ARCAM DVD Player Unofficial FAQ*

^{* Including the DiVA DV88, DV88P, DV88Plus, DV89 and FMJ DV27, DV27Plus, DV27A models}

This FAQ is no longer maintained and was last revised 14 March 2004. The author no longer offers support on the topic.

Contents

Introduction

• Welcome
• Release notes
• Older news
• Warning
• Revision history
• Feedback

General

• What are the differences between the models?
• What are the full specifications?
• Can I upgrade my player?
• Where can I buy online?
• Are there any reviews online?
• What other players are worth looking at?
• Why does it make so much noise?
• How do I bring player out of standby without the remote?
• Is there an official FAQ?
• Where can I chat with other owners?
• Are there any other interesting web sites?
• What can I get documentation?

Audio

• Does it support DVD-Audio?
• How do I access an MP3 track directly?
• Is it possible to play MP3's in a random order?
• Why can't I hear MP3's through my amplifier/decoder?
• What CD titles have compatibility issues?

Video

• Does it support progressive scan?
• How do I change my region code?
• Can I play RCE titles?
• Is it possible to switch off Macrovision?
• Why does my machine flash "Play" several times at the start of discs?
• How do I stop some of my discs automatically activating subtitles?
• What DVD titles have compatibility issues?
• Is it possible to switch off the "multi-angle" icon that keeps appearing on my screen?
• Do these machines suffer from the "chroma bug"?

Problems

• I get sound dropouts or picture freezes
• I get a large single-track CD or MiniDisc when copying

Advanced

• Does it support discrete iR codes for switching on and off?
• What are the iR codes for programming intelligent remotes?
• Where can I get a pre-made configuration for my Pronto/RC5000?
• What is the latest firmware?
• How do I upgrade my firmware?
• How do I create the firmware upgrade discs?
• How do I access the service mode?

Introduction

Welcome

Welcome to the ARCAM DVD Player Unofficial FAQ. I wanted to know a bit more about this machine so I did some digging and researching, this is the result.

Release notes

I have now upgraded to a Denon DV2900. I am very happy. My DV88 will be up for sale on eBay shortly I would imagine.

I am unlikely to continue maintaining the FAQ once it's gone - most of the questions I'm getting asked relate to the DV89 or FMJ series anyway.

Older news

Big news with the DV89 coming out in around 8-10 weeks time with DVD Audio (DVD-A) compatibility. There will be a number of upgrades available for DV88/DV88P/DV88Plus owners around 4-6 weeks after that. Pricing does not yet appear to be fixed but in the 300-750GBP range presumably depending on which model of DV88 you have. What exactly this will entail has yet to be revealed other than the upgrade will take you to full DV89 specification.

Renamed "Arcam DVD Player Unofficial FAQ" as now including details of all Arcam DVD models including the new DV89. Moved to new URL at http://www.envytech.co.uk/arcamdvd the old /dv88 address will redirect you.

Also lots of minor updates and a new batch of unofficial drive mechanism firmware updates.

Warning

I do not work for Arcam and certainly do not represent them in any way. Neither I nor Arcam will take responsibility for the application or misapplication of these instructions and their consequences to your machine, warranty or other affected items.

Use are your own risk. If you are uncomfortable with this then you are not the intended audience :)

Revision history

Feedback

If you want to take the FAQ over and know XHTML (not FrontPage or DreamWeaver) then let me know.

I've a number of e-mail addresses but in the interests of not getting spammed by crawlers please send feedback to [email protected] and put some reference to the Arcam/DV88 in the subject as I tend to get a lot of junk mail at this address and it's hard to know what's what.

General

What are the differences between the models?

DiVA DV88

Arcam's base-model interlaced DVD player that can additional accommodate a progressive-scan upgrade. Replaced by the DV88Plus. Features:

• Zoran Vaddis III decoder
• Available in black or silver finish

DiVA DV88P

Arcam's DV88 player factory-fitted with the progressive-scan upgrade (based on the Silicon Images 503 chip).

DiVA DV88Plus

Arcam's replacement for the DV88 and DV88P with based progressive-scan (utilising the Vaddis V chip) started shipping in late September 2002;

• Zoran Vaddis V decoder
• Major overhaul of user-interface - alternate firmware

Note that the DV88 Progressive Scan module (350GBP) can be fitted to this player to give superior progressive scan output utilising the Silicon Images 503 de-interlacer.

