1. Introduction
The zidoo Z9X 8K HDR Media Player is a high-performance device designed for superior video and audio playback. Featuring the Amlogic S928X-K processor, Android 11 OS, and advanced image/video engines, it delivers an immersive home theater experience with support for 8K resolution, HDR technologies (HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision), and lossless audio formats. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your Z9X 8K Media Player.
2. Safety Information
- Ensure the device is placed on a stable, flat surface to prevent falls.
- Do not expose the device to water, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
- Avoid blocking ventilation openings to prevent overheating.
- Use only the provided power adapter.
- Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the device yourself. Refer to qualified service personnel.
- Keep the device away from strong magnetic fields.
3. Package Contents
Please check the box for the following items:
- zidoo Z9X 8K HDR Media Player
- IR Remote Control (Batteries not included)
- SATA Cable
- HDMI Cable
- 12V/2A DC Power Supply
- User Manual (this document)
4. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the various components and ports of your zidoo Z9X 8K Media Player.
4.1 Front Panel
The front panel features a digital display showing time and status indicators, along with the zidoo logo.
4.2 Rear Panel
The rear panel includes the power switch, DC 12V power input, Optical audio output, Audio L/R output, HDMI 2.1 output, Gigabit LAN port, and a USB 3.0 port. Dimensions are also indicated: L: 189 MM / 7.44 Inch, W: 129 MM / 5.79 Inch, H: 25.4 MM / 1 Inch.
4.3 Side Panels
One side panel provides two additional USB 3.0 ports and a SATA bay for connecting external storage devices. The other side features an RS232 port for control integration.
4.4 Key Features Overview
This diagram highlights the core capabilities of the Z9X 8K, including the Amlogic S928X-K processor, 8K Ultra HD support, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, HDMI 2.1, 6GB DDR4 + 64GB eMMC memory, AI picture quality engine, Dolby Vision, AVS3, streaming music support, IR remote control, Wi-Fi 6 (2.4G + 5G), iOS/Android APP control, DSD/APE/FLAC/WAV lossless music playback, Music Library, and Auto FPS for local/third-party apps.
5. Setup
5.1 Connecting the Device
- Power Connection: Connect the 12V/2A DC power supply to the DC IN port on the rear panel, then plug the adapter into a power outlet.
- HDMI Connection: Use the provided HDMI cable to connect the HDMI OUT port on the Z9X 8K to an HDMI input on your TV or AV receiver.
- Network Connection:
- Wired: Connect an Ethernet cable from your router to the Gigabit LAN port on the rear panel.
- Wireless: The device supports Wi-Fi 6 (2.4G + 5G). You will configure Wi-Fi during the initial setup process on screen.
- Storage Connection (Optional):
- USB Drives: Connect USB storage devices to the USB 3.0 ports.
- SATA Drives: Connect a 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA hard drive using the provided SATA cable to the internal SATA bay.
- Audio Connection (Optional): For dedicated audio systems, connect the Optical or Audio L/R outputs to your amplifier or DAC.
5.2 Initial Boot-up
After connecting all necessary cables, switch on the power using the ON/OFF button on the rear panel. The device will boot up, and you will see the zidoo logo on your display. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup, including language selection, network configuration, and time zone settings.
6. Operating the Device
6.1 Navigation and Control
- IR Remote Control: Use the included IR remote control to navigate the user interface. Point the remote directly at the front of the media player.
- Zidoo Controller APP: Download the official Zidoo Controller APP for iOS or Android mobile phones/tablets. This app provides comprehensive control and allows seamless playback and management of your media player.
6.2 Media Playback
- Local Playback: Access media files from connected USB drives or internal SATA drives through the file browser or the dedicated Poster Wall application.
- Network Playback: The Z9X 8K supports various network protocols including NFS, SMB v1/v2/v3, UPnP, and Web DAV. Configure network shares in the settings to stream content from your PC or NAS.
- Video Formats: Supports 8K@60Hz, 12Bit, AV1/VP9/H.265/AVS3/AVS2, BD/UHD BDMV/ISO, MKV, TS, and more.
