Buffalo High Definition Wireless Media Player [Text View] - Page 5

BrianV

05-09-05, 04:25 PM

Originally posted by jpenright
I fired up the BLT today and after resolving some minor patch panel snafus, the BLT came right up and was able to get to photos, mp3's and the mpegs that I have been recording with my Radeon 9000 All-in-wonder in great anticipation of this day.

Video playback is solid, FF worked well with the 1x, 2x, 3x options, some funky rewind activity that I haven't played too much with yet. I haven't yet updated firmware, so I may be missing some fixes here. No lengthy DVD playback yet, just a quick look at one.

So far, it looks really good. WAF not too high; she is already saying that I'm going to be the only one to be able to operate it (I told her that I'm sure our 10 & 11 year old sons could give her a hand!)

jpe

Great to hear. My g/f isn't techie and she can use this thing real well. I also spent 5 minutes training our house-sitter and now she can operate it without hitch. Also, my remote is in Japanese so that makes it even more difficult.

BrianV

05-09-05, 04:26 PM

Originally posted by moyekj
If this player supported HD Transport Stream playback the market potential would expand greatly IMO. Having to convert captured OTA or cable HD streams to Divx or WMV are quite time-consuming extra steps that shouldn't be necessary.

Any insight if TS support will ever be added anytime soon? I assume the hardware is capable of handling up to 19Mbps mpeg2 right?

I don't know where you heard 19 mbps, but I've heard from multiple sources that the 8620L is good for around 12 mbps.

That said, this version LT will not handle files too far over 12 mbps.

BrianV

05-09-05, 04:27 PM

Originally posted by LV Tehnoman
It's good to hear that there will be a player based on th new SMP8630 (or EM8622L / EM8624L), I just hope that Buffalo will follow this example and their successor product will be based on this chip too, because I like Buffalo better (specially support :)) than I/O Data :D

Yo

We will base our product off what we feel is the best solution for our customers. If at the decision time it is that chip, then it will be that chip.

BrianV

05-09-05, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by Toastermax
I cant believe i am saying this but the momitsu is looking real good, i like their NAS device better than buffalo. I would love to buy the buffalo but the lack of support for those of us who rip our own dvd and still want the functionality of the menus is what is driving me away. We keeep mentioning that this is a major need. If this device is incapable of doing this or if Buffalo does not intend to offer this, i wish they would tell us.

Brian , is there any word on this?? Also, any idea if Buffalo is planning a 10/100/1000 ethernet port on the next version of this device? I dont feel that any of these devices can carry the streams wirelessly, it may be apble to carry audio but video seems shaky.

Don't let me buy the momitsu dvd player.!!! Please i truly want to support Buffalo solely for your continued prescence here and your timely responses.

The Momitsu product doesn't do the IFO network playback either. I haven't heard anything new on this. It is listed as Buffalo's US #1 Feature Request. Our engineers immediately told us that's very involved to add that feature, but they didn't say it was impossible.

Also, the 10/100/1000 port isn't really necessary in this product. Rumors are the actual chip on there in some form or another supports gigabit, but being that the internal processor only handles around 12 Mbps of processing, there's no concern even at 100 Mbps. Thus, we cannot consider this a priority on this product.

BrianV

05-09-05, 04:30 PM

Also, I will not be sending links to the beta software via PM; in fact I won't even answer them. If you want beta info, register for the mailing list.

CalVena

05-09-05, 07:42 PM

http://www.g4tv.com/attackoftheshow/features/51674/Review_Buffalo_LinkTheater_.html

Review: Buffalo LinkTheater
written by Lawson Wong on Monday, May 02, 2005
The Jose Canseco of DVD players boasts juiced up features.

Products like the Prismiq and the Philips Streamium kicked off the tech trend of streaming your media files from your central server to anywhere in the home. Buffalo Technology joins the fray with the LinkTheater, basically a DVD player on steroids.

What It Is
At first glance, the $350 LinkTheater appears to be nothing more than a Progressive Scan DVD player but hidden behind a mild mannered exterior lives a high-definition wireless media player that integrates your wireless ( 802.11g) network with your home entertainment center. Now you can access all your multimedia content stored on your computer, such as: music, videos and photos.

Breezy Setup
Setup is a snap. Hook up the set top box as you would a normal DVD player. The LinkTheater outputs video via s-video, composite, and component video (720p and 1080i). Audio pipes out over digital optical, coaxial digital or analog audio. DVI output for compatibility with most modern HDTV's would have been nice but I'm just nitpicking.

If you have an unsecured wireless setup, the LinkTheater will automatically connect to your home network. Otherwise, the setup menu allows for tweaking with SSIDs and WEP encryption but no WPA support. Updating the firmware is an easy one-click process.

The LinkTheater also supports AirStation One-Touch Secure System (AOSS), Buffalo's simple wireless security system for wireless networks.

Now all you have to do is install the LinkTheater Software on your PC, click through the wizard and put all your media files into your 'My Documents' folder, and you're ready to rock. The LinkTheater works seamlessly with the Buffalo LinkStation if you want a PC-less storage server. Just dump all your media into your LinkStation's "share" folder and you're done. Easy as pie, right?

Format Smorgasbord
The DVD player plays all formats, from DVD movies to DVD-/+RW to VCDs. Not only does it support all popular audio and video formats—such as MP3, WMA, DivX and XviD (but not QuickTime videos)—the LinkTheater is the first networked media player that plays both DivX HD and WMV HD. Although content for both these formats are limited to mostly movie trailers, high definition video is the wave of the future. You can also stream picture slideshows in a variety of picture formats (JPEG, GIF, TIF, BMP, PNG).

And There's More!
If WiFi isn't your bag, you can connect the LinkTheater to your home network via the built-in 100mbit wired Ethernet port. Adding further flexibility, a front panel USB 2.0 port allows you to connect an external hard drive, USB flash drives, multi-card memory readers and even USB digital cameras. Unfortunately, the LinkTheater doesn't support NTFS formatted hard drives, only FAT16 or FAT32. The FAT16/32 drive format doesn't support files over 4GB, which can become problematic with high definition videos.

It Isn't All Roses
Okay, it's pretty obvious that I love the LinkTheater, but I do have two complaints. While the remote control is easy to use, it is not a universal remote and most universal remotes are probably not going to be able to handle all the features of the LinkTheater.

Also, the interface seems rather pedestrian and looks like a beta version. Even the PC interface lacks a polished look. Most importantly, you can't browse your media collection with the LinkTheater while it is playing anything. Having to stop whatever is playing to peruse my library makes for an annoying experience.

Final Thoughts
Other than some minor glitches and a somewhat high price, the LinkTheater is all that and a bag of chips. With all the bells and whistles and a plethora of media support, this wireless media player really packs a punch. The support of WMV HD and DivX HD points to a future where high definition media will be everywhere. I can't wait.

Pros: Easy setup; lots of formats supported, including WMV HD and DivX HD; USB 2.0 port

Cons: Interface needs to be streamlined; remote is too simple; wonky menu setup; no QuickTime support

Company: Buffalo Technology
Price: $350
Available: Now
Ships With: LinkTheater; composite cable; LAN cable; power cable; manual; software CD; remote; 2 AAA batteries

davidwk

05-09-05, 08:59 PM

Originally posted by BrianV
I don't know where you heard 19 mbps, but I've heard from multiple sources that the 8620L is good for around 12 mbps.

That said, this version LT will not handle files too far over 12 mbps.

Brian,

check my post on 'the other' forum for the long version, but the short version is ts files repackaged as (not reencoded) program stream files play fine on either version of firmware (even CBS files at a steady 19 Mbps); version 1.0 plays ts video fine (but the audio cuts out), version 1.1 chokes on the same files about every 10 sec. So the hardware can do it; something isn't quite right yet in the software.

RyoHazuki

05-10-05, 12:52 AM

BrianV,

I:ve got a quick one for you. I read the post where you described how to update a firmware, that sounds very straightforward.

I intend to purchase the LT in Japan as this is where I reside at the moment, the only draw back for me is the Japanese interface, I can work around it but it:ll be much more convenient for me if I could use english menus.

do you happen to know if I can somehow flash my unit to support english?

I already did that with other product of Buffalo that I have (for ex. the Ethernet-to-Wifi converter)

I'd appreciate your help on that matter!

Thanks,

Ryo

SeeMoreDigital

05-10-05, 07:57 AM

Originally posted by BrianV
I don't know where you heard 19 mbps, but I've heard from multiple sources that the 8620L is good for around 12 mbps.

That said, this version LT will not handle files too far over 12 mbps. Now I'm confused Brian,

According to Sigma's data-sheet for the EM8620L chip-set, the video DAC is 12-bit and the maximum pixel rate at the DAC is 148.5MHz. So where has this 54MHz figure, resulting in a maximum 12Mbps come from?

Maybe a few tests are in order...

The first test, to establish whether the Buffalo player can spin/play an 19Mbps .TS stream via DVD~R/RW.

The second, to establish whether the Buffalo player can play an 19Mbps .TS stream via an wired EtherNet network connection.

The third, to establish whether the Buffalo player can play an 19Mbps .TS stream via an wireless network connection.

Can any of you guys oblige or confirm?

Cheers

SeeMoreDigital

05-10-05, 08:04 AM

Originally posted by BrianV
I don't know where you heard 19 mbps, but I've heard from multiple sources that the 8620L is good for around 12 mbps.

That said, this version LT will not handle files too far over 12 mbps. Now I'm confused Brian,

According to Sigma's data-sheet for the EM8620L chip-set, the video DAC is 12-bit and the maximum pixel rate at the DAC is 148.5MHz. So where has this 10-bit/54MHz figure, resulting in a maximum 12Mbps come from?

Maybe a few tests are in order...

The first test, to establish whether the Buffalo player can spin/play an 19Mbps .TS stream via DVD~R/RW.

The second, to establish whether the Buffalo player can play an 19Mbps .TS stream via an wired EtherNet network connection.

The third, to establish whether the Buffalo player can play an 19Mbps .TS stream via an wireless network connection.

Can any of you guys oblige or confirm?

Cheers

BrianV

05-10-05, 11:11 AM

Originally posted by RyoHazuki
BrianV,

I:ve got a quick one for you. I read the post where you described how to update a firmware, that sounds very straightforward.

I intend to purchase the LT in Japan as this is where I reside at the moment, the only draw back for me is the Japanese interface, I can work around it but it:ll be much more convenient for me if I could use english menus.

do you happen to know if I can somehow flash my unit to support english?

I already did that with other product of Buffalo that I have (for ex. the Ethernet-to-Wifi converter)

I'd appreciate your help on that matter!

Thanks,

Ryo

Out of the box the product will only update to firmwares that are available to the Japanese market. At this time we don't have an external method of changing their language.

BrianV

05-10-05, 11:12 AM

About the 12Mbps thing:

I heard that from someone along time ago, it wasn't directly from Sigma but it sounded like an appropriate number. I will look into this more, and look into why the 1.1 software handles .ts worse than the 1.0 did.

Tom Roper

05-10-05, 11:19 AM

SeeMoreDigital, Paul_PDX answered those questions about TS playback. He has both the Buffalo LinkTheater and the I-O Data LinkPlayer2.

SeeMoreDigital

05-10-05, 12:42 PM

Originally posted by Tom Roper
SeeMoreDigital, Paul_PDX answered those questions about TS playback. He has both the Buffalo LinkTheater and the I-O Data LinkPlayer2. Are you sure?

I found a few of Paul's posts, including the one dated 02 May 05 10:04 PM but could not find a reference to him testing .TS files using the three methods I mentioned.

Cheers

Paul_PDX

05-10-05, 01:01 PM

I never did try TP or TS streams from media attached direct to the LinkTheater before I returned it.

I only tried across direct wired 100bt Ethernet. Since I also have the LinkPlayer I was A/B comparing them using the same server software (Wizd) and the same media files. I had problems with the LT on all higher bit rate streams (especially all ABC-HD) where I was having success with the same streams on the LP (so I don't believe my network was the issue).

This was on the 1.0 firmware since 1.1 wasn't available then.

SeeMoreDigital

05-10-05, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by Paul_PDX
I never did try TP or TS streams from media attached direct to the LinkTheater before I returned it.

I only tried across direct wired 100bt Ethernet. Since I also have the LinkPlayer I was A/B comparing them using the same server software (Wizd) and the same media files. I had problems with the LT on all higher bit rate streams (especially all ABC-HD) where I was having success with the same streams on the LP (so I don't believe my network was the issue).

This was on the 1.0 firmware since 1.1 wasn't available then. Thanks Paul,

I have a sneaking suspicion that the TS/TP playback problem has more to do with a bug in the Buffalo players 10/100 ethernet connection, rather than anything else!

That said... I would very much like to know where the 10 or 12bit/54MHz figure for the DAC originated from too... Can anybody help with this?

Cheers

Loic G

05-10-05, 11:32 PM

I believed I read that there was a codec issue between the unit chipset and the WMV HD format that did not allowed the sound to be reproduced. Anyway, my friend lent me “The magic of Flight” HD DVD and I was able to play a couple of the trailers (without the sound) in 720p…there look great!
However, the movie itself, in 720p or 1080i, did not play, I guess it is a WMV license issue, is that correct?
Nevertheless, I was able to get a copy of the movie “de-license” in 1080i (mpg format) but unfortunately, the picture and the sound were so choppy that the movie could not be watched. I thought it might be due to my wireless connection, but the same thing happens after I burned the file to a DVD… What is the problem this time?

Thanks,

LV Tehnoman

05-11-05, 10:14 AM

Maybe I'm asking too much, but...

Does anybody now what's about 1080p? As far as I see non of TVs support it and only one DVD player... Is this standart science fiction yet?

Cheers

LV Tehnoman

05-11-05, 10:33 AM

And continuing...

Is progressive scan so important at all? Because I see that there are wide range of products thst's supporting 1080i standart. Should I wait for 1080p before making my purchase?

And one another question... I can't understand one thing - how can LCD TV support 1080i if its actual resolution is 1333x768 (not 1920x1080)?
Example: http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=93228&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfModel=TC-32LX50&catGroupId=24974&surfCategory=LCD%20TVs&displayTab=S

I'm puzzled...

Thanks

SeeMoreDigital

05-11-05, 10:40 AM

Originally posted by LV Tehnoman
Does anybody now what's about 1080p? As far as I see non of TVs support it and only one DVD player... Is this standart science fiction yet? Are you talking about playing 1440/1920x1080 sources or do you mean up-converting std-def content to 1080p?

And viewing via an digital DVI or HDMI) and/or analogue output connection?

Cheers

chrixx

05-11-05, 10:43 AM

When is the next firmware release and what will it include?

CliffyB

05-11-05, 05:01 PM

Hope I don't get in trouble for this, but I originally had wanted to post the following in this thread, and mistakenly created a new thread for it instead. But I did want to get it included here for the folks following this one, so forgive the double-post (please?)---------------------

Folks, I've long been looking for a "media server" to get the content that's on my upstairs PC down to the stereo and HDTV in my living room. All of them I've looked at have had shorcomings, handling only a few of the formats that I really need "served". I've always been surprised at the limitations of these "media servers" in the formats they can handle...it always seemed to me the ideal situation was, if it plays on my PC, it plays through the media server. I originally thought these things would allow the PC, and the codecs and players already installed there, to handle the actual playing of any of the content, and the media server would then just recieve and route the "stream" being provided by the PC, but this doesn't seem to be the case. All of these servers seem to want to decode the files on their own, and it's never as easy to add new codecs/players to these "servers" as it is to add them to your PC, so you're always stuck with whatever file support is provided in the firmware, which is always limited.

But the BLT sounds like it comes much closer. I've looked through various literature/forums/reviews online about it, and while some are glowing, some seem to point out possible deficiencies. Then I found this AVS forum, and noticed that someone from Buffalo actually seems to respond here! i started looking through all of the posts, but after about 12 pages worth, my eyes were getting buggy...there's just so much in this forum.

So I wanted to ask a favor of either the Buffalo rep and/or someone who has one of these units, to please do me the favor of answering my questions below, so that I don't end up paging through countless posts here that don't always apply to what I want to know. I'd like to know if the BLT can currently do these things, or is expected to be able to in the near future:

1. Some reviews I've seen said that the BLT has some limitation on the filesize and/or resolution of photos that it will handle, and has problems with anything greater than 2mb or so in size. Since all the photos from my digital camera are larger than this, I need to know if this is true.

2. I have tons of video files on my PC downloaded from various websites over the course of years, in all kinds of different formats...AVI (both Microsoft, Divx, and Xvid variants), MPGs/MPEGs, Real Media, Quicktime (.QT and .MOV), Windows Media (.WMV, .ASF, etc.), and so on. I want something that will play ALL of these files, not just some subset, or that will automatically convert all of them to something it can play. Can the BLT do this?

3. Like many folks, most of the music on my PC now is from downloaded iTunes, and this is the music I want to play through the BLT. I don't see native support for iTunes music listed (though it lists AAC, which I think is related to iTunes files, though their extension is actually .M4P), but wanted to know if BLT can handle iTunes purchased music, or convert it to something it can handle? I've seen mention of something called Hymn, which claims to convert M4P to M4A, which is a filetype listed for the BLT I think, but naturally I'd prefer to not have to convert anything.

4. I see the BLT allows some rudimentary web browsing, though obviously greatly limited by not having a keyboard input. Are there any plans to improve this area, and provide/allow infrared keyboard support, like the PrismIQ?

Thanks for any help consolidating the answers to all this for me!

LV Tehnoman

05-12-05, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by SeeMoreDigital
Are you talking about playing 1440/1920x1080 sources or do you mean up-converting std-def content to 1080p?

And viewing via an digital DVI or HDMI) and/or analogue output connection?

All of them. But the most important thing could be to get 1920x1080 sources played via the digital connection. But I suppose that first there should come the TVs that's supporting it, and only then there'll be use of this kind of player :)

Thanks

SeeMoreDigital

05-12-05, 11:56 AM

Hi LV Tehnoman,

Much will depend on where your progressive images will be sourced from and whether they were shot on "video" or "film".

As you know 720p is already here, however it has to be displayed at 60fps in order for you guys with NTSC displays to view it properly!

Not so long ago some of us did some experiments converting 1080i/30fps content to 720p. We eventually came to the conclusion that in order to eliminate motion blur from "video" sources, the frame rate had to be raised to 60fps. Which probably explains why 720p HDTV is broadcast at 60fps ;)

If 1080p HDTV ever arrived for you guys with NTSC displays one would assume it would have to be broadcast at 60fps also... which is a pretty scary idea :eek:

By contrast, if you lived in Euroland, it is technically possible to display 720p and 1080p content at 25fps without motion blur. In much the same way we can do now when displaying PAL progressive DVD's.

Cheers

LV Tehnoman

05-12-05, 02:21 PM

P.S. I don't have NTSC, I live in Latvia, Baltic states, Europe - PAL. So as I understood, there is possibility that later there will be 1080p support ;) Thanks.