DiVA DV89

Arcam's DVD-Audio enabled version of the DV88Plus to begin shipping in March 2003:

• DVD-Audio compatibility
• On-board Dolby Digital & DTS decoding
• Bass management (all formats)

Note that the DV88 Progressive Scan module (350GBP) can be fitted to this player to give superior progressive scan output utilising the Silicon Images 503 de-interlacer.

FMJ DV27

Shares many characteristics of the DV88 including the same progressive-scan module but additionally features:

• Wolfson Electronics WM8740 24bit/192kHz DACs in dual differential mode
• Precision clock circuits
• Super clean power supplies
• Additional toroidal power transformer for audio output circuitry
• Laminated, anti-vibration Sontech chassis
• Four layer printed circuit boards for optimum ground paths
• Ultra low noise performance on both audio and video
• Suspended transport
• Available in black or silver finish

FMJ DV27Plus

Unlike the DV88Plus this model is not referred to by name, presumably to avoid leaving dealers with older DV27 stock. You can identify the newer DV27Plus models as they have the LT75 drive firmware factory installed. Additional new features are:

• Zoran Vaddis V decoder
• Silicon Image 504 Pure Progressive Scan chip
• New motherboard design
• New on-screen display with additional options
• New drive transport mechanism (LT model C)
• Official PAL progressive output

FMJ DV27A

DVD-Audio enabled version of the DV27Plus featuring:

• DVD-Audio compatibility
• On-board Dolby Digital & DTS decoding
• Bass management (all formats)

What are the full specifications?

Data formats

• DVD Video (DVD)
• DVD Audio (DVD-A) (DV89/DV27A only)
• Video CD (VCD)
• Super Video CD (SVCD)
• CD Audio (CD)
• MPEG Audio Layer-3 (MP3, 44.1kHz and 48kHz, 64-192Kb/s)
• High Definition CD (HDCD)

Disc types

• DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, DVD-14, DVD-18 (DVD)
• Compact Disc (CD)
• Compact Disc Recordable (CD-R)
• Compact Disc Re-Writable (CD-RW)
• DVD Recordable (DVD-R, DVD+R)*
  * Unofficial, some success reported including Apple PowerBook with iDVD
• Super Audio CD (SACD) red-book layer of dual-layer discs (stereo only)*
  * Requires drive firmware LO14/LT18 or higher

Looking for feedback on compatibility with DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs!

Audio support

• Dolby Digital (DD) bitstream out/stereo down-mix
• Dolby Digital (DD) decoding (DV89 model only)
• Digital Theatre Systems (dts) bitstream out
• Digital Theatre Systems (dts) decoding (DV89 model only)
• MPEG 5.1 multicam bitstream out
• Pulse Coded Modulation (PCM)
• DVD Audio (DVD-A) (DV89/DV27A only)

Video formats

• NTSC 525i 60Hz
• NTSC 480p 60Hz (All models except DV88)
• PAL 625i 50Hz
• PAL 576p 50Hz* (All models except DV88)
  * Official only on DV27Plus,DV88Plus,DV89,DV27A models

Video functions

• Scanning at 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x speeds forward & backward
• Six slow motion forward & backward
• Frame advance
• Repeat title/chapter
• Repeat a/b loop
• Three level zoom (disc option)
• Multi-angle (disc option)

Connections

• RGB, Composite (SCART)
• Composite (phono)
• S-Video (mini-din)
• Audio left and right two pairs (4 x phono)
• RGB, YUV (3 x phono)
• YUV progressive (3 x phono) (All models except DV88)
• Digital audio (1 x phono, 1 x optical TOSlink)
• All phono sockets are gold plated
• Remote in socket for receiving RC5 codes (DV88Plus)

Physical

• Width 430mm
• Height 85mm
• Depth 280mm
• Weight 4.9kg (DV88/DV88Plus models)
• Weight 6.1kg (DV27 model)
• Black or silver finish

Signal characteristics

• Output level 2.2V rms for 0dB signal
• Output level 4.4V (DV88 model), 4V (DV88Plus model) rms for 0dB signal (HDCD playback)
• Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz +0.1dB, -0.5dB
• Total harmonic distortion < 0.005% for 1kHz 0dB signal, measured 20Hz-20kHz un-weighted (DV88 model)
• Total harmonic distortion < 0.005% for 1kHz 0dB signal, measured 22Hz-22kHz un-weighted (DV88Plus model)
• Signal to noise ratio 105dB measured 20Hz-20kHz un-weighted

Power

• 115V/230V switch
• 100V to order
• Consumption < 30W (DV88/DV88Plus models)
• Consumption < 45VA (DV27 model)

Can I upgrade my player?

