Mediagate MG-35 -- new firmware available [Text View]

jwtseng

09-16-05, 09:12 AM

The MG-35 units from globalcomputer have cleared customs (presumably on the 13th) and will be in their warehouses on Monday. Apparently they will be issuing call tags for drop-shipment directly from their California warehouse. Bob said that since I'm in San Jose, that I should get my order faster this way instead of waiting for the units to arrive at the Illinois warehouse.

Of note...Bob has been asking me about other units such as the TVIX as well as a more recently surfaced Ximeta Mediashare mini. It sure sounds like more and more of these units are making it to US shores. I was thinking that these units were kind of "illegal" because of the way they took the unencrypted DVD stream and sent it around a network. Of course, I'm hoping that they all play IFOs and not just VOB files.

I'll keep you posted on the MG-35

Music Fanatic

09-17-05, 02:23 AM

jwtseng

09-20-05, 11:25 PM

On a whim, I typed in my order number on globalcomputer.com's order status. Bob told me that I wouldn't be able to track my order online, but it definitely pulls up in the system. I just can't log in to see tracking information because I don't have a customer account set up in the system. But the order status definitely says "To Drop Shipper" and mentions "7 to 10 days" for arrival time.

I'm going to try to get a tracking number from Bob tomorrow.

whizmale

09-21-05, 02:18 AM

Does anyone know if there is a wireless version of this?

I am very interested in the product but dont have a network in my apartment.

I would like to use wireless to upload the media files to the drive.

thx
wz

jwtseng

09-21-05, 08:48 AM

I believe there are wireless versions up and coming. I think wireless would work fine with accessing media files (streaming video, etc), but uploading files might still best be done with the USB 2.0 interface. I'm not even sure what size HD comes inside the MG-35. Maybe no HD at all! I'm planning on using it with my NAS anyway.

jwtseng

09-21-05, 09:47 PM

Well, seems like we hit a bump in the road. I got a message from Bob at globalcomputer.com. Despite previous information and the website status and all, it seems like the MG-35's are still stuck in customs waiting for some forms to be submitted by the manufacturer. Bob says that they have 1000 units coming. I'll keep you posted.

Dana C

09-22-05, 10:40 AM

Globalcomputer now has 1000 Mediagate M-35 in stock in the US.
I already recieved 2 Mediagates M-35 today.

Special order only- not advertised on site:Call Bob Szafranek, 800-835-2585 x2237

Look out for the Mediashare mini smaller version of Mediagate M-35

MoG

09-22-05, 01:34 PM

Dana,
What do you think of the M-35?

jwtseng

09-22-05, 01:58 PM

Great! I just called globalcomputer and got my tracking number. I'll have the MG-35 in my hands tomorrow! I'm going to set it up to stream IFO DVDs from my Buffalo Terastation right away!

justlnluck

09-22-05, 03:06 PM

How much did you guys pay for the Mediagate M-35? It now goes for $250.

jwtseng

09-22-05, 03:14 PM

You're being quoted $250 from globalcomputer.com??? I placed my order for $205 plus shipping...about $216 total. When I last spoke to Bob, he was talking about raising the price to the retail price of $250. Glad I got in before the raise.

mauricef

09-22-05, 04:15 PM

I just got an email from Shop4 that the price has been dropped to $199 and they were crediting me the difference.

Maurice

Mbugs

09-22-05, 06:31 PM

Shop4Tech has this MediaGate MG-35 Video/Audio/Photo Player for $199 - 10% code PS10 [Exp 9/24] = $179 with free shipping.

Anyone with any reviews of this would be appreciated (i.e. Can it stream IFO files from a NAS?)

Dana C

09-23-05, 09:52 AM

I spoke to Bob regarding Shop4Techs price drop on the Mediagate M-35 and they are addressing the matter today.
For more info on Shop4Tech call Bob direct at 1-866-310-1997 for pricing issues.

whizmale

09-23-05, 11:28 AM

Looking forward to any reviews.

Does anyone know if the MG has the ability to copy files between the internal drive and a NAS without a PC? i.e does it have some kind of file explorer you can control with the remote?

I am thinking since I dont have a wired net I could load up a USB external via my PC upstairs and have the MG copy the files from the USB to a NAS.

thx
wz

jwtseng

09-23-05, 11:31 AM

Dana C.... thanks for the update. Called Bob about the pricing issues....he says he got the thumbs down for price adjustments from his higher ups. They're in the process of negotiating with the manufacturer on pricing as well. He mentioned a lowered price of $199, which really isn't that far off from the $205 that I paid. I've bought from Shop4Tech in the past, and they're a pretty good place to deal with. But since I'm in California, I'd have to pony up sales tax, so for me it's not too different on price.

Any early reports on IFO network play???

Dana C

09-23-05, 11:51 AM

I'm still testing it's other features and currently waiting on a reply from Airlink Tech regarding IFO DVD Streaming..

The unit is a small compact enclosure, very easy to tranport. After I fully test it this weekend in a true recording studio enviornment with it's S/PDIF Optical output and S-Video, I'll be able to report the full brunt of what the M-35 can do. I can, however tell you this, I currently use another product that I believe has been made by Airlink Tech for Ximeta called the NetDISK , and it has ethernet abilities too. I've had it for a year and must say, it too is an outstanding NAS drive and for only $170 with 120GB drive included. I was able to save my company 4k over highend NAS storage devices.

I plan to purchase 10 Mediagates after serious testing this weekend for the recording studio so that each studio can access, manipulate both Audio and Video content not to mention storage.

I plan to purchase serveral Mediashare minis too when they hit the market this month.

Dana C

09-23-05, 02:12 PM

It enables you to do file surfing from multiple sources on TV using a remote controller.
I havent seen any feature that allows you to copy between other devices while useing the remote when it's connected to a TV. I'm still testing it.

jwtseng

09-23-05, 03:58 PM

My MG-35 has been delivered to my home just in time for the weekend! I'll definitely try to have some concrete results to share on IFO network streaming later tonight.

Erik Garci

09-23-05, 04:48 PM

jwtseng,

I'm looking forward to reading your report.

