This thread began (HOURS AGO!) as simply a list of Media Streamers (similar devices) in the Quick Summary of WDTV LIVE @ Sams Club B&M $95 + tax. But something similar to 'eating a potato chip' occurred (you can't eat just one...) and ever since browsers got tabs, I just kept clicking and reading and clicking and reading...
Personally, I haven't 'officially' joined the HDTV crowd yet. I have a Lifetime TiVo Series 1 (upgraded to 200 hours), 3 Lifetime ReplayTVs (200/160/80 hours) that can stream shows from each other and an ~800GB DVArchive server, and a home network set up where any PC can stream locally stored audio or video files via WinAmp or VLC. My newest PCs are a Dell 400SC (currently down with a HDD crash) and a 'hand-me-down'/beatup Gateway M305CRV laptop (formerly owned and maintained by a non-technical teenager). Basic stuff - even primitive by today's standards. I bought the Sylvania LC195SLX 19" LCD TV several months ago during the Target deal to 'experiment'. I'm currently collecting datasheets and building a spreadsheet on 37" LCD TVs in order to decide which one I should buy (37" is the maximum width for the opening in my Entertainment Center and IMO is big enough, coming from a 27" Panasonic CRT).
I'm considering finally dumping cable and going back to an outdoor antenna (I stocked up on DTV Converter boxes) now that we have digital signals (i.e. go/no-go) and am investigating the FREE content available via the internet. I imagine that there are still a few others in my situation (not particularly interested in HDTV, still happily using analog CRT TVs with cable / satellite / converter boxes) and IMO, for ~$100, these 'new-fangled' Media Streamers look interesting.
I haven't SEARCHed FW to see if someone has already done this, and I still plan to visit the AVS Forums to SEARCH, but, in the interim, here's how I envision this thread:
In the Quick Summary area, there will be an ever-growing list of relevant LINKs for Media Streamers consisting of (for each streamer):
Manufacturer's Home Page
Review sites
Firmware 'hack' sites
TBD...
In the thread proper, FWers will:
Discuss the Media Streamer(s) they own - likes and dislikes
Discuss the Media Streamer features that are important to them
Compare Media Streamers
Provide LINKs to information being collected in the Quick Summary (or add them there themselves)
Green! After reading some articles that you provided, I downloaded Vuze(free) and searched TV shows on eguides.com. The I downloaded two shows.
It worked flawlessly, however there is a challenge. I am hoping that someone out there may direct me to sources to remedy the challenge. The challenge is lack of closed captioning support. I was unable to find a way to have it being decoded on computer. I haven't tried the downloaded shows on TV yet because I need to do the legwork on connecting TV to the downloaded shows.
birdio64 said: How come Roku is not under Stand alone?Because I only became interested in this topic early yesterday afternoon when I added a S@m's Club WDTV Live LINK to the Quick Summary area of the current Hot Deal (Message edited by: TakeTheActive on 2010-03-13 11:54:38 CST).
I thought I made a pretty good start for the first day...
I'll give my usual plug for xbmc on xbox. While it's definitely not a plug-and-play solution, it is without a doubt the most functional of the solutions out there. The only thing that surpasses it (in my opinion) is a full-fledged HTPC (and if I ever set up an HTPC, I would have xbmc running on it as an application because you just can't beat the user interface).
With that being said, it's been about 3 years since I test-drove any of the stand-alone offerings. At that time I tried the latest from Buffalo, D-Link and Netgear and while they all did some things well, they all absolutely STUNK in terms of user-interface. Furthermore, they lacked substantial functionality, such as the ability to play various file formats, iso images, etc. They all also lacked the ability to simply queue songs, which is a must have when listening to music, in my opinion.
I would imagine that they've all improved over the past 3 years, but given how far behind they were at that time, I'd be surprised if they would be worth the price, but I've been wrong plenty of times before.
I'm happy to provide any details you want regarding xbmc but as far as the others go, I won't be shelling out any money to participate in research as I have a complete solution already.
Finally, you should add a link to PlayOn in your 'Computers & Software' section. It's a darn good program that allows a fair amount of websites such as Hulu and ESPN to be streamed over various devices (PS3, Wii, xbox360, xbmc/xbox, etc.).
Well folks, we're coming up on the '14-Day' Anniversary of this thread, my latest FatWallet FAQ, and honestly the response from the FatWallet Community has been:
UNDERWHELMING!!!
