Hello to all, specially the owners of WDTV Live!

Here are bugs and/or issues I noticed, some of them already known in other WDTV Live threads.

Please, do no ask for advice here or make wishes - keep it only for bug reporting, thank you!

Workarounds for any of reported bugs are also welcome.
If you made an effort to reproduce some bug, please report your result also, either success or failure.


UPDATE: WDTV Live Firmware Release 1.01.11 (11/16/09)
Great news: at least no more problem 1)!
According to the 1.01.11 Release Notes, many problems are now resolved.
Many thanks to WD team!


My suggestions are in green. Please note that the following list is not yet updated for the new 1.01.11 firmware. My WDTV Live found the update by itself just a two hours ago.

1) Not all PC Windows shares are visible on WDTV Live - most of the times only couple of them.
There is also a random situation - try to enter "Video -> Network Shares" and nothing happens - no response to pressing ENTER button. Power cycle doesn't make any difference, not even unplugging the unit from power.
In the same time, you can access the WDTVs' shares from the PC and copy files, without any problems and interruptions. It seems that this part of netwoking is functioning flawless. YouTube is also working.
Apparently resolved in 1.01.11.


2) After powering off the unit (shutdown, then disconnection the power), and powering on again, the subtitle default option goes to off.
Small bug, but still a bug. Programmers forgot to store this setting in non-volatile memory.

3) After some time of inactivity, the USB connected disks dissapear, even the USB LED on the WDTV Live is off.
If you try to access the WDTVLIVE share from the PC, you will still see the disk, but, instead of its folders, you'll see there some of your PC shares names
(weird, ha?) and all of them empty.
Dissapeared disks often can't be detected only by plugging them off and on; you have to disconnect and reconnect the power from WDTV Live.
Anybody else seen this? I wouldn't complain, if the simple power off then power on could resolves this.

4) You can't disconnect USB disk safely (by pressing EJECT on the remote) from the WDTV Live if its share is opened on the PC; WDTV is just doing "busy" circle for a very long time, without any warning.


5) Lack of consistent MP4 support (reported by dredd)
Very likely bad rip. Closed.

6) movie.jpg in the same folder with movie.mkv show up twice for network shares.
(reported by DigitalDen)

7) Using HDMI to DVI it defaults back to 480p on some older tvs when you try to set 1080i even though the tv is 1080i - this does not happen with the 1st gen WDTV HD Media Player.
(reported by theslydog)

8) Playing over a Wireless "N" network keeps losing it's connection every few minutes.
During my tests I always had 2, 3 or 4 bars of reception. I tried 2 different N adapters (both on the "tested" list", 2 different routers, and 2 different PCs (one XP and one Vista).
It always works at first and then about 5 minutes later...lost connection.
(reported by Everdog)
Will you please check that your WDTV or WiFi router is not too close to some source of radio interference, like DECT phone. Manually setting WiFi channel on your router can also help if there are many networks in your area.
When confirming or disputing this, please report the hardware and protocol you are using, also security setting on your WiFi.

9) Some VOB files seem to be miss read by the unit. For example, my DVDs are broken up into multiple VOB files for each movie. Each VOB is about 1 gig each and the play time is roughly 23 minutes long. The unit does not correctly determine the correct playing time and reads some vob files to be anywhere from 4 minutes to 9 minutes long. I wish it would just play the VIDEO_TS.IFO file for DVD playing. When these VOB are playing, the unit would shut it self down some of the time.
(reported by DarinHPTC)
Anybody else? Try the same with ISO.

10) Playing music files over HDMI, the first half-second of the song is cut off. This did NOT happen with the original WDTV on the same receiver connected with the same HDMI cable to the same HDMI port, so it is DEFINITELY a problem caused by the WDTV-LIVE.
Confirmed with both network and local files, and both uncompressed WAV and compressed FLAC.
Tried new cable (HDMI 1.3b certified). Same result - first 1/2 second of song is cut off. Didn't happen with WDTV1.(reported by cheld)

11) Pandora account login isn't staying resident on WDTVLive, i.e. I have to type in my account info each & every time.
(reported by christoofar)


To be honest, I like very much the new WDTV Live.
I had been using the old WDTV for almost a year, and, despite some early problems with subtitles and constant problems with stuttering video, I have been satisfied. Those, and other smaller problems, weren't big enough to make the device unusable, rarely close to spoil a pleasure of watching HD movies.

So, to be affirmative, here is a list of WDTV Live's features that work more than satisfactory:

1) Perfect playback of majority of formats (not all, but can you ask for all to work really?), including the most demanding h.264 1080p MKV at more than 5 reframes.

2) 23.976 fps works perfectly, at last, also any other fps, without stuttering.

3) Cool user interface, fast enough, nice preview feature.

4) From my experience, WDTVLIVE share works perfectly, fast (6.5 - 7.5 MB/s) and without dropouts, when accessed from a PC.

5) Playback from network also works fine (of course, if you can access shares at all), no performace problems.

6) YouTube works fine.

7) DTS decoding works fine.

(reposting my MP4 playback bug here)

So I have this really weird situation where either:

(a) the WDTV2 tells me that an MP4 file is "not a supported format", but *WILL* play a different MP4 file that is largely identical in codec/format/bitrate/etc/etc, or

(b) The MP4 will happily play, but I won't be able to fast-forward inside it, or

(c) The MP4 will attempt play the video, but will claim there's no audio track, show only blackness, and ALWAYS claim that the running time is 18m18s.

In the case of "a", I submit... the one that works:

General
Complete name : filename.mp4
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42
File size : 836 MiB
Duration : 55mn 10s
Overall bit rate : 2 119 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2009-09-08 13:48:33
Tagged date : UTC 2009-09-08 13:48:33

Video
ID : 2
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High@L3.1
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 3 frames
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 55mn 9s
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 1 991 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 7 549 Kbps
Width : 1 280 pixels
Height : 720 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 29.970 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.072
Stream size : 785 MiB (94%)
Title : (C) 2007 Google Inc. v08.13.2007.
Encoded date : UTC 2009-09-08 13:48:37
Tagged date : UTC 2009-09-08 13:49:37

Audio
ID : 1
Format : AAC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec
Format version : Version 4
Format profile : LC
Format settings, SBR : No
Codec ID : 40
Duration : 55mn 10s
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 126 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 252 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : L R
Sampling rate : 44.1 KHz
Resolution : 16 bits
Stream size : 49.6 MiB (6%)
Title : (C) 2007 Google Inc. v08.13.2007.
Encoded date : UTC 2009-09-08 13:48:33
Tagged date : UTC 2009-09-08 13:49:37




... and the one that doesn't work...

General
Complete name : filename.mp4
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42
File size : 836 MiB
Duration : 54mn 58s
Overall bit rate : 2 127 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2009-09-08 05:41:47
Tagged date : UTC 2009-09-08 05:41:47

Video
ID : 2
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High@L3.1
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 3 frames
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 54mn 58s
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 1 999 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 7 554 Kbps
Width : 1 280 pixels
Height : 720 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 29.970 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.072
Stream size : 786 MiB (94%)
Title : (C) 2007 Google Inc. v08.13.2007.
Encoded date : UTC 2009-09-08 05:41:50
Tagged date : UTC 2009-09-08 05:42:32

Audio
ID : 1
Format : AAC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec
Format version : Version 4
Format profile : LC
Format settings, SBR : No
Codec ID : 40
Duration : 54mn 58s
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 126 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 235 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : L R
Sampling rate : 44.1 KHz
Resolution : 16 bits
Stream size : 49.4 MiB (6%)
Title : (C) 2007 Google Inc. v08.13.2007.
Encoded date : UTC 2009-09-08 05:41:47
Tagged date : UTC 2009-09-08 05:42:32


Both of these files were taken from YouTube HD downloads. They are nearly identical (the one that "fails" is episode 4 of a youtube series, the one that works is episode 5).

Then we have (b), the one where it won't let me fast-forward through it.

General
Complete name : filename.m4v
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42
File size : 1.81 GiB
Duration : 1h 10mn
Overall bit rate : 3 664 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2009-10-18 06:02:06
Tagged date : UTC 2009-10-18 07:00:40
Writing application : HandBrake 0.9.3 2008112300

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Main@L3.0
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 2 frames
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 1h 10mn
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 3 530 Kbps
Width : 704 pixels
Height : 400 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Variable
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Minimum frame rate : 19.958 fps
Maximum frame rate : 120.000 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.523
Stream size : 1.75 GiB (96%)
Writing library : x264 core 65
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=2 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=umh / subme=5 / psy_rd=0.0:0.0 / mixed_ref=0 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=0 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / chroma_qp_offset=0 / threads=3 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / mbaff=0 / bframes=2 / b_pyramid=0 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / wpredb=0 / keyint=240 / keyint_min=24 / scenecut=40(pre) / rc=crf / crf=15.3 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30 / aq=1:1.00
Encoded date : UTC 2009-10-18 06:02:06
Tagged date : UTC 2009-10-18 07:00:40
colour_primaries : BT.601-6 525, BT.1358 525, BT.1700 NTSC, SMPTE 170M
transfer_characteristics : BT.709-5, BT.1361
matrix_coefficients : BT.601-6 525, BT.1358 525, BT.1700 NTSC, SMPTE 170M

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AAC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec
Format version : Version 4
Format profile : LC
Format settings, SBR : No
Codec ID : 40
Duration : 1h 10mn
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 128 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 239 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Resolution : 16 bits
Stream size : 64.8 MiB (3%)
Language : English
Encoded date : UTC 2009-10-18 06:02:06
Tagged date : UTC 2009-10-18 07:00:40

Text
ID : 3
Format : Apple text
Codec ID : text
Duration : 1h 10mn
Bit rate mode : Constant
Stream size : 192 Bytes (0%)
Encoded date : UTC 2009-10-18 06:02:06
Tagged date : UTC 2009-10-18 07:00:40


This is a file I ripped from DVD only a couple hours ago.