By the way, what firmware version is it using? Do you plan to upgrade to 1.4.0?

jwtseng

09-23-05, 05:57 PM

I'll probably get the basic lay of the land on the unit's functionality before applying any firmware updates. I'll definitely check to see which version it comes with, though. I'm still at work for today!

jwtseng

09-24-05, 01:57 AM

Okay everyone!

The MG-35 works as advertised! It's a fairly sturdy unit...basically an empty enclosure with a few neat-looking LEDs that can be turned off if desired. I basically plugged it in to power, ethernet, and component video and optical audio and BAM -- it just works. Found my Terastation NAS and was able to list all the VIDEO_TS folders on it (albeit in some strange non-alphabetical order). A couple clicks later with the included credit card style remote and I was playing DVD video with full menu IFO navigation!!! The video and audio quality is more than acceptable to me. I have the MG-35 putting out 720p over component with dolby digital sound to my receiver. DTS tracks seem to stutter a little, but it's probably related to my LAN setup. So this little box is doing everything I currently asked for in terms of streaming IFO DVD network play. All without any configuration on my part! A hearty thumbs up from me! Now I'm off to program it into my Harmony 880 remote.

jwtseng

09-24-05, 01:59 AM

BTW, firmware out of the box is 1.3.2, I believe. I'll get around to updating it one of these days. I haven't really tried out the other functions like music play and photo play. I don't figure I'll use these functions much at all. The simplicity of the box is quite amazing...makes you wonder why all these other "media players" just don't get it.

Dana C

09-24-05, 07:32 AM

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

(The above information is from the 3.5 Play DVD Files instruction page(43) from the Mediagate M-35 manual)

And yes, I do confirm that it plays IFO files

jwtseng

09-24-05, 10:57 AM

Yes, the MG-35 plays DVD rips with full IFO navigation intact over my network!!! It's great! Interestingly, ALtech now lists a MG-35N player that looks pretty cool.

I have just updated my firmware from 1.3.2 to 1.4.0. The biggest improvement that I have noticed is that now my lists of DVD movies is now in alphabetical order!!! Before they were just in some kind of random order (maybe modification date). Update was easy and straightforward. No problems thusfar!

Erik Garci

09-24-05, 11:42 AM

Thanks for the reports!

As far as I can tell, the only difference between the MG-35 (http://mediagate.co.kr/english/prod_mg35.htm) and MG-35N (http://mediagate.co.kr/english/prod_mg35n.htm) is the enclosure.

According to a post on another forum (http://www.planetaudio.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=514&page=3&pp=10), version 1.4.0 adds support for ISO playback. So whether you have IFO files or an ISO file, the MG-35 can play them.

whizmale

09-24-05, 08:38 PM

Does any one know what kind of codec the MG-35 has? Can they be ugraded whn new version come out? What video player are they using, can this or the UI be customized?

I am thinking of getting one for the kids but would need the ability to see pictues of the movie , click on the picure and play the movie.

thx
wz

Requis

09-25-05, 10:34 PM

[QUOTE=I am thinking of getting one for the kids but would need the ability to see pictues of the movie , click on the picure and play the movie.

thx
wz[/QUOTE]

Me Too !

Cheers,

Requis

Dana C

09-26-05, 10:54 AM

I have some preliminary results on the Mediagate M-35.

After inserting the hard drive which is very easy, unscrew four large screws on the ventilated side of the M-35 and slide the cover off the enclosure- very easy and simple.

I decided to connect it directly up to my HDTV and used a Netgear XE102 Ethernet adapter to connect it to my home network.

I then powered on the TV and then the M-35.

I setup the M-35 to use video 4 using the supplied video cables. I then select video 4 on my HDTV to see the Mediagate menu. The menu has two large icons, one says Mediagate, the other says PC-Network.

The instructions in the manual say to use the remote and press the SETUP button to configure/save the Mediagate settings for your TV. After you save all your settings, it returns you to the main menu.

Everything was pretty simple, but when I tried to access the icon titled Mediagate, it was greyed out and would not let me select it. I thought I did something wrong, but in short, I simply had a defective hard drive. I replace the defective hard drive with a new Seagate 160GB hard drive and formatted it-(Note:Mediagate can only be formatted while physically connected to a PC using the USB cable), the Mediagate icon then allowed me to select it.

The manual says that in order to use the PC-Network option, you have to share a folder on a PC. The Mediagate can access shared folders on a computer network. In my case, it was Windows XP Pro ,Home,Me, and Windows 98SE.

I was somewhat impressed until I tried to play my first AVI file. It said the AVI format was not support ted- I tried 10 AVI files and not one worked- bummer!

I tried all the other formats and they work fine.

The biggest problem I have with the unit, is that it does not support NAS(Network Attached Storage)- I just found that out today from Airlinktek Tech Support. I was wondering why the M-35 did not show up as a NAS drive on my network while connected via Ethernet. Tech support said they are releasing a new firmware that will allow NAS access locally but not Ethernet/Internet- bummer!

Because it has a PC-Network option and allows you to connect to shared folders, I'll keep the M-35, and wait to see what the NAS firmware update does.

Oh, the M-35 does not require a hard drive if you only want to use the PC-Network option. You can use the M-35 right out of the box with out a hard drive.

I will also be testing the M-35 with a Lantronix's UBox, a compact USB-to-Ethernet Device Server to make it into a NAS drive.

I hope this helps.

gregz

09-26-05, 01:01 PM

The biggest problem I have with the unit, is that it does not support NAS(Network Attached Storage)- I just found that out today from Airlinktek Tech Support. I was wondering why the M-35 did not show up as a NAS drive on my network while connected via Ethernet. Tech support said they are releasing a new firmware that will allow NAS access locally but not Ethernet/Internet- bummer!

What do you mean by NAS access locally?

I will also be testing the M-35 with a Lantronix's UBox, a compact USB-to-Ethernet Device Server to make it into a NAS drive.

With the tvix, it will operate either as a media player, or as a USB client, but not at the same time. When you plug in the USB cable while it is in media mode, it powers down. It then comes up in client mode when you apply power again.

How does the -35 work?

MikeAlletto

09-26-05, 02:32 PM

Anyone using this combined with a linux box running samba as the place to store the data instead of a windows box shared?