- HDR Support: Processes HDR10 static metadata (MaxFall, MaxCll) for higher brightness and deeper darkness. Supports HDR10+ dynamic metadata for frame-by-frame processing. Advanced Dolby Vision technology supports LLDV (Player Led) and Standard mode (TV Led) output.
- Audio Formats: Supports lossless music playback in formats like DSD (SACD ISO, DSF, DFF), WAV, APE, DTS. Features Atmos/DTS:X audio pass-through output.
- Blu-ray Playback: Supports BD/UHD Blu-ray menu playback and gapless branching playback of Blu-rays with complex MPLS structures.
- Automatic Frame Rate & Resolution: Ensures smooth movie playback without interruption by automatically switching frame rate (e.g., 23.976Hz) and resolution.
6.3 Advanced Features
- Poster Wall 5.0: Organize your movie library with automatic poster art, movie trailers, and user-friendly custom classification.
- Music Player 8.0: Enjoy a brand new UI, lossless playback and decoding, personalized settings, and song data matching. Supports DLNA, Tidal Connect.
- Smart Home Integration: Supports HDMI 2.1 CEC control, RS232 control, and Control 4 for seamless integration into smart home systems.
- Subtitles: Supports special effect subtitles, automatic download of network subtitles, and dual forced subtitles for Blu-ray and MKV.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the device. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.
- Software Updates: The device supports OTA (Over-The-Air) updates. Regularly check for and install new firmware versions through the system settings to ensure optimal performance and access to new features.
- Storage Management: Periodically review and manage files on connected storage devices to free up space and maintain performance.
- Power Management: Utilize the standard WOL (Wake-On-LAN) function and configure power-on and standby settings as needed.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your zidoo Z9X 8K Media Player, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power/Device not turning on | Power cable loose; Power outlet faulty; Device switch off | Check power cable connection; Try a different outlet; Ensure ON/OFF switch is in ON position. |
| No picture on TV | HDMI cable loose/faulty; Incorrect TV input selected; TV not 8K/HDR compatible | Ensure HDMI cable is securely connected; Select correct HDMI input on TV; Check TV compatibility or try a different display. |
| Stuttering or choppy playback | Network congestion; Slow storage device; Corrupted media file; Outdated firmware | Ensure stable network connection (preferably wired); Use faster storage (USB 3.0/SATA SSD); Try a different media file; Update firmware. |
| Remote control not responding | Batteries low/dead; Obstruction between remote and device; Remote sensor blocked | Replace batteries; Remove any obstructions; Ensure remote sensor on device is clear. Consider using the Zidoo Controller APP. |
| Cannot connect to network shares (NFS/SMB) | Incorrect network settings; Firewall blocking connection; Share permissions incorrect | Verify IP address, subnet mask, and gateway; Check router/PC firewall settings; Ensure correct username/password and share permissions on NAS/PC. |
9. Specifications
Key technical specifications for the zidoo Z9X 8K HDR Media Player:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | Amlogic S928X-K 64-bit penta-core A76 + A55 |
| RAM | 6GB DDR4 |
| Internal Storage | 64GB eMMC |
| Operating System | Android 11 |
| Video Output | HDMI 2.1 (supports 8K 60Hz) |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision (LLDV, Standard) |
| Audio Output | HDMI, Optical, Audio L/R |
| Connectivity | Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi 6 (2.4G+5G), Bluetooth 5.2 |
| USB Ports | 3x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 |
| Storage Expansion | SATA3.0x1 (supports up to 24TB hard drive) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 7.45 x 5.8 x 1.04 inches (189 x 129 x 25.4 mm) |
| Weight | 2.64 pounds |
| Control | IR Remote Control, Zidoo Controller APP, HDMI CEC, RS232, Control 4 |
10. Warranty and Support
zidoo is committed to providing high-quality products and customer service. For any issues or inquiries regarding your zidoo Z9X 8K Media Player, please refer to the following:
- Official Website: Visit the official zidoo website for the latest firmware updates, FAQs, and community forums.
- Customer Service: Contact zidoo customer support directly via the contact information provided on their official website for technical assistance or warranty claims.
- Online Resources: Explore the home theater forum on the official zidoo website for community support and shared knowledge.
Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty purposes.
