[timmerk]

and tell everyone what you see!

What do you mean?

[PowerBookDude]

Originally posted by <cc>:
<STRONG>What do you mean? </STRONG>

I think he wants to know what are the prefs for the DVD player in 10.1.

[BuonRotto]

This is the second time someone has alluded to a special "something" in the DVD prefs. The first time IIRC was in the context of a thread about the son of XBox -- the digital hub PC thing from MS.

I think there is somthing more we are expected to see...

This was posted in anouther thread...

Wish I could say something about Apples DVD player in defense [look in prefs]..Oh well - you will see soon enough.

by an unregistered user...&lt;spy&gt;

here is the thread..

But I dont see anything that would cause such comments....

&lt;?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?&gt;
&lt;!DOCTYPE plist SYSTEM "file://localhost/System/Library/DTDs/PropertyList.dtd"&gt;
&lt;plist version="0.9"&gt;
&lt;dict&gt;
&lt;key&gt;AudioLanguage&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;string&gt;** &lt;/string&gt;
&lt;key&gt;AutoPlay&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;false/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;AutoPresentationMode&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;false/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;ControllerType&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;integer&gt;1&lt;/integer&gt;
&lt;key&gt;DisplayControllerHelp&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;true/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;DisplayDolbyLineMode&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;false/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;DisplayStatusWindow&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;true/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;DolbyLineMode&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;false/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;HorControllerVisible&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;true/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;HorControllerWindowPosition (h,v)&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;string&gt;250 536&lt;/string&gt;
&lt;key&gt;HorControllerWindowSize (h,v)&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;string&gt;279 99&lt;/string&gt;
&lt;key&gt;InactiveControllerTimeOut&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;integer&gt;10&lt;/integer&gt;
&lt;key&gt;MenuLanguage&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;string&gt;** &lt;/string&gt;
&lt;key&gt;PrefsVersion&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;integer&gt;1&lt;/integer&gt;
&lt;key&gt;PresHideInactiveController&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;true/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;SubTitleLanguage&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;string&gt;** &lt;/string&gt;
&lt;key&gt;ViewerVisible&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;true/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;ViewerWindowPosition (h,v)&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;string&gt;0 49&lt;/string&gt;
&lt;/dict&gt;
&lt;/plist&gt;

That is from 5g27

[Amorya]

Maybe he means look in the prefs dialogue box, under the app menu.

Amorya

[Alex Duffield]

Originally posted by Amorya:
<STRONG>Maybe he means look in the prefs dialogue box, under the app menu.

Amorya</STRONG>

I see nothing unexpected in there ether... (in 5g27) Any one with a newer build want to take a look and see what this is all about???

[Oneota]

Originally posted by Alex Duffield:
<STRONG>


I see nothing unexpected in there ether... (in 5g27) Any one with a newer build want to take a look and see what this is all about??? </STRONG>

I think they're alluding to 5G40 or later (at least, that's how it seems to me). I don't have that build, but I know someone who does (legally). If I can get ahold of 'em, I'll see about getting a dump of the prefs file.

[SYN]

On the same page, spy posted this url. It's a list of Apple held Trademarks.

didn't know what that meant. So i did a search on DVD... Well there seems to be some interesting stuff going on...

what would DVD@CCESS TM be??? It says it's a software feature... Wonder what it could be... Streaming movies?

Odd.

[Oneota]

Okay -- I contacted a developer friend who has been seeded 5G48. Here's what was in the DVD Prefs file:

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1"face="Geneva, Verdana, Arial">code:</font><HR><pre><font size=1 face=courier> &lt;?xml version=<font color = red>"<font color = blue>1.0</font>"</font> encoding=<font color = red>"UTF-<font color = blue>8</font>"</font>?&gt;
&lt;!DOCTYPE plist SYSTEM <font color = red>"file:<font color = brown>//localhost/System/Library/DTDs/PropertyList.dtd"</font>&gt;</font>
&lt;plist version=<font color = red>"<font color = blue>0.9</font>"</font>&gt;
&lt;dict&gt;
&lt;key&gt;AudioLanguage&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;string&gt;** &lt;/string&gt;
&lt;key&gt;AudioVolume&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;integer&gt;<font color = blue>180</font>&lt;/integer&gt;
&lt;key&gt;AutoPlay&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;false/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;AutoPresentationMode&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;false/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;ControllerType&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;integer&gt;<font color = blue>1</font>&lt;/integer&gt;
&lt;key&gt;DefaultScanRate&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;integer&gt;<font color = blue>4</font>&lt;/integer&gt;
&lt;key&gt;DisplayControllerHelp&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;true/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;DisplayDolbyLineMode&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;false/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;DisplayStatusWindow&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;true/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;DolbyLineMode&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;false/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;HorControllerWindowPosition (h,v)&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;string&gt;<font color = blue>0</font> <font color = blue>653</font>&lt;/string&gt;
&lt;key&gt;InactiveControllerTimeOut&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;integer&gt;<font color = blue>10</font>&lt;/integer&gt;
&lt;key&gt;MenuLanguage&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;string&gt;** &lt;/string&gt;
&lt;key&gt;PrefsVersion&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;integer&gt;<font color = blue>1</font>&lt;/integer&gt;
&lt;key&gt;PresDefaultViewer&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;integer&gt;<font color = blue>3</font>&lt;/integer&gt;
&lt;key&gt;PresHideInactiveController&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;true/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;ResizeFullScreenViewer&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;true/&gt;
&lt;key&gt;SSPD&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;data&gt;
Rk9STQAAABREVkRDRFZEUgAAAAxDJBI0AAAAAAAAAAU=
&lt;/data&gt;
&lt;key&gt;SubTitleLanguage&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;string&gt;** &lt;/string&gt;
&lt;key&gt;ViewerWindowPosition (h,v)&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;string&gt;<font color = blue>15</font> <font color = blue>374</font>&lt;/string&gt;
&lt;key&gt;WebAccess&lt;/key&gt;
&lt;false/&gt;
&lt;/dict&gt;
&lt;/plist&gt; </font>[/code]

Nothing too special in there to me, but maybe someone else sees something noteworthy. The only thing that's interesting is that SSPD line, but I have no clue what it means.

looking in the dvd player prefs and compairing it to that of 2.7's prefs, the only difference I see is the ability to have the player have on screen display. Example, when you tell the player to play, a box appears on the screen saying play. the same for stop and forward and menu and such..

DVD@CCESS is something that exists in the 2.7 version of the player. it makes it so if there is a web link on the dvd it will connect it to the browser, and load the web site.

maybe the key here is (like the Unreal Tournament ini file) you can customize the DVD player via the prefs file or am I way off?

thought maybe that'd be a different view to the prefs file - rather than looking for something subtle or small and specific is the 'answer' the file as a whole?

[ratlater]

What is Dolby Line Mode?

-ratlater

[Jamie]

On DVD@CCESS:

"DVD@ccess, a component of Apple's new DVD Studio Pro that embeds Web links into a DVD title, automatically launching a browser when the user clicks one. The functionality is limited, but it does offer cross-platform compatibility between PCs and Macs"

Source: dvdcreation.com

J

[BuonRotto]

Can you use your computer as your home DVD player, hook it up to your TV? Is that even a big deal?

[Workers Comp Wampa]

Originally posted by BuonRotto:
<STRONG>Can you use your computer as your home DVD player, hook it up to your TV? Is that even a big deal?</STRONG>

No.

[TNproud2b]

why not?

what's stopping it from working? no TV-out on the vid card?

[vasu]

maybe he meant "no, it's not a big deal", because it's very possible to use your computer (mainly laptops) to watch a dvd on a tv

-vasu

[Kickaha]

Uh, Wampa, my PowerBook G3 (FireWire) *IS* my home DVD player.

S-video on the back, you know?

Maybe you meant that you can't hook it up from say a G4 tower out of the box...

As for the prefs, the only thing I see of interest is the SSPD key, which I seem to recall having something to do with the licensing of a DVD player. Hmmm. (Something Something Public Data?)

[Skywalkers new Hand]

Originally posted by vasu:
<STRONG>maybe he meant "no, it's not a big deal", because it's very possible to use your computer (mainly laptops) to watch a dvd on a tv

-vasu</STRONG>

Thank you

[SkullMacPN]

So... is that SSPD line supposed to be the CSS decryption key or something?

[spicyjeff]

What is Dolby Line Mode?

This is the ability to output the Dolby (Stereo or Digital) encoded sound out through the audio line out so you can play it through a stereo system/receiver.
The main question though is if it will be Dolby Digital or Dolby Pro Logic. The Mac OS 9.x player outputs Dolby Pro Logic which is stereo positioned sound. It would be great if the OS X player lived up to DVDs potential by outputting Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound.

Could it be this?

&lt;key&gt;WebAccess&lt;/key&gt; &lt;false/&gt;

What the hell is that?

[workerbee]

Originally posted by spicyjeff:
<STRONG>
It would be great if the OS X player lived up to DVDs potential by outputting Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound.</STRONG>

Wouldn't we need to have a digital output (SPDIF) somewhere on our Macs to be able to output 5.1 sound? If that's the case: no surround for you until Apple in its infinite wisdom chooses to add this 5-cents-bit of equipment - just don't hold your breath for it: they seem to prefer removing stuff lately.
It's depressing sometimes how far the Mac lags behing PeeCees in certain areas... I can still hear St. Steve blathering about "digital hub" and "best-of-breed DVD playback"...

