Western Digital is cool

[surveyor]

I'm using the following, and I like them a lot!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8993217&st=Western+Digital&lp=13&type=product&cp=1&id=1218008588808

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8763894&st=Western+Digital&lp=14&type=product&cp=1&id=1203815241551

 

[Nemo128]

The WDTV is a great lil device. For someone that doesn't want to use NAS and doesn't need DTS downmixing, it's the perfect solution.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The WDTV is a great lil device. For someone that doesn't want to use NAS and doesn't need DTS downmixing, it's the perfect solution.

My brother has one.

He says that it does bitstream DTS.

His Sony receiver actually reads "DTS Surround" when he plays a DTS soundtrack.

The WD website doesn't even list "DTS". However, it does.

 

[surveyor]

My brother has one.

He says that it does bitstream DTS.

His Sony receiver actually reads "DTS Surround" when he plays a DTS soundtrack.

The WD website doesn't even list "DTS". However, it does.

That's good to know, thanks!

 

[Nemo128]

My brother has one.

He says that it does bitstream DTS.

His Sony receiver actually reads "DTS Surround" when he plays a DTS soundtrack.

The WD website doesn't even list "DTS". However, it does.

Downmix. Converting the DTS track to analog stereo for people without HT receivers. It can't do it. They didn't buy the license.

It can bitstream every audio cept the HD formats since it has only HDMI 1.2 but for many people that's not a problem.

 

[bluebirdy]

Very cool looking device. And not too much expensive as well...... Nice find man. I am also thinking of buying one of them.

 

[krzywica]

If you want a real media player that is the same size and better build quality look at this.

http://www.egreathd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=65

Does HD audio (HDMI1.3) and DTS downmix, not to mention it has a network connection that can stream media from PC's and NAS's.

I have had one for a few months and it is EXCELLENT. All aluminum construction.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Well, just because something has HDMI 1.3 does not mean it will decode or bitstream Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD or LPCM.

For example, my ATI Radeon HD 4850 video card is "capable" of all that "HD" like HDMI 1.3 & HD Audio. But by itself, it cannot decode or bitstream ANY HD AUDIO.

Besides, I think the only gain you have from HDMI 1.2 to 1.3 is the PICTURE potential, not the HD SOUND.

 

[GlocksRock]

I believe HDMI 1.3 provides for deep color but since there are so few devices out now that actually take advantage of deep color, it's mostly a marketing gimmick.

 

[Nemo128]

Well, just because something has HDMI 1.3 does not mean it will decode or bitstream Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD or LPCM.

Yes, but without an HDMI 1.3 port, it can't bitstream them, period. All the processing power in the world won't change that. That's why the WDTV can't. It doesn't have the required port bandwidth.

 

[Nemo128]

If you want a real media player that is the same size and better build quality look at this.

http://www.egreathd.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=65

Does HD audio (HDMI1.3) and DTS downmix, not to mention it has a network connection that can stream media from PC's and NAS's.

I have had one for a few months and it is EXCELLENT. All aluminum construction.

Same here, rocks all.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yes, but without an HDMI 1.3 port, it can't bitstream them, period. All the processing power in the world won't change that. That's why the WDTV can't. It doesn't have the required port bandwidth.

Bottom line is TrueHD & DTS-HD require HDMI1.3.

But just having HDM1.3 does not GUARANTEE TrueHD & DTS-HD.

The ATI Radeon HD 4850 has HDMI1.3. However, by itself, it cannot bitstream TrueHD & DTS-HD (anyDVD HD running). It still requires the use of the Asus Xonar card.

 

[Nemo128]

I've been talking about the thread topic. WDTV can't bitstream them. You previously mentioned that your brother can bitstream DTS, and I restated it can't downmix DTS for people without external decoders and it can't work with HD audio formats at all.

The hardware supports it, because it's the same hardware that's in 99% of NMT devices on the market. The port WD used doesn't support it.

Had they used an HDMI 1.3 port, the device could because the hardware supports it.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Had they used an HDMI 1.3 port, the device could because the hardware supports it.

Yes, the WDTV theoretically could bitstream TrueHD/DTS-HD if they had used a HDMI1.3 port.

But there is no guarantee. Anything beyond that is pure speculation.

Just like all these new HDMI1.3 graphics cards hardware could theorectically bitstream TrueHD/DTS-HD. But they cannot.

Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda - kind of thing.

Theory is great for talk, but talk is cheap.

 

[Nemo128]

There's a large forum dedicated just to homebrew firmwares for the WDTV. The hardware is identical and the HD audio decoding is disabled in the software. First because WD didn't want to pay up the licensing fee for DTS-HD, second because the HDMI 1.3 port would have increased the cost a couple bucks which nixed the Dolby TrueHD support. WD's own comments on AVSforum and WDTVforum basically say "We didn't want to pay the DTS licensing fee or make the device more expensive by using HDMI 1.3".

So yeah, talk is cheap, because WD talked and they took the cheap way.

I had the WDTV on a hacked firmware for a while. It was a PiTA to configure it properly, so I ditched it in favor of the eGreat device. Open it up and WTH it's the WDTV! Oh, and the Elekton NMTs? SAME! Even the Popcorn Hour uses the same SigmaDesigns chipset and Samba software!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Why did I even get involved with HTPCs?

To save money!?

My blu-ray player + receiver can do DTS-HD MA & TrueHD in their sleep with both hands tied behind their backs!

 

[Nemo128]

I do it because I despise Sony with a passion and refuse to buy BDs.

 

[HDPCsound]

About this WD stuff, i love the compact design and the Full HD 1080p video playback and navigation.
Absolutely rocks!

 

[finishers]

I think it would be pretty helpful for those how would download movies and saved them for playing later 1Tb is a lot for playing loads of movies or saved Tv series.

 

[240jz]

I will look into this item to complete my HT.