A few weeks ago I had commented that some new Dune-HD Media Players were in the works. Well, at IFA this past week a new line of models were revealed. It is still somewhat unclear the exact specs, pricing, and expected availability, but looking at HT Israel (I had to use Google Translate) they put together a chart which hopefully better lays out the various models:
As you can see the “D” models indicate support for 3D (which we assume includes Blu-ray 3D via MVC). For whatever reason Dune-HD is not disclosing the chip being used with the Max 3D and Pro. What is interesting is that both the Max 3D and Pro advertise specifically Blu-ray ROM support. For those who have been following, this is quite curious given the potential Cinavia hammer being dropped. One of the reasons why the recently announced PCH A-400 does not include a Blu-ray ROM drive or support for is specifically to avoid Cinavia.
Below is the Dune-HD official press release along with some pictures.
DUNE HD ANNOUNCES WORLD’S SMALLEST FULL HD MEDIA PLAYER AT IFA
High performance Dune HD Connect makes existing TVs smart through media streaming and Wi-Fi connectivity
IFA, Berlin, DATE 2012: As part of its continuing innovation, Dune HD today announced the Dune HD Connect, the world’s smallest Full HD media player. Designed to convert existing dumb screens into Smart TVs, the Dune HD Connect comes in a compact stick format that simply plugs into your TV’s HDMI socket to enable movies, TV and other content to be streamed from home networks or the internet through its built-in Wi-Fi. The options of cable or terrestrial digital TV tuners further increase the content choices.Inside compact packaging, the Dune HD Connect shares the same features as the market-leading Dune HD range of media players. As a result, it will play the widest number of digital media formats from networked files or IPTV/VoD/OTT applications in superior quality Full 1080p HD video and audio. An enhanced variant, the Dune HD Connect 3D, also includes full 3D video support, HDMI 1.4 and MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) output. Both versions have the option of Z-Wave connectivity for home automation applications.
With a micro SD slot and a USB port, the Dune HD Connect can also be directly connected to local content, making it the perfect choice for those looking for a powerful, cost-effective and simple-to-use method of viewing media content on their existing TVs. Its compact size means it can fit into the smallest spaces, avoiding the need for additional boxes alongside TVs and other components. For those TVs without HDMI slots, a special adapter will connect to analogue AV ports in order to provide access to streamed and local content.
The Dune HD Connect and Connect 3D are being shown and demonstrated at the IFA Show in Berlin (31 August-5 September), on Stand 137, Hall 3. As part of activities at IFA, Dune HD will showcase an extensive range of new products, which feature faster performance and full 3D support to deliver the richest user experience. These include:
Dune HD TV-102 and TV-103D – replacing the award-winning Dune HD TV-101, these compact sized hybrid universal media players have an updated chipset, and, in the case of the TV-103D, full 3D support
Dune HD TV-202 and TV-203D – a fully featured hybrid universal media player, including two USB ports and an SD card for easy access to content, along with 3D capabilities in the 203D
Dune HD TV-402 and TV-403D – a high performance hybrid universal media player box with twin tuners, hard drive bay and now 3D support in the TV-403D
Dune HD Max 3D – a new 3D version of Dune HD’s top of the range Max universal media player, which includes a built-in Blu-ray player to access the widest possible range of file formats
Over the course of the last five years, Dune HD has built a world-leading position in home media players and set-top boxes. With its expertise in multiple-format media and streaming, Dune is perfectly placed to take advantage of the boom in IP-based content delivery
“The new Dune HD Connect and Connect 3D are the perfect solution for consumers that want to turn their existing screens into Smart TVs, making it simple for them to enjoy the widest range of content in their living rooms,” said Konstantin Dyshlevoy, CEO, Dune HD. “As the world’s smallest Full HD media players, the Dune HD Connect range shows the innovation that goes into all of our products, which can be seen in our newly extended line-up of media players that add 3D support and faster performance.”
Dune HD products are available from a network of retailers across the world, with the new range shipping by the end of 2012. Pricing will be announced by local stockists.
Dune HD Base 3D is the most affordable universal solution for Full HD video and audioplayback as well as IPTV and VOD streams via the newDune HD Portal.Supporting mostall digital audio and video formats, codecs and file containers, including all modern3D video standards such as MVC, SBS and Top/Bottom, audiophile uncompressed HDaudio with high resolutions up to 24 bit /192 kHz, the Dune HD Base 3D sets an entirelynew standard.Like previous models in the Dune HD Base range, the all new Base 3D isequipped with an internal 3.5” SATA HDD bay with hot swap function.
