Vrt199 takara which codec?
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presidentaz
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Hello everyone
I need your help
I have a portable DVD player Takara VRT199 that won't read my USB stick with movies on it. The manual doesn't say much, and it says on the box that it supports VMF and MP3 DVD. It reads DVDs without any problem, but what format should I convert the files to on the USB?
I need your help
I have a portable DVD player Takara VRT199 that won't read my USB stick with movies on it. The manual doesn't say much, and it says on the box that it supports VMF and MP3 DVD. It reads DVDs without any problem, but what format should I convert the files to on the USB?
8 réponses
Bonjour à toutes et à tous,
I am coming back late on previous reviews to share my own experience with this equipment.
Purchased second-hand on Amazon for €72, but brand new and complete inside, except for slightly damaged outer packaging!
Intended to outfit the headrests/hangers of my car (Skoda Superb Combi Praha 4x4 2L TDI, fully loaded with original and added options by me).
To complete it, I also bought:
- 2 foldable Sony MDR-ZX110B headphones, with storage cases = €48.20
- 2 Sandisk SDHC3 cards 90 Mb/s 32 GB = €43.98
- 1 220V/12V transformer (car equipped with a 12V/220V 300W converter, and for home use) = €15.99
- 2 audio/video cables 1.5 meters male jack 3.5mm/3 male RCA (car also equipped with a multimedia pack and a TNT TV tuner connected to the GPS module RNS510 Columbus) = €11.68
The following is my own feedback and sort of a tutorial.
First of all, what needs to be known, which is not well explained in the manual:
- both screens and remote controls are labeled "A" and "B"
- when connecting 12V, a permanent green LED lights up under the screen controls, even if the switch is on "OFF"
- when the switch is "ON", a permanent blue LED lights up next to the green LED, indicating the location of the infrared receiver of the remote control, and the welcome screen appears (it's stupid for a driver who is not, by definition, sitting in the back seats!).
- if, at startup (switch on "ON"):
- to access the 4th screen of the Setup (TV at the top right, page 11 of the manual "General layout"), there must be no media inserted!
- there is no internal battery, and as soon as the ignition is cut, the 12V power supply and playback stop, unless:
In these last 2 cases, beware, it drains quite a bit on the battery!
- when restarting, if you have programmed the Setup (page 12 of the manual, at the top, "Last memory"), the system will resume playback at the same position as when it stopped.
As a DIY-er, here’s what I improved a bit:
- detachable straps for remote controls and headphones attached to the right and left of the screens (it makes storage and accessibility easier)
- locking the sliding support on the screen, through drilling, tapping and a 3mm bolt (see below why in Overall assessment)
- cutting the double cigarette lighter power cable and interposing M/F intermediate plugs to plug indifferently into the cigarette lighter or with a single 220/12V transformer (otherwise, you need 2 transformers)
To check the compatibility of supports (CD, DVD, SD Card, USB Stick, External HD), and readable files, here are the tests I performed at home with the 220V/12V transformer:
- 1st test: reading an audio CD purchased with extension .cda ==> OK - recognized and played
- 2nd test: reading a burned audio CD or DVD, codec and extension .mp3 ==> OK - recognized and played
- 3rd test: reading a movie purchased on single-sided DVD, extensions .vob, .ifo, .bup ==> OK - recognized and played
- 4th test: reading a movie purchased on double-sided DVD, extensions .vob, .ifo, .bup ==> OK - recognized and played
- 5th test: reading a movie purchased on Blu-Ray DVD ==> KO - unsupported media
- 6th test: copying video files to SDHC3 cards and USB3 sticks (16 and 32 GB).
This is where the hassle begins in the jungle of video formats and codecs!
It should be noted that the Takara VRT-199 only accepts video files created with an MPEG4 container/encapsulator, an Xvid video codec, an MP3 audio codec, and a screen resolution not exceeding 720x576 pixels!
