Nowadays HD media player are getting better and better, same goes to all the blu-ray players available in the market. One thing came across my mind is that one of my buddy told me to ditch my media player (DVICO TViX Slim) and get a blu-ray player (high end player) to watch all the movie i have (basically most of it were in BDMV format)

Done some research on the internet, some say just go for a media player some say blu-ray player but in the end no one really explain in details what and why or for example specification comparison.

then again...which is better in terms of Picture & sound quality? i do not mind spending a little bit more to get better picture and sound quality.

I am a beginner as well.

I tested Media Player HiMedia Q10 Pro with 4k contents, it is far superior that any Full HD. Blue ray player can only output to Full HD pictures quality. So blue ray lost a lot. Thus I end up buying the media player. I noticed 4k Video color also more natural to my eyes.

Sound wise, I am using AVR... With DTS HD MA sound track, both media player + blue ray sound similar to me. No differences to me.

i was thinking to get a Dune HD Duo 4K (seen one but never tested one). i think you got the wrong information, nowadays most of the high end blu-ray player suppports 3D and 4k.

i am using it on my home theater system too, the reason why i posted this thread is because i was hoping some one can clarify to me that one of it is better (i never have the chance to test both of the same system)

As long as you don't really watch from disc, media player or Blu Ray make no different. Saying that both is equal full HD or equal 4k.

No, i don't watch from disc. but some say blu-ray player has better video processing.

I really don't think so unless like oppo with darbee build in

i leave video processor to tv. player processor may mess up the timing, as i know usually tv cannot disable.

i was thinking to get myself a Oppo 103D. Darbee is good but i couldn't get use to the fine details that the video processor renders.

i don't get it, mess up what timing? mind to explain? i never have this kind of problem at all.

TV nowadays can play BDMV or BDISO directly from a hdd?

If not than there will be different

player process. tv process again. talk about video quality and smoothing.

not codec decode

This post has been edited by ktek: Jan 22 2017, 11:06 PM

Yes... Possible.

However, I prefer media player as it is more convenient, especially with multi-TV setup along with large NAS.

oh...i see.

same here...and i think its more user friendly if i were to use it with a PC or NAS

Don't go overboard with the settings...then it's good...

I got both...doesn't have to be exclusive...

This post has been edited by dwRK: Jan 24 2017, 10:43 AM

i've tested many Android 4K box including AC Ryan 4K Veolo.... they cant really perform on very large files, large 1080p files always frame skip.... 4k files no eye see...

just got myself a OPPO UDP-203 JBed BD player.... solved all the problem.... dont have problem playing 4K file up to 65GB... i'm steaming for my NAS btw..... 12 bays currently running on CAT5e only.....

dont waste time on those android one

This post has been edited by nick__123: Jan 24 2017, 11:55 AM

How much is the oppo?

I have 2x Android 4k players and they give perfect results on both large files of 1080p as well as 2160p.

Anyway, my largest file size for 4k is only 68.7GB, less than 70GB... Maybe there are 100GB version that might not be smooth?

Btw, I am running CAT6 and all are confirmed in gigabits mode. For quick check, you can confirm from switches. But if your friend has the good meters, do use them.

One more thing, I found some of the 4k contents are lagging if I play via my desktop i7 6700 (built in graphic). But everything are always perfectly smooth on the Android... Any idea? I need to use install some driver on my desktop? i7 + 64GB RAM must be more powerful than cheapo Android box right?

And of course, some might be asking how about 4k3D or 8k files playback on the Android? I searched the Internet and failed to locate samples to try. I also want to try the 4k recording from Canon 1Dx mark 2 or 5D4, does anyone has them to share?

oppo udp203 = RM3099

Honestly...media playing part is one thing
It also depends on your display

If you are using led tv...the amount of brand to settings defer...and also the reproduction is impacted by the ambient light...and if you wear spectacles...some lenses have slight yellow tint...some has light blue tint

Then when it comes to projector...its another animal all together

In summary....its about calibration to ISF and THX standards

Again...its about personal tolerance level

If i am watching on my 150", the projector, projector screen, source, cabling and right down to room ceiling reflection and ambient lighting affects the visual output

But for my normal 60" tv which i just stream online series and other compressed media....i not as fussy

If you are not fussy and to your eyes are ok...then the next question wat file format you play most....