Dune HD Max 3D is the top of the range premium universal digital media player whichsupports nearly all audio and video formats regardless of resolution or type. This playerfully supports all high-resolution video and audio formats, including DVD, Blu-ray 2D and3D discs. IPTV/VOD functionality is also supported as well as Dune HD Portal.
World’s smallest Full HD media playerin the format of HDMI dongle with built-in Wi-Fi,Bluetooth and Z-Wave option.
The amazing new Dune HD Connect sets a new standard in compact size, lowcost and network connectivity.Featuring Full HD 1080p support and built-in Wi-Fi,Bluetooth and Z-Wave option, the Dune HD Connect is unique in the retail market.Additionally the Dune HD Portal offers hundreds of premium content sources. With itscompact form factor, low price point and uncompromising performance the Dune HDConnect is sure to excite your retail customers looking for value and performance they can afford.
Dune HD has once again set a new standard with the all new Dune HD Pro ModularEntertainment Station. Designed for those who are discerning and expect the verybest, the Dune HD Pro series features the highest quality internal components forsuperior video and audio performance. Features include HDMI 1.4, advanced videoprocessing, Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking capabilities along with support fornearly every audio and video file type, container and format.
The Dune HD TV-103D is a compact size universal media player for 2D/3D video playbackup to Full HD (1080p) including OpenGL hardware acceleration for increased user interfacespeed and performance. DuneHD TV-103D is remarkable for its high performance,ultra-compact size, elegant modern design and modest price. Support for Full 3D Video andDune HD Portal.
Dune HD TV-203D is a compact and cost effective hybrid solution for the consumerinterested in a converged media experience. Offering attractive design, competitiveprice and high performance, the Dune HD TV-203D features the Dune HD Portal, Full3D support, OpenGL hardware acceleration and more. The Dune HD TV-203D is built onthe powerful Sigma Designs SMP8673 platform and comes equipped with an internaldigital tuner for either cable, terrestrial or satellite TV.
Dune HD TV-403D Hybrid digital TV STB with optionaldual digital tuners, 3.5” hard drive bayand Full 3D video support. Based on Sigma Designs SMP8673 The most powerful hybrid digital TV solution available in the Dune HD line, the Dune HDTV-403D was designed expressly for consumers desiring a highly convergedentertainment experience. The Dune HD TV-403D supports the Dune HD Portal andcombines IP, dual digital tuners (cable, terrestrial or satellite) and extended media playerfunctionality with the option to install a single high capacity internal 3.5” hard drivefor a true all-in-one solution.
EDIT: It appears the Dune HD Base 3D will make its appearance as a Zappiti branded player:
Article by Damian
Hi, my name is Damian, and I'm tech gadget addict! Although I always had some interest in technology, it wasn't until I got my EX470 and more importantly found Mediasmartserver.net, that my interest became an addiction. My goal, aside from world domination and to see the Mets/Broncos win another championship, is to set up the perfect digital home where all my media is available at the click of a button. When I am not writing for Mediasmartserver.net you can find me over at my blog at http://www.adigitalhomeblog.com or follow me on twitter
{ 20 comments }
Maybe for Max 3D, Dune will support 3D menus for actual discs (so Cinavia-compliant), but for streamed ISO’s, only BD-lite? Doesn’t make sense otherwise as it includes a Blu-ray drive for playing commercial discs.
For the 203D and 403D models, I wish Dune would start supporting ATSC, not just DVB-T.
Not sure, it would help to know what chip was used. My understanding is that Sigma chips no longer support BD players anymore, and I can’t imagine Dune HD going with multiple or different chips.
I thin standards overseas are much looser then here which is why you don’t see ATSC support. And honestly, unless they provided cable card support (which is a nightmare in general in the US), I can’t see a reason why they would look into further.
Didn’t they announce the Dune HD Pro a while back? So it’s still not available yet? If I remember right it was pricey…but sure looks nice.
Yeah, it was this badboy:
http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2012/01/11/update-on-the-dune-hd-pro/
I have no idea where it stands or honestly if it will ever be more then just a concept. At a minimum I doubt it would ever appear in the US
But…how much is the Dune Base 3D going to cost me????
