New beta version v1.0.95 for Z9X PRO/Z20 PRO/Z2000 PRO/Z2600/UHD5000 release

I've never used a soundbar and I never use ARC, but as far as I know (and I'm not 100% sure) an ARC only input on a soundbar will require an ARC CDS (Capabilities Data Structure) string from a connected display to work - it won't work with a source like the Zidoo. Basically I think it needs to be connected to an ARC input on a display.

I think this can be overcome with an HDFury device but it's probably better changing the soundbar for something that accepts source inputs.

 

Thanks a ton for the reply.
I've already connected the soundbar via optical cable. You think it can pass Dolby Digital 5.1(AC3/E-AC3) without any compression via optical cable?

 

An optical cable can pass lossy codecs like DTS and AC3 but it does not support E-AC3 due to the increased bandwidth required and it will use the AC3 core track.

Of course lossless codecs like DTS-HD and TrueHD are not supported, so DTS-HD will output as DTS and TrueHD as AC3.

You need to set Audio/Source Output to OPT/COAX and Audio/SPDIF setting/Decode to RAW.

 

Thanks again!

Now I think I'll have to return the soundbar, as I'm not able to figure out how to get lossless E-AC or atmos on this soundbar using HDMI. Initially I thought connecting it to Zidoo would work but no...
Can optical pass lossless AC3? I mean, connecting the soundbar via optical vs. HDMI for AC3 audio will differ in actual performance?

 

There's no such thing as AC3 lossless - AC3 is a lossy codec.

The soundbar should be able to decode AC3 from optical in the same way it decodes AC3 from HDMI. So AC3 from HDMI will be the same performance as AC3 from Optical.

 

Thank you, @Markswift2003, for such an informative reply.

Actually I'm not really into this tech, so I don't know much. My question is why I'm not able to get audio via HDMI on my soundbar from Zidoo.
I tried connecting soundbar to my LG OLED, and the soundbar worked perfectly but doesnt work when connected directly to Zidoo (with or without an HDMI splitter)

Is it the HDMI splitter or the soundbar (not supporting signals from Zidoo) or the connection that is creating the issue?

I still have the return window open; I can return the soundbar if its not supporting.

Thanks!

 

I explained that here:

https://forum.zidoo.tv/index.php?th...600-uhd5000-release.98644/page-35#post-268279

It's because the soundbar does not support HDMI sources, it only supports a TV with ARC.

I would return it and get one with source inputs.

 

Now how to know if the soundbar supports source input or not?
I have an option for an exchange that is LG SQ75TR, you think it can handle source input?

 

According to the manual it has one HDMI in.

 

If the soundbar only has one HDMI connection then it will be purely for connecting a TV so you get ARC or eARC sound from the TV to the soundbar. You can connect other sources to the other TV HDMI inputs and use the TV switching to then pass the audio through ARC to the soundbar but that doesn’t support every sound format.

If you want to connect sources like the Zidoo directly to the soundbar then you need to get a soundbar with multiple HDMI inputs (one will still be for the TV connection with ARC) and then the others will be inputs for your sources, Zidoo, Blu-ray player etc.

 

Sorry for posting this out of the thread issue on this forum, as I don't have anyone to guide or help me with this, but quick guidance will be really appreciated.

So I've now connected the Zidoo to the BenQ projector; it's a lamp-based DLP projector, using a normal, cheaper white screen. The issue is I can see these vertical white lines/bands throughout the screen for brighter scenes. Has anyone faced such an issue before? These lines are even more visible in person and irritating, disturbing the viewing experience.

vvv

 

I've only ever seen something like that before on an install with an old Panasonic 1080p (it might even have been SD!) projector many many years ago and that was a panel issue.

I think you'll have to find a forum on AVS or AVForums for your particular projector and ask there.

 

Thanks for the guidance.
Its a brand new projector and is a native full hd, 4k compatible as per the specs.
The lines are not visible when used Normal cloth or a white paper but the projector screen.
Its kinda weird...swems like need yo buy a cine white screen.

 

Oh, ok, if they really only show on the screen, then it's the screen - if you shine a white light onto it can you see any anomalies?

