Pennhaven, I'm personally working on creating new NAS firmwares that will have the playback functionality of the PC software. However, I doubt you will see the media service plugins built into the NAS. Future versions of LinkTheater will likely have MSP built into the actual LinkTheater not in software or NAS, and our current NAS are not setup to offer all of the media service plugins.

Fair enough. But as to the current NAS products, please don't ignore scaling of .jpgs to 1080 lines for photo display on HDTV. I really hope you can continue to focus on maximizing the potential capabilities of this product line. I feel the hardware represents an excellent value, but the software still does not take full advantage of the potential that is there.

Thx,

I don't know if this has been asked. But what about the Maximum bitrate supported on the linkstation? Ive read elsewhere that it's 15mbps, but if someone could verify this for me. I guess I want to buy one, and can't decide between the Iodata avel linkplayer2 and the linkstation.

IoData compares theirs to the linkstation on their website, since their setup supports 25mbps, i assume that the LS could do that as well (in a mpeg2 stream)

If we could just have a posting that have all the specs for the linkstation, it would be so much easier than reading through the 42+ pages of this thread.
What about WMA 5.1? The spec sheet says only wma 2 channel.
will the LS do other 5.1 codecs adventually (like wma pro?)

Any help form the Vets on the forum would be greatly appriciated!

Id rather buy the LS, just because I know Buffalo doesn't mess around.
-Chiefnuts

I emailed Brian a few weeks ago to make a suggestion but never heard back from him, so I will repeat my suggestion here in this forum.

It sure would be nice if the LinkTheater could read OGM (Ogg Media) and MKV (Matroska) files. These are just container file formats, so the code required to parse them into their elementary streams is very small.

The LinkTheater already supports DivX video and Vorbis audio, and these are the primary codecs used in OGM and MKV files. Additionally, these two container formats support chapter indices and subtitles, which would be nice on the LinkTheater, but not absolutely necessary.

The Windows AVI format is dated and doesn't formally support many of the hacks applied to it in common practice, notably variable bitrate audio streams. Ogg Media and Matroska are newer formats that provide for multiple VBR audio streams, multiple subtitle streams, chapter indices, and metadata.

Since the LinkTheater already decodes DivX and Vorbis, it doesn't seem a giant leap to suggest that it could easily read OGM and MKV.

I don't know if this has been asked. But what about the Maximum bitrate supported on the linkstation? Ive read elsewhere that it's 15mbps, but if someone could verify this for me. I guess I want to buy one, and can't decide between the Iodata avel linkplayer2 and the linkstation.

IoData compares theirs to the linkstation on their website, since their setup supports 25mbps, i assume that the LS could do that as well (in a mpeg2 stream)

If we could just have a posting that have all the specs for the linkstation, it would be so much easier than reading through the 42+ pages of this thread.
What about WMA 5.1? The spec sheet says only wma 2 channel.
will the LS do other 5.1 codecs adventually (like wma pro?)

Any help form the Vets on the forum would be greatly appriciated!

Id rather buy the LS, just because I know Buffalo doesn't mess around.
-Chiefnuts

The LS on a wired connection can transfer up to 65 Mbps. The LT does around 15 Mbps so the limitation is definitely the Sigma chip. However, users have had luck with some files higher than 20 Mbps.

There are 2 products here within your post: the LinkStation, and the LinkTheater. The LT has a maximum throughput of about 16Mps and the LT would need to support other 5.1 codecs.

As for the speed of the LS, that is a good question as I really don't know. On tom's hardware I think they did some speed tests comparing the TeraStation to the LinkStation and others, you might want to search there for an answer.

V-man

I don't know if this has been asked. But what about the Maximum bitrate supported on the linkstation? Ive read elsewhere that it's 15mbps, but if someone could verify this for me. I guess I want to buy one, and can't decide between the Iodata avel linkplayer2 and the linkstation.

IoData compares theirs to the linkstation on their website, since their setup supports 25mbps, i assume that the LS could do that as well (in a mpeg2 stream)

If we could just have a posting that have all the specs for the linkstation, it would be so much easier than reading through the 42+ pages of this thread.
What about WMA 5.1? The spec sheet says only wma 2 channel.
will the LS do other 5.1 codecs adventually (like wma pro?)

Any help form the Vets on the forum would be greatly appriciated!

Id rather buy the LS, just because I know Buffalo doesn't mess around.
-Chiefnuts

I'm very sorry, I have the linkstation, I meant the transfer on the LinkTheater. Iodata compares that to their setup (linkplayer2.) The problem with that is the product is very dynamic, and has changed support so many times. and looking all over buffalotech only give the 1st production unit specs, and doesn't show the current specs with all of the updated firmware features. Do you guys know of anyplayce that has these specs all together? For example, .ts HD support of WMA 5.1 or WMA Pro, or dvr-ms sd/hd files?

I guess the primary reason that i'm asking about the LT is because I use MCE 2005 to record SD & HD into their dvr-ms format. Is this something that can be read by the LT? I guess I would have to recode them into WMV to play correctly.

I'm probally in the same boat that a great many of end-users are, we what to see reviews of the product, but there aren't very many sites that have reviewed the product. I've read the TomsHardware review, but that was back in April, which seems a little out of date for me.

I guess the primary reason that i'm asking about the LT is because I use MCE 2005 to record SD & HD into their dvr-ms format. Is this something that can be read by the LT?

The last time I tried this (July 2005), the LinkTheater could play the SD files just fine, but the HD files were scrambled as though they were not being decrypted properly. I was using Windows Media Connect on the MCE 2005 box as the server, so I would have expected it to work properly, but it didn't.

SD MCE (DV-RMS) recordings play just fine through the Buffalo PC software. HD MCE recordings will play video fine for me but don't play audio. Converting the HD MCE files to mpeg-2 files (I use TMPeg Express to do this) gets the audio, but it takes anywhere from 2-30 seconds to start hearing audio after the video starts.

Cheers,

Mike

According to the documentation for the BLT, it is supposed to support Apple Lossless codec.

All I get (even on the latest PC software and beta firmware) is UNKNOWN AUDIO / VIDEO CODEC.

Do I need to select something else in iTunes to get an Apple format file without loss of information that the device will actually play?

Cheers
Cliff

According to the documentation for the BLT, it is supposed to support Apple Lossless codec.

All I get (even on the latest PC software and beta firmware) is UNKNOWN AUDIO / VIDEO CODEC.

Do I need to select something else in iTunes to get an Apple format file without loss of information that the device will actually play?

Cheers
CliffHi Cliff... welcome to the forum,

As a matter of interest, where abouts in the documentation does it mention playback of Apple Lossless?

I had a quick look at the players technical spec but could not find anything mentioned: -

http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/9008/buffalotechspec9qg.png


Cheers

Apple Lossless encoding in iTunes produces M4A files - which as you will see are in the list above.

Apple Lossless encoding in iTunes produces M4A files - which as you will see are in the list above.M4A actually refers to the container and not the audio stream placed within the container!

Agreed..... Apple Lossless (ALAC) streams can be placed with the .M4A container (as a private stream) for playback using QuickTime 6/7 player and iTunes.

In this case however, the Buffalo spec refers to playback of AAC-LC (Low Complexity) streams within the .M4A container ;)


Cheers

I need some help. I am an owner of the LT in the USA. I want to buy a DVD collection that is only available in PAL format.

Does the LT support PAL to NTSC conversion? I know about the region code that will need to be fixed but that doesn't solve the conversion, does it??

Someone told me to get the EURO firmware but I am signed up on Brian's list to get the North American firmware updates. If I need the EURO firmware, how would I get it?

I hope that the LT does the conversion on North American version. My TV needs a NTSC signal.

Please help!

Hey,

I've just got hold of a BLT and have been very happy with it :) . Its turned out to be very reliable. I have had bad experiences with competitors products freezing or crashing. But I do have some observation that some of you may know how to get around. Any suggestions would be appreciated....

1. Album Art - From what I've read album art should be displayed but I can get the BLT to display any album art.

2. Crackling Sound - At the start of most play back sessions for the first 5 or 10 seconds a crackling sound is heard.

3. Network Name - on the network the BLT doesn't appear to have any hostname associated with it.

4. Long Delay - while playing back individual mp3's that make up a complete cd there is a large pause between each of the tracks starting. As you can guess if your playing a continuous cd the pauses tend to take away from the cd.

Any ideas?

PS: I can play SD and HD files via wirelss without any issues.

Chris,

The "crackling / static" you hear before each song is somewhat of a mystery / known problem. The mystery is that some are not experiencing the problem while others are?

I have had the same issue from day one (April 2005) and have tried every possible fix including the latest beta firmware/ Software. Buffalo is aware of the problem but seem to be struggling to find a solution.

I too can play SD / HD across my wireless and wired connection without latency, etc.

Try opening an album and selecting only one song instead of the "Play All" choice. Please post back and let me know if the static stops when you only select a single track. My static only happens when I select the "Play All" button.

You're running wireless, correct? What brand of router are you using?

Thanks
Jim
<><

Hi Guys

I have recently purchased a LT in the UK, very please with most of it but am suffering the same problem as many of you guys. There are a few glitches like the remote not responding so I have to press another key, for example the "mute" then "mute" again and finally press the key I originally wanted and then it works.

My primary concern however is the 5 to 20 seconds of "static" I get on EVERY track whether I have selected "play all" or just a single track. I have tried the workaround suggested elswhere on here and renamed the image files in the "SLIDE" directory but this did not work.

I am using a Netgear 54g Router, model number DG834 and a Belkin PCI card model number F5D7000uk. I have a P4 2.8GHz with 1.5GM RAM. Signal strenght is excellent and I have no problem with movie and picture files.

However, without fail, every single MP3 stutters at the start sometimes for as long as 20 seconds.

I tried Microsofts WMC software and it works without static, but I do not like the interface and the auto sorting of files and folders is horrible.

If this carries on then the unit will have to go back and I will try another manufacturer, which will be a shame as I do really like all the other features.

I have upgraded to V1.4 for the Link Theater Server and am running firmware version 08-32 on the advice of Tech Support who I have spoken to twice now and I was promised that this version of the firmware would sort this known problem.

I have not tried a wired connection and really don't want to as it defeats the purpose of my purchasing this particular unit.

I read about a new firmware version, 9 or even 10 but according to the update function on my LT there is no later version available to me.

WINDOWPRO did you manage to get anywhere with this, I have read that this is a problem you have suffered since April?

Cheers

Angus

As an addendum to my post above, I just updated the firmware in my router and this has practically eliminated the static, now down to a few seconds and not on every track.

I've tried every fix mentioned on as many forums as could find, but I still get the very annoying static on the first 5-10 seconds of every mp3 music file. I'm using firmware 7.60. My Link Theater gets its wireless connection from a Netgear WGT624 wireless router w/x10 boosters plugged into my wall outlets. The router is is wired to a Windows XP Media Center Edition desktop running the LinkTheater desktop software. I've exchanged emails with Buffalo Tech Support, and they politely acknowledge the problem and tell me new firmware is being developed to fix this problem, but won't tell me when the fix will be released. I don't know if I have the patience to wait it out. If someone can't get me the fix before my 30 day return window runs out later this week I'm afraid the LT is going back. I can't see spending $350 on the potential that music playback might work properly someday, not to mention the various video and DVD problems. Anyone care to talk me out of returning it?
__________________________________________________
11/8/05 Update.

I found a fix for my situation.

I've been using two Netgear WGX102 wireless range extenders hoping to improve wireless network coverage around my home. I unplugged one of them (the one that was closest to the Link Theater) and -- bingo -- the MP3 static problem on my Link Theater almost completely disappeared! The two extenders must have been creating some kind of network interference problem for the Link Theater. I still get a few seconds of static on the very first song when I select "play all", but every song after that is clear. A much more tolerable situation.

Hi. I recently purchased a PC-P3LWG/DVD in Japan, but I was disappointed to find that the only way it plays PAL discs is by converting to NTSC... badly.

I would like to be able to flash it with an EU version of the firmware. I don't mind if the machine defaults to PAL output as I'm using multisystem HDTVs, and will be using 1080i most of the time anyway.

Can someone direct me to a recent version of the EU firmware? Beta or released -- I don't mind which.

I can't sign up for the beta program because my machine is not an EU bought one, and on the update menu I can only see the Japanese version, which seems to be some way behind, as well as having poor PAL support.

Thanks!

Hi. I recently purchased a PC-P3LWG/DVD in Japan, but I was disappointed to find that the only way it plays PAL discs is by converting to NTSC... badly.

I would like to be able to flash it with an EU version of the firmware. I don't mind if the machine defaults to PAL output as I'm using multisystem HDTVs, and will be using 1080i most of the time anyway.

Can someone direct me to a recent version of the EU firmware? Beta or released -- I don't mind which.

I can't sign up for the beta program because my machine is not an EU bought one, and on the update menu I can only see the Japanese version, which seems to be some way behind, as well as having poor PAL support.

Thanks!

Didn't you ask this question on mpcclub ;) I started to reply there but got distracted.

Currently BLT firmware is controlled by a NDA....to make the powers that be happy that region code rubblish and protecting regional markets are strictly adeared to. So asking for a firmware path on a public forum is likely to little if no replies. What you need to do is. Join the beta mailing list for Europe at

http://www.buffalo-technology.com/support/lt-beta.php and I suggest you do not select you own region ;) as Europe doesn't support anywhere else except Europe. Right that done eventually you will recieve and email. a week/2 or 3 etc. however 1 hasnt been sent out for a wee while now.

I also sent you a private msg on mpcclub

Shaz

hmm... my understanding is that you have to put your serial number in to join the beta program. My serial number would show my machine is not from Europe.

also, I know there are people out there who downloaded the beta from the Aussie site. If just one of them replies it's enough for me :)

But more likely, nobody is breaking any NDAs if they just tell me the address of the official, released firmware!!

mpcforums seems to be down now.. I'll check later.
Thanks anyway!

Speaking of Lossless. What is the status of WMA lossless. I saw a post from Brian V back in March regarding a firmware update that was imminent. As of now, I can't play wma lossless and I am not too happy about it.

Hi Guys

I have recently purchased a LT in the UK, very please with most of it but am suffering the same problem as many of you guys. There are a few glitches like the remote not responding so I have to press another key, for example the "mute" then "mute" again and finally press the key I originally wanted and then it works.

My primary concern however is the 5 to 20 seconds of "static" I get on EVERY track whether I have selected "play all" or just a single track. I have tried the workaround suggested elswhere on here and renamed the image files in the "SLIDE" directory but this did not work.

I am using a Netgear 54g Router, model number DG834 and a Belkin PCI card model number F5D7000uk. I have a P4 2.8GHz with 1.5GM RAM. Signal strenght is excellent and I have no problem with movie and picture files.

However, without fail, every single MP3 stutters at the start sometimes for as long as 20 seconds.

I tried Microsofts WMC software and it works without static, but I do not like the interface and the auto sorting of files and folders is horrible.

If this carries on then the unit will have to go back and I will try another manufacturer, which will be a shame as I do really like all the other features.

I have upgraded to V1.4 for the Link Theater Server and am running firmware version 08-32 on the advice of Tech Support who I have spoken to twice now and I was promised that this version of the firmware would sort this known problem.

I have not tried a wired connection and really don't want to as it defeats the purpose of my purchasing this particular unit.

I read about a new firmware version, 9 or even 10 but according to the update function on my LT there is no later version available to me.

WINDOWPRO did you manage to get anywhere with this, I have read that this is a problem you have suffered since April?

Cheers

Angus

Angus,

Sorry for the delay in replying.

Static:
Yes and no ... First the bad news. I'm still not having success with the LT software. The "play all" feature with the LT SW causes severe static.

However, the good news is I have been testing several other media server software solutions with some limited success. I'm not experiencing the static with others but have found the interfaces are not as robust. See the list below.

For me, if Buffalo ever fixes the LT SW to eliminate the static then I will feel much better about my purchase. At present, I have serious buyer's remorse.

See this link here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=605194) for my latest post regarding my limited success. Keep in mind, I was a little overzealous in my success, hence the title of the post. I thought I had finally found the perfect solution only to be very disappointed with the interface. At the time of that post I had only tested it for a very short time - an hour or two tops. Since that post, I have tested three other software solutions (see below).

I also suggest you search my other posts regarding the static issue to eliminate testing frustration on your part. (Most if not all my posts are regarding the LT)
I feel like I have been down just about every road only to run into a dead end.

Please feel free to PM me with any questions.

3rd Party Server Software Tested
TwonkyVision
Windows Media Connect
SwissCenter?
Nero MediaHome
EzlinkNG

Thanks,
Jim
<><

Brian,

Any news on the updated Pcast software to allow Terastation to show .TS files?

Ian

I want to recheck the USB hub thing, as my hub was one with optional power and I was using two devices that didn't have a 5v supply, so I'm thinking I need to get the AC adapter for the USB hub or try two powered USB drives.

Give me until tomorrow to figure it out.

So, is it possible to plug a USB Hub into LinkTheater's USB port and then plug more than one HDDs into this hub?
Thank you

Didn't you ask this question on mpcclub ;) I started to reply there but got distracted.

Currently BLT firmware is controlled by a NDA....to make the powers that be happy that region code rubblish and protecting regional markets are strictly adeared to. So asking for a firmware path on a public forum is likely to little if no replies. What you need to do is. Join the beta mailing list for Europe at

http://www.buffalo-technology.com/support/lt-beta.php and I suggest you do not select you own region ;) as Europe doesn't support anywhere else except Europe. Right that done eventually you will recieve and email. a week/2 or 3 etc. however 1 hasnt been sent out for a wee while now.

I also sent you a private msg on mpcclub

Shaz

I have a Buffalo LT (PC-P3LWG/DVD) on order for US use but was reading this thread and realized the US version seems to have serious problems playing back PAL DVDs. I notice you suggest that different firmware might properly play back these DVDs. I'm not worried about region but I am worried about the EUR firmware as I would think renting a NTSC DVD from blockbuster may not go as smoothly as it used to. I connect with component inputs to my HDTV and want to be able to play DVDs in 480p if they are not allowed to be upconverted (I know I can rip them if I want but lets assume the movie is not worth the effort).

