Watch and learn: DVD on Wii how-to video
The actual process is so simple – and the results, even for a first release, so impressive – that we're boggled by the fact that Nintendo hasn't simply added this functionality to the Disc Channel as part of a system update. It's a matter of downloading a small file, a hombrew video player, copying them to an SD card, and using the Homebrew Channel (a guide to installing which we've posted about previously) to apply a two-second patch. Keep reading after the break for our full impressions.
Once it's up-and-running, you can pop into the Mplayer app from the Homebrew Channel, put any video DVD in the drive, and voila – you're watching a DVD on a game console. Crazy, huh? The video quality is good, although we've found that Mplayer drops frames during more action-packed scenes in order to keep the film's audio in sync. You can disable frame dropping, but your audio and video will exist in separate time zones. There's definitely a lot of tidying up of the UI that can be done, but again, this is a first effort and Mplayer is in continual development.
We have a full rundown on the playback controls in our video; our compatriots at Wii Fanboy have put together a step-by-step gallery detailing the process of installing the Homebrew Channel and getting the necessary DVD hack files onto an SD card, which you can make with the clicky on above.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Obie @ Aug 13th 2008 7:47PM
I do wonder why anyone would want their Wii to play DVD's, I have a 360, laptop with DVD and a standalone player. I would think the Wii would be a poor choice because of the hassle and lack of upconversion.
But still...nice work!
usagi704 @ Aug 13th 2008 8:12PM
Definitely agree. How many people would really need to use their Wii for this reason when they likely already have multiple devices that can play DVDs? I have 5! PS2 (US), PS2 (JPN), PS3, PC DVD drive, and a standalone DVD player.
ThornedVenom (Harley Quinn Defense Force) @ Aug 13th 2008 8:13PM
Besides the fact that I haven't heard of a good Wii game for a while (maybe that E3 sequence knocked me into amnesia repeatedly), the main reason would be because people love getting more bang for their buck.
Paul @ Aug 13th 2008 8:27PM
A lot of children have a Wii in their play rooms. Having a Wii that plays DVD's would cut down on the amount of devices that you need to work with in the room.
j.howlett @ Aug 13th 2008 8:29PM
my brother and niece just moved and they took the wii and a ps2. it would be great if the wii played dvds so she could watch her movies whenever she wanted.
Obie @ Aug 13th 2008 8:29PM
I guess the Wii's small size would make a nice secondary unit, maybe in a bedroom or something...so I see how it could be handy.
Jason @ Aug 13th 2008 9:11PM
Well, I've always wanted a low resolution DVD player for the sake of nostalgia.
DBuck_Eye @ Aug 13th 2008 9:52PM
I think that's the reason Nintendo hasn't made a DVD-playing Wii. I know I wouldn't use it because the only tv I own that doesn't have a DVD player attached to it is in the exercise room I never use. Plus, I don't really watch DVDs too often.
BananaBoat @ Aug 13th 2008 11:34PM
I think this is more of a homebrew app in the "because I can" category.
shivr @ Aug 13th 2008 7:54PM
I might actually be tempted to do this... since I don't have a DVD player... the frame dropping doesn't sound too promising though...
Gavin @ Aug 13th 2008 8:00PM
Or you could just buy a DVD player....they go for about $20 you cheap bastards.
j.howlett @ Aug 13th 2008 8:32PM
got one of those not to long ago. it worked for about 3 weeks.
Gavin @ Aug 13th 2008 8:38PM
Then you bought the wrong one...hell, I have two from Wal-Mart that I paid $40 for because they play Xvid files. If you can pay $40 for a DVD with that feature, then there is prety much NO reason Nintendo can't bundle that in with the system.
j.howlett @ Aug 13th 2008 8:56PM
it was a gift, and i think it came from walmart or target. but your right it should already be there or they should put it in, along with a way to go online with a wire built in.
Xzyliac @ Aug 13th 2008 9:14PM
Yeah man those things work like ass. I've had three of those cheap DVD players and every time it either ruined my disc or crapped out. Now I use my 360. Lesson? Playing DVDs on a console may actually be worth it! OMFG! Just, ya know, don't buy the system for the DVD player. That's just stupid. But it's not a bad option at all.
Rob Accomando @ Aug 13th 2008 8:02PM
I'm afraid to move my Wii for fear that the I disturb the protective shield of dust.
(hahaha, j/k of course)
ice~ @ Aug 13th 2008 8:13PM
You musnt touch your wii!!! for disturbing the dust will place an everlasting curse upon your soul, let the wii rest in peace...trust me when I turned mine on after a year of hibernation it leaped at me and tried to suck my brain out and turn me into, dare I say it, a casual gamer who thinks wii sports is the ultimate video game!!! noooo
Cody @ Aug 13th 2008 11:38PM
lol....
in all seriousness tho, I find the "Wii growing dust" thing mind boggling. How did that even come about? I find so much shit to play on that thing it's unreal. Plus whether it's playing or not it's still gonna collect dust if you're a dirty bastard.
