Zidoo Z9S, Z10 FAQ

[futeko.com]

System

* Install Google Play Store? Zidoo firmware does not include Google Play Store by default. Play Store / Google Play Services can inhibit Android device (all devices, not just Zidoo) media performance by running tasks in the background. If you want to install Play Store manually you can do so. See the official firmware thread (or Zidoo's forum) for links to correct APK for each firmware.
* 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/
* Root Zidoo Z9S/Z10? Firmware 2.2.65 and later can be rooted using a single apk. Here: https://www.mediafire.com/?kjk68bekb46e70k. Discussion of how to root earlier firmware is here: http://www.futeko.com/newforum/index.php?topic=3909.0
* Access OpenWRT for Samba/NFS/Aria2/Transmission server? Find the IP address of your Z9S/Z10/X20/X20 Pro on your local network. Home screen - About. (e.g. 192.168.0.33) and access that IP address on a web browser connected to same network (e.g. 192.168.0.33). The default password is a blank space (highly recommended to change it on first use!).
* Get Zidoo system log? Very useful for debugging errors. See here: https://www.zidoo.tv/Support/guide_step/guide_target/Z%2B3XS%2B3%5Bld%5DZnVKKmVViAFMcQ%3D%3D.html
* Control4 drivers? See here: https://drivers.control4.com/solr/drivers/browse?q=zidoo
* Problems writing to internal storage from some third party apps? Install this apk: https://www.mediafire.com/file/ii3o8bdgb6u938s/DocumentsUI.apk/file

Remote Control

* Zidoo box Android/iOS remote app? Firmware 2.2.78 and later support Zidoo's remote app. Available through Play Store here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zidoo.control.phone or by direct download here (v 1.3.2): https://www.mediafire.com/file/8pr4hp0hmobftas/zidoo_controller_v1.3.2.apk/file
* Other network connected device as remote? Use any PC/Mac/TV/phone/tablet with a web browser as a remote. Find the IP address of your Z9S/Z10/X20/X20 Pro 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).

Zidoo Home Theatre

* Easier editing of Zidoo Home Theatre library? Find the IP address of your Z9S/Z10/X20/X20 Pro 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 well 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/

Kodi

* Kodi with Zidoo hardware acceleration? Zidoo have created their own fork of Kodi called ZDMC. It uses an external player for playback of local video (like HiMedia+wrapper). Downloads here: https://www.futeko.com/newforum/index.php?topic=4307.0
* Which versions of regular Android Kodi work? All versions run, with the limitations of software video decoding (no auto frame rate / resolution switch, stuttering at high bitrates) and max 2.0 channel audio.

Third Party Apps

* Netflix? Standard Android Netflix can be installed. Runs with 480p video and stereo audio. Only devices specifically authorised by Netflix can run 1080p/4K/ATMOS Netflix.
* Youtube? Any recent version of Android Youtube or Android TV Youtube can be installed. Runs at 1080p max. Alternative Youtube clients like Vanced can play 4K Youtube videos.
* Amazon Prime? Standard Android Amazon Prime can be installed. Runs with 480p video and stereo audio. Only devices specifically authorised by Amazon can run 1080p/4K/ATMOS Netflix.

Firmware

Firmware downloads and questions? See our Z10/Z9S firmware thread: https://www.futeko.com/newforum/index.php?topic=4092.0

[Peter6700]

Hi I want ask about firmware to Zidoo Z10

[futeko.com]

Hi I want ask about firmware to Zidoo Z10

See Zidoo official forum: http://forum.zidoo.tv/index.php?forums/zidoo-z10.53/

[Paulo72]

Hello,
The zidooZ9S looks good.  I have a Himedia Q5pro.  How does is compare, and does STB Emulator Pro works stable on it?
Regards,
Paulo

[Nice Monkey]

Hello,
The zidooZ9S looks good.  I have a Himedia Q5pro.  How does is compare, and does STB Emulator Pro works stable on it?
Regards,
Paulo

If you want to use also STB functionality then a Dinobot is the real answer. Very similar (better) than Himedia Q5 Pro and also a very good STB (running Enigma). Futeko seems to have stopped selling those because of poor sales not because of quality problems. Still available in Germany.

[Mount81]

Is it true that Zidoo's have trouble with VP9 encoded video playback?

THX!

[Nice Monkey]

Is it true that Zidoo's have trouble with VP9 encoded video playback?

THX!

- VP9.2 does not work. There are only some "demo" video

[Mount81]

Is it true that Zidoo's have trouble with VP9 encoded video playback?

THX!

- VP9.2 does not work. There are only some "demo" video

So no YT-extracted regular and streaming contents are concerned? Meaning also 2160p / HDR videos of course.

[Mount81]

Hello!

Those who have the official PlayStore installed and also have/using some apps installed form there, did ever experienced any problems regarding, as mentioned in the FAQ? And what would be the real cause of these, some Android firmware incompatibility or the lack of the Zidoo players hardware resources?  Just curious, cause never heard PS can cause such an issues on other Boxes like HiMedia... :::?

Thanks!

[MKLM22]

Would You mind telling me if the Zidoo Z1000, with chipset Realtek 1296, would decode the "Dolby Vision" in 4K videos ?!?

Thanks.

[futeko.com]

There is no media player that will decode Dolby Vision. Dolby won't issue licence for media players, only UHD BD Players for playback.

[Paulo72]

I currently am using a Himedia Q5 Pro.  Will the Zidoo Z9S be considered  step up?

[futeko.com]

I currently am using a Himedia Q5 Pro.  Will the Zidoo Z9S be considered  step up?

It's similar functionally but with a much better media library / media player app and a modern interface. The products are similar in terms of format support and output quality.

The features Z9S has over Q5 Pro are auto resolution / framerate switching, UHD/BD menus, and better support for hifi audio (like 192kHz passthrough and native 44.1kHz passthrough).

[Peter6700]

Hi when firmware dolby vision on zidoo z10

[hawk01]

I currently am using a Himedia Q5 Pro.  Will the Zidoo Z9S be considered  step up?

It's similar functionally but with a much better media library / media player app and a modern interface. The products are similar in terms of format support and output quality.

The features Z9S has over Q5 Pro are auto resolution / framerate switching, UHD/BD menus, and better support for hifi audio (like 192kHz passthrough and native 44.1kHz passthrough).

i am presently using a himedia q5 pro as an audio source listening to spotify for two channel stereo. will the zidoo z9s have better audio performance with its support for hifi audio as you mentioned above?