Over the past few days, I have been looking into the Missil Line of Mp4 players. These seem to be popping up in clearance centres and discount stores at reasonable prices. Scouring the Internet seems to indicate that many users are having problems playing the various video file formats that are indicated as being suppported.
The problem with the Missil line of Mp4 media players are that the devices are old. The formats supported by the hardware are those that where popular over 2 years ago. To clarify, many of the current video files available for download like Avi, WMA, MP4, MPEG, all use an internal codec that are more up to date and are not backward compatible. Unless the software or firmware on the Missil MP4 players can be updated to handle the newer codec, these current files cannot be played or even recognized as a valid video file format.
For those using a PC though there is an around about solution.
First Step:
You will need to download and install a file conversion program that can take any currently popular video file format and convert this to a format using an older style video codec. One such converter that I was able to locate for FREE and works well is the Prism Video Converter. The nice thing with this program is it is FREE for non commercial use and integrates into Windows Explorer nicely.
Once installed, you will need to access the video file you would like to convert for use on the Missil MP4 player through Windows Explorer. Then right click on the file and select convert using Prism Video Converter. Once the program loads and indicates the file to convert, you will need to select the type of file format to convert to. The format that works is the Apple AVI format. Before converting to the AVI format, click the Encoder Options.
-
Now select Video Compressor: Microsoft Video 1
- Sound Compressor: PCM Uncompressed
- Sound Format: 44100 Hz, 16 bit, stereo
Now click OK. From here, you can just verify that the output folder indicated is the one you want. Change the folder to a more suitable one if you prefer. Just remember to use a location on drive C: to maintain the conversion speed. Once you are ready to convert the file, press the convert button and wait until the conversion is complete.
At this stage, you are 1 step closer to having a viewable video. Now that you have this video in AVI format, you can convert this over to an AMV file format which is the format recognized as the native format on the Missil MP4 player.
To convert to the AMV format you will use the conversion program supplied to you on the mini CD by Missil called the AMV Converter Tool. Run the file AMVTransform.exe directly from the mini CD or copy the folder to your PC for convenience and run the same file using Windows Explorer. You can also create a shortcut icon by right clicking the same file in Windows Explorer and select create shortcut. Then drag and drop the shortcut file onto your desktop for easy access. Make sure you only create the shortcut file once you have copied the folder and contents over to drive C: first.
Second Step: (Make sure you have your Missil device connected to your computer via USB)
- Launch AMVTransform.exe
- Select the Input File ( In this case – New Order – Perfect Kiss.avi)
- Select Output File ( Just select the same location as the input file.
- Click the button located near the middle of the screen that has the two arrows pointing in the opposite directions. This will start the conversion process.
- Now click the box indicatiing save the file after conversion and select E: as the location in the right hand box. If your Missil MP4 player shows up as a different drive letter than E: then select your appropriate drive letter.
- Once the file has been converted and saved to the Missil, the file should now be playable on the device.
- Disconnect the Missil and follow the onscreen instructions in the video menu.
Now you should be watching the converted video for the first time on your Missil MP4 player.
Enjoy.
If you still experience some issues, just post a comment below with all the details and I will try to assist.
Added Note:
Here is a codec pack for Windows Media Player 10.
http://www.free-codecs.com/FFDshow_download.htm
You will need to unzip the file first before installing.
This should allow newer video files to be recognized for conversion. Make sure you go to settings in the AMV Transformer program and set the proper resolution for your small screen size before conversion. By installing this codec in Windows, you should be able to eliminate step number 1 above altogether.
Also, once you have added the MP4 codec into Windows Media Player 10+, you should be able to sync the files to the Missil directly. Go to SYNC/more options and then click the devices TAB. There you should see the Advanced Options button for more setting adjustments.
If anyone else is successful in using a Missil MP4 media player or another device that supports the SUN Avi format please drop us a line.
Thanks
I have the Missil MP4 8gb touch screen i`ve been loading movies for two months now with little or no problem at all i use Limewire. but i will advise the batteries don`t last you cant watch a full length movie on this device.
Any ideas?
First thing is if you are not recharging the unit overnight, I would recommend you do so. Also connect the unit back to recharge every chance you get.
Here is also a great deal for an external USB battery pack.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13164
$10.87 for a 24000 mAh rechargeable battery.
How are you loading the movies from limewire. I just got the same one just not touchscreen and I can’t figure out how to put the movies on. What program are you using, are you going throught the avi converter, etc. Any advice would be appreciated. I have never put movies on any handheld device before so I don’t know what steps to take first. Thanks
Did you have problems with the instructions on the original post? If so, with what section?
