Frequently Asked Questions
Can movies from a DVD library be copied to an HDcodex for access throughout an entire home or office?
Unencrypted MPEG-2, such as may be found on DVD’s, may be played from either any active HDcodex unit, or from a DMS-6000 central server unit. 
I was told the unit couldn’t be a network/multi-room player/server. Your website seems to indicate the content is available from multiple rooms.
Switching networks may be easily added for signals passed from an HDcodex, such that a single HDcodex may provide a single unique video stream to many locations simultaneously.
Do your HDcodex, DML-400 to DML-1600 Networked Media Player/Servers play MPEG-4, part 10, (H.264 or AVC) captured over a network?
HDcodex units are licensed to play back all unencrypted H.264 material, irrespective of how it may have been captured.
Can your system serve different DVDs to different zones or rooms at the same time?
An HDcodex is required to play each unique audio/video stream. Each HDcodex can play streams off whatever local storage it contains. If an HDcodex is properly connected to other HDcodex units via a CAT5 Ethernet cable, under many circumstances, content from the other HDcodex may be played also, even while the other (peer server) HDcodex may be actively playing its own video. Thirdly, an HDcodex unit may play video that is stored on the hard drives of an HDcodex DMS- Series Central Server. Dozens of such servers may be active on a single network simultaneously. Each server is capable of delivering ten or more DVD-comparable streams simultaneously.
I saw a demo of this system and was impressed. Does this system do HD-DVD and Blu-ray also?
We are in the process of development to add a Blu-ray drive to the system, but the details of such a product have yet to be announced.
What is the maximum resolution?
1080p for an individual unit, however up to 240 HDcodex units may be networked to synchronize their (each up to 1080p) signals to form, in aggregate, what is commonly called a ''video wall.'' Imagine a video advertising display the size of a building.
Do the CodexNovus Media Server and the DV-1 Digital Media Reader handle both HD-DVD's and Blu-ray DVD's?
When the AACS Licensing Authority delivers the long-promised "managed copy" license for servers such as HDcodex, we look forward to engaging that capability and providing support for Blu-ray. In the meantime, some of our users have apprised us that they've been able to play 1080p material on an HDcodex from all the modern sources for such material. CODEXNOVUS, INC., AS ARE ALL OTHER PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS IN OUR CATEGORY, IS LEGALLY BARRED FROM, AND IN NO WAY PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR DECRYPTION OF DVD, HD-DVD, OR BLU-RAY DISCS.
Is streaming live video a possibility with HDcodex?
An HDcodex does not presently store and forward video, as do some PVR's.
What physical connections to an HDcodex are required?
To have an HDcodex play video, one needs only a power connection to the unit, a DVI-I or HDMI cable with DVI-I adapter to connect to your display, and a digital coax or Toslink audio cable to your receiver or processor. More limited stereo audio may be played through the HDcodex analog L/R RCA connectors. For silent movie play, or viewing of slideshows without background music, an audio connection is not an absolute requirement.
What physical connections can be made to an HDcodex?
Audio: analog stereo through two RCA jacks; digital through coax or an equivalent Toslink. Use the setup page to set which type of output is active, either analog or digital.
Video: DVI-I. A simple adapter (not supplied, $4) will convert to the HDMI connection type. An optional (not supplied) active adapter is required for component output. DVI ->VGA (passive adapter, $4) -> component (active adapter, $100)
Data: Ethernet Cat 5 for network connectivity
eSATA storage for importation or playback
USB storage for importation
RS-232 for device control
Does the unit support the HDMI 1.3a specification?
The standard port on an HDcodex is DVI-I. If you require HDMI, you will need a $4 adapter. Audio signals are not part of the DVI-I out, but are available via the coax audio and Toslink connectors (simultaneously).
Do you have any manuals or technical documents that give some details of the connections and functionality of your products?
All documents required for establishing connectivity with other components will be found on this website. If you can't find what you need, please email info@codexnovus.com, or check out the discussions on the forum.
Will your system interface with a system that has IR or RS-232 interfaces?