Why oppo? The video card is reference grade as tested by many people
The DAC and sound output is accurate

Again...if you are not going to the home cinema route....and just wanna enjoy the weekend with your loved ones....its the movie that counts...

Thanks.

Well... Eyesight going... Hearing going... Color & pitch perfect also no point...

Just go big & go loud...

what app u r using from it bro?
i cant find a solution for the andriod box
and which box u r using ?

Try Q10 pro

Correct... IMO, no need to be too fussy on the TV... as long as 4k TV color is not bad already... size from 55" to 65" with entry level 4k is good..

For those perfectionist, of course different story...

Q10 Pro. The default playing app can play all my files from my NAS. And that including 4k media up to 68GB per file (that's the biggest I have).

The only thing I am missing is 4k samples from Canon dSLR (1Dx2 and 5D4). Can anyone share some samples? Need both 30fps and 60fps (1Dx2) to confirm the Q10 Pro performance.

which is why i'm thinking to get a DUNE DUO 4K...but i heard that they will stop bringing in due to low demand and currency rate.

what file format were you playing? is it ISO or a BDMV?

mine starts to lag when it comes to ISO format due to insufficient of built in ram from the media player (256mb only). it gets worst when i play it from my NAS therefore i have to transfer the movie into the media player's hdd and the lagging is greatly reduced.

i'm running a 9.1 setup, moving to a another house with my own AV room that is why i take all these under consideration. soon my 60" LED wouldn able to satisfy my hunger ...looking to upgrade to projector too.

i'm not a perfectionist but we at least try to choose the best out of all and get the best and best value product we could, right?

once you go projector...time to go for Oppo player

seriously? but why? please explain in details, many people kept saying this is good that is great but never really answer the real question.

Oppo media player is versatile, it has capability of android media player while still keep high end features.

It has built in Ultra Bluray ROM, support HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, 4K, HDR, BT.2020, high quality DAC, and most importantly, play any types of files.

For those have eagle eyes vision, seeking for color richness, you should opt for 4K OLED TVs or 4K JVC projectors, the ULTRAHD 4K movie allows you to see more colors (wide color gamut - BT.2020 color space), better details (HDR)

Although some of the media players can play 4K movies, currently those 4K movies were captured by video capture devices by breaking HDCP 2.2 encryption, then re-encode in H.265, these 4K movies are not exactly 1:1 copy from original ULTRAHD bluray, it is often lack of BT.2020 support, HDR metadata, even worse is without DTS-X, Atmos or multi-channels output. due to AACS2.0 being used by ULTRAHD bluray, it is currently impossible to rip ULTRAHD movies, hence, the best way to enjoy 4K movie is using OPPO 203 + 4K OLED TV/4K projectors

i have owned two projectors and a few tvs

I am currently using the JVC X5000 projector

in terms of media player...i have owned and used over the years:

1. Oppo 105D (current)
2. Hi-Media Q8 (current)
3. Dune HD Max
4. Dune 3D Base
5. Dune Prime 3.0
6. Dvico

In terms of built, picture quality and sound quality...Oppo is the bang for buck player
good DAC chips, versatile player and most importantly, picture calibration in many ways
the output range fro the Oppo matches the standards of THX and ISF right out of the box

as for the rest of the lower end or entry level media player, you won't see much of a difference on a 40inch tv to 46inch tv

same goes for sound quality.....basic tv speakers and sound bars won't cut it to tell a difference between an Oppo vs Himedia

when you go to projectors...the first issue is the screen gain, ambient lighting and contrast.
to make things worse....projector screens are worth playing from 100" to 150".....because anything below that, you might as well opt for 70"/80" tv

with various screen material, ambient lighting, reflective ceiling and depending on your projector quality, it really dictates what kind of picture quality you get...

below picture is my previous setup on 106" Grandview with Sony 55ES projector uncalibrated



below is the same screen and projector calibrated



below is my current setup...Elite Sable 150" with JVC X5000...pending calibration
the rich blacks and the sharpness is a whole new level.....I tried plug in my hi-media playing the same video...the noise level and colour reproduction is of no match at all

double posted

This post has been edited by hushymushy: Feb 1 2017, 12:31 AM

Yup. Projection is the way to go when you can control ambient lighting...no TV can match the immersive 120-150". While I enjoy the convenience of my Himedia, using the oppo is really a much more satisfying treat.

