I want a streaming box. Seems like a much easier solution than a HTPC.

Need:
mkv files
HD with HDMI

Want:
HD
wireless
play iso and vob
play from a USB thumb drive
easiest to use firmware

I'm having a hard time figuring out the differences between brands.

Can't find the manual for Popcorn hour to thoroughly check that out.

MVIX appears not to play mkv files, right?

That leaves TVIX. Checked out the manual and it seems like software is still pretty bad. Also what is the difference between the 6500 and the 7000 that are different form factors?

Are there any other options? Can someone point me to the Popcorn hour manual online or mail me a pdf?

Any networked media tank (NMT) will meet (and exceed) your requirements.

All NMTs have the same functionality, and run the same software. However, they differ in hardware specifications and design.

I have a copy of the user's guide for the Elektron EHP-606 on my website. It's even in English! :)

GizmoDaddy,

I have a question, it if fairly basic, I think.

I am in the process of updating my ht system at home. Going from 32" Tube TV to a 50" Plasma. Currently I have xbox 360 being used for both games and media server. By media server I have my home pc setup with windows media player and I can play avi's and mp3's on TV via xbox.

Your "NMT" Elektron 606 sounds nice but I am not 100% sure of what an NMT does.

I think it would basically replace my Xbox 360 as the media server and extend what files I play. is that about the jist of what "NMT" does, like the others popcorn hour, and others?

If that is the case, i may look into this further after the plasma comes in and I get things setup.

Thank you,

Hey, Greg...

You're right all network media tanks have the same basic functionality and abilities. They all are developed around middleware licensed from a company named Syabas. So the Popcorn Hour models, the Elektron EHP-606, the HDX 100, and all other NMTs basically only differ in hardware specifications and design.

Besides being able to play just about every type of media that you will come across, a NMT can be used as a NAS device, and a media server. You can use it to view a lot of streaming media such as YouTube. One thing that sets a NMT apart from a Xbox is that it is equipped with applications to download Torrents and from Usenet.

So really it is a all-in-one media device. There's a page in my store that has a lot more details regarding what these players can do.

Thanks for the question.

-Tim

I can't recommend NMT devices enough. I have a model from iStarHD.com and it does just everything I need.

ISTAR does make an excellent product. They will soon be releasing a new model, the H5. Unlike the Mini, it will allow the installation of a hard drive.

As stated, the xbox 360 media sharing to my PC has been great, but there are certain files I would love to play such as YOUTUBE files or MKV files etc..

Question, on YOUTUBE or other video sites like that, must you download the files first or does the NMT actually cruise the site and we can get around via the remote? What about a virtual keyboard?

Thanks for quick responses guys.

There is the ability to access Syabas' Media Service Portal (MSP).

http://www.syabas.com/solution_msp.html

This is basically a website that you access via your NMT. You are not streaming via a PC, your NMT is accessing the MSP on its own. The MSP then allows you to stream directly from YouTube, Flikr, Google Video, etc.

-Tim

Sorry for the length in time on this reply, but per my last question in regards to a keyboard.

If I search via the NMT how do you do it? Can you hook up a keyboard to these devices? Is there a virtual keyboard that pops up on demand?

Also at home I have DSL, is there LAG when your viewing these videos while they stream? If I choose a large video to stream do I have to wait awhile before I start viewing it because of buffer?

Thank you,

You can use any wired USB keyboard plugged into one of the USB ports. There are some basic wireless ones reported to work but they are not officially supported. Otherwise you use the remote keys like you would sending a text message from your cell phone.

Laters,
Jeff