Accordingly, this may be my *LAST* FatWallet FAQ.
One of the reasons that I choose to create FAQs on FatWallet is the FatWallet / FuseTalk Quick Summary feature (I don't visit / know of *ANY* other FuseTalk forums, so I don't know if Quick Summary is native to FatWallet *OR* FuseTalk) and its ability to have Community Involvement when researching and discussing a topic. I see this as a GREAT feature! On so many forums, one user may start a topic AND maintain the OP with updates from various other users for a while, but eventually, if/when s/he gets 'tired' / loses interest, updates cease and the thread dies off.
If you're at all curious, you can use the FuseTalk SEARCH to find my other FatWallet FAQs, but, if I'm choosing UNPOPULAR topics, why do they get so many VIEWS?
For THIS thread, the numbers are:
2010/03/25 @ 22:22 - 0839 Views (070/day) | (but only 24/day since 03/20) STILL only 3 GREEN (Not very useful?)
2010/03/20 @ 16:22 - 0717 Views (102/day) | 3 GREEN (Not very useful?)
2010/03/14 @ 17:17 - 0334 Views (013/ hr) | 2 GREEN
Playing with these numbers:
Have 839 folks read this thread ONCE and moved on?
Have 70 folks read this thread DAILY?
...something in-between??? - Only THREE folks found it 'useful enough' to at least say 'Thanks' via a simple '+' / Green CLICK.
What I was *REALLY* looking forward to finding each day was at least a few / couple / ONE! 'personal diaries' from other folks in the 'same boat' as me along the lines of my OP where I stated:Personally, I haven't 'officially' joined the HDTV crowd yet. I have... <SNIP>
...I'm considering finally dumping cable and going back to an outdoor antenna (I stocked up on DTV Converter boxes) now that we have digital signals (i.e. go/no-go) and am investigating the FREE content available via the internet. I imagine that there are still a few others in my situation (not particularly interested in HDTV, still happily using analog CRT TVs with cable / satellite / converter boxes) and IMO, for ~$100, these 'new-fangled' Media Streamers look interesting.To generate interest, I've:
ADDED a LINK for this thread to *MANY* current 'Media Streamer' Hot Deals threads
ADDED external LINKs to current, interesting (IMO) 'Media Streamer' / Internet TV topics
NOT attempted to monopolize the thread with MY needs and desires
NOT created any self-serving / USELESS ^BUMP^ posts
Why hasn't this thread generated more 'Community Participation'?
At this point-in-time, I'd estimate that I have ~20 hours of 'Work' / Personal Time invested in this thread. I feel that the FORMAT is ABOVE AVERAGE for FatWallet (and forum posts in general) and the content is EXTREMELY relevant / logical to the topic being (err... ATTEMPTED to be...) discussed (i.e. if you read the information found at *ALL* of the LINKs provided, you will have a fairly thorough knowledge of the topic).
Thus, I feel slighted / unappreciated / insulted by "839 Views / 3 GREEN".
My personal, heart-felt thanks to (in alphabetical / FuseTalk order):
TakeTheActive said: Well folks, we're coming up on the '14-Day' Anniversary of this thread, my latest FatWallet FAQ, and honestly the response from the FatWallet Community has been:
UNDERWHELMING!!!
Accordingly, this may be my *LAST* FatWallet FAQ.
I just came across this thread because you linked to it from the Technology section of the site. This would have had much better response, IMHO, if it was started in Technology instead of Deal Discussions. I'm not a mod, but I'd recommend requesting this thread to be moved to Technology.
Anyways, I kicked the cable TV habit a while back. I am fortunate enough to be able to pull in ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and two other channels OTA using a fairly small omni-directional antenna. I have a direct run into my LCD TV in the living room, and also split off into a dual-tuner hdHomeRun in the basement. From the hdHomerun, I can record any show using MythTV (running on an installation of Mythbuntu), or view it directly from the hdHomerun using the utilities for that device.
At home I use Netflix to satisfy any entertainment needs that OTA broadcasts cannot provide. I view streaming content through a Roku HD box, which works very well IMHO.
Oh, and one more thing to add to this discussion, I have used SageTV in the past on a Mac with the hdHomeRun as well. Worked perfect! Much easier to set up than Mythbuntu as well.
BradMajors said: Please add O!Play and Ziova.I'm not a slave!