Yes, either or both.
On what operating system does the HDcodex product line run?
Linux.
Since they run on Linux, can I have access to the machine to program my own applications for it?
Sorry, that's an unsupported use of our products.
What is the upgradeability of the system for the future?
HDcodex units are fully capable to have their software upgraded easily in the field. Watch for periodic downloads available via this website.
I have videos that are web thumbnails, YouTube-size, DVD/TV sized, along with some 720p and now 1080i/p videos. Can HDcodex play them, and if so, at what size will it play them?
As part of the setup process, the user will set the maximum resolution of the display. Henceforward, HDcodex will act as a scaler to up-convert or down-convert, as necessary, to the display's maximum resolution. This is, of course, all done in “real time.” While down-conversion implies loss of resolution, up-conversion does not necessarily improve the playback, though in some systems it can be better than other display of the same material. All material can be made to fill to the edges of the screen, or be shown in their native size, if desired. In filling to the edges, one can choose to retain the original aspect ratio, or change it freely. There are many powerful, user-configurable display options, but the default settings do what most users usually desire.
What advantages does an HDcodex have over Windows Media Center (WMC)?
An HDcodex is a dedicated, rack mountable audio/video consumer electronic component run by remote control. HDcodex units have been certified by the Imaging Science Foundation to deliver the highest quality standard of video. WMC’s are computers containing applications to play video. As such, many ostensibly background processes can take computing-time away from processor-intensive video playback. Hard drive access drive read/write speeds on WMC’s can take far longer than our optimized Linux-based processes, potentially causing video frames to stutter. As far as we know, two companies’ WMC have received ISF approval. For WMC directly from Microsoft, there is no ISF certification, and the hardware on which WMC runs can vary widely. Networking is far more robust with the HDcodex configurations for both central and peer servers.
What kind of guarantee do your products have?
Products are fully warranted against defect for 90 days, with a limited warranty extending to one year. Product updates for each model will be available via the website. Any necessary software fix will always be free of charge, while some product feature enhancements may come for a hopefully attractive, reasonable charge.
What support structure do you have if I need help in setup or use?
Customer service personnel are available during normal CST business hours for consultation to purchasers of our products. The most immediate help in many respects, however, will come through your dealer.
How do I keep my HDcodex current? I understand there are free updates.
Software updates will be able to be downloaded for free via the CodexNovus website. Load the downloaded file on a USB thumb drive, CD, or DVD, and then select "upgrade software" from the setup menu system. Everything is automatic from that point, and you will be apprised when the process has completed.
I'm a Consumer interested in buying products directly, either online or from a retailer. Which is the better option for me?
We have trained dealers throughout the country that provide our end-users with valuable added assistance and support locally for you and Codexnovus will not sell direct in those areas. We prefer that all our end-users get the value-add of a relationship a qualified CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) member/installer, which costs no more than Buying Direct from Codexnovus. However, for cases where no CEDIA-member dealers are anywhere nearby, CodexNovus will serve your needs directly in lieu of such a dealer.
I'm a Distributor looking for new products to carry. We're looking to find a new solution for the media server category. Where can I obtain your specific requirements for a business relationship?
Please use this website contact information to contact CodexNovus Sales.
I'm a Dealer looking to carry your product, as it appears to be a great product for the type of customers we like to serve. Where can I obtain your specific requirements for a business relationship?
Please use this website contact information to contact CodexNovus Sales.
How can I get more technical and sales information?
Most materials are available for download via this website. If you can't find something you're looking for, describe your request in email to info@codexnovus.com.
It is possible to establish business co-operation?
We're happy to consider beneficial ties with third parties. Please contact us with the details of your request for a cooperative venture at info@codexnovus.com.
I’m an installer. Could you please send me full technical specifications and trade pricing information for a number of high-end projects I am working on?
Please establish contact with us at info@CodexNovus.com, so that we may first qualify your company.
At which trade shows will you be exhibiting?
Check our website periodically for information regarding in which upcoming tradeshows CodexNovus will be exhibiting.
