All you need to know about RTD1619BPD and RTD1619DR based players

Everything new known coming with and RTD1619 BDR and RTD1619 DR based players is being bundled here.

My experiences are in effect based on my own Z9X, UHD3000, Neo X and Neo Alpha but HW changes for other models were added for completeness.
This topic will be updated constantly with progressing insight by myself and others.
So coming back is recommended. It is not intended for any bug reporting in general or specifically related to this FW.

See also the online manual in development for zidoo players.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zmtbJk_pQHyNFjT9KnxMQPCi1ouvFT_uWWQC6DGcl98/edit

Everything that worked on previous models works on the new one's too, unless stated in this overview specifically.
The most recent update is based on FW 6.4.42_G for features and functions unless stated otherwise.

The HW changes of RTD1619BPD in a nutshell compared with equivalent RTD1619DR based models:
All standard models got HW upgraded to the latest Realtek SOC with an upgrade for the Processor chip, CPU/GPU, RAM and Flash. This brings the following to all new models:
+ The Media Processor is revised and supports new CODEC's: AV1, HEVC
The VS10 engine works on EDID basis now adopting to the multiple HDR modes, also downscaling HDR to SDR was improved.
+ The CPU/GPU got a performance boost of a claimed 20%+ (only 4-cores but these are faster)
+ The HDMI interface is upgraded to HDMI v2.1 for e.g. 4K 60Hz with HDR output
+ The Wireless module is upgraded to BT5.2 and WiFi 6 with 802.11ax MIMO OFDM
+ The Android version is upgraded to Android 11
+ RAM is now 4 Gbyte and Flash was doubled (32 GByte and 64 Gbyte UHD5000)
- The HDMI Input ports have been discontinued]
- Number of USB3 ports 2x ==> 1x

The actual model replacements:
Z9X ==> Z9X PRO
Z10 PRO ==> Z20 PRO
Z1000 PRO ==> Z2000 PRO
Z1000 PRO ==> Z2600 PRO (+ dual HDMI outputs + extra USB2 port at the back)
UHD3000 ==> UHD5000

Having a setup supporting all HDR modes there is hardly an improvement in PQ but relying on the VS10 engine for some or all modes then the BPD upgrade can make a difference.

The HW changes of RTD1619DR in a nutshell compared with equivalent RTD1296 based models:
All models share the same motherboard (except UHD3000) but unused connectors/components are deleted per model.

The standard PSU shipped by Zidoo was changed to an universal type with easy changeable regional power grid plugs.

Power calculations at 12V 2A =24W peak power with the new standard brick type PSU:
- USB2 max 2.5W per port
- USB3 max 4W per port
- SATA internal/external is about 10W average per 3.5 HDD and above 15W when starting up.
- System is about 7W sustained when running APPs
I personally don't like PSU's running above 50% continuous load as they tend to (over)heat, produce rippled output and fail early over time.
Solved this myself by moving to a shared 2x 12V 5A Linear Power Supply instead of using many small brick/powerplug type adapters:
http://forum.zidoo.tv/index.php?threads/the-ultimate-psu-replacement-shared-2x-60w-linear-psu.81887/
Using an 4A 12V Earthed power supply is recommended by me for Z9X and Z10 Pro. That will also allow plug&play HDD's (doing a safe "Eject/Unmount" obviously).

Model Z9X:
- The color changed but the same non-removable antennas remained (matching color)
- One SATA connector was deleted and replaced by air holes for cooling
- The PSU was reduced regarding size to 12V 2A (was 3A) which will now just do with one SATA HDD connected. There is no spare power specifically if USB ports are loaded too.

Model Z10 Pro
- The color changed, the striping was deleted and the Zidoo logo on the front Raised / 3D look.
- The PSU was reduced regarding size to 12V 2A (was 3A) which will now just do with one SATA HDD connected.
- The Flash was increased to 32 GByte
There is no spare power left specifically if USB ports are fully loaded too or a second SATA HDD is connected (don't try a hot HDD swap under those conditions). I highly recommend to replace the PSU with a 12V 4A (earthed) unit when using this model with 2x SATA HDD"s.
Other specifications remained identical.

Model Z1000 Pro
- The model was upgraded to be a High End (like X20 before) including the fancy Black GUI/Launcher home page.
- The standard V7 IR Remote was replaced by the V8 BT Remote coming with High End models
- The Flash was increased to 32 GByte
Other specifications remained the same: Excellent internal earthed 12V 5A PSU, internal antennas and the fancy sturdy chassis in black. This PSU will remain within the safety region under all foreseeable conditions. Audio and Video quality will (potentially) benefit from it too.