If you want ME to add YOUR info to the QUICK SUMMARY, *PLEASE* (do the work and) provide the LINKs and a reason WHY. Then, as I previously stated, I'll GLADLY enter the info.
SchlingBlade said: I just came across this thread because you linked to it from the Technology section of the site. This would have had much better response, IMHO, if it was started in Technology instead of Deal Discussions. I'm not a mod, but I'd recommend requesting this thread to be moved to Technology...I created this thread in Deal Discussion because:
I initially learned about Media Players / Streamers in Hot Deals and
I wanted to correlate Hot Deals on Media Players / Streamers with a Deal Discussion on Media Players / Streamers.
Whenever I see a Hot Deal for a Media Streamer / Player, I (plan to) add a LINK to this thread.
Based on the 'Member Participation' (and GREEN Votes), I probably should have started this thread on another forum... (i.e. *NOT* FatWallet!)
To those who want to BASH about (Begging for) GREEN Votes:
This is NOT a Hot Deal thread..
This site doesn't record REPUTATION points.
Giving GREEN to a FAQ is an expression of "Thanks! I found all the hard work you did benefical to me." - The folks who compose FAQs don't do it for MONEY or GLORIOUS ACCOLADES. Just a simple 'Thank you / GREEN Vote' will do.
ChinaRider said: I'll give my usual plug for xbmc on xbox. While it's definitely not a plug-and-play solution, it is without a doubt the most functional of the solutions out there...While I initially thought that you were a 'prejudiced youngster', after weeks of reading, I'm beginning to (somewhat) agree with you.
For each 'Media Player / Streamer' that I research:
Player A does THIS, but doesn't do THAT...
Player B does THAT, but doesn't do THIS...
Player C doesn't do THIS or THAT, *BUT* it does...
It's a vicious circle!
There are SO MANY 'Devices' on the market right now that it's practically IMPOSSIBLE for ONE PERSON to research them all and make the 'Right Decision'. Thus, the reason I created this thread.
Too bad that with 1184 VIEWS there are so few participants...
SchlingBlade said: ...Anyways, I kicked the cable TV habit a while back. I am fortunate enough to be able to pull in ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and two other channels OTA using a fairly small omni-directional antenna. I have a direct run into my LCD TV in the living room, and also split off into a dual-tuner hdHomeRun in the basement. From the hdHomerun, I can record any show using MythTV (running on an installation of Mythbuntu), or view it directly from the hdHomerun using the utilities for that device...First of all, THANK YOU for replying to this thread!
Now, on to my questions...
What's a 'fairly small omni-directional antenna'?
I've always been under the impression that the MAJORITY of the television antennas are DIRECTIONAL. Omni-directional reminds me of a CB (Citizens Band) antenna.
Isn't the HD HomeRun solution rather expensive? Watch TV from any computer on your network.Although the single HD HomeRun can COLLECT the shows, how can you VIEW the shows (without a full-fledged PC at each location)?
SchlingBlade said: ...At home I use Netflix to satisfy any entertainment needs that OTA broadcasts cannot provide. I view streaming content through a Roku HD box, which works very well IMHO.Since I'm still in the 'Research Phase', my 'goals' may be somewhat unrealistic, BUT...
I WOULD LIKE TO *COMPLETELY* REPLACE (*v*PAID*v*) CABLE/SATELLITE WITH (*^*FREE*^*) OTA + INTERNET STREAMS.
I haven't fully researched (or tried) this yet, but, AFAICT, things like the nightly PRIME TIME television shows on the MAJOR NETWORKS are currently available on:
Some of the MAJOR NETWORKS web sites
MANY BitTorrent 'sites'
Thus, I would like to be able to do the SAME things that I currently do with my 3 Lifetime ReplayTVs (and cable):
Select a WEEKLY PRIME TIME SHOW that I like and automatically DOWNLOAD IT TO A LOCAL HDD for future viewing.
Select a RANDOM SHOW / MOVIE that I like and automatically DOWNLOAD IT TO A LOCAL HDD for future viewing.
Select an 'ON-DEMAND' / PREMIUM show/movie that I like and automatically DOWNLOAD IT TO A LOCAL HDD for future viewing.
Which current 'Media Players / Streamers' can handle my demands?
The ABSOLUTE *LAST* thing that I ever would consider doing to a FAQ thread that I create on any forum would be to MONOPOLIZE it with *MY* personal questions.
