Zidoo Z1000 Pro, Z10 Pro, Z9X FAQ

[futeko.com]

Tips

* Recommended Display Settings? See this excellent thread: http://forum.zidoo.tv/index.php?threads/recommended-settings-for-rtd1619-players.82695/

Zidoo Home Theatre

* Easier editing of Zidoo Home Theatre library? Find the IP address of your Zidoo box on your local network. Home screen - About (e.g. 192.168.0.33) and access that IP address with :9528 added on a web browser connected to same network (e.g. 192.168.0.33:9528). You'll have access to comprehensive media database management including posters/backdrop/collections.
* How to name video files for best scraping (matching correct details to video)? For best results the video should be named the same as IMDB / TVBD. In most cases this will be 'title (year)'. The idea is the same as for Kodi, guide here: https://kodi.wiki/view/Naming_video_files/Movies#Media_Tags_.2F_Flags
* Some video still not being scraped? Try to rescan several times in Zidoo Home Theatre. It shouldn't be like this, but you will find that the first scan may not find all videos. The next scan (Home Theatre - Settings - Source - Update) will find some of those missing, and the scan after that will find more. After about 5 scans you will have reached final total. When it's complete, and with reasonably named video files, Zidoo Home Theatre will auto find 95%+ of mainstream movies.
* DivX files not playing? DivX files play if fourcc headers are changed to xvid. This is a licensing problem coming from the DivX Corporation. Use this app (Windows / Linux / Mac) to change fourcc from divx to xvid: https://www.tweaking4all.com/home-theatre/fourcc-changer/

Google Play Services / Play Store

* Install Google Play Store? Zidoo RTD1619DR device firmware is available in two versions, one with Google Play Services (Play Store) and one without. The reason to not install Google Play Services is that it can cause small interruptions to video playback because it works in the background. Both the firmware versions are available in our firmware thread: https://www.futeko.com/newforum/index.php?topic=4888.0
* How to Certify Play Store? The device is not Certified? After installation of a Google Play Services firmware you may need to certify the Zidoo box before Play Store will run. Do the following: 1. Open Play Store, then close it - this generates the GSF ID. 2. Go to Settings/Other/About in Zidoo quick settings and take a note of the GSF ID. 3. In a web browser, go to www.google.com/android/uncertified, log in and enter GSF ID and hit <Register>. 4. Restart the Zidoo box.
* Where to get apps without Play Store? Android apps are simple .apk Java packages and do not need Play Store to run. They are available on many sites, e.g. apkmirror, uptodown. Either download .apks to a USB or network location then access using Zidoo file browser, or download using Chrome on your Zidoo box. Apps installed in this way are visible in box menus and function exactly the same as if downloaded from Google Play Store.
* An alternative to Play Store? There are alternative app stores which do not alter the system or run in background. An example is Aptoide, it will give you easy install of latest apps. https://en.aptoide.com/

Remote Control

* Zidoo box Android/iOS remote app? Available through Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zidoo.control.phone and Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zidoo-controller/id1477712512 Also available on Zidoo's website: https://www.zidoo.tv/Support/release_apk.html

Storage

* HDD Type? The drive should be AF or 512E type (not 4KN), max size 16TB.
* HDD Format? GPT partition table with either FAT32, ExFAT, NTFS, or EXT2/3/4 format.
* How to format HDD? Either format in a PC with parameters above or format using the Zidoo box (FW6.3.30 and later) using this guide: https://www.futeko.com/misc/External%20Storage%20Devices%20Formatting%20Guide-1.pdf

Kodi

* Kodi with Zidoo hardware acceleration? Zidoo have created their own fork of Kodi called ZDMC. It uses Zidoo's external player for playback of local video with full hardware support (7.1 audio, 4K, HDR10+, DV etc). Downloads here: https://www.zidoo.tv/Support/release_apk.html
* Which versions of regular Android Kodi work? All versions run, with the limitations of software video decoding and max 2.0 channel audio.

Firmware

Firmware downloads? See our Z1000 Pro, Z10 Pro, Z9X firmware thread: https://www.futeko.com/newforum/index.php?topic=4888.0
Zidoo official firmware downloads? https://www.zidoo.tv/Support/downloads.html

System

* Box losing time/date when power off? All of the Zidoo 1619 products ship without a CMOS battery so they need power to be plugged in to retain time/date. This is intentional from Zidoo to avoid problems with couriers rejecting packages due to CMOS batteries being restricted on many airlines. The CMOS socket is present on the PCB, so it is possible to open up the casing and insert a CR1220 3V battery. Without the battery the box retains time/date as long as power is attached. It retains time/date in standby and when off using the switch on back.
* Control4 drivers? See here: https://drivers.control4.com/solr/drivers/browse?q=zidoo

Alternative sources for FAQs?