And then, for "c":


General
Complete name : S04E20-21 - Daybreak (Parts 2 and 3).m4v
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42
File size : 2.90 GiB
Duration : 1h 36mn
Overall bit rate : 4 275 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2009-08-09 13:28:36
Tagged date : UTC 2009-08-09 14:50:01
Writing application : HandBrake 0.9.3 2008112300

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Main@L3.0
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 2 frames
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 1h 36mn
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 4 141 Kbps
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 400 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Variable
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Minimum frame rate : 19.958 fps
Maximum frame rate : 201.681 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.600
Stream size : 2.81 GiB (97%)
Writing library : x264 core 65
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=2 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=umh / subme=5 / psy_rd=0.0:0.0 / mixed_ref=0 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=0 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / chroma_qp_offset=0 / threads=3 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / mbaff=0 / bframes=2 / b_pyramid=0 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / wpredb=0 / keyint=240 / keyint_min=24 / scenecut=40(pre) / rc=crf / crf=15.3 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30 / aq=1:1.00
Encoded date : UTC 2009-08-09 13:28:36
Tagged date : UTC 2009-08-09 14:50:01
colour_primaries : BT.601-6 525, BT.1358 525, BT.1700 NTSC, SMPTE 170M
transfer_characteristics : BT.709-5, BT.1361
matrix_coefficients : BT.601-6 525, BT.1358 525, BT.1700 NTSC, SMPTE 170M

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AAC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec
Format version : Version 4
Format profile : LC
Format settings, SBR : No
Codec ID : 40
Duration : 1h 36mn
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 127 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 225 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Resolution : 16 bits
Stream size : 88.2 MiB (3%)
Language : English
Encoded date : UTC 2009-08-09 13:28:36
Tagged date : UTC 2009-08-09 14:50:01

Text
ID : 3
Format : Apple text
Codec ID : text
Duration : 1h 36mn
Bit rate mode : Constant
Stream size : 216 Bytes (0%)
Encoded date : UTC 2009-08-09 13:28:36
Tagged date : UTC 2009-08-09 14:50:01

1) movie.jpg in the same folder with movie.mkv show up twice for network shares.

Using HDMI to DVI it defaults back to 480p on some older tvs when you try to set 1080i even though the tv is 1080i - this does not happen with the 1st gen WDTV HD Media Player.

Playing over a Wireless "N" network keeps losing it's connection every few minutes.

During my tests I always had 2, 3 or 4 bars of reception. I tried 2 different N adapters (both on the "tested" list", 2 different routers, and 2 different PCs (one XP and one Vista).

It always works at first and then about 5 minutes later...lost connection.

My unit drops off the network regularly when using wireless and occasionally when wired.

Some VOB files seem to be miss read by the unit. For example, my DVDs are broken up into multiple VOB files for each movie. Each VOB is about 1 gig each and the play time is roughly 23 minutes long. The unit does not correctly determine the correct playing time and reads some vob files to be anywhere from 4 minutes to 9 minutes long. I wish it would just play the VIDEO_TS.IFO file for DVD playing. When these VOB are playing, the unit would shut it self down some of the time.

Playing music files over HDMI, the first half-second of the song is cut off. This did NOT happen with the original WDTV on the same receiver connected with the same HDMI cable to the same HDMI port, so it is DEFINITELY a problem caused by the WDTV-LIVE.

Confirmed with both network and local files, and both uncompressed WAV and compressed FLAC.

My unit drops off the network ... occasionally when wired.


Can you be more precise? Depending of your gateway, remember that DHCP lease expires for example, in 4 hours, or more. At that moment, the unit drops of network for a minute or so.

Please check if it is a bug or not in Network sharing:
Scenario:
I had shared folders on my windows XP (shared options are identical) :
Video
Shared
Data
WDTV Live could see my PC and showed me only 2 folders (no Data folder):
Video
Shared
I have renamed and re shared folder Data to Data123 on my PC
WDTV Live has shown my PC and showed me all 3 folders:
Video
Shared
Data123
I have renamed and reshared Data123 back to Data and WDTV could not see Data folder again.

QUESTION: Is 'Data' name reserved for sharing? What other names are reserved? Is it only in my network? Can anybody reproduce it?

Thanks

My unit drops off the network regularly when using wireless and occasionally when wired.

Some VOB files seem to be miss read by the unit. For example, my DVDs are broken up into multiple VOB files for each movie. Each VOB is about 1 gig each and the play time is roughly 23 minutes long. The unit does not correctly determine the correct playing time and reads some vob files to be anywhere from 4 minutes to 9 minutes long. I wish it would just play the VIDEO_TS.IFO file for DVD playing. When these VOB are playing, the unit would shut it self down some of the time.

even wired too:eek:

re: issues 5 and 9 collected in the initial post:

issue 5 shouldn't be categorized as inconsistent playback of the mp4 files, because that would infer that the machine has some sort of arbitrary selective capability rather than being bound by set rules. logic goes completely against it. rather, it's an encoder fault, plain and simple. "largely identical" is still just that: close, but no cigar.

issue 8 is something that other users have had no issue with, and therefore it can be assumed that the issue lies with your network, either in terms of hardware or physical restraints such as housing structure or something else that will interfere with the signal.

neither of these things are "bugs."

Please check if it is a bug or not in Network sharing:
Scenario:
I had shared folders on my windows XP (shared options are identical) :
Video
Shared
Data
WDTV Live could see my PC and showed me only 2 folders (no Data folder):
Video
Shared
I have renamed and re shared folder Data to Data123 on my PC
WDTV Live has shown my PC and showed me all 3 folders:
Video
Shared
Data123
I have renamed and reshared Data123 back to Data and WDTV could not see Data folder again.

QUESTION: Is 'Data' name reserved for sharing? What other names are reserved? Is it only in my network? Can anybody reproduce it?

Thanks

No, I can say only that the behaviour is totally random. I created "Data" share and I can see it fine. If I add more shares maybe I see them maybe not.
I also tried other recipies from AVS forum, like "share not starting with letter later than K", or sharing not disc, but folders, and nothing of that is really workaround.

re: issues 5 and 9 collected in the initial post:

issue 5 shouldn't be categorized as inconsistent playback of the mp4 files, because that would infer that the machine has some sort of arbitrary selective capability rather than being bound by set rules. logic goes completely against it. rather, it's an encoder fault, plain and simple. "largely identical" is still just that: close, but no cigar.

issue 8 is something that other users have had no issue with, and therefore it can be assumed that the issue lies with your network, either in terms of hardware or physical restraints such as housing structure or something else that will interfere with the signal.

neither of these things are "bugs."

Very likely.
If dredd does not provide more details soon (please see a green text), I will remove point 5).
This applies also to any other problems that nobody else can reproduce.
For point 8) and 9), I would like for more people to try.

[SIZE="38) Playing over a Wireless "N" network keeps losing it's connection every few minutes.
During my tests I always had 2, 3 or 4 bars of reception. I tried 2 different N adapters (both on the "tested" list", 2 different routers, and 2 different PCs (one XP and one Vista).
It always works at first and then about 5 minutes later...lost connection.
Will you please check that your WDTV or WiFi router is not too close to some source of radio interference, like DECT phone. Manually setting WiFi channel on your router can also help if there are many networks in your area.
(reported by Everdog)

I'll disconnect my phones and try. I have tired manally setting the channel, but that did not help. I should mention that I routinely watch movies on my laptop via the wireless network with no issues.
Also, it could just be my environment. If anyone lese is having this issue let us know.

If the device powers on but hangs on the WD screen with the power light flashing on and off, it is defective...

Not really a bug, but not something I have found around the forum. I just got off the phone with WD support and they said to exchange it in store.

I can confirm the Wireless N bug. It's working great here, but every few minutes it loses it's connection and I have to shut down the WD and turn it on again to see my shares again.

I had a Dell notebook that glitched video playback exactly every 60 seconds. A workaround was to turn of 802.11B and 802.11G compatibility leaving N. I theorized the reason was the adapter was looking for stronger access points. Maybe this info will help.

