1. Specifications
Kiss DP-1000
DVD Player - page 1
After
the successful DP-450, Kiss has released its SlimLine DVD Player, the DP-1000.
This device is capable of playing back almost everything: DivX® 3.11,
DivX® 4,
DivX® 5 and XviD movies, as well as audio CDs, home-burned CD, MP3 and
Ogg Vorbis audio. Even picture CDs can be shown, simply burn some jpeg
format pictures
from
your PC onto a CD and you can enjoy watching them on your home TV.
The DP-1000
has the official certification from DivX.
Basic features
- Full DVD/MPEG-4/DivX®/XviD/CD/MP3/Ogg Vorbis/CD-RW/DVD+-RW compatibility
- JPEG Picture CD viewing
- Progressive Scan Video Out
- Time Search
- Playback Control: Play/Pause/Stop/FF/RW/NEXT/PREV
- Repeat Playback
- Slow Motion
- Title/chapter select
- Parental lock, Multi Language, Multi Subtitle, Multi Angle
- Remote Control
- TV Type (PAL and NTSC)
- Configuration Setup Menu
- Aspect Ratio (4:3 Pan and Scan, 4:3 Letter Box and 16:9 Wide)
- S-Video Output
- Composite Video Output
- Component Output
- Dolby Digital, MPEG Audio Decoding
- Dolby Digital/MPEG 5.1 Digital Output
- S/PDIF Outputs
- Analogue stereo
2. Unpacking - Control menu
Kiss DP-1000 DVD Player
- page 2
Unpacking - Control Menu
The retail package includes the unit, the remote control,
the stereo and the video cables, the Scart cable and the power cable.
As we can see the player has only two buttons on the unit, which are the
play/pause and the stop/eject respectively. On the left side is the loading
tray.
Below we can see the inside of the DP-1000, after removing
the cover, something which is not recommended since you void the
manufacturer's warranty. (Click on the image for an enlarged view).
Below are the two main chipsets used in the unit.
The unit's main chip is the MT1388E from Mediatek.
The
other main chip is Sigma's EM8500, a premium solution for DVD players,
enabling manufacturers to easily
incorporate support of MPEG-4, MP3, WMA and Picture CD content,
progressive DVD-Video, high definition scaling and audio CD playback. The
convergence of these applications into a single, cost-effective appliance
represents a substantial benefit to the consumer.
Video decoding capabilities include MPEG-4, MPEG-2 and MPEG-1 compressed
video formats while audio decoding includes Dolby® Digital, Windows Media
Audio (WMA) and MPEG-1 Layers 1, 2 and 3 (MP3). MPEG-4 video support is based
on the advanced simple profile and supports DVD resolution content. MPEG-2
video support includes full precision DVD decoding and Macrovision protection.
Any form of decoded content can be output in either progressive or interlaced
format. Beyond the normal decoding of content, the EM8500 offers a sophisticated
scaling and scan conversion of standard video to various HDTV resolutions,
which recreates many elements of cinema picture quality. Also supported is
Kodak's Picture CD (JPEG) format for viewing digital photo content, which
provides a substantially enhanced image when utilizing the high definition
output. Additionally, the chip offers an 8-bit full-screen on-screen-display
capability with alpha blending and flicker filtering, composite and S-video
TV outputs, interlaced or progressive analog component video outputs (YPbPr
or RGB) scalable up to HDTV resolution and 5.1-channel and S/PDIF digital
audio outputs.
The EM8500 is designed around the system-on-chip concept with an internal
150 mips RISC CPU, system interfaces, busses and control ports to implement
a complete DVD player. Supporting a range of DVD drives, the EM8500 offers
both IDE and DVD loader interfaces for use of either standard or lower cost
proprietary devices. A built-in memory controller provides a direct interface
of up to 16MB of SDRAM and 4MB of Flash. Additional interfaces include I2S,
I2C, UART, 16 GPIO pins and front panel control.
On the rear panel are all the appropriate audio/video
outputs. Analytically they are:
the coaxial and optical
audio (digital)
analogue stereo audio
output (L & R)
composite video and S-video output
the component video outputs
and the universal (Scart) line out
There is no built in 5.1CH
decoder, but this is something we wouldn't necessarily expect to find
on a low-priced DVD player.
For
excellent sound reproduction, DD5.1 and DTS, we recommend you to use one
of the two digital outputs.
As was mentioned, the DP-1000 also offers Component Video
outputs (PbPrY) for better image quality.
