There seems to be a pretty strong following here for the Popcorn Hour. Any pros/cons to it vs. the HDX1000 - I like the styling a bit better on the HDX, but perhaps not so much the apparent price delta.....

Am I correct in that all of these Networked Media Tanks run the same firmware - can I take firmware for the Popcorn Hour and run it on the HDX1000?

thanks....

There seems to be a pretty strong following here for the Popcorn Hour. Any pros/cons to it vs. the HDX1000 - I like the styling a bit better on the HDX, but perhaps not so much the apparent price delta.....

I have both. I have had my Popcorn Hour A-100 for nearly a year. It's great when it works. For a majority of that time it has not worked. It comes on, but it will not finish booting. I have read everything on the NMT forums and corresponded with posters and tech support there, and nearly everyone was clueless. Despite some good, thoughtful suggestions from some, mostly I kept getting the some inane suggestions to reboot every time, to upgrade to new firmware, or to try a composite cable. This was after explaining that I had tried all of those, that I had a display showing so that it was not a display problem but rather a boot problem (and most likely a corrupt kernel in the A-100) -- all to no avail.

After much pleading, I finally got an RMA from PH (it took 5 exchanges with them on their support site) and returned my unit for repair. It came back quickly and worked. It worked for about a month and developed the same problem of getting stuck in some boot infinite repeating hell. I lost all patience with it and decided it wasn't worth the effort it took the first time to explain ad nauseum what my problem was, only to be given the same inapplicable advice over and over and have to return it again. It's a brick now.

I got my HDX-1000 yesterday and set it up easily. It works out of the box and does exactly what it is supposed to do -- so far. If it develops booting problems too, it's going to be my doorstop.


Am I correct in that all of these Networked Media Tanks run the same firmware - can I take firmware for the Popcorn Hour and run it on the HDX1000?

My understanding is that each NMT device offered (there are more than the two you mention) has its own version of firmware because the hardware is slightly different on each device. Essentially, they all run the same basic firmware, but the actual coding and implementation is slightly different on each one. Therefore, it is likely that your PH firmware will not support an HDX-1000. Use the HDX-1000 firmware if you get an HDX-1000.

Now, if you are using myiHome as your server software, then yeah, it's the same for all of them, but that's software, not firmware.

I bought an iStarHD.com device.

More than happy with it and not one single issue since it was delivered.

If you're comparing the Popcorn A-110 to the HDX 1000, then there's only a $4 difference in the price of the unit, however...

Considering where you are located, you might be hit with sales tax, shipping and even import duties for either product.

I'm in San Jose, so I originally was going to order the Popcorn Hour since they're US office is located here in Fremont and I thought to save on shipping, however, I would have to pay sales tax. But if anything went wrong with the unit, it's only a 20 min. drive to get it serviced.

Whereas, if I ordered the HDX, I'd have to pay a steep $50 for shipping from China, but no sales tax. However, if anything went wrong, I'd have to ship back to China for RMA. That's the risk and gamble with these things.

Net PCH=$253 vs HDX=$269.

I decided to go with the HDX because I liked its design and physical connectors. Thankfully, I got lucky with a good unit...so far (fingers crossed).

While I did own a PCH A-100 for a month, I thought the case design made the unit look cheap and was worried about overheating since it's such a low profile box. I also had concerns about the HDX design since it doesn't have ventilation holes, but because of the heat sink design, I haven't had any problems or concerns.

Hope this helps and good luck on which ever product you chose.

BTW, I just picked up the WD box and it's very nice for the price, however, it sacrifices a lot of functionality that makes this hobby fun (customizations, network apps, etc.) for ease of use and consumer friendliness.

I recently purchased a PCH A-110.
I want to know if anyone can point me to a forum about how to:

1) Get the PCH to play all VOB video_ts files. It seems that a few work but the majority do not. The one's I have the best luck working are movies that I combined the vob's for using the
copy /b nameof file+name of file etc. I would like to avoid this as it can be somewhat time consuming. Ideally getting the main dvd menu would be great.

2) Is there a way to get PCH to map a drive to a windows box on an NTFS drive? I see SMB and NFS are supported...not sure why you it is unable to map a drive to a local pc over a wired network.

There seems to be a pretty strong following here for the Popcorn Hour. Any pros/cons to it vs. the HDX1000 - I like the styling a bit better on the HDX, but perhaps not so much the apparent price delta.....