Another question. When you select play movie I'm assuming it gives you a listing of just the files in that directory. So if you have a ripped dvd you'll have a directory with that dvd title as its name. When you select the folder does it automatically look for a video_ts.ifo file and play or do you need to scroll through the files in the folder and select it by hand?

gregz

09-26-05, 02:43 PM

Anyone using this combined with a linux box running samba as the place to store the data instead of a windows box shared?

jwtseng is using a Terastation, which is essentially what you describe.

jwtseng

09-26-05, 03:34 PM

That's right, the Buffalo Terastation runs some flavor of linux and does SMB. It was recognized by the MG-35 automatically and has been able to serve DVD files without a hitch. I still plan on installing a hard drive into the MG-35 enclosure, but it works just as well empty.

jwtseng

09-26-05, 03:37 PM

Right now, the only thing I am using the MG-35 for is to play these DVD rips that are stored on my network drive. The only other feature that I have tested is the Photo slideshow function, which seems to work well. The biggest beef I have about the Photo slideshow is that you have to set up a playlist everytime one JPG file at a time. I can't figure out a way to select a folder full of JPGs and have it play the slideshow that way.

gregz

09-26-05, 05:24 PM

I just got my unit. I set it up and ran a few videos shared from my XP box. All good. I upgraded the firmware to 1.4.0 and things don't work. Major hangups when streaming from the network.

I downgraded the firmware to 1.3.2 and everything is happy again.

I'd appreciate a confirmation of this from others.

Thanks,
Greg

jwtseng

09-26-05, 07:14 PM

gregz

09-26-05, 07:29 PM

gregz,

What kind of hangups? The most trouble I always get is a few dropped video frames, especially in movies with DTS soundtracks. I think it's bandwidth related. Of course, I didn't do much testing under 1.3.2 before upgrading.

I am on my own 10/100 switch with no other activity, so I don't think bandwidth is the problem.

I ran Napolean Dynamite and the menu was jerky and had mpeg-related breakups (minor). I ran a divx5 avi file and the thing had serious breakup and eventually got completely garbled and froze up.

I had not a single glitch with either both before going to 1.4.0 and after backing off to 1.3.2.

jwtseng

09-26-05, 08:23 PM

gregz

09-27-05, 02:16 AM

Was Napolean Dynamite a straight DVD rip with IFOs and VOBs? If so, that's definitely much worse than I've experienced. Are you serving from a dedicated NAS or from another PC? I suppose system activity may have something to do with uneven streaming. I wonder if there is some way to increase the streaming buffer on these units? Maybe Dana C can pass this along to the AL tech support.

I think the only difference in my setup is that I'm streaming from a NAS box. But I've got a lot more network activity too. A couple Macs surfing the web, streaming music over AirTunes, etc. In fact, I just went out and bought another 5 port 10/100 switch in order to hook up the MG-35.

Well, good luck. Maybe another firmware update is in the works.

It is a file rip from DVD Decrypter (so 'yes' to your question). The earlier experiment was at work.

I did the same thing again at home, where I have a Terastation. Same deal. I didn't mention it in my last post, but the box locked up a few times as well. No response to the remote or the buttons on the box. Just a frozen screen. It would also spontaneously reboot. The new firmware is very much less able to deal with streaming over ethernet. In additional to much more poor performance, it does not gracefully recover and often locks up.

When going from 1.4.0 back to 1.3.2, the box locked up several times. It wasn't able to read the firmware file from the network. I had to stop ALL other network activity to the Terastation before the 1.4.0 MG-35 was able to read the file.

I can say with a great deal of certainty that general network performance is very flakey with 1.4.0.

My recommendation is to stick with 1.3.2. I'd like to have ISO capability, but I can live without that.

Just because I am frustrated: 1.4.0 is crap.

Does someone have a pointer on tech. support?

Greg

Dana C

09-27-05, 01:18 PM

I decided to test the M-35 with a Silex-SX1000U USB Server(1 USB Port, 1 Ethernet ) because it was less then the Lantronix and I only needed 1 USB port not 4. If this works, the M-35 will show up on a Network as a NAS Drive.

Al Tech has not responded to my email regarding the NAS firmware update. I sent them another email today.

jwtseng

09-27-05, 04:46 PM

So with this silex unit, the the MG-35 shows up like a networked drive? That sounds pretty cool. I have yet to install a hard drive into the MG-35, but your results on this testing may push me to do so!

BTW, regarding the issues you've been having...I wonder if you would get the same problems playing the same DVD rip (Napoleon Dynamite) from the internal drive on the MG-35 as with network play. This would at least eliminate network issues.

I find your report of problems interesting in the sense that we seem to have fairly similar setups with the Terastation and Firmware 1.4.0 and DVD Decrypter file mode rips (IFO play). I've noticed none of the issues that you have. I wonder if you have a bad unit? That would suck. It is strange though that downgrading to 1.3.2 makes the issues disappear. I didn't notice any problems with either firware version.

gregz

09-27-05, 06:42 PM

BTW, regarding the issues you've been having...I wonder if you would get the same problems playing the same DVD rip (Napoleon Dynamite) from the internal drive on the MG-35 as with network play. This would at least eliminate network issues.

I find your report of problems interesting in the sense that we seem to have fairly similar setups with the Terastation and Firmware 1.4.0 and DVD Decrypter file mode rips (IFO play). I've noticed none of the issues that you have. I wonder if you have a bad unit? That would suck. It is strange though that downgrading to 1.3.2 makes the issues disappear. I didn't notice any problems with either firware version.

I think I will throw a drive in there tonight and see what I see.

I actually ordered two units, but they only put one in the box. Bob is sending another along and I will test that one similarly.

Do you have jumbo frames enabled on your Tera (I don't)?

Greg

jwtseng

09-27-05, 08:50 PM

Do you have jumbo frames enabled on your Tera (I don't)?

Just check my Terastation config pages and I do not have jumbo frames enabled. Looks like there is jumbo (4100 bytes) and super jumbo (7481 bytes), though. I guess it never hurts to try, but I don't really understand what the settings are for. Can you enlighten me?

gregz

09-27-05, 09:45 PM

Just check my Terastation config pages and I do not have jumbo frames enabled. Looks like there is jumbo (4100 bytes) and super jumbo (7481 bytes), though. I guess it never hurts to try, but I don't really understand what the settings are for. Can you enlighten me?