* Excellent thread by forum user Nice Monkey with Zidoo 1619DR box capabilities and FAQs http://forum.zidoo.tv/index.php?threads/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-rtd1619dr-based-models.80434/
* Zidoo support pages https://www.zidoo.tv/Support/support.html

[Nice Monkey]

Thanks for the nice little DIVX to XVID conversion program!
This is valid also for previous generations players as none support DIVX. Worked for some I tried, but it does not make all AVI's play so there must be still something else not being supported.

Maybe to add?
MP6 gapless playback missing! Bypasses: Use XRECODE3 to create a single file with a cuesheet or use KODI Music Player instead.
See my overview for details.

[futeko.com]

I have added a link to your Zidoo forum thread. It's an excellent source of information.

Anyone wanting detailed info about Zidoo 1619DR box capabilities, look here:

http://forum.zidoo.tv/index.php?threads/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-rtd1619dr-based-models.80434/

[Mount81]

Hello!

I have a few questions regarding these new models:

1. Can the official KODI be used with the "external player" modification to call the stock Zidoo video player? And does it working also from SMB/NFS shares?

2. How is the "browser remote" option working exactly? Can it "mirror" the Box's whole screen 1:1 displayed? (As I know the app remote is unable).

3. Some experiences with the Z9X's analogue (jack) audio output quality? (Both for music and with videos).

Thanks!

[futeko.com]

Hello!

I have a few questions regarding these new models:

1. Can the official KODI be used with the "external player" modification to call the stock Zidoo video player? And does it working also from SMB/NFS shares?

2. How is the "browser remote" option working exactly? Can it "mirror" the Box's whole screen 1:1 displayed? (As I know the app remote is unable).

3. Some experiences with the Z9X's analogue (jack) audio output quality? (Both for music and with videos).

Thanks!

1. I have no direct experience with that app, but ZDMC is Kodi with Zidoo player so there is no need for a wrapper or additional app on the Zidoo boxes.

2. It cannot mirror, however the Zidoo iOS/Android app is much superior to similar for HiMedia. It gives you a media wall, thumbnails etc just like using the box with a TV. For media browsing it is excellent.

3. No direct experience.

[DavidiaN]

Hi I got the Zidoo Z10 Pro Oscuro, but I can't seem to get Google Play Store installed. Without it my HBO Max app won't work as it seems, because it states I need Google Play Services in order for it to work.

I downloaded the GappsInstaller-rtk-7.1_v1.2.4 and it installed fine. But after I opened it I get a big orange Install button. When I click that it states that my device is not supported.

I also tried installing Google Play Services via Aptoide. It installes fine, but when I open it it states that Google Play stopped working. In other words, it seems to crash.

This was not a cheap device to obtain, and I really would like to get HBO Max working on my new Zidoo device. So any help is really appreciated.

[Nice Monkey]

Adding/removing optional access to the Google Play Store
The GAPP"s APK is not applicable anymore and won't work with Android 9. Instead now a FW with "_G" at the end needs to be installed manually via USB (like FW 6.0.22_G). No need to do so if you don't want/require access.
You first have to "Google Play Protect" certify your player and next need to activate the Google Play Store:

1. Open Play Store, then close it - this generates the GSF ID
2. Goto Zidoo Quick Settings/Other/About and take a note of the GSF ID
3. In any web browser on any platform, goto www.google.com/android/uncertified, log in and enter GSF ID and hit <Register>
4. Restart Z9X as a now Google Play Protect certified device
5. Start Google Play Store again and register/activate your Google account

You are now ready to use the Google Play Store. No other Google services are installed with this procedure. To keep your registration you need to install the _G version updates always.
No there are no negative side effects beyond being registeren and installed APP's tracking by Google.

If you are getting nightmares of Big Brother Google watching you don't install (but he will do that anyway).
To remove on second thought one can always just install an update without _G and it will be all gone. You can't downgrade Zidoo FW versions but re-installing the same FW version with or without _G is allowed.