I have a review (http://learnhd.blogspot.com/) on HDX 1000. And, I just received my Popcorn A-110. I'll try to pump out a review for that, too, after Thanksgiving Holiday.

I think the major differences are:
1. The style, as you pointed out.
2. The case material (HDX supposed to have better heat transferring for its case material)
3. Convenience (A-110 has a USB port at the front panel, HDX 1000 has a card reader at the front panel)
4. Brand name (A-110 is from Syabas, the creator of NMT software)

If you really concern about the price delta, please PM me. I might be able to help you out.

Am I correct in that all of these Networked Media Tanks run the same firmware - can I take firmware for the Popcorn Hour and run it on the HDX1000?

No, you cannot use the A-110 firmware on HDX 1000. Although the firmwares are both maintained by Syabas, there must be a code name (or index) difference between two versions. However, from my study (and it can be wrong...:p) the major functions / features are almost identical...

Both use the same sigma chip, HDX is a little better style wise.

Both use the same sigma chip, HDX is a little better style wise.
WD TV uses the same sigma chip, and is a little better price wise. $99.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1080840

WD TV uses the same sigma chip, and is a little better price wise. $99.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1080840

If he's looking for a networked media tank, then the WD isn't going to suit his needs. The WD is a very different product than a Popcorn Hour or HDX.

WD TV uses the same sigma chip, and is a little better price wise. $99.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1080840

WD does not count as an network media device, or even as functional media player.

Thanks for playing.

I currently have the A100, and looking into getting second NMT (to replace the Tvix 4000).

The HDX 1000 has 512MB ram, compared to 256MB in the Popcorn Hour A110. Do you think this will make a difference - especially when streaming video.

One thing I find slightly annoying with the A100 when watching Apple Trailers (online - via cat5 cable) is that they frequently freeze/pause - I assume due to the small buffer size.

(wish the firmware would take advantage of an installed hard drive to do some buffering/caching).

More ram the better.

There seems to be a pretty strong following here for the Popcorn Hour. Any pros/cons to it vs. the HDX1000 - I like the styling a bit better on the HDX, but perhaps not so much the apparent price delta.....

Am I correct in that all of these Networked Media Tanks run the same firmware - can I take firmware for the Popcorn Hour and run it on the HDX1000?

thanks....

I am in the same place now, do not know what to buy... I am waiting for the mediagate MG-800HD coming in December to check the reviews and make my final decision. As far as PCH or HDX they look the same, the only difference I see is the support that PCH has on the forums (including more applications, plugins, etc)

Let us know what you ended buying

seranko: Both PCH and HDX effectively run the same firmware (however, they are NOT interchangeable), so applications, plugins, themes, etc.. for one work on the other, i.e., NZBGET, GB-PVR, telnet, BT, etc...

sandun: As for the RAM difference, I don't believe the HDX is utilizing the extra memory since I still have pausing/buffering problems every couple minutes when streaming via YouTube, for example (and I'm on a 6Mbps link). However, there are others that claim even PCH streaming is flawless. I was hoping with an internal HDD that it would solve the problem, but it doesnt :(

sandun: As for the RAM difference, I don't believe the HDX is utilizing the extra memory since I still have pausing/buffering problems every couple minutes when streaming via YouTube, for example (and I'm on a 6Mbps link). However, there are others that claim even PCH streaming is flawless. I was hoping with an internal HDD that it would solve the problem, but it doesnt :(

mmccking, thanks for info. I had a internal HDD in the PCH and didn't think it helped with the streaming either. YouTube streaming - for the most part have been OK with occasional breaks. Most of the issues have been with Apple trailers (720P). Now I just browse and download the trailers via iTunes application (and then have back up software (Cobian/SynchbackSE) copy the newly downloaded trailers to the NAS).

I recently purchased a PCH A-110.
I want to know if anyone can point me to a forum about how to:

1) Get the PCH to play all VOB video_ts files. It seems that a few work but the majority do not. The one's I have the best luck working are movies that I combined the vob's for using the
copy /b nameof file+name of file etc. I would like to avoid this as it can be somewhat time consuming. Ideally getting the main dvd menu would be great.

2) Is there a way to get PCH to map a drive to a windows box on an NTFS drive? I see SMB and NFS are supported...not sure why you it is unable to map a drive to a local pc over a wired network.

Can anyone comment on the above? I've read conflicting reports as to whether the PH can handle SD DVDs saved as multiple TS files. I need to sort this out before ordering. Thanks!

