Topic: [WTB] A successful recommendation for a media player that suits my needs (1 BTC) (Read 1692 times)

Windows Media Player Classic.

It's ok.  The interface is a tiny bit laggy and it's not nearly as sexy as XBMC...  I bought it to use for a couple weeks in the hospital and it worked fine for that but I don't like the interface for long term use.

That's too bad.

Besides the lack of volume control, was everything else about it good?  I'm thinking about getting one since that isn't a problem for me.  I watch lots of netflix and HD mkvs off an NFS/SMB share.

Yea there is volume control on the android app... but not on the remote and its not bindable to the remote settings... I owned one of these and got rid of it for this reason.

Are you sure about this?  I haven't used one personally, but the screenshot of the remote app on their page has a volume button.

http://wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=330

My friend had a boxee box.  He used it for about two weeks and then sold it.  I'm not sure why, but he didn't like it very much.

WD Live =  NO VOLUME CONTROL

I second the WDTV live.

I also like a mac mini as a hdtv pc. Its unobtrusive and you can load it with linux using bootcamp.

Just because I am using this tv today doesn't mean I will be in the future within the life span of this media player.

have you looked into the western digital live streaming tv they are under 100 and can use netflix and play every file type off the network has a ethernet and wireless n.  I got one and now thats all i use heck it even has 2 usb ports i plug my 64gig flashdrive in and can take the box with me to watch on friends or faimly tvs.  It will even play full bluray rips iv played 16gig files on it no problem from the flashdrive and network.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KOZNBW/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00

With the size of the TV you are using, I wouldn't recommend spending any extra $$ to get 1080p. Unless you're sitting nose deep in the TV you won't notice the difference.

480p is a deal breaker, especially at the Wii price point.

I will suggest the following:

1. Get a Wii and soft-mod it so you can install HomeBrew Channel.
2. From Homebrew, download and install WiiMC, Netflix and Hulu.

The Wii
- cables out will allow you to split video and audio exits so that you can connect the audio to your Creative speakers (you might need an adapter RCA or RGB - to stereo jack ... see monoprice.com)
- has Wi-Fi to connect to your network
- has wireless remote (the Wiimote)

The WiiMC
- connects and plays videos and photos from local network (samba, http, ftp) as well as Internet (YouTube, shoutcast).
- can play tons of video formats and also displays subtitles
- can adjust sound levels
- click here for more details

What I really like about this WiiMC is that the folder used in the last session is remembered for Video, Music, Pictures ... and not only the folder but the point in time in the video where you dropped off because you dosed off last night. You also get a check mark on the videos you watched which becomes very useful if you have a folder with many videos in it (i.e. a 22-24 episodes season folder for a TV series).

Note: there is one thing the Wii/WiiMC solution can't do: HD output. Even on component cable Wii hardware is limited to 480p. However I have this setup hooked to a 42" plasma and I'm very happy with the quality of the video. On a 37" should be even better.

What about a PS3 or Xbox?  Those can both play Netflix/Hulu and both have file share play capabilities.

Would something like a Roku work? We've got one, and it does Netflix, Hulu, and a bunch of other stuff. Very simple to use.

http://androidtvbox.us/products/g-box-midnight/

I hope these works out, if it does, I maybe have to replace my setup with one.

Are you keeping in mind that I need 3.5mm audio out?

- I'm trying to pay 1 btc to have someone else do the research, I have read all I want to read about this problem....
- Current WD products do not have volume controls...

720p for < $50 will fit my needs.   Must be 1080p for > $50.  I will add that to the list.   I have thought about a new tv, but there is nothing wrong with the one I have and the cost is a big barrier.  However, there is savings to be had from moving to an LED TV.... as my current one is not. 

I had looked at that,  are you certain that it fully supports hulu plus, netflix, cifs shares, and will work with any lircd usable remote?  For that specific price tag, I can deal with 720p.

This might help you decide.  http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20025670-1/which-streaming-media-device-is-right-for-you/

And this looks awesome.  http://wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=330