Foetoid @ Aug 14th 2008 1:46AM
I'm with you cody. Im a picky hardcore gamer and I have 11 Wii games, 12 Gc games and 13 downloaded games, and i refuse to buy shovelware/minigame compilations. Plus i dont even own Galaxy, Brawl, NMH, Mario Kart, Battalion Wars, Gedfather or Geometry Wars. So many many good games on the Wii, i dont see how the collection dust argument can ever be used.
bm @ Aug 14th 2008 8:18AM
You guys obviously don't understand the internet. It's all about truthiness!
Juan @ Aug 13th 2008 8:06PM
Wouldn't Nintendo need to pay royalty fee if it included DVD playback officially on the Wii?
Gavin @ Aug 13th 2008 8:10PM
Yes, and that is how much they care for their customers. They won't even give you a free DVD player with the system becaue they would have to pay for the licensing fees and god forbid Nintendo ever give the customer something for free.
The Fatass of Kickassness @ Aug 13th 2008 8:15PM
I'm pretty sure you have to pay those same royalties simply to have your games on DVD format in the first place.
Jacksons @ Aug 13th 2008 8:39PM
@TFAK
Yep, that would explain why the games are on 'Wii Optical Discs' instead of DVDs.
Jacksons @ Aug 13th 2008 8:40PM
Messed your name up, my bad.
Mr Khan @ Aug 13th 2008 9:21PM
Jacksons is right. That's really the only way Nintendo would have gotten into optical media in the first place: if it was their own format
They didn't have to pay for their MiniDVDs then, and they don't have to pay for their DVDs now. Plus it gets much better encryption that way
deaftly @ Aug 13th 2008 8:29PM
Damn what the hell did I smoke, its 2001?!?!?
Ultimateq @ Aug 13th 2008 9:09PM
As I understand it, because they didn't package dvd playback with it, they are using a laser that is not designed for the continuous reading that dvd playback requires. I do recall reading that using the wii to play DVDs can damage your laser/lens over time.
I do not know how true this is, but I believe it is worth considering.
Mr Khan @ Aug 13th 2008 9:22PM
The person who came up with this has debunked this worry
http://hackmii.com/2008/08/libdi-and-the-dvdx-installer/
look to the 35th comment
Ultimateq @ Aug 13th 2008 9:43PM
Right on. Good to know. Thank you for the information
skoorbian92 @ Aug 13th 2008 9:23PM
i thought they said the wii's disc reader couldn't take the long load times of DVD's...
WRE @ Aug 13th 2008 10:48PM
I can't say that I care about this, but other people might find a use for it.
Jimmyjimjim @ Aug 13th 2008 11:31PM
This proves that there is NO REASON EXCEPT software that Wii can not play DVDs.
To anyone asking "why", I respond "why not?" Maybe I have a Wii in a spare bedroom, motorhome, office, etc, and it would be nice not to have a second dedicated DVD player. Also, what if I want to make a portable Wii system with an attached screen?
There are all kinds of reasons why this is good.
Atr-Slzr-Ctr @ Aug 13th 2008 11:50PM
Make it official with a new firmware update, NINTENDO!!!
theclaw @ Aug 13th 2008 11:58PM
The current Wii model is not certified or licensed as a DVD-compatible device by the DVD Forum.
Therefore, Nintendo cannot legally add DVD movie playback without issuing new hardware. Regardless if it would be possible by software.
Peter @ Aug 14th 2008 2:07AM
I do want DVD playback. Why not? I think it's about time Nintendo stops offering excuses.
Solar @ Aug 14th 2008 7:52AM
This will be awesome once the Wii pointer works on DVD menus! This almost makes me want to install the Homebrew Channel on my Wii.
Mike @ Aug 14th 2008 10:18AM
That's okay. I've got dvd on my PS3 and 360.
Atr-Slzr-Ctr @ Aug 14th 2008 3:59PM
Then take the blue pill...and get the hell out of here!!
Nmaster @ Aug 14th 2008 2:50PM
This is completely unecessary, as everyone has noted, as everyone has another console or DVD player.
However, I'm really glad someone did this just to prove that it could be done via firmware. Now we need a tough reporter to bring this up in an interview with Reggie.
Dirk @ Sep 3rd 2008 2:51PM
I'm going to try it to see if it ignores region codes. I'm sick of my dvd player refusing to play imported dvds. Even windows media player settles on a region code after 5 plays (had to install VLC media player on my computer because of that).
Basically, if it lets me play north american, european and japanese media without judgement, it's not unnecessary at all.