This post has been edited by dwRK: Feb 1 2017, 01:37 AM

When come to media player, there are tvbox, media player and bluray player.

The most popular bluray players is oppo, which is using MTK solution. It can play most of the file format, but may incompatible with some movie files (MKV, depend on the encoding). This is meant for playback discs.

The very popular true media players are Dune 4k and Popcorn A500 Pro (this was developed in Penang). They are provided by Sigma solution. They can play most of the file format including MKV and encoding. It can even play the becoming popular H265 encoding.

Himedia, xiaomi blah blah blah are android tvbox. They are ARM solution running android, their purpose is to use IPTV to stream movies/tv to the box and normally use H264 encoding.

Technically among these, firmware based like MTK and Sigma offer the best PQ, But some do like android based TV box quality.

MKV HEVC

You have 2 options for HEVC, VLC on your PC or Dune 4k or Popcore a500.

Himedia hi end model can play H.265 for many years already, the latest one Q5/Q10 pro even support HDR, BT.2020, 4K60, HDMI 2.0. Popcorn & Dune are considered technologically behind himedia.

Oppo is still the #1 in media player and bluray player, the OP8591 single on chip (SOC) is co-developed with MediaTek, it is not pure mediatek chipset

Are you saying that those himedia are technological advanced than the hardware decoder dune and popcorn?

Yes, Himedia supports all the latest audio/videp specs as I mentioned in earlier. BTW, himedia is also using hardware decoder, software decoder won't be able to decode H.265 at very high bit rate such as UltraHD Bluray

Just curious HTPC with good high end graphics card vs Single board Computer eg: Raspberry Pi and many more alternative vs HD Media Player. Can those vs HD Media Player or totally different level of video quality? Thanks

Meet Pioneer’s Two New 4K UHD Blu-ray Drives for PCs

http://4k.com/news/meet-pioneers-two-new-4...-for-pcs-18389/

This post has been edited by wkkm007: Feb 6 2017, 03:08 PM

On the kodi site...

3D...preference for Intel NUC...
4K... Himedia Q10/Q5 pro...

Raspberry pi etc is in the mix too...

Thanks for the info

All android boxes SQ and PQ not on par than those bd player and media players.

In the past, yes... And very obvious and I had seen Dune perform way better than Android box in 1080p era.

While for 4k, I am not sure... The Android box looks damn good and natural... I am not sure if latest Dune can give better pictures.... And most importantly, can I tell the differences...

wide color gamut - BT.2020 color space <-- did some research, info are too technical for me.

it is currently impossible to rip ULTRAHD movies <--- by this u meant even though it is a BDMV format, still we would not be able to get what we get from a Blu-ray dics?

I have been thinking to get a oppo-105D then a 4k projector as soon as i moved into my new house. been doing research and the reason why i brought this topic up its is because i saw the latest model of DUNE HD DUO 4K (http://dune-hd.com/eng/products/full_hd_media_players) just take a look at the specification. it's quite good.

now i get it.

To be honest i'm quite impressed with DUNE HD DUO 4K, but people around me kept telling me to get an Oppo 105D or above. For those who tested oppo or dune, please give comments for the specification below based on your personal experience. FYI, i download most of my movie in BDMV format, even if i get myself an Oppo. the chances of me using the blu-ray bay were low.