My goal, in creating FAQs (on multiple forums besides Fatwallet), is to ANSWER QUESTIONS and GENERATE INTEREST (for / in others, respectively).
The purpose of THIS particular thread also included a THIRD item: GENERATE DISCUSSION
Since, through no personal fault of my own, there has been *NO* DISCUSSION here from the General Public, I have recently (as per my previous posts this evening) decided to become DIRECTLY INVOLVED.
IMO, those of you who reference this thread regularly (DAILY?) JUST TO USE THE INCLUDED LINKs, should be ASHAMED of yourselves.
Why aren't you posting your questions / discoveries / etc...?
I have *NO* interest in MONOPOLIZING this thread. If you READERs don't start participating, I will abandon it and move elsewhere... (i.e. $h!t or get off the pot )
breaux124 said: ...I also have a Acer Revo running XBMC for local/downloaded/online/streaming content. With a HTPC you can do Hulu, Netflix, and a bunch of other online sites. I've been using the online sites more and I'm seriously considering mostly dumping cable (just basic) and doing internet only.Although I DON'T wish to purchase an xBox (per ChinaRider - I'm no longer a 'Gamer'), after a few weeks of reading, I *DO* tend to like the 'Acer Revo running XBMC' idea.
My own personal 'qualms' / requirements, though, are:
Both S-Video (old CRTs still running) and Component (480p from old 'devices') OUTPUT.
Analog audio OUTPUT. - HOW does this DIGITAL audio 'generalization' work? Some device have optical, others have coaxial - what's the 'Standard'? Are there optical and/or coaxial switchers available?
No current interest in Blu-Ray / HD (i.e. over 480p recorded; I enjoy 1080i/720p LIVE via RF!) video.
TakeTheActive said: Now, on to my questions... What's a 'fairly small omni-directional antenna'?
I've always been under the impression that the MAJORITY of the television antennas are DIRECTIONAL. Omni-directional reminds me of a CB (Citizens Band) antenna.
Isn't the HD HomeRun solution rather expensive? Although the single HD HomeRun can COLLECT the shows, how can you VIEW the shows (without a full-fledged PC at each location)?
You would need either a PC, laptop, or some kind of media player device connected to each TV.
Since I'm still in the 'Research Phase', my 'goals' may be somewhat unrealistic, BUT...
I WOULD LIKE TO *COMPLETELY* REPLACE (*v*PAID*v*) CABLE/SATELLITE WITH (*^*FREE*^*) OTA + INTERNET STREAMS.
I haven't fully researched (or tried) this yet, but, AFAICT, things like the nightly PRIME TIME television shows on the MAJOR NETWORKS are currently available on: Some of the MAJOR NETWORKS web sites
MANY BitTorrent 'sites' Thus, I would like to be able to do the SAME things that I currently do with my 3 Lifetime ReplayTVs (and cable):Select a WEEKLY PRIME TIME SHOW that I like and automatically DOWNLOAD IT TO A LOCAL HDD for future viewing.
Select a RANDOM SHOW / MOVIE that I like and automatically DOWNLOAD IT TO A LOCAL HDD for future viewing.
Select an 'ON-DEMAND' / PREMIUM show/movie that I like and automatically DOWNLOAD IT TO A LOCAL HDD for future viewing. Which current 'Media Players / Streamers' can handle my demands?
All of those solutions would also require the same hardware as my hdHomeRun/MythTV setup to play back content you download or stream. The Netflix solution, while costing $9 a month, reduces the amount of hardware required and makes things a little easier to deal with. You wouldn't have to resort to bittorrent to download movies or TV shows, and using something like a Roku HD a much nicer solution that dealing with a laptop or PC connected to a TV.
Or, in other words, there are NO "Media Players / Streamers" outside of a decent laptop or PC connected to a TV that can handle your demands legally.
Western Digital Media Player (Gen 1) *HACKED for Networking* The WD Media Player is a great device, I actually convinced 3 other people to get one. The original Gen 1 version did not have networking built it, but with hacked firmware you can add the ability to use a USB-Ethernet adapter for networking support. Otherwise you could connect any USB storage device for playback. I still love this device even though it's been replaced on my main TV, it's now sitting in my bedroom on my older CRT. It's a great, simple device with lots of file formats supported. Gen2 version adds networking built in.