[Fotek2001]

What on Earth is this all about? What's in the DVD prefs that's so exciting? Did the original poster know something we don't or was he just speculating?

Also: Why are these boards so sloooow and has anyone ever noticed that everything written on them is Copyright &copy; 1999-2001 MacNN. All rights reserved?

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally posted by workerbee:
<STRONG>
Wouldn't we need to have a digital output (SPDIF) somewhere on our Macs to be able to output 5.1 sound? If that's the case: no surround for you until Apple in its infinite wisdom chooses to add this 5-cents-bit of equipment - just don't hold your breath for it: they seem to prefer removing stuff lately.
It's depressing sometimes how far the Mac lags behing PeeCees in certain areas... I can still hear St. Steve blathering about "digital hub" and "best-of-breed DVD playback"...</STRONG>

Strange...I've never seen a PeeCee that had an SPDIF jack that wasn't user-installed (read: add-on sound card)...mind you, I'd have had a *lot* less trouble with an acoustics experiment I'm doing if my iMac came with SPDIF...I'd really like a jack...but still...I don't follow your reasoning.

[edddeduck]

You can ouput 5.1 down a stereo lead as I have a creative 3500 and it has a 5.1 input on a stereo jack lead to it is possible... As far as I know... after all its just a digital signal...

[Naplander]

Okay, I'll bite.........

Would some one please tell us what this is all about!

Yours in sanity

Nap

[workerbee]

Originally posted by Spheric Harlot:
<STRONG>
Strange...I've never seen a PeeCee that had an SPDIF jack that wasn't user-installed (read: add-on sound card) [cut]..but still...I don't follow your reasoning.</STRONG>

Well, at least they (the PeeCee folks) have the option of adding a 5.1-capable soundcard. We don't -- as far as I'm aware of, anyway.This is especially galling now that Apple's finally catched up to Windows in DVD player performance, from what I read around here. One little step at a time, I guess...

[hmpff]

This is especially galling now that Apple's finally catched up to Windows in DVD player performance, from what I read around here. One little step at a time, I guess...

Or, another way to say this is :
It'll never be good enough for some people

This is especially galling now that Apple's finally catched up to Windows in DVD player performance, from what I read around here. One little step at a time, I guess...

Actually, I'm positive it means this:

I expect the Apple DVD player to perform as well as the Windows one. Now it does, and I'm glad for that; but I believe we still aren't to where we should be - ideally - to present the platform as a superior alternative for digital media playback, backing up Apple's push to be the digital hub. There's a long road ahead, but if we go fast enough, we'll get to run over Bill Gates! Keep up the good work, Apple.

Isn't it fun to fool with others' words?

[zythemac]

Originally posted by edddeduck:
<STRONG>You can ouput 5.1 down a stereo lead as I have a creative 3500 and it has a 5.1 input on a stereo jack lead to it is possible... As far as I know... after all its just a digital signal...</STRONG>

That stereo jack is not just a normal stereo jack. Yes, it's an RCA plug but sending an spdif consumer digital signal. The other way of sending one is through an optical connection.

[freeandunmuzzled]

Originally posted by Oneota:
<STRONG>
Optimists see the glass as half full. Pessimists see the glass as half empty.
Engineers see a glass that's twice as big as it needs to be.
</STRONG>

Designers see a really ugly glass that's like, so 90's, man.

[Gee4orce]

Originally posted by workerbee:
<STRONG>
Well, at least they (the PeeCee folks) have the option of adding a 5.1-capable soundcard. We don't -- as far as I'm aware of, anyway.This is especially galling now that Apple's finally catched up to Windows in DVD player performance, from what I read around here. One little step at a time, I guess...</STRONG>

What's the point in investing $$$ in a 5.1 soundcard and fancy speakers - only to sit in the same room as beige box full of noisy fans ? Oh - and watch the movie on a 17" non-widescreen monitor ?? I think this fairly describes DVD on most PCs.

Computer DVD is a 'nice to have' - but if you're serious enough about your DVD to bother getting a 5.1 soundcard, then you're much better off just buying a widescreen TV, DVD player and Dolby Digital decoder.

[workerbee]

Originally posted by Gee4orce:
<STRONG>

What's the point in investing $$$ in a 5.1 soundcard and fancy speakers - only to sit in the same room as beige box full of noisy fans ? Oh - and watch the movie on a 17" non-widescreen monitor ?? I think this fairly describes DVD on most PCs.

