11 replies to this topic

[Recusant]

Hi All,

There doesn't appear to be many threads in here, so there's no content to look through.

Basically, i'm looking for a media player for my sister. In this order, i'm looking at these as the most important 'features'
- File compatibility
- Ease of use
- PVR

And reliability is a factor. These are simple folk who don't want to have to learn new technology in two years should it die

Recommendations with and without PVR would be super!

I have WDTV Live connected to my NAS, but her setup would be much simpler (no NAS). I'm happy with the file compatibility of my WDTV, but there's three reasons it's not my preference for my sister:
1. It's not an "all in one" (i'd have to plug an HDD into it - more bits - she hates "bits" )
2. It doesn't have a PVR
3. All three i've set up in the past annoyingly revert to 720p EVERY TIME it fires up. They all have the latest firmware which hasn't changed for quite a while.

The Astone Media Gear MP-310DT seems like great value at less than $250 delivered, but i'm completely in the dark as to how good it's file compatibility is (i would HATE to back up their DVD collection to it and find that it doesn't work properly and have to change my tool - Handbrake - codec choice - h.264 - container - MKV etc.).  Their site isn't clear to me, as i'm not an expert on such things. I also know nothing of the reputation of the brand.

All advice gratefully received. Thanks.

[dcw]

Recusant, on 11 April 2012 - 06:05 PM, said:

There doesn't appear to be many threads in here, so there's no content to look through.

Yeah.. what happened to all the content in this and other forums? I'm sure it's still there, but how do you enable it for browsing?

[bassett]

Look at Beejay's thread on the Kaleidescape DVD server,  [in the for sale section], In fact at one time he had one for sale.

Further info here     http://www.kaleidescape.com/

[pgdownload]

Media Players are generally poor PVRs and visa versa. By the sounds of it you want a media player more than a PVR?

If not then the BW Lite might be a good buy. Networkable/streams (if desired). Handles MKVs well. Can put files on local disk or external disc. Very reliable.

Regards

Peter Gillespie

[Recusant]

pgdownload, on 12 April 2012 - 02:39 PM, said:

Media Players are generally poor PVRs and visa versa. By the sounds of it you want a media player more than a PVR?

If not then the BW Lite might be a good buy. Networkable/streams (if desired). Handles MKVs well. Can put files on local disk or external disc. Very reliable.

Hiya, i'd say that is a fair assumption (media player > PVR). They don't watch an awful lot of TV. Having said that, if a good player had a basic and sensible PVR, then that would be ideal.

I have a Beyonwiz and i'm happy with it as a PVR, but it didn't read MKVs reliably (very picky if it has multiple audio streams, subtitles and for memory chapters), so i had to get the WDTV which does the job. I'd also question the reliability as i've had two separate units returned (under warranty) with PSU issue. They've been great since though - i suspect the 'old' PSU might have been underspec for the job. The Wiz forum at the time had a lot of people with the issue (for memory).

Edited by Recusant, 12 April 2012 - 09:05 PM.

[murrayt]

Guys

I've frequented this forum for many years and yes the activity these days is minimal. Seems probably that there are enough products out there to satisfy consumers and possibly the "enthusiasts" are satisfied with what they are currently using, and the market for these things has matured.

For PC based PVR functionality I remain a fan of what is now known as TV Scheduler Pro. It just seems to keep on working day in and day out.

For media streamers the Popcornhour series seem to be the best of the crop. Generally reliable, good media compatibility, and good support.

I've used the original A-100, A-110, PC-200 and PC-300. No complaints over a pretty long period.

[Recusant]

bassett, on 12 April 2012 - 02:09 PM, said:

Look at Beejay's thread on the Kaleidescape DVD server,  [in the for sale section], In fact at one time he had one for sale.

Further info here http://www.kaleidescape.com/

I had a quick look, and i have to say - the website is baffling. Bizarrely, it doesn't mention video playback formats!

[Recusant]

murrayt, on 12 April 2012 - 09:28 PM, said:

Guys I've frequented this forum for many years and yes the activity these days is minimal. Seems probably that there are enough products out there to satisfy consumers and possibly the "enthusiasts" are satisfied with what they are currently using, and the market for these things has matured. For PC based PVR functionality I remain a fan of what is now known as TV Scheduler Pro. It just seems to keep on working day in and day out. For media streamers the Popcornhour series seem to be the best of the crop. Generally reliable, good media compatibility, and good support. I've used the original A-100, A-110, PC-200 and PC-300. No complaints over a pretty long period.

I've heard the brand before, but i've never seen them in the shops. For memory, they're a little on the more pricey side. They might be a bit overkill for their needs (and budget). I'll check them out again.

[Recusant]

amppeters, on 13 April 2012 - 10:11 PM, said:

yeah its pretty ok about this forum http://valuespotters.com.au/

I'm sorry, but i don't understand what you've said.

[pgdownload]

amppeters, on 13 April 2012 - 10:11 PM, said:

yeah its pretty ok about this forum

Spam reported.

[Morbid]

I recently bought http://aldi.com.au/a...012-04-23-06-06 at ALDI
I will be taking it back tomorrow.  There is no loop through for the ariel.  Just ariel in, no out.  It is not very user friendly to use.

Topfield, Tivo, and Beyonwiz, dont play 1080p files.  I have been told there is a Samsung unit that does.  I will go looking for it on Monday.

[druid01]

I know its a little late for replies, but for future browsers of this topic i recommend the Tvico 6640n
Its been around for nearly 2 years now, still current model to this day, has mature reliable firmware, twin tuner, hdmi, media hub that plays everything
and can use a internal or external hard drive or no drive at all, and streams from NAS or windows pc flawlessy.

I also own the above mentioned Astone 310 for the bedroom, playback compatabilty is good, PVR side is very clunky and the general user interface
is barebones to say the least, not a professional model in way, also the tuners seem to have tuning issues in later firmware.

But it does what it says on the tin with a little TLC from the user, great for the price but wouldnt recommend for a first time user or sombody that
just likes things simple and intuitive.

Edited by druid01, 21 May 2012 - 02:56 PM.