Can anyone comment on the above? I've read conflicting reports as to whether the PH can handle SD DVDs saved as multiple TS files. I need to sort this out before ordering. Thanks!

PCH can play either ISO's or Video_TS folders. However, it can only do so over SMB or NFS. Once you select the movie folder that contains the Video_TS folder (which in turn contains multiple vobs among other things) or the ISO file, it mounts the DVD with menus.

I have no experience trying to play the VOBs directly. Or are you talking about Transport Stream files when you say TS?

Either way, you'll get more feedback by going to the popcornhour forum: www.networkedmediatank.com

PCH (including the HDX-1000) will play ISOs of DVDs and entire DVDs copied into individual folders stored on a USB drive and an internal drive, including the menus.

Are there any NMT's besides the B110's that can have multiple SATA drives?

Thanks,
CJ

Are there any NMT's besides the B110's that can have multiple SATA drives?

Thanks,
CJ

Not that I'm aware of. However, if you want my opinion, the preferable solution is to put together a media server to feed content through a NMT - especially considering the work you're putting into that theater. You can build an unraid server for less than $300 + license ($0-120) + HDD's. It will give you parity protection in the event of a hard drive failure (without the potential downsides of raid). And you can tuck it away in another room or behind a wall and not have to worry about noise/heat issues that could be caused by running HDD's in an NMT. If all you want is a way to store digital content (and you have more than one drive's worth) I really don't think it can be beat.

I haven't really looked into an unraid server before. I'll give that a thought. Since I own all the disks, I don't really need redundancy (though it would suck to re-rip them all).

One other option that I need is an NMT that outputs both HDMI and component video, and I prefer the coaxial digital output to the optical one. The B110 is the only one that I've seen that does those as well.

Thanks,
CJ

One other option that I need is an NMT that outputs both HDMI and component video, and I prefer the coaxial digital output to the optical one. The B110 is the only one that I've seen that does those as well.

Thanks,
CJ


Kaiboer K100 does have both HDMI and component, Coax and optical. But it does not host internal hdd or provide multiple sata port.

Am I correct in that all of these Networked Media Tanks run the same firmware - can I take firmware for the Popcorn Hour and run it on the HDX1000?

thanks....

I think this issue needs to be clarified.

Syabas is the only NMT software provider.
It provides firmware for its in-house brand PCH and other NMTs.

You might have the idea that all NMT firmware is the same. It is true to an extent (e.g. someone successfully flash PCH firmware to istar)

But you might want to also ask this

"why would Syabas sell its solutions to other manufactures which makes hardware and come back to compete with Syabas own PCH?"


I suppose you know the recent DTS downmix difference. Currently only Syabas PCH has this function. Other NMT manufactures are trying to brush this issue away.

What kind of front ends do these units have? I am sooooo loonking for something with a nice front end like MyMovies where you can browse looking at DVD covers (kind of like an IPOD cover art set-up).

Does something like that exist??

What kind of front ends do these units have? I am sooooo loonking for something with a nice front end like MyMovies where you can browse looking at DVD covers (kind of like an IPOD cover art set-up).

Does something like that exist??

http://www.networkedmediatank.com/showthread.php?tid=9862&pid=73102#pid73102

I suppose you know the recent DTS downmix difference. Currently only Syabas PCH has this function. Other NMT manufactures are trying to brush this issue away.

sounds like if i have a lot of mkv's with dts audio, and i do not have a receiver, then the pch is my best choice because hdx1000 can't downmix dts for my tv speakers.

edit: but i forgot you can also just use the pch software to change dts to ac3 and i think it will work on my tv then

[QUOTE=Toe Tag;15126662]WD TV uses the same sigma chip, and is a little better price wise. $99.


Anybody tested the WD TV? how does it work?

Texas YOU ROCK!!


http://www.networkedmediatank.com/showthread.php?tid=9862&pid=73102#pid73102

get VuNow when it is out!

I have a review on HDX 1000.

Have you tested the HDX 1000 using OSX on the iMac and does it work? I'm making the change away from Windows and really don't want another program I have to run on Win in a VM on my iMac. Also, what is the maximum HDD size that can be installed?

Thanks for the review, it was very comprehensive.
=Jp=

Can the HDX-1000 output to ALL of the following at the *same time*?
1. Component video
2. HDMI
3. Digital coaxial audio
4. RCA (L-R) audio

The reason I need this functionality is I have a home theater setup plus a distributed video setup and I want to be able to use one device to stream to both. The HT setup will be HDMI, the distributed video will be component video plus digital coaxial to some rooms and RCA to other rooms.