SeeMoreDigital, but don't you know anything about displaying 1920x1080 video on 1366x768 device?
Example: http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=93228&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfModel=TC-32LX50&catGroupId=24974&surfCategory=LCD%20TVs&displayTab=S

There is written that TV supports 1080i (1920x1080), while its resolution is only 1366x768.

I'm confused...
Thanks.

jdt

05-12-05, 02:38 PM

After reading the 50+ pages I have decided to drop the MythTV project and move to a Mac recording solution with a media player for the front end. Looking at the BLT or LinkPlayer. The plan is to use the EyeTV 500 and EyeTV ATI USB for recording TV in both HD and SD from cable. I would also playback music, DVD ripped (mostly so the daughter doesn't destroy them). Not intersted in DVD playback as I have the DVB318 which does do upconverstion over component!

Mostlly this is a repalcement for the Tivo's. My Series 1 just died and I don't see a cable HD Tivo out soon. Plus I have two rooms in the house that could use HD playback. Live HD or near live HD are not a requirement as we don't really watch TV live unless it is a sporting event or all the Tivo tuners are busy.

So after that long introduction let me get to some questions.

I have read mixed comments on HD playback (TS). I am not sure what the EyeTV 500 saves or what transcoding options it might have. Has anyone gotten EyeTV 500 recordings to play?

My other question is about the Mac software. With the new EyeConnect media server supporting UPnP devices what are the pros/cons to using the Buffalo server software over the EyeConnect. Would I loss any features on the LinkTheater side if I used the EyeConnect software?

Thanks,
John

BrianV

05-12-05, 05:00 PM

Originally posted by Loic G
I believed I read that there was a codec issue between the unit chipset and the WMV HD format that did not allowed the sound to be reproduced. Anyway, my friend lent me “The magic of Flight” HD DVD and I was able to play a couple of the trailers (without the sound) in 720p…there look great!
However, the movie itself, in 720p or 1080i, did not play, I guess it is a WMV license issue, is that correct?
Nevertheless, I was able to get a copy of the movie “de-license” in 1080i (mpg format) but unfortunately, the picture and the sound were so choppy that the movie could not be watched. I thought it might be due to my wireless connection, but the same thing happens after I burned the file to a DVD… What is the problem this time?

Thanks,

The problem with the HD-DVD is licensing. The 1080i file should play, do you know what bitrate it is?

SeeMoreDigital

05-12-05, 05:04 PM

Originally posted by LV Tehnoman
SeeMoreDigital, but don't you know anything about displaying 1920x1080 video on 1366x768 device?
Example: http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vModelDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13401&itemId=93228&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702&surfModel=TC-32LX50&catGroupId=24974&surfCategory=LCD%20TVs&displayTab=S

There is written that TV supports 1080i (1920x1080), while its resolution is only 1366x768.

I'm confused...
Thanks. Given that true 1080p is not actually available, except for a few 1440x1080 HD-WMV9 samples running at 24fps (film speed)... it's hard to say!

In actual fact, I recently generated some 1920x1080/88p Mpeg4 test encodes at 25fps from an progressive PAL DVD source and they certainly can be displayed on my 42" Hitachi plasma via DVI... That said, whether my screen can correctly display the image "progressively" is still open to debate ;)

To sum up, because 1080p does not exist and certainly does not look like it will ever be adopted as an European HDTV standard (or even an high-def DVD standard), it's not worth worrying about!

Cheers

LV Tehnoman

05-12-05, 05:43 PM

Ok, thanks :)

dennismullen

05-13-05, 02:06 PM

Originally posted by SeeMoreDigital
Given that true 1080p is not actually available, except for a few 1440x1080 HD-WMV9 samples running at 24fps (film speed)... it's hard to say!

In actual fact, I recently generated some 1920x1080/88p Mpeg4 test encodes at 25fps from an progressive PAL DVD source and they certainly can be displayed on my 42" Hitachi plasma via DVI... That said, whether my screen can correctly display the image "progressively" is still open to debate ;)

To sum up, because 1080p does not exist and certainly does not look like it will ever be adopted as an European HDTV standard (or even an high-def DVD standard), it's not worth worrying about!

Cheers

I think he wrote: There is written that TV supports 1080 " i " (1920x1080), while its resolution is only 1366x768.

The picture has to be scaled down to 1366x768. You are not getting the full resolution of the signal. The salesmen push the 1080i spec and never mention there aren't enough pixels. Many HDTVs are this way.

LV Tehnoman

05-13-05, 05:02 PM

Yeah, I think that too.

But I'm glad to see that there is some TVs that actually have 1920x1080 pixels, and in Samsung's web site is said that by the and of this year there should be more of these. And I believe that this video standart would be good enough or even too good for all of us for a long time, you know. I don't think that our rooms could get so big that there wouldn't be enough with 1920x1080 resolution.

So let's wait and pray :D

Cheers

crzgh

05-13-05, 08:05 PM

Hi.

Has anyone experienced cutting-off when playing a xvid file?
When I played a Xvid file via wireless network, I found some portions of screen taken off.
Display mode was Fit Screen at 720p.
When I changed the zoom mode into actual size mode, I could see whole picture. But in fit screen mode, some portion of picture near borders was cut off.

Is this a bug reported previously?

Bye.

sansano

05-14-05, 03:22 AM

Wow. What a great thread. I have read through it all and learned a lot.
Quick question. Anyone have any screen shots of the LT frontend and music section. Specifically album art. Same goes for the LP.

Thanks in advance!

videog

05-14-05, 12:42 PM

I have received my 1st LT recently and just started testing it. So far, cool! It plays the media I need.
My plan is to have 3 or 4 media players total. I have wired CAT6 throughout the house and have Gig ENet. I want to know if I can run 3 or 4 LT's from one PC as a server. I am hoping to have all my media on one box for distribution over this net.

I was initially concerned over the need for the streaming software on a machine, (some other media players work directly with folder shares?) but if I can dedicate one machine to doing that job, its not so much of an issue.

I am surprised this has not been discussed more here. Is nobody doing this, or does it just work so well that no one has needed to discuss it.

Buffalo support said I could not do it with a Terastation because its internal processor was to slow. I am hoping that a high speed PC can do the job.

Thanks in advance, and to Brian and all with answers here, job well done.

vrkalak

05-14-05, 07:14 PM

Anyone else have any DTS Music CDs? They do not play properly in the LT. They seem to play fine, but every 20 to 30 secs there is a glitch.

land_down_under

05-14-05, 10:59 PM

I would be interested if anyone has compared the LT to XBMC ??

MacHound

05-15-05, 02:40 AM

Originally posted by jdt
After reading the 50+ pages I have decided to drop the MythTV project and move to a Mac recording solution with a media player for the front end. Looking at the BLT or LinkPlayer. The plan is to use the EyeTV 500 and EyeTV ATI USB for recording TV in both HD and SD from cable. I would also playback music, DVD ripped (mostly so the daughter doesn't destroy them). Not intersted in DVD playback as I have the DVB318 which does do upconverstion over component!

Mostlly this is a repalcement for the Tivo's. My Series 1 just died and I don't see a cable HD Tivo out soon. Plus I have two rooms in the house that could use HD playback. Live HD or near live HD are not a requirement as we don't really watch TV live unless it is a sporting event or all the Tivo tuners are busy.

So after that long introduction let me get to some questions.

I have read mixed comments on HD playback (TS). I am not sure what the EyeTV 500 saves or what transcoding options it might have. Has anyone gotten EyeTV 500 recordings to play?

My other question is about the Mac software. With the new EyeConnect media server supporting UPnP devices what are the pros/cons to using the Buffalo server software over the EyeConnect. Would I loss any features on the LinkTheater side if I used the EyeConnect software?

Thanks,
John

Hi, John,

Your MythTV project is famous over in the Mac HTPC forums. Sorry to hear it's coming to an end.

Your questions are precisely what many of us want to know. I've got tons of EyeTV 500 recorded .TS content I want to play back on my plasma screen. These files are 7.6 GB per hour. My 1.33 GHz PowerBook G4 can't handle the throughput without stuttering, even at downscaled resolution. There's a whole pod of Mac Mini owners with the same issue.

We're intent on finding a solution to 1080i MPEG-2 transport stream playback. If the BLT did nothing else but play 1080i transport streams from my Mac flawlessly I'd buy one in an instant.

SeeMoreDigital

05-15-05, 04:16 AM

Originally posted by land_down_under
I would be interested if anyone has compared the LT to XBMC ?? This has been discussed and answered before...

But how well can your Xbox play 1280x720p or 1920x1080 high-def media?

Cheers

mkruss

05-15-05, 05:22 PM

BrianV

I purchased a new BLT today at Fry's. I set it up and all is working except I cannot get any DD - AC3 sound from either the dvd player or when playing VOB files from the server.

I have a Denon AVR-5600 receiver. I am connected to the optical output only. I have do not have the analog right/left cables hooked up.

I get stereo audio when I play stereo divx, mp3 or mpg files, either via the dvd player or from the server (with the setup->DVD->audio setting set to AC3).

If I change the setup->DVD->audio setting from AC3 to stereo, I get audio from the dvd player & server vob's, but only in stereo.

Basically I cannot get AC3 audio from any AC3 source.

I read in the Linkplayer forum that they had a problem with AC3 on some Denon receivers, but it was fixed with a firmware update.

I chose the LinkTheater because of your interaction in this forum. Hopefully you will be able to help get this problem fixed before I have to return the unit.

Thanks,

-- Mike --

zmatzkin

05-15-05, 06:49 PM

Originally posted by MacHound
We're intent on finding a solution to 1080i MPEG-2 transport stream playback. If the BLT did nothing else but play 1080i transport streams from my Mac flawlessly I'd buy one in an instant.

How intent are you? I have been streaming 1080i transport streams(EyeTV 500 - ads removed) from my Mac to my projector over my network with the IOData AVLP2 for months...and talking about it here at AVS. It it here and it works. I'm not sure why the BLT is not able to do the same as of yet.

Zach

MacHound

05-15-05, 07:35 PM

Yes, I've been reading your posts about the AVLP2. I'm a little concerned by your comment yesterday in the Mac forum stating, "They call it UPnP, but it does not quite work with EyeConnect. I just use IOdata's server(or one of the other ones available) and put aliases in my movies folder..."

Could you explain a little more about the aliases? Do you have to put a separate alias for each EyeTV file, or just a single alias to the main EyeTV folder?

I was really hoping to get a media player that works seamlessly with EyeConnect software for 1080i transport stream playback. Maybe that's not an option with either of these players. AVLP2 does 1080i but not with EyeConnect. BLT works with EyeConnect but not for 1080i transport streams.

Aaaaggghhh.

I'll be buying a media player soon but I'm having such trouble deciding which one to get.

zmatzkin

05-15-05, 08:48 PM

Yes, it is frustrating. I was really hoping that EyeConnect would work well with the AVLP2. Here is the catch: the AVLP2 cannot see the EyeConnect server directly. It seems that IOData made their server software a UPnP "client", not the AVLP2 itself. So I briefly had an XP machine set up at home and I tried running the windows IOData server sw on it. The AVLP2 could see the eyeconnect content as a folder in each category on the XP server, but I could not get it to actually list the contents of the folders...It would hang for a while and then give an error msg...

I use an alias for each edited EyeTV file and yes, I must go and manually figure out which one it is in the EyeTV archive. But it is not so bad if you remember to make the aliases right after you edit the streams: it is always the most recently modified file and I just keep the list sorted for that. I think you could put an alias to a folder as well, I just haven't tried it. It is pretty easy and fast, as there are no big files being moved. And you can keep your movies folder(mine is all aliases) organized however you like with subfolders, etc...

OK, in an attempt to keep this post somewhat on topic, anyone know why as of yet the BLT cannot play these streams? Even when hard wired to the network? Same chip...

Zach

jdt

05-16-05, 10:58 AM

Originally posted by zmatzkin
Yes, it is frustrating. I was really hoping that EyeConnect would work well with the AVLP2. Here is the catch: the AVLP2 cannot see the EyeConnect server directly. It seems that IOData made their server software a UPnP "client", not the AVLP2 itself. So I briefly had an XP machine set up at home and I tried running the windows IOData server sw on it. The AVLP2 could see the eyeconnect content as a folder in each category on the XP server, but I could not get it to actually list the contents of the folders...It would hang for a while and then give an error msg...

I use an alias for each edited EyeTV file and yes, I must go and manually figure out which one it is in the EyeTV archive. But it is not so bad if you remember to make the aliases right after you edit the streams: it is always the most recently modified file and I just keep the list sorted for that. I think you could put an alias to a folder as well, I just haven't tried it. It is pretty easy and fast, as there are no big files being moved. And you can keep your movies folder(mine is all aliases) organized however you like with subfolders, etc...

OK, in an attempt to keep this post somewhat on topic, anyone know why as of yet the BLT cannot play these streams? Even when hard wired to the network? Same chip...

Zach

Okay so my EyeTV 500 is on the FedEx truck today. So from your experience the AVLP2 plays the streams fine if you can get the player to see them. And the BLT can see the streams but can't play them.

For your working setup you are using the AVLP2 Mac server software?

John

BrianV

05-16-05, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by crzgh
Hi.

Has anyone experienced cutting-off when playing a xvid file?
When I played a Xvid file via wireless network, I found some portions of screen taken off.
Display mode was Fit Screen at 720p.
When I changed the zoom mode into actual size mode, I could see whole picture. But in fit screen mode, some portion of picture near borders was cut off.

Is this a bug reported previously?

Bye.

Yes it's been reported, I'm looking into it today actually.

BrianV

05-16-05, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by mkruss
BrianV

I purchased a new BLT today at Fry's. I set it up and all is working except I cannot get any DD - AC3 sound from either the dvd player or when playing VOB files from the server.

I have a Denon AVR-5600 receiver. I am connected to the optical output only. I have do not have the analog right/left cables hooked up.

I get stereo audio when I play stereo divx, mp3 or mpg files, either via the dvd player or from the server (with the setup->DVD->audio setting set to AC3).

If I change the setup->DVD->audio setting from AC3 to stereo, I get audio from the dvd player & server vob's, but only in stereo.

Basically I cannot get AC3 audio from any AC3 source.

I read in the Linkplayer forum that they had a problem with AC3 on some Denon receivers, but it was fixed with a firmware update.

I chose the LinkTheater because of your interaction in this forum. Hopefully you will be able to help get this problem fixed before I have to return the unit.

Thanks,

-- Mike --
I've heard of a couple sony receivers and a couple denon receivers having problems. The next firmware release specifically aims at fixing that problem, and it has fixed it for a couple sony receiver owners. I aim to get that firmware out to you this week.

BrianV

05-16-05, 02:22 PM

Everyone, thanks for all the support. I'm going on vacation for a week so I'll be completely offline. I don't even know if they have internet where I'm going so please be patient with my replies.

MacHound

05-16-05, 05:02 PM

Originally posted by jdt
Okay so my EyeTV 500 is on the FedEx truck today. So from your experience the AVLP2 plays the streams fine if you can get the player to see them. And the BLT can see the streams but can't play them.

For your working setup you are using the AVLP2 Mac server software?

John

I don't know that it's been definitely proved that BLT can't play our 1080i EyeTV 500 files, but that seems to be the consensus here. It's a real shame. We've all been looking for a solution that can playback HDTV recorded files.

It appears at this time the only options for 1080i playback are to get the AVLP2, with the uncertainties associated with using IOData's Mac software (future support, etc.), streaming output to a Firewire device using Virtual dVHS, or buying a dual G5 Mac.

Perhaps when the SnaZio and Zensonic products come to market we'll finally see a UPnP device that can play 1080i.

Has anybody read anything good about Philips Streamium SL300i or SL400i? These are supposedly tested with EyeConnect. Philips web page says virtually nothing about video playback. Philips says it is OS X compatible, but the FAQ section contradicts that stating, "If you have an Apple Macintosh computer, you can play Internet music, but not media files from your computer; currently PC-Link is not supported by Macintosh."

Three other UPnP compliant media players were tested with EyeConnect: Netgear MP115, D-Link DSM-320 MediaLounge, GoVideo D2730. I have an email in to ElGato to obtain more information about which, if any, will do what we want.

I wonder why IOData chose not to have full UPnP compliance? That seems a questionable decision.

jdt

05-16-05, 05:16 PM

Originally posted by MacHound
I don't know that it's been definitely proved that BLT can't play our 1080i EyeTV 500 files, but that seems to be the consensus here. It's a real shame. We've all been looking for a solution that can playback HDTV recorded files.

It appears at this time the only options for 1080i playback are to get the AVLP2, with the uncertainties associated with using IOData's Mac software (future support, etc.), streaming output to a Firewire device using Virtual dVHS, or buying a dual G5 Mac.

Perhaps when the SnaZio and Zensonic products come to market we'll finally see a UPnP device that can play 1080i.

Has anybody read anything good about Philips Streamium SL300i or SL400i? These are supposedly tested with EyeConnect. Philips web page says virtually nothing about video playback. Philips says it is OS X compatible, but the FAQ section contradicts that stating, "If you have an Apple Macintosh computer, you can play Internet music, but not media files from your computer; currently PC-Link is not supported by Macintosh."

Three other UPnP compliant media players were tested with EyeConnect: Netgear MP115, D-Link DSM-320 MediaLounge, GoVideo D2730. I have an email in to ElGato to obtain more information about which, if any, will do what we want.

I wonder why IOData chose not to have full UPnP compliance? That seems a questionable decision.

I still have one working Tivo and with the TV season coming to an end I can wait for a better solution, but I was hoping to get atleast one media player soon.

Most of the other players you listed that work with EyeConnect don't seem to play HD. OS X support is going to be a must for me. I might settle for Linux support. I am willing to buy the EyeConnect software if the media player works with UPnP. Maybe I will get the Buffalo and hope they can get the EyeTV content working. But maybe I will wait for one of the newer products to come out.

John

MacHound

05-16-05, 05:45 PM

Originally posted by jdt
I am willing to buy the EyeConnect software if the media player works with UPnP. Maybe I will get the Buffalo and hope they can get the EyeTV content working. But maybe I will wait for one of the newer products to come out.

One gets the sense that 1080i playback from the Buffalo L.T. is a pipe dream. The company that produces a UPnP compliant device that plays 1080i streams will definitely take home the prize.

In the mean time, I wonder how hard it would be to automate creation of alias files from EyeTV 500 recordings for use with the AVLP2. I record several shows per day and it's really too much trouble to make all those aliases by hand. A script to generate aliases would get us a workable solution with AVLP2, even if it's not the ultimate answer.

I wonder how receptive IOData would be to the idea of making their player fully UPnP compliant? Alternatively, I wonder if ElGato can hack into the AVLP2 in its current state without too much difficulty.

zmatzkin

05-16-05, 06:14 PM

Actually, someone is already at work on a shareware app that improves on the EyeTV software, and I think he even has the blessing of Elgato...It will do lots of interesting things, including named aliases...if it materializes...

see his site:

http://www.vidcan.com/Software/iEyeCaptain.html

Zach

MacHound

05-16-05, 07:31 PM

I had forgotten about Graham Jones' export-aliases feature in iEye Captain. I emailed Graham ten days ago to see if he needed any more beta testers but at that time he didn't. I wonder if he might need just one person to test this feature on an AVLP2. You can email him at info@vidcan.com if that interests you.