To be sure try projecting onto a white (or light) wall - a bit of paper is a bit too small to judge properly.

I've seen many rippled screens before, but never one with an uneven colour on the surface.

But, and it's a big but - a lot of people buy an expensive projector and then neglect the screen and get a cheap one - you have to ask yourself which bit of the setup do you actually watch the movie on?

I'm not saying spend a fortune, but at least make sure the screen is in the same price bracket as the projector - my screen was roughly the same price as my PJ (about $18,000) although I didn't pay anything like that because I got it trade, you get the idea.

 

Thanks again!
Yes, I'm using a cheap white presentation screen (looks like rubber when touched) that has a rough texture and small dots all over the surface. Bought the screen for about Rs5000.

I have a decently lit room, not really controlled light, and the projector has 3800 ANSI lumens and a 2000:1 contrast ratio.
Can hardly project 98-100 inches.
I need a screen that can moderately tackle the ambient light with better black.
What do you think? Would Cine-white or ALR-grey fit my needs?

Any suggestions for the screen?

 

In an ideal world you should try to use some kind of light control - blackout blinds etc - but I know that's not feasible in a lot of cases.

If you have ambient light then a grey screen designed for such an environment is pretty essential - I used to tell customers that the blackest a projection screen can be is white so you have to design a cinema installation around that fact. In an ideal world that means a fully light controlled room and black (ish) walls but of course most people can't do that!

When I first built my cinema it was only partially light controlled and relatively light walls - a kind of coffee colour. Now it is fully blacked out and the walls and ceiling are close to black - it makes an enormous difference.

So I would choose ALR before a white screen for sure - they can be a bit directional but the blacks are much more convincing.

But, as I say - please first project onto a wall so you are sure those vertical patterns are due to the screen and not the projector!!!

 

Thank you so much for sharing such great information.
As this is my first time setting up a cinema, dont know much.

Yes, those vertical patterns/lines are not visible on white wall, just confirmed.

Here in india, there is a one major brand selling projectors screens.
"BIG VUE" that offers 4 types of screen..
1.Cine white
2.ALR UST
3.ALR Grey
4.High contrast ALR

Now this has confused me more; which one to pick? I believe ALR UST is for ultra short throw.
Between "ALR Grey" and "High contrast ALR" which one to go with?

The 2 images shows ALR Grey(has grey cloth) and high-contrast ALR(has silver-grey cloth) with different gains.

 

Ok - forget Cine White.

ALR UST is Ambient Light Reflecting for Ultra Short Throw Projectors - that will be designed for the very acute projection angle that UST projectors use, so again, forget that one.

ALR Grey should produce the best contrast and High Contrast ALR probably has more retro reflective material, hence the slight increase in gain.

I think the best option is to contact the company and ask for their advice - my gut feeling is that the ALR Grey would be best since high gain screens in ambient light tend to "sparkle" a bit but that may not be the case with ALR material - so definitely contact them for advice.

Maybe send then a picture of the room to give an idea of the light level - maybe even use a "Light Level" app on your phone to give an idea of levels near where the screen will be.

Research and understanding before parting with the cash is always a good thing

 

Thanks!
I've never personally witnessed ALR gray or high-contrast silver gray in person.
Yesterday I contacted the seller, he suggested silver grey ALR, as it will not dim down the brightness.
He also told me that ALR Grey is only for high-end Laser projectors (mine is lamp based) with high lumens (don't know if it's true).
There is no particular video, so get an idea from these two.

In complete dark, which projector screen offers deeper black Cine- white, Grey ALR or Silver Grey?

 

Ok - so it sounds like Silver Grey is a good idea but you wouldn't use ALR in a darkened room.

Personally I'd use white with gain of 1.0 in a light controlled room, but I know people use siler/grey too - but as I say, not ALR.

Again, I'd take the advice of the manufacturer since they know their products and they're all different. Mine is a Screen Research screen (back from when they were manufactured in France) and I used to deal with a company called Pulse Cinemas back in the day and despite being in the business, I spent a lot of time on the phone to Pulse's and Screen Research's tech guys before getting mine.