The
all in one SCART couldn't be missing.
The
package also includes the remote control for the device, which is the same
as that included in the DP-450 package. The remote control is absolutely
necessary for operating the device, since other than the two buttons on the
front panel, play/pause and stop/eject, there no
other
buttons.
Click on the remote image for an enlarged view.
Below we have included screenshots of the main menus from
the player.
3. Reading Tests
Kiss DP-1000 DVD Player - page 3
Reading Tests
One important thing that makes a DVD player good is its ability to read
all the discs and all the formats. For this reason we tracked down
all the appropriate material in order to check the manufacturer's specifications
regarding
format support.
DivX support
All the DivX versions we tried, v2,3,3.11,4,5.11, played successfully with
the DP-1000 except this one where the Quarter Pixel was enabled, as it can been
seen in the screenshot below. With this feature disable there were no problems.
Xvid support
Our tests confirmed that the Xvid 1 and 2 are supported by the Kiss player.
Once again the Quarter pixel had to be disable, otherwise you won't be able
to play the files.
In our Xvid test movie, with AC3 sound, we had to files with subtitles, one
was a .sub file with english subtitles and the other a .srt file with greek
subtitles.
The
second
one was not been recognized from the player. We don't know what was the problem,
the greek subtitles or the type of file?
DVD support
The
Kiss DP-1000 we have in our hands is a region-2 drive, which means that the
player
is able to decode (play) only the pressed DVD-Video discs coming
from
the European
region. However since you can upgrade the device with new firmware it is
possible, with an unofficial version, to make it region free.
We
connected the DP-1000 through the Scart interface with the corresponding
cable, which is included in the player's package. As was expected,
the player supports the DVD-Video format. We recorded a 4.35GB DVD-Video file
on various DVD+R/-R, DVD-RW/+RW
media. The recorders we used are some of the latest dual-format available on
the PC market, as well as some 1st generation recorders. Pressed
single /
dual layer DVD-Video discs were also included in the test. All the test discs
were
created with the same PC /software in the DVD-Video mode.
We checked the player's disc recognition as well as smooth navigation
and playback. The results were very good, since all the discs were
read completely. The table below lists the drives and media we used
in our tests.
Recorder |
Media |
Speed recorded |
Recognition |
Playback |
Sony
DRX-500UL v1.0c |
TDK DVD+RW 2.4x |
2.4x |
OK |
Sony
DRU-530A v2.0h |
Mitsubishi Chemicals DVD+R 4x |
4x |
Taiyo yuden DVD+R 4x |
4x |
N-Tech DVD+R 4x |
4x |
Philips DVD+R 4x |
4x |
Pioneer
DVR-107D v1.05 |
JVC DVD-R 8x |
8x |
MKM DVD+R 8x |
8x |
CMC DVD-R 4x |
4x |
CMC DVD+R 4x |
4x |
NEC
ND-2500A v1.06 |
JVC DVD-RW 4x |
4x |
Maxell DVD+RW 4x |
4x |
Ritek DVD-R 4x |
4x |
Mam DVD-R 4x |
4x |
TDK DVD-R 4x |
4x |
Plextor DVD+R 4x |
8x |
Mitsubishi Chemicals DVD-R 4x |
8x |
Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 4x |
8x |
Optorite
DD0401 v1.30E |
MKM DVD+R 8x |
8x |
Hi-Space DVD-R 4x |
4x |
Verbatim DVD-R 4x |
4x |
BTC
DRW1008IM v0.55 |
Pioneer DVD-R 4x |
4x |
LiteOn
LDW-811S vHS0K |
FujiFilm DVD-R 4x |
4x |
Kiss player supports reading of DVD-ROM discs.
Cannot reproduce this advanced audio format.
CD support
The DP-1000 supports AudioCD, CD-R/-RW, VideoCD and Super-VideoCD playback.
The *.cda files of any audioCD are recognized flawlessly, even when the disc
is factory pressed or is a CD-R/RW. In addition, CD-Text is supported.
In our case, when talking about data CD (CD-R/-RW), we refer to either
compressed audio files (MP3, WMA, Ogg Vorbis..) or pure *.wav files,
or
VideoCD and
Super VideoCD.
In the case of pressed AudioCDs, the player recognizes and plays all the tracks,
offering additional features such as CD-Text reading and navigation between
tracks, as already mentioned in the previous page. This also applies to
CD-R and CD-RW discs. The device played audio files from CD-R, 10x HS-RW,
24x US-RW and 32x US-RW discs we inserted in the disc tray.