Arcam are expected to offer a number of upgrades. Only the DV88 to DV89 upgrade is officially available. Prices with a ? next to them are estimates. If you have had an upgrade done let us know the price.

Where can I buy online?

Arcam equipment should ideally be purchased from an Arcam authorised dealer, a full list of which can be found at http://www.arcam.co.uk/support/dealers/index.cfm

Are there any reviews online?

What other players are worth looking at?

Why does it make so much noise?

John Dawson of Arcam had the following to say on the matter which was posted to uk.media.home-cinema on 25 January 2001. This information relates to the original DV88 models only.

"On the question of drive vibration - for any player of any brand this is dependent on a number of factors - the quality of the drive itself, its suspension system, the mechanical quality of the DVD being played, and the speed at which the disc spins. The speed is fastest when loading menus and at the very beginning of a DVD because they are read from the inside out. If there is some imbalance, then you get vibration in the same way that the wheels of a car can vibrate at certain speeds when the tyres are not fully balanced. This does not matter in practice as long as the DVD is being tracked properly but can be still disconcerting to the user and, in a few cases, has clearly been unacceptable (I certainly agree you should not get noises like a 747 taking off!!). In those cases we will exchange the drive or its disc clamp or if appropriate the whole player. Having said that certain DVDs are much more problematic than others, which is rather beyond our control :-)

For the record we do now screen our drives for vibration and are actively working on an improved suspension system which should effectively take away the issue altogether. It is envisaged that these parts would be retrofittable to existing owner's players should that be appropriate."

Newer models are fitted with newer style feet that eliminates the vibration noise completely.

How do I bring player out of standby without the remote?

Arcam added this facility to the 1.76 firmware, just press Load to bring your player out of standby.

Is there an official FAQ?

Yes, Arcam maintain one that can be found at http://www.arcam.co.uk/support/faqs/troubleshooting.cfm?CategoryID=1

Where can I chat with other owners?

Web

• AV Forum
• AV Science Forums

Note: Some web sites also allow you to access the Usenet newsgroups listed in the following section (e.g. groups.google.com)

Usenet

If you have newsgroup access and a news reading client you can try the following groups which occasionally discuss the machines;

• uk.media.home-cinema
• uk.rec.audio

Are there any other interesting web sites?

• Arcam factory tour showing the production line and innards of a DV88
• Progressive PAL (576p) push from John Dawson of Arcam to the Copy Protection Technical Working Group in May 2001

Where can I get documentation?

Arcam have kindly made the documentation for their range available on the web however not all of it is currently linked to their documentation page.

You can download the following documentation in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format

DiVA DV88

• Handbook (English/French/German) 1.49MB from Arcam or mirror
• Handbook (Dutch) 395KB from Arcam or mirror
• Progressive Scan Handbook (English/French/German/Dutch) 64KB from Arcam or mirror

DiVA DV88Plus

• Handbook (English) 650KB from Arcam or mirror
• Handbook (Dutch) 523KB from Arcam or mirror

FMJ DV27

• Handbook (English only) 247KB from Arcam or mirror
• Handbook (English/French/German) 732KB from Arcam or mirror
• Handbook (Dutch) 332KB from Arcam or mirror

Audio

Does it support DVD-Audio?

The machines does not support DVD-Audio at this time however an upgrade is planned for March 2003 at least for the DiVA range.

How do I access an MP3 track directly?

DV88/DV88P/DV27

You can enter the track number on your remote as you would an audio CD however you have to work out which track is which number in the DV88's play-list.

DV88Plus/DV27Plus

The user interface now supports choosing MP3 files based on file names and tags.

Is it possible to play MP3's in a random order?

There is currently no support for playing MP3's in a random order. The Play mode button on the remote will not operate while in MP3 mode.

Why can't I hear MP3's through my amplifier/decoder?