We now have at least two reports of WiFI networking problem.

I can also say now that there is a problem with the ethernet, too.
Except missing shares, there is a random situation - try to enter "Video -> Network Shares" and nothing happens - no response to pressing ENTER button. Power cycle doesn't make any difference, not even unplugging the unit from power.
In the same time, you can access the WDTVs' shares from the PC and copy files, without any problems and interruptions. It seems that this part of netwoking is functioning flawless. YouTube is also working.

WiFi guys, can you please check is it the same or similar situation with your WiFi network.

We now have at least two reports of WiFI networking problem.

I can also say now that there is a problem with the ethernet, too.
Except missing shares, there is a random situation - try to enter "Video -> Network Shares" and nothing happens - no response to pressing ENTER button. Power cycle doesn't make any difference, not even unplugging the unit from power.
In the same time, you can access the WDTVs' shares from the PC and copy files, without any problems and interruptions. It seems that this part of netwoking is functioning flawless. YouTube is also working.

WiFi guys, can you please check is it the same or similar situation with your WiFi network.

Mine was hanging up on my ethernet.

i still believe that this isn't coming close to confirmation for a networking bug (re: wireless losing signal) by the simple fact that others are not experiencing the problem.

have people with networking issues tried parabolic antennae attachments? or using different networking hardware? or changing the physical location of the router so that it is closer to the WDTV Live?

pekica, I suggest you edit your first post and make it clear when something is an issue people are having and what is actually a confirmed BUG. There is a substantial difference. It doesn't do anyone any good if you slap a "bug" label on stuff if it is not actually a bug.

I don't know if this is a bug or just a preference that I might have. When I compare my WDTV1 and WDTV2 with the same MVK files, I notice that the WDTV2 LIVE has more "grain" in the picture. Thankfully they are now in sync on my WDTV LIVE, where they were not in sync on my WDTV1. :cool:

We now have at least two reports of WiFI networking problem.

I can also say now that there is a problem with the ethernet, too.
Except missing shares, there is a random situation - try to enter "Video -> Network Shares" and nothing happens - no response to pressing ENTER button. Power cycle doesn't make any difference, not even unplugging the unit from power.
In the same time, you can access the WDTVs' shares from the PC and copy files, without any problems and interruptions. It seems that this part of netwoking is functioning flawless. YouTube is also working.

WiFi guys, can you please check is it the same or similar situation with your WiFi network.

This is not a bug. The solution is simply restarting the PC. I have that happen off and on and all I do is leave the WD TV Live on and restart.

I also had the wireless N problem. I had tried different USB N adapters and nothing help, until I repositioned my router. Problem solved Again, not a bug in WD TV Live.

i still believe that this isn't coming close to confirmation for a networking bug (re: wireless losing signal) by the simple fact that others are not experiencing the problem.

have people with networking issues tried parabolic antennae attachments? or using different networking hardware? or changing the physical location of the router so that it is closer to the WDTV Live?

Yes, yes, yes. My old (and new that I reurned today) wireless setup works with my laptop, my phone, and my PS3. Only the WDTV live drops its connection every few minutes.

so since you have a ps3 on your network, i am assuming that you are using a mixed broadcast of 802.11b/g/n? have you checked whether or not straight N on your router (which will terminate your PS3's wifi connection ability) results in the same drop? additionally, your PS3 should have a network test capability when setting up an internet connection; what is the reading that it gives you? remember that for it to have a seemingly strong connection it requires less bandwidth feeding to it than the WDTV Live would.

so since you have a ps3 on your network, i am assuming that you are using a mixed broadcast of 802.11b/g/n? have you checked whether or not straight N on your router (which will terminate your PS3's wifi connection ability) results in the same drop? additionally, your PS3 should have a network test capability when setting up an internet connection; what is the reading that it gives you? remember that for it to have a seemingly strong connection it requires less bandwidth feeding to it than the WDTV Live would.

same wired connection with ps3 never drops out. i disconnect ps3 connect WD, never run together.

1. works fine on XP Pro

2. Well, duh. Not a bug

3. Not had this problem

4. Why would you want to? A good way to ruin your drive. I have never heard a safety issue called a bug before.

5. This has been answered. Safe bet it is a bad rip.

6. Annoying, yes. A bug, not so sure

7. Now this might be a bug

8. Been answered. Issue is with the network. I told you how I fixed it on my network.

9. Try pressing the "Play" button on the folder instead of the "Enter" button.

10. Of all in this list, this one sounds like a hardware (RAM) problem. Either that or your HDMI cable does not support HDMI 1.3. Try a new cable.

1. works fine on XP Pro

2. Well, duh. Not a bug

3. Not had this problem

4. Why would you want to? A good way to ruin your drive. I have never heard a safety issue called a bug before.

5. This has been answered. Safe bet it is a bad rip.

6. Annoying, yes. A bug, not so sure

7. Now this might be a bug

8. Been answered. Issue is with the network. I told you how I fixed it on my network.

9. Try pressing the "Play" button on the folder instead of the "Enter" button.

10. Of all in this list, this one sounds like a hardware (RAM) problem. Either that or your HDMI cable does not support HDMI 1.3. Try a new cable.

1) Lot of people reported this problem. What are your settings, number of shares, anything to support you statement?

4) I tried to remove disk safelly, by pressing EJECT button. Hardly a security feature.

8) Let others try your recipie and report here.

pekica, I suggest you edit your first post and make it clear when something is an issue people are having and what is actually a confirmed BUG. There is a substantial difference. It doesn't do anyone any good if you slap a "bug" label on stuff if it is not actually a bug.

I am open for suggestions.
I already edited the original post.

1. works fine on XP Pro

Consider yourslef lucky. I am using XP pro and rarely can see all my shares. I have tried numerous things and not had much luck.

Clearly a bug since so many people are having problems and yet have other devices that never have issues seeing their shares.

For the people who are experiencing problems with their network dropping off every few minutes. The solution for me was to enable all network shares in the Vista network center.

10. Of all in this list, this one sounds like a hardware (RAM) problem. Either that or your HDMI cable does not support HDMI 1.3. Try a new cable.

Tried new cable (HDMI 1.3b certified). Same result - first 1/2 second of song is cut off. Didn't happen with WDTV1.

1. Pandora account login isn't staying resident on WDTVLive, i.e. I have to type in my account info each & every time.
2. When playing music tracks, there's a 2 or 3 second pause between hitting the enter key & music starting to play.

when I set mine to static IP I had problems with network drop outs of no video at all, from youtube as well
I set it to dhcp and it works fine

also pandora and youtube seem to have cutouts pandora plays then stops after 5 or 10 min same problem with youtube.

my connection is a gigabit ethernet. connected a PC on the same line and ran test no problem

I'm sorry, but I'm going to call "********" on closing my bug as "Bad Rip" because some of those MP4s aren't even rips. Some of those MP4s are Google Video MP4s, and all of them play fine on numerous other devices and pieces of software.

I also have another bug associated with the Network Shares one. I am able to browse to the folders using XP/Vista/7, but not SMB from the WDTV. However, I can access them using the uPNP 'Media Servers' option, and streaming works flawlessly in this manner.

May I add in "No DTS-HD bitstreaming' ?

is that a bug, or a lack of a feature?

Yes, I had network drops from both wired and wireless. I originally used DHCP but have found that there are fewer drops when I configured everything with a static configuration. Go figure. I have been using the Linksys WUSB600N wireless adaptor connected to the WDTC Live.
I was originally connecting through an old Linksys WRT300N router for testing both wired and wireless connections. Then I tried connecting wired directly to a Dell 2708 switch and encountered no dropouts in the last couple of days. For wireless I been testing the Linksys WRT610N router for which connects to the Dell switch and I have not had any network dropouts using this router either within the last couple of days as well. I have the WRT610N only allowing connection from the WDTV using only the 5GHz channel. So I guess the WDTV is very picky about how it receives networking packets and when unhappy it will just drop out.

Let's not argue what should or should not be classified as a bug but rather use this thread to post issues we are having with the unit. Perhaps we can find answers and some help. The networking issues are quite buggy in regard to dropouts.

Now the issue I am having with the unit reading some VOB files as stated in earlier post and it was suggested to use ISO. Well that’s just great but I have several hundred DVD’s ripped as VOBs. Every piece of DVD playing software plays The Lion King just fine but the WDTV thinks the first VOB file of the movie is only nine minutes long when it should 23 minutes long.

2. When playing music tracks, there's a 2 or 3 second pause between hitting the enter key & music starting to play.

Are you referring to Pandora or any music tracks, like MP3 of FLAC played from the local drive? Pandora is not available in my country, and don't know anything about that service.
I can't tell that something like that happens with MP3, although another funny thing happens: not only that there is unfortunate gap between tunes, but also some stuttering. Please test it with tunes that don't have fade-in and fade-out, like, for example, Pink Floyd The Wall.