This controls the IP frame size. It is generally useful to have the larger packets when dealing with GigE. It has nothing to do with the issues I am seeing, I'm sure. I just want to check everything that might be different between our setups.

Dana C

09-28-05, 09:44 AM

I just wanted to give you an update on Mediagate M-35.

I finally got an email from AL Tech, and they said they are still working on the NAS firmware and will release it when it's ready.

Lastnight I tested the M-35 with a Silex SX1000U USB Device Server and it worked. The M-35 now shows up on the Network. Transfers are a little slow with large files, but it definately works. In fact, the Silex will basically convert any USB dvice into a Network device. When the M-35 is connected to the Silex box, the M-35 will only work as a USB network drive. After files are added to the M-35 via the network, you have to chose disconnect from SIlex SX Virtual Server menu to disconnect the M-35 in order to use the M-35 with a TV or shut down the computer when your done. Then unplug the USB cable from Silex box for the M-35 to work on the TV.

jwtseng

09-28-05, 12:31 PM

Dana C...

Just doing some thinking about the SX1000U... How is it connected to the MG-35? I assume by USB. What about the network connections? Do you have an ethernet cable connected to the MG-35 --AS WELL AS-- to the SX1000U???

I think the slow network transfer speeds make it less worthwhile to make the MG-35 a NAS box. But I *am* interested in using the SX1000U to make any number of my external USB drives NAS boxes...and then stream media to the MG-35! According to the Silex website, the box can share up to 15 devices through a USB hub! Do the drives show up as SMB shares?

Also, there seems to be a couple other boxes available. I wonder what the difference is between the 1000U and the 2000U2. I see there is also a wireless USB device server as well.

midi-guy

09-28-05, 02:04 PM

Can any of you guys that have this box answer a few questions for me?

What are the output options on the MG35?
Does it upscale 480i/p Dvds to 1080i/720p?

Lastly, does it play HD TS files?

I checked the mfg's website and couldn't find any definitive answers.

Thanks.

Dana C

09-28-05, 03:10 PM

The M-35 is only connected to the Silex USB port.
The Silex is connected to router via wall plugged powerline adapter.

No- I haven't tried an ethernet cable connected to the MG-35 --AS WELL AS-- to the SX1000U.

Note:I did try using a HUB splitter to connect the M-35 Ethernet port with the Silex, but that was a disaster.

You are correct, there are several USB Device Servers on the market. Lantronix, and Keyspan also make a pretty good USB Device Server.

But, you can probably use an inexpensive USB Print Server too because I think it does the same thing the other devices do.

The Silex SX1000U device can support up to 15 usb devices that's another reason I wanted to try it. The Keyspan and the Lantronix only support 4 USB devices.

The SX1000U is only 1:1, where as the 2000U2 is 1:n- better. I was going to get SX5000U2, but I just wanted to test the Silex first which I like.

I'm still hoping that the new NAS firmware update will work. I think what they ment by NAS local, was that it will show up as a local NAS drive like my NetDisk drives do. That would be perfect if it does.

I haven't run into any issues with SMB share problems.

jwtseng

09-28-05, 06:16 PM

What are the output options on the MG35?
Does it upscale 480i/p Dvds to 1080i/720p?

Lastly, does it play HD TS files?

The MG-35 definitely upscales 480i to 720p or 1080i over component video (analog). And the upscaled output looks pretty good on my 720p front projector (even 1080i) without any audio-sync issues like a lot of upscaling DVD players seem to experience. As far as .ts files go, I have no personal experience, although I understand that .ts files are just MPEG 2 files in a wrapper. Hopefully someone else can comment on this!

whizmale

09-28-05, 11:50 PM

Has anyone tried this with a wireless bridge?

I was thinking of plugging a wireless bridge in the ethernet port then have it listen to an access point on which the PC is connected.

I am trying to think of ways to make this cool product work in my setup. I really like the concept.

I was going to wait for the 5000 but it isnt coming until January so I think I might spring for this one.

thx
wz

gregz

09-29-05, 04:11 AM

jwtseng

09-29-05, 09:07 AM

The SX1000U is only 1:1, where as the 2000U2 is 1:n- better. I was going to get SX5000U2, but I just wanted to test the Silex first which I like.

Not sure what you mean by 1:1 and 1:n. Can you elaborate? From the website description they look identical and sound identical. At first glance I thought maybe the 1000 is USB 1.1 and the 2000 is USB 2.0, but that doesn't seem to be the case. And is the 5000 the same thing but with a built in USB hub and some fancy web management interface?

You would think that 802.11g would have enough bandwidth to stream adequately, but I'm not too optimistic about it. At any rate, I think the MG-35 needs to have a larger streaming buffer. Maybe they can do this in firmware.

whizmale

09-29-05, 11:27 AM

emedwhat

09-29-05, 11:51 AM

Does it play AVI files? What kind HD does it use such as SATA , Ultra ATA etc? Is there anybody who compared Mg-35 with TVIX M3000u?

gregz

09-29-05, 11:59 AM

Thanks for the reply Greg, actually I dont want to stream the video but use the wireless to upload the videos to the hard drive.

In that case, you should have no problems other than, perhaps, speed.

greg

gregz

09-29-05, 12:15 PM

Does it play AVI files? What kind HD does it use such as SATA , Ultra ATA etc? Is there anybody who compared Mg-35 with TVIX M3000u?

I've had the Tvix for nearly a year. Let's see...

The DVD image quality seems comparable. They will both resample (up-convert) to 720p or 1080i.

With the latest Tvix firmware (and maybe even before that...), I have had occasional glitches in DVD playback where it just freezes during playback. I quick FF-Play sequence resolves it.

I can't play ISOs with the MG-35, 'cause I can't stream with the 1.4.0 firmware, so I am converting ISOs to files...

If you want to stream, the UI is a bit more involved with the MG-35. You need to browse through several screens to get to yout network location. It would be nice if you could specify a few specific locations to look in (like the SONOS does), but you have to drill down through the entire network. This can take some time, especially the initial network discovery phase. Also, if you leave the unit browsing the network, it times out and goes back to the main (startup) screen, so you have to start all over again.

The remote on the MG-35 is a bit flakey. It helps to be very close to straight on with the box. IOW, you have to point the remote right at the box AND the box should be pointed right at the remote... This flakiness, coupled with some poor and inconsistent UI feedback can be frustrating at times.

