media appliance

[skd_mrk]

Since I dropped my cable I've been watching more movie on Netflix...however I'm getting kind of sick of sitting at my computer while doing so. Looking at the two following systems as options:

Viewsonic NexTV VMP75
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JQLI9O/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

OR

Western Digital WD TV LIVE Plus
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Media-Player-WDBABX0000NBK-NESN/dp/B003MVZ60I/ref=pd_cp_e_1

I'm disappointed that both of these require an external wifi device or a cable connection. Roku has some cheaper systems which have integrated wifi, but they tend to not support AVI/MPEG content. I have a substantial archive of content that I would like to either stream from my PC or run from an external HD.

Opinions/Thoughts?

 

[Roach]

western digital box hooked up to a NAS -> you win.

I just torrent, my TV has a usb input and a media player built in so theres no hassle..just plug and play really..plays everything except mkv. although I've heard of some firmware mods taht let you play mkv.

 

[Roach]

or get an xbox and use the windows media center thing, works wireles
or just an xbox and hook ur storage up directly to it
or get a laptop with hdmi out..
or get a ps3

there is many routes you can go

 

[Roach]

the western digital box to the nas is the only way i know of right now to paly mkv files tho

 

[skd_mrk]

I have a laptop with HDMI out. I've used it before but I was thinking more of a permanent usage. Plus I was trying to stay in the $100 price range.

 

[thomastronics]

spend the 100$ on some books?

 

[47]

i use playstation to watch netflix. doing the 1 month trial thing, might cut off my cable company. just get a ps3. u get netflix, blu ray, setup network so u dont have to sit on laptop. mad win

 

[dead mike]

I'm skeptical about those media boxes, I had one a few years ago and it didn't work to well. $99 is nice, but I would try using an Xbox360 or PS3 before that.... or an HTPC with XBMC, just gotta get a proper remote and IR thing for it, but that would be a slick setup imo.

 

[skd_mrk]

Yeah but Xbox360 and Ps3 are SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive...I don't game on a console regularly and throwing money at one of those solutions would be a waste. While many BR players have netflix capability I also want to view my 3,000+ avi collection.

 

[B.From.Acc]

i use my PS3, use PS3 Media Server on your computer and select the folder/drive you want to share. can stream anything, HD will need a wired connection though, cause its choppy on wireless.

edit: i hadn't refreshed this page to see what has all been said, yeah they are kinda expensive for just a media hub if you don't game on the console, but they're good BR players too.

 

[47]

[quote1291057160=skd_mrk]
I also want to view my 3,000+ avi collection.
[/quote1291057160]

ya man, thats what i meant by network. consoles can do that. ps3 is like $300 here, so must be like $200 in the US. as far as gaming, i dont really play on the ps3 either. only games like street fighter and ufc, some things are better on consoles.

 

[Roach]

[quote1291059453=skd_mrk]
Yeah but Xbox360 and Ps3 are SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive...I don't game on a console regularly and throwing money at one of those solutions would be a waste. While many BR players have netflix capability I also want to view my 3,000+ avi collection.
[/quote1291059453]

well u can do netflix on xbox and play avis...but if thats too expensive

than just get the western digital box with the NAS, my buddy just set his up and hes really happy with it. dunno exactly how much it cost him for the box though.

 

[OG buckshot jr]

Almost every worthy media player like WD or seagates Freeagent Theatre will require an external hd plugged into it to work.

Worthy of note: check Asus' &quot'Play", I've read good reviews...

 

[Roach]

whats wrong with that? nas->box->tv...how could it get any simpler?

actually my TV makes it more simple. HDD -> TV KAPOW!

 

[Roach]

I have an old xbox360 taht doesnt read discs that im willing to give you skd, if you want.

 

[Hinouchi]

Check out Patriot Box Office Media Player too.

 

[Brains]

Doesnt netflix only have old movies?

 

[LT_Clash]

ive got the WD box, it works great if you plug a harddrive into it for movies and tv shows, it dosnt work very well fr music theres no play all feature, just a play all in foulder, i have my music by album so not very helpfull, id recomend it if you cant aford a media PC to stream to over the network.

 

[dead mike]

apparently these O-plays, WD lives, patriot box offices are all basically the same hardware, i found this thread, I might get the Patriot Box Office myself.

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/patr...deals-thread-45-mir-dec-14-45-shipped-904509/

I've yet to see one of these in action, but I think I might get one myself. I think this may or may not have NAS like capabilities, if not, $45 can't really go wrong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGytUXZK0Zs