In
addition, no problems were noticed when we played 8cm CD-R/-RW (185MB) or 90/99min
CD-R.
CDS200 and Key2Audio protected Audio CDs are playable in all players, and
the Kiss DP 1000 is no exception, since the protection schemes are intended
for PC devices only.
This format, as was expected, it is not supported.
-
Compressed Audio (data CD)
Let's
see now how the player reacts to various compressed audio files stored on data
CD-R/RW. Although the specifications of the DP-1000 indicate
MP3 support, it is not sure whether the drive can handle all MP3 compression
modes. CBR or VBR encoding mode and variations in the sampling rate could be
hard for
any reader to decode. Below is available, the behavior of the player
with various MP3 and WMA files.
Compression type |
Compression settings |
Recognize / Play |
MP3 |
CBR 20kBit 11025Hz Mono |
Yes |
CBR 20kBit 11025Hz Stereo |
CBR 32kBit 11025Hz Stereo |
CBR 32kBit 22050Hz Mono |
CBR 40kBit 22050Hz Stereo |
CBR 48kBit 22050Hz Stereo |
CBR 48kBit 44100Hz Mono |
Yes |
CBR 56kBit 22050Hz Mono |
Yes |
CBR 56kBit 44100Hz Mono |
Yes |
CBR 64kBit 22050Hz Stereo |
Yes |
CBR 96kBit 22050Hz Stereo |
Yes |
CBR 96kBit 44100Hz Mono |
Yes |
CBR 96kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
Yes |
CBR 112kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
Yes |
CBR 128kBit 44100Hz Mono |
CBR 128kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
CBR 160kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
CBR 192kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
CBR 224kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
CBR 256kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
CBR 320kBit 44100Hz Stereo |
VBR - High compression |
VBR - Highest compression |
VBR - Low compression |
VBR - Lowest compression |
VBR - Medium compression |
Windows Media Audio
(WMA)
|
WMA 48kbps |
Yes |
WMA 64kbps |
Yes |
WMA 96kbps |
No |
WMA 128kbps |
Yes |
WMA 160kbps |
No |
WMA 192kbps |
No |
WAV |
WAV |
Yes |
Ogg Vorbis |
|
Yes |
The player supports decoding of all the popular CBR and VBR MP3 modes. In
the case of WMA files, the player provided average performance. Half of our
test files reproduced audible clicks and pauses.
You can use the DP-1000 to watch your photos. The Jpeg format is supported
and there is the capability for the user to cycle through the images.
As was expected, from the manufacturers specifications, both formats are
supported.
4. Error correction tests
Kiss DP-1000 DVD Player - page 3
Error Correction
Tests
Here, we try to simulate one of the most interesting problems faced
by the average user while using a DVD player, the reading accuracy of a DVD
player when accessing a defective or scratched DVD or CD disc. Of course, the
performance
of the drive here has to do with the quality/precision of the mechanical
parts (Optical Pickup Unit, sufficient servo control, etc) as well as with
the drive's reading strategy under abnormal conditions, controlled by the main
chipset and firmware commands.
So, in order to test the abilities of the Kiss player against several types
of defects, we used the ABEX series from Almedio which
offers a good indication of the error correction capabilities of a CD/DVD
reader. In
addition,
we used the SBC444A test disc from Philips and the CD-Check
test disc from Digital recordings.
DVD-Video
This
is a single-sided, dual layer (S-2 type, OTP) disc with 8.5GB capacity. The
disc can be used for checking the layer switching operation from layer1
to layer 0. The disc also includes test pictures and test signals for Dolby
Digital, linear PCM (48kHz/24bit, 96kHz/24bit) and others to check for high
quality picture and sound. The disc contents is an MPEG-2 NTSC DVD-Video file.
Apart from the disc contents, the TCD-545 includes defects on the disc area
(black dots and fingerprints). The size of the black dots varies from 0.4mm
to 1.0mm. Fingerprints are sized from 0.065mm to 0.075mm.
Although a graphical presentation of the transfer rate when reading the test
disc is always enlightening, it is not an easy task when you test a non-PC
DVD player. As a result, we used the test disc as a normal DVD-Video disc and
checked whether it is recognized and played correctly, with detailed navigation
through the tracks and forward/reverse operations. Note that the size of the
defects increases as we sequentially play the tracks.