My process is this: I rip DVDs at 1x directly to my Terastation. While this is happening, I can view at one DVD stream on the MG-35 and play two FLAC streams on the SONOS boxes with no dropouts anywhere.

This was my objective with this unit and it seems to have met it. I have another one on the way and am anxious to see how adding a second DVD stream affects things...

greg

gregz

09-29-05, 12:19 PM

Does it play AVI files? What kind HD does it use such as SATA , Ultra ATA etc?

I don't know what sort of disk it takes, 'cause I don't have one in there.

As for AVI files, well it plays some and not others. It has played every one I have gotten via ********** - that is TV shows and such.

Many of the ones I had sitting in misc. folders that have come from websites and so on have not played. Most have not, in fact. Most MPGs have. WMVs have not. Probably no surprises there.

Can anyone recommend a diagnostic program that will give details on what style of content is in an AVI?

Thanks,
greg

jwtseng

09-29-05, 01:18 PM

I dont want to stream the video but use the wireless to upload the videos to the hard drive.

Currently and until firmware allowing NAS comes out, the only way to copy data to the internal hard drive is via the USB 2.0 interface.

jwtseng

09-29-05, 01:26 PM

I agree that the remote can be a little finicky. For those that have a Harmony 880, I think my configuration for the MG-35 should be available in the database now under computer/media center. The Harmony 880 is awesome and my wife loves it too, which is the highest recommendation.

gregz

09-29-05, 01:50 PM

Currently and until firmware allowing NAS comes out, the only way to copy data to the internal hard drive is via the USB 2.0 interface.

Right. I guess that would be a problem, too. :)

drakel

09-30-05, 09:54 AM

Thanks for the reply Greg, actually I dont want to stream the video but use the wireless to upload the videos to the hard drive.

I just placed an order for the mg-35 last night from shop4tech (they have another 10% off coupon going). I cant wait!

wz

Can you share the 10% off coupon code?

-Nevermind - I found it - it is "FALL10".

Just ordered the MG-35 form Shop4tech using this coupon code for $179 shipped.

jhue

09-30-05, 08:06 PM

Lastly, does it play HD TS files?

I'm 99% sure it does not, since I'm 99% sure it's based on the Sigma Designs EM8511, which can't decode HDTV. I'll be 100% sure when I pick mine up tonight from UPS will-call (woo-hoo!).

The MG-350HD was supposed to be the HD version (haven't heard much about it lately)

jhue

10-01-05, 02:16 AM

I'm 99% sure it does not, since I'm 99% sure it's based on the Sigma Designs EM8511, which can't decode HDTV. I'll be 100% sure when I pick mine up tonight from UPS will-call (woo-hoo!).

Confirmed that it has a Sigma Designs EM8511 in it. I saw it.

Confirmed that it won't play HD program streams as expected (my software saves program streams, but I'm sure it won't play an HD transport stream either). I got some interesting flashes on the screen when I tried.

jwtseng

10-01-05, 10:34 AM

jhue,

Thanks for the confirmation on HD streams. I guess folks will have to wait for the MG-350HD or the TViX 5000 for that. How do you like the box so far?

jwtseng

10-01-05, 11:27 AM

Also, there seems to be a couple other boxes available. I wonder what the difference is between the 1000U and the 2000U2. I see there is also a wireless USB device server as well.

So I've been doing a little more digging and have discovered that the Silex 1000U product is actually USB 1.1 which maxes out at 12Mbps. Apparently the term "USB 2.0 Full Speed" is marketing-ease for USB 1.1. The Silex 2000U2 is actually USB 2.0 "High Speed" and maxes out at 480Mbps. The Silex 5000 product is USB 2.0 High Speed (480Mbps) as well.

Also, the Keyspan USB Server is only 12MBps (USB 1.1) and I can't find the Lantronix product.

Hope this helps.

wkmitchell

10-01-05, 02:27 PM

Installed the mediagate 35 last night with internal 160gb hd. Ripped a few vids, all was well. Upgraded firmware and playback was very hinky, did the downgrade and playback is running smooth again. Ripped using decrypter to iso directly to hd. So I'm thinking the new firmware just isn't ready yet to handle network or internal iso's.

jwtseng

10-01-05, 02:38 PM

Interesting... I'll have to keep that 1.3.2 file handy. Hehe.

KAS

10-02-05, 01:07 AM

I have been using the Medigate MG-35 for about a week now and it does most of the things I was hoping it would. My main use is for storing many of our DVDs (mostly the movies are kids watch) for easy access. I installed a 400gb HDD and upgraded to version 1.4 of the software when I got it. I haven't done much streaming with it yet, but I was able to access my music on my computer and it played fine (although I was not able to access my NSLU2s but I think that may be due to the current settings on those - I will need to spend more time with that). Video playback from the HDD (both avi files (DivX) and ifo/vob files) has been pretty good in my tests for the past week (although it has locked up 2-3 times while playing DVD rips but not enough yet for me to go back to version 1.3.2).

As a previous poster, I also have a Harmony 880 and was able to map the buttons over very easily (the Harmony database had a few incorrect functions but they were easy to fix). Anyway, in my short time in using this device, I have come up with a few minor improvements that I hope will be added in future firmware updates:

1. From the Setup screen, I hope they will add an exit icon so I could exit out without needing to press the setup button on the remote (nothing else seems to enable exiting from this screen). This would mostly help when using the buttons on the device itself.

2. It should be an easy modification to allow for viewing of a picture (i.e. cover art) while browsing the internal HDD for Movies or Music. It could be set to display by default, the picture that is contained in a particular subfolder. For example, if I have a DVD rip set up like this: (Finding Nemo (folder) --> VIDEO_TS (folder) --> ifo & vob files) - when I scroll over the Main folder (Finding Nemo in this example) it could display a picture that is contained in that folder (the cover art which I can download from the internet). This could work similar to the Picture preview option when viewing pictures, but just looking in the folder that is highlighted rather than the highlighted picture itself.