Not being able to watch PAL DVDs is a show stopper for me. I would rather give up the network connectivity to the PC and get a stand alone DVD player that does the job. I bought an LG that upconverts to HD for may dad and it plays PAL and AVIs from DVD at 1080i great. Would I be better off returning the LT (I'll suck up the 15% restocking fee - grr) and getting an LG or can I make this thing work for me? I'd prefer to use the LT and get the extra features but if I can't do the simple stuff then forget about it.

I need some help. I am an owner of the LT in the USA. I want to buy a DVD collection that is only available in PAL format.

Does the LT support PAL to NTSC conversion? I know about the region code that will need to be fixed but that doesn't solve the conversion, does it??

Someone told me to get the EURO firmware but I am signed up on Brian's list to get the North American firmware updates. If I need the EURO firmware, how would I get it?

I hope that the LT does the conversion on North American version. My TV needs a NTSC signal.

Please help!


Can anyone help??

Hi,

I got a european version (8-32) linked to LinkTheater PC, Gigabit Linkstation 400, Linkstation 120Go.

I'm trying to get subtitles on DVIX, XVID and .ts (720p sequences)... I can play theses files flawlessly on a PC with Zplayer, VLC, WM Player (except for .ts) with the subtitles... but nothing comes on the BLT.

Some of you had it working, some still asking. Is there an official way to have it working ?

Thanx

Hi,

I got a european version (8-32) linked to LinkTheater PC, Gigabit Linkstation 400, Linkstation 120Go.

I'm trying to get subtitles on DVIX, XVID and .ts (720p sequences)... I can play theses files flawlessly on a PC with Zplayer, VLC, WM Player (except for .ts) with the subtitles... but nothing comes on the BLT.

Some of you had it working, some still asking. Is there an official way to have it working ?

Thanx

Have you turned on the Subtitles option in the BLT Setup Screen. ?

Shaz

I have a USA LT, am officially in the beta firmware program and have installed the latest beta firmware. I did this several months ago and have not actualy put a DVD into the unit since then.

I tried yesterday and any standard USA DVD, either WITH the USA region code or ones that are region FREE get an error upon loading "invalid DVD region".

I don't know how to change the region setting on the LT, so can't imagine that I did this by mistake.

Any ideas?

SMcK - San Diego

I need some help. I am an owner of the LT in the USA. I want to buy a DVD collection that is only available in PAL format.

Does the LT support PAL to NTSC conversion? I know about the region code that will need to be fixed but that doesn't solve the conversion, does it??

Someone told me to get the EURO firmware but I am signed up on Brian's list to get the North American firmware updates. If I need the EURO firmware, how would I get it?

I hope that the LT does the conversion on North American version. My TV needs a NTSC signal.

Please help!

I got my LT yesterday and tested PAL to NTSC right out of the box. I have not updated the firmware but I doubt that will make a differnce (or we would have read about it here).

The answer to your (and my) question is that it will NOT work. The PAL to NTSC conversion is jumpy and not watchable. I am very disapointed since the cheapest of cheap DVD players will do the conversion flawlessly. It was a dificult decision but I have decided to keep the LT anyway and convert my PAL DVDs (I only have a few) to AVI files with AC3 sound. The easiest way I've found to do this is to use a $39 software package called DVD TO AVI AC3 RIPPER which can be found at http://www.222dvd.com/. I downloaded the demo version it works well (but is limited to 10mins). It plays in dolby digital and the video looks sharp. I plan to register it if I can't find a free way to do it that is still easy.

-Greg

I just bought a Yamaha 2600. I hooked up my Buffalo LT via optical cable. I get no sound. I t is my understanding that the latest firmware fixed all the digital cable issues. Can anyone verify this for me.

Thanks.

I think its time for Newbie Faq (again) as it seems we keep coming round to the same stuff time and time again.


Firmware What is the latest version of the firmware ? 10.79 for the US or 10.80 for the Rest !

Firmware How do I get the latest ? Signup to the mail lists....see http://www.verenkoff.com for US and http://www.buffalo-technology.com/support/lt-beta.php for the EU....Elsewhere your officially on your own. !

Hidden Menus How do I change the Region Code ? Press SLOW 2 9 6 0 and the select which ever region you wish, 0 is open

Hidden Menus How to change the GPU IRQ Value ? Press Slow 1 2 3 4 and 1 or 0, but we don't know what it actually does :)

MP3 Playback My MP3's stutter at the start on playback, How do I stop this. ? The wireless connect makes this worse for some reason, make sure you have a good signal strength near the BLT, how you check this, well the 9.13 and later firmwares contain a Wireless (text only) meter. 9.13 firmware however has its own problems, so I suggest, moving your wireless PC or wireless router/ap closer and check then. Also running Wired seams to solve this too.

MP4 Can I play Nero Digtal (ND) encoded movies? Files encoded with ND "Standard" profiles are working. ND "Cinema" and "High Definition" profiles are working too as long as the video was encoded using stereo audio. ND "AVC" profiles do not work. 5.1 channel surround does not work.

Software BLT PC Software does not recognize Firefox browser bookmarks. Apparently the PC server software developed for Buffalo will only recognize that a Mozilla Firefox browser is present if the Firefox profile folder (C:\Documents and Settings\USER\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\) is named in the format "USER.default". On some implementations of Firefox, the profile is named "default.ID". To rename the Firefox profile so that the BLT software can find it. 1. Uninstall any Firefox extensions. 2. Rename the profile folder. e,g, YOURNAME.default . 3. Edit the file C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\profiles.ini so that: Path=Profiles/USERNAME.default

Software What is the latest Server software version ? Currenly its Version 1.5 but 1.4 can be obtained from the www.buffalotech.com website (US Site)

Updating How Do I update my firmware Two ways. 1. By adding a link to the firmware update page in your pc's internet explorer, then browse to that using your BLT. 2. Access the Setup - Update Screen of your BLT and check for updates. Otherways include adding the firmware to a usb stick/hd and add a local linked html page on that.

Updating Can I burn other Syabas based players firmware to the BLT ? Although the core Operating system is the same, the peripheral drivers, wireless,front panel, remote are custom to the BLT firmware, so burning the wrong firmware is going to trash your BLT, so the answers a definate NO !

WMV9 My HD WMV 9 videos have no sound. Why ? Below version 7.60 firmware this is true. Updating solves this. However, it only plays back in Analog, so if your using the digital out of the BLT your stuffed ! . Buffalo have no plans to make WMA Pro audio available via the digital output

Wireless What is the best channel for the BLT ? Channel 6 apparently by all accounts

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More Useful information

Many people get well confused over PAL/NTSC PAL DVD's and on an on and on.

The basic US variety BLT does not contain proper PAL TV mode playback...period, the reason is.....BrianV can explain why ! as I have never got any straight answer for Buffalo US or EU for that matter...other than Oh.....support support and regional support.

The fact that the BLT is exactly the same for the US market and everyone else speaks volumes and the firmware works any which why up you like.

A US box can have EU PAL/NTSC firmware....EU boxes can have NTSC only firmware and the regional issues are negated as above (see region hack above)

Lets face face facts.....if you stick NTSC firmware and play back PAL Disc's its not going switch into PAL mode for video playback is it......

If you stick EU 10.80 firmware instead of 10.79 US firmware on your box, its going to work somewhat better....somehow me thinks.

Ah this invalidates support !....piffle.!, you dont get support on beta firmware anyroad so doesnt matter does it !

So...where do I get PAL/NTSC firmware.....good question.......as Brian nor Buffalo EU are prepared to stick a copy of each others firmware on their sites...its going to be tricky but use your inititive...

So info before you burn the EU firmware......

The power on default TV mode after burning is PAL......press button TV Mode plus Enter and repeat until you cycle round to NTSC or 1080i or whatever you are using. The default region is 2 change using the above hack to 0 or whatever region you want and it doesnt forget at power off either ! but will forget at the next firmware upgrade.

What you need to know to get EU firmware on my box.....

The way firmware is burnt always depends on the current boxes firmware.... if you are at 5 something you need to be on 6.45 to burn 6.59 to burn 8.32 to burn 10.80 get it.....US is something similar, 5 to 6.45 to 7.60 to 8.31 to 10.79......many of these firmware releases are out there if you look heard enough and if in doubt burn back 6.45 and forward again etc.

Im bored typing now....so anything ive missed someone else can add......well except on thing....have a good un.... :)

Shaz

I just bought a Yamaha 2600. I hooked up my Buffalo LT via optical cable. I get no sound. I t is my understanding that the latest firmware fixed all the digital cable issues. Can anyone verify this for me.

Thanks.

Change your Input on the Yam to Digital Only not Auto detect !

Boudicca,

Very nice "New User" info and post!

One thing...

MP3 Playback My MP3's stutter at the start on playback, How do I stop this. ? The wireless connect makes this worse for some reason, make sure you have a good signal strength near the BLT, how you check this, well the 9.13 and later firmwares contain a Wireless (text only) meter. 9.13 firmware however has its own problems, so I suggest, moving your wireless PC or wireless router/ap closer and check then. Also running Wired seams to solve this too.

You know I must strongly disagree with this statement. :confused: Sorry, but static is still very prevalent whether running wired or wireless.

Otherwise, thank you for taking the time and effort!

Jim
<><

I got my LT yesterday and tested PAL to NTSC right out of the box. I have not updated the firmware but I doubt that will make a differnce (or we would have read about it here).

-Greg

Ok - I was wrong! It does work! I finally managed to connect my LT to the internet and updated the firmware (twice) to the most current non-beta firmware (7.6 US I think) and my PAL DVDs play perfect! I am happy to report that I have deleted the 6hrs of ripping to AC3 AVI that I did (though the results where quite good... :) ) and will be watching my DVD directly! No need for EUR firmware! I can't believe I read all 60 something pages of this thread and nobody mentioned that it works! :eek:

-Greg

Sorry, but [MP3 playback] static is still very prevalent whether running wired or wireless. I agree that the static is NOT related to wireless issues. Some people might have wireless issues on top of the basic static problem, but in my system, the BLT is directly connected by ethernet cable to a Buffalo LinkStation with no other device involved. No router, no hub, nada. Just a wire from the LT to the LS. And I get static at the beginning of every single audio file that I play back: MP3, WMA, WAV, etc.

I agree that the static is NOT related to wireless issues. Some people might have wireless issues on top of the basic static problem, but in my system, the BLT is directly connected by ethernet cable to a Buffalo LinkStation with no other device involved. No router, no hub, nada. Just a wire from the LT to the LS. And I get static at the beginning of every single audio file that I play back: MP3, WMA, WAV, etc.

But is it a firmware /software issue? I am hardwired and have never had static on music files. Music is such a low bandwith. It's hard to believe this hasn't been solved already.

Things have sure been quiet from BrianV.

Have you turned on the Subtitles option in the BLT Setup Screen. ?

Shaz

I didn't... sorry, but the only choice I had was ENGLISH, so I thought it was only for the DVD default selection of english subs...


Some players accepts also multiple subtitles files like:
video.avi
video.EN.srt
video.FR.srt

and you can switch from EN to FR subtitles... BLT doesn't have this feature... would be cool to be able to switch from a track to another. But the main issue is the subs on .ts !!!

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong place, but has anyone managed to get a LinkTheater to work with a Slingbox? If so, what IR settings do you use?

--Rick

I have had the LT for a week now and generally love it. I can now save all my TiVo recorded shows on my PC and watch them easily.

PROBLEM: I've been ripping DVDs and the result is always (network is WIRED):
1) Resulting VOBs play very GOOD with VLC player.
2) Playback on LT is very choppy.

I've used several different rippers, including 1Click DVD Pro and DVD Decrypter.

So now I am not as happy with the LT. If I can't figure out how to get my ripped VOBs from DVDs to play, I'll return it and wait for something better. I"d rather not do this since I support Buffalo.

Please help!

Boudicca,

Very nice "New User" info and post!

One thing...



You know I must strongly disagree with this statement. :confused: Sorry, but static is still very prevalent whether running wired or wireless.

Otherwise, thank you for taking the time and effort!

Jim
<><

Try this, in the "PC's theme/ linktheater ... / slide" folder. "..." being either 1280x720 or not, rename each of the images within the slide folders to .bak or something.

There seems to be an additional problem with the LT trying to send picture information before the mp3 has a chance to buffer. It has not "solved" the problem for many, but it sure has minimized it.

Hope this helps,
v-man

But is it a firmware /software issue? I am hardwired and have never had static on music files. Music is such a low bandwith. It's hard to believe this hasn't been solved already.
I don't think it's a network problem at all, i.e. bandwidth of communications isn't the issue. In fact, if I put music files on a USB thumb drive and plug it in to the BLT, I still get static at the beginning of every song. It seems like it's a design problem in how the BLT plays music, like it starts playing the files before it has enough data buffered. (These files all play back perfectly on any device I've tried other than the BLT.)

I don't think it's a network problem at all, i.e. bandwidth of communications isn't the issue. In fact, if I put music files on a USB thumb drive and plug it in to the BLT, I still get static at the beginning of every song. It seems like it's a design problem in how the BLT plays music, like it starts playing the files before it has enough data buffered. (These files all play back perfectly on any device I've tried other than the BLT.)

Hmmmm...........thats odd.. I do the same and no problem what so ever......

I wonder.....all of my mp3's are constant bit rate, not variable bit rate, over the years any vbr's I get, I reecoded in lame mp3 as cbr. Any baring ?

Im also running (8.31/8.32) firmware ? You ?

Shaz

Try this, in the "PC's theme/ linktheater ... / slide" folder. "..." being either 1280x720 or not, rename each of the images within the slide folders to .bak or something.

There seems to be an additional problem with the LT trying to send picture information before the mp3 has a chance to buffer. It has not "solved" the problem for many, but it sure has minimized it.

Hope this helps,
v-man



V-Man,

Thanks for the advice but I tried that tip the day it was posted. If I'm not mistaken, someone from the my-blt dot com days posted it? Man, I almost forgot about my-blt...it's been awhile, huh? Argh, I can't believe I'm still trying to fix the same #$(%&$*#( old problem!

Thanks again V! And please let me know if you have anymore suggestions.

Jim
<><

Hmmmm...........thats odd.. I do the same and no problem what so ever......

I wonder.....all of my mp3's are constant bit rate, not variable bit rate, over the years any vbr's I get, I reecoded in lame mp3 as cbr. Any baring ?

Im also running (8.31/8.32) firmware ? You ?

Shaz

Boudicca,

My first inclination (April) was that VBR was the culprit too. In fact, I poised that question to BrianV here or somewhere?? (I'll try to find the link) and was quickly told that was not causing the problem. Of course, I took him at his word since he was so active back then (April 2005) and seemed in the know.

Truly, I think Buffalo knows what the fix is and it's just too much of an expense at this stage. Especially with rumors of a new box.

Yeah, like I'm going to spend another $350 for a another DVD player that stutters mp3's AND DVD's! IMHO, The only thing Buffalo could do at this point and make it right for the early beta testers and adopters is a swap or very steep discount on a newer unit. However, don't hold your breath! :(

Jim
<><

I wonder.....all of my mp3's are constant bit rate, not variable bit rate, over the years any vbr's I get, I reecoded in lame mp3 as cbr. Any baring ?Most, but not all of my mp3 files are VBR, but the problem occurs even with the CBR ones, as well as WMA (all CBR), and WAV (uncompressed) files. I don't know off hand what firmware version I've got loaded at the moment, but the problem has been unchanged regardless of the various firmwares I've had. I have also tried music playback on another unit of the BLT, and it had the same problems, so it's not something unique to my machine.

Between the stuttering playback and the clunky user interface for PCast, I've given up on the BLT being of any use for music play back, which, unfortunately, was the main reason I bought it.

I think Buffalo knows what the fix is and it's just too much of an expense at this stage.
I think the fix is a more powerful processor and/or a bigger memory buffer, i.e. I don't think we will ever see a software or firmware fix.

[QUOTE=Between the stuttering playback and the clunky user interface for PCast, I've given up on the BLT being of any use for music play back, which, unfortunately, was the main reason I bought it.[/QUOTE]


Feel your pain!

I think the fix is a more powerful processor and/or a bigger memory buffer, i.e. I don't think we will ever see a software or firmware fix.

FWIW I have never experienced the mp3 static issue. I acquired my LT primarily for photo viewing, but I have since ripped my CD collection to mp3 and stored it on a Buffalo LinkStation for playback on the BLT. So all of my mp3 files originated on commecial CDs. Also the files were created at a very high fixed bit rate of 224kbps, as I did not want to sacrifice any audio quality. I have yet to experience the static issue with any song.

I don't know if my lack of problems using high bit rate mp3s argues for, or against, the theory that processor/memory constraints are the cause of the static problems experienced by others.

That said, with firmware 10.79, I am still encountering problems with commercial DVD playback: stuttering, jumping ahead after pausing, etc. It's way past time that Buffalo / Syabas get that problem solved!

From BrianV's lack of participation lately, I have to conclude that he and Buffalo have moved their focus on to other products. Just too bad for us customers whose needs are still not being met. I can only speculate that Buffalo feels they have already spent more on software development for this product than its sales merit. If so, that is shortsighted thinking. Make the customer happy and you will have a loyal customer base, continue to do the opposite and you have already lost your the primary potential customer base for any future products.

I am not very active on this forum, but had to speak up and echo John's thoughts. John you expressed my (and I am assuming) many of BLT's current customer base feelings on the lack of continued support. I can say that unless some of the lingering issues are addressed, that I will NOT be a loyal Buffalo customer and would not look at upgrading my BLT with another Buffalo product.

bdtnr

FWIW I have never experienced the mp3 static issue. I acquired my LT primarily for photo viewing, but I have since ripped my CD collection to mp3 and stored it on a Buffalo LinkStation for playback on the BLT. So all of my mp3 files originated on commecial CDs. Also the files were created at a very high fixed bit rate of 224kbps, as I did not want to sacrifice any audio quality. I have yet to experience the static issue with any song.

