Please recommend media player

iggy

Right I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to media players.
Basically I'm looking for something to play all my avi and mkv files through my TV.
I'm thinking of the WD Hd Live player.

Would this do everything I need?

Do I have to plug my external hard drive into the player or can I pit files directly onto the player.

Santa is getting this for me so just wanna make sure I get a decent one.

Thanks

cruizer22b

Im also thinking about the WD Hd Live player. Then I spotted this which looks decent.

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=891#collect

iggy

cruizer22b wrote: »

Im also thinking about the WD Hd Live player. Then I spotted this which looks decent.

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=891#collect

Looks good but cant find one on a European site, might be US only atm.

iggy

Anyone else?

Fazer6

Hi Iggy.

I'm not familiar with this new WD media player. For what it's worth, I have the WD media player (Mark 1) for just about two years now. I couldn't fault it at all.
Plug in an external HDD and away you go. Easy peasy.

Fazer6.

iggy

Fazer6 wrote: »

Hi Iggy.

I'm not familiar with this new WD media player. For what it's worth, I have the WD media player (Mark 1) for just about two years now. I couldn't fault it at all.
Plug in an external HDD and away you go. Easy peasy.

Fazer6.

Yea I was looking at the WD HD tv 1080i mini player but neither this one or yours play mkv files.

superleedsdub

iggy wrote: »

Yea I was looking at the WD HD tv 1080i mini player but neither this one or yours play mkv files.

I saw the WDTV mini on display the other day , has no HDMI connection...

I have the WDTV live - it is an excellent piece of Kit, plays anything i`ve thrown at it (MKV etc.). It doesn`t store files locally but has 2 USB ports to hook up external hard drives.

I was also looking at the WDTV live hub as I want a second media player for the bedroom, also need a new hard drive so it suits both needs.....

iMax

Really depends what you want out of it. Popcorn hour is excellent (if expensive), Apple TV & Mac Mini, are both excellent (with individual +/-). The WD unit is great.

I'm selling amedia player/streamer on adverts. Has wireless/wired network, upscaling to 1080 2 x USB HDMI & Scart & optical audio. It also fits exactly with your other AV gear (17" wide) so is very partner friendly. You can stream direct from your computer or attach a hard drive & you can even use it as a PVR if you have a TV card in your PC. Looking for a quick sale on it so am open to offers.

Once you start using them though they become very addictive & will change the way you watch TV/Movies etc.

dixiefly

superleedsdub wrote: »

I saw the WDTV mini on display the other day , has no HDMI connection...

I have the WDTV live - it is an excellent piece of Kit, plays anything i`ve thrown at it (MKV etc.). It doesn`t store files locally but has 2 USB ports to hook up external hard drives.

I was also looking at the WDTV live hub as I want a second media player for the bedroom, also need a new hard drive so it suits both needs.....

How does the WDTV Live compare with Boxee and Popcorn Hour? Because I dont know much about them I am more inclined to go for a media player that is pretty robust performance wise.

superleedsdub

dixiefly wrote: »

How does the WDTV Live compare with Boxee and Popcorn Hour? Because I dont know much about them I am more inclined to go for a media player that is pretty robust performance wise.

I read a great review for the popcorn hour in Home Cinema Choice last year but I think it was expensive (around €300)
http://hcc.techradar.com/blogs/team+hcc/its+popcorn+hour+reviews+archive+20+06+09


Not sure about boxee as it has only just been released, but hearing good things about it.

What exactly will you be using the media player for?
i.e. is it just for playing media files on your tv?
Do you need networkablility (is that even a word)?
What type of files will you be playing?
Do you have a HD ready tv?

http://hcc.techradar.com/reviews/new_reviews/exclusive+unboxing+preview+western+digital+adds+networking+wdtv+13+10+09

iggy

Dabs.ie seem to have the hub in stock. Not bad price €205 delivered


http://www.dabs.ie/products/western-digital-wd-tv--live-hub--1tb-77H8.html

superleedsdub

iggy wrote: »

Dabs.ie seem to have the hub in stock. Not bad price €205 delivered


http://www.dabs.ie/products/western-digital-wd-tv--live-hub--1tb-77H8.html

mmmmm - very tempted......:-)

iggy

iggy wrote: »

Dabs.ie seem to have the hub in stock. Not bad price €205 delivered


http://www.dabs.ie/products/western-digital-wd-tv--live-hub--1tb-77H8.html

Sod it I ordered one. 3 left in stock now and 1 coming in 1-2 weeks

iggy

none left in stock now. Thankfully I ordered mine.

0 in stock
30 due in 3-4 weeks

dixiefly

superleedsdub wrote: »

I read a great review for the popcorn hour in Home Cinema Choice last year but I think it was expensive (around €300)
http://hcc.techradar.com/blogs/team+hcc/its+popcorn+hour+reviews+archive+20+06+09


Not sure about boxee as it has only just been released, but hearing good things about it.

