Zidoo, Dune HD or Zappiti high-end media player?

[xPLAYRZx]

Looking to purchase a premium media player.  The more I research, the more indecisive I become.  Interested to see what others are using and how they have/are finding the experience with any of the following players -

 

Zidoo UHD3000

Zidoo Z1000 PRO

Dune HD Ultra Vision 4K

Dune HD Max Vision 4K

Zappiti Pro 4K HDR

Zappiti Pro 4K HDR Audiocom Cinema Edition

 

 

Cast your vote and let me know your thoughts.

Edited July 30, 2021 by xPLAYRZx

[oztheatre]

Have had good luck with the older dune models, mostly.

 

Have the Z9X zidoo currently it's near perfect. They really do make a good media player. 

 

The air mouse is a cool little remote too. 

 

I guess it would pay to take a look at which chipset each uses? Then go off audio and app features. Backlit remotes are preferable, for me anyway.

[Kaynin]

4 minutes ago, oztheatre said:

 Backlit remotes are preferable, for me anyway.

Yes, very important.

A good thread, there’s a few quality media players on the market now.

 

I take it the Zidoo HDD appears on a home network and you can transfer files from, say, a study computer directly on to the Zidoo?

[oztheatre]

3 minutes ago, Kaynin said:

Yes, very important.

A good thread, there’s a few quality media players on the market now.

 

I take it the Zidoo HDD appears on a home network and you can transfer files from, say, a study computer directly on to the Zidoo?

 

Yes it shows up on the network and you can move files around easy enough

[xPLAYRZx]

The Zidoo and Dune HD units listed all run the Realtek RTD1619DR chipset, so assume have the same capabilities when it comes to video, it's just the vendors implementation that might vary.  For me, the hifi audio features aren't important (have other devices for this) although I do like the improved PSU and build quality those models offer. 

 

Zidoo's UI looks to be light years ahead of the other two, with a very modern and intuitive layout.  The Dune HD UI is in desperate need of an update, looks very tired and dated with the Zappiti somewhere in the middle.  Being a full size device, having rack mount option and automation integration (IP control) are a plus for me too.

 

Responsive support with regular updates, bug fixes and improvements are also considerations.  With everything these days being released to customers beta tester, it's nice to have any issues addressed quickly. 

[Guest]

@xPLAYRZx, did you end up getting the Zidoo? 

[xPLAYRZx]

@Snoopy8 No, not yet.  Waiting for more reviews and release of the new Zappiti range before I commit to anything. 

[Guest]

2 hours ago, xPLAYRZx said:

@Snoopy8 No, not yet.  Waiting for more reviews and release of the new Zappiti range before I commit to anything. 

You can wait forever. After new Zappiti, then next gen Zidoo, then new model Dune....

 

If you are looking for stable products backed by extensive reviews, then these media players are likely not a good fit. There will always be issues, bugs, limits because they are rapidly evolving products. 

[econav]

Well , due for release before  Xmas….

 

[xPLAYRZx]

12 hours ago, Snoopy8 said:

You can wait forever. After new Zappiti, then next gen Zidoo, then new model Dune....

 

If you are looking for stable products backed by extensive reviews, then these media players are likely not a good fit. There will always be issues, bugs, limits because they are rapidly evolving products. 

 

Agreed, there is always something new but the new players look to accommodate all the latest audio and video formats.   Not necessarily looking for 'extensive' reviews, but a stable product absolutely.  I have no interest in purchasing a media player that is full of bugs and 'quirks', I'd rather spend my time watching movies than testing or troubleshooting their products. It needs to just work, and work well at some of the asking prices.  I'm yet to be convinced this is the case with this new generation of products...... so I wait.

[mxlmxl]

Resurrecting this thread. Those that bought/own a player now, what re you using? 

 

Is there much difference in the ranges outside audio/power options? Like the Z9x Vs Z10, Z1000 and then the Dune players.

 

Also, seems like the Zidoo have had the better support and updates but that doesn't mean it's not buggy AF. 

[xPLAYRZx]

I ended up purchasing both the Zappiti Reference and Zidoo Z1000 Pro.  Sold the Zappiti and kept the Zidoo.  Neither are perfect but found the Zidoo to be less problematic and suited my needs better, plus I prefer their interface.   I only use the device for playback of my BDMV file collection so many of the additional audio features were of no value.  Image and sound quality (HDMI bitstream) are indistinguishable between players to me.

 

"Buggy AF" is NOT how I would describe the Zidoo, the Zappiti on the other hand... well.  IMO all the players using the RTD1619DR platform still need polish, some more than others. Just pick the one that is least offensive to you.

[Guest]

@mxlmxl, here are some reviews worth looking at, and by the same person

http://forum.zidoo.tv/index.php?threads/practical-experiences-using-the-uhd3000.86061/

https://www.futeko.com/newforum/index.php?topic=5098.0

 

All the platforms use the same video engine, with minor tweaks between brands. Essentially, you get the same picture quality.

 

If it is for movies, there are minor differences (have to look hard!) in sound quality between brands and models.  There are more differences with stereo and multi channel music sound quality across brands, with Dune better. A good linear power supply can improve SQ a little.  

 

Zidoo has a decent UI. Dune has a so-called alpha GUI which is close to Zidoo; they call it alpha software, but in practice, very stable. Have not used Zappiti.

 

Zidoo have an active user forum whereas Dune's is only via third parties. Zidoo and Zappiti can be bought locally but you have to buy direct from Dune.

Edited May 25, 2022 by Snoopy8
Typo

[Guest]

On 25/05/2022 at 8:24 PM, xPLAYRZx said:

"Buggy AF" is NOT how I would describe the Zidoo, the Zappiti on the other hand... well.  IMO all the players using the RTD1619DR platform still need polish, some more than others. Just pick the one that is least offensive to you.

 

As an owner of both Zappiti and Zidoo's top models, I would agree entirely with this. I kept the Zidoo and sold the Zappiti. The whole family uses the Zidoo (including 10 and 8 year old kids), and no issues at all. I'm not getting summoned to the media room any longer to "fix" something!