Hi-end media processor: Sigma Designs SMP8758 chip from the famous vendor of high-end media processors, with the new Dual Core ARM CPU (4x more power than before)
4K video playback: Decode 4K video content in various popular formats(including H.265 10-bit) (up to 4Kp30)
4K video output: Output 4K content with pixel-to-pixel precision to 4K TV
SD/HD to 4K conversion: Automatically increase resolution of SD/HD content to 4K
VXP: Professional-grade video processing engine for the best possible picture quality of any content
HEVC: Play video encoded using the latest H.265 codec (2x picture quality increase over H.264)
10-bit color encoding: Play video encoded using the newest 10-bit H.265 standard
Blu-ray menu: Enjoy full Blu-ray menu navigation or use simple BD Lite menu at your discretion
True 24p output: Ensure perfectly smooth playback of Hollywood movies due to full support for 24p (23.976) framerate
Advanced media player: Play video in MKV and other modern video file formats, including top quality 4K and HD with very high bit rates (100 Mbit/s+)
3D video: Play all popular 3D video formats, including MVC, SBS, Top/Bottom
HD audio: Output studio-quality high definition audio tracks (Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD MA) to your A/V receiver
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D audioEnjoy the newest 3D audio formats from Dolby and DTS using Dolby Atmos and DTS:X pass-through capability
Hi-End music: Play very high-quality (up to 192 KHz / 24-bit and DSD512) music files in various Hi-End audio formats (FLAC, Monkey's Audio APE, WAV/PCM, Super Audio CD, etc)
Super Audio CD: Play top quality SACD music files in various formats (ISO, DFF, DSF; stereo DSD, multichannel DSD, stereo DST)
Network player: Connect to local network and play content directly from PC or NAS via UPnP/DLNA, SMB, or NFS
HDD player: Play content from any HDD (internal, USB, NAS) of any size (including the newest 10TB+ HDD models)
Two HDD racks with hot-swap function: Easily and quickly insert and exchange internal 3.5" SATA HDDs for nearly unlimited storage capacity expansion
Silent cooling: Enjoy efficient and silent cooling of your internal HDDs due to 120mm high-end ultra-low-noise fan from Noctua - the well-known Austrian vendor of premium award-winning fans
Built-in storage: 8GB flash memory for applications and system needs
USB ports: Conveniently connect USB HDDs, USB flash drives, USB card readers, USB hubs and other USB devices
SD card slot: Conveniently use SD memory cards
Full range of A/V output connectors: HDMI output, S/PDIF optical audio output, S/PDIF coaxial audio output, analog stereo audio output, composite video output
1Gbit Ethernet port: Ensure the best performance when connecting to your local network via cable
802.11ac Wi-Fi with both 2.4 and 5.0 GHz support and 2T2R (two antennas): Ensure the best performance when connecting to your local network via air
DVB-T/T2/C tuner (for non-US version): Watch and record digital terrestrial or cable TV channels (free-to-air broadcasts) with up to 4K video resolution and HEVC support
IR extender: Easily organize hidden installation of the media player when needed via included external IR eye
Control4: Integrate seamlessly into Smart Home installations based on Control4 technology via ready-to-use Control4 driver
Z-Wave: Use built-in Z-Wave controller to build your Smart Home based on Z-Wave technology

Audiophile-grade audio DAC: Enjoy audio quality of the famous ESS SABRE32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M)
Dual audio output: Use standard stereo RCA connectors or balanced XLR connectors
XLR balanced stereo output: Use professional ultra-low-noise analog audio connection
Galvanically isolated connectors: Benefit from reduced noise and jitter on all S/PDIF digital audio connectors
Audio inputs: Use Duo 4K as a high-quality audio DAC by connecting external digital audio sources via S/PDIF

