Comments on: Ben10 MP4 Video Watch Review http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/ My thoughts on .... everything Fri, 04 May 2012 13:22:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Phil http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/comment-page-1/#comment-10769 Phil Thu, 06 May 2010 07:12:16 +0000 http://simongriffiths.name/?p=128#comment-10769 PS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SigmaTel_Motion_Video "SMV allows users to transform common PC video files and watch them on their MP4 players (PMP). SMV is a video format used by SigmaTel or other players based on their chipsets." This page also has a whole host of links to SMV video conversion software. Also, just for info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP4_player "The name MP4 player is a marketing term for portable media players that comply with certain standards and formats. The name itself is a misnomer, since most MP4 players are incompatible with the MPEG-4... " PS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SigmaTel_Motion_Video

“SMV allows users to transform common PC video files and watch them on their MP4 players (PMP). SMV is a video format used by SigmaTel or other players based on their chipsets.”

This page also has a whole host of links to SMV video conversion software.

Also, just for info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP4_player

“The name MP4 player is a marketing term for portable media players that comply with certain standards and formats. The name itself is a misnomer, since most MP4 players are incompatible with the MPEG-4… “

]]> By: Phil http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/comment-page-1/#comment-10768 Phil Thu, 06 May 2010 06:57:17 +0000 http://simongriffiths.name/?p=128#comment-10768 Hi Simon Sorry to say, but I'm not very impressed with this review, as there's so much that's simply wrong or missing. To not have found a computer with a CD player to put in the mini CD and not opened it up is a poor effort - especially if you're going to write a review to try to help people. Didn't take much effort to copy the ~70Mb of files onto a thumbdrive for later use anywhere. The CD contains everything you need. There's a quite detailed instruction manual on all the functions and specifications, detailing all files types it can play & read. It's a pdf file so obviously can read it on a Mac. It contains video conversion software (Windows) to convert video files to SMV, so with this you can convert WMV / MPEG files to the right format for the watch to play no problem - so no issues with the product description there. It also contains software restore / firmware upgrade software (Windows). I've a Mac - but I run Parallels (VMWare and many other options available) so running the occasional Windows software is no problem. I wouldn't have expected a simple product like this to have Mac software - but you can do most things you need to on a Mac with the watch. One key instruction in the Manual you should have read: "Do not unplug the player during downloading as it may cause damage to the PC and player" You would have save yourself a lot of heartache had you simply accessed the CD contents (which says on it "Instruction Manual, Conversion Software, System Restore, Software Restore - in two languages)... Well, anyway - I bought for $34 (bargain), and my son is going to love it for his birthday this weekend! Hi Simon

Sorry to say, but I’m not very impressed with this review, as there’s so much that’s simply wrong or missing. To not have found a computer with a CD player to put in the mini CD and not opened it up is a poor effort – especially if you’re going to write a review to try to help people. Didn’t take much effort to copy the ~70Mb of files onto a thumbdrive for later use anywhere.

The CD contains everything you need. There’s a quite detailed instruction manual on all the functions and specifications, detailing all files types it can play & read. It’s a pdf file so obviously can read it on a Mac.

It contains video conversion software (Windows) to convert video files to SMV, so with this you can convert WMV / MPEG files to the right format for the watch to play no problem – so no issues with the product description there.

It also contains software restore / firmware upgrade software (Windows).

I’ve a Mac – but I run Parallels (VMWare and many other options available) so running the occasional Windows software is no problem. I wouldn’t have expected a simple product like this to have Mac software – but you can do most things you need to on a Mac with the watch.

One key instruction in the Manual you should have read: “Do not unplug the player during downloading as it may cause damage to the PC and player”

You would have save yourself a lot of heartache had you simply accessed the CD contents (which says on it “Instruction Manual, Conversion Software, System Restore, Software Restore – in two languages)…

Well, anyway – I bought for $34 (bargain), and my son is going to love it for his birthday this weekend!