Model UHD3000
This model went through a big number of changes despite looking almost the same as the UHD2000 before:
- The PSU is actually a hybrid 66W version now: Switched mode for the HDD's power and a Linear PSU with subsections for DAC digital, DAC analog and mainboard electronics sharing a single transformer. Reducing power consumption / heat production.
- The cooling fan moved from the back to central at the bottom improving airflow
- The front display got an extra ICON for DAC on/off indication
- The DAC and PSU where upgraded to better designs and using better components.
- The SABRE DAC itself is upgraded to an ES9068 supporting MQA decoding in HW now
- An USB-IN port for external DAC access was added
- The USB3c port on UHD2000 is now degraded to just a regular USB3 and HDMI-IN was dropped

These 4 models share the same RTD1619DR SOC and FW features remain identical.
UHD3000 has a modified motherboard dealing with its bigger 4GByte RAM and DAC panel interface. The new CPU/GPU will boot in 20-25 seconds which is very fast. A new FW is installed including boot within two and a half minutes from USB. In fact it is fast enough to run some popular games on it. Won't do that myself but it is a possibility.

The new Neo model series: A, S and X models
This is a totally new top end HiFi model series and not a successor of a previous generation models. They are specifically meant for those using their media players also for music playing and specifically enable doing so with the TV being off or not even connected at all.
They all have:
- A 50W+ dual PSU being hybrid with Neo A and Neo S and dual linear with Neo X
- Having a 5-inch touch control OLED Front Panel and designed to work without a TV connected. The Neo X front panel can also be controlled by front panel buttons.
- Include external DAC access via USB, SPDIF and not unimportant also high definition BT.
- The total chassis functions as a huge heatsink. Only the Neo X has a (superfluous) small fan at the back.
- They are all very sturdy, good looking and well designed also looking inside. Neo S and X have odd sizing with the depth being bigger than its width but Neo A is standard 19"rack sized.

Neo X (End Of Sales)
It comes with only 2GByte RAM and 16 GByte of Flash, has no HDMI-in and no 2nd HDMI output port. It is the best in the Neo series regarding: DAC design, DAC connectivity, PSU build, Front Panel control and integrated Headphone amplifier. It used to be the flagship of Zidoo and Audio wise still is in my perception.

Neo S
This is a downscaled model X regarding design and size but functionally remaining mostly identical. It lacks front panel button control and comes with far simpler PSU, DAC and Phone Amplifier designs. It also uses a standard motherboard.

Neo A(lpha)
It is positioned as the new flagship model. Regard this the optimal merger of the good old UHD3000 and the recent Neo S/X with the standard 19" rack looks in black. It inherited the most critical high end DAC components from Neo X. Finally it got an unique SACD DSD capable 2CH/MCH secondary HDMI Audio/DSD output.

The Black GUI/Launcher (updated with FW 6.3.0)
High-End Zidoo models come with a different GUI/Launcher on the home menu. Being really graphical with nice backgrounds it looks very fancy and may appeal to many.
With the FW update the functionality has now come on par with the standard GUI:
- The Weather APP is available as an option in Quick Setup
- Moving cursor down the quick launch bar was added to configure favourite APP's.
- Pressing on Menu within the APP's menu also here the App version is now displayed.

PQ with 4K HDR => SDR viewed on a Full HD (1080P) TV
This used to be thus far the weakest aspect of the Realtek SOC's. Watched a few movies this way and I must say with a nice PQ. Used the VS10 engine as it gave me a better PQ than with standard SOC conversion, which was not that bad either.

Picture Quality and Audio Quality
In general the PQ is excellent and for sure somewhat better than with RTD1296 models. Not a huge improvement but definitely there.
According Markswift2003 detailed pattern testing: "It renders colors accurately in both standard and wide colour gamuts, it has excellent chroma alignment and is virtually free from chroma banding, especially in VS10 modes".

Audio supports the same formats and being output in RAW via HDMI there are no changes in quality for movie playback. The same applies to quality for Music Audio. Functional changes are ongoing progress made with Music Player 6. There is one noticeable exception being 2CH playback of MCH SACD ISO's which now works smooth due to the increase in CPU power.

Music Player 6 gapless playback is now implemented on all models by default and without On/Off optional setting. You also can aggregated full albums to single FLAC files with CUE sheets. I used to do so myself for Live recording mainly using the excellent Windows XRECODE3 program for that. Use that same program to convert MCH SACD ISO's to individual MCH FLAC's with CUE sheets too.