Anyway, we're getting off topic here. It's probably best to discuss these matters via PM or in the Mac forums. As long as Buffalo can't handle 1080i output the BLT probably won't appeal to the majority of Mac HTPC people.

jpenright

05-16-05, 09:36 PM

Brief report on new BLT so far.....

TV video recorded from Radeon 9000 QIW looks great.
Question: Some downloaded .avi files report "not valid audio and video codec"

MP3's streamed from server - no issues with buzzing at beginning of songs as reported by some
Question: It would be cool to have the BLT go to CDDB/internet and pull the album art automatically for display.

Internet radio functions well, could use more selection.
Question: Is there a way to input your own stations via an .m3u playlist?

Photo slideshows work great.
Question: Is there a way to select multiple photo folders for a slide show? I have my photos sorted into folders by date taken. It would be cool to cycle through all folders with a randomizer

Commercial DVDs have all played without a hitch.

Overall, I've been really pleased with the unit!

jpe

Stevenage

05-16-05, 10:30 PM

MacHound

05-16-05, 10:59 PM

Thanks for the offer. These files are HUGE. It would mean sending a DVD.

ElGato Support confirmed to me today that BLT will NOT play 1080i content at the full bit rate. This is unfortunate since a fully functioning BLT would sell more copies of EyeConnect software.

Toastermax

05-16-05, 11:55 PM

Brian, Can you confirm that the inability of the player to play ripped dvds and also have access to individual chapters will be corrected? will it be a firmware or wiil it be included in a future version of the player?

mansen66

05-17-05, 04:59 AM

Hi,
Im new to this, so please bear with me.

I bought the buffalo DVD link player in Japan, and i cant get it working.

1) the pcast server sw is in japanese, and does not work under english OS. Does anyone know where i can download an english version?

2) i bought the network cable, not the wi-fi version. Now, i expect the HW to be the same in both japan and US. The player is working fine but the japanese menus are a little disturbing. Is there any possibility of changing the firmware, to convert it to an English player?

MacHound

05-17-05, 09:50 AM

Originally posted by Stevenage
If you can get me a file from your EyeTV I can try it on my set up. I have a mac and a pc connected to the blt.

Steven

If anyone really want to see a 1080i stream in action, check out the ********** of an EyeTV 500 recorded segment from the Fellowship of the Rings at:

http://www.eff.org/broadcastflag/eyetv500.php

The last 30 seconds of this sample is the part that will be most challenging for any HD decoder chip.

LV Tehnoman

05-17-05, 10:08 AM

Hello everybody,

I tried to search tha AVS Fourums, but I couldn't find, what I need. Maybe here is someone who can help me?

So, I need to convert my anoalog VHS video to digital. In other words, get it in my PC. And I have two posibilities - one is to do that through my digital Sony camcorder, and the other is to di it using my Pinnacle PCTV Rave card. I wonder witch is the best and most qualitative way to do that.

Any opinions?

Thanks

MacHound

05-17-05, 01:01 PM

Don't forget to look at the Canopus ADVC products. I have an ADVC-300 which works quite well for me. It's got lots of professional level adjustments and the ability to adjust color, sharpness, volume and noise levels BEFORE the DV encoding occurs. That means you can avoid the tedious process of color correction and reencoding in software afterward.

Check out the Canopus ADVC Forums -- you don't need to have purchased anything to participate.

TonyL222

05-17-05, 01:48 PM

Been trying to catch up on this thread. I have the D-LINK DSM-320RD on backorder. Wondering if I should consider switching to the LinkTheater? Biggest difference I can see (besides cost) is HD for LinkTheater and WPA support for 320RD.

Any thoughts on dropping the 320RD order and switching to the LinkTheater? Has CNET or any other pub done side-by-side comparisons?

dr_midnite

05-17-05, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by BrianV
Nope, not right now!

Do you have any ideal of when this will be added, if it did I would be on the phone now buying 1 :D

qrazy

05-18-05, 08:50 AM

petefoss

05-18-05, 11:00 AM

I've done it with my Sony. With the right capture software on the PC (I use Scenalyzer from http://www.scenalyzer.com/) the signal goes from the VHS to the camcorder and then direct to hard disk. You don't have to copy it to miniDV tape and then play that back in a separate step.

GetGray

05-18-05, 11:16 AM

Originally posted by LV Tehnoman
Hello everybody,

I tried to search tha AVS Fourums, but I couldn't find, what I need. Maybe here is someone who can help me?

So, I need to convert my anoalog VHS video to digital. In other words, get it in my PC. And I have two posibilities - one is to do that through my digital Sony camcorder, and the other is to di it using my Pinnacle PCTV Rave card. I wonder witch is the best and most qualitative way to do that.

Any opinions?

Thanks Of those 2 choices I'd definately go with the Sony. It will use "standard" DV codecs and be the most compatible with other stuff you'll use on the PC.

I second the recommendation on the ADVC devices. Some conversions will introduce lipsync errors, the ADVC's don't. I dont' do any color adjusting on mine, straight Hi8 analog onto it and firewire into the PC as DV avi files. I also use scenalyzer, and recommend it as well. My ADVC is the 200 I think. Any of them will do fine IMO. But again, at least use the sony as your transcoder if nothing else, not the video card.

Best, Scott

T u r b o

05-18-05, 11:50 AM

I've been eyeing up a BLT sitting at my local microcenter store, but without 1080i TS support it doesn't do anything for me that XBMC does already...

To all you guys with the EyeTV 500s, I ended up getting a Roku HD1000 which plays back most of the recordings from the EyeTV flawlessly, HD and SD, using a program on the Roku called MPlay. I had a problem with recordings from INHD, but Comcast has started encrypting INHD here so that's a moot point now...

I wrote a script that scans the EyeTV Archive.xml file and automatically makes links for the EyeTV .mpg files with the show name and date. It works very well, but I hope it's a temporary solution. Roku is working on adding UPnP to the HD1000 in the latest betas...

- Mike

LV Tehnoman

05-18-05, 05:33 PM

Originally posted by GetGray
Of those 2 choices I'd definately go with the Sony. It will use "standard" DV codecs and be the most compatible with other stuff you'll use on the PC.

I second the recommendation on the ADVC devices. Some conversions will introduce lipsync errors, the ADVC's don't. I dont' do any color adjusting on mine, straight Hi8 analog onto it and firewire into the PC as DV avi files. I also use scenalyzer, and recommend it as well. My ADVC is the 200 I think. Any of them will do fine IMO. But again, at least use the sony as your transcoder if nothing else, not the video card.

Best, Scott

Yeah, thanks! I think I'll try this soft. I have already tried to capture VHS->DV using Pinnacle Studio 9 and Adobe Premiere Pro. Is this Scenalyzer is better than these two?

But the main point I wanted to find out is how to get rid of unwanted lines. I somewere read that VHS contains about 300 lines, but our final DV file contains 576 lines, right? And how I could get rid of unwanted lines, to create example a DivX file with 300 lines? Or maybe that's impossible?

Thanks

DaMutha1

05-18-05, 06:11 PM

Did my subscription to the Buffalo thread get moved somehow?

MacHound

05-18-05, 08:07 PM

Originally posted by T u r b o
I've been eyeing up a BLT sitting at my local microcenter store, but without 1080i TS support it doesn't do anything for me that XBMC does already...

To all you guys with the EyeTV 500s, I ended up getting a Roku HD1000 which plays back most of the recordings from the EyeTV flawlessly, HD and SD, using a program on the Roku called MPlay. I had a problem with recordings from INHD, but Comcast has started encrypting INHD here so that's a moot point now...

I wrote a script that scans the EyeTV Archive.xml file and automatically makes links for the EyeTV .mpg files with the show name and date. It works very well, but I hope it's a temporary solution. Roku is working on adding UPnP to the HD1000 in the latest betas...

- Mike

I've been reading abot UPnP on the Roku since last summer. I expect Buffalo will have full 1080i long before UPnP actually works on the Roku.

ADDENDUM: I forgot to ask, don't you mean the shareware Mac program MPlayer? MPlay is an old program last updated in 2003. MPlayer seems to remain perpetually in beta version. I'm not aware of any special relationship between MPlayer and the Roku. Most Mac people seem to prefer VLC over MPlayer, warts and all, but some people like MPlayer better.

EyeTV software actually works quite well for playback of transport streams, even those that weren't recorded by an ElGato box. You don't need any ElGato hardware to use it. It's a free download.

Problem is... none of these programs uses the Mac's GPU to do .TS decoding. It's Apple's dirty little secret that they've kept the GPU codecs hidden from everyone and they've stubbornly refused to update them. It would be quite challenging for third parties to crack into the GPU to do the decoding without Apple's help. A demonstration project called Accellent (http://www.defyne.org/dvb/accellent.html) purports to do just that. But it remains to be seen if MPlayer, VLC or any other program will ever be able to do GPU based .TS decoding on the Mac. Hence our high level of interest in third party hardware such as the BLT, I-O Data, and others... if they can be made to do 1080i.

vrkalak

05-18-05, 11:45 PM

Some of the XVID avi files I've tried to play say:

GMC Not Supported

I get sound but no picture. What is GMC and is there a way to recode those files without GMC or better yet, will the BLT eventually have support for this? The files play fine on my PC.

LV Tehnoman

05-19-05, 12:53 AM

SeeMoreDigital

05-19-05, 04:12 AM

Originally posted by vrkalak
Some of the XVID avi files I've tried to play say:

GMC Not Supported

I get sound but no picture. What is GMC and is there a way to recode those files without GMC or better yet, will the BLT eventually have support for this? The files play fine on my PC. GMC (Global Motion Compensation) looks to see if there are any similarities in frames during high motion scenes. When it finds them it applies a single motion vector for all similar parts of the frame instead of multiple motion vectors.

During panning, zooming scenes GMC can be applied to save on bit-rate, that can in-turn be used elsewhere in your encode.

However, there are different ways of implementing GMC. DivX uses "1 warp-point", while XviD and NeroDigital use "3 warp-points" and neither are compatible with each other!

Sadly, Sigma's EM8620L chip-set offers 1 warp-point GMC detection only. As does every other chip-set manufacturer :(

Personally speaking I would not use GMC anyway.... Plus, there has been quite a bit of discussion as to whether DivX's "1 warp-point" GMC actually does anything at all :eek:

Either-way, GMC should theoretically work at its optimum when the black mattes are cropped away, as it does not have to waste its time analysing and applying motion vectors to static objects.

EDIT: GMC has not even made it into Mpeg4/AVC as an implementaion.

Cheers

waynemb

05-19-05, 12:19 PM

Forgive me if this question has been asked and answered but I have searched the thread and cannot find a direct answer. What is the native photo display resolution of the LT? I currently have a DSM-320 and stream photos from my PC. I am connecting to a Tosh 65HX-93 via component and the pictures look bad. I think it is because the resoultion on the DSM is only 640x480 and even upscaled by the TVs own scaler there is no improvement. My pictures are 6MP from a Canon DR. For those who have used the LT to view their photo library, what is your experience? Are you satisfied with the picture quality?

Thanks in advance.

Pennhaven

05-19-05, 02:54 PM

Originally posted by waynemb
Forgive me if this question has been asked and answered but I have searched the thread and cannot find a direct answer. What is the native photo display resolution of the LT? I currently have a DSM-320 and stream photos from my PC. I am connecting to a Tosh 65HX-93 via component and the pictures look bad. I think it is because the resoultion on the DSM is only 640x480 and even upscaled by the TVs own scaler there is no improvement. My pictures are 6MP from a Canon DR. For those who have used the LT to view their photo library, what is your experience? Are you satisfied with the picture quality?

This is also an issue with the LT, but to a lesser extent with the beta 1.1 PC server software. Hopefully it will be fully addressed by future changes to the PC software to resize images to the maximum displayable resolution of the LT. Previous discussion in this thread summarized here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5531176&highlight=resize#post5531176). (Which I located, after several failed attempts, by searching this thread for "resize".)

jriver

05-19-05, 04:16 PM

The UPnP server that's part of our J. River Media Center software will serve images that are at least 7 megapixels and the LT will play them. More here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=541487

T u r b o

05-20-05, 12:39 AM

Originally posted by MacHound
I've been reading abot UPnP on the Roku since last summer. I expect Buffalo will have full 1080i long before UPnP actually works on the Roku.

ADDENDUM: I forgot to ask, don't you mean the shareware Mac program MPlayer? MPlay is an old program last updated in 2003. MPlayer seems to remain perpetually in beta version. I'm not aware of any special relationship between MPlayer and the Roku. Most Mac people seem to prefer VLC over MPlayer, warts and all, but some people like MPlayer better.

I'm talking about this (http://www.permanence.com/MPlay/) software for the Roku.

EyeTV software actually works quite well for playback of transport streams, even those that weren't recorded by an ElGato box. You don't need any ElGato hardware to use it. It's a free download.

Problem is... none of these programs uses the Mac's GPU to do .TS decoding. It's Apple's dirty little secret that they've kept the GPU codecs hidden from everyone and they've stubbornly refused to update them. It would be quite challenging for third parties to crack into the GPU to do the decoding without Apple's help. A demonstration project called Accellent (http://www.defyne.org/dvb/accellent.html) purports to do just that. But it remains to be seen if MPlayer, VLC or any other program will ever be able to do GPU based .TS decoding on the Mac. Hence our high level of interest in third party hardware such as the BLT, I-O Data, and others... if they can be made to do 1080i.

The eyetv software is good but it still can't do 1080i on a 1.42ghz mini smoothly, which is why I got the roku in the first place, and it's a good solution for now...

- Mike

videog

05-20-05, 07:06 PM

I've returned my Link Theater. My interest was to have multimedia playback in my new home in 3 or 4 rooms. I want to do it NOW, and I want the interface to be user friendly. I ran 50+ Cat6 drops to facilitate an IP phone system and media distribution.

I had at least these problems.
The need to have a PC for each LT to stream from.
The sluggishness of the interface. (please wait, it's doing it!)
The crudeness of the interface. (sort criteria, folders, etc..)
The ongoing unfixed playlist bug causing garbled audio.

I was hoping to get a product that was past the experimental stage. I don't think this one is. That having been said, where do I go? I've been hearing for a year or more (from an associate) that the XBMC is fairly mature, has the bells and whistles, and doesn't require a whole computer to feed it the stream. The downside is that it can't handle an HD video. (Friendtech says they can, but I don't know)

Do I settle for SD, but get a good interface? Is there a way to get it all? Any info on other user forums or thoughts on xmbc appreciated

simono71

05-20-05, 08:58 PM

I have battled my way through the 50+ pages here, and so maybe I missed a couple of posts, but it seems the LT may have some problems with PAL playback.

There is a code to make it region free, but it seems some people experienced choppy playback with PAL material. It also appears that they may not have been using a multistandard capable device, hence maybe this was why they were having problems?

Has anyone had any experience playing a region 2 PAL disc on this machine using a multistandard PAL capable monitor?

This is the only thing holding me back from purchasing it. Most my discs are NTSC, but being originally from the UK I have a lot of PAL discs and want to be able to play them back. I have a multistandard pro line Panasonic Plasma and a Panasonic multistandard projector and would prefer the LT didn't actually try and do any signal conversion.

Thanks

vrkalak

05-20-05, 11:25 PM

Originally posted by simono71
I have battled my way through the 50+ pages here, and so maybe I missed a couple of posts, but it seems the LT may have some problems with PAL playback.

There is a code to make it region free, but it seems some people experienced choppy playback with PAL material. It also appears that they may not have been using a multistandard capable device, hence maybe this was why they were having problems?

Has anyone had any experience playing a region 2 PAL disc on this machine using a multistandard PAL capable monitor?

This is the only thing holding me back from purchasing it. Most my discs are NTSC, but being originally from the UK I have a lot of PAL discs and want to be able to play them back. I have a multistandard pro line Panasonic Plasma and a Panasonic multistandard projector and would prefer the LT didn't actually try and do any signal conversion.

Thanks

Yes, the LT has problems playing back PAL DVDs. I also have a Momitsu V880 and it plays the PAL DVDs fine and upscales them to 720p or 1080i thru its DVI output (I have a Sanyo PLV-Z2). I can however convert the PAL DVDs to XVID and then they play fine on th LT.

wazoo

05-21-05, 12:28 PM

I've been reading my way through this MONSTER thread.... but still have a specific question.

I'm seriously considering updating my Dish 6000 receiver with the R-5000 mod to record to my PC.

Has anyone confirmed that the .ts files made by the R-5000 will play with the Buffalo?.... or do the experts recommend recompressing to another format for long term viewing and storage?

Thanks!

Paul

waynemb

05-21-05, 12:59 PM

Got a Link Theater yesterday and so far am very impressed. A couple of quick questions for the more advanced members:

One, what is the current firmware revision number? From reading in the forum, I assumed there should be one revision available, but when I go to upgrade it says "No Update Available."

Also, when logged in through WMC on my PC, it says "No content available" even though the device is activated through WMC and there are files being shared with all devices. Any ideas?

Thanks.

petefoss

05-21-05, 08:33 PM

Is it possible to play an Enhanced CD on the LT? That's an audio CD that also has a data partition for a PC to find.

When you put it in the LT, it recognizes it as an ISO disk and displays only the data partition. Is there a way to tell it to treat the disk as an audio CD instead? I can rip the CD to my PC and stream it or copy the songs only to a pure audio CD but I'd prefer to just be able to tell the LT to treat it as an audio disk.

neilometer

05-21-05, 09:22 PM

Hi all, first let me thank all of you who have dedicated so much time to this thread(you know who you are :) ). BrianV, thanks for your efforts as well. It influenced my decision to get the LT.

After reading through all the posts on this tread, I went to Fry's and bought me a LT. I am interested in using it primarily for video playback, so my comments will be restricted to that topic. After using for a week, here are my thoughts: (some of the content below has been posted before, but this may save some people some searching)

Pros

Able to play almost all my video files in their native format
Impressed by how well it displays xVids that are 25fps (almost no jerkiness!)
[/list=1]

Cons
[list=1]
Remote interface has some serious issues. It's almost to the point where I dread having to FF or RR!
Can't play DVD ISO's
SW becomes unstable after failing to play a file that is corrupted, or in an unknown format. Requires reboot of unit.
Over-scan could be less. Not too much of a problem, but sometimes subtitles are hard to read.
Overall look and feel of the firmware looks a little generic
DVD player should not have been included in this product. IMO, this product would be perfect without the addition of the DVD drive.
--- The build quality of the player is LOW. It is noisy -- you can hear it spinning the disc, seeking, etc.. A DVD player for a home entertainment center should not be this noisy.
--- Audio from the DVD player is only 2 channel even when I select 5.1 out. I've determined that it is simply not compatible with my receiver(Sony DB-930).

