Networked Media Player...which one, if any?

[threewheel42]

So...are there any decent networked media receiver/players out there. I see varying reviews of the Prismiq, D-Link, Haupagge, Pinnacle etc.

I need one to handle mpg, avi and wmv files...stills are not as important.

The Roku seems nice, but has a very limited list of formats.

Thanks in advance...

jim

[Francious70]

You could always put a computer in instead and use Windows Media Player or Winamp.

Paul

[Duffinator]

I'm hoping there's one under my Christmas tree along with an iPod mini. My friend has one and for $90 I don't think you can beat it. At least to try it out. No component video though. There's a ton of software updates on the web to customize skins and the like. I've been staying away from wireless only because I had my house wired when it was built. Should be plug and play for me.

[stephanos]

I just posted here

http://www.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6410

Its not out yet but, looks the goods

[threewheel42]

I am trying for something simpler than a computer, that will fit in a normal rack slot...and since my house is already hardwired with network cable...and my computer is on the 2d flr and my ht is in the finished basement...

[SQ Kid]

go with an xbox & mod chip. you can do just about anything with one and you can have it all for under $200 (if you buy a used one). the media programs are great for it (xbox media center is a popular one). check out www.xbox-scene.com for more info. i love my setup and would love it more if i had the dough to get a wireless bridge so i could network it with the rest of the pcs in the house.

[furrycute]

Yamaha makes one, don't remember the model number, check their website.

[armaraas]

I have this dvd:
http://www.govideo.com/Index.asp?GV=D2730
I got it for under $100 during the summer and figured it was a worthwhile purchase just to play with it. The dvd player works well, I stream audio and video from the pc wirelessly, 802.11b. I haven't had any problems with it, the sound from cds did degrade a little but that was taken care of by cleaning the lens. Other than that I have been pretty happy with it.
Here is another one to check out:
http://www.prismiq.com/

There is also one called the Pinnacle ShowCenter which I think got some good reviews.

[Duffinator]

I'm hoping there's one under my Christmas tree along with an iPod mini. My friend has one and for $90 I don't think you can beat it. At least to try it out. No component video though. There's a ton of software updates on the web to customize skins and the like. I've been staying away from wireless only because I had my house wired when it was built. Should be plug and play for me.I received my MVP from Santa and had it hooked up and running within 15 minutes. It works really well and even my wife and mom were impressed with how it worked. :) But it does not have the best software with it. You can check out this link for free software upgrades:

http://www.shspvr.com/forum/index.php?h=0&pf=0&c=9

[threewheel42]

ok...sounds like their are fans of the Go Video the MediaMVP, the xbox and Showcenter...any clear favorite?

[SQ Kid]

i'm biased, but i'd say xbox. here's why:

-hdtv support (component outs via the high def pack)
-game support (although not quite on the "up and up", will emulate older systems)
-dvd/cd player
-digital out
-dts
-large media support (divx, mp3, wav, wma, avi, etc...)
-price ($130 used, $30-75 mod chip, hdd/dvd-rom upgrades optional)
-huge support base (www.xbox-scene.com is a great source of info)
-imdb built into media player (xbmc)
-wireless remote (optional)

feel free to email me for more info

[ebough]

The one advantage of the Roku HD1000 is that it puts out HD video in either 720p or 1080i format from networked computer images and the picture quality is excellent. Microsoft software does not really support HD video.

I went to the Zensonic Z500 site but could not find info on its specific TV output formats. Anybody know the answer?

Regarding the xbox. It will only put out a hi-def video signal with the adapter if a game has been formatted in 720p or 1080i. It will support video only in 480i, which is not hi-def. It does not up-convert dvd images (480p) to high-def. For all these reasons, it is not remotely comparable to the Roku unit for displaying wifi network images from your computer.

Right now, none of the computer-based "media centers" really support true HDTV.