The Kiss player managed to playback the disc successfully, with no skips,
picture stills or glitches. This good behavior is also prominent
amongst
most PC DVD
recorders/players. We proceed to the next test disc, the Abex TCD-541.
This
disc is exactly the same as the Abex TCD-545 tested previously, except
that the defect is a scratch of dimensions varying from 0.4mm to 3.0mm, increasing
by steps of 0.2mm/step.
Once again, the DP-1000 read the contents of this disc without producing any
reading errors.
AudioCD
This
is an AudioCD disc used for measurement and adjustment of the error correction
ability and tracking/focusing servo characteristics of a player
against the defects included in some CDs. Three kinds of defects are included
on this disc, interruption in information layer, black dots and fingerprints.
The interruptions are fabricated by intentionally varying the lengths of pits
in the disc fabrication area. Their size varies from 0.5mm to 1.0mm. The diameter
of the black dots are from 0.4mm to 1.0mm. Last, the simulated fingerprints
are small, gathered dots, of diameters sized from 65 micrometers to
75 micrometers. 160 individual black dots in total construct the artificial
fingerprint.
All audio tracks were played successfully without problems.
The
test concept with the Philips SBC 44A is the same as in the previous test disc.
Interruptions on the information layer vary from 400 micrometer to 1000
micrometers, while the black dots have a size of 300 micrometers to 800 micrometers.
This disc was not a problem for the Kiss player.
Same contents as with the Abex TCD-726, but different defect. A scratch with
a size of 0.4mm to 3.0mm is on the disc's surface. Error symptoms expected
when
playing this disc are noise, sound skips, same sector repeatedly played, start
of tune cannot be detected etc.
The DP-1000 played successfully the first 5 tracks out of the 15 in
total. The 5th track corresponds to a scratch size of 1.0mm. First problems
occurred in the 6th track (1.2mm) with audible "clicks" while playing,
which increased and were followed by sound skips and playback interruptions
as the defective area was increasing in size.
We finish this testing cycle with the CD-Check disc from Digital Recordings.
Five audio signals (5 tracks) in combination with disc error patterns to rate
the player's ability to read music and reproduce it completely. The five tracks
contain a sequence of progressively difficult tests.
- Check level 1 (track 1): Standard manufacturing errors
- Check level 2 (track
2): 0.375mm scratch
- Check level 3 (track 3): 0.750mm scratch
- Check level 4 (track 2): 1.125mm
scratch
- Check level 5 (track 2): 1.500mm scratch
Any clicks, interruptions
or looping during audio reproduction indicate failure of a Check level (audio
track). Below you can see the test results:
Check level |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Result |
OK |
OK |
OK |
OK |
one
click |
The
player had very good performance since it managed to reproduce the first
four level without problem. During the 5th track, which is
the most difficult for all players, including PC recorders, we heard only
one click
for
each time
played, and then
nothing else.
Overall, we can say that the error correction capabilities of the Kiss player
are very good.
5. Conclusion
Kiss DP-1000 DVD Player
- page 4
Conclusion
After using the DP-1000 for several days, we can easily
say that this device is very versatile with a very easy to learn
menu/navigation system and has all
the
appropriate
settings for playback. For full control of the DP-1000, the included
remote control is required since the main unit has only the play/pause
and stop/eject buttons. The device has all the appropriate connections
but we would welcomed a decoder with the 5.1CH outputs. The
Progressive Scan Video Out that the player offers, is one of the strong
points since there are not many devices in this category. However, we would
like to see a coaxial
audio cable also included in the package.
The DP-1000, according to our reading tests, managed to confirm all the
manufacturer's specifications for DVD/MPEG-4/DivX®/XviD/CD/MP3/Ogg Vorbis/CD-RW/DVD+-RW
compatibility. Only SACD and DVD-Audio advanced formats are not supported
from the player, which was expected and not included in the specification.
Once again the price justifies this.We would also like the greek subtitles
to be recognized in the Xvid movie. Probably with a firmware upgrade this
will be fixed
From the error correction tests, the Kiss player revealed very good behavior,
ignoring scratches up to 1.125mm. But even with larger defects (1.5mm),
the audible errors were few. Black dots( sized at 0.4-1.0mm) and artificial
fingerprints(0.065-0.075mm) were not a problem for the player.
One thing that we noticed was that quite often, the MP3 playback
froze. Most of this was due to changing track without first stopping
the playback. In this case, you have to disconnect the power cable in order
to reset the
player.
The DP-1000 model is already available on the market and ranges in price
from 160~190 euro, which we consider to be quite good.
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