So, all said and done, I am considering getting one of the solutions below. They are all based on the Sigma chipset. Basically, they are what the LT would be without the DVD drive.

Note that none of the following will stream content wirelessly. Some aren't networked at all.

Unibrain iZak (http://www.unibrain.com/iZak/iZak.htm)
LaCie Silverscreen (http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?pid=10481)

Note that these two products are very similar. I'm leaning toward the iZak simply because they seem to update firmware more often. A very good review of the iZak can be found here: mpeg-playcenter (http://mpeg-playcenter.com/modules.php?name=Reviews)

Al Tech has some interesting products. The MG-25 (http://www.airlinktek.com/english/prod_mg25.htm) is similar to the above two players. However, they have a model in the works called the MG-350HD (http://www.airlinktek.com/english/prod_mg350.htm). If that was out right now, I'd buy it, but, alas, it's "Coming Soon" :(

Having said all of this :rolleyes: I have also discovered, via Mpeg-Playcenter (http://mpeg-playcenter.com/index.php), that there is an alternative PC-side sever that will work with the LT. It's called EzLinkNG (http://www.ezlinkng.com/)

Check it out! Looks really cool! Features inlcude:

live access to your sources, enabling you to directly access your PC files
run as a NT service, enabling it to execute even before user logs on to the PC
Create your own scripts using EZK
Advanced subtitle functions, adjustments, bindings, and automatic detection.
No need to run 2 services if you have 2 different brand of players.
EzLink NG will provide contents to different brands and models.
Video Re-encoding on the Fly
Enabling you to watch videos that your player doesn't support natively.

Sounds like a winner to me! I'm going to try it out on my LT. who know, maybe I'll decide to keep it after all! :D

-Neil

wazoo

05-23-05, 02:40 AM

Bought the LT today at Fry's and have been messing with it all day.

First, I was pleasantly surprised that it played back a 17mbps .ts file without a problem. I'm new to this whole arena, but I was concerned that this would not work.

However, FF or Rewind do NOT work at all when playing back a video.

So, I figured I would try updating the firmware to see if that solved the problem.

Unfortnuately, not only does it STILL not FF or Rewind, but the .ts files no long play without HORRIFIC stuttering and stopping!

I rolled back the firmware and all is well.

Can someone give me some guidance on this? The inability to FF or rewind might necessitate a return....

TIA!

Paul

stefan9113

05-23-05, 07:40 AM

Hello,
Is there anybody out there who knows, is it possible to put an NFS Server on the Linktheater. And a HDD on the same BUS as the DVD. Like Master and Slave.
Then you could record via Network and NFS (in Germany D-Box2) on the HDD in the LinkTheater.

Greetings from Bavaria
Stefan

qrazy

05-23-05, 08:31 AM

I had at least these problems.

The need to have a PC for each LT to stream from.
I don't know this to be true.....

The sluggishness of the interface. (please wait, it's doing it!)
It may not be instant, but it doesn't seem long to me....

The crudeness of the interface. (sort criteria, folders, etc..)
I care more about function at this point, I would think interface issues can be fixed with future firmware upgrades...

The ongoing unfixed playlist bug causing garbled audio.
Haven't come across this yet personally....

LV Tehnoman

05-23-05, 09:15 AM

Cons

(...)
DVD player should not have been included in this product. IMO, this product would be perfect without the addition of the DVD drive.
--- The build quality of the player is LOW. It is noisy -- you can hear it spinning the disc, seeking, etc.. A DVD player for a home entertainment center should not be this noisy.
--- Audio from the DVD player is only 2 channel even when I select 5.1 out. I've determined that it is simply not compatible with my receiver(Sony DB-930).

-Neil

Well I personally think that the DVD drive that is integrated is very good feature, because you can not only watch DVDs, but DivX and XviD CDs too (if I've understood correct :rolleyes: ). If I have the CDs with video, I don't want to go and copy these to my PC, better is to put the CD into the player directly.

Somebody want the DVD drive, others - not. But I think that it's good to have it.

Nothing personal - just my toughts :D

jriver

05-23-05, 09:50 AM

I've returned my Link Theater. My interest was to have multimedia playback in my new home in 3 or 4 rooms. I want to do it NOW, and I want the interface to be user friendly. .... I was hoping to get a product that was past the experimental stage. I don't think this one is. That having been said, where do I go?
I think that the LinkTheater device is about as advanced a device as currently exists. You may find others that do one thing or another better, but you may not find a better overall solution.

You've also got a direct link to the company with Brian here and that's very valuable.

For what it's worth, I think the problems you have are normal for the current state of development of these types of devices and the related software. We work with a lot of these devices and none of them are perfect.

Perhaps if you were willing to help, you might get very close to what you imagine to be possible.

djlong

05-23-05, 10:27 AM

fhall1

05-23-05, 10:59 AM

I like having the DVD player integrated too...when the firmware finally gets more functional, and I pick up one of these bad boys, I can take my standalone player out of the HT setup...since I only have two component video inputs on my receiver - one for the DVD player and one for the cable box - that's a big plus.

wazoo

05-23-05, 02:18 PM

Paul_PDX

05-23-05, 04:05 PM

Can someone PLEASE answer this question:

Is it possible to fast forward or rewind while streaming a .TS HDTV file?!?!

No -- repackage as MPG2 or VOB -- you can use HDTVtoMPEG2 (very fast) or VideoRedo (a little slower and costs $50 but fixes errors in the stream as well).

H2M can repackage an hour of HD video in about 4 to 5 minutes if you use two separate hard disks. Both products can also remove commercials.

wazoo

05-23-05, 04:23 PM

No -- repackage as MPG2 or VOB -- you can use HDTVtoMPEG2 (very fast) or VideoRedo (a little slower and costs $50 but fixes errors in the stream as well).

H2M can repackage an hour of HD video in about 4 to 5 minutes if you use two separate hard disks. Both products can also remove commercials.

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the quick reply. Ok... I'm new to this, but I'll attempt the conversion to get the FF/RW capability.

As an aside, although a *tad* off topic, is it possible to FF & RW with the LP2? Does the playback also get corrupt sometimes after pausing as I am experiencing with the LT?

I've done a ton of reading.... but for a new guy, it can get overwhelming! :)

My next purchase will be an R-5000 on my Dish 6000 receiver....

Thanks again for the help!

Paul

Paul_PDX

05-23-05, 06:05 PM

As an aside, although a *tad* off topic, is it possible to FF & RW with the LP2? Does the playback also get corrupt sometimes after pausing as I am experiencing with the LT?

Same with TP or TS -- no FF REW -- just repackage as a different MPEG2 type and you can ff and rew.

The pause/play issue on the LP2 was the same as the LT back in January -- since the Feb, Mar, and the two Apr firmware thats been fine (unless corrupted stream then it is as bad as the LT-neither player likes corrupted streams very well).

jagred

05-23-05, 07:02 PM

simono71

05-23-05, 07:07 PM

simono71

05-23-05, 07:16 PM

Please Help - I just received my LK today and I'm already bummed. I can't have wep turned on and see my PC's. I reentered a ASCII 13 char WEP key on my wireless DLINK access pt and then entered the same key into the LT but it would not work. Has anyone been able to get WEP to work with a DLINK wireless access pt. I have read this thread and the only problems I remember seeing were when someone didn't fill up the whole key. Someone please help I dont want to run my wireless without WEP turned on.

I don't have a d-link access point but I do have a d-link 524 wireless router so I would guess they were pretty similar and I have successfully got it to work with 128-bit WEP.

You enter the 13 char code then make sure you hit the save button and all the other settings are how you want them. Also make sure you have the SSID set up to the correct one too.
I started out by switching off the wep and getting all the settings working. Then I went back and added the wep. No problems so far. Hope that may help some...

wazoo

05-24-05, 12:19 AM

That sounds funny, can anyone else verify this. I ran that firmware for two months and although I rarely play TS files I have played one or two without hitch.

Yes. I can confirm this (although one month later as I just bought this product...).

EXACT same problem. Had to roll back to fix.

Paul

dj7675

05-24-05, 12:54 AM

Can someone PLEASE answer this question:

Is it possible to fast forward or rewind while streaming a .TS HDTV file?!?!

Every time I press the FF or Rewind buttons (either the DVD "style" ones or the blue directional buttons on the remote), nothing happens and the words INVALID appear in the upper left hand corner.

I've read through the thread and maybe I've missed this point.....

TIA,

Paul

Apologize for being a bit off topic.....I was going through the same issues when trying to find a player for TS files recorded from an R5000 receiver. Ended up with a Roku HD1000. If you upgrade the firmware to 2.0 and use MPlay, the results are perfect with FF/Rew and no need to use any other software.

petefoss

05-24-05, 08:52 AM

The pause/play issue on the LP2 was the same as the LT back in January -- since the Feb, Mar, and the two Apr firmware thats been fine (unless corrupted stream then it is as bad as the LT-neither player likes corrupted streams very well).

Where are new firmware releases being announced (or are you talking about LP2 firmware releases)?

Has there been any email from Brian on the mailing list that he setup? I registered but I haven't received anything (unless my SPAM filter snagged it all).

Paul_PDX

05-24-05, 11:49 AM

Where are new firmware releases being announced (or are you talking about LP2 firmware releases)?

I was talking about the LP2 ones -- the Dec or Jan LP2 level seemed to be where the LT was when I got it last month.

stevehof

05-24-05, 01:52 PM

Playlist question.

I am using the LT with a 160GB Linkstation. Does anyone know if the linkstation will support a playlist file of anykind. I have my cd music ripped using WMA and all the music is in artist directories on the harddrive which makes using the Linkstation nav software a pain and impossible to play multiple tracks from different artists without dumping all the .wma's into one huge monolithic directory. I want to avoid using the PC server software if I can.I'm in the same boat as you. The primary reason I chose the LinkTheater over other products was its ability to play music files without running a PC. Unfortunately, the current LinkTheater and LinkStation (PCast) firmware do not support playlists directly from the LinkStation. I have submitted this as a feature request to Buffalo tech support, although this forum looks like it's a better place to report bugs and feature requests.

One thing I haven't tried yet is using Windows shortcuts to create directories of various songs on the LinkStation, to see if the LinkTheater will recognize them and do the right thing.

jpage4500

05-24-05, 03:53 PM

chrixx

05-24-05, 04:19 PM

Hi,

My goal is to rip all of my DVD's to my PC and be able to access them via this device.

My questions are;

1) Will I be able to control each movie like any physical DVD? ie; Will I get the main menu, extra features, etc?

-- If not, I read about the 4-second delay between .VOB files. What's the best option to rip a DVD so it'll play back best?

2) What does the interface for selecting movies look like? I didn't see any pictures of the UI on Buffalo's web-site. Obviously, it'd be great if I could add a thumbnail for each movie when browsing but I'm mostly interested if it looks like a file explorer or something more user-friendly. Will I have see 4 .VOB files in a directory and have to select 1 or just the movie title?

3) Lastly, from someone who has one of these.. is the quality as if you were watching a DVD? Any pixelation/delay problems using wireless (assuming very good connection)?

... I didn't read every post here so if I missed this answer already sorry!

thanks,
joe

1. No you will not be able to use it like a regular DVD. You won't get your menus or other bells and whistles. Personally, I use DVD Shrink (freeware) and rip only the main title with the 5.1 audio track and select the option to create only 1 large .vob.

2. I had requested for the ability to have thumbs for titles, but I don't see that happening any time soon. It's a shame for those of us with small children who can't read. That being said.....When you bring up the video section, you will have the folders listed alphabetically (I created folder for each movie when I ripped with DVD Shrink). It lists 12 to a page. Once you select the folder, you have to select the .vob inside to play. It's not bad, but can definitely be better.

3. I am using wireless now and am fairly satisfied. The picture quality is great, but I used to have a lot of stutters. Since then, I started using a program called VideoRedo (free 21 day trial) that analyzes and corrects many problems within the .vob. This has greatly increased the performance and I would definitely recommend it.

Overall, I am pretty satisfied with this product. I think that they are a little slow on the firmware updates and the GUI leaves a lot to be desired. Since this is a fairly new product, I am sure it will get better as time goes by. I want to get another, but am going to wait for the HDMI version.

gfb107

05-24-05, 05:58 PM

Hi,

My goal is to rip all of my DVD's to my PC and be able to access them via this device.

My questions are;

1) Will I be able to control each movie like any physical DVD? ie; Will I get the main menu, extra features, etc?

-- If not, I read about the 4-second delay between .VOB files. What's the best option to rip a DVD so it'll play back best?

2) What does the interface for selecting movies look like? I didn't see any pictures of the UI on Buffalo's web-site. Obviously, it'd be great if I could add a thumbnail for each movie when browsing but I'm mostly interested if it looks like a file explorer or something more user-friendly. Will I have see 4 .VOB files in a directory and have to select 1 or just the movie title?

3) Lastly, from someone who has one of these.. is the quality as if you were watching a DVD? Any pixelation/delay problems using wireless (assuming very good connection)?

... I didn't read every post here so if I missed this answer already sorry!

thanks,
joe

I'm using a TViX (http://www.tvixusa.com) (I have model C-3000U[/u]), which supports playing back of ripped DVDs with full menu navigation and no pauses between VOBs. The DVDs can be ripped to a directory as a bunch of files (in which can you have to play the VIDEO_TS.IFO file) or as a single ISO image file (in which case you need to format the installed drive as NTFS, so that large files are supported).

DVD playback is perfect.

The TViX is not a network device. It is a box in which you install a 3.5" IDE drive. When connected to your PC by USB 2.0, it appears as a external drive. When connected to your TV (by Composite, S-Video, or Component) and receiver (by coaxial, optical, or stereo) it is a media player (Photos, Audio and Video). It can upconvert video to 480p, 720p, or 1080i.

I love it for the portability. I use it in the car (which has a builtin DVD player with A/V inputs), and I no longer have to deal with swapping DVDs for the kids, or with damaged DVDs that don't play.

It also plays back DivX and XViD video.

I have a 200GB drive in mine, but there's no reason you couldn't use a 400GB or larger drive.

The UI is basically a directory navigator, so you can create any directory structure you want, and you can even password protect directories. You can also replace the default background image on a directory basis.

There's a flash demo at [url]http://www.tvixusa.com/default.asp?id=62&mnu=62 (http://www.tvixusa.com/default.asp?id=59&mnu=51)

GetGray

05-24-05, 07:04 PM

Keeping this on topic, the tvix won't do HD, like the Buffalo, right?

gfb107

05-24-05, 07:25 PM

Keeping this on topic, the tvix won't do HD, like the Buffalo, right?
Correct, no HD. But the question I answered was looking for playback of ripped DVDs with full navigation. The TViX does that very well.

wazoo

05-24-05, 07:46 PM

Now I'm confused Brian,

According to Sigma's data-sheet for the EM8620L chip-set, the video DAC is 12-bit and the maximum pixel rate at the DAC is 148.5MHz. So where has this 10-bit/54MHz figure, resulting in a maximum 12Mbps come from?

Maybe a few tests are in order...

The first test, to establish whether the Buffalo player can spin/play an 19Mbps .TS stream via DVD~R/RW.

The second, to establish whether the Buffalo player can play an 19Mbps .TS stream via an wired EtherNet network connection.

The third, to establish whether the Buffalo player can play an 19Mbps .TS stream via an wireless network connection.

Can any of you guys oblige or confirm?

Cheers

I would be more than willing to help out with #1 & #2 on this experimental list (I don't have a wireless setup).... but I need some 19mbps or greater source material. The most I have is 17mbps (which plays flawlessly over the network).

If someone wants to post a clip with a high bitrate (or knows somewhere I can currently download one), I'll put it through the paces.

Lemme know....

Paul

T2k

05-24-05, 09:13 PM

I would be more than willing to help out with #1 & #2 on this experimental list (I don't have a wireless setup).... but I need some 19mbps or greater source material. The most I have is 17mbps (which plays flawlessly over the network).

If someone wants to post a clip with a high bitrate (or knows somewhere I can currently download one), I'll put it through the paces.

Lemme know....

Paul

http://www.dododge.net/roku/ts-samples.html

jpage4500

05-24-05, 09:19 PM

3. I am using wireless now and am fairly satisfied. The picture quality is great, but I used to have a lot of stutters. Since then, I started using a program called VideoRedo (free 21 day trial) that analyzes and corrects many problems within the .vob. This has greatly increased the performance and I would definitely recommend it.

Overall, I am pretty satisfied with this product. I think that they are a little slow on the firmware updates and the GUI leaves a lot to be desired. Since this is a fairly new product, I am sure it will get better as time goes by. I want to get another, but am going to wait for the HDMI version.

Thanks Chris,

1 thing you said concerns me a little. I noticed how someone from Buffalo has a lot of participation in this forum which I love. I had hoped that meant even though there's a few problems it would evolve rather quickly.. How often have their been updates? Do you feel like it's moving quickly?

I can live without all the bells & whistles as long as I know it's got really good support (updates) b/c I won't feel like I should wait for something more mature to come out.. I love the fact it has a HD GUI (a reason to get the RokuHD), streaming video, and even web browsing ability (or so I thought I read)..

As the future goes does anyone know if the following are forthcoming?
- skipping DVD tracks/chapters (I read someone say this wasn't possible yet).. this would be tough to deal without
- playing a TS_VIDEO directory without having to browse the .VOB files? (ie: just list movie names and let me press 'play')

Thanks for the help!!
joe

DCypher

05-24-05, 10:07 PM

Just got my LinkTheater today. I was able to get it up and running fine in 480p mode, but when I switched it to 1080i, the display shrinks/grows/shrinks/grows/ etc.

Some background:
1. TV is a panasonic CT-32HX42 tv using component input
2. Had the SAME problem with my HTPC when hooked up to the component via a KeyDigital transcoder - UNTIL - i changed the output from neg. to pos. sync (or visa versa - i forget) in powerstrip
3. My HD cable box/dvr works perfectly on the set - rock solid image that looks fantastic

For those not familiar with the TV: it automatically does anamorphic squeeze on 1080i content.

I'm not too happy with the LT right now. My draw to the LT is its ability to upconvert to HD (with the exception of DVD). Any help / advice would be appreciated.

Jeff
Jeff

transco

05-24-05, 10:51 PM

wazoo

05-25-05, 03:15 AM

Ok... I decided to follow SeeMoreDigital's suggestion that high bit-rate .TS files be tested to see where a problem might reside in the LT.

So here is what I did.

I got the source material from:

http://www.dododge.net/roku/ts-samples.html

as suggested in the message from T2k. I obtained three files:

1) Football.ts
2) mpt-smart-travels (hereinafter Travel)
3) The WJZ-DT clip of a daytime soap (hereinafter Soap)

I then loaded them into H2 to see the bits rates. A caveat here.... I'm pretty new to H2... so I'll try to explain what I did with the program as it becomes important later on in the tests.