Are you referring to Pandora or any music tracks, like MP3 of FLAC played from the local drive? Pandora is not available in my country, and don't know anything about that service.
I can't tell that something like that happens with MP3, although another funny thing happens: not only that there is unfortunate gap between tunes, but also some stuttering. Please test it with tunes that don't have fade-in and fade-out, like, for example, Pink Floyd The Wall.

I get random stuttering playing back FLAC music files from a NAS. Some stutter, some do not.

I've done a little more fiddling and this is definitely a problem only with audio-over-HDMI. I hooked up the WDTV Live via both HDMI and optical digital to my receiver. I then unplugged the HDMI from the WDTV Live and started a music track. It played fine. Obviously no video during this test since the HDMI was unplugged. I then plugged the HDMI cable back in and restarted the song. First half-second was cut off.

As I said previously, this was NOT a problem with the WDTV1.

I'm using "Kashmir" as my test track since it starts with a huge cymbal hit.

DD+ will not sync up in .mkv or .m2ts containers (not supported? but DD+ 'bumper' clips work - see this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17377342#post17377342) for details.
TrueHD shows as UNSUPPORTED in .mkv container, works fine in .m2ts (not supported?).

The WD TV Live has problem playing some MP4 videos.
Sample Video:
http://rapidshare.com/files/296086985/Sample_01.mp4.html
This sample video plays fine in the computer and in the old xbox with xbmc. When I play it in the WD TV Live the movement is choppy and this video is not even HD.

Reading the posts i don't know if this is similar to Digital Den's post but the wdtv live will associate the "movie.jpg" with "movie.avi" when the drive is locally plugged ie. usb stick or hard drive and it shows up as 1 item onscreen.

But if i share a folder from my mac, same said setup folder with "movie.jpg" with "movie.avi",on the wdtv live Videos->Network share->SYS and head over to the shared folder, it shows both the.jpg and .avi file on the wdtv using a samba share.

All media show up but this minor glitch adds a whole lot more confusion as cover art is doubled. without the filename being displayed you can easily get confused as to whether your opening a pic or vid. Any ideas or suggestions or is this as i mentioned already reported???????

The WD TV Live has problem playing some MP4 videos.
Sample Video:
http://rapidshare.com/files/29608698...le_01.mp4.html
This sample video plays fine in the computer and in the old xbox with xbmc. When I play it in the WD TV Live the movement is choppy and this video is not even HD.

Your link is not valid. Enclose it in the CODE tag (# symbol at the edit message toolbar).

does the wdtv live need full read and write access to a network share for the cover art feature to properly work?

I can confirm the Wireless N bug. It's working great here, but every few minutes it loses it's connection and I have to shut down the WD and turn it on again to see my shares again.

That bug affects wired ethernet connections too. Media files play for a few minutes and then the connection is lost. Wired and wireless behave exactly the same way here.

That bug affects wired ethernet connections too. Media files play for a few minutes and then the connection is lost. Wired and wireless behave exactly the same way here.

I can confirm the issue over a wired connection. I'm still troubleshooting, network seems fine, possibly FF/RR related while streaming? Dunno yet, except I can confirm it happens even in an isolated network environment. Troubleshooting info here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17412813

I bought one yesterday. I am interested in using the device as a UPnP music player. I see that it is programmed to be a UPnP renderer but it lacks the ability to pause the song. Play and stop work fine. I don't know if this is an ommission on WD part or if it's a bug.

Thank you

Darren

[SIZE="3"]
9) Some VOB files seem to be miss read by the unit. For example, my DVDs are broken up into multiple VOB files for each movie. Each VOB is about 1 gig each and the play time is roughly 23 minutes long. The unit does not correctly determine the correct playing time and reads some vob files to be anywhere from 4 minutes to 9 minutes long. I wish it would just play the VIDEO_TS.IFO file for DVD playing. When these VOB are playing, the unit would shut it self down some of the time.
(reported by DarinHPTC)
[COLOR="SeaGreen"]Anybody else? Try the same with ISO.


This sounds like a timecode problem within the VOBs themselves. In otherwords the timecodes contained within the VOB file does not match it's length which is common for split VOBs.

If you are using a NTFS formatted drive use Mpeg Streamclip to load ALL the VOBs for the movie. Them use the fix timecode breaks function and save them as a single VOB file. You will find that your timing errors vanish and the file plays back fine.

IMO this is not a WDTV Live Bug.

Regards,

Lt. Dang

I've had to unplug the WDTV2 to regain both network and local drive access. It's happened a couple of times.

pmcd

I'm sorry, but I'm going to call "********" on closing my bug as "Bad Rip" because some of those MP4s aren't even rips. Some of those MP4s are Google Video MP4s, and all of them play fine on numerous other devices and pieces of software.

I agree with dredd - bought mine yesterday and thought it was a "dud" returned it this morning to Dick Smiths here in Australia for a new one that does exactly the same. This is pathetic and tiresome.. cause everyone is just complaining and not getting any answers!!


Today after 24hrs of owning two WD TV Live straight out of the box I logged a complaint with Western Digital and they promise to get back to me within 24hrs. I suggest everyone does the same!! And hopefully we'll get some answers!! Go to their website following the contact and e-mail support links.

Playing a MP4 file ripped using HandBrake on a Mac the video and audio seems to stutter at mixed intervals "then the video.. and then a little audio.. and then nothing.. and then a little more of both!!". Firstly I thought it might be related to the codec or bitrate but have tried multiple. 1000, 1500, 2000 bitrate and even 500 kbps which produces horrible quality. Also Divx and H264 within the MP4 container doesn't make a difference.. which is weird cause there's no problem playing it via HDMI from my Mac to my HDTV??!

If anyone has any advice please say so. I'll in due course share my findings from WD and here also is some info on my MP4 file.

Stream size : 1.79 GiB (86%)
Writing library : x264 core 65
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=2 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=umh / subme=6 / psy_rd=1.0:0.0 / mixed_ref=0 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=0 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=3 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / mbaff=0 / bframes=2 / b_pyramid=0 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / wpredb=0 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=25 / scenecut=40(pre) / rc=2pass / bitrate=2000 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30 / aq=1:1.00
Encoded date : UTC 2009-10-26 11:19:12
Tagged date : UTC 2009-10-26 13:26:06
colour_primaries : BT.601-6 525, BT.1358 525, BT.1700 NTSC, SMPTE 170M
transfer_characteristics : BT.709-5, BT.1361
matrix_coefficients : BT.601-6 525, BT.1358 525, BT.1700 NTSC, SMPTE 170M

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AAC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec
Format version : Version 4
Format profile : LC
Format settings, SBR : No
Codec ID : 40
Duration : 2h 8mn
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 319 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 481 Kbps
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Channel positions : Front: L C R, Rear: L R, LFE
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Resolution : 16 bits
Stream size : 292 MiB (14%)
Language : English
Encoded date : UTC 2009-10-26 11:19:12
Tagged date : UTC 2009-10-26 13:26:06

And for the record the MP4 issue is not closed!!

Well, I was using Tversity as a server for the WDTV. It saw the server fine and connected. Even played some rockin HD Video. Everything was fine until I tried watching Blomberg TV live. That locked up the Streaming internet access on the WDTV. The audio side would work fine (Pandora) and Flicker worked fine also, but the built in You Tube feature would just sit there and spin it's wheels. I had to reset the system with the button next to USB on the side. That's took care of the problem.

I was able to duplicate the problem just to verify it. Anyone else experience anything like that?

Not sure if this is a bug or feature request but it's something that's not working that works on my other devices.
I'm connected via Component to my TV (with RCA audio) and output digital (toslink) to my stereo receiver. In WD Live the audio out is set to digital.

When playing music audio is output through TV speakers (RCA) and through receiver (digital). But when playing video, audio is only output via digital, I get no sound through the TV speakers. So to watch video w/o the stereo receiver turned on I have to go into the settings and switch it to Stereo from Digital. This is annoying to say the least. Odd it works w/music and not video. Other devices handle this fine (dvd player, game console, etc.) so I don't see why WD TV Live can't.

Not sure if this is a bug or feature request but it's something that's not working that works on my other devices.
I'm connected via Component to my TV (with RCA audio) and output digital (toslink) to my stereo receiver. In WD Live the audio out is set to digital.

When playing music audio is output through TV speakers (RCA) and through receiver (digital). But when playing video, audio is only output via digital, I get no sound through the TV speakers. So to watch video w/o the stereo receiver turned on I have to go into the settings and switch it to Stereo from Digital. This is annoying to say the least. Odd it works w/music and not video. Other devices handle this fine (dvd player, game console, etc.) so I don't see why WD TV Live can't.

Videos with DTS 5.1 sound?
Do a search in the main WDTV Live thread or check your manual for DTS downmix?

Regards,

Lt. Dang

Videos with DTS 5.1 sound?
Do a search in the main WDTV Live thread or check your manual for DTS downmix?

Regards,

Lt. Dang
Yes, the video has 5.1 sound (hard pressed to find a movie these day w/o it). It will downmix it if I change the audio setting to stereo fine and play through the tv speakers. It's just I have to change the setting.

