Hey all, I've read other threads discussing video formats on other Pioneer models but none specifically about the new z150.  Maybe I can get a headstart.

I've been playing with the z150's video playback capabilities.  Specifically, I'm using an SD card with video files.  According to the manual, the max resolution is 400x240 for ANY video file on the SD card.  And, of course, the only way I can get any video to play on the SD card is to follow the manual and convert all videos to 400x240.

Has this always been a limitation of Pioneer units?  The video just looks terrible, even maxing out the bitrate to 2.5mbs, because of the poor resolution.  The screen on the z150 is 800x480.

I was just hoping someone would tell me that the manual's max resolution is just a placeholder and that it's possible to create larger resolution files.  I'm blown away by the fact that the max resolution is so low on a flagship model.

i cant even get videos to play even after changing to 400x240 yet..    what encoder software are you using?

I'm using Handbrake. Setting it to 400x240, with mp4 as the container and MPEG-4 as the compression (under the 'video' tab). Also set the bitrate to 2200kbps. Lastly, I think the audio has to be set to AAC when using mp4 as the format.

Can I use my mac to make my videos or do I need to use my other laptop with windows?

I believe they have a Mac version of Handbrake. It's a free program and works great, just from the short time I've used it.

Thanks for the help, now I just need to find the right combo also. I put twenty music videos on my SD card in what I thought was the same way and only one was readable!

I'm really disappointed by the limited playback resolution on the Z-150.  Why does their "flagship" unit have a much, much lower playback resolution than the X8500BHS?

The X8500BHS supports 720p video resolution and 8 Mbps bitrate...

It is by far my biggest complaint. You can't even play a video that is the same resolution as the screen itself. I don't understand.

To be honest, it seems like the Z-series isn't where the new development for Pioneer is focused.  Sure they tweaked the interface a little, but the AVH-X8500BHS (and the P8400BH before it) seem to be where all the new features are added, etc.

Anyways, I was thinking about switching to Kenwood (DNX890HD) for Garmin navigation but it doesn't even support media playback from an SD card.  Sigh.

I really do love my AVH-X8500BHS but AppRadio is a bit of a pain and I'd rather have HU Navi so I can do split-screen video, etc.

Damn Guys I gotta admit I aint too pleased with the quality even off the Dvd Player of the z150bh.  I mean damn we spend a lot money on it hoping its good quality. My advice for you guys out there reading this I would probably lean towards more to go buy AVH-X8500BHS  then also buy the navi add on avic-U and you guys would probably have better head units than our z150 HAHA HAHA no seriously ..

The low res video playback capabilities have been like that (piss poor) since the Z110BT. 

Damn Guys I gotta admit I aint too pleased with the quality even off the Dvd Player of the z150bh.  I mean damn we spend a lot money on it hoping its good quality. My advice for you guys out there reading this I would probably lean towards more to go buy AVH-X8500BHS  then also buy the navi add on avic-U and you guys would probably have better head units than our z150 HAHA HAHA no seriously ..

Seriously...the 8500 allows 1280x720 videos to be played from the SD card.  We get 400x240.  Unbelievable.

And not to mention, the 8500 lets you completely control Siri from the iPhone via Bluetooth.  We don't.

What's the specs on the 8500 screen res? The previous Zs can play 640x360 but are limited to 1Mb/s bitrate.

8500 has the same screen resolution as the z150, 800x480.

The 8500 can decode MPEG-4 video files from the SD card at 1280x720, up to 8mbps. Granted, if I had this option, I would encode files at the native 800x480. 1280x720 is a little overkill for that screen.

The "flagship" z150 can decode MPEG-4 at 400x240, up to 2.5mbps.

I'm trying to figure out how, if at all, the z150 is superior to an 8500 with the add-on nav.

Yea, why is the playable formats so much versatile from DVD than sd ? Am I correct that usb requires the same nitpicky formatting as ad? If so I will not buy the usb adapter interface...

Unfortunately, the USB is the same as the SD according to the manual, 400x240 max resolution.

I haven't tested USB personally though.

Is the Z150 only support .MP4 format?? What about .MPG or .MKV?? Anyone tried?

It can play a few formats.  AVI XVID format is what I use. 

Hi guys. Im new to the site. I stumbled apone it last night while looking for info on a AVIC Z150BH. I just put a deposit down for the AVIC Z150BH yesterday Saturday 15th and then i read about the video quality.

Should i get the Avic Z150 BH or the AVH 8500BHS with navigation? Whats the difference between the two other than navigation. Could somebody with one of these units please let me know which to get as the guy is calling in my order on Monday and i still have time to switch today.