I started with Football.ts which apparently has three channels. I checked one at a time making sure the others were not checked to view the results for each channel.

Channel #1 is HD and shows 45mbps.
Channel #2 is SD and shows 15mbps
Channel #3 is unknown and shows 0 mbps

For the Soap clip only one channel and shows 19.19mbps.

The Travel clip is an odd one to me and that is probably because I am a newbie to HDTV. It shows six channels.

Channel #1 is SD and shows 500kbps
Channel #2 & #3 is SD and shows 3.75mbps each
Channel #4 is SD and shows 500kbps
Channel #5 is HD and shows 13mbps
Channel #6 is SD and shows 500kbps

File Prep.

I took each of the three .TS files above and converted them to MPEG using H2 version 1.11 beta3. For Football, I checked that all channels and PID's were selected and then converted to MPEG.

For Travel, I selected all the channels and PIDs but made sure that the HD channel was the one showing in the channel dropdown window when I converted the file. This seems to allow me to play the HD channel when in MPG form instead of the SD channel that plays when viewing the .TS file.

Soap was just one channel, so I made sure that it and all PIDS were selected before converting.

Media Preparation

I transferred the six files (both the original .TS files and their MPEG counterparts) to my dedicated network server running XP on a Pentium 4 2.4ghz with 512mb RAM and running a WD800JB Caviar 7200rpm harddrive on a dedicated EIDE channel. This is contected via Cat5e to my LT on a 10/100 LAN.

I also burned an ISO DVD with Nero as well as transferred the files to a USB 2.0 1gig Flashdrive to test the USB access of the LT while I was at this.

LT Setup

I am running LinkTheatre Server version 1.0 on my XP box and tried the tests below both with firmware 1.0 and 1.1.

How I tested the clips

I would play each clip a minimum of three times to see if buffering had any appreciable effect.

The Results

Network Streaming

Football.TS --> FAILED

Stuttering audio and video artifacts plus video stuttering

Football.MPG --> PASSED

Audio and video worked normally.

Soap.TS --> INCONCLUSIVE

Video Normal. The problem here is that the clip starts with audio stutter, however, the last second or two, it appears that the audio goes to normal. Due to the short length of this clip (about 7 seconds or so), it is hard to say whether the stuttering is only at the beginning and then clears itself up... or whether it would continue on and off throughout a longer clip.

Soap.MPG --> PASSED (qualified)

Video was normal. However, audio was silent for the first 5 seconds or so and then it kicked in. However, if I hit pause right after it started and then hit play, the audio was normal.

Travel.TS --> PASS

However.... the signal is SD.....

Travel.MPG -->PASS

HD video and audio were normal

USB PORT

Football.TS --> FAILED

Same as the streaming results

Football.MPG -->FAILED

This test failed because it would only play the first second or two of the clip and then quit to menu. However, during that time, the video was fine unlike the streaming situation, but the audio was silent for the beginning of the few seconds so it is hard to judge whether or not it is ok. I recopied the file over to the USB drive.... but the same problem.

Soup.TS --> PASSED

Normal audio and video

Soup.MPG --> PASSED

normal audio and video

Travel.TS & .MPG --> PASSED

Same as streaming

DVD DRIVE

Football.TS --> FAILED

Same as above

Football.MPG --> FAILED

Video was perfect... but the audio stuttered

Soup.TS --> PARTIAL PASS

About 40% of the times I played the clip, the audio would stutter. Video was always perfect.

Soup.MPG --> PASSED

Audio and video were normal.

Travel.TS & .MPG --> PASS

Same as above

Firmware 1.1 Testing

I upgraded to 1.1 and then retested. ALL .TS streams off all media had HORRIBLE stuttering.... as well as the Soup.MPG video. Firmware 1.1 is clearly messed up.

Conclusions

Well... not sure actually. I'll be curious to hear what others think. I would LOVE someone to do similar testing with the identical clips on an LP2 to see the comparison. I have 25 days before my LT return time is up, and since playing .TS streams off an R5000 modified server will be my primary use, I am a bit concerned about the LT's ability to play high bitrate .TS files.

Toastermax

05-25-05, 04:28 AM

It can upconvert video to 480p, 720p, or 1080i.

]

what does this mean then?

Paul_PDX

05-25-05, 01:00 PM

Anyone actually tried the Linkplayer 2 AND LinkTheater? I'm trying to decide between the two so would appreciate any input. For one thing, I see there is a "region free" hack for the LinkTheater. Is there one for the LinkPlayer2? I read in the thread that the LinkPlayer2 tops out at 10-12Mb/s video rate, though I've read in several places the LinkTheater will support the full 19.2Mb/s ATSC bit rate for CBR TS files. If both players have the same chip set, why the large difference? I'm so confused... :eek:

I had both for a while (the LT was still on its first firmware -- I don't know if they have updated it yet for sure). The LP2 plays 19.2MB/s mpeg and TP files fine and for mpeg2 has done so for me since last Dec. My experience when comparing was that the LP2 played all my MyHd captures while the LT didn't like high data rate files as they approached the ATSC spec. Also with the LT I was running into mostly the same quirks I had with the LP2 last December and January before IODATA updated firmware (in Feb, Mar, and twice in April). Since I was after a second player for another room I returned the LT and bought a 2nd LP2 since it seemed farther along for my needs. I understand Brian has circulated a newer firmware to at least some of you so I don't know how that compares with the current LP2.

Also - the LP2 has no region free hack since IODATA doesn't want to risk their DVD license. However it does play region free PAL backups excellent.

chrixx

05-25-05, 01:00 PM

Thanks Chris,

1 thing you said concerns me a little. I noticed how someone from Buffalo has a lot of participation in this forum which I love. I had hoped that meant even though there's a few problems it would evolve rather quickly.. How often have their been updates? Do you feel like it's moving quickly?

I can live without all the bells & whistles as long as I know it's got really good support (updates) b/c I won't feel like I should wait for something more mature to come out.. I love the fact it has a HD GUI (a reason to get the RokuHD), streaming video, and even web browsing ability (or so I thought I read)..

As the future goes does anyone know if the following are forthcoming?
- skipping DVD tracks/chapters (I read someone say this wasn't possible yet).. this would be tough to deal without
- playing a TS_VIDEO directory without having to browse the .VOB files? (ie: just list movie names and let me press 'play')

Thanks for the help!!
joe

I have owned the LT for a few months and there has only been one firmware update for the player and one beta of the software. I did read that there would be an update last week, but I still haven't seen/heard anything. I appreciate BrianV and all his participation on the forum. At the same time, I don't know why the updates aren't rolling out a little quicker. It is beginning to worry me. Are the problems with this device going to be corrected? Don't forget that the product is one of the best out there right now as is. I just don't think that it has come any where near its potential. Especially, in regards to navigation and GUI. Chapter support is something that is "being looked into" and supposedly they will be Nero Certified (this should allow chapter support for NeroDigital files - start reripping :D )

P.S. The internet was just a throw in by Buffalo and is nothing to look forward to. I find it unusable personally.

Easy Rhino

05-25-05, 02:16 PM

I've been lurking in this forum for a while now, watching this thread. While I was initially excited about the Link Theater, the Tom's Networking review (http://www.tomsnetworking.com/Reviews-198-ProdID-LINKTHEATER.php) and the reviews/frustrations from AVS forum members here has convinced me that this product is not quite there yet.

I'm not the type of early-adopter A/V customer who buys electronics in order to essentially beta test them for a company. I tend to wait until someone releases a polished product that does exactly what I want, I buy it, and then I use it for the next 5/10 years. Price is not as much of a concern for me, because I can justify the cost of a highly-polished product that does everything it claims to - right out of the box.

The biggest bummer for me is the sheer number of things that either don't work correctly, or don't work at all. If all of these things were addressed in firmware updates, I might consider buying after they were fixed. I guess it just goes back to me not being the beta-tester type. I have low tolerance for unfinished products rushed out the door to generate high initial sales, with promises of firmware support to fix problems that should have never made it in the final product.

wazoo

05-25-05, 06:33 PM

iBart

05-26-05, 09:11 AM

Your testing data is very helpful and much appreciated.

jpage4500

05-26-05, 10:18 AM

Being tremendously impatient.... and also living only 20 minutes from Digital Connection, I went today and picked up an LP2.

I then ran the same tests on it that I did the LT.

Results?

My LT is going back tomorrow. The LP2 handled ALL the files perfectly.

So.... if you are primarily interested in viewing .TS files, the LP2 is for you.

Paul

I didn't know of the LP2 until recently reading about it here. I found IODATA's product site and I've gotta wonder what the user interface is like... The product description looked like it was translated with Babelfish :)

"You might be a MP3 music fan with an iPod. Also you might be a movie lover. You enjoy listening music, and after going back home, you just insert to this LinkPlayer USB port. LinkPlayer can display out any video files for your relax time."

How would you compare the interfaces between LT and LP? Are they very similar or totally different? The devices themselves look very similar.

joe

Tom Roper

05-26-05, 11:58 AM

The interfaces are very similar.

I-O Data doesn't compete with Brian for giving out quick support, but despite the babelfish-like translation, they have been responsive in their own right for support with firmware upgrades and fixes, answering phones, replacing defective product, and followups.

Paul_PDX

05-26-05, 01:22 PM

How would you compare the interfaces between LT and LP? Are they very similar or totally different? The devices themselves look very similar.

Very similar -- if you use Wizd (third party server) you can't tell one ui from the other.

Biggest differences are buit in 802.11g (although without WPA so no help for me), price, and standard component ports on the LT (the LP2 uses a D4 to component adapter cable).

GetGray

05-26-05, 02:37 PM

Very similar -- if you use Wizd (third party server) you can't tell one ui from the other.

Biggest differences are buit in 802.11g (although without WPA so no help for me), price, and standard component ports on the LT (the LP2 uses a D4 to component adapter cable).Biggestest difference I've observed (from listening here) is that one works and the other does not (on HD streams). I have a Denon 3910, I'm not looking for a good DVD player, I need a device that can play recorded HD broadcasts without issue so I can get rid of my Comcast DVR. And a device that can play photo's well, at 720p, which the Roku is reputed to do very well (just nothing else). I'd build a HTPC if it wasn't like the rest of this hobby ( a research project just to figure out what's working Today), but alas, no time...

chrixx

05-26-05, 02:44 PM

dj7675

05-26-05, 02:59 PM

Biggestest difference I've observed (from listening here) is that one works and the other does not (on HD streams). I have a Denon 3910, I'm not looking for a good DVD player, I need a device that can play recorded HD broadcasts without issue so I can get rid of my Comcast DVR. And a device that can play photo's well, at 720p, which the Roku is reputed to do very well (just nothing else). I'd build a HTPC if it wasn't like the rest of this hobby ( a research project just to figure out what's working Today), but alas, no time...

I would reconsider the Roku for HD TS Play. I play them right now and they play perfectly from an r5000 modded HD200. The recordings reside on a Terastation. I have not played many ripped DVD's but from the recent threads on the Roku forum it sounds like people are getting perfect playback on DVD's as well. But note that this is using the latest firmware 2.0.28 and Mplay as the media player (not the default player). The audio fix for Mplay has just been developed within the last few weeks and from users seems to work very well. The only exception appears to be on PAL material.
The HD1000 has worked so well for me I will be picking up 1 or 2 more so I can stream HD TS files to the other 2 HD TVS in the house. You might take a look at the Roku forum for the latest info.

http://www.rokulabs.com/forums/index.php

Darin

GetGray

05-26-05, 03:07 PM

Hi Darin: Thanks for that info. Sounds encouraging. What about the high bandwidth stuff like wazoo just reported on? Know anything about that? That appears to be what taxes all of them. From some brief research on the Roku I got the impression it was a one man show and not getting much development on teh video side. I'm sure the will all get better. Guess it just depends on wh gets the bugs out first. I'll touch on their forum again.

THanks, Scott

dj7675

05-26-05, 03:24 PM

I don't have any experience with anything other than HD recorded from CBand, such as HBO, Starz, and Showtime. Compared to Dish and DTV I believe CBand HD is 19.4 and it handles those without a problem. I seem to remember that many have streamed much higher without any problem but don't recall how it was achieved. I am not too familiar with it, but the last beta also supports UPnP for music, photos, and video. So it is my understanding that once this is complete the server would stream the video to the Roku and take care of all transcoding, etc... I don't know much about it but evidently this could be very useful for HD video.

Darin

GetGray

05-26-05, 03:37 PM

Well, not so rosey over there either....

I'm using HW Rev B, SW version 2.0.17 and the latest version of Mplay. I have yet to get a system running that will allow me to watch a one hour HD program without audio dropouts and/or lockup requiring reboot. Talk about frustrating!

All of the HD video files I try to watch will work perfectly on my PC. I get no more than ten minutes of glitch free operation with the HD1000. I've had the HD1000 for a couple of months and have never been able to use it as I intended.

And I forgot, the LT and LP2 were rated to play Divx HD which is why I stared looking at them in the firstplace. Important for being able to download missed HD programs. grrrr

Allez

05-26-05, 10:18 PM

Well, not so rosey over there either....

Quote:
Originally Posted by from Roku forum (please excuse OT info)
I'm using HW Rev B, SW version 2.0.17 and the latest version of Mplay. I have yet to get a system running that will allow me to watch a one hour HD program without audio dropouts and/or lockup requiring reboot. Talk about frustrating!

All of the HD video files I try to watch will work perfectly on my PC. I get no more than ten minutes of glitch free operation with the HD1000. I've had the HD1000 for a couple of months and have never been able to use it as I intended.

And I forgot, the LT and LP2 were rated to play Divx HD which is why I stared looking at them in the firstplace. Important for being able to download missed HD programs. grrrr

The quote you have is from a person who is not using Roku's latest beta; with 2.0.28 I've been able to play all the DVD files and HD files I've tried without hiccup. Previously I had to use VideoReDo to fix some files - I no longer need to do this. :D
The Roku does not support Divx HD, however; also, the latest beta does not support UPnP for video yet (this will be coming).

GetGray

05-26-05, 10:43 PM

Allez

05-26-05, 10:58 PM

Thanks for the clarification. Have a opinion on a good ATSC card for the PC to capture with?

I've seen UPnP mentioned several times but only have a guess as to what it is. What will it bring?

Thanks, Scott

Sorry, can't help you with the ATSC card. I record from my Motorola HD box via firewire to my PC.

The following is a link to a thread explaining UPnP:

http://www.rokulabs.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2598

BLKMGK

05-27-05, 12:29 AM

Unlike many here I'm NOT (yet) an HD owner. I DO however have an extensive DVD library and I DO DL lots of AVI Torrents of shows that for whatever reason my DirecTivo doesn't record. Being able to display those DL'd files without conversion or burning to DVD or yet another PC lashup is important to me. Helpful is the fact that my Pioneer DVD player is at LEAST 5years old and Buy.com sent me a coupon :p Being able to rip the grandkids DVDs to my PC for easy selection of Elmo's without swapping DVDs will be nice I think - I won't need DVD menu for these IMO. I purchased tonight and am going on vacation next week so when I return I'll have a toy to play with :D

I'm a fair novice at the video stuff and while my DirecTivo is hacked with 4.x software blah blah I don't pull vid off of it right now - yet anyway. My forays into video have had mixed success but from the sounds of it this player will play much of what I'm after. Brian's support here has been pivotal in my purchase decision as has Buy.com's decent pricing. I realize there are still quirks and bugs however from reading this thread it's also clear that Brian has some influence, is a knowledgable user and a fan of this stuff, and that his push for features has yet to hit the release point yet so the best is still coming. I'm quite sure I'll bump into limitations but not having HD ought to make it at least a little less painful (lol). WEP 128 is what I happen to run but I'll go wired with this anyway because I can and it's less flakey.

Bottom line: I'll try this out and Buffalo has Brian to thank for much of that decision. I may also buy one of their NAS boxes as a server of mine died recently and these puppies are quite hackable. By chance Brian does the LT happen to also run Linux? If so I ASSume source is out there somewhere and hopefully folks are warming up to tweak it as they did the NAS boxes. :D Please keep up the good work, you participation here is GREATLY appreciated. I'll purchase a slightly buggy but capable device with good OEM support over a slightly more polished device with no visible support any day of the week... :cool:

transco

05-27-05, 01:13 AM

duncan888

05-27-05, 09:01 AM

I think I'm one of the first ones to get a LinkTheater in the UK. I also have a Linkstation and links up to its PCast perfectly and do agree that they need to spice up the GUI a bit.

One suggestion I have at the moment is to show the folder name for the list of files which is being displayed.

Also why does file playback stop when I eject the drive, surely that should be ignored.

Apart from them 2 things at the moment, i think it's great. Plays everything I have.

The firmware version I have at the moment is 06-59-050427-02-LTI-254-000

Anyone know how to make the player multiregion?

stevehof

05-27-05, 11:01 AM

Anyone know how to make the player multiregion?See this post:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5451081

duncan888

05-27-05, 02:08 PM

thanks works kinda ok, but for R1 RCE protected disc, need to change it to region 1. then back to region 0 afterwards

ptsenter

05-27-05, 02:17 PM

neilometer

05-27-05, 05:36 PM

I've been trying my best to follow this thread and I have one question that seems to have been almost answered but not quite.

How well does the LT deal with PAL-encoded DivX files?

For example, the files that were leaked over the net of Dr Who came from England.

I have DivX-certified DVD player (JVC) that seems to have difficulty with these files if it plays them at all (trying to isolate whether it's the DVD-R medium or just choking on PAL)

My purchase of a LinkStation 300 and Linktheater is kind of hinging on this. (I'll probably get the LinKStation anyway)

I think it plays them back VERY well. I was having a nightmare of a time trying to convert 25fps xVids into 29.97fps MPEG2 DVD's. It's a long, grueling process that has now been rendered unnecessary by the LinkTheater.

BTW, I have the new Dr Who and also Skynet's Battlestar Galactica series, which are all 25fps. The LinkTheater does an admirable job at playing back these files with minimal jerkiness. Much less than any DVD I tried to make. Plus, you aren't losing any quality from having to transcode the files ;)

duncan888

05-29-05, 09:51 AM

When linked up to the LinkStation NAS, why does the LT see the .trash folder, shouldn't it be hidden?!?!

kevdogWI

05-30-05, 03:47 PM

Hi gang, thanks for the excellent forum. Haven't found this solution yet. Not sure if it's something that I can control with DVD Decrypter or whether it's in the LinkTheater. I've posted a similar message in the DVD Decrypter support forum.

I have multiple DVDs that play fine in Buffalo LinkTheater, and I'm playing them on a new 50" Sony Plasma screen. When I make backups of those DVDs and put them on a network attached storage device I'm having screen size issues. (I rip them into a single 5-7GB file using IFO mode in DVD decrypter).

When I try to playback the now backed-up DVD from the storage device (through the Buffalo) they are playing back in a reduce screen size. On the Plasma, instead of filling the full screen I have a full frame around the picture. (not just the top black bars that you sometimes expect).

