Unless you really need the Network side of things, it's far cheaper to get the Western Digital TV too.... plays everything i've thrown at it so far and with minimal fuss!
Nice but I could build a HTPC that would do the same and more than that for less than they're asking, and that's including a Vista license!
I was in a way lucky though as I got a HP Pavillion Slimline from a friend which had a knackered motherboard and managed to get it repaired under an extended HP warranty for free. So after sticking in an Athlon X2 4400+, 500GB IBM Cinemastar hard drive and DVDRW I have the same functionality as this box (minus component video out, although I use DVI to HDMI) plus I can run emulators on the machine too.
Well it sounds very nice - anything that can handle MKVs immediately gets a gold star from me. Unfortunately it's still up around the price tag for a complete HTPC which would be able to play back disc media as well.
Either of the current beefier consoles will do most of this too with the right free software ( PS3 Media Server) on an existing PC. The PS3 plays Bluerays and Rental disks etc without having to rip them first too. They will play games too.
I'm waiting to see what Nintendo will do wit their Wii in this respect. As soon as they role out an upgrade/software to stream media from your internal network they will be tapping into a large userbase v.fast.
Netgear EVA9150 Digital Entertainer Elite
Daniel Owen
18 months on #
Posted Wednesday 27th May 2009 13:49 GMT
And my PCH A-100 is still just as powerful as this. (and cost 1/4 of the cost, albeit because of a strong pound at the time)
The new popcornhour is due soon, and will be even better than this.
Scott Mckenzie
WD TV #
Posted Wednesday 27th May 2009 17:46 GMT
Unless you really need the Network side of things, it's far cheaper to get the Western Digital TV too.... plays everything i've thrown at it so far and with minimal fuss!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001ILFDCK?ie=UTF8&tag=spoavetstu-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B001ILFDCK
Or built a HTPC and do it properly.....
Rob Beard
Nice but... #
Posted Wednesday 27th May 2009 17:46 GMT
Nice but I could build a HTPC that would do the same and more than that for less than they're asking, and that's including a Vista license!
I was in a way lucky though as I got a HP Pavillion Slimline from a friend which had a knackered motherboard and managed to get it repaired under an extended HP warranty for free. So after sticking in an Athlon X2 4400+, 500GB IBM Cinemastar hard drive and DVDRW I have the same functionality as this box (minus component video out, although I use DVI to HDMI) plus I can run emulators on the machine too.
Rob
Neil Daniels
Getting there. #
Posted Wednesday 27th May 2009 17:46 GMT
Well it sounds very nice - anything that can handle MKVs immediately gets a gold star from me. Unfortunately it's still up around the price tag for a complete HTPC which would be able to play back disc media as well.
My Opinion
Standalone on its own #
Posted Wednesday 27th May 2009 21:26 GMT
"...let it operate as a standalone unit all on its own."
And what else may "standalone mean", other than "on its own"?
Tom Unwin
A PS3 or XBOX360 will do it too #
Posted Wednesday 27th May 2009 23:41 GMT
Either of the current beefier consoles will do most of this too with the right free software ( PS3 Media Server) on an existing PC. The PS3 plays Bluerays and Rental disks etc without having to rip them first too. They will play games too.
Tom
Re: Getting there #
Posted Wednesday 27th May 2009 23:44 GMT
"Well it sounds very nice - anything that can handle MKVs immediately gets a gold star from me. "
Looking at the netgear site I see " MKV (with AC3 only) "
That seems like a big limit since MKV can contain almost anything...
With the latest update the WD TV is a much better MKV player, still not perfect though.
Rob
Waiting #
Posted Thursday 28th May 2009 13:07 GMT
I'm waiting to see what Nintendo will do wit their Wii in this respect. As soon as they role out an upgrade/software to stream media from your internal network they will be tapping into a large userbase v.fast.