I don't know if my lack of problems using high bit rate mp3s argues for, or against, the theory that processor/memory constraints are the cause of the static problems experienced by others.

That said, with firmware 10.79, I am still encountering problems with commercial DVD playback: stuttering, jumping ahead after pausing, etc. It's way past time that Buffalo / Syabas get that problem solved!

From BrianV's lack of participation lately, I have to conclude that he and Buffalo have moved their focus on to other products. Just too bad for us customers whose needs are still not being met. I can only speculate that Buffalo feels they have already spent more on software development for this product than its sales merit. If so, that is shortsighted thinking. Make the customer happy and you will have a loyal customer base, continue to do the opposite and you have already lost your the primary potential customer base for any future products.

Preach It My Brother! :)

I am not very active on this forum, but had to speak up and echo John's thoughts. John you expressed my (and I am assuming) many of BLT's current customer base feelings on the lack of continued support. I can say that unless some of the lingering issues are addressed, that I will NOT be a loyal Buffalo customer and would not look at upgrading my BLT with another Buffalo product.

bdtnr

You preach it too my brother! hehe :)

...Choir slowly fading in the background ... hmm hmm

On a positive note - it is FRIDAY!

A wild shot for mp3 static worth something to try............

Press SLOW 1 2 3 4

Select GPU IRQ I/O ? select 1 if not repeat and try 2 ?

Shaz

Do not what it does, has no affect for me tried both ways but its worth a shot.

A wild shot for mp3 static worth something to try............

Press SLOW 1 2 3 4

Select GPU IRQ I/O ? select 0 if not repeat and try 1 ?

Shaz

Do not what it does, has no affect for me tried both ways but its worth a shot.

I am having a hard time following this, Shaz. Press SLOW 1234 where?
Where does the GPU IRQ message appear?

Chris

I am having a hard time following this, Shaz. Press SLOW 1234 where?
Where does the GPU IRQ message appear?

Chris

Its the same as setting the Region...pressing slow on the remote then 1 then 2 then 3 then 4 (quickly) pops up a question on the blt.. as above

It says GPIO Interrupt: it allows pressing 1 or 2 (sowwry - edit)

Says Shared Interrupt for 1 and Seperate Interrupt for 2

Shaz

Hello, I''m testing the Buffalo Link Theater (LT). I have the following issues that BT (Buffalo Technology) has not and cannot give me straight answers. I am looking for some inputs and hopefully some answers. I do have the latest firmware on the LT.

Q1. It seems to me that the LT does not recognize NTFS in an external hard drive. I have to use FAT32. No choice here?

The following two problems occur whether the movies are on an internal NTFS hard drive via ethernet or on an external FAT32 hard drive via USB.

Q2. I use DVD Shrink to rip movies into VOBs. DVD Shrink recommends 1GB VOB file size. When the movie goes from one VOB to another VOB, it pauses for two seconds. Does this happen to you guys? BT tech told me LT does not recognize/support TS files?

Q3. When I reverse, say from VOB2 to VOB1 when the movie just passes to VOB2, it will go to VOB3. BT tech told me to check this site.

Please help. Thanks.

> BT tech told me to check this site.

Worrying that ! BLT Says check here, when here is where BLT Tech should be....Ironic :)

Can the BTL be accessed and controlled from a Pocket PC, which uses Windows Mobile? Any limitations?

Can you tell how many PC's on a Network are using the BLT?

Thanks...

Its the same as setting the Region...pressing slow on the remote then 1 then 2 then 3 then 4 (quickly) pops up a question on the blt.. as above

It says GPIO Interrupt: it allows pressing 1 or 2 (sowwry - edit)

Says Shared Interrupt for 1 and Seperate Interrupt for 2

Shaz

Tried it.... made no difference. Any idea what the default setting is?

> BT tech told me to check this site.

Worrying that ! BLT Says check here, when here is where BLT Tech should be....Ironic :)


This is getting freakin hilarious and more absurd at the same time!

Thanks alot B! Now I can't get the stupid lyrics out of my head... "Oh, give me a home where the Buffalo roam..." hehehehehehehehehehehe!

hys·ter·i·cal!

You nailed it on the head Boudicca! You are the man ... at least I think? ... Never met you. Either way ... profoundly profound!

Have a great weekend all!

:)

You nailed it on the head Boudicca! You are the man ... at least I think? ...
Not likely. ;) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudicca

Not likely. ;) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boudicca


Hehehe

Nice link!

I keep forgetting that Google is my freind! Doh!

Merry Christmas

Just installed the Medialink Server software that has been floating around. I have to say the interface in the Services Section is quite nice. Not tried the other themes yet, heard they're nice too. Visually, every other part is like LT 1.5.

Of course, STILL STATIC! I'm letting it run though to let it cache my library. With over 27,000 tracks that could take awhile! :eek:

I just thought of something...
With the last couple of software revisions, I'm not sure if I have left the sw servers running long enough to fully cache my library. I usually just load up the latest sw offering and test the Play All function. As soon as I hear the static, I normally move on to test a different solution.

So I'll let it run today and then test the Play All again. I know, I'm probably just setting myself up for disappointment but what else to do?

I have a Buffalo LinkTheater that I purchased here in Australia. I have it set for 16:9 TV Type. It plays DVDs correctly but when I play files off the computer that are 16:9 files they are not played back correctly as 16:9. I have to use the zoom function on my TV. If I put the same file on a DVD it then plays back correctly. Is there any way around this? Is this a known problem?

Also, is there a way to have the LT play back video in its native format? At the moment everything is played back in PAL, with NTSC DVDs or video files being converted to PAL but if possible I would prefer to be able to have it play PAL files in PAL and NTSC files in NTSC with no conversions. Other equipment I have - DVD players etc. work this way and the TV, which plays PAL and NTSC, auto senses the correct format.

The firmware version I have is 08-32-050711-02-LTI-254-000 .

Thanks

Ken

Buffalo High Definition Wireless Media Player


The following two problems occur whether the movies are on an internal NTFS hard drive via ethernet or on an external FAT32 hard drive via USB.

P1. I use DVD Shrink to rip movies into VOBs. DVD Shrink recommends 1GB VOB file size. When the movie goes from one VOB to another VOB, it pauses for two seconds.

P2. When I reverse, say from VOB2 to VOB1 when the movie just passes to VOB2, it will go to VOB3.

I do have the latest firmware.

Please help. Thanks.

Hi,

I found on the AVEL player forum that you can play subtitles files on .ts file by just renaming the .ts in .mpg or .mpeg !

That's weird uh ?

So, in the next firmware update, please allow subtitles on .ts the same way you enable it on .mpg !

Second point is that when you rename the file in .mpg, the PC Cast cast stream it !!! So you can use your LinkStation to store .ts (.mpg) and play them with subtitles on the LinkTheater.

Hi,

I found on the AVEL player forum that you can play subtitles files on .ts file by just renaming the .ts in .mpg or .mpeg !

That's weird uh ?Can you provide a short sample for analyse please?


Cheers

Can anyone who's used / owned both of these units compare and contrast. I've read through the major threads for both units... they seem to be similar. The only benefit i've seen for the Buffalo unit has been the guy in here who works for the company taking user feedback, that's been cool.

I'm interested the most in being able to playback DIVX, XVID and MPEG2 TS files on my HDTV. I'd like for the video to be able to take advantage of the 16:9 / wide ratio of my TV, i've seen players before that seem to ignore this and you have to use the TVs zoom feature (causing image quality loss).

Also how is the quality of the DVD players in these units, on Prog Scan do they cause jaggies (like cheaper dvd players with progressive scan do)?

I'm asking for recommendations on which unit I should purchase.

Thanks any info would help.

All,

One of the more annoying issues with media players in general and with the LinkTheater is that you have to turn on the TV in order to conveniently navigate through the Music files to play music. Now, if you have a projector (like I do), this becomes even more annoying as it means turning on the projector, waiting for it to light up, select a track, turn it down, and so on. A nice LCD screen would have solved it, but no luck here...

In any way, I put together a quick workaround which I thought you may be interested in. It's a small add-on to the LinkTheater software (Windows only, sorry) that lets you select a folder with MP3s in it, and then play it using the LinkTheater without turning it on.

One time setup (5-10 minutes) goes as follows:
- Download the Remote Play add-on from the following location:
h-t-t-p:-/-/-w-w-w-.-g-e-o-c-i-t-i-e-s-.-c-o-m-/-e-i-l-o-n-r-/-R-e-m-o-t-e-P-l-a-y-.-z-i-p
(remove the hyphens from the above URL, the forum was rejecting the URL as-is)
- Unzip the folder into your LinkTheater folder (C:\Program Files\LinkTheater by default)
- Check that you've done it correctly: open the LinkTheater folder, then the webapps folder, then the ROOT folder, then the service folder, you'll see a folder called Remote Play. This is the utility.

Playing a folder remotely is a breeze, and goes as follows
- Point your browser to
h-t-t-p-:-/-/-1-2-7-.-0-.-0.-1-:-8-0-0-0-/
(Again, remove the hypens. You can bookmark this URL if you'd like)
A quick technical note: this is the "Web site" you have on your computer once you install the LinkTheater applicatoin on your own machine. The LinkTheater application is nothing but a "smart" Web server.
- You will see the familiar LinkTheater interface, the same one you see in your player. Select "Service" (last option) and then "Remote Play". You'll see a list of all your music, select any folder (it will let you go into folders until it sees a folder with only tracks in it). Once you're ready, select "Play All" and it will tell you that the folder has been marked for playing.
- Now go to your LinkTheater (yes, you have to physically get up). Assuming you don't have your TV turned on, hit the "Home" button on your remote, and then "2" - you will need to memorize this as it will take you to the home page.
- Finally, hit the "Play" key on your remote.
- Voila! The tracks you selected should now be playing :)

*** Important note: I only tested this add-on on my computers. I wrote it for my personal use and I am sharing it because I've seen other people request this functionality. I only tested it with version 1.5 of the server software so it may not work with earlier versions (feel free give it a try). In any case, I would recommend that you ensure you have the LinkTheater software installation files handy (they are available on the Buffalo Web site) just in case something goes wrong. You can always run the installation again and get a clean version.

Naturally, feel free to post any questions and thoughts, although I cannot guarantee quick support...

Hope that helps :-)

Can anyone who's used / owned both of these units compare and contrast. I've read through the major threads for both units... they seem to be similar. The only benefit i've seen for the Buffalo unit has been the guy in here who works for the company taking user feedback, that's been cool.

I'm interested the most in being able to playback DIVX, XVID and MPEG2 TS files on my HDTV. I'd like for the video to be able to take advantage of the 16:9 / wide ratio of my TV, i've seen players before that seem to ignore this and you have to use the TVs zoom feature (causing image quality loss).

Also how is the quality of the DVD players in these units, on Prog Scan do they cause jaggies (like cheaper dvd players with progressive scan do)?

I'm asking for recommendations on which unit I should purchase.

Thanks any info would help.


That used to be the case. I wouldn't base my decision on company presence here. Six months ago, yes, support existed. But when the problems started ... poof!
It appears BrianV has moved on to other projects.

The only other site that has a Buffalo presence is here (http://www.mpcclub.com/) albeit Euro.

I suggest you do a search on this site for Buffalo Linktheater and read through the posts before purchasing.

I've read through a bunch of posts, and after all this testing, i'm confused, i'm asking for people who've either owned both at some point for their opinion. as far as i've seen there's been no comparison, it's been this problem this problem... in each device's own posts... it'd be nice if people with experiences with both units could say what they liked and disliked about each, and what they've ended up with or whatever...

I've read through a bunch of posts, and after all this testing, i'm confused, i'm asking for people who've either owned both at some point for their opinion. as far as i've seen there's been no comparison, it's been this problem this problem... in each device's own posts... it'd be nice if people with experiences with both units could say what they liked and disliked about each, and what they've ended up with or whatever...

Ok, I understand your request better now. Unfortunately, I have not owned both.

I think what you are looking for is a very small market of people. However, good luck in your search.

I would add that if you are finding that both units are having issues (some serious some not) then it may be better just to wait.

Myself, and I'm sure many others here want the same or similar functionality you are seeking. There's just not a product available on the market today that really hits the mark. The LT has come close but still has some serious bugs. Bugs that appear may never be fixed in the current models.

I am confident 2006 will produce a clear Digital Media Receiver unit that will come even closer to hitting the mark. However, many many people here spent $350 for what has turned out to be just a little more than a DVD player - a player that still doesn't play many commercial DVD's without pauses, stutters, freezes, skips, etc. , MP3's without static or Photo collections that don't scale correctly and support that has vanished.

In a nutshell, that should give you some feedback on the Linktheater to work from. Owners, please feel free to add anything to help this person out. As for the other player, I would suggest reading, printing and combining posts on their forums and that should give you a good comparison between the two.

For me, I'm waiting for 2006 to see what's coming ... Good luck in your research!

Buffalo vs Avel
I've read through a bunch of posts, and after all this testing, i'm confused, i'm asking for people who've either owned both at some point for their opinion. as far as i've seen there's been no comparison, it's been this problem this problem... in each device's own posts... it'd be nice if people with experiences with both units could say what they liked and disliked about each, and what they've ended up with or whatever...
Probably few if any people have actually owned both the Buffalo LinkTheater and the AVeL LinkPlayer. A Buffalo insider told me that they had only sold about 1,000 LinkTheaters in the U.S.. I'd venture the number is roughly the same for the AVeL LinkPlayer. You are really looking for a needle in a haystack, and the needle might not even exist. One the other hand, if such a person does exist, this forum is the place to find him (or her).

I agree, but I have seen people posting on both (main) threads... so i know a few have to exist on this board. I'm just asking for opinions, if people want to reply about what they *currently* don't like about the LT then that's fine...

I agree, but I have seen people posting on both (main) threads... so i know a few have to exist on this board. I'm just asking for opinions, if people want to reply about what they *currently* don't like about the LT then that's fine...

What's up with the attitude? I think Stevehof and I were trying to help you out. Just buy both and you'll have your answer!

I agree, but I have seen people posting on both (main) threads... so i know a few have to exist on this board. I'm just asking for opinions, if people want to reply about what they *currently* don't like about the LT then that's fine...

I've owned both but I returned the LT before they ever got their first firmware update out because my LP2 was farther along at doing what I needed (that was back in March/April). I now have two LP2s and I am very happy with them and IODATA's latest firmware. From what I have followed in these groups it sounds like the LT has probably caught up with most of the same firmware changes so they are very similar except for the cost of having wireless built in (and 802.11g isn't fast enough for reliable HD and it doesn't support WPA-PSK for decent security).

The biggest difference I know of is that IODATA seems to update their firmware more often (probably because they have been a Sigma and Syabas customer for about two years longer than Buffalo - which may result in giving then first shot at stuff). This may or may not always be a good thing but I have stayed happy with mine.

No Attitude intended... I'm just looking for opinions...

I appreciate you're post... I'd rather not build a HTPC so i was hoping i could so some cool things with one of these units

[QUOTE=eilon]All,

I was actually expecting more with this remote tool, that said, As a mear mortal I probably couldn't code this good anyway, but then again when I did finally get it working, I just didnt get that feeling of wow.

It does work, but it just doesn't feel right, setting up on the pc and wander through to press play. Ah well, good effort though worth the excercise.

So before you start make a back of these following folders.

C:\Program Files\LinkTheater\webapps\ROOT\theme\linktheater\template
C:\Program Files\LinkTheater\webapps\ROOT\theme\linktheater-1280x720\template

Once unpacked to C:\Program Files\LinkTheater (as stated earlier) a folder appears "Remote Play" unfortunately its in the wrong place. You could unpack and redirect but I couldn't be bothered to try that with Winzip.

Anyway you need to copy the following folder

C:\Program Files\LinkTheater\Remote Play\webapps\ROOT\service\Remote Play

to

C:\Program Files\LinkTheater\webapps\ROOT\service\Remote Play (including contents)

Then copy

C:\Program Files\LinkTheater\Remote Play\webapps\ROOT\theme\linktheater\template\home.html

to

C:\Program Files\LinkTheater\webapps\ROOT\theme\linktheater\template\ho me.html

It adds a line for the Play button on the Remote.

Voila....goto localhost:8000 or whateverport u use, find the services, click the Remote play link....select ure folder with mp3's and wander back to your BLT and Press Home Then the remote 1,2,3,4 No. for your blt server software (if youve done it right this modified template above is displayed and press play. (remote music)......Well done.

Now lets find a way to Kick the BLT into streaming it from the PC :)

Shaz

With official support for both the LT PC and the LS Pcast software ended (no presence on this forum, no response from Buffalo support site), have any of the old timers on this forum considered making the last beta software available to anyone who might ask? I'd certainly like to try PC V1.5, for instance...

With official support for both the LT PC and the LS Pcast software ended (no presence on this forum, no response from Buffalo support site), have any of the old timers on this forum considered making the last beta software available to anyone who might ask? I'd certainly like to try PC V1.5, for instance...

I would second this request. I'm stuck on firmware 7.60 and not getting anywhere with tech support. They say to add my name to the beta list. I did, but still nothing. The clock is ticking on my 30 day return window.

I'm stuck on firmware 7.60 and not getting anywhere with tech support. They say to add my name to the beta list. I did, but still nothing. The clock is ticking on my 30 day return window.
If you're expecting firmware updates to fix any issues you have with the BLT, fuggedaboudit. Return it, return it, return it, and count yourself lucky as one who got his money back.

If you're expecting firmware updates to fix any issues you have with the BLT, fuggedaboudit. Return it, return it, return it, and count yourself lucky as one who got his money back.