PROs - Plays nearly everything I've thrown at it - HDMI and Composite (RCA) support - Easy to Use Interface - Supports 1080p/720p, SD
CONs - No DTS downsample (Gen2 supports it) - *HACKED* Cannot stream 1080p (only via local USB device) - *HACKED* Spotty Upnp support (PlayOn wouldn't always work)
Acer Revo (1600 - Single Core) *XBMC Linux Version* I moved to the Acer because of the great tweaks that are available (either Windows Media Center, Boxee, XBMC, etc), and the amazing UI from XBMC. Out of the box, the revo is a decent device running WinXP. But I never planned on keeping it this way, I got a boot version of XBMC from XBMC Freak this way it's running off a USB drive or SD card and you don't have to worry about any permenant changes. Once you decide you like it, there is an install to hard drive option in the boot loader that will partition the drive and install, and still leave you a boot option for the original windows XP or the new XBMC linux. It will take some time to customize and tweak everything but the end results will be a graphically beautiful and easy to use media center. I added a simple Media Center IR receiver and Remote, so I can dump the keyboard and mouse. I have PlayOn running on another networked PC, so from my Revo I have access to everything on my network and lots of online content (Hulu, Syfy, HGTV, etc).
PROs - Plays everything I've tried - GREAT User Interface - Graphically beautiful and loaded with information (Weather, Movie Info, TV Info, Ratings, etc) - Streams 1080p without any issues - Upnp Support is perfect (no issues with PlayOn) - Lots of additional Programs and Scripts available (I use Flickr)
CONs - HDMI Only, no other video outputs - Setup and Tweaking can take time and tech skills
Depending on what you are planning to do, you might also consider the Dual Core version of the Acer Revo (3600). Acer 1600 ---- vs ---- Acer 3600 1 Core CPU --------- Dual Core CPU 1GB Ram ------------ 2GB Ram WinXP ---------------- Win7 Wired Key/Mouse -- Wireless Key/Mouse None ----------------- Wirless B/G Networking
O!Play HDP-R3 Popcorn Hour A100 / A110 / C-200 Dune 3.0 Boxee Box (not yet released, but lots of info available on the net) HTCP - Acer Aspire Revo AR1600-U910H or AR3610-U9022
artinaz
New Member
posted: Apr. 27, 2010 @ 12:43p
I have been doing a fair amount of research in the last few days and so far the winner seems to be the WD Media Player.
The WD player (according to reviews) seems to handle most formats out there. It runs Linux and if you hack it, you will get a lot more functionality. The only problem I see (for my needs) is that it doesnt pass the newer audio formats thru HDMI. Also its currently avaliable for about 109-114 at Costco, Amazon etc.
Thee is also the newer Popbox which is supposed to be great- currently on preorder. However that seems to have run into some problems- Netflix has pulled out as a partner, the availability changed from May to June. Howver feature wise at 130 bucks this would be the best deal.
artinaz said: I have been doing a fair amount of research in the last few days and so far the winner seems to be the WD Media Player.
The WD player (according to reviews) seems to handle most formats out there. It runs Linux and if you hack it, you will get a lot more functionality...(It sure seems like 'Pulling Teeth' to get an active discussion going in this thread! Thus, the reason I INTENTIONALLY waited TWO weeks to reply... )
I spent a couple of hours the other day reading on B-RAD's Site (i.e. Blog and Forums) and it reminded me of the Linksys NSLU2efforts of a few years back. Although impressed by the efforts expended, I left just as confused as I entered.
hakujin said: TakeTheActive said: CDLehner on AVS said: I was thinking more about this last night, and I want to see what you guys have to say. OK...we're all trying to figure out why these devices...PCH, HDX, etc, etc...can't seem to get it quite right. If they need to do 10 things right, they get 8 and miss two. Yet, another device will get a different 8, and miss a different 2. So we bang our heads against the wall and say if XYZ can do these 8, and yet ZYX can do what XYZ is missing...why can't someone just figure out how to get EVERYTHING into one box? Surely, the technology is there...otherwise it couldn't exist elsewhere... Reference: AVS Forum: PopBox NOT in March!!