 

Dolby Vision VS10 engine
VS10 is similar to the many image enhancing features found on TV's which you may like or not like. My experience is that high-end TV's do an excellent job with image processing and mostly I turn such image enhancement features off on my media players and let my TV do those.

With VS10 active when connected to a DV capable TV all output will be in DV even for menus. When connected to just a HDR10 capable TV this changes to HDR10 output for everything. I must say that looks a lot better than doing so with "Mapping HDR" but still prefer the native output myself using AUTO.

The informative table below was made by @Sledgehamma:



This VS10 engine can adopt to many different conditions and can match source and output capabilities for a mix of HDR variants and flavors of those (SDR, HDR10, DV and even HLG).
With FW6.0.10 these are mostly if not all enabled with individual options to suit individual preferences. Good functionality but making it very complex for a novice user.
Go here for a truckload more details:
http://forum.zidoo.tv/index.php?threads/review-zidoo-z9x.82545/
http://forum.zidoo.tv/index.php?thr...rs-includes-unbrick.82695/page-17#post-147301

Dolby Vision support
With FW 6.2.0 a big step was made and BD ISO's and BD folders with DV included (dual layer Profile 7 MEL and FEL) will play directly just like using a disc based UHD BD player. This first Beta release does not work yet in combination with BD Menu and must be installed manually.

Current DV Profile support includes:
BD ISO,BDMV P7 MEL & FEL
MKV,MP4 P4 MEL & FEL
MKV,MP4 P7 MEL & FEL
MKV,MP4 P5
MKV,MP4 P8
DV support includes streaming Netflix (using Profile 5).

Profiles may be MEL (Minimum Enhancement Layer) or FEL (Full Enhancement Layer) which may be confusing as it is never indicated on the box or disc. Fortunately an overview is available here:
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=276448
DV implementations by TV's and Projectors unfortunately do vary a lot following a range of standards. Specifically early DV TV implementations were limited with LG variants being notorious. They may or may not support DV 10-bit or 12-bit and may optionally include LLDV (Low Latency Dolby Vision).
Traditional DV is being processed by the TV (TV led) but LLDV is processed by the player instead (Player led). Obviously this may lead to differences in PQ depending on which component does the best job.

Don't simply expect when the source has DV and the TV was sold with DV that capabilities will (always) fully match. We may presume all TV's have EDID implemented correctly which is definitely not always the case. I further doubt that is really known what the absolute best way is as the total information block is limited regarding size to 256 bytes.

The EDID spoofing option (since FW6.2.0)
EDID handshakes are used to match video output with TV/projector capabilities. With this release first time these can be spoofed to change the actual content.
This is how spoofing EDID works:
1- A standard EDID is done capturing that info block. This reveals details of the TV/Projector video capabilities including HDR. EDID capabilities are shown at the right in the menu!
To capture an EDID:
- Use the standard "Safe" option within EDID settings: It will nicely ask where to store it.
- Use Quick Settings/Other/About/Advanced Settings/System/Realtek Developer Options/Save EDID on USB Stick.
- You can also use the Windows program: "Monitor Asset Manager Version 2.9" to capture and store the EDID response.
2- The captured EDID can be modified for correction, missing items and potentially to add Player-Led DV for HDR/BT2010 capable TV's. That last point is still under investigation.
3- The modified/custom EDID is uploaded from a file using "Upload EDID" replacing the interactive dialog method to improve/extend HDR functionality from then onwards.
4- A few pré-defined EDID's are included for well-known fixes and can be applied directly but more are expected to be shared on the Zidoo forum in the near future.

Obviously when changing the TV/projector connected the EDID stored should be removed/cleared prior to doing so.
Interesting feature but for advanced customers as correctly stated with the setup option.

HDR10(+) and HLG support
Also HDR10 may vary as MaxFALL (Maximum Frame Average Light Level) and MaxCLL (Maximum Content Light Level) may or may not be supported by a TV. In most cases it will be ignored when not supported may it can lead then to bad light levels.
At least the latest HDR10+ is backward compatible using just HDR10 when not supported. Also a warning about HDR10+ as even recent amplifiers passing HDR10 may not support passing also HDR10+ resulting in fallback to HDR10 as the (unexpected) result.

HLG =High Level Gamma as used by some broadcasts is reported to work as should.
Obviously your TV and AMP must be HLG compatible too to enjoy it.

