Digital Media Extenders

Imorrison · 28-11-2008, 17:13

I am looking at buying some of network media extender that will allow me to play files stored on my server on my plasma screen.

My requirement is to be able to play jpeg, mp3, avi (divx & xvid) and vob (for DVDs) with audio output to my 5.1 amplifier via optics.

I have found the ZyXel DMA 1000 and Netgear EVA8000 throgh searches and cannot believe that this is all there is.

I therefore have 2 questions - what is your view on the 2 items that I have found - will they play all the formats I wish (personal experience of these boxes capabilities will be good) and are there more devices that will do what I want out there?

I do not want to use MS Media Extenders as I have issues with Media Centre (it doesn't like my hardware

)

Hopefully some of you have been down this route and will have solid advice for me.

clockworks999 · 28-11-2008, 20:11

Maybe consider a PS3, and get a capable BD player and games console thrown in.

Imorrison · 28-11-2008, 21:20

couple of question on your reply 1) what is a BD player (I am sure it is me being thick) and 2) how will your suggestion allow me to view the files that are stored on the server?

I had also hoped that I would get what I want in a single box, that way I can reduce the existing clutter of a laptop with the output sent to the TV screen using it as an extended monitor.

The other issues using the laptop is that the resolution is not as good as HD, nor do I get sound in 5.1

clockworks999 · 29-11-2008, 06:51

BD = Blu-ray disk. The PS3 is a very good Blu-ray player.

I'm no expert on these things, but the PS3 can play files that are stored on a server. I know that it can play MP3 and DVD rips from a server, not sure about the other formats. It'll do 1080p HD video and 5.1 audio.

Another alternative is a Mac Mini. Smaller and quieter than a PS3, but it only goes up to 1080i. The Mini is basically a Mac laptop with no screen and keyboard, in a smaller box. many people are using them as HTPCs. Has 5.1 optical audio output.

Yet another alternative is a PixelMagic HD-MB100 or 200. The picture and audio quality on these is excellent.

28-11-2008, 17:13	#1
Imorrison Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 84	Digital Media Extenders I am looking at buying some of network media extender that will allow me to play files stored on my server on my plasma screen. My requirement is to be able to play jpeg, mp3, avi (divx & xvid) and vob (for DVDs) with audio output to my 5.1 amplifier via optics. I have found the ZyXel DMA 1000 and Netgear EVA8000 throgh searches and cannot believe that this is all there is. I therefore have 2 questions - what is your view on the 2 items that I have found - will they play all the formats I wish (personal experience of these boxes capabilities will be good) and are there more devices that will do what I want out there? I do not want to use MS Media Extenders as I have issues with Media Centre (it doesn't like my hardware ) Hopefully some of you have been down this route and will have solid advice for me.

28-11-2008, 20:11	#2
clockworks999 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cornwall, UK Posts: 2,014	Maybe consider a PS3, and get a capable BD player and games console thrown in.

28-11-2008, 21:20	#3
Imorrison Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 84	couple of question on your reply 1) what is a BD player (I am sure it is me being thick) and 2) how will your suggestion allow me to view the files that are stored on the server? I had also hoped that I would get what I want in a single box, that way I can reduce the existing clutter of a laptop with the output sent to the TV screen using it as an extended monitor. The other issues using the laptop is that the resolution is not as good as HD, nor do I get sound in 5.1

29-11-2008, 06:51	#4
clockworks999 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Cornwall, UK Posts: 2,014	BD = Blu-ray disk. The PS3 is a very good Blu-ray player. I'm no expert on these things, but the PS3 can play files that are stored on a server. I know that it can play MP3 and DVD rips from a server, not sure about the other formats. It'll do 1080p HD video and 5.1 audio. Another alternative is a Mac Mini. Smaller and quieter than a PS3, but it only goes up to 1080i. The Mini is basically a Mac laptop with no screen and keyboard, in a smaller box. many people are using them as HTPCs. Has 5.1 optical audio output. Yet another alternative is a PixelMagic HD-MB100 or 200. The picture and audio quality on these is excellent.

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Digital Media Extenders