Hi
I am wondering about the Missel mp5 player? I just got one and I cannot figure out how to put my mp4 movies on my new player. Can you give me any suggestions? Thanks
Have you tried the steps outlined above or the instructions that came with the device?
Try that first if you have not. Otherwise you will need to supply details on what your are doing and what problems you are running into before I can suggest any steps.
Thanks
I did download the prisim video converter but I am unsure what to do next. First of all I am having a problem downloading the software from the missil mini disk onto my computer. When I put the disk into my computer there are 2 file folders that show up on the disk itself. One says “cc1600″ and the other is labelled as “MP5-4302-upgrade tool”. Now when I open the first file folder there are 4 documents inside. One is “Jz474_usb”, another is “jz4740_usb.sys”. The other two documents say “usb” and “usb.sys”. Now when I open the ‘Jz474_usb” it opens to a notepad format and reads as the following: ;; Jz4740_usb.inf
;; ********* PLEASE READ ***********
;; The wizard cannot create exact INF files for all buses and device types.
;; You may have to make changes to this file in order to get your device to
;; install. In particular, hardware IDs and logical configurations require
;; intervention.
;;
;; The Windows DDK documentation contains an excellent INF reference.
;——— Version Section —————————————————
[Version]
Signature=”$Windows 95$”
; If device fits one of the standard classes, use the name and GUID here,
; otherwise create your own device class and GUID as this example shows.
Class=NewDeviceClass
ClassGUID={ff646f80-8def-11d2-9449-00105a075f6b}
Provider=%ProviderName%
———-That is only a portion of the file, sorry for taking so much space with my comment/question but I am really greatful for the offer of help or insight. I am also using the windows vista operating system and the internet explorer browser if that helps.
Hi Sam:
Sent private email with details.
Thanks
Success! Thank you for all your technological help. I could not have done it without your advice. Thanks again.
Hi there, I have the same issue as SAM, I got a Missil MP5 8GB but I am unable to play any video into it. The mini CD doen’t seem to come with the software to convert the files. Any advice is appreciated.
thanks and happy new year!!
Hi Mao:
Just do a google search for AMV Transform. There are numerous download sites for an AMV converter program.
Good Luck.
Bob
Hi
I too am having major problems with the missil mp5 player, when i connect to my vista laptop the device is seen for a moment and appears as drive E and F, they then dissapear and I am left with a portable device E an F which is unable to start, is there a driver problem with the vista software, I am trying to connect with the Udrive open on the device as mentioned by other users, as it stands the device is useless if I am unable to transfer media files to it, and I can find no other source for drivers on the internet, your help would me appreciated.
First you will need to try all available USB ports. Sometimes your main USB port may have problems with some devices. If you have already tried all your ports then try using a powered USB hub connected to a USB port in between the computer and the Missil.
Good luck.
I too have an 8GB Missil and I am having no luck reviewing video. I have tried mp4, mpeg, avi and amv files. I have saved in both the Record and VLT folders. With the mpeg and avi files, I can see them, when I double touch the players says “Wait a second”…then in a second it says “success”. But nothing plays. I am at a loss…anyone have any comments/suggestions/thoughts?
Thanks!
I have one of these 8GB Missil players as well and have many problems with them I can load files and play them on the player but part way through the file will freese or just start over. Any ideas ?
I would suggest converting file using an older codex for compatibility. Other than that I cannot say what could be wrong since I do not have the 8 Gig version. Sorry.
Re LIMEWIRE loading movies for MISSIL MP4 player
I also have the no touch 8gb Missil MV-8308 MP4 player… I loaded movies to this unit too… you need to load the disc that came with your unit onto your PC as Bob shows on here… you will see a MP4 Tool device this will convert your movies to play on your unit.
And like the touch screen.. the battery wont last no matter how long you keep it charged
I decided to replace the no name battery with a brand name battery and guess what…Premium brand batteries do make a difference all you do is cut and tape or if you have a small solder gun.. cut wires and solder…You will see longer battery life…
You purchase premium batteries online as long as you use the same Li-ion battery packs with 3.7volt… i uped the mah to 1000 instead of the the 750.
Both units work even better and battery life last longer…
Paul
Paul:
Thank you for your suggestions on improving the battery life. Seems like a lot of work but certainly has benefits in the end.
Bob Katayama