DIVX licensed => XVID free (also for RTD1296)
Some may have the wish to play old DIVX (AVI) videos. These are not supported due the licenses involved with those. This is valid also for previous generations players as none support DIVX. You can bypass this limitation using this simple program:
https://www.tweaking4all.com/home-theatre/fourcc-changer/
Set it to change the DIVX header into a XVID header.

But it does not make all AVI's play so there must be something else not being supported.
Known is also to use mpeg4modifier. It identifies some files as packed, tick the box to unpack and save.

A good solution working with most if not all AVI's is using ZDMC instead for playing those.
The same applies for Anime Hi10 movies is reported.

Image Player (also for RTD1296)
Hey the Image Player APP finally got some attention and was integrated with working links when called from APP's or using the designated remote control button. Albums/folders can be created with nice thumbnail overviews per album. It was also integrated with the screensaver to call a slideshow for an album of preference.

Changing slideshow preferences is a bit hidden:
Display a picture from a collection => Press Menu => Select Slideshow => Press Menu => Select Time Interval (and other options).
No need for a boot or even stopping the slideshow. On the next picture displayed changes are applied.

Adding/removing optional access to the Google Play Store
The GAPP"s APK is not applicable anymore and won't work with Android 9. Instead now a FW with "_G" at the end needs to be installed manually via USB (like FW 6.0.22_G). No need to do so if you don't want/require access.
You first have to "Google Play Protect" certify your player and next need to activate the Google Play Store:

1. Open Play Store, then close it - this generates the GSF ID
2. Goto Zidoo Quick Settings/Other/About and take a note of the GSF ID
3. In any web browser on any platform, goto www.google.com/android/uncertified, log in and enter GSF ID and hit <Register>
4. Restart Z9X as a now Google Play Protect certified device
5. Start Google Play Store again and register/activate your Google account

You are now ready to use the Google Play Store. No other Google services are installed with this procedure. To keep your registration you need to install the _G version updates always.
No there are no negative side effects beyond being registeren and installed APP's tracking by Google.

If you are getting nightmares of Big Brother Google watching you don't install (but he will do that anyway).
To remove on second thought one can always just install an update without _G and it will be all gone. You can't downgrade Zidoo FW versions but re-installing the same FW version with or without _G is allowed.

If you don't install any Applications no need for _G. The G version includes the Google Run-Time library which is amongst others used by the Google Streaming App's. Don't ask me which others use it too!
Disadvantages apart from some storage usage none found by me in practice. Don't know of a single bug only applying to using the _G version.

Android 9 APP compatibility
It is a pity Android TV9 is not available but regarding APP compatibility this Android 9 behaves just like that it seems. Multiple made for Android TV APP's I tried which were not working on Z9S do run flawless under Android 9 now. For many this will be even more important than getting that nice Android TV GUI/Launcher including voice control.

ROON Readiness, Trakt and compatibility with other Library Services
Gradually all new models got certified by ROON. Neo models get also a Roon Tested label.
https://roonlabs.com/partners/zidoo
Therefore had a look at ROON myself. It is very good for those being wealthy with (very) big houses and music facilities from multiple brands in many different rooms/places. It is multi-brand, multi-room and using multi-cast for that purpose with consistent app's for all certified platforms. You can share local content plus streaming music services across everything in a home using ROON with many nice features. No it is definitely not cheap but there is for sure a market for it.

Also Trakt compatibility was included since FW 6.4.05 which is good for those looking for synchronizing the viewed status for movies and TV-Series using multiple platforms and/or locations.

I understand compatibility with JRiver is in the make.

 

Popular Streaming Video/Audio services
4K supporting APP's for Netflix and Youtube are bundled but others need to be installed manually. Prime Video works in HD too but is not bundled and needs to be downloaded. All APP's are restricted to stereo at the moment except Netflix. Most others are reported just to work in 720P and a few in SD. Be sure to set DHCP at version 2.2 before trying this as it will be required for HD.
Also TS files with satellite 4K/HLG recordings were reported to play back correctly with RTD1619DR.
Youtube bundled works for me but can't sign in with it. Added "Smart Youtube TV" myself which lets me sign-in without any problems and works perfectly with just a remote control.