Alternatively, if the HDX-1000 can only output to one set of the AV outputs at a time I would need my home automation system (Control4) to be able to tell the HDX-1000 to change outputs depending on where I am trying to watch the video (HDMI in media room, component video+digital coax in family room, component video + RCA in kids' bedrooms), is that possible?

If anyone has the A-100/110 or the HDX-1000 and could test this for me I would appreciate it. With the A-110 check if the optical works in place of the digital coax on the HDX-1000.

Also, if you do not put an internal hard drive into the HDX-1000 (I plan on using a NAS) then is 'Standby' mode a very low power mode that it can remain in 24 hours a day?

I don't know if they have standby mode, but with no hard drive inside and no fan, i think it will be low power already, even without a standby mode.

I have two questions as well:
1. Do pch and hdx1000 have an automatic standby mode (after being idle for a while)? Does the standby mode power down the internal HDD?

2. I have heard the only drawback of pch is you can't turn it off with the remote control. Is this the same with the hdx1000?

Most of these units (with the exception of the egreat ones, I think) cannot 'fully' power off by remote, but they do have some form of 'standby.' The problem is some of them will randomly keep powering up and back down even when in standby.

The problem is some of them will randomly keep powering up and back down even when in standby.

I'm pretty sure that it's the HD that randomly picks up. I'm guessing that it will be fixed in the next firmware upgrade.

CJ

I am totally confused with the vast array of options. I have looked at windows gome server, NAS devices, XBOX streaming, HDD recorders, but I think I have narrowed my choice down to the two devices in this thread.

But can either of them record TV. I don't see any form of input available for RF or AV or SCART

I think the HDX 1000 ticks most of my boxes.

I need a device that can do all of the follwoing:
- archive all my cinefilm footage and be able to replay it. I used DVI in an AVI
- A NAS device so that I can easily backup media files from all my familys laptops and hand held devices (I have teenage daughters with ipods and the like so I feel like a constant IT support technician.
- A system that can be operated by teenagers
- A system that outputs Dobly 5.1 DTS via fiber
- A system that can display on my tv (it is not an HD TV and only has SCART and AV)
- does not require a keyboard and mouse
- A system that my wife will allow in the front room
- A decent network connection so that I can backup to an internnet based digital vault
- Preferably with a universal media card port so that I can directly load footage from the SD card of my camcorder.
- A remote control
- An easy to use interface for browsing and viewing footage
- An efficent O/S that does not require a system administrator to operate it. i.e it boots straight into an easy GUI
- Ability to act as a HDD recorder with input from my Sky box (SCART of AV) and or RF freeview or freesat.

I want all this in one box. Am I asking too much. I know that I coudl build a PC to do it all but I do not want to and I want it to be easily used by my family. If I am barking up the wrong tree then any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated please.

Sorry if I have any terminology wrong. I am new to this!

I have read conflicting reports on whether it will playback ISO's. I have all of my BD's ripped to ISO's and if this device will in fact play them back without the need for a computer in the veiwing area, I would buy one right away.

I have read conflicting reports on whether it will playback ISO's. I have all of my BD's ripped to ISO's and if this device will in fact play them back without the need for a computer in the veiwing area, I would buy one right away.

For all NMTs: DVD ISO yes, BD ISO no. The chip (Sigma 8635) in the NMTs is the same as the one in the BD player but not enough ram, no NAND flash (to run Java) and no license!

But the NTMs play 1080p.x264.mkv files without any issue.

So if I convert my ISO's to mkv, it would play them?

Hi,

Concerning your BD Isos, you do not need to convert them to MKV format.
If disk space is not a problem for you, just expand the BD iso and have a look in the Streamer folder.
Usualy the bigger file is the movie itself.

Just ask your NMT to play that file, you will have HD Sound & Images thru the HDMI interface as you would do with a BD player but except menus & interactive stuffs.

Mine is connected to an ONKYO amplifier which in turn is connected to my Plasma.
I am having HD sound (both Dolby & DTS) & video that way.

I am using a Jukebox software to facilitate the selection of the movie to play.


That's great.

Mami7892002

Can the HDX-1000 output to ALL of the following at the *same time*?
1. Component video
2. HDMI
3. Digital coaxial audio
4. RCA (L-R) audio

The reason I need this functionality is I have a home theater setup plus a distributed video setup and I want to be able to use one device to stream to both. The HT setup will be HDMI, the distributed video will be component video plus digital coaxial to some rooms and RCA to other rooms.