Since you mentioned the 5.1 audio I thought I'd test something. I found one old video (A Christmas Story) that has AC-3/1 audio instead of AC-3/5.1. Ripped it to test and it plays through both (tv and receiver). Don't see one right off with AC-3/2 but I bet it'll play through the tv speakers and receiver as well like the 3/1 did. I'll try to find one and test it to be sure.

So it must be just it won't pass the 5.1 through both at the same time but will 1 or 2 channel.

Yes, the video has 5.1 sound (hard pressed to find a movie these day w/o it). It will downmix it if I change the audio setting to stereo fine and play through the tv speakers. It's just I have to change the setting.

Since you mentioned the 5.1 audio I thought I'd test something. I found one old video (A Christmas Story) that has AC-3/1 audio instead of AC-3/5.1. Ripped it to test and it plays through both (tv and receiver). Don't see one right off with AC-3/2 but I bet it'll play through the tv speakers and receiver as well like the 3/1 did. I'll try to find one and test it to be sure.

So it must be just it won't pass the 5.1 through both at the same time but will 1 or 2 channel.

Not a bug then.

Regards,

Lt. Dang

WDTV Live won't play .mov video files produced by my digital camera.

can we please distinguish between a codec compatibility issue and a real bug, like say for example if you click to play one file and it plays another? i don't care how bold or big the font gets, if your video won't play, it is not a bug, it is an issue with the video. if you encode it to another format that is deemed completely safe and it still won't play, then maybe we're hitting on something. until then, i would say stop slopping this thread up, because you won't get any actual answers that you'll accept anyways (re: encode the video to something else).

Not a bug then.

Regards,

Lt. Dang
I went through my movies and found a AC-3/2 dvd (Halloween II), ripped it and tested. It would play through TV and receiver at same time.

So a 1 or 2 channel will but 5.1 won't. 5.1 will only come through the TV if I explicitly set audio to Stereo.

I consider this a bug or serious feature ommission.

I tested a 5.1 audio only DVD in 3 DVD players with audio set to digital (one player is almost 10 years old). Same exact connections to TV and receiver as WD TV Live and I get audio through the TV and Receiver (as expected). I tested 2 different game consoles and they all work fine.

So 5 other devices (much older) I have can handle this with no problems but the WD Live can't?

I don't think I should have to fiddle with the settings to get it to play the audio through the TV if I don't want the receiver turned on. That's not very user friendly if you ask me.

I went through my movies and found a AC-3/2 dvd (Halloween II), ripped it and tested. It would play through TV and receiver at same time.

So a 1 or 2 channel will but 5.1 won't. 5.1 will only come through the TV if I explicitly set audio to Stereo.

I consider this a bug or serious feature ommission.

I tested a 5.1 audio only DVD in 3 DVD players with audio set to digital (one player is almost 10 years old). Same exact connections to TV and receiver as WD TV Live and I get audio through the TV and Receiver (as expected). I tested 2 different game consoles and they all work fine.

So 5 other devices (much older) I have can handle this with no problems but the WD Live can't?

I don't think I should have to fiddle with the settings to get it to play the audio through the TV if I don't want the receiver turned on. That's not very user friendly if you ask me.

If one of your DVD players is almost 10 years old you can't have used the same connections as for the WDTV Live?

Regards,

Lt. Dang

If one of your DVD players is almost 10 years old you can't have used the same connections as for the WDTV Live?

Regards,

Lt. Dang
Hmmm, yeah I could. I connected via component to TV (w/RCA audio) and digital (TOSlink) out to receiver from the dvd player. In the DVD player settings, I set audio as digital.

That's exactly how I have the WD TV Live connected. Not the same component cable obviously b/c the DVD player uses the 3 connector cable at both ends unlike the WD Live.

If you referring to the age I may be off a bit. But that one is older than the one I replaced it with which is a Sony DVP-NS715P I use in the living room currently and it was purchased in 2002 (7 years ago) when I purchased the TV (that old one was bad for jittery play).

Either way, I don't see how the age being off a year or two and not using the exact same cable matters. They all connected via component to the TV with RCA audio and digital out to my very old Aiwa AV-D67 receiver. Those devices are MUCH older and can output the DD 5.1 through both at the same time unlike the WD Live.

I just want to be able to watch a movie w/o having to tinker with settings if I don't want to turn on the receiver (such as my 2 year old sons Blue's Clues).

Hmmm, yeah I could. I connected via component to TV (w/RCA audio) and digital (TOSlink) out to receiver from the dvd player. In the DVD player settings, I set audio as digital.

That's exactly how I have the WD TV Live connected. Not the same component cable obviously b/c the DVD player uses the 3 connector cable at both ends unlike the WD Live.

If you referring to the age I may be off a bit. But that one is older than the one I replaced it with which is a Sony DVP-NS715P I use in the living room currently and it was purchased in 2002 (7 years ago) when I purchased the TV (that old one was bad for jittery play).

Either way, I don't see how the age being off a year or two and not using the exact same cable matters. They all connected via component to the TV with RCA audio and digital out to my very old Aiwa AV-D67 receiver. Those devices are MUCH older and can output the DD 5.1 through both at the same time unlike the WD Live.

I just want to be able to watch a movie w/o having to tinker with settings if I don't want to turn on the receiver (such as my 2 year old sons Blue's Clues).

No, my mistake, I assumed you were using HDMI rather than component.

Are you saying that you are getting DD 5.1 through RCA audio plugs from your DVD player?


Regards,

Lt. Dang

I to am having issues with .mp4 playback slow stutter dropped frames. All my files were made on a mac with handbrake. All files playback fine on pc, a-110, and even xbox 360 off portable harddrive, only the Wd Tv Live has .mp4 issues. Mkv files on the other hand work great.

No, my mistake, I assumed you were using HDMI rather than component.

Are you saying that you are getting DD 5.1 through RCA audio plugs from your DVD player?


Regards,

Lt. Dang

No, I'm just saying I'm getting the audio through my RCA plugs at the same time as through the TOSlink with video that has DD 5.1. I'm sure the DVD player is downmixing it.

Hello everybody,

Just bought an WDTV Live and I am very happy with except for a minor problem:

My WDTV is connected to a LCD TV LG 47LH55 through HDMI (1.3b certified cable). When I turn off the WDTV then turn it on, the TV looses the signal. I need to turn off/on the TV to get the image back.

I am not sure if the problem comes from the WDTV or the TV and I wanted to know if somebody has a similar problem.

Thanks.

Hello everybody,

Just bought an WDTV Live and I am very happy with except for a minor problem:

My WDTV is connected to a LCD TV LG 47LH55 through HDMI (1.3b certified cable). When I turn off the WDTV then turn it on, the TV looses the signal. I need to turn off/on the TV to get the image back.

I am not sure if the problem comes from the WDTV or the TV and I wanted to know if somebody has a similar problem.

Thanks.

Have you tried switching your TV inputs back and forth via the remote to see if the "handshake" between the two occurs??

I guess you could say it's an oversight and maybe not a bug ... but it sure bugs me!

Remove the display of the audio format information that is shown for a few seconds every time a video starts.

This is no good popping up every time and the WDTV1 does not do this.

It could be left under the Options=>Audio icon menu if anyone really needed this information. Or removed completely!

I agree with dredd - bought mine yesterday and thought it was a "dud" returned it this morning to Dick Smiths here in Australia for a new one that does exactly the same. This is pathetic and tiresome.. cause everyone is just complaining and not getting any answers!!


Today after 24hrs of owning two WD TV Live straight out of the box I logged a complaint with Western Digital and they promise to get back to me within 24hrs. I suggest everyone does the same!! And hopefully we'll get some answers!! Go to their website following the contact and e-mail support links.

Playing a MP4 file ripped using HandBrake on a Mac the video and audio seems to stutter at mixed intervals "then the video.. and then a little audio.. and then nothing.. and then a little more of both!!". Firstly I thought it might be related to the codec or bitrate but have tried multiple. 1000, 1500, 2000 bitrate and even 500 kbps which produces horrible quality. Also Divx and H264 within the MP4 container doesn't make a difference.. which is weird cause there's no problem playing it via HDMI from my Mac to my HDTV??!

If anyone has any advice please say so. I'll in due course share my findings from WD and here also is some info on my MP4 file.



And for the record the MP4 issue is not closed!!

Not sure about the MP4 bug.
I have just downloaded a whole bunch of 720p MP4 music Videos from YouTube and they all seem to play fine. In sync, no stutter and FF and RW works too.

Could this be an encoding problem?

Regards,

Lt. Dang

When I move from from my PC to the WDTVLive's connected hard drive, be it via the N wifi dongle, or hard wire ethernet cable, my thruput speed maxes at 140 kb/s. :eek:
But if I transfer a file from that external hard drive BACK to my PC, the transfer rate maxes a 6.5MB/s !!!
I just spend all afternoon with tech support for my new Belkin N+ router, troubleshooting, and trying to find an answer, but it seems the router is working perfectly .I turned off the router firewall, my Avast a/v, everything...same result. It takes over 45 minutes to transfer one 4.5 GB .mkv file to the WDTVLive.
WHY THE HUGE DISPARITY IN TRANSFER SPEEDS???????????????