For an extensive test of popular streaming services from the Spanish review.
The link brings you to a page for setting the required APP up (in Spanish):

Streaming Service Vídeo / Audio Link
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Youtube 4K (2160p) / stereo With "Smart Youtube TV"
Google Play Movies Full HD (1080p) / stereo
Netflix SD / stereo (HD, UHD, DV and Atmos may vary over time)
HBO HD (720p) / stereo, needs mouse HBO en Android
Disney+ HD (720p) / stereo includes Dolby Digital Plus Disney+ en Android
Amazon Prime Video SD (480p) / stereo, needs mouse Prime Video en Android
Movistar+ HD (720p) / stereo, needs mouse Movistar+ en Android
Bein Connect HD (720p) / stereo, needs mouse beIN CONNECT en Android
DAZN HD (720p) / stereo, needs mouse DAZN en Android
IPTV Full HD (1080i) / stereo IPTV en Android

For the Dutch: Also the CanalDigitaal APP and NPO Start finally run on it without problems including playing in HD.

Which SATA HDD (Internal/External) to get for these players and how to format?
This must be the question asked most for any media player. My cut & paste answer is generic for all brands and models:
- If you like absolute silence: Any 2.5 drive using an 2.5 => 3.5 adapter will do also for Internal. A SSD can be used that way too obviously but is regarded an overkill by me as it offers no substantial additional advantages not even for heat and performance.
- The cheapest per Tbyte is using any low speed version 3.5 HDD. Cheaper/slower models is better in most cases. Player performance will be identical and less energy => less heat => less fan/drive noise!
- The absolute cheapest is buying an External USB drive even for an Internal HDD by extracting the build-in HDD from that one. That is what I usually do myself.

Formatting W10 PC SATA attached with GPT and NTFS using all defaults will do the job. Don't use FAT32 (no big file support) and no exFAT (less robust as not intended for HDD's but for sticks/cards). Make very sure there are no second or hidden partitions on it as Android likes it plain and simple (it does not process these options).
For Apple and/or Linux PC users a good alternative is using EXT4 then.

As far as I understand the biggest HDD supported with NTFS is 16 TByte as using a 32-bit register for LBA addressing with 4K Physical Sectors only works up to 17,6 TByte. Practical testing confirmed this.

VPN
Reported by others:
- Making NordVPN to work as default settings it wouldn't work properly.
Set VPN protocol to OpenVPN (UDP), CyberSec to enabled, allow local network discovery and it's working perfectly now. Split tunneling also works.

Screensaver included and configurable (also for RTD1296)
Finally a screensaver was introduced with Android 9. Using Image Player settings you can change the default screensaver pictures with your own. Screensaver works as intended and also can be coupled with other Screensaver APP's. I tried using Google Clock / Aerial Dream myself as the screensaver app. Yeah you need to go to Android Setup to activate one of those alternative screensaver APPs.

HDMI-CEC
As mentioned already now configurable via Quick Setup.
- I am missing Power control On/Off synchronized also for my AMP
- A lot more valued by me is automatic switching to the Zidoo designated HDMI Port. This works since FW 6.3.90
- Also working since FW 6.3.90 is Volume Control and Mute of an AMP in-between.

Clock CR1220 cell omitted
My Z9X was shipped without a backup clock cell in contrary to my Z9S. Zidoo confirmed me this will be the case with all their new models. It is not so much a cost saver but avoids problems with international transportation regulations for batteries they told me. It seems Russia does not like them being mounted for instance.
The clock circuitry is clearly coupled to the standby power with this SOC design. This reduces the impact to zero provided the unit remains connected to the grid constantly. Also without being connected to the Internet the clock will remain counting and providing the correct time even with standby cycles. If desired the CR1220 3V cell can be retrofitted opening the box as the socket for it remains in place.

Grid restore default configurable and WOL
After a grid power failure or manual power cycle the player will come back active with previous models. With this generation a parameter will let the customer choose to have it come back in standby or active. A welcome improvement.

WOL (Wake On LAN) also was verified to work correctly. Using Zidoo Controller I can now switch my Z9X not only off but also power it back on via Ethernet. No real need for a standard remote if you don't want to use both. Being an Ethernet exclusive feature we are talking wired here not WiFi.
Click on history then the player should be shown with the associated IP-Address. Clicking that player pop-up a new window should appear with "Clear this device" (all models) and "boot" using WOL for RTD1619 models only.

ZDMC / KODI (also for RTD1296)
ZDMC v19.1 was made available for compatibility and proved to work with my setup. Won't being doing further testing for ZDMC or KODI. Others confirmed it to run on RTD1296 and even RTD1295 platforms too. Video is then accelerated and Audio can be passed RAW.

XBMC (KODI Wrapper) in combination with KODI can be used too, but it requires ROOT for SMB/NFS client access.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hu.xmister.xbmcwrapper&hl=en_GB
This is a valid ZDMC alternative but not for free (8 Euro).

