(2018-03-14, 17:34)mclingo Wrote: fair enough, I personally prefer the all in one player, much less hassle and I haven't found anything DS/MADVR doesnt play nice with yet, maybe i'm just lucky.

(2018-03-14, 17:21)brazen1 Wrote:

(2018-03-14, 15:06)mclingo Wrote:

(2018-03-14, 13:50)mkohman Wrote: Thanks for that.. So why do some people choose external player? Why bother? Isn't it more hassle? Thanks..

 I cant think of any need for an external player with KODI DS, some people however use an external player with stock KODI for 3D playback for instance, I used to do it that way before I discovered DS.

DS rocks !   

 I can think of few:

Menus for 2D, 3D and 4k HDR for those who prefer their experience is identical, when using files, to using a dedicated player with the physical disc.  (iso complete 1:1 rips)

After playing 4k HDR and returning to SDR mode, 3D stereoscopic disables with Nvidia.  Not sure about others?  It must be manually enabled before 3D playback again.  To automate this, simple code is inserted before playback.  DSPlayer cannot insert custom codes afaik. (.bats)

For those who prefer to launch additional advantageous software when a title starts, automated.  (.bats)

For those who prefer to use the official KODI release or any official KODI alpha, beta, or RC such as those who have been using v.18 x64 for over a year.  DSPlayer is no longer under development afaik.  The original author abandoned it afaik and requires someone to recompile it to keep up with official KODI from time to time as they see fit or time and ambition allows.  Whether or not DSPlayer will always be compatible is a consideration.  Other forked versions of KODI have already stated they will not be upgraded to v.18.  DSPlayer is over 6000 commits behind the official KODI according to Git.

Currently, to play every file type to its fullest extent, 3 players are required excluding KODI's videoplayer which is pretty limited but still attempting more versatility.  1 is freeware, 2 cost money.... about $15 or less on Ebay for both.

For those who prefer complete control of which titles and/or formats are automatically default assigned to various players in order to maximize efficiency and/or quality.  Fwiw, imo, there is no difference in quality madVR + external player such as DS vs DVDFab Player when decoding 4k HDR for example.  One provides complete disc interaction mimicking a physical disc and one doesn't though.

madVR, a dependency of DSPlayer, is compatible with many players and these various players all provide different experiences based on user preference and compatibility with unique existing environments although DSPlayer 'appears' more seamless.  Not to be confused that external players are not seamless as well.

There are other reasons but these are some of the differences, not that any would be considered, "needed" especially for those that prefer tailoring their limited rips to conform with limitations of players rather than the other way around.... tailoring their players to conform with unlimited rips.

There is no doubt DSPlayer is a great method for what it is though and popularity proves this.  Glad it is an additional alternative for enthusiasts. 

(2018-03-14, 17:54)mclingo Wrote: I dont think so no, HDR playback is seamless on mine, HDR pops on and off no problem, as does 3D now that I let DS do the refresh rate switching. I dont play my purchased blurays or DVD's, I rip everything to MKV and then store in the spare room, I hate menus  and I prefer instance access to everything I have.

I dont run any scripts or anything else either, just press play and off I go.

Obviously it hasnt always been this perfect as you know, its really only come together in the last few months as AMD RX drivers have matured and MADVR has improved HDR playback etc.

Right now I coudn't be happier with my setup, with my RX 460 installed i'm hoping to be able to push NGU medium or high onto my 720p rips and therefore have the same settings for my entire collection.

I'll then have reached HTPC nirvana

(2018-03-14, 18:27)brazen1 Wrote: I didn't say it wouldn't be updated?  I stated afaik, the developer who created it abandoned it.  I got that info from the DSPlayer wiki.  I assume that means it won't be further developed any longer.  I also stated it has been getting recompiled to work with KODI by someone who does this at their ambition to try and keep it 'alive'.  The front page has a link to GitHub.  In there is shows that 30,000 commits have been submitted, 6000 of them behind the official KODI release.  I take it these are facts.

Lingo, while I don't wish to haggle with you yet again, you basically asked about the differences using DSPlayer vs external players and insinuated you found no reason for them.  I simply pointed out a few things off the top of my head which are major reasons I prefer another method and acknowledged ahead of time others may not share the same reasoning and why.  For you to follow up with being lucky and further insinuating I am not, as well as insinuating my findings are not your findings by skating around the points of interest I provided is meaningless but effectively belittling once again.  Then to follow up again replying you "hate" the points of interest I provided, therefor they are meaningless provided your idea of "HTPC nirvana" is everyone else's including mine.  Will you and I ever arrive at a civil agreement about anything like accepting another's viewpoint when different and factual?  You've driven me out of this thread now.  You win.  I don't know what you've won, but you win.

(2018-03-14, 18:27)brazen1 Wrote: I didn't say it wouldn't be updated?  I stated afaik, the developer who created it abandoned it. 

(2018-03-15, 02:30)mkohman Wrote: @Bibio Which cable did you get if you don't mind me asking.. Are you on 4K HDR or Bluray? I am looking at getting a Ruipro Cable but there so expensive lol