If, like me, you have many video files, to know if they are in this case, I recommend installing this lightweight, complete, and free software: MediaInfo ==> https://mediaarea.net/fr/MediaInfo
It allows you to scan either an individual file or a complete folder containing several audio/video files, and provides all the information about the analyzed file. Absolutely brilliant!
Initially, it allowed me to try this:
I recorded this file 3 times on a 16 GB SDHC card, in 3 different subfolders, first with extension .avi, then modifying 2 to .mp4, .mpg (you need to ignore the Windows warning stating that these files would supposedly be unreadable).
And there, bingo! All 3 extensions are recognized and played the same way!
This means that, regardless of the file extension (.avi, .mpg, .mp4,...), what matters most is the container used (MPEG4), the codecs (Xvid/MP3), and the pixel definition!
If you find with MediaInfo that this is not the case, you will then need to resort to transcoding software that will allow you to transform them.
For this, here are some solutions among many others (I have no commercial interest in mentioning them):
Freemake Video Converter (supposedly free, but you will have to pay €9.95/year or €19.95/unlimited to avoid a permanent overlay [branding], not at all discreet in fullscreen of your transcoded movies!)
==> https://www.freemake.com/fr/free_video_converter/
Nero Recode (paid, multilingual, €29.95. I was personally disappointed with its performance)
==> http://www.nero.com/fra/products/nero-recode/?vlang=fr
Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate (paid, multilingual, $39.95 excluding tax for license 1 PC/1 year. The free trial version only allows 1/3 of conversion!)
==> https://uniconverter.wondershare.fr/
I ultimately opted for this last multifunction software.
It’s true that it’s expensive, but it really allows you to transcode everything, audio or video, in all directions, with lots of other customizable functions, and I do not regret my investment.
- 7th test: with this software, starting from my files .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mpeg, m2ts (Sony camcorder) in codecs not MPEG4/Xvid or too high resolution, but also from commercial DVDs single or double-sided and Blu-Ray (for this last type, you need a Blu-Ray player!), and in option of MPEG4/Xvid/MP3 SD 720x576 conversion, I created files with .avi extension:
- 8th test: I have plenty of high-definition images with .jpg extension used as wallpaper on my PC. I resized them to 1024x768 (with Paint on Windows 10), and copied them to a 16 GB SDHC card:
- 9th test: what about recognizing an external hard drive via USB? In my case a LaCie (Hitachi) of 300 GO. On forums, many say it's not possible. I will prove them wrong!
Unfortunately, for this type of disk, Windows does not offer formatting options in FAT32, but only in NTFS or exFAT.
To bypass the difficulty, I downloaded and installed this small, lightweight, free, effective software, but in English:
FAT32Formatter ==> http://tokiwa.qee.jp/EN/Fat32Formatter/
The formatting takes some time... or a certain time (2 hours)... unless you check the [Quick Format] box, which I recommend!
I then copied my original file "GranTurino.avi" onto this newly formatted disk, and there... ==> OK - recognized and played!
Conclusions on the reading supports, their format, codecs, accepted file extensions, and my recommendations:
- the DVD player does not read Blu-Ray discs
- it accepts CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-R DL (double-sided)
- it reads commercially available CD/DVD audio/video films and albums
- it accepts SDHC cards, USB sticks, external HDs, but ONLY FORMATTED IN FAT32, and not in NTFS or exFAT contrary to this
I am coming back late on previous reviews to share my own experience with this equipment.
Purchased second-hand on Amazon for €72, but brand new and complete inside, except for slightly damaged outer packaging!
Intended to outfit the headrests/hangers of my car (Skoda Superb Combi Praha 4x4 2L TDI, fully loaded with original and added options by me).
To complete it, I also bought:
- 2 foldable Sony MDR-ZX110B headphones, with storage cases = €48.20
- 2 Sandisk SDHC3 cards 90 Mb/s 32 GB = €43.98
- 1 220V/12V transformer (car equipped with a 12V/220V 300W converter, and for home use) = €15.99
- 2 audio/video cables 1.5 meters male jack 3.5mm/3 male RCA (car also equipped with a multimedia pack and a TNT TV tuner connected to the GPS module RNS510 Columbus) = €11.68
The following is my own feedback and sort of a tutorial.