If you don't install any Applications no need for _G. The G version includes the Google Run-Time library which is amongst others used by the Google Streaming App's. Don't ask me which others use it too!
Disadvantages apart from some storage usage none found by me in practice. Don't know of a single bug only applying to using the _G version.

[DavidiaN]

1. Open Play Store, then close it - this generates the GSF ID

How do I open the Play Store if it won't even install on my player?

Also I don't know what you mean with: Goto Zidoo Quick Settings/Other/About and take a note of the GSF ID

Zidoo Quick Settings? I only have an option for About, but there's nothing about a GSF ID there.
( I found where it needs to be, but it's not there, because I can't open/close the Google Play Services)

My firmware says to be update at 6.3.2

And where can I find an updated version of the firmware with a G at the end?
(I think I might have found it. It's this one? > v6.3.92_G (GOOGLE PLAY）
http://apidl.zidoo.tv/Z10_PRO/v6.3.92/Z10-Pro_P_v6.3.92_G_202203301056_ota-package.zip
MD5: 4B58C9C265104FB1A0567E8205FEE62A

So I need to install that firmware update first, then I can open the Google Play Services app, close it to generate a GSF ID, which will be visible in the Quick Settings/Other/About section. Copy that and go to the  www.google.com/android/uncertified websiite to register it?

Also, the firmware is in a .zip file. Do I need to unpack the contents to a USB drive in a root directory? Or can I leave it zipped (unpacked) in a root directory?

[Nice Monkey]

Yes that is the procedure. You can install the zip file directly.

[DavidiaN]

Thank you Nice Monkey

[DavidiaN]

Yes that is the procedure. You can install the zip file directly.

Well, I upgraded the device with the proper FW vesion. Google Play was in the apps section.
I registered the device at  www.google.com/android/uncertified the proper GSF ID was inserted and after applying it became visible as a registrered device. I rebooted my Zidoo player, but after reboot, and opening Google Play Store it still says there that the device is not registered and as such I cannot open the GPS. So, now what?

[DavidiaN]

Well, even though I still can't use the GPS, as it still states my device is not registered (even though it is), I managed to get the HBO Max app to work (via a browser I logged into the GPS and tried installing it from there. It stated it was already installed.)

I could log into the app but I can't seem to stream any content. I just get a pop-up stating that it can't play the video at this time, try again later. However, I can download the title and play it. Thing is, I do get to see the subtitles and hear sound, but the screen stays totally black.

Before this Zidoo player I had a Himedia Q10 Pro and it could play anything from HBO Max, safe for some 4K titles which also had Dolby Atmos sound. If it was a 4K title with DD5.1 sound it would just play the video. A 4K title with Dolby Atmos, would have sound, but the movie itself (picture) would just stagnate and stay in one place. So I thought that this player might help resolve that problem. But I'm worse off now, since I now get a total black screen where only subtitles are visible.

Amazon Prime, has a similar problem, where I cannot stream any content, but when I download it, it will play fine. I didn't have this problem on the Himedia (with Android version 7) safe from a movie here and there that I couldnt stream, or play after download. But that was not very often.

I tried tinkering a bit with the graphics settings in the player, to use different engines, but the problem still remains.
Is there anyone who has the Zidoo Z10 Pro with HBO Max app that has the same problem?

It can't be my HDMI cable, as that one is even capable of 8K content (I bought it new, just for this player). And I have a new cat10 internet/network cable as well which works just fine.

I would hate to revert back to my old Himedia Player (even though it worked just fine, except for some content on HBO Max as I stated.)

Any help in this would be much appreciated.

[Phil181]

ZDMC 19.4 (Kodi fork designed to use Zidoo's player) has been released:
http://apidl.zidoo.tv/app/zdmc-19.4_rtk.apk

loads up fine 

Whilst Zidoo keep improving HT4.0, ZDMC is a great alterntive for those of us used to Kodi (especially with large collections/library).
I've been using 19.1 on my Z1000 Pro since new.

[eugeniovideo]

Z10 Pro does not play .AVI files.
Himedia Q10 pro plays OK .Avi files.
Is this right ?
I have both.

[Phil181]

Z10 Pro does not play .AVI files.
Himedia Q10 pro plays OK .Avi files.
Is this right ?
I have both.

what is codec in the .avi files not playing? 
Also refer to Divx note above in FAQ.
If you were using kodi in Q10 Pro, then also try using ZDMC on your Zidoo.