What exactly will you be using the media player for?
i.e. is it just for playing media files on your tv?
Do you need networkablility (is that even a word)?
What type of files will you be playing?
Do you have a HD ready tv?

http://hcc.techradar.com/reviews/new_reviews/exclusive+unboxing+preview+western+digital+adds+networking+wdtv+13+10+09

I would probably be using it to play a variety of media files and movies.

I would also like to use RTE Player / BBC iPlayer though that may not be possible.

I do have a HD ready TV

I am also interested in using it in other ways that I may not be aware of myself at the moment.

Thanks

dunleas

i have the popcorn A100 recently having issues with it so i've ordered a 1TB LaCinema HD Classic 180 euros including delivery from Amazon. I wasn't prepared to spent nearly 300 on the new popcorn incl HDD. Will let you know how i get on shortly.

kopkidda

dunleas wrote: »

i have the popcorn A100 recently having issues with it so i've ordered a 1TB LaCinema HD Classic 180 euros including delivery from Amazon. I wasn't prepared to spent nearly 300 on the new popcorn incl HDD. Will let you know how i get on shortly.

Does this player come with the hard drive?and how much is postage to Ireland?

iggy

iggy wrote: »

Dabs.ie seem to have the hub in stock. Not bad price €205 delivered


http://www.dabs.ie/products/western-digital-wd-tv--live-hub--1tb-77H8.html

Received this today. It's a Xmas present but I'm goin try get it looked at to make sure it works

dunleas

kopkidda wrote: »

Does this player come with the hard drive?and how much is postage to Ireland?

130 plus 20 pp sterling with a 1TB HDD

dunleas

iggy wrote: »

Received this today. It's a Xmas present but I'm goin try get it looked at to make sure it works

Very nice WD have good products.

dunleas

ok i got the LaCie HD Classic so far so good.Easy setup upgrades to new firmware on startup. Plays all file types, sound is great and picture quaility is fab. Very pleased so far excellent product.

iggy

I havemessed around with the WD Hub. It plays every file I threw at it so far. I have a wireless dongle too so I can transfer my files from my PC to the hub and it saves them in the internal storage.

It's pretty cool so far

smithy1981

I was going to purchase http://www.dabs.ie/products/western-digital-wd-tv--live-hub--1tb-77H8.html until i seen a similar product on pixmania at a cheaper price. Is there much of a difference between the two units?

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/2350686/art/lacie/lacinema-classic-1-tb-ext.html

dunleas

smithy1981 wrote: »

I was going to purchase http://www.dabs.ie/products/western-digital-wd-tv--live-hub--1tb-77H8.html until i seen a similar product on pixmania at a cheaper price. Is there much of a difference between the two units?

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/2350686/art/lacie/lacinema-classic-1-tb-ext.html

I can only comment on LaCie, i note this model is not full HD which may or may not be an issue for you. Also with LaCie you will not have access to internet radio, i think this is standard on the WD.

smithy1981

dunleas wrote: »

I can only comment on LaCie, i note this model is not full HD which may or may not be an issue for you. Also with LaCie you will not have access to internet radio, i think this is standard on the WD.

Thanks, yeah i noticed it wasn't HD last night and ordered the WD one. Gonna fill it up and give it to my da for xmas, he'll be delighted if it can access internet radio on it too, cheers.

Spinnaker

Im new to media players and interested in the WD LIVE TB HUB.

A main need however is to 'rent' and/or buy movies on demand via the hub. Has to be simple enough for 'her indoors' to execute with no fuss. Indications however that any such features are a bit US-centric .e.g blockbuster/netflix only? Am I missing somjething ?

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/homeentertainment/mediaplayers/

GarMani

iggy wrote: »

Dabs.ie seem to have the hub in stock. Not bad price €205 delivered


http://www.dabs.ie/products/western-digital-wd-tv--live-hub--1tb-77H8.html

I'm looking for one and currently leaning towards this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elements-Play-2TB-Multimedia-Drive/dp/B00485HNW6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1292244765&sr=1-6

£139.34, 2 Terabytes and it plays MKV files.

GarMani

GarMani wrote: »

I'm looking for one and currently leaning towards this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elements-Play-2TB-Multimedia-Drive/dp/B00485HNW6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1292244765&sr=1-6

£139.34, 2 Terabytes and it plays MKV files.

But they could'nt get it to me before mid-end January so I cancelled and bought a Lacie 1TB one from Irish-based memoryc.com for approx €166. Haven't used it yet, but I'm disappointed with getting half the capacity for the same price.

dpaulod

Hi,
I have been using the 02 Nexus 500 for 6 months it seems to play everything
you throw at it including mkv4.1 after software upgrade

http://www.o2media.es/en/nexus500

Regards
Paul.

Fat_Fingers

Spinnaker wrote: »

Im new to media players and interested in the WD LIVE TB HUB.