I've tried at least a half dozen of the DVDs I own. I don't see any features in DVD Decrypter on screen size. Again, when I place the actual DVD in the Buffalo box is plays perfectly.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

hmatos

05-30-05, 04:25 PM

I remember having a similar problem ... I think you have to go into setup on the Link Theater -- I have "Video Zoom" set to "Full Screen".

Give that a try.

hm

Hi gang, thanks for the excellent forum. Haven't found this solution yet. Not sure if it's something that I can control with DVD Decrypter or whether it's in the LinkTheater. I've posted a similar message in the DVD Decrypter support forum.

I have multiple DVDs that play fine in Buffalo LinkTheater, and I'm playing them on a new 50" Sony Plasma screen. When I make backups of those DVDs and put them on a network attached storage device I'm having screen size issues. (I rip them into a single 5-7GB file using IFO mode in DVD decrypter).

When I try to playback the now backed-up DVD from the storage device (through the Buffalo) they are playing back in a reduce screen size. On the Plasma, instead of filling the full screen I have a full frame around the picture. (not just the top black bars that you sometimes expect).

I've tried at least a half dozen of the DVDs I own. I don't see any features in DVD Decrypter on screen size. Again, when I place the actual DVD in the Buffalo box is plays perfectly.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

hmatos

05-30-05, 04:28 PM

Is there anyone using their DVD rips for more than one device. I'm having issues using the rips which are in one VOB file (vs. max of 1GB per VOB). The Link Theater plays them fine. When I try to use any software DVD player via MCE (Theater Tek, WinDVD, NVIDIA Decoder) they use the IFO file and for some reason these players will hang (choke) on VOB files that are greater 1GB in size (or so it seems).

Anyone?

hm

qrazy

05-30-05, 06:00 PM

PowerDVD will play them correctly on your PC.

dkaplan

05-30-05, 11:05 PM

R.Beckman

05-30-05, 11:35 PM

mkruss

05-31-05, 12:50 AM

I searched this thread but no luck. Question: Can the BLT play back Replay TV (MPEG-2) files? I heard someone (in Fry's) say that it can. Kevin (or anyone else) can you confirm? Good forum - Thanks all!

Yep, the BLT plays them just fine from my DVArchive files directory. I have 4k series units.

-- Mike --

neilometer

05-31-05, 10:54 AM

After about a month with my Linktheater, I have a few issues.

I was wondering if anybody else has seen these:

1) I'm using 1080i, and the unit seems to be chopped a few pixels ( I would guess about 50) on the top, with a black band on the bottom. This happens all the time. I can live with it, but it is annoying.

2) The remote ceases to function and I have to power cycle the unit. This happens about 20% of the time.

3) If I try to press keys too fast, the unit often freezes. Again, power cycling fixes it.

4) The DVD player seems to have poor error correction. I have several DVDs that play without any problems on my Phillips DVP642 (an awesome piece o hardware) but fail to play on the LT.

So, I'm happy with the LT, but I hope a firmware update fixes some of the above. I'd love to hear comments on my issues from other LT users.

Thanks!

1. The unit does have some overscan, if that's what you're referring to, but I'm confused by your mentioning of a "black band" at the bottom. That would make it seem like your picture is "shifted" vertically somehow. I didn't see that on mine.

2. Yes, the remote has problems. I too had to constantly power-cycle. Many others have pointed this out as well :(

3. The unit seems to "lose" commands from the remote if they are entered too fast or in the wrong sequence. It's very frustrating, I agree.

4. I posted earlier my disappointment with the quality of the DVD player. Not only is it loud, it fails many of the quality tests that my other player passes with ease. I dare say that if this unit were involved in a "shootout" with other players, it would not fare so well.

I ended up returning my LT because of the above issues plus a few more. It's great that Brian is involved in this forum, but just buying something in the hope that the firmware will be better "sometime" in the future is not what I'm looking for. I eventually chose to forego the ethernet connectivity altogether and buy an iZak (http://www.unibrain.com/iZak/iZak.htm)

So far, we've seen nothing from the Buffalo team as far as fixing some of the main problems talked about on this forum. Yes, there has been one beta release, but it has ended up making things worse and people have had to roll back. Not a good sign.

-Neil

DCypher

06-01-05, 06:03 AM

I tried changing the slideshow timer to 30 seconds in the setup screens but when i went to view a slideshow, it still went every 3 seconds... bummer.

I actually need the granularity of the screen saver timer to be much larger (more like hourly) because i want to use the link theater to show art on a flat panel when not in use. I don't need the pictures changing every 3 seconds (or 30 seconds for that matter). Does anyone know if this is possible?

Thanks,
Jeff

sgo

06-01-05, 05:06 PM

Feature Requests for BLT:

Brian,

A few feature requests:

DVD Play / Select button:
Wanted to see if you could add the following feature to BLT DVD player ...
I recently could not find the remote control of the LT. So after I inserted a DVD, the menu came up, but when I pressed "Play" on the LT, it would not play. Only after I found the remote control, and pressed "Select" button, would the DVD play. Can the firmware be programmed to accept "Play" as equivalent to "Select". This happens to be the default on my other Philips DVD player.

Also, I have seen this issue on the forum and I am sure you are aware of it, the LT stops responding to the remote control - sometimes - not sure whether it is problem on the LT or the remote control.

MP3 song playback - fast forward/fast rewind:
Is it possible to fast forward/fast rewind MP3 songs while playing thru the wireless link to the Java app. running on the PC?

MP3 song playback:
I noticed that while if I select one of the songs to play, and while listening to it, if I press the next button (>>|), a message pops up on the screen saying "INVALID". I have to press STOP and stop the playback - before it lets me move on to the next song. Can this behaviour be changed, please?

MP3 song list:
Can the song lists be displayed on the left hand side - so that more characters be displayed per line? Currently nearly half the screen is "wasted" with nothing to show for.

Video file list:
I have a few video files with the same name - one is an AVI file, another is an MPG, etc ... However when I navigate to the folder thru LT, all I see are the same filenames - no way to distinguish what is what. I know I can and I did change the filenames to reflect the encoding. But I thought it would be nice if LT could display the whole filename. Anyway, can the LT be programmed to also display the extension of the filename? Or at the very least, display the filename and add in brackets what encoding the filename is encoded in. I am sure it is not very hard to program the Java app. to do this on the PC.

Photo slideshow:
It would be nice if there is an option to rotate the image as and when it is display? If not, can the Java app. be programmed to read the Picasa's Config/INI file in the directory - as I am sure a lot of people who have lots and lots of images (and not a lot of money to spend) use Picasa as their Image organization tool. The reason I mentioned this is I heard that you are modifying the Java app. to read Itunes' app. database, Rhapsody database. If you could do that for music, why not do it also for photos too. Nice try, uh? It would also be nice if there is an option to change the slideshow interval (atleast I didn't see one :-)

SDK publication:
I know this is a fantasy. But if some kind of SDK or something is published - where we, end-users can program our own settings, skins, etc - that would be great and you might be surprised at how popular that request would be with all the end-users.

Anyway, hoping for the best.

Thanks.

- SG

ptsenter

06-02-05, 02:56 AM

It's great that Brian is involved in this forum, but just buying something in the hope that the firmware will be better "sometime" in the future is not what I'm looking for. I eventually chose to forego the ethernet connectivity altogether and buy an iZak (http://www.unibrain.com/iZak/iZak.htm)

So far, we've seen nothing from the Buffalo team as far as fixing some of the main problems talked about on this forum. Yes, there has been one beta release, but it has ended up making things worse and people have had to roll back. Not a good sign.

-Neil
Totally agree. I haven't given up on networking yet. There are couple promising devices coming up,e.g., Zensonic Z500 and new IOData with HDMI. I can wait a little bit.
But players like iZak (never heard before, real cutie) and Tvix with full DVD playback are serious competitors. I might switch allegiance.

SeeMoreDigital

06-02-05, 04:24 AM

But players like iZak (never heard before, real cutie) and Tvix with full DVD playback are serious competitors. I might switch allegiance.But... as far as I'm aware, these devices only accept files that have been encoded at "std-def" resolutions (720x576 max)...

Cheers

gaj666

06-02-05, 04:50 PM

stevehof

06-02-05, 05:02 PM

Can you please advise where i can get details of the region hack as i have been unable to locate it anywhereDo a search of this thread on the phrase, "Cats out of the bag now".

GetGray

06-02-05, 05:08 PM

Didn't one of these interface with Adobe Album? Anyone know, and which if so?

ptsenter

06-02-05, 05:37 PM

But... as far as I'm aware, these devices only accept files that have been encoded at "std-def" resolutions (720x576 max)...
Cheers
This is not the only my beefs with them.
Well, unfortunately, life is full of compromises. And if I had to choose between smooth playback of ripped commercial DVD, including menus, and possibility of handling high-res files, but jerky, files only, playback and remote with its own mind I would go for former any time of the day.
There is no ideal device on the market today and, even, in the near future. Every single one has a lot of features and a lot of cons and pros.

Regards.

luegner

06-05-05, 04:06 AM

Just curious if anyone can confirm whether or not this player can handle asx files?

cpete

06-05-05, 02:27 PM

This player just showed up at the local Fry's. I'm intrigued. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this unit does NOT do RGBHV? If it did, it would be in my hands already. I have a projector system that is RGBHV. A VGA connector would have been a nice touch. Oh well. Also what a pain that DVD's can't be upscaled beyond 480p. I presume there is no 480i option? I have a scaler (QuadScan) that will take 480i, but not 480p. 480p looks terrible on my projector. I can do 720p and 1080i. I really hate the restrictions the MPAA puts on these devices - stifling innovation. So for my setup, the DVD player is basically useless.

Why don't these devices (HiDef Capable) have wired Gigabit ports?? Come on. Gigabit is dirt cheap now. Almost every PC you buy now has a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port on it. I paid $10 for the Gigabit cards in my network for the PC's in my network that didn't already have it built in. I know 100 is good enough for HiDef and maybe it's OK it only does 10/100. I just wonder what's going to happen when I add this to my Gigabit switch. Hopefully it doesn't throttle down other devices on the switch.

I presume you don't need a Buffalo TerraStation to run this? I already have a media server with 1.3 Terrabytes of storage on it. Is the server software proprietary? If so, that could be good and bad. What about UPnP? Is it supported with this player?

Thanks, Chris

dennismullen

06-06-05, 10:27 PM

Brian seems to have temporarily abandoned the AVS Forum. I would suggest that you all visit www.my-blt.com were Brian left some disappointing news about the future of BLT bug fixes.

DCypher

06-07-05, 06:00 AM

Well, I got my LT 2 weeks ago, and it's going back today. Too many weird issues with it to justify the purchase. And then statements like this from Buffalo made me realize that they aren't going to fix the thing:

"I'm sorry I can't deliver faster updates, but engineers for Buffalo and our partners (including Sigma) are working on newer chipsets and support for the older chipsets takes a hit because of that (welcome to technology). I'm sorry for those of you who think the product is "useless" in its current form. I admit it has a some odd issues, but I use mine daily as do a lot of people I know, and I enjoy what it offers me."

Oh well. Another product released before its time.

Jeff

NeuroPsyche

06-07-05, 08:01 AM

:( Well nuts! Yesterday I placed my order for the LT. Since my main use for it is playing full bandwidth, 19.2Mb/s CBR TS files, it appears I ordered the wrong one. I guess I could return it unopened and take a hit on the shipping fee. Anyone in Northern California order the LP2 recently? From where? How long to arrive?

I just went out, about a month or two ago, and purchased all new LinkTheaters for every room! I really like the player, it beats the D2730 and the Prismiqs and the Gateways I had. But, I've been getting into these blogs a bit and I 'might' be finding out that I probably shouldn't have spent so much money in buying the LT's.
Can you tell me what the LP2 is?
Also, "OK i'm just new to this". In using the LT is seems as if the bit rate is higher than 3mbps like the D2730s. The video is really smooth. But, does anyone know what the actual bit rate is on the LT? And, what device is capable of doing 19.2?

Thanks a bunch!

NeuroPsyche.

jpage4500

06-07-05, 09:31 AM

Hi,

I got a LT about a week ago and am quite pleased with it overall. Yes, there's numerous little things I'm disappointed with. Some I was just plain upset about (not being able to resume a .VOB file from where you last stopped it was at the top of my list).

But, the potential I can see here is quite good. The streaming quality of ripped DVD's are as good as the original. I also was able to stream a couple of DIVX HD trailers which were stunning (no audio problems either.. if that was an issue for some).

To be honest, what's got me most interested in the LT is the ability for anyone to write a UI for it. Currently, I'm using the wizd server which I'd highly recommend anyone to try out (see thread 496964). You can run alongside the Buffalo server so you're not losing anying. What you gain is resuming ripped DVD's, chapter support (pressing >>| will take you to the next chapter, not the next .VOB) and no 2-second pause between VOB files in a movie.

While the wizd UI is a pretty straightforward directory listing, that's something FlipFlop and a few others (myself included) will likely improve on. Personally, I'd love to see my collection of movies in a thumbnail display (see My Movies (http://www.mymovies.name/) for Windows Media Center). I'd also like to take greater advantage of my HDTV display by showing more content..

As for the bottom line; I'd recommend a device like the LT or LinkPlayer2 to anyone who isn't expecting everything out of the box.. it's my hope certainly that many of the problems can (and will) be fixed.

Now what I'm hoping from Buffalo is more than just assurances that this or that is being worked on. I would LOVE to see some sort of issues log that shows what is and what will be worked on. At least something to show progress and that Buffalo is standing behind their product.

thanks,
joe

neilometer

06-07-05, 10:39 AM

But... as far as I'm aware, these devices only accept files that have been encoded at "std-def" resolutions (720x576 max)...

Cheers

Ah, SeeMoreDigital, you have hit the crux of the matter for many people here. The ability most people here are interested in is HD playback, hence the title of the thread. :) I would also venture to guess that a lot of people dig the (wired/wireless) ethernet connectivity.

As for myself, I have found that my greatest need at this time is to be able to play shows that I download, which are almost excusively xVids, and the ability to rip a DVD into as ISO format and play it. The iZak seems to do all of that pretty well. For now, I can deal with having to transfer my downloads onto the USB 2.0 drive and carry it out to the living room to play it. :rolleyes:

-Neil

neilometer

06-07-05, 11:04 AM

Can you tell me what the LP2 is?
Also, "OK i'm just new to this". In using the LT is seems as if the bit rate is higher than 3mbps like the D2730s. The video is really smooth. But, does anyone know what the actual bit rate is on the LT? And, what device is capable of doing 19.2?

Thanks a bunch!

NeuroPsyche.

LP2 = LinkPlayer2 (http://www.iodata.com/usa/products/products.php?cat=HNP&sc=AVEL&pId=AVLP2%2FDVDLA) by I-O data. It is very similar to the LinkTheater, but their firmware seems to be more advanced (i.e., more bug fixes). However, it differs from the LinkTheater in a few respects. You'll have to search this thread for more details on that.

As far as the maximum bit rate of the LT, do a search. Here's one post you might be interested in: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5672373&&#post5672373

Paul_PDX

06-07-05, 01:06 PM

LP2 = LinkPlayer2 (http://www.iodata.com/usa/products/products.php?cat=HNP&sc=AVEL&pId=AVLP2%2FDVDLA) by I-O data. It is very similar to the LinkTheater, but their firmware seems to be more advanced (i.e., more bug fixes). However, it differs from the LinkTheater in a few respects. You'll have to search this thread for more details on that.

As far as the maximum bit rate of the LT, do a search. Here's one post you might be interested in: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5672373&&#post5672373

The LP2 just added FF/REW for TS files - fixed MP3 static issue -- and released first FW with WMA PRO and WMV DRM.. It has played full bit rate ATSC (19.2 since January). The US LP2 is IODATAs 4th networked media player and IODATA does their own firmware/r&d/software (after starting with reference kits).

Buffalo is a networking company without CE experience so they had LiteON make the player for them with a slot for adding a Buffalo wireless card inside but Buffalo depends on LiteON for Firmware and Software and according to posts on My-BLT Buffalo is saying LiteON has moved on to their next generation box and that is tieing up their engineers and slowing down fixes. Buffalo can't even deliver on WPA in their own wireless card part of this product I don't expect them to ever get this box to the level of the IODATA for Real HD play.

ptsenter

06-07-05, 02:48 PM

Buffalo can't even deliver on WPA in their own wireless card part of this product
That's a good one.

I've noticed LP2 has two pairs of analog audio out. Do you know if they function simultaneously with digital audio?
Thanx.

wazoo

06-07-05, 06:04 PM

The LP2 just added FF/REW for TS files - fixed MP3 static issue -- and released first FW with WMA PRO and WMV DRM.. It has played full bit rate ATSC (19.2 since January). The US LP2 is IODATAs 4th networked media player and IODATA does their own firmware/r&d/software (after starting with reference kits).

Buffalo is a networking company without CE experience so they had LiteON make the player for them with a slot for adding a Buffalo wireless card inside but Buffalo depends on LiteON for Firmware and Software and according to posts on My-BLT Buffalo is saying LiteON has moved on to their next generation box and that is tieing up their engineers and slowing down fixes. Buffalo can't even deliver on WPA in their own wireless card part of this product I don't expect them to ever get this box to the level of the IODATA for Real HD play.

Boy.. did I make the correct decision returning my LT and getting a (cheaper) LP instead!

Downloading the new firmware now. Now... if they would just add a bookmarking feature to .ts streams and the ability to easily skip ahead 30 seconds for each button push... this thing would be AWESOME!

Wazoo

stevehof

06-08-05, 10:26 AM

Anybody ever attempt to load I-O Data LinkPlayer2 firmware into a Buffalo LinkTheater? If so, did it work? And what was the procedure?

Paul_PDX

06-08-05, 02:27 PM

Anybody ever attempt to load I-O Data LinkPlayer2 firmware into a Buffalo LinkTheater? If so, did it work? And what was the procedure?

I would expect high chance of ending up with a large paperweight unless you have a flash eprom burner and a backup flash handy.

dnismth

06-08-05, 05:02 PM

I start to hate my LinkTheater now. It freeze many times when I press right button to move forward. Too many flaws to list them here. Now I am thinking about buying the I-O-Data LinkPlayer 2. Before I decide on LinkPlayer2, can someone answer the following questions regarding the LP2 ?

1. I have a Buffalo TeraStation (network storage). Can I stream movies from the Buffalo TeraStation to the LP2 without computer ? In order words, do I need to install the LP2 's server software in order to stream video ? Currently I can do this with the LinkTheater and the TeraStation because these two products are from the same company. The TeraStation came with LinkTheater Server software pre-installed. If I get the LP2, I am not sure if the LP2 would see the the Buffalo TeraStation NAS on a my home network without a computer.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Serko69

06-08-05, 07:55 PM

Can IO Data LP & Buffalo LT play PAL DVDs & are they region free?

ratzfatz

06-13-05, 10:30 AM

My new LT arrived today and I started configuring it. My ShowCenter 1000g never pleased me, so I decided to switch.