3. Also, somewhat related to 2 above, it would be nice if the software could automatically play the first ifo file once a folder with a VIDEO_TS subfolder is selected. So, in the example above, if I selected the Finding Nemo folder, the software would be able to know that it contains a VIDEO_TS folder and would therefore automatically play the ifo file within the VIDEO_TS folder. This would save the additional steps of having to navigate all the way to the individual ifo file.

4. While playing a DVD, it would be nice if the number buttons would allow for direct chapter access. For example if, while watching a DVD, I want to go to Chapter 8 of a particular movie, I would just push 8 or 08 and it would go to that chapter. I know this can be done with the Time Search button, but this would make it easier to navigate.

5. Another great feature would be to allow the assignment of default folders for each of the 3 media types (or 4 if you count playlists). For example, if I select Pictures, I could assign a particular folder (i.e. "Pictures") to be the default folder and it would start from that directory.

6. I think they may already be working on this as mentioned in prior posts, but it would be a great if I could transfer files to the internal HDD via the network connection and not need it to be connected via USB to my computer.

7. Finally, I might be missing something, but how do I set the date & time that is displayed at the bottom of the screen? The Time it shows is not correct (even when hooked up to my network).

That is it for now. Like I said, the player works well for most of my needs, but adding these features would really make it a terrific product.

mka

10-02-05, 07:38 PM

I also just bought the MG-35 and am happy with it so far but I second Kent's comments above. In particular, his point #3 with regard to the default start of the .IFO file.

I have stayed with version 1.3.2 because of problems mentioned earlier in this thread. I used DVD Decrypter to copy DVDs to my hard drive and from there to the Infrant ReadyNAS. The MG-35 seems to have no problems detecting my NAS devices (I also have a Buffalo Linkstation) and playing the .IFO files. It also took no time to set up and use.

At some point I would like it to play .ISO files, but unless I run into unexpected problems the MG-35 seems to be an adequate video server until more sophisticated servers come out (hopefully, next year and with HD support and support for more audio formats - I don't use the MG-35 for audio because I converted everything to .flac files which it doesn't support and I use the Roku Soundbridge and the Buffalo Linkstation running Slimserver for that).

Max

mebby

10-02-05, 08:03 PM

Just curious - have any of you guys tried the Roku PhotoBridge? I just got mine last week and it works beautifully for streaming my ripped DVDs over my network. It's also HD compatible - although since I don't have my HDTV yet I haven't tried but I know from cruising the Roku forums that it up converts.

Just wondering if you felt there was an advantage to the MG-35 that I overlooked.

gregz

10-02-05, 09:12 PM

For some reason, I thought that firmware 1.4.0 was needed to play them, however, I find that my 1.3.2 box plays them just fine.

Also, I find that the up-sampling really sorta sucks. I played around a bit with various combinations of 480/720/1080 and my Dell fpw-24xx display and I find that leaving the MG-35 at 480p and having the display do the upsampling results in a much beter picture.

FYI...

Greg

Erik Garci

10-03-05, 10:46 AM

whizmale

10-03-05, 12:22 PM

Just setup my MG-35 last night. Running 1.32 plays ISO's with no problem.

I had several AVI's on the hard drive and it would not play any of them. Does anyone know what kind of AVI it will play? Could someone post spec of AVI's you did get it to play?

Rather pleased with the ISO capability. Now if they would release some firmware so I can copy from my PC to the hard drive over the net I'll be set.

I think this may work out ok for my kids in the car as well. Just have a list of movies in the root and my 6 year old can read them and select the one she wants to play. Thumbnails would have been perfect.

wz

mka

10-03-05, 01:41 PM

I'm running my MG-35 with version 1.3.2 but ISO files only partially work for me. The video plays fine but I only get sound at the top level. My ISO files were created with the Roxio Easy Media Creator 7.5. When the file starts it shows some icons (chapters). Entering a chapter stops all sound but plays the video. What sort of ISO files are you guys playing? Also when the chapter ends the DVD would return to the top menu but I believe the MG-35 just stops.

jwtseng

10-03-05, 02:16 PM

Just reporting back on the Terastation -- MG-35 setup.... I was all ready to buy one of those Silex USB Device Servers (thanks to Dana C for doing the footwork) in order to make all my external USB drives show up as NAS on the MG-35. But on a lark, I remembered that my Terastation has 4 USB ports on it. So I plugged in one of my USB drives and voila! It shows up as an additional shared drive on the MG-35 just like that! Plug and play.

So now I can continue to rip DVD's for time-shifting fairuse purposes to my portable USB drives on any computer, and then just connect them to the Terastationwhen I want to watch movies and stream the DVDs to the MG-35! This saves me the time-consuming step of copying the ripped DVD over to the Terastation after ripping to a local disk. (Ripping directly to the Terastation would be time consuming as well since network transfers are so slow).

Magnificent so far!

whizmale

10-03-05, 04:05 PM

To reply to mka's questions about ISO's.

I use dvd decrypter in ISO mode. No problems seen with chapters, or sound. Actually I never had a problem with the ISO's it makes.

Try a ISO with dvd decrypter.

Quite pleased that the MG-35 plays ISO's so well. My big issue with the MG-35 so far is finding a easy way to upload files to the hard drive and playing AVI's.

wz

jhaveri

10-03-05, 04:46 PM

Has anyone tried playing shoutcast radio through MG-35? I had Dlink DSM-320 that played shoutcast url just fine but could not play ifo's. So, I got this MG-35. It plays DVD ifo's fine, but does not play shoutcast urls. Theoretically, it should, since it is connected to the internet, and plays mp3s.

Thanks for any info.

Bharat

mebby

10-03-05, 08:51 PM

Can the PhotoBridge play IFO and ISO files with full DVD functionality, including menu navigation?
The MG-35 can.

It can play IFO files, but not ISO and it can't play either with menu navigation although the latter is coming once Roku upgrades the firmware.

What is the benefit to using ISO files as opposed to IFO?

MikeAlletto

10-03-05, 09:20 PM

What is the benefit to using ISO files as opposed to IFO?

One file. No searching through the directory to find the ifo file (which the system should do automatically for you but it doesn't).

mka

10-04-05, 12:03 AM

WZ, the ISO files that I have are not from DVDs but files generated from home videos by the Roxio program (this is the intermediate stage that the Roxio program can be made to store on the hard drive before one burns it to a DVD). DVD decrypter does not come into the picture. There must not be a standard for ISO files. I have some of these files on my hard drive and would have liked to read them directly. Of course, I could use DVD decryptor on the DVD that was generated from them.