Newegg is running the BLT in their current Sound & Vision ad. Wonder how many more unhappy customers that will produce.

I second, third and fourth that... RETURN IT and consider yourself LUCKY. :)

Merry Christmas ALL!

I second, third and fourth that... RETURN IT and consider yourself LUCKY. :)

Merry Christmas ALL!

Ditto for me. While I like the unit, I think in 3-6 months, there will be some better devices out there that will be much more solid. I also have problems just playing commercial DVDs with the skipping and jumping. I really wish that they could fix the basic DVD functionality with a firmware upgrade. It feels like most of them development team has probably moved on to newer projects....

jpe

I`m not sure if I am right here, but I`ll give it a try.

I store some of my HD captures from my HD PC Card on DVD and I use Buffalo Player for playback in the living room. My Problem is that the Player stops where the first commercial segment is cut out and the picture freezed, so nothing works neither trying to go on until I press stop.

Haven`t read the whole thread so if this was mentioned before, excuse me. But is there any solution for this problem. I figured out the reason why it stops all the time: I guess it`s cause every stream cut requires an error so the player occured those errors and won`t play forward, or even skip the part.


Thanks for helping out.

DougMan

Thats a bug that also happens sometimes in the other sigma players -- you can use VideoRedo to fix the video or you can sometimes ff past the problem if it is like what I used to see on my Iodata.

Thanks, fixing the stream with VideoRedo works quite well. I tried it and it really helps.

DougMan

I do own a snazio player, which I think more or less share the hardware with IODATA and Buffalo devices. Some people got NAS and Router devices from Linksys hacked to 'fullfledged" Linux devices. I believe/think/hope that this network DVD players can be hacked trhe same way to get the ultimate Mythfrontend. Attachment has the address where to look for info on that.

I'm quite happy with my Buffalo LinkTheater. Perhaps my expectations where somewhat lower due to reading here prior to my purchase but it does exactly what I expect and want it to do.

My requirments where:

1) Upconvert DVDs to HD (works great but have to rip them first).
2) Play AVIs in HD so a high resolution AVI file looks sharp. It does this very very well!
3) Play files from DVD or streamed from my PC. This works great except for .ts files which really have to be local (I use a USB drive).
4) Support Xvid, Divx 3-5, & AC3 sound. I'd love Divx 6 support but nobody has that yet.
5) Play PAL DVDs. I had to upgrade to the most current US non-beta firmware (easy to do using online update) but once I did that it works great!

Things I would like to see improved (though I doubt it will happen):

1) Hack to let me upconvert DVDs without having to rip them.
2) Better chaining of .ts files (so if I have 10 files that need to play in order they will work properly - right now there is stutter between files).
3) Improved FF of AVIs. I have a hard time getting it to stop where I want it. I may just need to reindex my files though. Not enough of a bother to spend too much time on.
4) FAT32 limit of 2gb files on the USB drive is a bummer for large .ts files.

I have not messed with the beta software as I don't want to risk loosing my PAL playback capability (I've read that it was disabled on newer US firmware). I don't know what is improved there (wish there was some good documentation on that). I have been on the mailing list for a month or so now but doubt I'll see much since they seemed to have stopped support.

I expect that better machines will be out in the future but that's always the case. I am very happy with my LinkTheater and in a year or two I'll be happy to upgrade to something new if somone comes out with the killer machine. I've fallen into the trap of waiting for the next thing only to find it is not perfect and the next next thing is the thing to wait for. At some point you have to make a purchase or you never get the technology you are looking for. I'd not upgrade to this machine if I had something else that met my requirments but based on what is available I'm very happy with my purchase.

-Greg

I have not messed with the beta software as I don't want to risk loosing my PAL playback capability (I've read that it was disabled on newer US firmware).
-Greg

I run the latest "10.79" :) US fimware on my Euro BLT in the UK, and still can watch PAL DVD's ok.

The only difference between the firmwares is not the playback but the support for PAL mode TV's in the US firmware. My TV supports NTSC as many TV's do these days and it just switches to NTSC from PAL. (ok it loses a bit at the bottom) but its doesn't affect the play back at standard Resolutions.

The latest Euro firmware is 10.80 available from the Euro List which does get reposted quite regularly, signup at http://www.buffalo-technology.com/support/lt-beta.php

Please remember the boxes are the same. so don't be to suprised if the firmware email arrives.

As for being Beta's 8.31 and 8.32 are the last full non beta releases and its not rocket science to get on to the EU firmware auto update process rather than the US.

Basically if you box is 6.45 you need to get the 6.59 EU update to jump to 8.32 EU whereas 6.45 (Same for both EU and US) jumps to 7.60 and then 8.31 US

Got it !

Shaz

agree with Greg G., good post. We do custom A/V and it meets the basic need to play downloaded MP3's and .jpeg files from a digital camera which are two basic files and functions that are integrated into the Home Theater and Multi-room audio systems. Far from perfect, but it's a ok start. Can't wait for the next generation box.

There are some small distorted areas on .jpep files I don't like. Anyone else have that problem? I didn't find any posts with the word "distortion".

I run the latest "10.79" :) US fimware on my Euro BLT in the UK, and still can watch PAL DVD's ok.

The only difference between the firmwares is not the playback but the support for PAL mode TV's in the US firmware. My TV supports NTSC as many TV's do these days and it just switches to NTSC from PAL. (ok it loses a bit at the bottom) but its doesn't affect the play back at standard Resolutions.

The latest Euro firmware is 10.80 available from the Euro List which does get reposted quite regularly, signup at http://www.buffalo-technology.com/support/lt-beta.php

Please remember the boxes are the same. so don't be to suprised if the firmware email arrives.

As for being Beta's 8.31 and 8.32 are the last full non beta releases and its not rocket science to get on to the EU firmware auto update process rather than the US.

Basically if you box is 6.45 you need to get the 6.59 EU update to jump to 8.32 EU whereas 6.45 (Same for both EU and US) jumps to 7.60 and then 8.31 US

Got it !

Shaz


EDIT - The mailing list e-mail went out today and everything makes a lot more sense now. I think I know what to do now (wish me luck!). My remaining question is if there is a readme somewhere that explains what each beta firmware provides.

-Greg

trying to get this to work on the buffalo but can't. i emailed vongo to see what they think. problem is windows media player won't even play the file after it's been downloaded. wondering if anyone had a solution.

vongo.com

thx.

Hi,

download Media Connect for you XP, then run it. Refresh the Homepage on your BLT, then try to connect to the PC: it will refuse the connection, go back to the PC and enable acces, and Voila ! Then you can play DRM protected movies (you have to play them once on the PC at least to aquire the license).

Has anyone actually used the included D4 out (Japanese Analoge HDTV connector) on the back of the Buffalo Linktheater?

I was recently given a Pioneer PDP-434BX 43" Plasma TV that is capable of 720p, however, this TV was made and sold in Japan (all of the menus and remote are in Japanese - which I cannot understand).

The only inputs on this TV are composite, s-video, and several D4 connectors such as the one featured on the back of the BLT. So it would appear that the only way for me to get a HD picture on this TV is to use the Japanese D4 connector.

I have lots of archived Video content in DivX format on my PC and am interested in purchasing the BLT as a solution to view this on my new TV. However, I have 2 questions which of course no sales man has been able to answer.

Has anyone tried to use the D4 connector on the BLT with any success? Secondly, is it possible for the BLT to upconvert standard DVD's via the D4 connector? It would appear that the I-O Data LinkPlayer is capable of upconverting DVDs directly from it's built in Disc tray over the D4 connector with the included D4 to Component conversion cable shown here>iodata.c-o-m/usa/products/products.php?cat=HNP&sc=AVEL&ts=2&tsc=&sc=AVEL&pId=MA-D4%2FCP05

After reading through this tread and the I-O Data LinkPlayer thread my thoughts on the subject are either:
1. The D4 port on the BLT is a remnant left from the OEM ILP and does not actually function.
2. The D4 fuctions exactly as the component out on the BLT and can not upconvert.
3. The BLT can upconvert DVDs but due to the restrictions on the Component standard it is not allowed to display this image from a CSS encrypted DVD via component. (I say this because according to Lumpy's post here> avsforum.c-o-m/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=459759&page=127&pp=30&\, the IOData LP can can upconvert DVD discs yet the BLT cannot and the fact that the ILP outputs via D4 seems to be the only difference between the 2 devices)

If #3 is true then it would appear that an inexpensive D4-component cable could prevent people from having to rip their DVDs to their PCs in order to have them upconverted on the BLT.

I do appologize if my question has already been answered, but I have spent my last 4 evenings reading the forums and have not found a definative answer. (The links are not hyperlinks because I am a new poster (remove the '-' placed betweem com)

I cannoot get LT software to run under X64, anyone done this ?
Thanks

ok got my unit yesterday, had to install XP Pro it software will not run under X64 :( But WOW what a bit of kit, only had one prob, that was with a hd 1280 rex, slow and choppy. But everyting else plays fine, i have installed 1.5 link software, not happy about the internet menu being replace by Services menu, be nice to know how to use Live 365 music, any ideas?? Anyway Get one, it rox

Hi,

sorry for my lousy english... i try my best...
at home with my LinkTheater and 300GB Linkstation
running wireless all over PCast i am satisfyd but i have
one problem/wish.
is there anyway to remote the LinkTheater over my
notebook instead(parallel) to my hardware remotecontrol
for sure?

i want make it cause i get bored of clicking with remote
control step by step from one folder to next to get access
to my mostly used audiofiles. and on notebook i would
have for sure faster access to my Linktheater. second
reason is, my bad eyes have problems to read over the
distance the letters on tv hehe.

so, is there any program existing which helps me?

thx in advance.

Blazinek

Hi,

sorry for my lousy english... i try my best...
at home with my LinkTheater and 300GB Linkstation
running wireless all over PCast i am satisfyd but i have
one problem/wish.
is there anyway to remote the LinkTheater over my
notebook instead(parallel) to my hardware remotecontrol
for sure?

i want make it cause i get bored of clicking with remote
control step by step from one folder to next to get access
to my mostly used audiofiles. and on notebook i would
have for sure faster access to my Linktheater. second
reason is, my bad eyes have problems to read over the
distance the letters on tv hehe.

so, is there any program existing which helps me?

thx in advance.

Blazinek

Simple answer.....no.

The BLT does not provide any remote control method other than the remote itself.
:(

Best attempt so far is a method to build a playlist via modifing the default webpage but it still requires the user to press the remote to display or activate that webpage.

In the end the only facility that syabas the middleware provider left behind for anything akin to a web interface is http://bltboxip:2020 but there is little if any information on its uses other than flashing the led display and forcing a refresh of the blt display. No other information has been leaked or provided. I have no doubt syabas have provided more facilities but sadly they have so far never published them nor is there anyway visable way to accertain what facilities could or could not exist.

Shaz

I would like to record HD and SD to hard drive and be able to play it straight with my Buffalo. This would be OTA from my antenna.

Any card suggestions?
Would the ATI HDTV Wonder and Theater 550 be the best options?

Has anyone actually used the included D4 out (Japanese Analoge HDTV connector) on the back of the Buffalo Linktheater?


I have a Japanese version of the BLT, and am using the D4 connector out to a Yamaha 2600 to a Panasonic 32LX500 LCD HDTV. Everything works fine...

Not sure if they have disabled the D4 connector on the US models, but I can't see why they would.

Cheers,

Ian.

Hey ekun,
It's nice to meet a fellow Monty Python and HDTV lover. I do have one more question regarding the D4 connector.... Do you know if the BLT is actually upconverting standard DVD-Rom Discs (that is to say, DVD movies played from the BLT's front tray are higher res than 480p) over the D4 output?

Also, I am not able to find ANY way of getting a D4 cable here in the USA. Due to my not being able to read japanese the only online retailor I could find was amazon.co.jp who sells this: ELECOM AV-DD1 D terminal video cable. I read it on the google translation of this webpage: amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001CQ52Y/qid=1138010826/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl23/250-6150438-4597003

However, when I tried to check out on Amazon's page they would not ship the cable to the US, or even to my friends in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Do you know of any services that would ship a D4 cable to the USA? Is there any way you know of that I would be able to purchase a D4 cable and get it to the USA?

Thanks again for the quick response to my last post.

-An Engineer

The D4 has the same restrictions as the Component but isn't there a code you can key in that causes the upconvert restriction to be ignored.

If you want a D4 cable JVC sells some on their website I believe (at least they did about a year ago).

Buffalo High Definition Wireless Media Player


The following two problems occur whether the movies are on an internal NTFS hard drive via ethernet or on an external FAT32 hard drive via USB.

P1. I use DVD Shrink to rip movies into VOBs. DVD Shrink recommends 1GB VOB file size. When the movie goes from one VOB to another VOB, it pauses for two seconds.

P2. When I reverse, say from VOB2 to VOB1 when the movie just passes to VOB2, it will go to VOB3.

I do have the latest firmware.

Please help. Thanks.

bit late and you may have already sorted your problem, but anyway the simple anwser is blt sees each file as an individual film, the only solution is to ignore the 1gb limit and create a single vob file containing the entire film.

Do you know if the BLT is actually upconverting standard DVD-Rom Discs (that is to say, DVD movies played from the BLT's front tray are higher res than 480p) over the D4 output?

As far as I understand, due to restrictions imposed by the MPAA & DVD consortium, the Linktheater does not upconvert DVDs, however it can upconvert media files. I have not heard of a code that can unlock this functionality (there is a code to make it region-free however), but according to Buffalo it would be a fairly easy firmware hack if anyone can figure it out. I have a separate upconverting DVD player for Japanese DVDs, and use my Yamaha RX-V2600 receiver to upconvert DVDs from the Buffalo if I'm going region free, so am not too fussed about it.

Do you know of any services that would ship a D4 cable to the USA? Is there any way you know of that I would be able to purchase a D4 cable and get it to the USA?

The IOdata box which is very similar to the Linktheater comes with a D4 to Component cable. And, they actually sell a replacement/optional cable on their website at: http://www.iodata.com/usa/products/products.php?cat=HNP&sc=AVEL&pId=MA-D4%2FCP05
This should fix you up...

Hope that helps.

Ian.

"As far as I understand, due to restrictions imposed by the MPAA & DVD consortium, the Linktheater does not upconvert DVDs, however it can upconvert media files. ..........

...The IOdata box which is very similar to the Linktheater comes with a D4 to Component cable. And, they actually sell a replacement/optional cable on their website at: iodata.co-m/usa/products/products.php?cat=HNP&sc=AVEL&pId=MA-D4%2FCP05
This should fix you up...

Hope that helps.

Ian."

Thanks for the replies again Ian. However, like the the cable that IOData sells is a D4 to component conversion cable, the JVC site which Paul_PDX mentioned earlier only sells these conversion cables also. What I am looking for is a normal D4 to D4 cable as I have a Japanese TV only has D4 inputs. So I want a cable that would run straight from the D4 out on the BLT to the D4 in on my TV. I do realise that I could use the conversion cable and go from the component out on the BLT to the D4 in on my TV, but that just seems like an unnessecary conversion which may degrade my signal quality.

In reference to the upconversion, it seems odd that the MPAA would impose this restriction on the BLT but not on the IOData LinkPlayer which is quoted as being able to unconvert to 1080i by Lumpy " AVLP2/DVDLA with October's firmware, using component out, will upconvert DVD's to 1080i and it's awsome. It may be the only DVD player you can get that wll do it with component these days."

quoted from avsforum.co-m/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=459759&page=127&pp=30&highlight=buffalo+linktheater

Does anyone know why the IOData is unrestricted in its upconversion?
Has anyone tried flashing the BLT with the IOData LinkPlayer firmware?

However, like the the cable that IOData sells is a D4 to component conversion cable, the JVC site which Paul_PDX mentioned earlier only sells these conversion cables also. What I am looking for is a normal D4 to D4 cable as I have a Japanese TV only has D4 inputs. So I want a cable that would run straight from the D4 out on the BLT to the D4 in on my TV. I do realise that I could use the conversion cable and go from the component out on the BLT to the D4 in on my TV, but that just seems like an unnessecary conversion which may degrade my signal quality.

The D4 to D4 cable simply carries a component video signal (Y Pr Pb). It only differs in being a different type of analog video connector . So this being the case the D4 to Component cable that IOData sells is NOT performing any sort of "conversion." It's all analog, it's just passing the signal from one type of connector to another (D4 to RCA). Don't confuse this with DVI or HDMI connections which are digital.

This being the case, if you insist on D4 to D4, why not just purchase two of the D4 to Component cables from IOData and join them with the appropriate RCA adaptors and make up your own D4 to D4 cable that way? The resulting cable may be longer than you would like, but there shouldn't be any appreciable signal degradation.

However I can't see why Component out on the BLT to D4 in on your TV would be any different, it seems the proper way to go assuming there is no difference in upconversion re D4 vs. Component outputs on the BLT. If there is a difference in upconversion capability between D4 and Component outputs on the BLT, where is it documented?

D4 defined:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D4_video_connector

--
Wirelezz

May be a stupid question - but imporant.
Does it do nested folders?

Example.

Old Cartoons > Superman > Superman Season >
Or do you have to throw EVERYTHING in one big folder?

LivingINClip - nested folders work fine. I think I've done 'em 3 or 4 deep. It's actually a function of the server software, and I think I've tried two or three and they all worked about the same.

Questions on the Linktheatre...

1. Some of my kids DVD's will not play full screen despite my having set the options on the LT for 16:9 and full screen. I have also tried different combinations, no luck. These DVD's play full screen with my Panny DVD player.

2. I cannot get the LT to see my laptop where I have my Link theatre software.

Not having any luck getting through to tech support via phone or via e-mail....... So before I return it wanted to check here.

Questions on the Linktheatre...

1. Some of my kids DVD's will not play full screen despite my having set the options on the LT for 16:9 and full screen. I have also tried different combinations, no luck. These DVD's play full screen with my Panny DVD player.