The server in the basement was still runinng Pinnacle Media Manager software.....

I set up IP and rebooted the LT. I was quite surprised to see the ShowCenter Server in the home section of LT :eek:

Are Buffalo and Pinnacle using the same technology? I decided to give it a try and selected the Pinnacle Server. Big mistake! I found myself trapped immediately in a loop, initiating a FIRMWARE UPDATE to my LT!

Believe it or not - the LT showed up after a few moments with a SHOW CENTER startup screen. Its STILL working as far as I can tell and it connected without any problem to the LinkTheater software I installed later on on another PC.

Switching back to "Factory Settings" was without success, anyone out here telling me to bring the LT back on track? I can't believe its doing good to have some foreign brand code sitting inside the LinkStation.

The actual firmware of the accidently patched system is now:

Firmware Version: 06-59-050427-02-LTI-254-000
File System version: 11-PIN
8051 version: v1.a
DVDRom Firmware version: D2S6

The setup-menu and all the other menus work, I hven't found any misbehaviour, yet. I also haven't found a way back to the "true" factory setting.

Maybe it's a good advice for people shifting from Pinnacle to Buffalo: switch off your Pinnacle Software in your network before you start configuring your LT! I learned it the hard way though.

Does someone have the "Brain" to help me way back? Thanks

qrazy

06-14-05, 10:12 PM

Well, I just updated my BLT to the firmware Brian had available to the mailing list....Sweet....Everything looked way overscanned to me...But it was due to the new firmware setting EVERYTHING back to defaults...Once, I set the option for enable browser HD mode, and 16:9 for my TV it was right back where it was pre update....I also skipped over 1080i a few times, but it was due to it looking like 480p size wise on the screen....Once I set the settings above it looked normal....I stepped past 1080P several times without a lockup or reset....Ok, on to the other stuff...Some HD clips I had been asked to test over on AVS that would not play, played PERFECTLY for me now.....Very nice indeedy....I still get a little weird noise going from MP3 to MP3, 5.1 worked perfect (did before for me as well though)...... So, it looked great to me...Thanks Brian!!!

petefoss

06-15-05, 06:46 AM

When did you hear from Brian via the mailing list?

qrazy

06-15-05, 09:44 AM

When did you hear from Brian via the mailing list?

June 13th I got an email.......

busybee

06-15-05, 03:01 PM

jpenright

06-15-05, 10:26 PM

Just wanted to report that I've got wizd running with the BLT--very easy to set up. There appears to be some nice features and customization available with it. Is it possible to get beyond the config file changes and make some other types of modifications?

jpe

BrianV

06-16-05, 11:40 AM

Everyone, please head over to www.my-blt.com for further support from me. It's easier for me to just visit one site.

I pretty much exclusively go into the LinkTheater Help section over there.

Thanks!

funnymoney

06-16-05, 07:57 PM

Not many movies are available in WMV HD DVD format, but there are a few IMAX ones, and also Terminator 2 Judgement Day:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/content_provider/film/t2dvd.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008PC2O/qid=1051719603/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/104-0041338-8282331?v=glance&s=dvd&n=507846

On computer, this DVD requires you to use the InterActual DVD player because the content is protected. What happens if you put this T2 disk into the Buffalo LT? Can it play it?

busybee,

BLT can play back the first disk which is just a DVD, VOB files. But it does not play back the WMV HD files which are on the second disk. :( It also can not play the WMV via the network connection. :( I am not sure if this is a BLT issue or a Microsoft issue. The error I generally get is "Janus DRM Not Supported". :confused:

If anyone else can shed some light, I'd appreciated it.

Money

funnymoney

06-16-05, 08:52 PM

qrazy

06-17-05, 06:43 AM

Paul_PDX,

Which version of the LP2 firm ware did you upgrade to? Also have you actually tried it on your LP2. I have a BLT but would quickly swtich to a LP2 if I could get WMV Pro & DRM playback. Thanks in advance. :)

Money

You really should take Brains advice and head over to http://www.my-blt.com/ if you have a BLT.......

musicnyman

06-20-05, 11:40 AM

i posted this on my-blt.com as well.

now that divx 6 is released, any ETA on when the firmware will be ready for the player to handle divx 6 movies? i know i can play divx 6 movies, but i guess i'm after the menu/chapter support.

thanks,

a.n.d.y

07-08-05, 11:06 AM

my-blt Forum going down.
:(

Cu. a.n.d.y

musicnyman

07-08-05, 04:14 PM

wow, what happened here? both this forum and my-blt.com are slowing down a lot. i haven't checked this forum since my last post and that was on 6/20! one one post since then...

anyway, any word on divx 6 support? and support for being a windows media edition extender like linksys for windows media center users?

gavin20

07-09-05, 01:53 PM

Could someone please provide the latest stable firmware release for the Linktheater? It's like searching for the Holy Grail or needing some sort of super-duper secret handshake to get it. Purty please? :)

Thanks

mwhitlock

07-10-05, 07:14 PM

I just bought a LinkTheater a few days ago. I had a real hard time getting it to talk to the Windows Media Connect server. The server would show up in the LT's home screen, but when I would choose it, the LT would just say "no content on this server." I finally managed to get it to work by connecting a crossover Ethernet cable between the server and the LT.

The biggest problem I have found after my initial woes is that the LinkTheater cannot play back all of my Recorded TV shows. It will play back just fine any shows that were recorded by the standard definition tuners. However, when I try to play back a show recorded by the high definition tuner, I get a bunch of green flickering garbage on the screen. This is 100% reproducible. All SD recorded shows work fine, all HD recorded shows are just green flickering garbage. It looks similar to what you get if you try to directly copy DVD VOB files to your hard drive and play them without first decrypting them. I know Windows Media Center encrypts the TV shows when it saves them, but it was my understanding that the Windows Media Connect server is supposed to handle this.

Why can the LinkTheater not play the shows recorded by the digital TV tuner in the Media Center? Does the latest beta firmware resolve this issue?

I subscribed to Brian's mailing list a couple days ago, but I haven't received anything from it yet.

jwtseng

07-10-05, 09:22 PM

So, still no VIDEO_TS folder/IFO file DVD playback? Anyone?

Erik Garci

07-11-05, 03:23 PM

You may want to look into the Mediagate MG-35 (http://www.airlinktek.com/english/prod_mg35.htm). The user manual (http://www.airlinktek.com/corean/manual/mg35.manual.pdf) seems to indicate on page 47 that it can play IFO files from its optional hard drive, and perhaps from another PC over its Ethernet port as well.
Just to follow up...

The English version of the manual (http://www.airlinktek.com/english/manual/mg35_manual_eng.pdf) has recently been made available. Section 3.5 on page 44 states:
3.5 Play DVD Files

DVD manager function support to play DVD Ripping File same as original DVD.
Make a folder and then save all ripping files into the folder. After connecting TV (or Monitor), select VIDEO_TS.IFO file at the folder. Make sure that all the ripping files including VIDEO_TS.IFO from one DVD title will be located at one folder.

If you can not find VIDEO_TS.IFO file among all the ripping files from an original DVD title, DVD manager function will not work.

When you play DVD file in networking computer, playback time might be delayed, so it’s not possible to play DVD files on networks. Recommend to use built-in HDD.

Also, a user at engadget (http://homeentertainment.engadget.com/entry/1234000837031621/) posted:
it plays across rj45 via .ifo with menus working etc.
at the moment i am having bandwidth issus trying to watch ripped accross network but i believe that is because i have cooked my switch and am running with a different voltage stuck on fan.

unmesh

07-11-05, 07:57 PM

This would have great WAF except that it's not available in the US. I'm hoping that the LT or the LP2 add DVD menu support soon.

JohnTheDoe

07-12-05, 05:00 PM

Paul_PDX

07-12-05, 05:11 PM

If we are talking about High Defn players, then you should compare LT, LP2 with MG-350HD.

http://www.airlinktek.com/english/prod_mg350.htm . This one does High Defn. The MG-35 doesn't do HD stuff.

Anyone knows the price point for these mg-35 and mg-350hd ?

Thanks
Mudit

It sounds and looks like the IODATA AVLP2/G which they won't sell here in the US -- is this player shipping anywhere yet??

Erik Garci

07-12-05, 05:32 PM

If we are talking about High Defn players, then you should compare LT, LP2 with MG-350HD.

http://www.airlinktek.com/english/prod_mg350.htm . This one does High Defn.
The MG-350HD is not available anywhere yet.
The MG-35 doesn't do HD stuff.
I know. I brought it up in regards to IFO playback, not HD playback.
Anyone knows the price point for these mg-35 and mg-350hd ?
The MG-35 price range in Australia is equivalent to $175 to $200 US dollars. No word yet on the MG-350HD.

JohnTheDoe

07-12-05, 05:40 PM

The MG-350HD is not available anywhere yet.

I know. I brought it up in regards to IFO playback, not HD playback.

The MG-35 price range in Australia is equivalent to $175 to $200 US dollars. No word yet on the MG-350HD.

Ah .. sorry about that. I thought it was in LT/LP2 HD playback context.

But looking at the sample screens in their manual, it doesn't show any menus while playing DVDs. It shows the .ifo file and the vobs etc.

The wizd server is little better when playing DVDs. It can do chapter selection. I dont know how hard (or legal) will it be to add menu support. But as long as I can skip chapters, I'm fine.

Thanks

Mudit

Erik Garci

07-12-05, 07:12 PM

But looking at the sample screens in their manual, it doesn't show any menus while playing DVDs. It shows the .ifo file and the vobs etc.
The sample screen shows how to select which DVD to play. When you select the VIDEO_TS.IFO file for a particular DVD, the DVD menu supposedly appears in the same way as if you were playing the disc itself.

SeeMoreDigital

07-13-05, 03:18 AM

zonegray

07-13-05, 10:49 AM

Buffalo is a respected company, but they're respected for making reliable stuff at a good price. They're not a cutting-edge multimedia company.

I doubt Buffalo is dropping support, but it's clear that the "New Product Buzz" has passed, and the limitations of the product seem clear.... I'd speculate that they're turning their attention to future products of one sort or another.

Remember, this is virtually an OEM unit... most of the hardware and software seems to have been developed outside. Software/firmware development is probably done by the originator(s) of the code... the incentives in such OEM contracts rarely lead to ongoing development. Often the buyer (Buffalo) gets bug fixes included for an annual fee, but they'd be charged hourly rates for enhancements. Under those circumstances, it's almost never worth it to enhance the product.

(Obviously, I know nothing about Buffalo's arrangements with their vendors, just saying that this is a common situation I've seen with other products)

There's only so much they can do with the LT, anyway. The hardware/firmware platform apparently can't play music and browse the library simultaneously, regardless the server software.

That said, it still seems to be the best solution currently available for a lot of people, including myself. MPG/XVID playback quality is excellent, MP3 is good enough. It works reliably, there are a few rough edges, but they're consistent. I don't know why it's so hard to make a good interface on a device like this, but nobody seems to have been able to do it yet. It just baffles me how it can be so slow. It seems that nobody makes a network player with an interface as good as an average handheld MP3 player. A stinking $35 DVD player has a faster interface than this, I don't get it.

JohnTheDoe

07-13-05, 01:06 PM

..snipped ...

That said, it still seems to be the best solution currently available for a lot of people, including myself. MPG/XVID playback quality is excellent, MP3 is good enough. It works reliably, there are a few rough edges, but they're consistent.
..snipped ..
A stinking $35 DVD player has a faster interface than this, I don't get it.

Zone,

If you only want mpg/xvid, then why spend $300+ on a product which is buggy and probably already obselete. My recently retired $60 philip dvp-642 can do same thing, although, without network support.

Or buy the dlink dsm-320 which is less than half the price and still does decent job (has 54g wifi too !) of playing mp3/mpeg/xvid/dvd/vob/etc. Atleast one will not lose that much money compared to buying BLT. BLT claims to be a high defn player but still cant play the ATSC streams. So why pay for the non working "feature". A $130 dsm-320 is much cheaper for the rest of the features.

The problem is the *High Definition* part of the product name in BLT doesn't match the feature set. Legally, I can't sell a car called Hybrid if it only gives me 10mpg ! [yes, i know that if it burns gas and oil, technically its hybrid].

Atleast Roku HD1000 is honest and they call their product "Photo Bridge". Anything else it plays is purely incidental and not officially supported :-)

Thanks
Mudit

Paul_PDX

07-13-05, 01:20 PM

Can any of you LinkTheater owners confirm whether Buffalo has abandoned support for this device please?

They still appear to be selling/distributing the product, in fact sales in Europe have only just started

Personally speaking I would find it rather bizarre for such a well respected company, who sell many different products to simply abandon one of them... but stranger things have happened.......

Many thanks

Buffalo still supports it thru their support channels -- its just the forum where they were doing unofficial support has gone down due to lack of interest by its creator (he said he was switching to a different solution -- I think an HTPC).

I think the post about the OEM issue above is the most important -- this is a sideline to Buffalo's Networking and Storage businesses not one of their mainstream products.

zonegray

07-13-05, 01:26 PM

There are other choices, to each their own. I just happened to buy the Buffalo (to replace a Prismiq, which had replaced a MediaMVP). It's far from perfect, but I don't see anything else yet that's good enough to make me try again. I think I'll wait another year and see what's available then.

If somebody were buying their first one today, I don't know what I'd suggest. The BLT would be among the top 5 options, though.

SeeMoreDigital

07-13-05, 01:34 PM

... I don't know why it's so hard to make a good interface on a device like this, but nobody seems to have been able to do it yet. It just baffles me how it can be so slow. It seems that nobody makes a network player with an interface as good as an average handheld MP3 player. A stinking $35 DVD player has a faster interface than this, I don't get it.I have an "standard-def" ADS Media-Link and that's pretty quick thru' the Syabas conceived GUI - although the remote control is badly designed/laid out.

Lets hope the Zensonic's Z500, with its 16MB of flash memory and other tweaks, will speed things up a bit :)

Cheers

JohnTheDoe

07-13-05, 01:45 PM

Zonegray,

Your OEM post is very very informative. It has really help me understand why some products fail so miserably, even though their concept is excellent ! I know you have made investment in BLT and would like to hope that all the bugs will be fixed. I also hope for the sake of all the early adopters who plunge into the proof of concepts.

I also used media MVP as recently as last month before I bought LP2. I had bought BLT too! But after reading the problems about playing the ATSC stream, I returned it without opening (thankyou fry's!) and bought LP2.

IOData has been churning out their own firmware almost every month or so. It still has some issues, but they are very responsive and try to fix them. The hardware also has issues, like the soft picture from component/D4, unresponsive dvd drive, unresponsive IR sensor/remote, etc etc.

Your OEM explanation shows clearly why IOData is far ahead in customer service for their LP2. One caveat though, once the LP3 is officially announced, I'm not sure how the LP2 will be treated :confused:

Thanks

Mudit

mrtbig

07-13-05, 07:14 PM

I updated my firmware the 1st time but have not updated to the last firmware yet.

I saw posts where maybe it was no good and people reverted to the 2nd one.

Should I try to update or just keep what I have? The one I did seemed to fix the digital sound problem I had but still not fixed the MP3 static at the start and I don't think the last one fixed that problem either.

Thoughts?

WINDOWPRO

07-14-05, 12:26 AM

MrtBig,

I currently have the latest FW and SW available (through the beta site) and neither fixed the MP3 static issue for me. In fact, the latest FW made it worse...now I have 7-10 sec. of static. Argh! Although, I have read elsewhere that others claim (1 or 2 owners) the latest FW release fixed the issue for them. ?????

From my understanding talking with BrianV (other forum), the MP3 static issue is possibly related to the "default" background photo slide show. In other words, as soon as an MP3 starts, the default photo for the BLT starts in slide show mode and this causes a disruption somehow. ?? I do know there is not an adjustable timer within the BLT software to delay the default photo slide show (only user photos) except through a FW fix.

So it looks like a fix is possible. As for a release date...???? I have read that the fix is listed at or near the top of the priority list. We'll see.

Also, if you decide to try the latest FW Ver. 7.60 and do not like the results, there is a "bridge" FW to take you back to your original FW. Not sure if that is the factory FW 1.0 or the one you have now. I believe the "bridge" FW Ver. is 6.45 (CHECK VERSION NUMBER TO MAKE SURE)

If you have performed one update then you are on the mailing list (BrianV) and should have a copy of all instructions related to each release. If not, PM me and I will see if I can find them for you (instructions). However, I CANNOT provide the web / ftp address or login information, just instructions on how to apply the releases.

ATTN MEMBERS / GUESTS / BLT OWNERS:
I am NOT affiliated with Buffalo nor do I have access to BrianV's Mailing List.

BETA SW & FW INFO PER BUFFALO AND BRIANV
Beta testers are not allowed to provide ftp address, login info, etc. to any outside parties nor any Buffalo beta releases. Access to the site and beta releases are by mailing list / invitation only.
--- THIS IS PER BRIANV AND BUFFALO'S INSTRUCTIONS NOT MINE ---

Hope this info sheds some light for you and other "struggling" BLT owners.

Thanks :)
WindowPro

boudicca

07-14-05, 07:48 AM

>Hope this info sheds some light for you and other "struggling" BLT owners.

Sadly my-blt has gone, there is little online support for the Buffalo Linktheater either for the US/Europe or the rest of the world, but with some of the members of my-blt, 47 so far we have setup a not for profit, free yahoo group called BLT Owners until either BrianV or the European representive, Craig can further the support elswhere. As I said BLT Owners is just that and helps keep everyone in contact with each other.

Although there are official support lists and buffalo's own support forum. These are really for contact information for upgrades of Beta firmware and software, for general support there is nothing much at all.

So if any feels the need for advice or support, we will try our best at the yahoo groups site BLT Owners. I can't put a link as it won't allow me.

Sorry that my first post appears to be poaching, but we are genuinely try to keep those 500 signed up members of my-blt in touch with each other, as sadly that was lost with the demise of my-blt

Boudicca - Shaz

mrtbig

07-14-05, 12:42 PM

Windowpro,

I went ahead and updated to the 7.60 firmware and apparently it has fixed the MP3 static for me.

I tested it with the play all feature where it had been giving me problems and there was no static. I hit next to go the next one and still no static. GREAT!

I registered on Yahoo Groups for that forum as well as one on MPEG Playcenter.

Thanks,

Terry

WINDOWPRO

07-14-05, 01:42 PM

Great news Mrtbig! Congratulations!

-- Jealous -- :~)

Are you wireless or ethernet cable? XP I suppose too?

Maybe I need to reinstall the FW? Any input anyone?

Thanks,

WindowPro

mrtbig

07-14-05, 03:44 PM

Windowpro,

I have a wired ethernet connection to router.

I run Windows XP Pro.

I tried a couple of movies at just the beginning and they are still OK, the photos are still OK.

I had to run my DVD rips through Video Redo prior to firmware update, but I tested a couple just ripping and playing VTS file and they are playing great. I rip to one VOB.