I was considering purchasing the Dune smart D1, but any ideas when these are going to be released and is it worth waiting? or can you recommend something else at the £200 price point for playing back local files from a NAS that supports DTS-HD & DolbyHD
Hard to say. At least in the states there doesn’t doesn’t appear toy be an imminent release date for any new models. Not sure if this will vary though for European customers
Thank you for the quick reply, about the other part of my question are there any current media players that you would recommend over the Dune smart D1 in the same price range. local playback, picture quality and HD audio are the main points.
In your review of the D1 you say it doesn’t support forced subs. Is this just it won’t play the subtitle stream itself i can still turn them on though?
Well, the D1 supports forced subs in a Blu ray structure, but not in an mkv (so you would need to physically turn the subs on if using an mkv). I pretty much use Blu ray structures so this isn’t much of an issue for me.
I am still a fan of the current Dune Smart series as from my experience they are still some of the most reliable players I have used. PCH is another option, but I am not happy with the current PCH A300 because of some of the bugs that are still present (including HD Audio dropouts). Another option would be the Mede8ers. You can see my review of the MED500X2 here (http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2012/04/09/review-mede8er-med500x2/). I also have their latest 3D model which I am currently reviewing.
Hope this at least gives you some ideas, but let me know if you have any other questions.
Cheers
Damian
Thank you, the help is appreciated and the site has proved to be very useful i’ve been reading reviews for various media player from the new dune 301 to the popboxV8. I will take a look at the above mentioned and wait for your review on the 3D model.
I’m not in no rush got a couple of weeks before i make a purchase in the meantime setting up yiDIS using your guide as i’ve been leaning towards the Dune
I’m excited to see 3D support coming so that I can rip my 3D movies. I’m not sure how often I’ll watch 3D, but it would be nice to rip the 3D movies since I’m starting to have more of them.
I saw your review of the flying saucer media player but honestly, I love Zappiti too much to move to something without a jukebox. Plus I have two servers right now so browsing for movies isn’t very useful for the average user in my home (read wife).
Unfortunately from what I am hearing don’t expect a 3D Dune anytime soon
The PCH A400 should be out soon, so that will be the first sigma based 3D player
I’m not sure what you mean by “soon.” But I can say I’m in no hurry. I have two viewing rooms in the house (well, other than my computer). My great room downstairs has a 55″ (or something like that) with 3D capability and I have a 3D BD player. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve used 3D mode. My family prefers to watch movies in the home theater. There I have a 61″ NEC PDP, no 3D. So I’d really have to replace the TV before I could use a 3D player. With tax hikes coming, upgrading the home theater isn’t a front burner project.
Also, it doesn’t matter if there is a 3D player if the jukebox is junk. Zappiti on the Dune works so well that a step down from that just to add 3D capability would not be welcome in my house.
Well, I think many people were hoping by the end of 2012, that is what I would consider soon. However, right now I would say we will probably not see anything until earliest mid 2013 (just a best guess)
Gotta love those tax hikes…
Just updated my post, it appears the Dune 3D Base is coming out as a Zappiti branded player – http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2012/11/14/zappiti-announces-new-media-player/
I’ve heard from a reliable source that the Zappiti player will only be released in Europe while the Dune HD Base 3D will be released here in the US. What’s curious is that the Pro version that includes a Blu Ray drive is not on the HDI site. I’m wondering if only the Base 3D will be sold in North America due to Cinavia.
I’ve also confirmed that the Base 3D will NOT include full menu support via BD ISO’s. I was afraid this would happen.
Looks like we will need our old units for BD ISO full menu support and the new Base 3D for full resolution BD 3D.
Can you confirm Damian?
Best Regards,
Jason
I have heard similar about Zappiti model only being European Based.
One concern I have anyhow with the Zappiti model is that it will not have full DTSMA pass thru support and it will not be able to downmix TrueHD in mkv (2 big no no’s if you are going to try and charge a premium price)
As far as BD Drives / Full BD Menu support, pretty much figure that is a thing of the past. You won’t see any new players come out with this support because of Cinavia. If you need full BD Menu support then hold on to your Dune Smart players for dear life!!!
Hope that helps
Cheers
Damian
Thanks Damian!
I may pick up another Dune Smart just in case. lol
Cheers,
Jason
Dune 3D base on the Dune HD.com website
http://dune-hd.com/eng/products/full_hd_media_players/37
Thanks. I actually have a Dune update post to get up, hopefully tomorrow, so I will add this info.