2. I cannot get the LT to see my laptop where I have my Link theatre software.

Not having any luck getting through to tech support via phone or via e-mail....... So before I return it wanted to check here.

Try the zoom button (magnifing glass) on the remote. Although I always find full screen stretches the image too much. Much better to have Fit to Screen and then Zoom with the TV remote, just so its an inch or so top and bottom.

Shaz.

PS None of my PAL devices do a perfect full screen without cropping in some way. Its often down to the dvd or source xvid that are not a perfect 16:9 or more that they are something inbetween.

Hello,

I am looking for someone the owns a PC-P3LWG/DVD and has it connected to a 16:9 HDTV and a surround sound system that supports Dolby Digital. I would like to send you a video I encoded that is formatted in anamorphic widescreen and AC3 (Dolby Digital) encoded audio. The video codec is xVid. I would send the file through YouSendIt (a free file upload/download site with a 2 GB file limit).

Could someone with this configuration download this file, test it and let me know the results? I am interested in knowing if the PC-P3LWG/DVD will truly stream 5.1 surround sound and not get down-mixed to two-channel stereo. And, I would like to know if the xVid anamorphic widescreen formated video fille the whole 16:9 HDTV screen with no black bars on the sides, top or bottom.

I know this is asking for a lot, but I am not ready to go through the hassle of buying the device and then returning it if it truly does not meet my needs. I am happy with my GoVideo D2730, but have recently upgraded to a 16:9 HDTV. The GoVideo D2730 does not support this format while streaming. It does not support streaming surround sound either.

Thanks,

Please post a message if you are able to help.

the PC-P3LWG/DVD will truly stream 5.1 surround sound and not get down-mixed to two-channel stereo. And, I would like to know if the xVid anamorphic widescreen formated video fille the whole 16:9 HDTV screen with no black bars on the sides, top or bottom.

Yes the BLT is 5.1 and doesn't downmix unless you do that on the reciever or if the encoding is downmixed.

Not sure fir HD but As for your last question, aka to my previous answer, black bars are a result of the framing of the image, not the player. Many of my DVD's do that even on my kenwood 5 disc DVD box. Since neither of my players have a scart or hdmi or dvi it cannot tell the TV what display mode it is using.

Shaz

Hello,

I am looking for someone the owns a PC-P3LWG/DVD and has it connected to a 16:9 HDTV and a surround sound system that supports Dolby Digital. I would like to send you a video I encoded that is formatted in anamorphic widescreen and AC3 (Dolby Digital) encoded audio. The video codec is xVid. I would send the file through YouSendIt (a free file upload/download site with a 2 GB file limit).

I have the setup you mention (BLT -> Yamaha RX-V2600 -> Panasonic 32LX500). The BLT definitely does 5.1 from DVDs, however I have tested a few DIVX files (downloaded and my own), but for some reason multichannel audio does not seem to be working. I haven't really tested it thoroughly - a few other larger fires burning lately - but would be happy to test this out for you, as I have been meaning to poke around a bit more myself. PM me and I'll send you my e-mail address for Yousendit...

Cheers,

Ian.

Hello,
I am looking for someone the owns a PC-P3LWG/DVD and has it connected to a 16:9 HDTV and a surround sound system that supports Dolby Digital. I would like to send you a video I encoded that is formatted in anamorphic widescreen and AC3 (Dolby Digital) encoded audio. The video codec is xVid. I would send the file through YouSendIt (a free file upload/download site with a 2 GB file limit). ease post a message if you are able to help.

I do have that kind of setup and am able to help, I hope.
So pls send a private message, I will download the file and check same with the BLT.

regards
Manfredo

I am looking for some advice here. I want to transfer my mini-dv home movies to my server so I can watch them on the BLT.

I have an iMac and a mini-dv cam with fire wire. My BLT server is a pc. Right now I can import my movies to iMovie but then I have to export them to avi. I have had very little luck with this system. What format is best to save as and is there a better way to do this? I would love to find software that would alow me to just import straight to a BLT friendly format, even if it means upgrading my pc.

Anybody doing this?

Steven

I am trying out the D-Link 520 and also considering teh Pinnacle Showcenter 200. How do you compare the 3? I really want the best user interface, high def is just a plus as I will use for home videos, home digital pics (non-HD) and mp3s. THanks for the input.

I am trying out the D-Link 520 and also considering teh Pinnacle Showcenter 200. How do you compare the 3? I really want the best user interface, high def is just a plus as I will use for home videos, home digital pics (non-HD) and mp3s. THanks for the input.

All digital pics greater than 1.3 megapixels are actually high definition. HD is 1280x720 or higher which is virtually every digital camera shot. If you purchase a unit that does not have HD resolutions, then your picture viewing will be at 640x480, where as an HD version (with an HDTV) will be at 1280x720 or 1920x1080 which makes a significant improvement in digital picture playback.

All digital pics greater than 1.3 megapixels are actually high definition. HD is 1280x720 or higher which is virtually every digital camera shot. If you purchase a unit that does not have HD resolutions, then your picture viewing will be at 640x480, where as an HD version (with an HDTV) will be at 1280x720 or 1920x1080 which makes a significant improvement in digital picture playback.

Thanks. That explains why they look better. I was referring though to video as I have a HD Tivo.

Thanks. That explains why they look better. I was referring though to video as I have a HD Tivo.

Most players also upconvert which helps a little on the Divx stuff that isn't HD, like 720x480 dvd rips and the stuff downloaded that's usually less than 640 wide.

Ok, I've tried the DLink 520 and the Pinnacle SC 200 is on the way. The more I look into it, though, Buffalo may be the way to go. I really want a unit that is UPNP capable but one that I don't necessarily need another server to handle my day to day needs. Where the DLink failed me was in simple music searches. I need to be able to search by Artist and then by Album. With DLink you could search by Artist but then you were given a list of all there songs, not albums. I had issues with Twonkyvision and TVersity so I'm really looking for the best user interface. My videos are all in MPEG format so at this moment that's not an issue. Fast forward ability is. I've looked at the Buffalo manula online and can't figure out if the search capability that I need for music is included in the included server. Help please!

Ok, I've tried the DLink 520 and the Pinnacle SC 200 is on the way. The more I look into it, though, Buffalo may be the way to go. I really want a unit that is UPNP capable but one that I don't necessarily need another server to handle my day to day needs. Where the DLink failed me was in simple music searches. I need to be able to search by Artist and then by Album. With DLink you could search by Artist but then you were given a list of all there songs, not albums. I had issues with Twonkyvision and TVersity so I'm really looking for the best user interface. My videos are all in MPEG format so at this moment that's not an issue. Fast forward ability is. I've looked at the Buffalo manula online and can't figure out if the search capability that I need for music is included in the included server. Help please!

Referring to the music searches, I have a Buffalo BLT and a Snazio 1310 and use a free program called SwissCenter. It has pretty good searching capabilities and is based on the Pinnacle player. The software should work with all Syabas based players. If you download it, make sure you get the beta version if you want High Def enabled.

Ok, I've tried the DLink 520 and the Pinnacle SC 200 is on the way. The more I look into it, though, Buffalo may be the way to go. I really want a unit that is UPNP capable but one that I don't necessarily need another server to handle my day to day needs. Where the DLink failed me was in simple music searches. I need to be able to search by Artist and then by Album. With DLink you could search by Artist but then you were given a list of all there songs, not albums. I had issues with Twonkyvision and TVersity so I'm really looking for the best user interface. My videos are all in MPEG format so at this moment that's not an issue. Fast forward ability is. I've looked at the Buffalo manula online and can't figure out if the search capability that I need for music is included in the included server. Help please!

Our NAS has no searching ability, but the PC/Mac software searches based on keyword. You can search keywords under title, album, and artist. There are also options to specifically search for titles beginning with or titles ending with (in addition to just a straight search). It can search through ID3 if you do artis or album, for title it searches ID3 title and file name.

Hope this helps.

Brian -

Can you comment about the Mini LT at all? Is it the same as the HD LinkTheater but with fewer features? Is it pretty much the same software as the HD LT? Anything new or different from the HD LT? Also, how soon until it ships? Buffalo Customer Support said end of Feb.

Thanks!
Bruce

Referring to the music searches, I have a Buffalo BLT and a Snazio 1310 and use a free program called SwissCenter. It has pretty good searching capabilities and is based on the Pinnacle player. The software should work with all Syabas based players. If you download it, make sure you get the beta version if you want High Def enabled.

So, just to confirm, you were able to get SwissCenter to run with the BLT? I gave it a quick try with the BLT and had some problems, but there is still a definite possibility of "operator error." It sure looks like a nice interface from the screen shots. I haven't had a chance to get back to it yet....

jpe

You will need to specify the IP on the PC running the SwissCenter software and manually add it in the BLT.

Brian -

Can you comment about the Mini LT at all? Is it the same as the HD LinkTheater but with fewer features? Is it pretty much the same software as the HD LT? Anything new or different from the HD LT? Also, how soon until it ships? Buffalo Customer Support said end of Feb.

Thanks!
Bruce

The LinkTheater Mini is completely different the the bigger LT. The bigger LT is far superior in every way. The LT Mini is a sub-$100 simple to use, basic feature set media player.

It relies on the PC software to transcode everything to mpeg2 or mp3.

Hi guys im New to this Forum, Certainly been Reading into the LT.
Problem is im in PAL land not sure if this has been asked (didnt see it)
Is the PAL version which i can buy Identical to the US version. I mean
Can it play exactly the same files, all same spec ? ( I know i might sound
Stupid but they restrict so much here sometimes compared to US versions)

Bryan V, Are there any plans yet for a successor to the LT with DVI/ HDMI outputs ?

Just hope you can let me know if i should buy the US one or get my PAL one.

Thanks Guys
Dan

Hello,

I'm very impressed by Brians appearence and support on this forum. I own a Linkstation (I'm dreaming of a terastation :) ) and I've ordered a KISS (now Linksys) Media Player and I was looking at some other products.

I'll cancel my order for the KISS product! Know why?

I like the attitude of Buffalo, their nice support tech people like Brian. I believe listening to customers makes all the difference and Buffalo has convinced me now.

Thanks Brian!

I realise this tread is quite old and I just stumbled over it but I just had to make this statement. There is so much arrogance from vendors nowadays and Buffalo makes a very nice difference.

Keep up the good work


Armin

... and I just realised that Brian is still around. You are actively answering this thread for nearly a year now. I have never ever seen that before after over 20 years in IT. ****, I'm not only going for the LinkTheatre but also for the Terastation now.

Impressed![U]

Armin

Final message:
I've just ordered the LinkTheatre at 1:32 in the morning. You Buffallo guys got me addicted!

Armin,

Be sure to get on Brian's beta firmware mailing list for the LinkTheater. The firmware that you get from the updater on the device's setup menu is beans compared with the latest beta firmware.

Armin,

Be sure to get on Brian's beta firmware mailing list for the LinkTheater. The firmware that you get from the updater on the device's setup menu is beans compared with the latest beta firmware.

Thanks for the info. I will.

Armin

Yeh Ive got to agree with you! I had to read through the whole years worth of post, and thanks to bryan i am now wanting to buy one.

Im going to try and get the latest firmware as soon as i get mine. Just wondering if anyone can help me out with my concerns..

1) Is pal exactly the same as US version (apart from power and output) I.e same files etc etc

2) as this post is a year old, i dont want to buy the LT and Buffalo relase a new one in the next few weeks

Thanks all

Dan

I've tried the Xbox 360, D-Link 520, Linkys and now the Pinnacle 200. So far I like the Pinnacle 200 the best but it has one major flaw in my book. You can't listen to music and then browse other music while you are listening. What is does do that I really like is create playlists for videos. Its also very smooth in playing videos as well as fast forwarding through videos. If a video is running and you hit a number (1-9) it will jump to 10%, 20%, etc depending on the number you enter.


Can you please let me know how this compares to the Buffalo. I assume I'll have to try the video streaming myself but what about the playlists and fast forward capabilities. The xbox was nice but I couldn't create video playlists and the fast forward was VERY choppy, at best. I'd appreciate your input as I think the Buffalo is my last option.

I've tried the Xbox 360, D-Link 520, Linkys and now the Pinnacle 200. So far I like the Pinnacle 200 the best but it has one major flaw in my book. You can't listen to music and then browse other music while you are listening. What is does do that I really like is create playlists for videos. Its also very smooth in playing videos as well as fast forwarding through videos. If a video is running and you hit a number (1-9) it will jump to 10%, 20%, etc depending on the number you enter.


Can you please let me know how this compares to the Buffalo. I assume I'll have to try the video streaming myself but what about the playlists and fast forward capabilities. The xbox was nice but I couldn't create video playlists and the fast forward was VERY choppy, at best. I'd appreciate your input as I think the Buffalo is my last option.

Hi,

I can't really tell you how the LT compares. I'll know tomorrow ;-)
But looking at the posts (and other reviews) I think its quite a nice product. I also start to wonder if the 'ill get the latest gadget' style works with these kind of products.

Media Players and such are still such a new concept that buying the newest product, even if i has some better processing power maybe, will also make you a kind of beta tester for many months until the piece gets mature.

I get the feeling that the LS is now starting to move into the mature direction, and right now, apart from specific digital HDTV connections and possibly a slicker IU when connnected with LinkStation/Terastation (ie Themes,Skins) I cant think of any feature I could want more.

Armin

I've tried the Xbox 360, D-Link 520, Linkys and now the Pinnacle 200. So far I like the Pinnacle 200 the best but it has one major flaw in my book. You can't listen to music and then browse other music while you are listening. What is does do that I really like is create playlists for videos. Its also very smooth in playing videos as well as fast forwarding through videos. If a video is running and you hit a number (1-9) it will jump to 10%, 20%, etc depending on the number you enter.


Can you please let me know how this compares to the Buffalo. I assume I'll have to try the video streaming myself but what about the playlists and fast forward capabilities. The xbox was nice but I couldn't create video playlists and the fast forward was VERY choppy, at best. I'd appreciate your input as I think the Buffalo is my last option.

I have the Buffalo LT and have no complaints. It plays everything I need it to and it works great. The problem about not being able to browse while listening to music is a limitation of the hardware for all the syabas players. The video advance that you refer to is a software incorporation that all syabas players should be able to do. I am not sure is the Buffalo software works the same as the Pinnacle, but you could use Pinnacle's software with the Buffalo for that feature. I personally use SwissCenter for my frontend and it has the playlist feature and the ability to advance video in increments.

I have the Buffalo LT and have no complaints. It plays everything I need it to and it works great. The problem about not being able to browse while listening to music is a limitation of the hardware for all the syabas players. The video advance that you refer to is a software incorporation that all syabas players should be able to do. I am not sure is the Buffalo software works the same as the Pinnacle, but you could use Pinnacle's software with the Buffalo for that feature. I personally use SwissCenter for my frontend and it has the playlist feature and the ability to advance video in increments.

I'm a relative newbie so I apologize for any basic questions. Thanks for the input. Are you saying the Buffalo LT is syabas and therefore you can't browse while listening, similar to the Pinnacle. If so, I guess I'm not much better off than I would be with the Pinnacle, would you agree?

As for using other software, I have tried on other units to use other servers but you seem to use much of the interface when using these servers. You basically can see the folders and that's about it. Is that correct?

I have the Buffalo LT and have no complaints. It plays everything I need it to and it works great. The problem about not being able to browse while listening to music is a limitation of the hardware for all the syabas players. The video advance that you refer to is a software incorporation that all syabas players should be able to do. I am not sure is the Buffalo software works the same as the Pinnacle, but you could use Pinnacle's software with the Buffalo for that feature. I personally use SwissCenter for my frontend and it has the playlist feature and the ability to advance video in increments.

Regarding SwissCenter, it is me or is this VERY involved to install this. Pinnacle instruction gave about 4 difference softwares(sql, etc) to load. Is it easier on the Buffalo?

I'm a relative newbie so I apologize for any basic questions. Thanks for the input. Are you saying the Buffalo LT is syabas and therefore you can't browse while listening, similar to the Pinnacle. If so, I guess I'm not much better off than I would be with the Pinnacle, would you agree?

As for using other software, I have tried on other units to use other servers but you seem to use much of the interface when using these servers. You basically can see the folders and that's about it. Is that correct?

Yes....Buffalo is syabas as are most if not all at the moment.

I am not quite following your question about the server software. As I stated is the previous post, I am running the SwissCenter frontend and enjoy it. It supports folder art, movie synopsis, playlist for audio and video, and pretty much everything the other bundled software offers. The only thing I need to use the bundled software for is firmware updates. SwissCenter does not support internet browsing at this time.

Regarding SwissCenter, it is me or is this VERY involved to install this. Pinnacle instruction gave about 4 difference softwares(sql, etc) to load. Is it easier on the Buffalo?

I think you were either misinformed and given outdated information. There is a bundled install on their website. It installs in minutes and set up is fairly simple. The only issue I had was that I had to manually connect via IP address. I think that was because I was running the Buffalo software when I tried it. Since I connect through a PC with a specified IP this was not an issue for me.

Yes....Buffalo is syabas as are most if not all at the moment.

I am not quite following your question about the server software. As I stated is the previous post, I am running the SwissCenter frontend and enjoy it. It supports folder art, movie synopsis, playlist for audio and video, and pretty much everything the other bundled software offers. The only thing I need to use the bundled software for is firmware updates. SwissCenter does not support internet browsing at this time.


So you install SwissCenter, chose the Swiss Center "server" and the same graphics that you see in the swisscenter software will be displayed on the unit? I didn't think this was possible but maybe I was not using it "frontend". I am going into the Pinnacle software and selecting the other server that the unit is recognizing.

As for installing, the directions that are in the Pinnacle manual are very lengthy but the Swisscenter web site does show a bundled install. I'll try it again. Bottom line, though, is that in either unit I will not be able to browse for a song while another song is playing due to the hardware. Is that not an issue for you? I assume its not fixable since its a hardware issue?