First of all, what needs to be known, which is not well explained in the manual:
- both screens and remote controls are labeled "A" and "B"
- label on the back of the screens: "DVD Player A" and "DVD Player B"
- inscription on the front bottom of the remote controls: "VRT-199 A" and "VRT-199 B"
- however, the 2 remotes operate interchangeably in "A" and "B". Since there is neither master nor slave, one wonders why this differentiation?
- when connecting 12V, a permanent green LED lights up under the screen controls, even if the switch is on "OFF"
- when the switch is "ON", a permanent blue LED lights up next to the green LED, indicating the location of the infrared receiver of the remote control, and the welcome screen appears (it's stupid for a driver who is not, by definition, sitting in the back seats!).
- if, at startup (switch on "ON"):
- you already have a CD/DVD inserted, loading will happen automatically, even if you have an SD card and/or a USB stick connected. In this case, to change media, you will need to use the blue DVD/ESB/CARD button on the remote control to select it
- you do not have a CD/DVD inserted, but an SD card OR a USB stick connected, the system will successively indicate "Loading", "No disk", "Awaiting", and will automatically position itself after a few seconds on the menu of the connected media
- you do not have a CD/DVD inserted, but an SD card AND a USB stick connected, the system will successively indicate "Loading", "No disk", "Awaiting", and will automatically position itself after a few seconds on the USB stick. To change, you will have to use the blue DVD/ESB/CARD button on the remote control
- to access the 4th screen of the Setup (TV at the top right, page 11 of the manual "General layout"), there must be no media inserted!
- in this 4th screen, what is also not explained is the PBC function: it allows you to read the interactive menu of a video CD (VCD) just like for DVDs with a menu. Of course, the video CD must have been recorded with this feature.
- there is no internal battery, and as soon as the ignition is cut, the 12V power supply and playback stop, unless:
- you have a permanent cigarette lighter socket (as in my case in the trunk).
- you have a 12V/220V converter that allows you to connect the 220V/12V transformer, ignition cut (also as in my case).
In these last 2 cases, beware, it drains quite a bit on the battery!
- when restarting, if you have programmed the Setup (page 12 of the manual, at the top, "Last memory"), the system will resume playback at the same position as when it stopped.
As a DIY-er, here’s what I improved a bit:
- detachable straps for remote controls and headphones attached to the right and left of the screens (it makes storage and accessibility easier)
- locking the sliding support on the screen, through drilling, tapping and a 3mm bolt (see below why in Overall assessment)
- cutting the double cigarette lighter power cable and interposing M/F intermediate plugs to plug indifferently into the cigarette lighter or with a single 220/12V transformer (otherwise, you need 2 transformers)
To check the compatibility of supports (CD, DVD, SD Card, USB Stick, External HD), and readable files, here are the tests I performed at home with the 220V/12V transformer:
- 1st test: reading an audio CD purchased with extension .cda ==> OK - recognized and played
- 2nd test: reading a burned audio CD or DVD, codec and extension .mp3 ==> OK - recognized and played
- 3rd test: reading a movie purchased on single-sided DVD, extensions .vob, .ifo, .bup ==> OK - recognized and played
- 4th test: reading a movie purchased on double-sided DVD, extensions .vob, .ifo, .bup ==> OK - recognized and played
- 5th test: reading a movie purchased on Blu-Ray DVD ==> KO - unsupported media
- 6th test: copying video files to SDHC3 cards and USB3 sticks (16 and 32 GB).
This is where the hassle begins in the jungle of video formats and codecs!
It should be noted that the Takara VRT-199 only accepts video files created with an MPEG4 container/encapsulator, an Xvid video codec, an MP3 audio codec, and a screen resolution not exceeding 720x576 pixels!
If, like me, you have many video files, to know if they are in this case, I recommend installing this lightweight, complete, and free software: MediaInfo ==> https://mediaarea.net/fr/MediaInfo
It allows you to scan either an individual file or a complete folder containing several audio/video files, and provides all the information about the analyzed file. Absolutely brilliant!
