But when it comes to design interface considerations, things get worse for most of them : for instance the browser limitation to 14 characters in filenames is not sufficient and often disturbs the user when reading a disc with a lot of video or audio files. Some manufacturers somehow tried to improve this situation either by having the filenames scrolling on the screen (Thomson) or by displaying the whole filename while using it (Pioneer). Sony is probably the most advanced as far as this point is concerned, as their players are able to display a little bit more than 30 characters.

Basically a solution seems to exist... and most astonishing is that it does not come from the firmware developpers ! Over the last monthes some users have been gathering on many European Forums as well as on the famous Yahoo Groups mailing list. Those who are now part of what we like to call the Scene are improving day by day. Without sources and using tools developped upon request, some developpers (or sometimes just clever users) are supplying compatible firmwares to the community. Most remarkable improvements concern the quality and readability of the file browser. Nicknames like Cherry New Age, MTZ, Marvin or Tibrium are not unknown to some of you...

Various players are concerned : most known are Philips, Pioneer but also H&B and BBK clones (Atacom DV-967, Peekton 6003...)

More than just changing the file browser background, some are activating a better handling of divx subtitles, others are able to insert new functionnalities copied from other similar firmwares. A unique feature and which we wish to congratulate is the modification of the file browsers allowing at last long filenames (and accents for those who need them, French speaking users amongst others).

Without considering the legal aspect of modifying firmwares, we do think that it is important to support the work of people who manage all this for free. Without sources, they are able to supply excellent firmwares for everyone’s satisfaction !

The results of BBdoc’s summary could be fundammentaly changed if one would decide to integrate these unofficial improvements. Up to now that was not done : our intention is to rate and judge the hardware as supplied by the manufacturers, and their capacity of making their hardware evolve.

Herunder you will find some screenshots of those modified firmwares for H&B DX-3220 and Philips DVP-720. More information French or English boards (in the dedicated sections).

Let us remind you that using these firmwares which are not approved by the manufacturers may void your warranty. Also keep in mind that a firmware upgrade is always risky.