Computer DVD is a 'nice to have' - but if you're serious enough about your DVD to bother getting a 5.1 soundcard, then you're much better off just buying a widescreen TV, DVD player and Dolby Digital decoder.</STRONG>

I'm just about to spend something like $3000 on a video beamer (Sony vpl-cx2 or Philips UGO X-lite), and from all I read, in this price class the image coming from a video source is cr*p, whereas DVD played on a PC, or in my case, Mac, is brilliant. So ideal setup would be: Mac -&gt; VGA -&gt; Beamer and Mac -&gt; 5.1 SPDIF -&gt; A/V Receiver. There are other video beamers for certain, but I'm slightly unwilling to spend $5000+.
Sure I can just hook up with my Stereo, but without a centre speaker language is kinda hard to understand sometimes, and also a bit of a waste considering the resources that go into sound engineering on modern DVDs.

It'll never be good enough for some people

It'll be good enough when it is as good as it's been for years on Windoze. Or better.
I feel I'm entitled to expect this, because of all the "better" and "more elegant" along with the "best-of-breed" and the "hub of the digital world" we've been hearing and reading about, and paying for, too.
Is it asked too much of Apple to measure up to cheapo windoze boxes?

[ 09-11-2001: Message edited by: workerbee ]

[workerbee]

This of course might be the solution... I could even use my PowerBook to play DVDs... ohhh... drool

[marca]

The cryptic "Rk9STQAAABREVkRDRFZEUgAAAAxDJBI0AAAAAAAAAAU=" in the pref XML file means : "FORM DVD CDVDRC4"

It's Base64 encoded and thus quite simple to decode.

Well, it doesn't help much but i tought that some of you may like.

-- marca

[KidRed]

Ok, but waht was the purpose of this post? What the hell is in the prefs??

[saltines17]

Originally posted by KidRed:
<STRONG>Ok, but waht was the purpose of this post? What the hell is in the prefs??</STRONG>

I second that...

!!!

Maybe it's a secret movie of Clarus the Dogcow!!

[dfiler]

You guys are thinking too hard...

Maybe someone was interested in whats in the prefs!

[KidRed]

You guys are thinking too hard...Maybe someone was interested in whats in the prefs!

No, "Look in DVD Player's Pref's!" then his sentence of "tell everyone...!"

Notice, 2 exclamation marks, and no real questions. This is an excited statement. I think you need to re-think the topic and post and join us in asking-

What's in the frickin prefs!?!?!

Only thing I notice that I wasn't expecting is that there's no region selection.

Is it automatic? Or is it regionless?

Regionless would be quite a bonus.

[DaveGee]

Originally posted by marca:
<STRONG>The cryptic "Rk9STQAAABREVkRDRFZEUgAAAAxDJBI0AAAAAAAAAAU=" in the pref XML file means : "FORM DVD CDVDRC4"

It's Base64 encoded and thus quite simple to decode.

Well, it doesn't help much but i tought that some of you may like.

-- marca</STRONG>

Interesting....

CDVDRC4 could that be 'region code 4'? As in " New Zealand has been designated Region Code 4, (incorporating Australia and South America), and thus all DVD products that we are able to offer for sale on this site are Region Code 4 (RC4)."

If the person who posted this could confirm if his 'developer friend' was from NZ it sure would help.

D

Interesting....

CDVDRC4 could that be 'region code 4'? As in " New Zealand has been designated Region Code 4, (incorporating Australia and South America), and thus all DVD products that we are able to offer for sale on this site are Region Code 4 (RC4)."

If the person who posted this could confirm if his 'developer friend' was from NZ it sure would help.

Nope. It's the same, character for character, as a US install. I'm looking at it right now.

My money is on the region free: perhaps some of the stink between Apple and the MPAA came from an Apple insistance that Region Codes were ridiculous to enforce on migrating hardware, i.e. Powerbooks, etc.

Bill

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally posted by &lt;BillBuckley&gt;:
<STRONG>My money is on the region free: perhaps some of the stink between Apple and the MPAA came from an Apple insistance that Region Codes were ridiculous to enforce on migrating hardware, i.e. Powerbooks, etc.</STRONG>

Well, wouldn't the *software's* being region-free be fairly irrelevant anyway if the region is in fact selected in the DVD-players' firmware...?

[JLL]

Originally posted by Spheric Harlot:
<STRONG>

Well, wouldn't the *software's* being region-free be fairly irrelevant anyway if the region is in fact selected in the DVD-players' firmware...?</STRONG>

Yep, it's the DVD drive that allows only five region switches and not the software.