]]> By: Jacques http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/comment-page-1/#comment-7576 Jacques Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:52:45 +0000 http://simongriffiths.name/?p=128#comment-7576 Hi Simon, I bought the watch a few weeks ago in France, in Belgium you can't find them. I looked for the producer, Canaltoys, and I found out that it is a company based in China. It's written on their site that they work together with some organisations in France to make sure their product is good enough for Europe. For the moment, I didn't have the time to put a little movie on it, but with music it works well. If you have complains, I think you better make contact with Cartoon Network, they gave the opportunity to this firm to create products under their name. I belief Cartoon Network can't use this kind of publicity. I hope with this information you can do something. As I said before, the one I bought works very well at the moment, so I now will search out if mp4 is playable with this watch, if not, I can always adress a letter to the European organisation of customers. I know, in Belgium you can't sell things with information with which you can't work. Then the company has to refund the product. I hope the best for everyone who bought this watch, that your problems may be solved. Hi Simon,
I bought the watch a few weeks ago in France, in Belgium you can’t find them. I looked for the producer, Canaltoys, and I found out that it is a company based in China. It’s written on their site that they work together with some organisations in France to make sure their product is good enough for Europe. For the moment, I didn’t have the time to put a little movie on it, but with music it works well. If you have complains, I think you better make contact with Cartoon Network, they gave the opportunity to this firm to create products under their name. I belief Cartoon Network can’t use this kind of publicity. I hope with this information you can do something. As I said before, the one I bought works very well at the moment, so I now will search out if mp4 is playable with this watch, if not, I can always adress a letter to the European organisation of customers. I know, in Belgium you can’t sell things with information with which you can’t work. Then the company has to refund the product.
I hope the best for everyone who bought this watch, that your problems may be solved.

]]> By: Frank http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/comment-page-1/#comment-7318 Frank Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:48:48 +0000 http://simongriffiths.name/?p=128#comment-7318 Simon and everyone, I just bought this watch today for my son at target for $19.98 on special and now know why. Some of your comments ring so true that they are scary. If I had paid full retail for this I would take it back and demand an apology. As it is even for $20 it is a push. Thankyou for the 2 extra videos I found off this site. Simon and everyone,

I just bought this watch today for my son at target for $19.98 on special and now know why. Some of your comments ring so true that they are scary. If I had paid full retail for this I would take it back and demand an apology. As it is even for $20 it is a push. Thankyou for the 2 extra videos I found off this site.

]]> By: admin http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/comment-page-1/#comment-6730 admin Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:23:32 +0000 http://simongriffiths.name/?p=128#comment-6730 On my sons you have to hold down the play button for about 5 seconds. When you release it there is a delay of a few seconds before you see anything happening. I guess the only other thing it could be is it needs charging or take it back and get a refund. If you payed the same as me you are almost half way to an iPod Touch (they are often available on Apples refurb store for about $200)! My advise would be to get that and put some Ben10 videos on it to keep the kids happy. When they see the games on there too, they'll forget about the watch (my 6yo did at least). On my sons you have to hold down the play button for about 5 seconds. When you release it there is a delay of a few seconds before you see anything happening.
I guess the only other thing it could be is it needs charging or take it back and get a refund. If you payed the same as me you are almost half way to an iPod Touch (they are often available on Apples refurb store for about $200)! My advise would be to get that and put some Ben10 videos on it to keep the kids happy. When they see the games on there too, they’ll forget about the watch (my 6yo did at least).

]]> By: Michelle http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/comment-page-1/#comment-6712 Michelle Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:00:40 +0000 http://simongriffiths.name/?p=128#comment-6712 Hi Simon and others.. I too have had all the problems with the MP4 player. Though I have one other, how do you turn it on???? Holding down the play button doesnt seem to work and the instructions on the CD don't help... Thank you Michelle Hi Simon and others..

I too have had all the problems with the MP4 player. Though I have one other, how do you turn it on???? Holding down the play button doesnt seem to work and the instructions on the CD don’t help…

Thank you
Michelle

]]> By: cathy http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/comment-page-1/#comment-6698 cathy Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:23:06 +0000 http://simongriffiths.name/?p=128#comment-6698 Thanks Simon, Actually figured it out myself after spending all morning at it. I have 1.8 screen watch, and can't get screen to full screen, any suggestions? Weather in Northern Ireland is not too bad, only had a drop of snow one day before xmas, we didn't have it as bad as England and Scotland. Thanks Simon,

Actually figured it out myself after spending all morning at it.

I have 1.8 screen watch, and can’t get screen to full screen, any suggestions?

Weather in Northern Ireland is not too bad, only had a drop of snow one day before xmas, we didn’t have it as bad as England and Scotland.