RussSchultz

10-04-05, 12:05 AM

I just got my Mediagate-35 tonight.

Overall, I'm mostly pleased. It does audio, and video (both Xvid and IFO right out of the box. I haven't tried ISO yet) over a wired lan reasonably well. Setup was a breeze, but probably because there's not a lot of setup options.

I will say I have the following negative things to share:
- Screen setup seems to be prettly simplistic.
- Always seems to say 4:3 on the 'file info' screen.
- I've seen some stuttering on a wired network. Its usually not bad, though.
- The video scaler isn't the greatest.
- I think the colors are too saturated.

I like it, but I'm not sure yet if I like it enough to buy one for every TV in the house. I might wait for the 350, or some of the other boxes coming out.

onstar

10-04-05, 08:15 PM

I ordered one this morning from shop4tech. Thanks Dana C, Music Fanatic, Jwtseng for good posts and Drakel for the 10% off coupon.

onstar

10-04-05, 08:19 PM

With the lastest firmware, can I just plug the external harddrive to the USB port for additional storage?
Thanks

jwtseng

10-04-05, 08:34 PM

onstar,

I don't think this will work. The USB port on the MG-35 is "slave" only, meaning that you can plug it into a host computer and the MG-35 will be recognized as an external hard drive. The MG-35 cannot function as "host" and recognize attached USB drives.

This USB slave/host idea is separate and different from the client/server networking function of the MG-35. Right now, the MG-35 serves only as a client, like when you stream videos from a network server. The upcoming firmware update that was talked about in earlier posts will enable the MG-35 to function more like a server in the sense that it will show up on the network as a shared disk.

The current unavailability of this updated firmware and my plethora of external USB hard drives are the reasons why I am interested in the USB device servers that Dana C brought up. These devices would allow me to expand my networked storage simply by making my external USB hard drives show up as network shares.

I hope this makes sense to you. Hope you'll be happy with your purchase. I am.

onstar

10-04-05, 08:59 PM

Thanks JwtSeng

gregz

10-04-05, 09:07 PM

Hi all,

MG-35 FW: both 1.3.2 and 1.4.0
Tvix FW: 1.7.2

So I watched an episode of Battlestar Galactica last night. This is an avi file that I acquired, somehow. It is 368,402KB in size, so it seems to be of a 'standard' compression ratio for this type of source. Anyway, I noticed right off that there is a defect in the rendering by the MG-35. The image stutters on a regular interval. I would guess that interval to be around 4-5Hz. It was quite annoying.

I played the same file on the tvix and there was no stuttering.

I was streaming the file to the MG-35, but I can be sure that that was not the cause. I can stream DVDs to this thing just fine and the rate of this file is, on average, probably about 1/4 of that. Also, the effect can be seen on the black screen during the program intro where the descriptive text fades in. The words appear in discretely increasing intensity at this same frequency. The Tvix does not show this either.

This was the case with both firmware versions.

Now that we have a few more owners, can someone duplicate this?

Greg

dontod

10-05-05, 03:56 AM

Just received one of these units in the UK yesterday. It is sold as a Freecom MediaPlayer 35. I haven't had a chance to put in a hard drive and have just used the network play feature.

With firmware 1.3.2, it does play DVD ISO files with full menu navigation. I was having a lot of network stuttering problems so put in a 3COM 10/100 switch and now everything plays back fine.

Now my problem is to remove the annoying warnings and copyright notices from the DVD rips and then recreate an ISO file.

Don.

macattackman

10-05-05, 03:36 PM

I just received my unit today. Hooked it up to my network, it saw my Media Center DVD shares and now I have access to all of my DVD .iso's and they play flawlessly -- an absolutely fantastic unit thus far!

macattackman

10-05-05, 07:28 PM

A bit of a follow-up:

By default the unit had version 1.32 firmware installed.
The first few ISOs I tried were less than 6 gigs and the unit played those flawlessly but choked on any ISOs > 6 gigs. [Actually, turns out that random files less < 5 gigs works but not all files]

I upgraded to version 1.4 of the firmware and found it flaky at best.
It would load my ISOs (regardless of size) but randomly rebooted.
I tried loading IFOs but it choked on those as well

I then downgraded to 1.32, fired up DVD Shrink and converted my ISO and pointed it to the IFO file -- not a single problem in playback -- smooth as silk.

So... what to do? Convert my 50 or so ISOs to IFO/VOBs or wait for an update to the firmware?

gregz

10-05-05, 09:04 PM

A bit of a follow-up:

So... what to do? Convert my 50 or so ISOs to IFO/VOBs or wait for an update to the firmware?

The spontaneous reboot problem has nothing to do with ISOs. It happens with any number of AVIs and also DVDs via IFO/VOB.

This is with 1.4.0 -- 1.3.2 doesn't reboot at all.

greg

CASEYATBT

10-05-05, 11:47 PM

Can you share the 10% off coupon code?

-Nevermind - I found it - it is "FALL10".

Just ordered the MG-35 form Shop4tech using this coupon code for $179 shipped.

This one has expired. Is there a new one?

jc

jwtseng

10-06-05, 12:37 AM

Really curious about the reported problems with 1.4.0, especially the spontaneous reboot. Don't know what you guys are doing differently, but I've never experienced this flakiness with 1.4.0. At any rate, I will look forward to the next firmware release as eagerly as you guys are. I'm sure that general stability will be improved with maybe some new features!

onstar

10-06-05, 10:35 PM

Edited: I received it today.

mattgam

10-08-05, 02:47 AM

I just received my MG-35 today and overall I'm happy. It plays DVD Rips off my terastation with no problem but I am seeing one issue. On my winxp SP1 server I have server firewire drives shared. The MG35 sees the shares fine and it sees the sub folder names that hold the DVD rips, but once I open that folder the VIDEO_TS folders are not seen and there are lots of garbage characters displayed where the folder info usually is at the bottom of the screen. Interestingly DVD's that are on the same box but on a local hard disk play back fine, so it definitley seems related to the firewire drives.