The more I read, the more I see the logic of either an Acer Aspire Revo w/XBMC, or (if you already own an xBox), an xBox w/XBMC).love my xbox w/ xbmc.... still chugging after many years, and the gui can't be beat! I have transparency skin w/ all fan art, poster art, imdb info, ratings, link to trailers and some rather excellent camelot views... only thing I can't play are HD h.264. Not an issue in the bedroom for me, plus have desktop in living plus 2 HDMI equipped lappies anyway (that are grossly underused for htpc playback).
i think it is the singly greatest appliance I've ever owned, because it doubles at game heaven nostalgia. not just good xbox games (that i never really play but still); snes, nes, sega, genesis, turbographics 16, sega cd, arcade/mame, killer instinct emulator, new geo.
regarding this wd appliance, would like it a whole lot more if it came built in w/ wireles and some internal storage, but a nifty device nonetheless. I have absolutely no use for it, but love trolling the threads on it for some strange reason.
p.s. it prolly plays rmvb, but I wouldn't be caught dead storing media in some proprietary, craptacular container.I'll be the first to admit that I DON'T have a firm grasp of this entire topic at this particular point-in-time, BUT, AFAICT, to do *EVERYTHING*:
Play 'ripped' DVDs
Stream from Netfl!x, Hulu, Amaz0n VOD, National Television (CBS, NBC, ABC, etc...) Network sites, Youtube, etc...
Download BitTorrents
...TBD...
a simple ~$100 STB isn't going to do it.
Boxee and/or PlayOn and/or TVersity and/or TwonkyMedia and/or ??? is going to have to be running on a DLNA or uPnP or ??? Server (aka PC!) somewhere on the local network. So, for someone (WITHOUT an xBox) looking to do RESEARCH, the Acer AspireRevo 1600 or 3600 (AVS Forum: Acer AspireRevo w/XBMC) keeps looking better and better each day as an EXTREMELY versatile 'Jumping Off' point (i.e. to get one's 'Feet Wet').
Comments from the SILENT MAJORITY of LURKers contributing to ~20+ Views of this thread daily???
sklar said: I wish they'd have some of the dual core models on sale once in a while, seems all the refurbs at good prices are single core.
As for advice, if you're going to add an extra GB of ram (which you really dont need) and windows 7, just buy the dual core model and get the 2gb/win7 included for not that much more than buying one of these and upgrading it.
I've run all sorts of software on one of these and never come anywhere near using >1GB. Windows 7 would use it for precaching I suppose but I've run XP and win7 and seen that the ram in use with a movie playing is well under 1GB.
With any OS you run, I'd disable any unneeded services because that poor little single core atom really cant do a whole lot of things at once.
These single core units CAN be tweaked to play most video types without a lot of undue hiccups but it can be some real work. I really wish I'd bought the dual core version but after looking at the price on those, I'd probably rather get a small form factor i3 box for about the same price, use just a little more electricity, and take up just a little more space...and never worry about using up my cpu budget.
I recommend running XP slimmed down (google any of the 9000 ten year old "how to make windows xp run faster" articles) with MPC-HC from the shark007 site and the shark007 codecs, along with the coreavc codec if you dont mind blowing another ten bucks for coreavc. The shark007 version of mpc-hc gives you more flexibility with codecs by having the player use the system installed/default codecs instead of defaulting to the built in ones. I found coreavc gave me the best h.264 playback especially on 1080p with the fewest hiccups.
Also, dont get discouraged if it takes you some time to get this to work the way you want it to. I read no end of "Oh, I just slapped this image on it and it worked great!" posts only to find that it may have worked that easily for that user with their videos but I had to mess with it for a week with a bunch of different XP and XBMC until I got it to work the way I wanted it to. But I wanted it to play a lot of different formats, ripped dvd's and blu-rays, etc not just some mkv files. Seemed like every time I got one part of it to work the way I wanted it to, something else would crap out.
I recently used MyMedia on a Linux based file server to feed my Roku HD with content stored locally. This has allowed me to bridge the gap between streamed media (Netflix and other sources available over the internet) and my personal media collection (music and DVDs).
Rickdog99
Member
posted: May. 18, 2010 @ 8:12p
I thank the original poster for all the detail, as i found it wonderful being a newbie to this, but interested in exploring this. My setup in my apartment is two tv's (one bedroom and one family room) and then the desk top computer is in the office. I also have a laptop which I have hooked up to the HDTV via a VGA wire, and we watch downloaded movies that way. My question is if I hook the media player in the family room and have that TV going, what do you do for the bedroom? Do I need two boxes or is there a simple way of hooking that TV up to the wireless network to access the content? I want to do this, but wife has understandable objections about the TV in the bedroom? Any suggestions for this?