When I move from from my PC to the WDTVLive's connected hard drive, be it via the N wifi dongle, or hard wire ethernet cable, my thruput speed maxes at 140 kb/s. :eek:
But if I transfer a file from that external hard drive BACK to my PC, the transfer rate maxes a 6.5MB/s !!!
I just spend all afternoon with tech support for my new Belkin N+ router, troubleshooting, and trying to find an answer, but it seems the router is working perfectly .I turned off the router firewall, my Avast a/v, everything...same result. It takes over 45 minutes to transfer one 4.5 GB .mkv file to the WDTVLive.
WHY THE HUGE DISPARITY IN TRANSFER SPEEDS???????????????

Just copied a file down from PC to WDTV Live attached drive.
Wireless G from Vista Notebook to Router.
Cat 5 cable from Router to WDTV Live.
It transferred at an average of 1.41 Mb per second.

The reverse trip from WDTV Live back up to the Vista Notebook was at an average of 1.39 Mb per second.

Does this suggest a configuration problem with your network as those figures seem pretty consistent in both directions and not too bad with a wireless G link involved?

Regards,

Lt. Dang

Just copied a file down from PC to WDTV Live attached drive.
Wireless G from Vista Notebook to Router.
Cat 5 cable from Router to WDTV Live.
It transferred at an average of 1.41 Mb per second.

The reverse trip from WDTV Live back up to the Vista Notebook was at an average of 1.39 Mb per second.

Does this suggest a configuration problem with your network as those figures seem pretty consistent in both directions and not too bad with a wireless G link involved?

Regards,

Lt. Dang

Thanks , Lt. Dang, just as I thought - transfer speeds should be even going either way. Not sure what to look for re: network config , as there really isn't much of one. I've never been able to share folders to WDTVLive (I'm on XP Pro 32 bit SP3), but can move files between them, just not very fast in the direction I need them to be so.
Belkin Tech support blamed "the media player" :rolleyes:

Thanks , Lt. Dang, just as I thought - transfer speeds should be even going either way. Not sure what to look for re: network config , as there really isn't much of one. I've never been able to share folders to WDTVLive (I'm on XP Pro 32 bit SP3), but can move files between them, just not very fast in the direction I need them to be so.
Belkin Tech support blamed "the media player" :rolleyes:

Trouble is that as soon as you add network functionality you are impacted by a whole load of variables which can affect performance.

PC configuration, firewalls, anti-virus, router settings, WiFi settings, interference from external emf sources, NAS settings. torrent clients running in the background, and the list goes on.

No wonder that the most common "bug" reported relates to network issues.

And you see the same problems discussed in threads for other network capeable players too.

Regards,

Lt. Dang

I made a point to updgrade my whole internet path new 3.0 DIOCIS gigbit modem, new N router (with gigabit ports)and N dongle. All I have on this network is my main PC , & the WDTVLive attached drive.
Bought the Belkin router from Costco within the past month, thinking about returning it & getting the DLinkN/gigabit model instead
And yes, having a networked media player that has nothing but problems with networking is getting to be a drag.

When I move from from my PC to the WDTVLive's connected hard drive, be it via the N wifi dongle, or hard wire ethernet cable, my thruput speed maxes at 140 kb/s. :eek:
But if I transfer a file from that external hard drive BACK to my PC, the transfer rate maxes a 6.5MB/s !!!
I just spend all afternoon with tech support for my new Belkin N+ router, troubleshooting, and trying to find an answer, but it seems the router is working perfectly .I turned off the router firewall, my Avast a/v, everything...same result. It takes over 45 minutes to transfer one 4.5 GB .mkv file to the WDTVLive.
WHY THE HUGE DISPARITY IN TRANSFER SPEEDS???????????????

I don't know what speeds I'm getting, but I just transfered a 1.1GB file from my PC to my external USB thats connected to the WDTV Live and it only took 4 minutes. Everything is wired.

Jason

I too am having a problem with the network connection. Sometimes when I am watching a movie, it will stop an say there is a problem with the connection. I try to power it down and back on and it does not help. Last time I unplugged it for about ten seconds and when I powered it back it I was able to play the movie again. Unfortunately, when you unplug the power, you loose your place in the movie and have to fast forward.

I am currently using network share from an XP machine. I just purchased a NAS, awaiting delivery. Will I have the same problem with it, or is this problem limited to network shares?

This sounds like a timecode problem within the VOBs themselves. In otherwords the timecodes contained within the VOB file does not match it's length which is common for split VOBs.

If you are using a NTFS formatted drive use Mpeg Streamclip to load ALL the VOBs for the movie. Them use the fix timecode breaks function and save them as a single VOB file. You will find that your timing errors vanish and the file plays back fine.

IMO this is not a WDTV Live Bug.

Regards,

Lt. Dang

Thanks for the tip Lt. Dang. However, Mpeg Streamclip requires the installation of QuickTime. I refuse to install QuickTime on my PC. Any other suggestions to fix timing errors?

to pekica,

As I understand, there are two parts in WDTV Live's network share problems:

1. Not all share folders show up
2. Can't connect to the desired computer at all

I myself never encountered 2. but had major problems getting 1. to show up properly.

I stumbled upon this post (http://wdtvforum.com/main/index.php?topic=2447.0), and got part 1 solved by simply adding an exclamation mark to the shared name (i.e. !Movies). Perhaps you can add this info in the first page as a reference.

As it turns out the "not all shares show up" problem might be due to a problem of share folder naming after all. I was really surprised it was the cause of my shares showing up partially.

Thanks for the tip Lt. Dang. However, Mpeg Streamclip requires the installation of QuickTime. I refuse to install QuickTime on my PC. Any other suggestions to fix timing errors?

That's the only utility that I know of which will address timecode breaks - does anyone else know of a different utility which does this?

On the Mpeg Streamclip home sire it suggests using the "quicktime alternative" to Quicktime itself. This is what I used and it seems to behave itself ok. However, I don't know if this is any good for your specific requirements?

Regards,

Lt. Dang

That's the only utility that I know of which will address timecode breaks - does anyone else know of a different utility which does this?

On the Mpeg Streamclip home sire it suggests using the "quicktime alternative" to Quicktime itself. This is what I used and it seems to behave itself ok. However, I don't know if this is any good for your specific requirements?

Regards,

Lt. Dang

Lt. Dang, Thank you!

Have you tried switching your TV inputs back and forth via the remote to see if the "handshake" between the two occurs??

Yes. When I switch the inputs back and forth, I get the WDTV signal back. When I power off then power on the WDTV also.
It's a bit strange though because if I turn the WDTV off, wait for the LG "no signal" screen on my LCD then turn the wdtv on, I get a black screen, not the "no signal" screen, as if the LCD was getting something.

playing dvd vob files would repeat or restart.

playing dvd vob files would repeat or restart.

Is this when playing a single vob or when playing from an iso or ripped directory structure?

Regards,

Lt. Dang

from playing a ripped structure over gigabyte Ethernet that has been tested.
plays for a while then repeats the last 10 seconds does a variation of this throughout 20 movies. hooked up my lenovo Q110 to that same network and played 4 of the same movies and no problems

this thing is buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuggy!
Definately needs firmware update soon. I wonder how long it will take.

to pekica,

As I understand, there are two parts in WDTV Live's network share problems:

1. Not all share folders show up
2. Can't connect to the desired computer at all

I myself never encountered 2. but had major problems getting 1. to show up properly.

I stumbled upon this post (http://wdtvforum.com/main/index.php?topic=2447.0), and got part 1 solved by simply adding an exclamation mark to the shared name (i.e. !Movies). Perhaps you can add this info in the first page as a reference.

As it turns out the "not all shares show up" problem might be due to a problem of share folder naming after all. I was really surprised it was the cause of my shares showing up partially.

Nice try, but I still can see only two of my shared folders.
Still can only wait for a firmware update.

i still believe that this isn't coming close to confirmation for a networking bug (re: wireless losing signal) by the simple fact that others are not experiencing the problem.

have people with networking issues tried parabolic antennae attachments? or using different networking hardware? or changing the physical location of the router so that it is closer to the WDTV Live?
This bug was happening to me, but only because I was swapping routers back and forth trying to get my A/G router working (and the WDTV is plugged directly into the router).

To get it using the network again required power cycling then doing the connection check.

I do have problems with a lot of mp4 video files.

And for the bug where you loose your network every 5 minutes, rename your PC's workgroup to WORKGROUP it works fine after you do that.

Another problem I have is that the WDTV Live can't handle a wireless N connection. When I set my Linksys router to "N speeds only" it doesn't work at all. The WDTV 2 can't connect to the network. My guess is that it automatically chooses G speeds. maybe there is an option to change in the router, but I haven't found it yet. Now I can't watch 720p movies, they stutter for a minute or two after a few minutes of playing and then pick up again. Like the buffer is full or something.