According to Meridian the DV88 is incorrectly flagging MP3 PCM output as data instead of PCM which rightly confuses some amplifiers/decoders enough that they will not play the bit-stream. This only applies when the machine is running in bit-stream mode.

Amplifiers/decoders that exhibit this behaviour (don't work)

• Meridian 561

Amplifiers/decoders that do not exhibit this behaviour (work)

• Sony STR-DB925

Workarounds

• Switch the Arcam's digital output to PCM when playing MP3's
• Attempt to switch your amplifier/decoder to PCM if it is currently on Auto

What CD titles have compatibility issues?

Arcam claim that all known CD incompatibilities have been resolved. If you are still having issues contact Arcam customer services who can arrange for your drive firmware to be upgraded.

Some music labels are now having CD's manufactured with copy-protection (Cactus, SafeAudio) which works by corrupting the data or table of contents on the disk in such a way that most audio CD players will ignore as they do not use error correction. Audio players performing error correction, computer CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drives, DVD players, car CD players etc. are often unable to play the disc. Some don't recognise it at all, some have bad tracks, sometimes the sound is affected etc.

Most of these discs are not marked as being corrupted in such a way to prevent coping so if you are having a compatibility problem with an audio disc check it on this list of bad discs UK) or this one (USA) first to see if it has this 'feature'. You can visit Campaign for Digital Rights for more details.

Video

Does it support progressive scan?

All models come factory-fitted with the progressive scan ability except the basic DV88.

To utilise progressive scan you TV must have component video inputs capable of receiving a progressive input. Check with the manufacturer first as televisions listed as having 'Progressive Scan' may apply to the internal image processing and not it's ability to receive a progressive-scan input.

Progressive scan was not enabled on for PAL (576p) on all models because of copyright protection issues. If your machine is one of those where it is not enabled then you will require firmware 1.76 or greater. Press Stop, Setup, 2001 on the remote. This will bring up the progressive scan menu which will give you:

1. Allow PAL
2. Allow RGB
3. Sync on Green

The first of these options will enable PAL (576p) progressive scan. The others are of specialist use and may be required by HDTV or projector equipment.

There has been some debate over the benefits of progressive scan DV players over line-doubling TV's. A good article that explains why a progressive scan DVD player is better can be found at Home Theater HiFi and at Progressive Scan UK.

How do I change my region code?

Changing region code is simple to do on the machine simply press the buttons on the remote in the following sequence stop, eject, 1111 and then the final two digits from the table below.

Note: the sequence stop, eject, 1234 then two codes also seems to work however it adjusts many other often undesirable video settings. It is not recommended for use.

Can I play RCE titles?

Code 13 plays all known RCE (Region Code Enhanced). Should this mode prove to have problems with some titles you can always switch to code 01 or code 02.

Is it possible to switch off Macrovision?

While it may be possible to disable Macrovision by either a hardware modification or a remote control code we are as-yet unaware of any such modifications.

There is currently a test case against a US supplier of Macrovision-free players under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Why does my machine flash "Play" several times at the start of discs?

DVD discs can contain titles and chapters. The film is normally in a single title with multiple chapters however often at the start of the disc it will play through several titles, normally each containing one chapter with a company logo. Curiously some models flash Play up on the screen when it changes title. You can switch off all on-screen display items including Play using the OSD option of the setup menu.

How do I stop some of my discs automatically activating subtitles?

Some discs have subtitles on by default unless your player specifically requests otherwise. You can tell your player not to use these defaults and instead have none by going into the setup menu and changing Subtitles from Auto to Off.

What DVD titles have compatibility issues?

There are reports that some DVD's do not function perfectly with these machines. We hope to expand this list of suspect titles based on feedback from the FAQ readers. If you have experienced problems with a DVD, let us know.

There are also reports that a small number of discs are not displaying menu highlights.

Is it possible to switch off the "multi-angle" icon that keeps appearing on my screen?

It does not appear to be possible to just switch off the multi-angle icon that appears on screen when these sections are available. You can however switch off all on-screen displays using the OSD option on the setup menu.

Do these machines suffer from the "chroma bug"?

These machines do indeed suffer from the "chroma bug".