Yes....Buffalo is syabas as are most if not all at the moment.



D-Link and xbox360 must not be syabas as they allow browsing. It seems to be a picture in picture type capability that syabas doesn't allow? Could this be why the video play appeared much better, though, since syabas is a different hardware than the xbox or is that not a difference between the two?

Brian,

Has anyone expressed a problem with 12-77 hanging after a certain amount of time in screen saver mode? I tend to leave the buffalo on for simplicity sake and each day when I go to watch something i have to turn it off and then on again. I didn't need to this prior to trying out the new patch. 12-77 and 1-6 are great so far, i was shocked when album art showed up, and that I could just hit play for it to play all the ifo files in a folder.

Thanks

So you install SwissCenter, chose the Swiss Center "server" and the same graphics that you see in the swisscenter software will be displayed on the unit? I didn't think this was possible but maybe I was not using it "frontend". I am going into the Pinnacle software and selecting the other server that the unit is recognizing.

As for installing, the directions that are in the Pinnacle manual are very lengthy but the Swisscenter web site does show a bundled install. I'll try it again. Bottom line, though, is that in either unit I will not be able to browse for a song while another song is playing due to the hardware. Is that not an issue for you? I assume its not fixable since its a hardware issue?

You can browse the SwissCenter GUI on your PC and it will look similar to what you'd see on the media player. Not sure what you are asking there.

I use my media players mostly for video. You are correct that it can not be "fixed" because it is a limitation to the hardware.

D-Link and xbox360 must not be syabas as they allow browsing. It seems to be a picture in picture type capability that syabas doesn't allow? Could this be why the video play appeared much better, though, since syabas is a different hardware than the xbox or is that not a difference between the two?

I have no experience with the Xbox so I can't really comment. Maybe someone with Xbox experience could chime in.

Just received my LinkTheater today and am having a difficult time bringing it up on my wireless network using a D Link Wireless DI 624 Airplus Extreme G using WEP encryption. Any guidance would be appreciated. Other wise will just keep at it.

Just received my LinkTheater today and am having a difficult time bringing it up on my wireless network using a D Link Wireless DI 624 Airplus Extreme G using WEP encryption. Any guidance would be appreciated. Other wise will just keep at it.


Hi Jwssmithjim,

I got my new BLT today too, Im using a Linksys router with WEP in G mode, and had absolutely no problem. Are you using a 128 HEX key with 26 characters or so?

All the other settings are right? DNS, GATEWAY. Are you using DHCP? Im only using fixed IP´s

Armin

I'm trying (for the first time) to play an AVI pulled from my camcorder. Windows Media Player is happy with it, but the BLT complains about an unknown AV codec. WMP shows the AVI properties as:

Length: 25:46
Bit rate: -
Media type: Video
Video size: 720x480
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Audio codec: -
Video codec: DV Video Decoder

Any clues here? Is it normal for the audio codec to be undefined?

Thanks,
Steve.

Hi Armin. Yes, I'm using HEX and have entered the 26 digit code. Yes, using DHCP, and all seems configured correctly, but had nothing. I've moved the BLT next to my router and still nothing on the wireless,...must be missing something or it just won't work with my D Link router. I'll givet the static IPs at try. I've connected it via ethernet and working that now. Lack of time is slowing me down, but will get there and will keep you posted on my progress. Anyone out there using the BLT with the D Link Wireless DI 624 Airplus Extreme G, would sure like to here from you.

jwsmithjim, I used to connect my BLT to a D-Link AirPremier AG (Tri-Mode Dualband 108Mbps 802.11a/b/g) DWL-7100AP. I was using 128-bit WEP and it worked fine. The BLT is the next room, though, so there's just one wall in between. Ultimately, I was displeased with the performance of the BLT over wireless, so I switched to 100Mbps Ethernet and I've been very happy with that.

jwsmithjim, I used to connect my BLT to a D-Link AirPremier AG (Tri-Mode Dualband 108Mbps 802.11a/b/g) DWL-7100AP. I was using 128-bit WEP and it worked fine. The BLT is the next room, though, so there's just one wall in between. Ultimately, I was displeased with the performance of the BLT over wireless, so I switched to 100Mbps Ethernet and I've been very happy with that.

I'm using a alternative firmware linksys wrt54g router with G only devices and I have too say that performance is great. I had not one problem with streaming.

Just another idea jwsmithjim:
Could you deactivate your wep for a minute to check if its a prob with the key or so or the wireless connection itself? And did you doubledoublecheck the key as it is a long one and easy to get wrong on the LT ;-)? Then again, I would start connecting it wired with these settings, then you know IP etc is right, then one you can exclude any issue there connect it in wireless mode again. Can you run the wireless in G mode only and see again?

Armin

I'm using a alternative firmware linksys wrt54g router with G only devices and I have too say that performance is great. I had not one problem with streaming.
Armin

Are you running the Sveasoft firmware?

I'm trying (for the first time) to play an AVI pulled from my camcorder. Windows Media Player is happy with it, but the BLT complains about an unknown AV codec. WMP shows the AVI properties as:

Length: 25:46
Bit rate: -
Media type: Video
Video size: 720x480
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Audio codec: -
Video codec: DV Video Decoder

Any clues here? Is it normal for the audio codec to be undefined?

Thanks,
Steve.

OK, it really is just an unsupported codec. AVS Video Converter showed it as video=MainConcept DV Codec 2.0.4 and audio=DVAudio. I converted it to XviD MPEG-4 and MP3 and now it plays perfectly. As well as being 1/8th the size.

Steve.

I'm using a alternative firmware linksys wrt54g router with G only devices and I have too say that performance is great. I had not one problem with streaming.
I had no problems streaming except for high definition MPEG-2 transport streams. It was seeking that I was disappointed by. (I use SageTV to record TV shows on my computer and frequently watch them in the living room with the BLT, so I seek a lot.) Seeking performance is much better over wired Ethernet.

Have my BLT up and running on my WEP with the D Link. Still not quite sure just what I did, but changed config of the D Link router - to no turbo G - got it up, switched back to normal settings and running like a champ. The BLT is 2 floors down from the wireless router, in the family room and streaming is great....well for the most part. Only problem I see is voice and video on my Windows Media Center recordings is off..so must work that...any advise....!!

I've got a question.
Can it supported unlimited HD's? For example, I know with SwissCenter I got set up a couple different video sections..Let me explain.

my C drive has TV series, so I have that setup.
My D drive as DVDs.
I want my E drive to have my horror films.
Would the Linktheater notice all those? i know with the linktheater software itself it won't notice , but with SwissCenter it shouldn't be a problem should it?

my C drive has TV series, so I have that setup.
My D drive as DVDs.
I want my E drive to have my horror films.
Would the Linktheater notice all those? i know with the linktheater software itself it won't notice , but with SwissCenter it shouldn't be a problem should it?
I am running LinkTheather Server 1.6 and I can publish as many video folders to the BLT as I want. I have "D:\My Documents\My Videos", "E:\Lost", and "G:\" all accessible on the BLT right now via the LinkTheater software.

I am running LinkTheather Server 1.6 and I can publish as many video folders to the BLT as I want. I have "D:\My Documents\My Videos", "E:\Lost", and "G:\" all accessible on the BLT right now via the LinkTheater software.

And it supports network shares too.

shaz

I am running LinkTheather Server 1.6 and I can publish as many video folders to the BLT as I want. I have "D:\My Documents\My Videos", "E:\Lost", and "G:\" all accessible on the BLT right now via the LinkTheater software.


Yeah, but you have to do it using watch folders right? It would be nice if you could see all your videos together.

When playing digital pictures on a widescreen HD tv, do you get vertical black bars on each side. Pinnacle told me there is no way around this for the Showcenter 200 so I was wondering if Buffalo would fix this?

i am considering getting a BLT, but am having a major issue.... Have any of the firmware updates provided WPA support yet? Is Buffalo planning on having the HDMI connector any time soon?

When playing digital pictures on a widescreen HD tv, do you get vertical black bars on each side. Pinnacle told me there is no way around this for the Showcenter 200 so I was wondering if Buffalo would fix this?
What would you rather have happen, half the image gets chopped off the top and bottom, or the image gets stretched out of aspect ratio? You can do both by adjusting the wide mode of your television.

Yeah, but you have to do it using watch folders right? It would be nice if you could see all your videos together.
When I pull up Videos on the BLT, I get a menu that has the contents of my My Videos folder, including subfolders, and the watched folders are mixed right in with the rest.

If you want all of the files to appear to be in the same folder on the BLT, you could always create soft links in a single folder that point to all the files you want to access. This isn't a dynamic solution, though.

i am considering getting a BLT, but am having a major issue.... Have any of the firmware updates provided WPA support yet? Is Buffalo planning on having the HDMI connector any time soon?

no and no.

Thats about covers that doesn't it.

:)

Shaz

P.S btw the BLT is still pretty good tho :)

Just got a BLT a few days ago. Brilliant device for the money. With a small bit of mucking around it plays my video over wireless with no problems. Good stuff.

Anyways, I also bought a 4gb USB2 key so I wouldn't have to have the PC on all the time. PC detects it fine, and I put a couple of videos on it. No problems so far. I then inserted it into the BLT and turned it on. Boots up fine and then some large text appears saying "USB : HUB". After a few seconds the text goes away, leaving the using login screen with the DVD and wireless PC as option. No USB. Tried unplugging and plugging in again but every time it just shows the HUB message each time with no joy.

Anyhows I only have a few days before having to send the USB key back to get a refund, so does anyone have any idea why it isn't working, or what I have done wrong? Note that the key says it is FAT (not NTFS) in properties.

Considering I haven't updated the firmware does anyone know if this problem was fixed? The other thing I am considering is that internally it is not a single memory card, and is basically several cards (probably 2x2gb) coupled with a tiny USB Hub. If so this would explain the error message. Considering I read the BTL cannot handle USB Hubs, does this also mean it doesn't even read a single device off one? (Would be nice if it read the first 2gb for example). I doubt this is the only USB key that works this way though, so anyone know of a Buffalo fix, or if one is in the works? If not, is there a direct link to Buffalo to log an error. I mean it's a USB key, and technically I haven't got it in a hub... annoying...

Failing that, I'll return if quick smart. So does anyone have any advice on USB keys that work? Would prefer 4gb+ but a 2gb, or even a 1gb at a push will do.

Luckily I have a 300gb USB HD, so I'll test the USB port on the BLT tomorrow. Just didn't want to muck around with power cables. Oh, ang on, also have a 128mb key banging about somewhere. Will try that one out.

Cheers

Ps. Oh, the key is the Corsair Memory 4GB USB2 Flash Voyager

I record TV shows with my Windows Media Center PC. When streamed to the BLT the voice and video are not in synchronization...voice lags the video. Problem is isolated to the Media Center PC video. I've sent an inquiry off to Buffalo, but thought someone may have encountered this problem and looking for suggestions.

OK, it really is just an unsupported codec. AVS Video Converter showed it as video=MainConcept DV Codec 2.0.4 and audio=DVAudio. I converted it to XviD MPEG-4 and MP3 and now it plays perfectly. As well as being 1/8th the size.

Steve.

I am working with my home videos too. I can use Auto GK to make Xvid but I am trying to find the best capture method. What is you proceedure?

Steven

I am working with my home videos too. I can use Auto GK to make Xvid but I am trying to find the best capture method. What is you proceedure?

Steven

What do you mean by "capture method"? Sorry to be so dense...

Steve.

What do you mean by "capture method"? Sorry to be so dense...

Steve.

Sorry, may not be the right term. How do you get the video from the camcorder to the computer then convert to Xvid?

Sorry, may not be the right term. How do you get the video from the camcorder to the computer then convert to Xvid?

Oh, I see. We have a Canon Elura 85 DV Camcorder. Connected via Firewire to a PC running XP SP2. Using Windows Movie Maker to capture the video from the camcorder as Digital device format (DV-AVI) - this is uncompressed and results in about 1GB disk space per 5 minutes of video. Then I run this through AVS Video Converter using the XviD profile. My last 25 minute video shrank from 5GB to 825MB. The result plays very nicely through the BLT.

Steve.

First, my question: I use this on a standard 4:3 NTSC television. My video sources are either Tivo VOBs or ripped DVD VOBs from DVD Decryptor (and AnyDVD). The one thing I really don't like is the way the BLT vertically stretches all the widescreen shows so everything is skinny. I have read through hundreds of posts and searched, but can't seem to find any previous discussion on this. It would be handy to selectively tell the BLT to NOT stretch the content. Any ideas or suggestions?????

Now my general impressions: I've had the BLT for about 5 months now. I generally love it, but I only watch video on it. I once tried the Internet, a waste. I really haven't played with the Photos or Music section, so can't comment. What I would ideally like is a small box without the DVD that performs the video streaming, including STRETCH selection, a better directory interface, and comment blocks for your various files (used when you forgot what a movie was about). Also the FF and FR need real improvement. Generally though, considering it is a new technology, I am happy with it, but would be happier if I could watch UNSTRETCHED movies.

Thanks!

Ok no luck with info for the USB key problem I have (will send back straight away), so can people who use USB keys (pens) with the BLT post the info for the devices they use (along with storage size)? Would be a useful list for new BLT owners. Unless one already exists. If so then please point me at it.

Cheers

First, my question: I use this on a standard 4:3 NTSC television. My video sources are either Tivo VOBs or ripped DVD VOBs from DVD Decryptor (and AnyDVD). The one thing I really don't like is the way the BLT vertically stretches all the widescreen shows so everything is skinny. I have read through hundreds of posts and searched, but can't seem to find any previous discussion on this. It would be handy to selectively tell the BLT to NOT stretch the content. Any ideas or suggestions?????


Go to the Setup Options screen on the BLT. There are aspect ratio options you can pick there. Should solve your problem... also, make sure you have selected the right TV Mode.

Why can the BLT show cd covers but not dvd covers?

Just found my iPod (5g HD effort) works through the USB port and plays video with no worries. Tops. So this made me look away from USB keys to USB drives, but more like the small ones that use USB to power them (rather than annoying power cables).

Anyway, I noticed that Buffalo also do the MiniStation and the LinkStation. Now all I really want is to have minimum amount of cables and fuss from a device as a alternative to streaming from a permenantly on PC.

From what I can see the MiniStation should suit my needs fine as either I can directly plug it into the BLT with USB (and no power cable) or into a PC with USB. One cable, no fuss. ie. no multiple power cables with brick transformers etc. Great.

On the other hand the linkstation is designed to replace the PC right? Not bad, but I also want a backup in case wireless is slow (I have 5 other devices on the wireless network), or simply down for some reason. But it's wireless. So can I instead plug it into the BLT all the time via USB (plugged into power obviously) and use it as an external drive, and then connect using 54g wireless from the surrounding PC's to transfer the files? ie. it never moves from the BLT's USB port (so don't need wireless to play), but the files will transfer via wireless so I don't have to drag the drive across the room.

Cheers

Go to the Setup Options screen on the BLT. There are aspect ratio options you can pick there. Should solve your problem... also, make sure you have selected the right TV Mode.

Thanks for your response! However, I've tried that. I've tried various combinations of "TV Type" (4:3 LB or 4:3 PanScan) and "Video Zoom" and the "Zoom" button. TV mode is "Composite/S-Video". Nothing helps. Reading through the forum, some people have complained about VOBs not filling their HD screens and were told that the Zoom would fix that. My problem is opposite, I have a standard screen and don't want the picture stretched.

I wonder why the DVDs work fine, but their ripped VOBs don't with respect to aspect ratio?

Help!

I wonder why the DVDs work fine, but their ripped VOBs don't with respect to aspect ratio?

Help!

I've never seen that problem. It has to be something you are doing when you rip them. Double check all of your settings. I don't know what else could cause it because the BLT reads VOB's the same either way.

I wonder why the DVDs work fine, but their ripped VOBs don't with respect to aspect ratio?
From what I can tell, the screen shape selection in the BLT setup menu is only used for the actual DVD player function. Playback of regular old MPEG-2 files from network or USB sources completely ignores the aspect ratio field in the MPEG-2 GOP headers, so all ripped DVD content will appear the wrong shape, regardless of your TV shape. (Both 4x3 and 16x9 DVD content are encoded as 720x480 MPEG-2 and tagged with the correct playback aspect ratio; DVD players read the tag and stretch the video appropriately, but the BLT ignores the tag when playing back VOB files.)

This is something that is pretty inexcusable, since the MPEG-2 pixel aspect ratio field is pretty widely used and pretty darn important! Brian, would you care to pass on this complaint to your development team?

Also, I haven't tried this yet, but I would bet the BLT ignores the PAR (pixel aspect ratio) of MPEG-4 streams too. That's not as commonly used, though, so it's slightly more forgivable (but still inexcusable).

Also, I haven't tried this yet, but I would bet the BLT ignores the PAR (pixel aspect ratio) of MPEG-4 streams too. That's not as commonly used, though, so it's slightly more forgivable (but still inexcusable).Sadly, the lack of "aspect ratio signalling" detection (which is embedded within the MPEG-1, 2 and 4 bit-stream) seems to be a generic issue with all versions of the Syabas firmware...

This is one of the main reasons why I didn't want to buy a device running Syabas firmware!


Cheers

I would like to hear some of you geniuses expound on this aspect ration problem.

I was one of the original BLT purchasers and have followed these threads since day one.

Where did you guys come up with this problem???? My ripped DVD's play flawlessly on both my 61" Samsung and my 62" Mits.

The ONLY issue left in my book is the pause between VOBs. The cover art would be a big bonus. But I just want to see the best picture I can and the BLT excells at that.

I would like to hear some of you geniuses expound on this aspect ration problem.

I was one of the original BLT purchasers and have followed these threads since day one.

Where did you guys come up with this problem???? My ripped DVD's play flawlessly on both my 61" Samsung and my 62" Mits.

