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New beta firmware version for Dune media players (100916_2027_beta)

HDI Dune has released a firmware update for all generations of Dune media players: Dune HD Ultra, Dune HD Mini, Dune BD Prime, Dune HD Center, Dune HD Base, Dune HD Base 2.0, Dune BD Prime 3.0, Dune HD Base 3.0, and also for the newest model Dune HD Max.

The firmware update has version number 100916_2027_beta and beta status.

For Dune 3.0 models based on Sigma Designs 864x chips, the most noticeable new features include NTFS-write possibility (commercial NTFS driver for Sigma 864x platform from Tuxera Inc.) and new Sigma 864x Blu-ray SDK for improved compatibility with newest Blu-ray discs.

There are also various other new features and improvements/bugfixes included, e.g. ability to change the position of subtitles for Blu-ray playback and PGS/VobSub subtitles for TS/MKV playback, several new video output configuration options (e.g. colorspace settings allowing to achieve the best possible video quality for file playback), improved support for playback of specific files, etc.

Remarkably, all new features and improvements/bugfixes which do not depend on hardware or licensing issues, are included info firmware updates for all Dune models, including also discontinued, not manufactured for a while Dune models, such as Dune HD Ultra. By this, HDI Dune demonstrates an exceptional commitment to long-term and complete support of the users of Dune media players.

According to the results of the preliminary testing, HDI Dune hopes that the new firmware version is in overall the best one ever released for Dune players. Nevertheless, this firmware has a beta status and it is expected that users may encounter some new bugs/issues when using this firmware under their specific circumstances and in their specific environment. Based on this beta version, it is planned to fix such new bugs/issues (if any) and release a new stable firmware version as soon as possible.

New big features and improvements (some of which are already worked on, and some are in the queue) are planned to be included into next beta versions which will be released after the next stable version.

The new firmware update can be downloaded and installed via either the built-in online firmware upgrade function of Dune media players, or using the official Dune firmware web site: http://dune-hd.com/firmware

The complete list of new functions and improvements in the new firmware version:

• Integrated a new version of Sigma Blu-ray SDK, that improves compatibility with new Blu-ray discs (for models based on 864x chip).
  
• Integrated commercial NTFS driver (supporting not only reading but also writing to NTFS) from Tuxera Inc. (for models based on 864x chip).
  
• Added a possibility to adjust the vertical position of subtitles during Blu-ray playback. Previously, such a possibility was provided during file playback only.
  
• Added a possibility to adjust the vertical position of PGS and VobSub subtitles during file playback. Previously, such a possibility was provided for text subtitles only, not it is supported for all kinds of subtitles.
  
• Improved handling of PGS subtitles in MKV and TS files.
  
• Improved "Audio / HDMI audio = Disabled" setting, which should now work more correctly with various HDMI equipment.
  
• Added a new setting "Video / Advanced / Force DVI output", which allows to force DVI mode on the HDMI video output.
  
• Added a new setting "Video / Advanced / Output colorspace", which allows to specify the desired colorspace on the HDMI output.
  
• Added a new setting "Video / Advanced / Default decoder colorspace", which allows to specify the default colorspace which should be assumed for files having no explicit indication of the colorspace actually used when encoding these files.
  
• Improved Audio CD playback startup speed.
  
• Improved compatibility with specific models of eSATA HDD enclosures.
  
• Implemented improvements/fixes for Avatar Blu-ray playback.
  
• Added automatic clearing (when needed) of Blu-ray Local Storage after firmware upgrade in order to prevent possible Blu-ray playback problems.
  
• Added a new setting "Miscellaneous / Playback / Save zoom settings", which allows to remember the chosen zoom mode even after stopping playback and switching off the player.
  
• Added a new setting "Miscellaneous / Playback / Show recording indicator", which allows to enable on-screen indication (blinking red circle) during recording of IPTV / Internet radio / DVB-T streams.
  
• A new possibility of switching on/off the fan (originally introduced for Dune HD Max model), is implemented also for Dune HD Base 3.0 model. See a new setting "Setup / Miscellaneous / System / Fan". NOTE: fan disabling is not recommended unless you are sure in temperature conditions. If unsure, do not use this new feature.
  
• Improved the firmware recovery procedure: the LED indicator on the front panel is blinking during firmware recovery process.
  
• Improved handling of specific unsupported files (such as GMC-encoded AVIs): information about this is reported to the user.
  
• Bugfix: HDMI color depth and HDMI CEC settings could be set to wrong values when using "safe" video modes (triggered by MODE + 1..6 RC buttons).
  
• Bugfix: very high-bitrate IPTV channels could be played with artifacts and picture distortions (a problem introduced in firmware version 100630_2131_beta).
  
• Bugfix: specific MKV files could not be recognized and played at all.
  
• Bugfix: ".djvu" files wrongly considered as supported.
  
• Bugfix: creation of debug dumps did not work in specific cases (when the current folder path contained whitespaces).
  
• Added a workaround for MKV lip-sync problem (a small A/V desync when bitstreaming AC3 through S/PDIF or HDMI, noticeable by some users on some A/V equipment).
  
• Bugfix: 192kHz/24-bit FLAC audio could not be output to HDMI TV.
  
• Bugfix: audio could be absent during playback of specific MPEG files.
  
• Bugfix: audio could be lost after specific user actions (such as SLOW -> PAUSE -> PLAY) on specific files.
  
• Included Korean fonts (for models based on 864x chips).
  
• Some interface languages added/updated.
  
• Some other improvements/fixes.