Problems

I get sound dropouts or picture freezes

Some users have reported these issues which appear to be related to high bit-rate discs such as those with DTS audio tracks. Try the following:

• Ensure player and drive firmware is up-to-date
• Check disc is free of dust and scratches
• Try to reproduce the problem - does it occur in the same place each time?
• There will be a very short pause of less than 1 second on dual-layer discs when the player reaches the end of the first layer and refocuses on the second layer. This is normal for all DVD players.
• There are reports of DTS sound dropout on Yamaha players that is believed to be linked to flags the Yamaha does not understand.
• Try an alternative digital link. In at least one reported case changing from coaxial digital to optical (TosLink) resolved the issue.

If these steps do not help you resolve the problem contact Arcam customer support and let us know too.

I get a large single-track CD or MiniDisc when copying

The processing chip used in the DV88 does not support passing CD or MiniDisc track markers through to the output device.

Advanced

Does it support discrete iR codes for switching on and off?

The machines as at firmware 1.74 now supports discrete iR codes for switching on and off! They are 123 for on, and 124 for off.

Thanks to Arcam for listening to it's customers and adding this requested feature.

What are the iR codes for programming Intelligent remotes?

The machines uses Philips RC5 codes for remote control.

These codes can be easily input into Philips Pronto/Marantz RC5000 devices but some other devices may have problems with the code toggling between two states. Beginning with Player firmware 1.76 the player will no longer require remote devices to 'toggle' or 'parity-bit' their signals. This will ensure the player is compatible with a wider range of learning remotes.

The device code is 25, the function codes are as follows

Where can I get a pre-made configuration for my Pronto/RC5000?

There are two pre-made configuration CCF files available for the Philips Pronto and Marantz RC5000 controls and are available from http://www.remotecentral.com/files/c-arcam-dvdplayer.htm at Remote Central. Simon Davies has also supplied Word or his CCF.

What is the latest firmware?

It is highly recommended any firmware updates are performed by your dealer or under direction from Arcam. Allow your distributor a week or so from the released date to receive his firmware update.

Important You can easily render your player unusable by incorrect firmware flashing. Arcam have a guide available in Word or PDF format that covers updating and creating the necessary disks. This guide is designed for their authorised distributors and certainly does not endorse end-user upgrading. You must ensure you select the correct player and drive firmware. Failure to do so will almost certainly result in a non-functional system and an unsympathetic dealer/Arcam support techie.

Players (DV88Plus/FMJ27Plus)

I believe this firmware is only compatible with machines utilising the Vaddis V chipset.

Player (DV88/DV88P/FMJ27)

This firmware is only compatible with the older Vaddis 3 chipset models.

Drive (LT model C)

This drive is the newer DVS DSL-710A LT Intelligent DVD Loader and can take the following firmware.

Drive (LT model B)

This drive is the newer DVS DSL-710A LT Intelligent DVD Loader and can take the following firmware.

Drive (LT model A)

This drive is the original DVS DSL-710A LT Intelligent DVD Loader and can take the following firmware.

Drive (LO model)

This drive is the DVS DSL-710A LO Intelligent DVD Loader.

Drive (LK model)

This drive is the DVS DSL-710A LK Intelligent DVD Loader.

How do I upgrade my firmware?

Both the drive and player firmware are stored in flash RAM. The players current version number is shown on screen when you switch on your machine. The drive firmware version number can be found in the service menu or on newer machines (1.79 firmware upwards) this information is displayed when the unit is powered on.

1. Don't upgrade unless you have to
2. Get your Arcam dealer to do it if they can/will
3. Try to get official Arcam firmware upgrade discs if you can
4. If all else fails then you can construct the discs yourself in the following section

How do I create the firmware upgrade discs?

1. You will need a CD-R writer and two blank discs
2. Use the current firmware levels unless you are trying to solve a specific problem not fixed by the current level
3. You should be able to use any player firmware however the drive firmware must match your drive model LO/LK/LT2/LT3
4. It is your responsibility if things go wrong no matter what
5. Read the documentation on how to prepare the discs and how to flash the machine
6. Don't be impatient while the machine is flashing, if you interrupt it there will be problems
7. If it fails your could be left with a non-working machine, your dealer and Arcam may not be very sympathetic and may charge you

How do I access the service mode?

The service mode allows you to choose region and perform a diagnostic self-test. It should be warned however that the "Auto" region setting that can be made from this menu does not appear to function correctly. The sequence is stop, setup, 4, 7, 9, 2.

Power off the player for 5 seconds after using the diagnostic self-test before playing a disc.