The ONLY issue left in my book is the pause between VOBs. The cover art would be a big bonus. But I just want to see the best picture I can and the BLT excells at that.

I have never had problems with ripped VOBs aspect ratios either. I also suspect settings in ripping software. The last big problem for me is the overscan which is very bothersome when viewing pictures.

You do have to toggle the zoom button when viewing anamorphic 16x9 video on my widescreen TV.

Where did you guys come up with this problem???? My ripped DVD's play flawlessly on both my 61" Samsung and my 62" Mits.
If you use a combination of "Full Screen" zoom on the BLT and "Full" wide mode on your 16x9 TV, then yes, ripped 16x9 VOBs will be displayed on your TV in the correct aspect ratio because the BLT outputs the video to fill the full video frame, and the TV stretches the video signal to fill the screen, which is 16x9, so all is good and happy. Likewise, when playing a 4x3 VOB, you can set your widescreen HDTVs to 4x3 mode, and the "Full Screen" zoomed output from the BLT is reshaped by the TV to 4x3 and all looks fine. The point is that it's your TV doing the stretching; the BLT is ignoring the aspect ratio signaling in the VOB and just outputting the video to fill the whole video frame.

Actually doing it that way should result in the best picture since every bit of the video frame is being used by the BLT to send useful picture information. You just have the slight annoyance of having to manually select the right stretching mode on your TV.

The problem comes for people with older 4x3 TVs that have no stretching modes. Playing a 4x3 VOB is possible by selecting "Full Screen" zoom on the BLT, which stretches the video to fill the entire video frame, which the TV displays as 4x3, and so the video looks right. However, there is no way to display a 16x9 VOB on such a TV because the TV has no stretching modes and the BLT provides only two options: preserve the aspect ratio of the source (which it thinks is 1.5:1 because VOBs are 720x480) or stretch the source to fill the entire frame, which will make the VOB, which was supposed to be displayed in a 16x9 shape, appear squished due to actually being displayed in a 4x3 shape.

Indeed, the only way 16x9 VOBs could properly be displayed on a 4x3 TV would be if the BLT had a "Force 16x9" zoom mode, which it sadly doesn't have, or if it would just pick up on the darn pixel aspect ratio signaling embedded in the MPEG bitstream. It's a case of selective (read, partial) implementation of the standard. *sigh*

If you use a combination of "Full Screen" zoom on the BLT and "Full" wide mode on your 16x9 TV, then yes, ripped 16x9 VOBs will be displayed on your TV in the correct aspect ratio because the BLT outputs the video to fill the full video frame, and the TV stretches the video signal to fill the screen, which is 16x9, so all is good and happy. Likewise, when playing a 4x3 VOB, you can set your widescreen HDTVs to 4x3 mode, and the "Full Screen" zoomed output from the BLT is reshaped by the TV to 4x3 and all looks fine. The point is that it's your TV doing the stretching; the BLT is ignoring the aspect ratio signaling in the VOB and just outputting the video to fill the whole video frame.

Actually doing it that way should result in the best picture since every bit of the video frame is being used by the BLT to send useful picture information. You just have the slight annoyance of having to manually select the right stretching mode on your TV.

The problem comes for people with older 4x3 TVs that have no stretching modes. Playing a 4x3 VOB is possible by selecting "Full Screen" zoom on the BLT, which stretches the video to fill the entire video frame, which the TV displays as 4x3, and so the video looks right. However, there is no way to display a 16x9 VOB on such a TV because the TV has no stretching modes and the BLT provides only two options: preserve the aspect ratio of the source (which it thinks is 1.5:1 because VOBs are 720x480) or stretch the source to fill the entire frame, which will make the VOB, which was supposed to be displayed in a 16x9 shape, appear squished due to actually being displayed in a 4x3 shape.

Indeed, the only way 16x9 VOBs could properly be displayed on a 4x3 TV would be if the BLT had a "Force 16x9" zoom mode, which it sadly doesn't have, or if it would just pick up on the darn pixel aspect ratio signaling embedded in the MPEG bitstream. It's a case of selective (read, partial) implementation of the standard. *sigh*

BINGO! This is exactly my corrent problem. My 4:3 TV is 7 years old.

Indeed... This is inherent with Syabas devices!

If you play these MPEG-4 720x480 at 4.3 and 16.9 in .AVI (http://81.98.148.105/Uploaded_Files/AVS_Forum_files/MPEG-4_720x480_at_4.3_and_16.9.7z) test samples in succession you'll see what we mean ;)


Cheers

BINGO! This is exactly my corrent problem. My 4:3 TV is 7 years old.

Sounds like a good excuse to get a new TV. :)

My Sony 16x9 HDTV can not be zoomed in any way when it is receiving an HD signal.

If you use a combination of "Full Screen" zoom on the BLT and "Full" wide mode on your 16x9 TV, then yes, ripped 16x9 VOBs will be displayed on your TV in the correct aspect ratio because the BLT outputs the video to fill the full video frame, and the TV stretches the video signal to fill the screen, which is 16x9, so all is good and happy. *sigh*


Well, I was with you on this and going along at face value. Problem is there is a flaw in the ointment. I don't put my TV on wide. My TV stays on standard. It is 16x9, 720P.

The picture if set at full or whatever on the BLT.

I'm not arguing that 4x3 is problematic and most def it's time to upgrade.

I'm not arguing that 4x3 is problematic and most def it's time to upgrade.

Thanks everybody for their input on this topic. Perhaps when they designed the BLT, they assumed the typical purchaser would have High Def. Funny, I used to work in the video industry and couldn't wait to get High Def, but now I really don't want to shell out much money on a High Def TV yet. I want a flat screen and there are a couple of new technologies just entering the market that will vastly improve the picture quality, lifespan and power consumption. I tend to want to buy the best and if I'm going to shell over that much money, I want it to last at least 5 years with top notch quality.

Side note: has anybody here used ReadyNAS NV (or one of its sibliings) with the BLT?

Thanks all!

Not all high-def content is 16:9 (1.77:1).... There are plenty of film sources at 1.33:1


Cheers

Has anyone experienced playing a DVD on the L.T. and after a while the sound and the picture get out of sync?

Has anyone experienced playing a DVD on the L.T. and after a while the sound and the picture get out of sync?
Technically, that should be impossible since MPEG uses a timecode embedded in the bitstream to keep the audio and video tracks in sync. I'm pretty sure the DVD format wraps AC3 frames in a packet with a timecode as well. I doubt the BLT would ignore the timecodes since every single DVD player out there (even the cheap ones) track the timecode properly. The only thing I can think of is that your DVD actually was not mastered properly.

It is possible, as I have observed the AV sync problem on the BLT. I haven't experienced it since I upgraded to the last firmware, but I haven't watched many DVDs on it since I upgraded.

mwhitlock. Spent 3 hours Sat AM running cable down 3 stories to the family room and the BLT is running super, could not be happier, for the most part. Will continue to work a few bugs. 100Mpbs is the answer.

Had the BLT for a couple of weeks now. Using the 7.60 (?) firmware, still waiting for the link to the beta site. Mostly using it to serve up kid videos and home movies at the moment. Interface seems a little slow and clunky, but I'm just happy I can serve up pretty reliable wireless video. Coupla questions:

1. I use DVD Shrink to rip just the main movie into a single VOB. Almost every one I play back will go into some weird audio/video mode at one or more identical points in the movie - it's as if the BLT suddenly starts skipping frames. I can use the forward direction key to resync but pause/play doesn't work. If I run the VOB through VideoReDo then the resulting VOB plays fine, so I assume the BLT is being tripped by an error in the transfer. Known bug? Fixed in any of the betas?

2. I can play back using the PC server or our TeraStation. When I use the TeraStation, select a movie and hit play then I see a message like "Play 1 of 6" where 6 is the number of movies in the chosen directory. The BLT plays the selected movie and then starts playing the others. Doesn't happen when I play via the PC. Am I missing something obvious here?

Thanks,
Steve.

Has anyone experienced playing a DVD on the L.T. and after a while the sound and the picture get out of sync?

I haven't noticed the problem while playing a DVD, but did have the problem when playing a video file from my PC. At times it would be off by more than a second. If I rapidly paused and un-paused the playback several times it would seem to sync up again, but then start to drift again after a few minutes. Strange.

1. I use DVD Shrink to rip just the main movie into a single VOB. Almost every one I play back will go into some weird audio/video mode at one or more identical points in the movie - it's as if the BLT suddenly starts skipping frames. I can use the forward direction key to resync but pause/play doesn't work. If I run the VOB through VideoReDo then the resulting VOB plays fine, so I assume the BLT is being tripped by an error in the transfer. Known bug? Fixed in any of the betas?

2. I can play back using the PC server or our TeraStation. When I use the TeraStation, select a movie and hit play then I see a message like "Play 1 of 6" where 6 is the number of movies in the chosen directory. The BLT plays the selected movie and then starts playing the others. Doesn't happen when I play via the PC. Am I missing something obvious here?



1. I believe one of the posts much earlier in this thread states that the problem is in the Sigma chip that is used. I find this a problem in a minority of DVDs, mainly from DVDs from Disney, Star Wars, and a few others.

2. Hitting "play" in a folder will play all the files in that folder in sequence. If you want to play just one, navigate to it and hit "enter".

Hi,

may someone can help me a bit with troubleshooting of mv linktheater.

any button i press on my remotecontrol, linktheater tells me "invalid".
i switched power on/off and removed power-cable too alreadj and
put in again. nothing changes.
just when pressing "refresh" on remotecontrol then few seconds
screen switches.

on start i get connected alwajs on PCAST.

anyone can help me maybe?

thx in advance

Blazinek

What is the latest firware version?

When I do a search for updates of firmware the system reports there are no new updates, is this correct or is my system blocking the call?

My LT tells me it is using firmware...
08-32-050711-02-LTI-254-000

Also have there been any advances on the "would like it to play IFO files straight of the HD" I am currently creating one large VOB file but I lose chapter information and extras.

Thanks
Simon

1. I believe one of the posts much earlier in this thread states that the problem is in the Sigma chip that is used. I find this a problem in a minority of DVDs, mainly from DVDs from Disney, Star Wars, and a few others.

2. Hitting "play" in a folder will play all the files in that folder in sequence. If you want to play just one, navigate to it and hit "enter".


1. Thanks, that explains why I keep hitting the problem, too many Disney movies - just have to keep using VideoReDo I guess. The pain with that is that it effectively doubles the rip time. But it's survivable :)

2. "enter" seems to work exactly the same as "play" when using the server in the TeraStation - plays everything in the current folder starting with the currently selected movie. When using the PC server I get just the selected movie. Again, it's survivable.

If these are the only problems I hit then I'm happy with this device.

Steve.

My girld friend just got me a BLT for my birthday yesterday, I love the concept, but i'm having some issues, hopefully they are simple fixes.

I've got the system setup, I can stream Audio/video no problem so far, but I'm having an issue with looking at my photos.

I've updated the firmware and to the latest linkserver software.

1. Going to photos from the BLT i see the many folders of images (all jpg from a variety of digi-cams) some show thumbnails others don't. going into a folder i see nothing, just a 'map' of empty boxes. clicking one acts like it loads an image but its blank.

2. Linktheater software after doubleclicking just opens and shows hour glass, rebooting doesn't fix.

3. is there anyways to get the listing of my music (well over 30000 songs) to be easier to navigate than just alphabetical, a itunes style interface or something?

Thanks for any and all help!

Mike

Does one need both the LinkStation and the LinkTheater to play videos and music from their PC? I am wanting to get the LT and was curious if it came with the LS or if that was a separate purchase. They are listed together in the diagram on Buffalo's website, but there is no mention of whether both are included or not. I apologize if this has been addressed before, but I didn't want to read through all 73 pages. Thanks!
-shane

No you don't need both, just the LT will do, I just bought one and it hooks up to the PC just fine (Windows XP). I am having some issues with it though, but am overall happy. Try other media servers on the PC though, you may be happier with them, ie. SwissCenter. thats the only other i've tried so far and seems to be a huge improvment over the one provided by Buffalo.

Thanks a lot Balance337. That information helps. Also, I read on a post earlier about getting on BrianV's firmware email list or something like that. Is that through Buffalo's website or something available on this forum? Thanks!
-shane

sorry, it won't let me post a real link cause i'm a new member
so...the middle is verenkoff take a guess at what goes before and after it...

Thanks again Balance! Although I'm not sure what to put before or after it. Is it somewhere in the forum that I could be directed to? Like a page number or something? Thanks.
-shane

disregard my last email. i ended up going through previous pages to see if i could find anything. i was thinking of an email address, which led to my confusion. it's all good in the hood now. thanks for the help.

No problem, guess i oculd have just typed two more posts an then been all set.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lupe
Has anyone experienced playing a DVD on the L.T. and after a while the sound and the picture get out of sync?
Technically, that should be impossible since MPEG uses a timecode embedded in the bitstream to keep the audio and video tracks in sync. I'm pretty sure the DVD format wraps AC3 frames in a packet with a timecode as well. I doubt the BLT would ignore the timecodes since every single DVD player out there (even the cheap ones) track the timecode properly. The only thing I can think of is that your DVD actually was not mastered properly.

There actually is a problem with the LT. I have experienced the loss of sync several times while watching a DVD on various rented DVDs. Prior posts will also confirm that this isn't that uncommon with the LT. I experienced it after upgrading my firmware to the latest. Other users have also suggested that they experienced the same issue after upgrading. As mwhitlock suggests, this shouldn't happen, unfortunately, it does.

Does anybody have any clue as to when new FW might be available? It seems to me that with all its problems, we would see shorter build cycles.

Thanks!

There actually is a problem with the LT. I have experienced the loss of sync several times while watching a DVD on various rented DVDs. Prior posts will also confirm that this isn't that uncommon with the LT. I experienced it after upgrading my firmware to the latest. Other users have also suggested that they experienced the same issue after upgrading. As mwhitlock suggests, this shouldn't happen, unfortunately, it does.

Does anybody have any clue as to when new FW might be available? It seems to me that with all its problems, we would see shorter build cycles.

Thanks!

Thanks for confirming this. Its not just me. I found a quick workaround (not a solution by any means). If you fast forward or go backwords for a couple of secs. it re-syncs the audio and video. I as well look forward to the next FW. Because of the delay I just moved onto the Sonos streaming solution just to get some of the music codecs I want.

Hopefully a really easy and dumb question...

I got my LT today, 1 of 5 I hope to install.

Tried to plug into a standard TV with composite connections...LT gets to "Log In" on the unit...but no display

Tried to plug into a my 50" plamse via component...and get to "Log In" on the LT as well...but no picture on the tube. Instructions indicate hitting "TV Mode" and "Enter"...and get no response.

Yes everything is plugged in...even change the remote batteries...remote works fine b/c it powers the unit up/down and opens/closes.

Called Buffalo Tech support and they indicated a product specialist will call me. I asked for BrianV :)

This message goes back about a year; however I am having the same issue. Does anyone have a fix for the LT not displaying on a composite feed? I have the composite Out RCA connector on the LT connected to the Composite In on my TV set. I tried pressing the TV and Enter buttons on the remote as mentioned on page 11 of the manual under "TV Mode" but still no picture. If I select Ch2 I do see a ghosted out of sync image of the LT login screen.

Most, but not all of my mp3 files are VBR, but the problem occurs even with the CBR ones, as well as WMA (all CBR), and WAV (uncompressed) files. I don't know off hand what firmware version I've got loaded at the moment, but the problem has been unchanged regardless of the various firmwares I've had. I have also tried music playback on another unit of the BLT, and it had the same problems, so it's not something unique to my machine.

Between the stuttering playback and the clunky user interface for PCast, I've given up on the BLT being of any use for music play back, which, unfortunately, was the main reason I bought it.

I am a new LT user, but have spent something akin to half a lifetime recording my music library to WAV format files using MusicMatch Jukebox. I was dismayed when attempting to play them back using my LT resulted in the system locking up after one or two files completed playback.

I found that I could prevent the lockup from occurring by jumping to the next WAV file before the current one completed playing. This led me to believe it was an encoding issue with MusicMatch and/or an issue with the LT encoder itself.

The solution-> I was able to work around this issue by converting my MusicMatch WAV files to WAV files in another directory. This forced me to purchase another TeraStation to store the files in two locations, but alas I am able to listen to my WAV files in all their full-uncompressed glory without the LT locking up on me. To perform this conversion I used a product called Advanced WMA Workshop. It is easy to use, runs reliably and performs the conversions in batch. Skip this companies Fast Conversion program as it has major problems.

I hope this info helps others that may be experiencing WAV file, MusicMatch or lockup issues with the LT.

I am a new LT user, but have spent something akin to half a lifetime recording my music library to WAV format files using MusicMatch Jukebox. I was dismayed when attempting to play them back using my LT resulted in the system locking up after one or two files completed playback.

I found that I could prevent the lockup from occurring by jumping to the next WAV file before the current one completed playing. This led me to believe it was an encoding issue with MusicMatch and/or an issue with the LT encoder itself.

The solution-> I was able to work around this issue by converting my MusicMatch WAV files to WAV files in another directory. This forced me to purchase another TeraStation to store the files in two locations, but alas I am able to listen to my WAV files in all their full-uncompressed glory without the LT locking up on me. To perform this conversion I used a product called Advanced WMA Workshop. It is easy to use, runs reliably and performs the conversions in batch. Skip this companies Fast Conversion program as it has major problems.

I hope this info helps others that may be experiencing WAV file, MusicMatch or lockup issues with the LT.
If the files are going from WAV to WAV, what conversion is even going on? WAV files are basically just the raw PCM data for the audio. AFASIK, they don't have tags or other stuff that might muck up some devices. I have never had any of my WAV files lock up the BLT. They just suffered from the stuttering problem like all other audio files.