]]> By: admin http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/comment-page-1/#comment-6693 admin Sat, 02 Jan 2010 13:57:56 +0000 http://simongriffiths.name/?p=128#comment-6693 I have just sent an email to a group that I think must be the distributors of this watch here in Australia at least. I won't put their name in here now just in case they aren't but for your information the email reads as follows: - "Hello, Could you tell me if you are the distributors of the Ben10 MP4 Video Watch? I am currently ranked highly in Google for that product having given it the poor review it so deserves. I am looking for the manufacturer and distributors so that they can answer the questions and complaints that are coming into my blog, and at least offer people a refund/place to get instructions/system software should they want it. I guess at this point you are wondering why there is such a problem with this, as I'm sure you don't test each product personally. I guess that the starting point is that the "Ben10 MP4 Video Watch" doesn't actually play mp4's, there are no instructions in the box, the supplied CD can't be used in slot loading CD drives, the software is Windows only (and there is no warning about that on the box), the software doesn't actually work on the windows machine I tried it on (which means you have to try to find a legitimate conversion program without downloading some malware into your system), the speakers I don't think can actually be described as speakers, and getting files on and off it is a nightmare (corrupts the system software frequently). I hope this sums up the feelings of the readers of my blog. I will publish a copy of this email without showing your address for their comment. If this isn't you please let me know. Unfortunately I am sending this to you as the website for http://www.canaltoys.fr/ has been under construction for at least 6 months, and their email canaltoys@canaltoys.fr does not work either. So my only other hope is to go to the chains that supply these to customers and to ask them to contact the distributors which I guess will force a recall. Thanks Simon Griffiths http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/" I have just sent an email to a group that I think must be the distributors of this watch here in Australia at least. I won’t put their name in here now just in case they aren’t but for your information the email reads as follows: -

“Hello,

Could you tell me if you are the distributors of the Ben10 MP4 Video Watch? I am currently ranked highly in Google for that product having given it the poor review it so deserves. I am looking for the manufacturer and distributors so that they can answer the questions and complaints that are coming into my blog, and at least offer people a refund/place to get instructions/system software should they want it.

I guess at this point you are wondering why there is such a problem with this, as I’m sure you don’t test each product personally. I guess that the starting point is that the “Ben10 MP4 Video Watch” doesn’t actually play mp4′s, there are no instructions in the box, the supplied CD can’t be used in slot loading CD drives, the software is Windows only (and there is no warning about that on the box), the software doesn’t actually work on the windows machine I tried it on (which means you have to try to find a legitimate conversion program without downloading some malware into your system), the speakers I don’t think can actually be described as speakers, and getting files on and off it is a nightmare (corrupts the system software frequently).

I hope this sums up the feelings of the readers of my blog. I will publish a copy of this email without showing your address for their comment.

If this isn’t you please let me know. Unfortunately I am sending this to you as the website for http://www.canaltoys.fr/ has been under construction for at least 6 months, and their email canaltoys@canaltoys.fr does not work either. So my only other hope is to go to the chains that supply these to customers and to ask them to contact the distributors which I guess will force a recall.

Thanks
Simon Griffiths
http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/“

]]> By: admin http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/comment-page-1/#comment-6689 admin Sat, 02 Jan 2010 13:19:44 +0000 http://simongriffiths.name/?p=128#comment-6689 I can help you on this one. You need to have your music files as mp3 then just put them in the root directory of the watch. I thought there would be a folder specifically for music, but all you need to do is put them in the same area as the TIME.DAT and SETTINGS.DAT files (the first folder you open to get into the watch). Hope this helps. It is worth mentioning that I have the 1.8 inch screen watch. I believe that there has been various versions in the UK which may not be the same. They probably all work in a similar manner though, as I can't imagine they can buy an older processor than the one they have bought to make these dodgy watches! Hope you aren't too snowed in there! Just spoken to my sister in Nottingham and she says its -6C and snowing! I'm in Brisbane Australia by the way, so its 11.20 at night and about 25C still! I can help you on this one. You need to have your music files as mp3 then just put them in the root directory of the watch. I thought there would be a folder specifically for music, but all you need to do is put them in the same area as the TIME.DAT and SETTINGS.DAT files (the first folder you open to get into the watch). Hope this helps.

It is worth mentioning that I have the 1.8 inch screen watch. I believe that there has been various versions in the UK which may not be the same. They probably all work in a similar manner though, as I can’t imagine they can buy an older processor than the one they have bought to make these dodgy watches!

Hope you aren’t too snowed in there! Just spoken to my sister in Nottingham and she says its -6C and snowing! I’m in Brisbane Australia by the way, so its 11.20 at night and about 25C still!

]]> By: cathy http://simongriffiths.name/2009/07/29/ben10-mp4-video-watch-review/comment-page-1/#comment-6688 cathy Sat, 02 Jan 2010 11:51:25 +0000 http://simongriffiths.name/?p=128#comment-6688 Hi there, Can anyone tell me if they have had any sucess putting music on this device, because I am struggling to work it out and my son keeps asking me is it done yet? Please help. Hi there,

Can anyone tell me if they have had any sucess putting music on this device, because I am struggling to work it out and my son keeps asking me is it done yet?

Please help.

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