TakeTheActive said: SchlingBlade said: ...Anyways, I kicked the cable TV habit a while back. I am fortunate enough to be able to pull in ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CW and two other channels OTA using a fairly small omni-directional antenna. I have a direct run into my LCD TV in the living room, and also split off into a dual-tuner hdHomeRun in the basement. From the hdHomerun, I can record any show using MythTV (running on an installation of Mythbuntu), or view it directly from the hdHomerun using the utilities for that device...First of all, THANK YOU for replying to this thread!
Now, on to my questions...
What's a 'fairly small omni-directional antenna'?
I've always been under the impression that the MAJORITY of the television antennas are DIRECTIONAL. Omni-directional reminds me of a CB (Citizens Band) antenna.
Isn't the HD HomeRun solution rather expensive? Watch TV from any computer on your network.Although the single HD HomeRun can COLLECT the shows, how can you VIEW the shows (without a full-fledged PC at each location)?
SchlingBlade said: ...At home I use Netflix to satisfy any entertainment needs that OTA broadcasts cannot provide. I view streaming content through a Roku HD box, which works very well IMHO.Since I'm still in the 'Research Phase', my 'goals' may be somewhat unrealistic, BUT...
I WOULD LIKE TO *COMPLETELY* REPLACE (*v*PAID*v*) CABLE/SATELLITE WITH (*^*FREE*^*) OTA + INTERNET STREAMS.
I haven't fully researched (or tried) this yet, but, AFAICT, things like the nightly PRIME TIME television shows on the MAJOR NETWORKS are currently available on:
Some of the MAJOR NETWORKS web sites
MANY BitTorrent 'sites'
Thus, I would like to be able to do the SAME things that I currently do with my 3 Lifetime ReplayTVs (and cable):
Select a WEEKLY PRIME TIME SHOW that I like and automatically DOWNLOAD IT TO A LOCAL HDD for future viewing.
Select a RANDOM SHOW / MOVIE that I like and automatically DOWNLOAD IT TO A LOCAL HDD for future viewing.
Select an 'ON-DEMAND' / PREMIUM show/movie that I like and automatically DOWNLOAD IT TO A LOCAL HDD for future viewing.
Which current 'Media Players / Streamers' can handle my demands?
Why do you only want a Media Player? Why isn't a HTPC an option?
Thanks for the discussion. I am still learning. While I do not want to pay the cable company $60 plus per month for plain old expanded basic cable, I do not want to give up my 70 inch old skool big box television with pip and other features. Hence my dilemma of purchasing a smaller 50 inch hdtv or spending 3k and above for a comparatively sized flat screen HDTV. I have been told that there are media players and tv tuners out there that do not require the hdmi connections.
At this stage, I am actively trying to find an integration of the new technology with the old standard. If anyone can assist me in my quest to do this Fatwallet style, please post some information. Thanks.
Retailnever said: Thanks for the discussion. I am still learning. While I do not want to pay the cable company $60 plus per month for plain old expanded basic cable, I do not want to give up my 70 inch old skool big box television with pip and other features. Hence my dilemma of purchasing a smaller 50 inch hdtv or spending 3k and above for a comparatively sized flat screen HDTV. I have been told that there are media players and tv tuners out there that do not require the hdmi connections.
At this stage, I am actively trying to find an integration of the new technology with the old standard. If anyone can assist me in my quest to do this Fatwallet style, please post some information. Thanks.
Also, check back a few posts regarding a method to host your own content, and you basically have a two for one deal using a Roku. Subscribe to unlimited Netflix streaming for $9 a month, and have access to any media you may have stored locally.
Retailnever said: Thanks for the discussion. I am still learning. While I do not want to pay the cable company $60 plus per month for plain old expanded basic cable, I do not want to give up my 70 inch old skool big box television with pip and other features. Hence my dilemma of purchasing a smaller 50 inch hdtv or spending 3k and above for a comparatively sized flat screen HDTV. I have been told that there are media players and tv tuners out there that do not require the hdmi connections.
At this stage, I am actively trying to find an integration of the new technology with the old standard. If anyone can assist me in my quest to do this Fatwallet style, please post some information. Thanks.
