anyone used a LaCie LaCinema Classic HD?

[ringbearer3791]

I'm looking to get a media server/player and this one looks to be pretty decent but I'd love to hear from someone who's got some experience with it. Or recommendations on another way to go.

I'm basically looking to take my DVD and CD collection and copy them onto a drive. I'm looking to make full copies in their native format without compression. Also, I don't really anticipate watching a whole lot of internet content (if any) though obviously I wouldn't mind having that ability. Also, I need a unit with on-board storage or a wi-fi connection as my only physical connection to the internet is a floor away from my HT.

Thanks everyone in advance for your opinions and suggestions.

Josh

 

[ringbearer3791]

while i'm at it

I just realized that the oppo bdp-83 will play files via the usb inputs as well. I've been considering getting one of these but was waiting until after getting a media player. Will the oppo play CDs and DVDs in their native format? (.wav, ISO images). If so then might I really only need to get myself a usb hard drive to meet my digital media needs?

thanks.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Disclaimer: I don't own any LaCie equipment.

BUT:
Few things I think I can contribute based on my experience with HTPC and general knowledge of LaCie in general.

I think (krzywica can correct me if I'm wrong) LaCinema looks like another glorified NMT/PCH unit with list of very similar functionalities.

One thing strikes irregular from their specs sheet:

Digital Audio : Multichannel decoding via Optical audio and HDMI to digital home amplifier
DTS® : DTS, DTS-HD: Pass-Through via optical audio
Dolby® : Dolby 2.0: Decode, Dolby 5.1: Downmixing and Decode, Dolby True HD: Passthrough via optical audio

As far as I know - you just CAN'T pass-through neither TrueHD or Dts HD over spd/if (ether coax or optical), only over HDMI 1.3 connection.

IMO you really want to have network connectivity in your media client. In addition to Wifi you can try getting pair PowerLine adapters.

p.s.s: LaCinema wont play DVD menus....

 

[ringbearer3791]

Thanks Bored. Yeah, I'm a little curious about the whole lack of dvd menus thing myself. I think i'll keep researching. Any other suggestions about a good way to go to meet my needs?

thanks again.