Media processor: Sigma Designs SMP8758
RAM: 2GB
Flash memory: 8GB
Connectors: 3xUSB host, SD card slot, HDMI output, optical S/PDIF audio output, coaxial S/PDIF audio output, composite video output, RCA stereo audio output, XLR balanced stereo audio output, coaxial S/PDIF audio input, external IR port, Ethernet (10/100/1000Mbit), two external Wi-Fi antennas, DVB-T/T2/C RF input/output, 100V-240V AC input
Internal storage: Two internal HDD racks for SATA HDD 3.5", SD card slot
Media Sources: Internal HDDs (SATA), external HDDs (USB), external optical disc drives (USB), USB devices (USB flash drive, USB card reader, etc), built-in SD card slot, PC and NAS in local network (SMB, NFS, UPnP/DLNA, HTTP), other Internet and local network media sources
Video codecs: MPEG2, MPEG4, XVID, WMV9, VC1, H.264, H.265, H.265 10-bit; support for very high bitrate video (up to 100 Mbit/s and higher)
Video file formats: MKV, MPEG-TS, MPEG-PS, M2TS, VOB, AVI, MOV, MP4, QT, ASF, WMV, BDMV, DVD-ISO, VIDEO_TS
3D video formats: MVC, Side-by-side, Top/Bottom
4K video formats: H.265 up to 4Kp30, H.265 10-bit up to 4Kp30
Video output modes: wide range of supported output resolutions (up to 1080p60 and 4Kp30) and framerates (including 23.976, 25, 29.97, 50, 59.94)
Video output framerate: automatic (according to the played content) and manual
Video output resolution: automatic (according to the played content) and manual
Video processor: VXP professional-grade video processing engine
Audio codecs: MPEG-1/2 layer I/II/III, AAC, LPCM, WMA, WMAPro, FLAC, multichannel FLAC, Vorbis, WavPack, APE (Monkey's Audio), ALAC (Apple lossless), SACD (Super Audio CD) (stereo DSD, multichannel DSD, stereo DST), AC3 (Dolby Digital), DTS; support for very high quality audio (up to 192 KHz / 24-bit and DSD512 24.576 MHz); HD audio bitstream passthrough (including DTS HD MA, Dolby True HD, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X)
Audio file formats: MP3, MPA, M4A, AAC, WAV, WMA, FLAC, Ogg/Vorbis, WavPack, APE (Monkey’s Audio), ALAC (Apple lossless), SACD (Super Audio CD) (DSF, DFF, ISO), AC3, DTS, DTS-WAV
Subtitle formats: SRT (external), SUB (MicroDVD) (external), text (MKV), SSA/ASS (MKV, external), VobSub (MP4, MKV, external SUB/IDX), PGS (Blu-ray, TS, MKV)
Hardware 3D Graphics Acceleration: OpenGL support
Picture file formats: JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF
Playlist file formats: M3U, PLS, CUE
Photo viewer functions: slideshow, transition effects, picture rotation, zoom, browse playlist, repeat, shuffle
Audio playback functions: browse playlist, repeat, shuffle, ID3 tags, plasma TV burn-in prevention
Media streaming protocols: DASH, HLS, FTP, MPEG-TS over multicast-UDP, MPEG-TS over multicast-RTP, MPEG-TS over RTSP, MPEG-TS over HTTP, MP4 over HTTP, raw-MP3 over HTTP, raw-AAC over HTTP
Network file browsing: SMB client and browser, NFS client, UPnP/DLNA client and browser
Built-in NAS function: SMB server, FTP server, UPnP/DLNA media server
Network protocols for remote control and integration: Dune HD IP control protocol (HTTP), UPnP/DLNA media renderer
UPnP/DLNA: DLNA client, DLNA media server, DLNA media renderer
Web browser: WebKit
Ethernet: 10/100/1000 Mbit/s
Wi-Fi: internal Wi-Fi module with 802.11b/g/n/ac support, Dual Band 2.4/5GHz, 2T2R, two antennas; Wi-Fi client, Wi-Fi access point/router
Filesystems: FAT16/FAT32 (read-write), EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 (read-write), NTFS (read-write), exFAT (read-write), HFS/HFS+ (Mac OS Standard/Extended) (read-only)
Power: AC ~100V-240V, 50/60Hz, 60W
Dimensions (W x H x D):: 437mm x 67mm x 300mm (w/o Wi-Fi antennas); 437mm x 177mm x 342mm (with Wi-Fi antennas)

IPTV: Watch and record IPTV channels
Internet radio: Listen and record Internet radio stations
Applications: Easily install various applications and plugins with additional functionality from Dune Store or third parties
File browser: Convenient file browser with powerful file management features (copy, move, delete, rename, organize, sort)
Playlists: Build playlists from folders or use your own playlists, with repeat and shuffle functions
Jukebox: Use various Jukebox applications to organize your media collection into a convenient user interface with cover-art browsing
Customizable user interface: Enjoy a variety of user interface skins, customization options and Jukebox applications
Internet browser: View Internet web sites on your TV using the built-in web browser
HLS: Ensure the best quality of Internet video using Apple HLS adaptive bitrate streaming protocol
[B]DASH: Get access to the newest Internet video services using MPEG-DASH adaptive bitrate streaming protocol
Video output flexibility:[/B] Output video in any resolution (from SD to 4K) and framerate (from 24p to 60)
Video upscaling: High-quality upscaling of DVD and any other SD video content to 4K, Full HD (1080p) and other HD resolutions
Auto framerate: Output video with original framerate to ensure absolute smooth playback for all kinds of content
Auto resolution: Get maximum possible video quality when connecting to advanced TV / video processing equipment
Dune Network Playback Accelerator: Special optimizations ensuring best-in-class network playback performance and enabling smooth playback of any supported kind of media content via any network protocol (including NFS and SMB)
Built-in NAS function: Access files on attached storage devices (HDD, USB drive, etc) from local network (via SMB, FTP, UPnP/DLNA)
Wi-Fi access point: Use media player as a Wi-Fi access point and Internet router
IP control: Control media player from PC or iOS/Android mobile devices and integrate with various Smart Home environments
iOS and Android apps: Use a variety of available companion applications for iOS/Android mobile devices

