Reservoir Dogs and Pioneer DV-414 (1 Viewer)

[Kelly W]

Does anyone have a copy of the new Reservoir Dogs release and a Pioneer DV-414 player?

I do, and disc one of the set will NOT load. The machine will spin it, display that it's a DVD, and open the tray. The disc works in my other players, and disc two works in the Pioneer.

Does anybody else have this problem?

Thanks!!!

-Kelly

 

[Dmitry]

Don't have the disc yet, but I'll post as soon as it arrives.

 

[Michael Boyd]

seems to load fine in my 414. I should note that mine is the second version of the 414.

 

[Kelly W]

Michael,

How can I tell which version of the 414 I have?

 

[John McDevitt]

I put in the widescreen disc and it worked fine. I'm not sure what version of the 414 I have?

 

[Kelly W]

Okay,
I was pretty sure that the problem was with the player since the disc worked elsewhere, but I went back to the store to exchange it anyway.
Lo and behold, the new copy works. Problem solved.
I doubt this had anything to do with it, but the bad disc came from a "Mr. Brown" package and the good disc came from a "Mr. Pink" package. (I was able to convince the nice exchange lady to let me keep the brown slipcase, though. )
Sorry if I caused anybody to panic. Hopefully, this was just an isolated case.
However, I would STILL like to know more about the different versions of the 414 and how to tell which one I have-- just for my own curiosity.
Thanks again!!!
-Kelly

 

[Joel Fontenot]

I think it has to do with the firmware revision. Beyond that, I don't know what to do about it other than have a Pioneer or other qualified service department update it.

I too have a 414, but don't know how to find out what revision I have.

Joel

 

[Michael Boyd]

I think the first version was sold prior to March 1999 and the second one after that with a firmware upgrade and pricedrop. The facade is different between the two just slightly, but I couldnt tell you what those differences are on the top of my head. probably someone in hardware could.

 

[Dmitry]

No problems with my Mr. Blonde edition on my DV-414. I believe I bought it in winter of 1999, but I can't recall how to check the firmware version.
P.S. Just found this Link Removed where these instructions are given:

Hello all Pioneer DV-414 Region 1 owners. I am curious to know if Pioneer has made any recent changes to the Firmware level to address such problems as the lip-sync issue reported by some owners. Could I ask you use the procedure below and post your firmware level along with the manufacturing date from the back of machine.
1)Turn on TV & player without a DVD
2)Press MENU on the remote
3)Select INITIAL and press ENTER
4)Make sure OSD is highlighted & press DISPLAY.
The region & firmware will be displayed.
Here's mine:
MFG date January 1999
OSD Set
Region 1
Ver:2.264/4
AV1:3.32'C'

So, while I'm at it my firmware is:
Ver: 1.214/4
AV1: 3.32' C'

 

[Kelly W]

Well, I don't have a manufacturing date, but I bought it in January of 1999.
OSD Set.
Region: 1
Ver: 1.184/4
AV1: 3.32'C'
Wow. I guess my firmware version is older that BOTH of those listed above.
I haven't really had any problems, though. (*KNOCK* on wood. )
The only lip-synch issue I've seen is the DTS track on Moulin Rouge, but everybody had that. Austin Powers, for example, always played fine. (But I haven't watched it since I got a larger TV-- maybe it is more noticeable now.)
Still, the player IS getting a little "long in the tooth", so I wouldn't be surprised if I do have to replace it one of these days.
Thanks, Dmitry, for finding that information!!!
-Kelly

 

[Dmitry]

Kelly, perhaps I wasn't quite precise in my post. The manufacturing date is printed somewhere on the DVD player itself (I don't want to pull mine out of the rack, so I can't tell you exactly where, but I think it's somewhere on the back). Of course the mfg date is not as good a reference as the firmware version anyway.

 

[Kelly W]

Dmitry, that's what I figured, but I don't want to pull the unit out either. The whole mess of wires back there makes moving anything around quite a chore.
Do you guys think it is worth it to get the firmware updated? If I'm not having troubles, I guess not, eh? Besides, do you think anybody will still work on "antiques" like our DV-414s?
Out of curiosity, how much does a shop typically charge for such a service?
Thanks!
-Kelly

 

[Ed O]

This is kind of a non-post, but when I saw there were still some 414s being used, I just had to chime in. I've had one since Dec 98. I'll need to check the firmware for my own curiosity. Paid about $300 back then. Not too bad of a deal..component video, DTS, 96/24..certainly good features for then. If I recall correctly one of the HT mags considered it a hot deal or something (Home Theater, I think). I only experienced lip synch issues on a few discs and it hasn't been an issue for quite some time. In my opinion a good little machine.

 

[Michael Boyd]

The only disc Ive ever had a problem with is EVERYONE SAYS I LOVE YOU. wouldnt play any sound.