For our tests we set the Audio to RAW and the video display to 4K @ 24Hz. The Zidoo Z9s player features a frame rate detection function, so it will automatically switch to the correct output signal according to the content. At the Video settings section of the player you can also manually set the frame rate of the box, but it is advised to leave it at its default 60Hz setting. The player will automatically select 24, 25 or 50 Hz, depending on the video.

The Zidoo z9S comes with a default player for video playback and folder management. There is no ZDMC pre-installed, so you may download this file and get the ZDMC (based at KODI 17.6).

We performed all our audio and video compatibility tests using the following equipment:

• TV: Panasonic 55CMX710E (4K +3D capable) with the latest firmware installed
• A/V Receiver: Yamaha RX-V775 (7.2 capable) with the latest firmware installed
• Wifi Router: TP-Link VR200 (802ac,b,g,n) with the latest firmware installed

We used various audio and video files available at KODI Wiki. The Zidoo Z9s player was connected through an HDMI cable to our A/V receiver. Below you see the audio playback test results using the default media player:

The Zidoo z9s finished succesfully almost all the HD Audio passthrough tests. We noticed some small issues with specific AAC and LPCM 5.1 audio files, but with most of them we got proper HD Audio passthrough. It seems that in terms of HD audio, this player have you covered.

Video Bitrate tests

For this test we used a video file available in this page. Up to 400Mbps files pushes the player at its limits using all the available connectivity options:

The Zidoo Z9s can handle up to 200Mbs files stored in USB2.0/3.0/e-SATA or from a lan (1Gbit) source. The included dual MIMO antennas are also powerful enough to support wireless playback of up to 160Mbs files.

We are moving on the the read/write tests. Below you see the writing speeds when copying a 716MB file from an external source to the player, using the ES File Explorer:

Obviously, the best performacne came with a LAN connection, with the transfer rate to the player to reach the 27Mbps.

4K Tests H. 264 (AVC)

The overall playback performace of the Zidoo Z9s player was very good with the H.264 video files.

4K Tests H.265 (HEVC - 8 Bit)

The more demadning 4K 8-bit H.265 video files were also flawlessly playbacked by the player.

4K Tests H.265 (HEVC - 10 Bit)

Onc again, the player did it very well in the 10bit HEVC playback tests.

4K VP9 Tests

The 4K VP9 files were also perfectly playable in the Zidoo Z9s.

Other formats

We also tested the player's compatibility with other media formats, and tsaw that the default media player does not support .mov and DivX files. On the other hand, the player had no issues with the DVD-ISO and Blu-Ray ISO files.

Playback of an Ultra HD Blu-Ray folder iso with Java menus was also possible, although the player sometimes responded slowly during playback and had to be rebooted. We also noticed that the Ultra HD Blu-Ray folder subtitles were displayed correctly but we could only change their position on the screen. Of course you can download (automatically) external subtitles in case your movie doens't have any included.

The Zidoo Z9s was also able to output 3D content to our TV.

Benchmark scores

Below you see the player's scores in various benchmarks.

The Antutu software could not start so we got no score from it. On the other hand, the player got a very high score at the AntutuVideo Tester 3.0, hitting the 951 points.

Streaming services

YouTube

By default the player doesn't have a Youtube app pre-installed. You can add it by either downloading the YouTube APK or directly from the Google Store. The player supports up to 4K playback, although the video reproduction was not smooth. Of course, playback of FullHD (1080p) videos was completely supported.

NetFlix

The player doesn't include NetFlix, so we installed Google Play Store and searched for an app, unfortunately without any luck for a compatible vesion. However, you can add Netflix via this page and by downloading this apk file. You will be able to enjoy your Netflix channels but not in HD and UltraHD, obviously due to DRM licencing issues.

Streaming from HBO will not work, and Amazon Prime Video SD (480p) was supported.