/DC adapter or using an additional USB port for power) to operate properly. Do you have another power source for your 1.5TB HDD?

Default is UTF8 but can change encoding to BIG5 (and others). I don't remember seeing GB18030 though. Is that the same as GBK for simplified Chinese?

1) To play DD, DTS, TrueHD, DTS-MA etc, you'll need a AV Receiver that can drive the number of speakers required and can decode the audio codec. No point playing TrueHD on a 2 speaker TV because it will be exactly the same as stereo.

2) To play TrueHD or DTS-MA, the connection must be HDMI to your AVR. Optical/SPDIF max only allows DD and DTS.

Poor but aspire for the rich man toys

Not sure if this can help, but the common problem when selecting subtitles is you need to use the UP arrow key (and not the more intutitive DOWN arrow) to select the subtitle.

You can try:

1) While movie is playing, press "subtitle" on remote. The subtitle menu will pop out. Default is "Off" i.e. no subtitle display.
2) Press OK on remote.
3) Press UP arrow on remote (not DOWN arrow) to select the first subtitle stream. Press UP again to select the 2nd subtitle and so on.
4) When desired subtitle is highlighted, press "OK" to confirm selection
5) Press "Return" on remote to return to movie

That's the whole point of having an official thread on HDPro.

We, owners of HDPro, must support each other and document most of the common issues together and followup with vendor for the more serious issues.

In all fairness and my humble opinion, HDPro is quite a complete product at a very good value.

Yangxi, please remember to continue support for us HDPro 1073DD & 1073C+ owners at least for a few years. Don't forget about us with all the new 1055/1185 chipsets coming out. The new 1055/1185 offer no new functions and probably not worth it for us to replace.

Most AVI files will not have embedded subtitles to keep the size of the video files small (faster to dl? can fit within a CD-R?). But if subtitle is encoded also as part of the avi file, then logically, the steps would work as well.

Most of the time you will have to get the separate corresponding .SRT subtitle file for the .AVI video.

To display these subtitles, you will have to rename the SRT file exactly the same as the AVI file e.g.

Video filename: Myvideo.2010.720p.XviD.AC3.avi
SRT filename then must be: Myvideo.2010.720p.XviD.AC3.srt

Also, you need to put the SRT file within the same folder as the AVI file.

Edited:

This post has been edited by PoorMan: Jan 16 2011, 06:03 PM

When you are interested to purchase, just PM yangxi for a complete quote including postage.

Tried it just now on my HDPro 1073DD. It plays but with a lot of artefacts and a bit of skipping.

No plus. Mine is just regular 1073DD. The plus version is able to pass-thru HD audio but otherwise the same. My guess is that it will be the same.

Not sure if the 1055 will fare better.

I remember it works but only basic functions. Yes, there is a web interface as well.

Congrats on your new HDPRO+. We try not to discuss file sharing and *ahem* stuff too much here. But there are a lot of info on the internet. Just google "torrent" or "pps" or whatever your fancy.