I have a Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit-router (WRT320N) and a Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N USB-network adapter (WUSB600N)

I do have problems with a lot of mp4 video files.

And for the bug where you loose your network every 5 minutes, rename your PC's workgroup to WORKGROUP it works fine after you do that.

Another problem I have is that the WDTV Live can't handle a wireless N connection. When I set my Linksys router to "N speeds only" it doesn't work at all. The WDTV 2 can't connect to the network. My guess is that it automatically chooses G speeds. maybe there is an option to change in the router, but I haven't found it yet. Now I can't watch 720p movies, they stutter for a minute or two after a few minutes of playing and then pick up again. Like the buffer is full or something.

I have a Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit-router (WRT320N) and a Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N USB-network adapter (WUSB600N)

Is your WUSB600N USB dongle a Version 1? (as per WD's list of tested devices)

Is your WUSB600N USB dongle a Version 1? (as per WD's list of tested devices) I can't really find that. Not on the USB stick itself or the box. It does however say WUSB600N-EU. I must say that it does work perfect, but it lacks a little speed. I should try to put it a little closer to the router as well. But I was just wondering if it should be possible to select "N speed only" in the router.

Edit: I just found out it is a V1. the hardware/usb ID is 1737:0071. That's V1. But the EU could be causing trouble of course. I'll send WD an email.

May not really be an issue, but saw that that model on the WD Live page was listed as "V.1"
perhaps a call into WD tech support is in order?

#1 confirmed, definitely pissed me off. sometimes i couldn't see the share computer, hitting the share icon and nothing happened. turning off/on/unplug no go. left both computer & wd tv on for a day and when I came back, it worked. no idea why. but then it would happen again the next day or so.

There is definitely a .mp4 bug. The files plays fine on WDTV, but jitters on Live. Renaming to m4v fixes the jitter but disables rewind / fastforward.

I've got no jitter with this file though sound is a bit off. Rewind/FF works fine too.


General
Complete name : P:\Test\Video\MP4\Halflife 2 - Escape from City 17.mp4
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42
File size : 83.6 MiB
Duration : 5mn 29s
Overall bit rate : 2 126 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2009-02-11 21:47:33
Tagged date : UTC 2009-02-11 21:47:33

Video
ID : 2
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High@L3.1
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 3 frames
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 5mn 29s
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 2 000 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 4 836 Kbps
Width : 1 280 pixels
Height : 720 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.091
Stream size : 78.5 MiB (94%)
Title : (C) 2007 Google Inc. v08.13.2007.
Encoded date : UTC 2009-02-11 21:47:33
Tagged date : UTC 2009-02-11 21:47:38

Audio
ID : 1
Format : AAC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec
Format version : Version 4
Format profile : LC
Format settings, SBR : No
Codec ID : 40
Duration : 5mn 29s
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 125 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 204 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : L R
Sampling rate : 44.1 KHz
Resolution : 16 bits
Stream size : 4.93 MiB (6%)
Title : (C) 2007 Google Inc. v08.13.2007.
Encoded date : UTC 2009-02-11 21:47:33
Tagged date : UTC 2009-02-11 21:47:38

Can somebody take a look at these specs, and tell me why the WD TV Live can't play the audio? Video seems to work. If there's something wrong with it, what's the easiest way for me to re-encode just the audio, so it'll work? Thanks!

AVI File Details
========================================
File Name .......................................: .avi
File Size (in bytes) ............................: 366,249,984 bytes
Runtime .........................................: 45:24.033

Video Info
Video Codec .....................................: XviD Dev ver. 25-Mar-03
Frame Size ......................................: 480x368 (AR: 1.304)
FPS .............................................: 23.976
Video Bitrate ...................................: 972 kb/s
Bits per Pixel ..................................: 0.230 bpp
Compatibillity...................................: , [], [], []

Audio Info
Audio Codec .....................................: 0x0055 MPEG-1 Layer 3
Sample Rate .....................................: 32000 Hz
Audio Bitrate ...................................: 93 kb/s [2 channel(s)] VBR
No. of audio streams ............................: 1

Just discovered this one works, unlike the top one. Same video series, but the audio looks different:

AVI File Details
========================================
File Name .......................................: .avi
File Size (in bytes) ............................: 367,157,248 bytes
Runtime .........................................: 45:58.942

Video Info
Video Codec .....................................: XviD Dev ver. 25-Mar-03
Frame Size ......................................: 512x384 (AR: 1.333)
FPS .............................................: 23.976
Video Bitrate ...................................: 937 kb/s
Bits per Pixel ..................................: 0.199 bpp
Compatibillity...................................: [B-VOP], [], [], []

Audio Info
Audio Codec .....................................: 0x0055 MPEG-1 Layer 3
Sample Rate .....................................: 48000 Hz
Audio Bitrate ...................................: 115 kb/s [2 channel(s)] VBR
No. of audio streams ............................: 1

So, it can play [B]48000 Hz Mp3 audio, but NOT 32000 Hz?? Or is something else going on here? Perhaps the combination of the particular video codec, along with the audio Sample rate?

Sounds like a bug to me. I have 25 of these files, and it'll ONLY play the audio of the 3 of them that are 48000 Hz. It will NOT play the audio of the other 22 that are encoded at 32000 Hz

Yesterday I was playing an avi file (DVDRip.Xvid.AC3 5.1. Media info below) in my WDTV live streaming from my win7 laptop. The video started playing without any problem and the audio was in complete sync. After almost 10 minutes the audio just stopped and the video continued playing. Then after few seconds the audio became totally out of sync in a totally random fashion. I mean, sometimes playing the audio of say, 30-40 minutes later in the file, and some times playing from a portion many minutes before.. and it goes on.. I played the same file with a USB stick and the problem repeats. I tried playing the file in my computer with VLC media player it plays without any problem whatsoever. This is not just the ordinary audio sync issue where the audio is consistently delayed or ahead by a few mins. Has anyone else experienced this?. Today I played another avi file and it had the same above issues. FYI, I am playing the WDTV live with a HDMI cable. And I tried both stereo and digital audio outputs.

Wondering if I have a faulty piece and it needs return...

Here is the media info of one of the problem file. Both file have similar specs.
Someone please help me. Has any of you experienced it?

General
Complete name : D:\Movie.DVDRip.Xvid.AC3.5.1.Sub.avi
Format : AVI
Format/Info : Audio Video Interleave
Format profile : OpenDML
File size : 1.36 GiB
Duration : 1h 57mn
Overall bit rate : 1 659 Kbps
Writing application : AVI-Mux GUI 1.17.7, Aug 8 2006 20:59:17

Video
ID : 0
Format : MPEG-4 Visual
Format profile : AdvancedSimple@L5
Format settings, BVOP : Yes
Format settings, QPel : No
Format settings, GMC : No warppoints
Format settings, Matrix : Default (H.263)
Codec ID : XVID
Codec ID/Hint : XviD
Duration : 1h 57mn
Bit rate : 1 205 Kbps
Width : 640 pixels
Height : 272 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 2.35:1
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Colorimetry : 4:2:0
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.289
Stream size : 1 015 MiB (73%)
Writing library : XviD 1.2.1 (UTC 2008-12-04)

Audio
ID : 1
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Codec ID : 2000
Duration : 1h 57mn
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 448 Kbps
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Channel positions : Front: L C R, Surround: L R, LFE
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Stream size : 377 MiB (27%)
Alignment : Aligned on interleaves
Interleave, duration : 64 ms (1.53 video frames)
Interleave, preload duration : 37888 ms
Title : VTS_02_1 T80 3_2ch 448Kbps DELAY 43443ms

Using the WD Tv Live as a UPnP renderer for music. Selecting "pause" using the control point does not work. tested using mediastreamer on Nokia n800 and PlugPlayer on iPhone.
Play skip forward and back and stop all work. Only pause does not

This devce would be spectacular if this was fixed.

Thank you

Darren

WDTV Live won't play .mov video files produced by my digital camera.

Ditto. Not sure why, QT should be backwards compatible. Olympus?

OK. This is buggy. I tried playing MP3 from a connected USB drive and it's dropping every 15 seconds (or so)[same with going over the ethernet).

This is annoying.

It was happening all day and now it stopped (stuttering) just as I posted this.

The only sound droppings I've experienced so far is when skipping to the next mp3: the first frames of the song are mute which annoys the hell out of me.

I've now spent an evening with my new WDTV Live trying to figure out why some mkv movies (720p and 1080p at 23.976hz) have serious lip sync issues and I just found out which ones.