By the way, I use Exact Audio Copy (EAC) for all my extraction of CD audio to WAV files. It's not the easiest program to use, but it absolutely positively extracts the data correctly, and even has tools to confirm data extraction was bit-for-bit correct. Among audio folks around the world, it's the gold standard for extracting CD audio. Once you have the WAV files from EAC, you can use any audio organizing program you want.

By the way, I use Exact Audio Copy (EAC) for all my extraction of CD audio to WAV files. It's not the easiest program to use, but it absolutely positively extracts the data correctly, and even has tools to confirm data extraction was bit-for-bit correct. Among audio folks around the world, it's the gold standard for extracting CD audio. Once you have the WAV files from EAC, you can use any audio organizing program you want.

Good point! Also the LinkTheater needs support for "flac" files. The most common way to save lossless audio. This is a major missing feature.

By the way, I use Exact Audio Copy (EAC) for all my extraction of CD audio to WAV files. It's not the easiest program to use, but it absolutely positively extracts the data correctly, and even has tools to confirm data extraction was bit-for-bit correct. Among audio folks around the world, it's the gold standard for extracting CD audio. Once you have the WAV files from EAC, you can use any audio organizing program you want.

I have an EAC question for you. I'm trying to determine if my DVD rom drive is dying on me or if I just don't fully understand how EAC works.

In many cases I'll rip CD's in under 15-20 minutes. Nice and fast. I like. Great quality. However, a few of my discs have been taking a full, say, 12-14 hours to rip. Sometimes more, if I don't give up on it. Is this a common experience for anyone else? I figured, on a damaged, EAC might work an hour or maybe even two, but 12? 14? Seems like I have a problem

Hi,

These devices appear to be great and I am impressed with the support from Buffalo in the forum messages.

I am seriously considering purchasing two of these (one for living room, one for bedroom). There are 2 issues I've seen in this forum that were mentioned some time ago they may be resolved in firmware updates. Can anybody tell me if these are now working?

Mjpeg - Motion Jpeg - for example, my Canon digital camera makes AVI movies using this format. I want to be able to take the card out of the camera, put in USB adapter and show recent pics/movies to guests. I saw posts that Mjpeg is not (yet?) supported. Will there be/is there an update to the firmware to display it or to the software to transcode it?

Internet radio - I'm a Live365 fan and want to be able to setup stations to use this way. I saw posts and reviews that it isn't working for people?

Are any people using Windows 2000 for the server SW? My home server is currently a fast, but older win2k box. How have these worked out for folks?

Thanks!

Juan

I have an EAC question for you. I'm trying to determine if my DVD rom drive is dying on me or if I just don't fully understand how EAC works.

In many cases I'll rip CD's in under 15-20 minutes. Nice and fast. I like. Great quality. However, a few of my discs have been taking a full, say, 12-14 hours to rip. Sometimes more, if I don't give up on it. Is this a common experience for anyone else? I figured, on a damaged, EAC might work an hour or maybe even two, but 12? 14? Seems like I have a problem
One of the annoyances of EAC is that if it encounters an unreadable portion of data (maybe as small as a single bit or byte), in its effort to extract perfect data, it keeps trying and trying to read it. There are various settings that limits how many times it will try. One of these settings is EAC Options... -> Extraction tab -> Error recovery quality. I think there are also settings in Drive Options that affect this.

I have a couple of CDs (out of several hundred) that EAC just would not read a few tracks from. For those, I punted and used another program.

One of the annoyances of EAC is that if it encounters an unreadable portion of data (maybe as small as a single bit or byte), in its effort to extract perfect data, it keeps trying and trying to read it. There are various settings that limits how many times it will try. One of these settings is EAC Options... -> Extraction tab -> Error recovery quality. I think there are also settings in Drive Options that affect this.

I have a couple of CDs (out of several hundred) that EAC just would not read a few tracks from. For those, I punted and used another program.

Thanks for the insight. I do have some CD's that the DVD rom could not do anything with but a CD rom in another computer is ripping quickly. So I suspect something is fishy with the DVD rom. I have had the same thing with the "working" CD rom, where a CD didn't work in it, but it's much, much rarer.

I'm further annoyed that the "replace spaces with underscores" setting only works for the root file (file_name.flac, file_name.mp3, etc). If the file output includes a path (artist name\album name\file_name.flac), EAC leaves the spaces in everything up to the base filename.

Had been having issues with Buffalo from day 1. My biggest question is - should it play bloody WMV HD DVD's - IMAX ones? I was under impression that it should. For some reason mine player would only play trailers from those DVD's - and without a sound. Interestingly enough it did play the movie once - I couldn't figure out what have I done differently, but it was playing Dolphins in HD and with the awesome sound - but I was never that lucky again.
Same goes with Terminator 2 Extreme DVD - shouldn't that be playable on Buffalo? Or is it possible to streamline DVD from my DVD-rom? The LinkTheater software allow me to share my DVD-rom, but I don't see it in the Video folder of the player.
Their customer service suck to say the least - never was I able to get to talk to them when I am calling. They would put you on hold for 10 min or so and than finally would let you leave them a msg. They did return my call twice, but it was 2 weeks since I had asked them about WMV HD. THe guy didn't know the answer and was suppose to call me back - but I had never heard from him since. Also, I was promised new betta firmware upgrade - it had never arrived.
The unit that I have right now is going back to seller - this time I would only do an exchange. Those few HD DIVX trailers that I had seen looked gorgeous on my 106' screen. But for the bloody sakes - could they do some FAQ on their website or get better customer service?

Same goes with Terminator 2 Extreme DVD - shouldn't that be playable on Buffalo?
T2 Extreme Edition uses a software license to decrypt the HD WMV. This means that you can ONLY play it on the LinkTheater when it's shared by a computer running Microsoft's Windows Media Connect, which will handle the licensing. I don't believe the LinkTheater software can do this, and certainly it's not possible by reading the WMV from the LT's DVD drive.

So how do you make it to play through Buffalo with the output to the projector? I have my LT connected to the computer via CAT5 cable. Can see the disc in the DVD-rom, but it would not play it - I am able to see the content of the DVD while browsing it via Buffalo remote control - but simple clicking on the Video_TS folder doesn't help - it wouldn't play it. And I do have Windows Media Connect on my computer.
So what I am saying - I am able to play that DVD on my computer with the included on the DVD Interactual player- but how can I watch it on my projector screen? Same goes with WMD HD discks. I have around 10 of those IMAX movies with HD content - same story. I am able to play them on my computer, but the idea would be to watch them on the bigger screen.
And what is bothering me the most - the player itself played those IMAX DVD's once. Make me think that the unit itself might be defective. Anybody here tried those WMV HD discks on this player? According to their website it should be able to play WMV HD, but where else could you find those if not on those discs?
By the way - where do you people get HD files - are there any full HD DIVX movies available for a download? I had seen some of those Lost HD files on the eMule and Torrent - but is there a legal ways of getting them currently?
As far as Buffalo goes - nice idea, but implementation is awfull. Must be because of all those copyrights issues :mad: The unit simply isn't ready to be sold here - way too complicated for a usual end user like myself (lamer)

I just bought and connected my BLT up. It works ok, but there are some issues.

I am having a problem with outputting streamed pictures. Using Adobe Photoshop, I created a 720p image of Nubble Point and dropped it into the watched picture folder I setup.

The picture displays, but when I project ithe image using my Infocus SP5000 a lot of image corruption is visible. I spent a couple of days trying to understand what was happening to cause this and this morning I got the most unpleasant answer.

While the image was being displayed i clicked the info button on the remote. Status data displayed on the screen informing me my uncomressed 720p .TIF file on the server was now a 720x405 jpeg!

Apparently the LT doesn't actually work with TIF images, the server is compressing them and streaming them as jpegs. YUCK!!!!!

I consider this a bug, since the documentation claims to work with TIF images, and that does -not- mean corrupting them into lossy jpegs that are not HD.

If I creat a 720p TIF image, the unit should display a 720p TIF image. If I create a 1080p TIF, I expect a 1080p TIF.

Tonight I will attempt to make an umcompressed 720p jpeg and see what results I get. If I create 720p video content, will that play correctly?

Jay

Last night when I got home from work I created a 720p jpeg, and set the LT server software to use the actual image size. The LT displayed the picture as a 720p image.

The output quality is substantially better than with the 720x405, but it appears the image is being recompressed either by the server software or the client, even if it's already a jpeg.

Jay

Last night when I got home from work I created a 720p jpeg, and set the LT server software to use the actual image size. The LT displayed the picture as a 720p image.

The output quality is substantially better than with the 720x405, but it appears the image is being recompressed either by the server software or the client, even if it's already a jpeg.

Jay

I have been complaining about this from the beginning. The software also downsizes the file. Everyone knows you must never resave a jpg as another jpg or quality is lost. Some software engineer is trying to improve performance over quality. If you make a 1920x1080 picture the server software should send it to the LinkTheater without touching it. The bandwith can easily keep up with the slideshow.

The resized pictures are kept in My Documents\LinkTheater Library\Cache \Export even after you close the server program hogging space. It deletes them when you open the program. Why not when you close the program?

The pictures are also cropped because of an overscan problem.

Yeah, the bandwidth is definitely there, if the software can stream HD video. I havent tried that yet, perhaps this evening.

Has Buffalo responded to any of these issues? They haven't responded to my direct email to them yet.

That is not satisfactory either.

What we need is slideshow software for a PC to create a 1920X1080 video file to stream to the Buffalo. You would gain control over transitions and probably lose the ability to pause and zoom on a picture. I'd take that compromise.

I've sent mine back to the seller. Anybody could suggest something better than Buffalo? I am still going to give them a second chance with the replacement unit, but it appears to be too much for me - bad customer service, unit with too many bugs. I ccould only hope for a second generation to solve those issues.

Adobe Premiere Pro 2 can make HD slideshows for you. I made a test slideshow this morning. I made a 720p project with two slides 15 seconds each. A crossdissolve between them. Then I exported as an MPEG2 file (.MV2) and teh BLT played the file.

Some things I noticed: Streaming progress messages in the upperleft hand corner of the screen and the composition played longer than 30 seconds.

Does anyone know how to shut of those progress messages?

And how do you zoom in on a photo?

Lastly, another beef with DvD playback. Every single DvD I have played this week has "hiccupped" several times during playback. These hickups consist of one or two seconds of fast forward playback and garbled audio.

Still no answer to my email from the other day.

***************
Update 5-15-06
***************

The 12-77 firmware cured the problem with the buffering messages when playing back an HD .m2v. And, last night I viewed a 3+ hour long DvD and there were no hiccups. - Jay

*****************
UPDATE
****************

I have learned there is updated beta firmware that addresses these issues.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bltowners/join?yguid=152533443&finish=sub

and http://www.verenkoff.com

************************************************************ **

Adobe Premiere Pro 2 can make HD slideshows for you. I made a test slideshow this morning. I made a 720p project with two slides 15 seconds each. A cross dissolve between them. Then I exported as an MPEG2 file (.M2V) and the BLT played the file.

Some things I noticed: Streaming progress messages in the upper left hand corner of the screen and the composition played longer than 30 seconds.

Does anyone know how to shut of those progress messages?

And how do you zoom in on a photo?

Lastly, another beef with DvD playback. Every single DvD I have played this week has "hiccupped" several times during playback. These hiccups consist of one or two seconds of fast forward video playback and garbled audio. Anyone know how to fix this?




Still no answer to my email from the other day.

[QUOTE=Ajbolit]Had been having issues with Buffalo from day 1. My biggest question is - should it play bloody WMV HD DVD's - IMAX ones?

Buffalo and linkplayer can playback the wmv hd dvd's that HDNet sells...
they are listed in the store section of their website.

I just went to my local Bic Camera electronics store here in Tokyo and lo & behold... not one, but two 2nd generation Wireless LinkTheaters! Needless to say, I picked up a Buffalo brochure and did a quick check on the Buffalo Japan website.

Looks like they are promoting DLNA networking as well as better music fidelity. Let's hope this means they finally fixed the stuttering issue and other bugs once and for all, although I've been quite happy with the Japanese firmware on my 1st generation BLT. Not TOO many glitches.

I'd imagine these will start appearing worldwide soon as there really isn't any difference between the Japan & world 1st gen models.

Model #s are:
PC-P3LWG2/DVD (28,800 yen in-store)
PC-P3LWGK/DVD (no price in-store but about 4000 yen more in the catalogue)

Since I'm a new member, can't post the URL, but Google & translate away at the above model #s.

This model looks like the original one I own. Even the remote is the same.

Since I'm a new member, can't post the URL, but Google & translate away at the above model #s.
Here's the URL of the new products on the Buffalo Japan web site:
http://buffalo.jp/products/new/2005/000218.html

The only English site that shows up with info on these is:
http://www.japaninc.net/newsletters/index.html?list=gw&issue=234
(scroll down to Buffalo item)

Coincidentally, I happen to be in Tokyo on a business trip as I am writing this. If I have a chance, I might stop at the big Yodobashi store in Shinjuku to see if they have the new models in stock.

Here's the URL of the new products on the Buffalo Japan web site:
http://buffalo.jp/products/new/2005/000218.html

Actually, the first 2 products mentioned in this press release are identical to the current products, nothing with them has changed. The PC-P3LAN2 is the wired version of the regular Buffalo LinkTheater (only sold in Japan I believe), and the PC-P3LWG2 is the Wired & Wireless version.

The only new product is the PC-P3LWGK/DVD. It seems to be a higher quality audio version of the PC-P3LWG2, and has received a couple of good reviews from Japanese Hi-fi mags. One of the mags (http://www.stereosound.co.jp/hivi/detail/newsheadline_437.html) mentions the following 3 advantages:
"1) It has a proprietary anti-vibration & error reduction system to reduce noise and improve analog audio output, when playing from a CD/DVD.
2) It is using a solid aluminum condenser chip (OS-CON) from Sanyo to improve the audio output from the analog out port.
3) For analog output it uses a new analog noise reduction circuit. Particularly for areas with a lot of computer peripherals, where analog noise may be an issue."
(very rough translation...)

The other article (http://www.phileweb.com/products/buffalo/) just basically talks about how Buffalo is positioning themselves as a provider of AV products, rather than just a provider of computer peripherals.

Other than the above noted improved audio performance for analog output, there seems to be nothing else new. It is still using the same Sigma chip as the others, and has no new audio output ports so IMHO it's nothing to get too excited about, especially for those of us that have already gone digital and are using the optical or digital outputs.

It will list for around $310 US, but will probably sell on the street for about $250 US. I recently picked up a PC-P3LAN2 for about $130 US new from a local electronics shop (here in Japan), so make up your own minds as to whether the additional features are worth it.

Ian.

Updating the browser to play embedded media would be fantastic.

To view Quicktime trailers via Apple website, Realmedia content on BBC?

I expect this would need more than a firmware update, though... A must for the next Buffalo player.

I'm looking hard at this though. My main prerequisite is wide file support. I expect anything like this to support Divx,Xvid,Mpeg2 and Mpeg 4. How does it do with older MPeg(mpg?) Files. How about Older AVi's?

I read a few comments that it has a buffering problems?

Just got mine... still setting it up but a little buggy. Is there no audio support for WMV-HD files? I get no audio from any of the ones I DLed from Microsoft.

ash =o)

Just recieved the BL a few days ago. Just very satisfied for what i need it to do. Is there any plugin or third party apps to view moves by cover art. I stream all my movies from my comp. Thanks

If I have an external HD connected via USB to the player, can I access the drive through my home network? If so, does anyone know how? (or even point me in the right direction)

If I have an external HD connected via USB to the player, can I access the drive through my home network? If so, does anyone know how? (or even point me in the right direction)

No -- none of the Sigma based players allow that.

I have a 320GB HDD in an external enclosure will it be alright for me to partition like 100 GB to FAT32 and the BLT will read it?

Just got mine... still setting it up but a little buggy. Is there no audio support for WMV-HD files? I get no audio from any of the ones I DLed from Microsoft.

ash =o)

Those files use WMA 9 Pro, an all digital codec like AC3/DTS/Dolby. It passes the native WMA9 Pro file to your receiver for playback. If your receiver doesn't have WMA 9 Pro codec support then you won't hear audio. If you use analog stereo cables, the LinkTheater will demux to analog stereo on those files.

Does anyone know if the 13-82-060703 firmware still does DVD upconversion? I'm on the 12-77-060218 firmware right now, and I'm hesitant to upgrade for fear of losing DVD upconversion.

mwhitlock, it does, and worst case is you could downgrade back to 12-77 if you don't like the updates.

Brian,

1) would it be possible to display Video files (folders) just like picture setup?
I have lots of movies and I dropped .jpg files into each of them (cover of the movie) when I scroll through them it would be nice for image to show up beside the name just like you select image from the picture folders. I tried to do it myself, but noticed that perhaps its coded in .class to output (thumbnails).

2) are there any other skins out there?

3) ISSUE: using latest firmware 13-82-060703-03 & PC Software 1.6 (using wired connection) when I play MP3s and select play all entire folder, after few songs it stops. Did anyone else notice that?

Thanks
Proud owner of BLT since its first days!!!

mwhitlock, it does, and worst case is you could downgrade back to 12-77 if you don't like the updates.
Thanks, Brian. I didn't know if the LT would refuse to downgrade its firmware like a lot of devices.

Brian,

1) would it be possible to display Video files (folders) just like picture setup?
I have lots of movies and I dropped .jpg files into each of them (cover of the movie) when I scroll through them it would be nice for image to show up beside the name just like you select image from the picture folders. I tried to do it myself, but noticed that perhaps its coded in .class to output (thumbnails).

2) are there any other skins out there?

3) ISSUE: using latest firmware 13-82-060703-03 & PC Software 1.6 (using wired connection) when I play MP3s and select play all entire folder, after few songs it stops. Did anyone else notice that?

Thanks
Proud owner of BLT since its first days!!!

I don't think this generation product will see your update request for #1, but I'll se e if they'll change the PC software to support it.

No additional skins.

I'll look into the play all issue.

Thanks