8. Summary: At Long Last - DivX Videos On TV Or Projector

It took almost three years for the arrival of a standalone player that could show videos and movies in DivX (MPEG-4) format. Based on the REALmagic EM8500 chip, which essentially handles the MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 decoding functions, the KiSS DP-450 is the first player in the world that fits into this category. This means that along with well-known media like DVD video, S-video CD and video CD, movies with DivX coding (MPEG-4) can be shown, too.

However, there are several restrictions that should not matter much for most users. The integrated chip from REALmagic only shows videos that have been compressed with a version 4.02 codec and above. Earlier versions (3.x and below) cannot be used. The player works best with the version 5.x DivX codec (Advanced Simple Profile Level 5).

The only limitations with DivX 5.x are that expanded encoding features like "quarter pixel" or "GMC" are not supported. In the test, little image jumps were visible in highly complex scenes. However, this comment refers to the firmware version 2.6, so this problem should be gone in future versions. Technically, the EM8500 chip offers the best conditions for perfect replay of MPEG-4 video. Anyone who buys the KiSS DVD Player can now play back media with JPEG images (CD-ROM or DVD). For example, modern digital cameras provide JPEG images, yet not every DVD player can offer this function. But here, too, the pictures should not be used at the highest resolution (above the two-megapixel limit). In testing, the KiSS DP-450 was able to show images with a maximum resolution of 1280 x 960 pixel scaled on the TV screen. Pictures with 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution (three megapixels) could not be shown.

However, the user must be aware that this is, after all, the first device (and the first version) of this class. And in 2003, the emerging trend may be that DVD players need to allow for playback of DivX videos and JPEG images (picture CDs) if they want to stay on the market. The same market development occurred with the MP3 audio standard. Anyone who has bought a DVD player without a DivX feature will probably be kicking himself. Here's why: a huge variety of feature films is already available on the Internet and through file sharing tools. One can only hope that many manufacturers will soon go with the encoder chip from REALmagic.

KiSS Technologies is showing real courage vis-à-vis the Hollywood film industry. When the popular MP3 codec for audio was introduced, the recording industry shackled the first manufacturers with legal action. But in the end, it was all in vain: MP3 made it on a broad front. The same thing will most likely occur with MPEG-4/ DivX, because customer demand will open up new markets.

And last but not least, an update: Sigma Designs now has two new chips for MPEG-4 decoding that are equipped with even more modern features. Included are 5.1 audio output, picture-in-picture display, 2D graphics for on-screen menus and support of DivX 5 audio features.