well again...it kinda depends how you wanna use it...

When I bought 105D, Dune hasn't release this player. I have used the 105D for 3 years now.

I use it for everything right down to CD playing and at one point, it was a cd/pre for me.

Its a matter what you use it for and whether it meets your expectation
there is nothing wrong with Dune to be honest....

a good system needs time to fine tune....its not just pure hardware....

you can ask sonerin Gi Jie and other forummers here.....systems sound good over time but not over night

+1

You have the point and I truly understand (coz my first home theater system was a sony bought from HSL 20years ago) that but don get me wrong, I wanted to get myself an Oppo before I found out the Dune latest model...It's just now I never tried any of the Blu-ray player therefore i'm a bit concern that I might regret after I get myself an Oppo.

Yeap, totally agreed with the fine tuning part.

Any good advice bro?

Well it depend if you going to play back from disc or just plain digital media only. Hope this help to narrow down

A high spec PC can used as 4K media player right?

Sure...but very good 4k box is only 500-600...and cheap ones 200...

How much is this dune anyway?

please specify what is high spec?

for me high spec means i7 with 32gb, 1000watts psu and at least a Nvidia RX1060, Asus STX sound card

if that's the case.....i rather use Oppo or Dune...

Minimum spec to play 4K lol, though I think 4K resource getting more and hopefully TV getting cheaper, so as PC accessories like motherboard, display, etc...it could be fun to build one as powerful media station for both audio and video

Unless the bugger spends a million or two US dollars - immediate gratification. End game system like Reference MBL or Burmester (with Focal Grande Utopia EM & full Odin 2 cables). Yum Yum.

+1

not sure yet, retail price shown in website were 799 USD

i agree

NAIM NAP S1 Statement that what you meant, huh

Not even close. My endgame system looks like this:

Power Amplifier: Dan D'Agostino Momentum Monoblocks
Preamplifier: Burmester 808 Mk5
CD Player: Burmester 069
Turntable: Transrotor Artus
Tonearm: Vertere Reference
Cartridge: Clearaudio Goldfinger Reference
Streamer: Burmester 111 Musiccentre
Speakers: Focal Grande Utopia EM
Subwoofer: Focal Sub Utopia EM (3 units)
Interconnects: Nordost Odin 2
Speaker Cables: Siltech Triple Crown

Not even close to getting any of the above. Sigh

new dune looks promising,media player with decent dac

DUDE!

since you are more on music, why add on another 3 subwoofer where grande utopia has its own subwoofer already. i know some people use subwoofer to replace their floor stand sub. which i couldn't understand your setup, please share with us.

indeed..it has the same DAC as the oppo

There is NEVER enough bass. Like what htkaki (Max of Maxx Audio - great guy) says, "if your glass ain't shaking, you ain't got bass". I like my my glass panes and my ceiling to be "vibrating in tune with my subs" and my two mutts to run helter skelter, hence the three stackable Focal subs. EM = electromagnetic woofers. Yummy.

Basically "sufficient" bass extends your soundstage. One needs a huge room though cos 20Hz has a 40 foot wavelength. Subsonic waves are the ones you feel, not hear (unless you are a dog).

kinda agree with you IF you have a proper av room. me too, planning to get another sub for myself too

Getting a sub is the easiest part. Sneaking it past the missus is the trickier part and the hardest part is to set the bugger up.

agree....but usually i just rely on the amp calibration