ROOT
There is no ROOT available yet, but is expected to come sooner or later.

OpenWRT dropped but basic SMB Server added
OpenWRT is not included anymore and won't come back according Zidoo. Some will miss it dearly for sure.

SMB Sever was added again with a basic SMB Server allowing UID+PWD and Read/Write permissions to be set optionally. It worked directly with my setup and showing a good performance too.
The default is OFF so you need to configure SMB Server in setup. Next connect to it manually using the IP-address\share of your player but \\ZD_SAMBA may work too.
Be aware that W11 by default doesn't allow anonymous access and UID/PWD needs to be configured.

Final conclusion
There are several smaller HW related improvements which are unique with RTD1619 like WOL and power-on defaults, but not a real reason for replacing previous generation players. Most if not all mere FW related tagged improvements are sifting down to RTD1296 based models too.

DV/VS10 and HDR10+ additions is one of the very valid reasons to move from Z9S and above all X9S to the new Z9X (or equivalent model upgrades). The second one is support for streaming services. The list of streaming services working is quite impressive already but we still hope for more in Full HD, 4K/HDR combined with MCH sound.
Unfortunately Zidoo can't guarantee the level of features supported of streaming services and even working at all.
That is not due to APP support/compatibility but about policies followed by the various providers.

The New Neo Models form a class by themselves by including a big OLED touch panel and integrated HiFi DAC's. The DAC is also accessible via USB, SPDIF and not unimportant high definition BT. For listening to music with the TV off these are all great players.

A third reason related to the previous is APP compatibility which is far better with this Android 9 implementation. All typical Android TV APP's I tried just ran as they should which I was definitely not used to.

Price/performance is excellent for the new models taking into account the VS10 engine and new SOC. Personally would not go for a bargain offer buying older models anymore.

 

thanks

good job

 

Brilliant news

 

What about Dolby True HD Atmos? Is it supported in passtrough?

 

Very good job, thanks for the info.

 

Everything that worked on previous models works on the new onces too, unless stated in the overview.
Yes passthrough works for all audio formats including Atmos and DTS-X.

Added some more info about Dolby Vision Profiles: Which do work (experimental) now, what is being worked on and which won't come for sure.
All experiences of others as I don't have a TV with DV at all (just HDR10 + HLG).

 

Good one @Nice Monkey , much appreciated - what took you so long? - only joking !!!!!!!!!!!!! I will pull the trigger now for a Z1000 Pro once the pre-order reopens, hopefully tomorrow (or maybe later today )

 

Strangely ZDMC 17.6 does run but when you launch a file it calls the Zidoo player but just sits there (doesn't crash).

Edit - actually it does work with NFS, not sure about SMB.

 

Well actually I've got ZDMC 17.6 working perfectly with NFS and using plexkodiconnect so I'm very happy. It probably works fine with SMB as well but I havn't tried that.

 

Very nice and clear summary thanks!

 

Keep up the good work Nice Monkey

 

Sometimes I believe there's too much talk about Dolby Vision, which I'm understanding only suits OLED sets because apart from potential burn-in due to their pixels' organice nature they suffer from poor brightness (offset of course with superb contrast). QLED's particularly those from Samsung don't suffer from these issues and their latest 2019 & 2020 sets are to be seen to be believed.

So what I'd like to know is exactly how these media players handle HDR10+ (HDR10Plus). @Nice Monkey has already advised that if the source contains HDR10+ and the TV supports it, setting to Auto is the way to go. Does this mean the VS10 engine doesn't offer anything in this regard then? When would it be used? I confess I'm a newbie to all the vagaries of High Dynamic Range and exactly how I will extrapalate the best possible HDR10+ viewing.

 

Wait for new automatic features to come here with VS10. It now converts some DV profiles to HDR10. The chip as such supports a lot which is not all featured yet by the Zidoo FW. Conversions done by the chip are excellent (say those who have equipment + patterns to test this with).

 

If i install the G version of firmware from USB will the auto update on the box still work? Will it also then keep updating with the G version or will I need to wait for future USB versions and do it manually?

 

Valid questions: We need to wait and see for the first real OTA update. Thus far only USB updates were provided.

I hope updating with _G is a one time action kept with regular updates installed next. Don't want to follow that whole procedure with every update.

 

the new ones don't have openwrt?

 

Are you sure that that some DV profiles are converted to HDR10+ plus? I dint think that is the case.

 

Correct, no openwrt present.