A main need however is to 'rent' and/or buy movies on demand via the hub. Has to be simple enough for 'her indoors' to execute with no fuss. Indications however that any such features are a bit US-centric .e.g blockbuster/netflix only? Am I missing somjething ?

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/homeentertainment/mediaplayers/

Renting and buying (from your sitting room) movies and shows in Ireland i think your only option is Apple TV

GarMani

I bought a Lacie 1TB one from Irish-based memoryc.com for approx €166.

I WHOLLY REGRET BUYING THIS MULTIMEDIA DRIVE FROM THIS SUPPLIER.

As I was moving abroad, I didn't use the drive for a few weeks after its arrival. I discovered multiple faults with the drive on its first use (which I could list if anyone wants), but the supplier refused a refund, insisting it should be a warranty repair instead, as I was supposed to test it and return it immediately if there was a problem.

I argued that the goods were not reasonably fit for purchase intended, as it would be quicker and less frustrating to search through my substantial cd and dvd collection, find the disc, insert it into cd or dvd player, wait for it to load and press play than to use this device.

My friend, who is normally on the ball regarding electronics and home entertainment in particularly recommended it. I will not be purchasing Lacie products again or anything from memoryc.com again. I hope nobody has repeated my mistake based on my purchase. APOLOGIES

emo72

hey lads, i have been using a WDTV player for a few years now with no hassles. but lately i have tried to play a few mkv videos on it and it has crashed the player. a quick google leads me to believe that the machine cant cope with new type files. and there wont be any more firmware updates for new formats either. bugger!:mad:

so i have a couple of terrabytes of harddrives of hd content and would need a new player. so can anyone point me to a new player that doesnt have built in storage?

and maybe the ability to connect wirelessly to the net too? failing that just the hd playback?

i dont recognise any of the new players/brands. im totally confused about what does what nowadays.

someone help a brother out?

PogMoThoin

emo72 wrote: »

hey lads, i have been using a WDTV player for a few years now with no hassles. but lately i have tried to play a few mkv videos on it and it has crashed the player. a quick google leads me to believe that the machine cant cope with new type files. and there wont be any more firmware updates for new formats either. bugger!:mad:

so i have a couple of terrabytes of harddrives of hd content and would need a new player. so can anyone point me to a new player that doesnt have built in storage?

and maybe the ability to connect wirelessly to the net too? failing that just the hd playback?

i dont recognise any of the new players/brands. im totally confused about what does what nowadays.

someone help a brother out?

Although a little on the expensive side, the Boxee Box plays absolutely everything in 1080p, ticks all boxes for you too.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056080740
http://www.amazon.co.uk/D-Link-Boxee-Digital-Media-Player/dp/B0043EV3MS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=computers&qid=1306744239&sr=8-1

Voodu Child

emo72 wrote: »

hey lads, i have been using a WDTV player for a few years now with no hassles. but lately i have tried to play a few mkv videos on it and it has crashed the player. a quick google leads me to believe that the machine cant cope with new type files. and there wont be any more firmware updates for new formats either. bugger!:mad:

The problem is MKV header compression (or header stripping), but it is easily fixed by remuxing with compression turned off. It only takes a few minutes.

Download MKVToolnix here : http://www.bunkus.org/videotools/mkvtoolnix/downloads.html

Then use MKVMergeGUI to remux the video with compression turned off. It is drag and drop - bring the video into the input window, then just confirm in the extra options tab that compression is turned off and click 'start muxing'.

In future just use MediaInfo to check new MKVs and see if they have been encoded with header compression. Most encoders know that it breaks compatibility so they don't use it.

emo72

Voodu Child wrote: »

The problem is MKV header compression (or header stripping), but it is easily fixed by remuxing with compression turned off. It only takes a few minutes.

Download MKVToolnix here : http://www.bunkus.org/videotools/mkvtoolnix/downloads.html

Then use MKVMergeGUI to remux the video with compression turned off. It is drag and drop - bring the video into the input window, then just confirm in the extra options tab that compression is turned off and click 'start muxing'.

In future just use MediaInfo to check new MKVs and see if they have been encoded with header compression. Most encoders know that it breaks compatibility so they don't use it.

thanks voodu, i will have a look at remuxing. more time spent in front of a screen:( the missus will be thrilled:D

banquo

After getting the Boxee Box, I can't recommend it enough. Plays everything and I can't imagine a less fiddly local storage / streaming media player. Really superb stuff.

GarMani

I'm finding my 2TB IOmega Director loads better (and €30 cheaper) than my 1TB Lacie one. However it is still very slow and frustrating. It can take ages to load a big menu and the icons don't show many characters of the filename, so you may have to wait ages to figure the difference between similarly named files. Either the processing electronics are crap or the software is designed by idiots or both. A first year student of a computer programming course would do a better job. Have they not heard of buffering? Cache memory?