I have a 23.976hz capable TV (Pioneer 5090) and setting the WDTV Live to output 23.976hz makes the movies play smooth as silk BUT movies with AC3 (DD 5.1) sound have some serious lip sync issues while the DTS movies have perfect lip sync (I'm using optical output). I've tried a bunch of them now and it's the same with all of them, the DTS ones are all perfect, and the DD 5.1 ones have lip sync problems. Can anyone else using 23.976hz try this? It's the same with both the original firmware and the b-rad one and it also makes no difference if playing them from an usb drive or over the network. When setting the WDTV to 1080p60 the lip sync problem is less obvious but the movie don't play as smooth of course. There is nothing wrong with the mkv files themselves because when setting the sound option to stereo the lip sync is perfect even with DD 5.1 mkv files so there must be something with the way the WDTV sends DD5.1 sound over the optical output. I don't own an hdmi receiver so I can't tell if the problem is the same over hdmi.

I'd appreciate if someone could confirm this or say that DD5.1 mkv files do play fine at 23.976hz with lip sync ok over the optical output. Thanks!

HDMI to DVI does not work properly! Like others have stated, you can not set the video quality higher then 480p. Confirmed that the old wdtv worked hdmi to dvi perfectly fine.

This bug makes the unit worthless, until they upgrade the firmware.

This bug makes the unit worthless to those who have TVs that use DVI input, until they upgrade the firmware.

fixed

I've just bought one of these and am having networking problems, so I sent an email to wdtv support, asking why they couldn't upgrade the firmware to permit us to change the workgroup name to suit our own networks. Their reply was that I should reset it back to the factory settings.

I have a 23.976hz capable TV (Pioneer 5090) and setting the WDTV Live to output 23.976hz makes the movies play smooth as silk

So the issue with 23.976 that the old WDTV had is now solved? I have severeal mkv-files that judder (or more like flickering) when panning in some scenes.

In the old model you had to use 24 as forced output on 23.976 material...

New Firmware 1.01 for live

http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/updates/?family=wdfwdtv_live

I also have a Pioneer (coincidentally) and also seem to have audio sync issues if set to 23.935 hz. However, if set to a higher rate, the sync is much better. If your tv/monitor can handle it, give it a go.


I've now spent an evening with my new WDTV Live trying to figure out why some mkv movies (720p and 1080p at 23.976hz) have serious lip sync issues and I just found out which ones.

I have a 23.976hz capable TV (Pioneer 5090) and setting the WDTV Live to output 23.976hz makes the movies play smooth as silk BUT movies with AC3 (DD 5.1) sound have some serious lip sync issues while the DTS movies have perfect lip sync (I'm using optical output). I've tried a bunch of them now and it's the same with all of them, the DTS ones are all perfect, and the DD 5.1 ones have lip sync problems. Can anyone else using 23.976hz try this? It's the same with both the original firmware and the b-rad one and it also makes no difference if playing them from an usb drive or over the network. When setting the WDTV to 1080p60 the lip sync problem is less obvious but the movie don't play as smooth of course. There is nothing wrong with the mkv files themselves because when setting the sound option to stereo the lip sync is perfect even with DD 5.1 mkv files so there must be something with the way the WDTV sends DD5.1 sound over the optical output. I don't own an hdmi receiver so I can't tell if the problem is the same over hdmi.

I'd appreciate if someone could confirm this or say that DD5.1 mkv files do play fine at 23.976hz with lip sync ok over the optical output. Thanks!

Have some problems with some DVD ISO's and VOB's. Had to use MakeMKV to get those to work.

Also, I am having a problem with one mkv where the subs are transparent (outline). Other players display fine and WDTV Live doesn't have any options for changing sub colors/backgrounds.

?

Have some problems with some DVD ISO's and VOB's. Had to use MakeMKV to get those to work.

Also, I am having a problem with one mkv where the subs are transparent (outline). Other players display fine and WDTV Live doesn't have any options for changing sub colors/backgrounds.

?

Could it be that the one mkv is the problem, not the WD? Whoever created that .mkv perhaps didn't do it correctly?

Also, I am having a problem with one mkv where the subs are transparent (outline).
Must be an srt then, cause they always have an transparent outline on the Live. From my experience idx/sub work fine when external, if you put them into an MKV the colors are messed up too.

Could it be that the one mkv is the problem, not the WD? Whoever created that .mkv perhaps didn't do it correctly?

I made it off a DVD using MakeMKV.

The DVD, DVD ISO, and MKV display fine using VLC.

Must be an srt then, cause they always have an transparent outline on the Live. From my experience idx/sub work fine when external, if you put them into an MKV the colors are messed up too.

Interesting. I'll demux the VOB and see if I can make it work.

BTW, I had to make it MKV, because the VOB's and ISO's wouldn't play (and they are direct rips).

When I had the O!Play they worked fine (The ISO).

UPDATE: WDTV Live Firmware Release 1.01.11 (11/16/09)
Great news: at least no more problem 1)!
According to the 1.01.11 Release Notes, many problems are now resolved.
Many thanks to WD team!
1) Not all PC Windows shares are visible on WDTV Live - most of the times only couple of them.
There is also a random situation - try to enter "Video -> Network Shares" and nothing happens - no response to pressing ENTER button. Power cycle doesn't make any difference, not even unplugging the unit from power.

Apparently #1) still bugged, not fixed. a lot of the time i hit enter on network shares, nothing happened.

are window 7 bugs fixed?

"7) Using HDMI to DVI it defaults back to 480p on some older tvs when you try to set 1080i even though the tv is 1080i - this does not happen with the 1st gen WDTV HD Media Player.
(reported by theslydog)"

This is a big problem for me. This also applies to 720p, and 1080p.

6) movie.jpg in the same folder with movie.mkv show up twice for network shares.
(reported by DigitalDen)


Surely that is by design?
I want them to show up - at least in listview - so i can see the info i've added in the pictures.
If there is a bug it's that it sorts each type separately instead of just alphabetically.


And with youtube login - it keeps asking if it should save the login - YES - isn't asking once enough?

Connected a drive via usb, and mounted the live as a share.

Couldn't delete files starting with "."

If a folder is called "conf.avail" it can't be deleted.

I just tried out one of the wd tv live units this week, but didnt have much luck with it and returned it.

Problem I was having was network disconnects periodically. I did trace it back to the cause but I'm not sure if it'll help anyone.

My network is all hardwired to a gigabit switch, although everything on the network is only 100Mb/s. Big box htpc running windows 7, couple of directv high def dvr's, couple of wireless laptops, roku box, xbox 360 and the wd tv live. The switch is plugged to an Asus router running dd-wrt.

I stream HD video from the directv boxes to each other, and to several of the pc's with little to no trouble. I stream dvd quality video from the htpc to many of the pc's with also no trouble. Netflix and whatnot work fine with the roku and the pc's.

I've connected a wireless laptop to a network share on the htpc and done hundreds of hours of mpeg2 streaming without losing the share or having a connection problem of any kind.

The WD tv live was another story, and this is on the new .11 firmware that allegedly solves connection problems I had a heck of a time getting it to pick up the network share. Then periodically it would drop the connection and couldnt see the network share anymore. A power plug pull reset was required to get the network shares to show back up.

I did figure out what would cause the drop. My wife starting up the "directv2pc" program on her computer to watch an HD show off of one of the directv dvr's. The minute she starts it, the wd tv live drops its connections and its ability to find a share.

I'm not sure specifically what the program does, but I know it looks for directv dvr's, lets you pick one, gathers the playlist from that dvr and then streams mpeg2/mpeg4 from the dvr to the pc. So a lot of network chatter looking for stuff and then a decent chunk of network bandwidth to deliver the stream. However since the htpc, the wd tv live, and the dvr are on separate ports of the gigabit switch and my wifes computer is connected to the asus wireless router which is plugged into a fourth port, the switch should be doing just fine isolating the dvr<-->computer traffic from the htpc<-->wdtvlive traffic.

So something in the sort-of-but-not-exactly-dlna directv chit chat when the program opens up and finds a dvr is killing off the wd tv live.

The wd tv live does see, but cannot play streams from, both my directv dvr's as media servers, so they apparently speak something of the same language. My windows machines and an xbox 360 or playstation 3 will also see but not play the directv dvr's video.

What we're doing here is not unusual, but the intersection of some of this stuff and the wd tv live might be pretty different from what most are doing, and my ability to trigger the fault 100% of the time might give someone a clue as to what is happening.

One last thing on the directv stuff hosing the wd tv lives network connection, I just recalled that directv had some issues with their stuff hosing the popcorn hour box, and also some network laser printer. As far as I know, the popcorn hour folks changed their code to not be so annoyed by whatever malformed thing that directv was sending on the wire.

So perhaps the wd tv live has the same weakness and isnt ignoring what the directv box is splarting out.

From the popcorn hour release notes, it seems it was a upnp problem.

This thread discusses it extensively.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=143702

I've just bought one of these and am having networking problems, so I sent an email to wdtv support, asking why they couldn't upgrade the firmware to permit us to change the workgroup name to suit our own networks. Their reply was that I should reset it back to the factory settings.

Workgroup is the industry standard for networks. Why did you change the name in the first place?:confused:

Workgroup is the industry standard for networks.
LOL! It's a Micros~1 standard which is an oxymoron.