Alternatively, if the HDX-1000 can only output to one set of the AV outputs at a time I would need my home automation system (Control4) to be able to tell the HDX-1000 to change outputs depending on where I am trying to watch the video (HDMI in media room, component video+digital coax in family room, component video + RCA in kids' bedrooms), is that possible?

If anyone has the A-100/110 or the HDX-1000 and could test this for me I would appreciate it. With the A-110 check if the optical works in place of the digital coax on the HDX-1000.

Also, if you do not put an internal hard drive into the HDX-1000 (I plan on using a NAS) then is 'Standby' mode a very low power mode that it can remain in 24 hours a day?


I have a PCH-110, I can confirm it does not output simultaneously in the various outs for video. I switch between a TV and projector both having different connectivity and everytime I have to change the output for it to work!

I have a PCH-110, I can confirm it does not output simultaneously in the various outs for video. I switch between a TV and projector both having different connectivity and everytime I have to change the output for it to work!

That's not quite correct. You can set the output to Component 1080p 60Hz and it will output to both component video and HDMI. I'm not sure if any other settings will do this. This setting will not work with the composite video output.

CJ

I just bought the HDX1000 a couple of days ago and almost solved my problem.
If I can only make it work with my Samba server where all my movies are located!
The HDX1000 can freaking see my shared drive but when you try and go inside that folder it gives me a freakin' "input/output error!".
It had no problem seeing a windows XP shared folder though.

My plan was to have every room that has a TV in my house with an HDX1000 and let the HDX1000 access the Samba server shared drives for the movies.

I think these devices are not ready for prime time yet.

I just bought the HDX1000 a couple of days ago and almost solved my problem.
If I can only make it work with my Samba server where all my movies are located!
The HDX1000 can freaking see my shared drive but when you try and go inside that folder it gives me a freakin' "input/output error!".
It had no problem seeing a windows XP shared folder though.

My plan was to have every room that has a TV in my house with an HDX1000 and let the HDX1000 access the Samba server shared drives for the movies.

I think these devices are not ready for prime time yet.

If you have a password on the movie share then you will have to
setup the user and share in the Setup->Network Share.

The NMT should not be browsing to shares it cannot see. Very sloppy of
Syabas and certainly enforces view of the lack of quality.

The HDX1000 is a very mixed bag and I am continually disappointed
to see the manufacturer cutting corners like drilling the holes in the chassis
and only applying 70% of the screws.

As you plan to buy multiple units be careful if you get offered
HDX1000 units 20 or more percent below the current retail.

There was a bad batch made between Nov 08 and Feb 09.
The processor had a gap of 1-2mm from the metal heat sink panel and this
led to overheating failures

http://www.networkedmediatank.com/showthread.php?tid=16631

The manufacturer's response was to get the users to apply the paste
themselves and you have to tear the thing apart to do so.

A retailer may be still trying to offload these units.

If you have a password on the movie share then you will have to
setup the user and share in the Setup->Network Share.

The NMT should not be browsing to shares it cannot see. Very sloppy of
Syabas and certainly enforces view of the lack of quality.

The HDX1000 is a very mixed bag and I am continually disappointed
to see the manufacturer cutting corners like drilling the holes in the chassis
and only applying 70% of the screws.

As you plan to buy multiple units be careful if you get offered
HDX1000 units 20 or more percent below the current retail.

There was a bad batch made between Nov 08 and Feb 09.
The processor had a gap of 1-2mm from the metal heat sink panel and this
led to overheating failures

http://www.networkedmediatank.com/showthread.php?tid=16631

The manufacturer's response was to get the users to apply the paste
themselves and you have to tear the thing apart to do so.

A retailer may be still trying to offload these units.


Thanks for the heads up. I am not going to get any more of these unless after a firmware update to fix the samba connection problem.
I have to give HDX1000 credit for creating a device that can do so many things except it doesn't work reliably.
What I see happening is as soon as the big manufacturer's like Sony, Philipps,
WD, wtc wtc can produce a product that is reliable even for a modest price increase from the HDX1000, people will be buying those instead. I know I would. I spent too much wasting time trying to get these devices to work.
Meanwhile I will continue my search to find an NMT that can talk to a samba server reliably.

upgrading RAM is very easy in a laptop. I imagine it is not possible, here, or it would be standard advice...