WINDOWPRO

07-14-05, 05:05 PM

Mrtbig,

Have you tried listening to your mp3's wirelessly? That is where myself and many have reported the static problem. You may be and I'm just misunderstanding your post.

Thanks for the info and please keep us posted!

WindowPro

ekun

07-14-05, 08:14 PM

Folks,

A couple of quick notes about where to find help/info on the BLT now that www.my-blt.com has gone down.

The BLTOwners group on Yahoo can be found at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bltowners/ I would highly recommend people sign up here as it currently seems to be the only active and non-commercial location for BLT discussions & help.

Buffalo has started up their own forum site at www.buffaloforums.com, however, their current position (as stated by Craig the European Rep) is that this forum is primarily for users to help other users. In other words, don't expect any public posts of the latest beta firmware or PC Software, and any negative comments may be edited/removed. If there is not too much editing, and if the posts here are actually answered/read by Buffalo, then this may be the best place to post bug notices and feature requests. The Yahoo Groups area will still be good for more "casual" conversations about the BLT.

I would like to thank both BrianV (US) and Craig (Europe) from Buffalo for their continuing efforts to put a human face on their company and doing their best to respond to customer issues. It is impossible to please all of the people all of the time, and I applaud them for trying. However, I would also encourage everyone to push Buffalo to publicly release all versions of their software and firmware, instead of playing silly regional games, creating a situation of "haves" (those people who have access to the latest SW/FW), and the "have nots" (those people that don't).

I am very pleased overall with my BLT. It does exactly what I bought it for: MP3 playback (no static), Video playback (still have to convert some older WMVs with Nero), photo playback, and region-free DVD playback (I live in Japan, but have lots of Region 1 DVDs). The BLT is also very customizable if you know a bit of HTML, with the ability to very easily add new Internet Radio Stations, PodCasts, RSS Feeds, and Themes. It has also been very well received by my wife, as it is much easier for her to use than my PC. As part of a new Theme I created, I changed the LinkTheater Logo on the Menu page to a picture of the family, which seemed to help...

SeeMoreDigital

07-15-05, 06:42 AM

Well I'm just curious, and I suspect others are too, as to why the "myBLT.com" forum has stopped?

Cheers

BrianV

07-15-05, 12:21 PM

BrianV

07-15-05, 12:23 PM

Well I'm just curious, and I suspect others are too, as to why the "myBLT.com" forum has stopped?

Cheers

My-blt was owned by a third party. His interest in the community and the product did not exceed the amount of time and money he was spending on the site. Unfortunately, he removed it because of this. We do appreciate his efforts and hope that it hasn't caused too many inconveniences for our users.

Paul_PDX

07-15-05, 12:52 PM

BrianV

07-15-05, 02:44 PM

Does anyone know why this Yahoo group requires registering to read posts -- that has always seemed like a rude way to harvest Email addresses. Yahoo groups can allow reading but not posting for non-registered users. Most potential buyers want to read objective places to get opinions without necessarily giving out their mail addresses -- that is one of the reasons why avsforum is so great!!

(Also the Yahoo groups sign up page does not state their privacy policy --

A good group should always state on the sign up page that email addresses will only be used for communications about the group and will not be sold/used for other purposes).

The same thing really annoyed me with my-blt - he didn't even allow email addresses from yahoo or hotmail so he sure seemed to be collecting mail addresses.

I agree Paul, if someone is in charge of that group, please consider at least letting anonymous people read the info. That's just my opinion though.

boudicca

07-15-05, 03:26 PM

I agree Paul, if someone is in charge of that group, please consider at least letting anonymous people read the info. That's just my opinion though.

I haven't found a way to do that without being to stop a spambot logging in to harvest email addresses, and since its more or less entirely email based and I do have everyones email address, I think it would be very irresponsible of me to allow people in anonymously.

Just so we are clear and Ive not targetting this at anyone, I dont work for buffalo, I don't own or work for any media player/dvd/software/websites that would hope to gain from the increased advertising or profit from selling boxes, the email addresses are confidential and will never be sold on, passed etc to anyone else and once the group ceases to be, which I hope once Buffalo act as one can be soon, the list will be deleted with its contents and email addresses.

My intentions are totally honest and only intended to help brianv, craig and others get the best software/firmware for their boxes they can, totally self-interested reasons as I own a BLT. The best for me is the best for everyone else too.

One finally thought, AVS and Mpeg are lovely places, but can anyone tell me why there were 500 registered users of myblt and now nearly 70 on yahoo, because it was the members than contributed that moved to yahoo for the most part, many now wish to go to buffaloforums. I really can't tell why, can anyone enlighten me.

Shaz - Boudicca

BrianV

07-15-05, 03:31 PM

I haven't found a way to do that without being to stop a spambot logging in to harvest email addresses, and since its more or less entirely email based and I do have everyones email address, I think it would be very irresponsible of me to allow people in anonymously.

Just so we are clear and Ive not targetting this at anyone, I dont work for buffalo, I don't own or work for any media player/dvd/software/websites that would hope to gain from the increased advertising or profit from selling boxes, the email addresses are confidential and will never be sold on, passed etc to anyone else and once the group ceases to be, which I hope once Buffalo act as one can be soon, the list will be deleted with its contents and email addresses.

My intentions are totally honest and only intended to help brianv, craig and others get the best software/firmware for their boxes they can, totally self-interested reasons as I own a BLT. The best for me is the best for everyone else too.

One finally thought, AVS and Mpeg are lovely places, but can anyone tell me why there were 500 registered users of myblt and now nearly 70 on yahoo, because it was the members than contributed that moved to yahoo for the most part, many now wish to go to buffaloforums. I really can't tell why, can anyone enlighten me.

Shaz - Boudicca

Thanks, sorry I misunderstood the intentions of the group. I actually haven't joined the group but I am a member of other Yahoo groups that are pretty much entirely email based. If that's the case then I support it and will actually join today.

I appreciate you putting that group together.

Thanks

boudicca

07-15-05, 03:49 PM

Thanks, sorry I misunderstood the intentions of the group. I actually haven't joined the group but I am a member of other Yahoo groups that are pretty much entirely email based. If that's the case then I support it and will actually join today.

I appreciate you putting that group together.

Thanks

Not a problem : ) and thanks :)

Shaz

:)

dgszweda

07-16-05, 12:31 PM

All,

I was a member of the my-blt site as well and used it often, and was also upset ot see it go. There seems a lot of interest in creating something like this again. Something that the yahoo groups and/or AVS forum doesn't offer. It is hard to follow discussion threads on the avs forum because it is only a single thread. The Yahoo groups doesn't put it into a discussion thread either.

Based on the interest and the fact that I have some space, I started up another forum to try to replace my-blt. It is at http://www.szweda.com/myblt

I have created it to see if it will create any interest and to see if the community is interested in it again. It would be great to have BrianV back on a forum as well.

Is anyone interested? BrianV, are you interested?

Check it out and let me know. I just created it last night (very late), and I haven't posted much on there yet either, but hope to start raising the posts. If there is interest, I will maintain the site. I really enjoy my LinkTheater and am interested in keeping a community going.

musicnyman

07-19-05, 07:35 PM

hey brian,

any thoughts on supporting divx 6 to include chapter points? i know menus is a biggie, but at least being able to skip chapters in a divx 6 file would be awesome.

thanks,

MikeAlletto

08-08-05, 03:51 PM

I've read through about 20 pages of this thread then decided to jump to the end. Does this product:

1. Have linux support? I currently run the slimserver on my linux box to dish out mp3's. All my space and processing power is on that box. I don't like to use my windows box for stuff like this since I tend to shut it down at night (especially during the summer).
2. Does this play ripped dvd's with full navigation over the network yet? (ie, dvddecrypter to dump my dvd's to my HD, then just use this device to play them as if I were putting the disc in the player?) If not how about an ability to open and read iso images of dvd's? The device could mount them and then stream them across like they were a dvd but on another device.

I, however, fully agree that full featured dvd playback over the network is the killer application.

I would completely agree with this. I would prefer if the device were purely a network player and didn't actually have a dvd drive in it though. If it didn't have a drive then maybe some of the problems with streaming dvd's could be avoided and it would be cheaper. My hunt continues for the device that will allow me to just dump all my dvd's onto HD's in their full format without cut and chopping them to just get the vob files. I want full dvd navigation without have to keep the discs around.

Erik Garci

08-09-05, 11:50 AM

2. Does this play ripped dvd's with full navigation over the network yet? (ie, dvddecrypter to dump my dvd's to my HD, then just use this device to play them as if I were putting the disc in the player?) If not how about an ability to open and read iso images of dvd's? The device could mount them and then stream them across like they were a dvd but on another device.
The BLT does not support full DVD navigation over a network, but it can support some chapter navigation when paired with special server software such as wizd.

I mentioned the Mediagate MG-35 (http://www.airlinktek.com/english/prod_mg35.htm) a few times in this thread. It supports full DVD navigation over a network connection from a PC (or from its built-in hard drive). No server software is needed. It is being sold by stores outside the US. Here are some threads on other sites.

http://www.planetaudio.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=514
http://www.planetaudio.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=562
http://phorums.com.au/showthread.php?t=118544
http://homeentertainment.engadget.com/entry/1234000837031621/

A similar model is the Digital Cowboy DC-MC35UL (http://www.digitalcowboy.jp/products/mc35ul/index.html) (translation (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalcowboy.jp%2Fproducts%2Fm c35ul%2F&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&safe=off&c2coff=1&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools)).

If you want hi-def capability as well, then you may want to wait for the Mediagate MG-350HD (http://www.airlinktek.com/english/prod_mg350.htm).

Oldfart

08-16-05, 11:28 AM

I'm confused by all the technical jargon here, and I have a simple question. My primary aim is to be able to see HD photos on my HDTV. I don't yet have a home network, but will need to set one up to get a slide show from my PC to my TV. I understand that the Roku supports only 802.11b, and the BLT supports 802.11g and is easy to set up using their WHRG54S router (one button they say). But this entire thread is about BLT problems. Both the BLT and Roku seem to lack something in the way of support and a future. I can't find much about LP2. Any thoughts abour which way to go?

mrtbig

08-16-05, 11:39 AM

OldFart,

Can you run a cat wire to your HDTV?

I have the Buffalo LinkTheater with the updated firmware and version 1.3 of the software and have a wired connection. I tried wireless, but I believe a lot of the problems here are wireless related. I am satisfied with it on a wired connection.

My photos are gorgeous on my HDTV, significantly better than old TV. Have 1080i output now and made a great difference.

Having no problems with my MP3's or DVD's that I ripped to my Hard Drive either, if that interests you.

I think the LinkTheater is a great product and I got it for viewing photos, listening to my extensive MP3's and watching DVD's ripped, which it is doing great after all the firmware and software updates.

I have attached a pic of my TV with a photo on it. I resized to 1024x768, but maybe it will give you an idea.

I even downloaded some WMVHD files from Microsoft and suprisingly it is playing them great with no sound issues. I am connected optically to my receiver and also by component to my receiver.

The DVD player part of it is probaly the weakest part of the LinkTheater.

Hope this helps.

I have attached a pic with a photo on my TV to give you an idea.

Xesdeeni

08-17-05, 03:00 PM

I just spoke with Buffalo's tech support and they claim the LinkTheater will play ATSC transport streams. Can anyone verify this?

Xesdeeni

Xesdeeni

08-17-05, 05:05 PM

I just spoke with Buffalo's tech support and they claim the LinkTheater will play ATSC transport streams. Can anyone verify this?OK, I see above that TS files are supported. But I could only read through about 25 of the pages before my eyes crossed.

Has the skip forward/skip backward feature been implemented? Alternately how are FFW and REW with TSs? I tried using the FireBus via 1394 through my TV and it sucked. Horribly sluggish response. I want a LinkTheater primarily for playback of OTA TS, so this is pretty important to me.

Xesdeeni

hoshum

09-05-05, 07:04 AM

musicnyman

09-06-05, 12:01 AM

buffalo, any timing on becoming divx 6 compatible or nero certified?

thx.

sneals2000

09-06-05, 06:57 AM

I've couple of mpeg4 files recorded from PAL TV so they are 25 fps. When I played them using LT, LT outputted them as 30 fps (the audio outsync with video). If I convert those files to 30 fps, LT works fine with them. Can anybody give me a hand on this so that I don't have to do conversion and play them on LT?

Are you running a US or European version, and with US or European firmware?

AIUI the US firmware disables PAL output - which I take to mean disables any 50Hz video output in this format?

AIUI the European firmware supports both PAL and NTSC output - which I take to mean allows both 50Hz and 60Hz video output. What I don't know is if this is implemented in an ideal manner or not... (On the best systems I've seen you can chose whether :

1. All video output is at 50Hz OR 60Hz (with non-native material converted to output frame rate)
2. Video output follows the source frame rate - so 50Hz outputs as 50Hz and 60Hz outputs as 60Hz.
3. Intelligent coping with 24Hz material - allowing a choice of 24p material to be output as 3:2 60Hz or 2:2 50Hz with 4% speed-up.

Can anyone answer this?

hoshum

09-06-05, 09:33 AM

Are you running a US or European version, and with US or European firmware?

AIUI the US firmware disables PAL output - which I take to mean disables any 50Hz video output in this format?

AIUI the European firmware supports both PAL and NTSC output - which I take to mean allows both 50Hz and 60Hz video output. What I don't know is if this is implemented in an ideal manner or not... (On the best systems I've seen you can chose whether :

1. All video output is at 50Hz OR 60Hz (with non-native material converted to output frame rate)
2. Video output follows the source frame rate - so 50Hz outputs as 50Hz and 60Hz outputs as 60Hz.
3. Intelligent coping with 24Hz material - allowing a choice of 24p material to be output as 3:2 60Hz or 2:2 50Hz with 4% speed-up.

Can anyone answer this?

Mine is US version running US firmware (latest beta 08-31).

The interesting thing is LT works fine on DivX files with 25fps but not on mpeg4's.

SeeMoreDigital

09-06-05, 10:42 AM

The interesting thing is LT works fine on DivX files with 25fps but not on mpeg4's.DivX4, DivX5 and DivX6 conform to MPEG-4 ISO 14496. So do other MPEG-4 codecs such as XviD, 3ivx, NeroDigital, HDX4 etc.... so they should all work.

The only things that can confuse a player are certain ASP implementations, such as B-Frames (with or without packed bit-stream) and Qpel and GMC. I can't imagine B-Frames (with or without packed bit-stream) would present too much of a problem with Sigma's EM8620L chip-set and the same goes for Qpel.... But if say, your NeroDigital or XviD encodes contain GMC this WILL cause a problem!

Cheers

kusanagi

09-15-05, 07:39 PM

Hi Guys,

Just bought my BLT, I am very pleased with it, I made the purchase only 2 hours after seeing it in the catalogue first time. For years I wanted a DVD player that plays DVD all region, some common computer video formats and wireless streaming, internet radio on the BLT and Web browsing are bonuses to me, I couldn't find anything like that until I saw BLT in the catalogue (I know Liteon had one like the BLT, but couldn't convince any shops here to stock one). So without second thought, I went and bought one.

Now, I am kind of stuck, because I only run Linux at home, to be exact it's Fedora Core 2 for the server, can somebody direct me to obtain a Linux version of the BLT media server?

I have already registered at the Verenkoff's website, dunno what else I can do other than waiting, I really can't do anything network wise, so I am not using the full potential of BLT, I'm kind of desperate here, please help me out guys.

BTW, I live in Australia, which is a PAL country, which version of the firmware should I looked into (US or EU)? I believe my BLT has FW8.32 out of the box.

Regards,

K

kusanagi

09-18-05, 08:07 PM

Hi All,

So no Linux version of Link Theater software? This thread has been quiet.

Anyway, like the title says, I have discovered something, and am very pleased with the BLT.

Here is the story. I was desperate to run the BLT on the network, so I quickly built a WinXP PC out of some PC parts lying around the store room, setting BLT up on the network is a no brainer, everything run smoothly and play all files I have thrown at it, except those unsupported one like Quicktime, WMV7, WMV8 etc...

I have downloaded the Nero Digital (Mediahome or something, can't remember it's name) trial version, put it on, and UPnP work straight away on the BLT, one nice thing I have discovered was some of you might or might not already know, it was Nero Digital actually doing all the real time transcoding, which means quicktime movie, wmv7, wmv8 and etc are transcoding realtime to something that my BLT can pick up, which also means quicktime and some other unsupported formats on the BLT are now playable on the BLT!! Therefore those of you who wanted to play some unsupported format on the BLT, this may be an alternative before BLT's native support of the formats, but use Nero ONLY for unsupported format, as your CPU load will be 100%. I'm buying that Nero Digital program now and built a more powerful PC to see if it can advoid the buffering during playback (currently running AMD Athlon 1600XP with 1G Ram).

The only catch is that I might need a more powerful machine, and/or connect the BLT by wire instead of wireless, because every 10-20 seconds or so the BLT will do the buffering thing during playback.

Second finding is that I am very please with the speed of DVD browsing, menu navigation is almost instantaneous!! while 3 of my other DVD players are slooowww when compare to BLT.

I still need a Linux version of the Link Theater software, please help...

Regards,

Ket

anoeth

10-14-05, 10:48 AM

DivX4, DivX5 and DivX6 conform to MPEG-4 ISO 14496. So do other MPEG-4 codecs such as XviD, 3ivx, NeroDigital, HDX4 etc.... so they should all work.

The only things that can confuse a player are certain ASP implementations, such as B-Frames (with or without packed bit-stream) and Qpel and GMC. I can't imagine B-Frames (with or without packed bit-stream) would present too much of a problem with Sigma's EM8620L chip-set and the same goes for Qpel.... But if say, your NeroDigital or XviD encodes contain GMC this WILL cause a problem!

Cheers

Divx6 files were a no go for me. The BLT got ino a buffering loop an d never played the file. I tried several files. Bummer

SeeMoreDigital

10-14-05, 11:27 AM

Divx6 files were a no go for me. The BLT got ino a buffering loop an d never played the file. I tried several files. BummerWhat application are you using to generate your DivX6 encodes.... and what settings are you using?

Cheers

MEC

10-25-05, 02:22 AM

I wish this information was provided in the documentation, but I've been able figure out the following (hopefully others will not have to waste the hour or so I did):

The LinkTheater only supports Open mode WEP. I'm assuming that since there is no option to select between shared-key and open wep in the configuration screens that it is only supporting OPEN. Especially since using two different Wireless Routers (DLink and Cisco) seem to only work if using Open WEP.

I also highly recommend not using the ASCII WEP key function since its been my experience that not all vendors seem to follow the same algorithm to create the HEX wep key. If you're having problems always resort to entering the WEP key using hex on all devices.

I realize that using Open WEP is preferred for security reasons over shared-key, but does anyone know if shared-key will ever be supported or if there is an older firmware version that supports shared-key WEP. I unfortunately have multiple devices some of which do not support Open WEP and I'm not a big fan of having to support multiple wireless networks.