My buddy was in your situation (older DLP HDTV, no HDMI). He's running the WD Media Player Live (it's got Component Outputs). On his network he's got another computer running PlayOn software, so he has access to Hulu, Netflix, ESPN Zone, ABC, NBC, CBS, HGTV, SyFy, etc. And then with his local media he was using one of the Sata drive docks (aka toasters) and swapping out Hard drives, but recently he bought a Dlink NAS and has everything on it.
breaux124 said: My buddy was in your situation (older DLP HDTV, no HDMI). He's running the WD Media Player Live (it's got Component Outputs). On his network he's got another computer running PlayOn software, so he has access to Hulu, Netflix, ESPN Zone, ABC, NBC, CBS, HGTV, SyFy, etc. ...
Got the same set up, I wish WD Media Player Live would include the function of the PlayOn! as plug-ins that way I would not still depend on a computer running while I am watching tv.
QUICK SUMMARY edited by: joekuta on 2010-07-16 23:44:44 CDT
joekuta said: please add Viewsonic VMP75. it supports every file i have (mpeg,avi,mkv,flv,mov,all the containers,etc.) Netflix, wireless or 10/100 to NAS/uPnP/server, YOUTUBE looks great, and streams radio & u can go to websites as well*=*=* PLEASE DON'T ADD *PERSONAL* REQUESTS TO THE QUICK SUMMARY! *=*=* Invest *YOUR* time, FIND the requested info, and post the LINKs in a REPLY.
What's with these requests (from BradMajors and joekuta for example) for *ME* to SEARCH, and then add LINKs, for *THEIR* requests? :rolleyes:
IMHO, the ~20 hours of research that I put into the current / original QUICK SUMMARY is 'above-and-beyond' what you find in the majority of public forum posts. If *YOU* put forth the EFFORT, *DO* the SEARCHing, and then provide the LINKs in a post (i.e. if you're unsure about how to add the info to the QUICK SUMMARY), I'll be glad to add it for you. As anyone who has regularly read my posts, it's OBVIOUS that I'm usually *OVERLY* 'Techie / Geekie / Nerdie' when it comes to forum formatting.
But, as I replied to BradMajors on Apr/16/2010 @ 12:59 AM (and got RED for!!! ):
TakeTheActive said: BradMajors said: Please add O!Play and Ziova.I'M NOT A SLAVE!
If you want ME to add YOUR info to the QUICK SUMMARY, *PLEASE* (do the work and) provide the LINKs and a reason WHY. Then, as I previously stated, I'll GLADLY enter the info.
TakeTheActive said: Well folks, we're coming up on the '14-Day' Anniversary of this thread, my latest FatWallet FAQ, and honestly the response from the FatWallet Community has been:
UNDERWHELMING!!!
Accordingly, this may be my *LAST* FatWallet FAQ.
One of the reasons that I choose to create FAQs on FatWallet is the FatWallet / FuseTalk Quick Summary feature (I don't visit / know of *ANY* other FuseTalk forums, so I don't know if Quick Summary is native to FatWallet *OR* FuseTalk) and its ability to have Community Involvement when researching and discussing a topic. I see this as a GREAT feature! On so many forums, one user may start a topic AND maintain the OP with updates from various other users for a while, but eventually, if/when s/he gets 'tired' / loses interest, updates cease and the thread dies off...At 150 Days (and 3014 Views), the 'Give-and-Take' that I originally envisioned from an INTERESTED COMMUNITY *STILL* hasn't materialized.
It OBVIOUSLY looks like I picked the *WRONG* FORUM for this type of discussion - it appears that the MAJORITY of the folks here on FatWallet are more interested in TAKE than GIVE...
To the 29 KIND SOULS (to date) who gave this thread GREEN: (Thank you! 29 vs 3014)
In your travels, haven't you come across *ANYTHING* that I haven't already covered in the QUICK SUMMARY that *YOU* can contribute?!?
I have the iOS 5 beta on my iPhone, and we have one of the newer Apple TV units in a conference room. Super easy to show photos and play videos from the phone wirelessly through the Apple TV. Granted, you would have to either import all of your physical media into iTunes and sync with your iPod or iPhone to make this work (or just play from iTunes on the computer), but it is pretty slick.
Disclaimer: By providing links to other sites, FatWallet.com does not guarantee, approve or endorse the information or products available at these sites, nor does a link indicate any association with or endorsement by the linked site to FatWallet.com.
Members of our community may attach files to a post in accordance with the User Agreement. FatWallet is not responsible for the content, accuracy, completeness or validity of any information contained in any attached file. Files have *not* been scanned for viruses. Be especially wary of Excel files which may contain malicious content.