Initially, it allowed me to try this:
- original file "Gran Torino.avi", MPEG-4 Visual format, Xvid video codec, MP3 audio codec, resolution 624x336, size 699 MiB
I recorded this file 3 times on a 16 GB SDHC card, in 3 different subfolders, first with extension .avi, then modifying 2 to .mp4, .mpg (you need to ignore the Windows warning stating that these files would supposedly be unreadable).
And there, bingo! All 3 extensions are recognized and played the same way!
This means that, regardless of the file extension (.avi, .mpg, .mp4,...), what matters most is the container used (MPEG4), the codecs (Xvid/MP3), and the pixel definition!
If you find with MediaInfo that this is not the case, you will then need to resort to transcoding software that will allow you to transform them.
For this, here are some solutions among many others (I have no commercial interest in mentioning them):
Freemake Video Converter (supposedly free, but you will have to pay €9.95/year or €19.95/unlimited to avoid a permanent overlay [branding], not at all discreet in fullscreen of your transcoded movies!)
==> https://www.freemake.com/fr/free_video_converter/
Nero Recode (paid, multilingual, €29.95. I was personally disappointed with its performance)
==> http://www.nero.com/fra/products/nero-recode/?vlang=fr
Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate (paid, multilingual, $39.95 excluding tax for license 1 PC/1 year. The free trial version only allows 1/3 of conversion!)
==> https://uniconverter.wondershare.fr/
I ultimately opted for this last multifunction software.
It’s true that it’s expensive, but it really allows you to transcode everything, audio or video, in all directions, with lots of other customizable functions, and I do not regret my investment.
- 7th test: with this software, starting from my files .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mpeg, m2ts (Sony camcorder) in codecs not MPEG4/Xvid or too high resolution, but also from commercial DVDs single or double-sided and Blu-Ray (for this last type, you need a Blu-Ray player!), and in option of MPEG4/Xvid/MP3 SD 720x576 conversion, I created files with .avi extension:
- copied these .avi files to the SDHC card and USB stick ==> OK - everything is recognized and played!
- 8th test: I have plenty of high-definition images with .jpg extension used as wallpaper on my PC. I resized them to 1024x768 (with Paint on Windows 10), and copied them to a 16 GB SDHC card:
- if you click on the first image, the others are played automatically, sequentially, with a curtain transition from the top until the end of the series. ... If only we could use that as a screensaver, that would be great!
- they display in fullscreen, but each time, a message "Decoding Jpeg" appears. ... Annoying! I haven’t solved this problem...
- 9th test: what about recognizing an external hard drive via USB? In my case a LaCie (Hitachi) of 300 GO. On forums, many say it's not possible. I will prove them wrong!
Unfortunately, for this type of disk, Windows does not offer formatting options in FAT32, but only in NTFS or exFAT.
To bypass the difficulty, I downloaded and installed this small, lightweight, free, effective software, but in English:
FAT32Formatter ==> http://tokiwa.qee.jp/EN/Fat32Formatter/
The formatting takes some time... or a certain time (2 hours)... unless you check the [Quick Format] box, which I recommend!
I then copied my original file "GranTurino.avi" onto this newly formatted disk, and there... ==> OK - recognized and played!
Conclusions on the reading supports, their format, codecs, accepted file extensions, and my recommendations:
- the DVD player does not read Blu-Ray discs
- it accepts CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-R DL (double-sided)
- it reads commercially available CD/DVD audio/video films and albums
- it accepts SDHC cards, USB sticks, external HDs, but ONLY FORMATTED IN FAT32, and not in NTFS or exFAT contrary to this
Hello Micrav,
I just bought the same (dual) DVD player.
My internet search for how to connect the 2 players together (to play the same DVD on both) led me to your comment... A thousand thanks for sharing such clear and complete explanations!! I will be able to finish setting up the player without (any other) hassle!! Thank you thank you!!