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Wireless media player or HDD player?
p4c_m4n
02-09-2007
Hello All,

I recently purchased a Freecom 350 Wan to basically play divx files via my TV. The wireless facility was next to useless for transferring data via NDAS. Essentially it was a HDD in a box. Anyway to cut a long story short it packed in and got lost (mmm ) in the post room at work during RMA so I need a replacement.

I’ve seen quite a few streaming wireless devices for playing divx etc via a TV but are any of these any good, or do you need a dedicated HDD in them (most don’t seem to have this facility)? The only wireless kit I have is a netgear DG834G router so I dont know if I need to go out and purchase various kit to operate a streaming media player?

Any recommendations please?
the pie stalker
02-09-2007
why don't you get something similar to an archos, or one of the cheap chinese dvd player that are DIVX compatible and link the two together vis the USB? its cheap and cheerful and it works.....
p4c_m4n
02-09-2007
Originally Posted by the pie stalker:
“why don't you get something similar to an archos, or one of the cheap chinese dvd player that are DIVX compatible and link the two together vis the USB? its cheap and cheerful and it works.....”


I really cant be bothered with dvd's anymore. Too much storage and messing about burning etc.
Sulphur Man
10-09-2007
Youre singing from my hymn sheet.

My lounge is starting to look like Blockbuster, so Im about to repurpose a SFF HP dc7100 desktop with 2 x 500Gb drives and uPnP software, to act as a DivX and MP3 NAS.

I want to watch my content upstairs on an LCD, bu I'm not relying on wireless connectivity, as there is conveniently located power sockets, so will use powerline for a more consistent connection and a degree of HD performance. But am slightly concerned about the mixed responses of media players at the moment, such as the Netgear EVA8000, which seems the pick of the bunch.
GDK
10-09-2007
Both PS3 and XBox360 will act as media players and may suit your needs if you're looking for HD on disc and also enjoy computer games. You'd have to check the details of which formats and media library sharing they support. e.g. Both will access a Windows Media Player 11 library under Windows XP or Vista, but may not handle Divx. Neither can handle an iTunes library (Apple being proprietry again). PS3 handles DLNA libraries (which some NASs offer).

I've tried it myself with a PC and PS3 over a home WiFi network. Wifi's not really good enough for SD video via a router/access point, let alone HD. OK for audio though. I'm thinking of running cables to sort out my problems with video.
PhilipM
10-09-2007
Originally Posted by GDK:
“I'm thinking of running cables to sort out my problems with video.”

Look into using a LAN over powerline solution. I use HomePlug adapters from Devolo and they've never given me any grief (unlike frickin' wireless). There are some very fast versions available now. No need to run cables, though they are expensive (£100 or so for a pair)

For the OP, Here's a brief roundup of media playback devices I'm aware of:

Archos Series 5: Plays back HD through component output. Records SD (don't think it can record HD). Contains harddrive, wireless streaming possible. Looks like it has a good TV guide system. Needs a separate base station to enable recording, TV output and TV guide. Portable! About £200

Chipped Xbox1 with media center: Can take big hard drives, and stream over wired network. SD output only. No recording. I have one of these and it's niiiice! Haven't even played a game on it since upgrading!

Neuros OSD: Can interface with memory cards, USB storage devices (including hard drives), network connection. Records to MP4. Open source, but sucky composite output only, unfortunately. £130(?)

Lifebox: Basically a USB hard drive that can play stuff back on your telly. Starting at £150 for about 180Gig (I think). Available from Maplins.


BTW, are there any devices like this that can record HD?
Thegaffer1
10-09-2007
I bought a Neodigits Helios x3000 last year. I stream all my movies to it through wireless streaming and it works a treat. No more burning discs....sweet.

Check out the link below on a few of there products.

http://www.helios-labs.com/us/products/index.shtml
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