Has anyone seen this and even better found a workaround?
thanks,
-Matt

onstar

10-08-05, 05:09 AM

I received the Mediagate MG-35 yesterday but did not have a chance to play with it until today. The device did not display correctly in the first place, and I thought it was a defective unit. Later I found out that I did not use it correctly and did not have any problems then. It is a little confuse when I used it the first time.

Overall, I am very happy with Mediagate MG-35. It does everything I want. It plays dvd.iso with full menu navigation, and does an excellent job with up-scaling to 1080i through the component output. The 1080i picture quality is better than my Sony DVP-CX875P 301 dvds megachanger. I think the picture quality is as good as Directv HD HBO. This is a very big dealt to me because my HDTV only has component inputs. I really recommend Mediagate MG-35 to people have old HDTV like me. I plan to add a 500GB harddrive to MG-35 and rip my kids' movies so I can play them in my minivan.

mka

10-08-05, 07:45 PM

Here are some more observations about the MG-35 (I am still running version 1.3.2 firmware):

I had problems playing home DVDs created with the Roxio DVD authoring program and also with my old standalone Philips recorder. The video played fine but the sound was mostly missing. It turns out that by setting the audio mode of the MG-35 to analog it now works fine. However, I will always have to remember to reset the audio mode to encoded digital when playing commercial DVDs if I want 5.1 sound. (I am using an optical audio link to my B&K receiver.) Since ordinary DVD players handle all my DVDs just fine, I don't know why the MG-35 cannot automatically the different audio modes itself.

Overall though I am happy with the MG-35.

onstar

10-08-05, 08:02 PM

How do you check your firmware?

jwtseng

10-09-05, 12:48 AM

onstar...

I think the firmware version shows up on the "Setup" screen...somewhere in one of the corners.

I'm definitely not one of the most observant people here. I don't notice anything dramatically different in performance between the two firmware versions that we have. The most annoying thing about 1.3.2 and the only real difference that I can tell is that it doesn't sort my folders in alphabetical order like 1.4.0 does. Also the file directories wrap around back to the beginning when you reach the end of the file list and vice versa.

onstar

10-10-05, 03:51 AM

Thanks Jwtseng. My firmware was 1.3.2. I upgraded it to 1.4.0 and have a problem playing iso file with analog audio. I played the same iso file fine with encoded digital setting (both optical and coax output). When I set audio to analog output, the video is stuterring and then hang. It look like the MG-35 cannot decode the audio to analog. I flashed the firmware back to 1.3.2 and the same iso file played fine with all setting.

WebSurfinMurf

10-12-05, 10:26 AM

I am interested in purchasing this device, but I have one critical quesiton.
Can I access the contents of the internal hard drive from my PC's on the network?
Basically, is the internal drive treated as a NAS?

Any after-market hacks that allow this?

jwtseng

10-12-05, 12:39 PM

I'm not that familiar with Windoze networking, but as long as you can set up a shared folder on your PC that can be accessed via the Windoze simple file sharing it will be seen by the MG-35. Share your whole hard drive volume if you like.

midi-guy

10-12-05, 06:02 PM

Qs. for those with the MG-35.

Just got one of these boxes...

What resolution are you outputing at?
Do you find that the upscaling is so so?

Lastly, the video button on the remote, exactly what does it do?

WebSurfinMurf

10-13-05, 12:46 AM

jwtseng

10-13-05, 01:06 AM

jwtseng,
I think you mis-understand.
From my PC, can I access the contents of what is on the internal HD of the Media device?

Example:
I am on my PC, I load windows media player and want to play the music stored on the internal HD of the media device using the network.

AKA, can it be a "Shared" folder my Windows box can see?

Sorry...you're right. I misunderstood your question. What you want is for the MG-35 to function as NAS and show up as a shared volume on a network. This functionality is not currently available but is reportedly in the works for a future firmware update. I'm not really going to hold my breath.

RussSchultz

10-13-05, 02:18 PM

Sorry...you're right. I misunderstood your question. What you want is for the MG-35 to function as NAS and show up as a shared volume on a network. This functionality is not currently available but is reportedly in the works for a future firmware update. I'm not really going to hold my breath.
I sure hope it is. Quite honestly, I'm finding the playing iso over the network not nearly as useful as it could be. I get stuttering on many of my movies.

I'll fiddle with the networking soon and isolate the MG35 and my server, but right now I've tried:
-Futurama (horrible stuttering during the opening credits for each episode)
-Alladin (very noticeable distortion in the audio)

A few others have done fine, or were helped by ripping out languages I don't need, but I really want something that just works, rather than fiddling with it.

dontod

10-14-05, 05:44 AM

I sure hope it is. Quite honestly, I'm finding the playing iso over the network not nearly as useful as it could be. I get stuttering on many of my movies.

I'll fiddle with the networking soon and isolate the MG35 and my server.

I was having the exact same problem. Instead of using a small 4 port 10/100 DSL router, I plugged in a 3COM switch and that solved the stuttering. Isolating the unit and server should sort this out. Playing a DVD over the network is quite bandwidth intensive but a good 100meg switch will handle it.

Don.

gregz

10-14-05, 02:10 PM

I was having the exact same problem. Instead of using a small 4 port 10/100 DSL router, I plugged in a 3COM switch and that solved the stuttering. Isolating the unit and server should sort this out. Playing a DVD over the network is quite bandwidth intensive but a good 100meg switch will handle it.

Don.

The data rate for playing a DVD should be darn near 10 mbps (peak) or 1 megabyte per second. This isn't high at all. Can a switch be -that- bad?

My (only) suggestion is to be sure that you are running 1.3.2 and NOT 1.4.0.

With this setup, I am able to stream DVD with no stuttering at all through a netgear switch from my Terastation NAS while a PC on the network rips a (different) DVD to the NAS at 1x speed.

This way, I don't have to worry about time-multiplexing these activities.

Greg

RussSchultz

10-15-05, 10:55 PM

Huh.

I bought a DLINK 5 port switch, and it was made 10x worse, even when it was isolated to just the server and the media gate.

I'll return that and get a higher priced switch. :/

Anybody have some suggestions?

drorharel

10-16-05, 09:41 AM

drorharel

10-16-05, 09:47 AM

This one has expired. Is there a new one?

jc

You can try techbargains10.

jwtseng

10-16-05, 11:38 AM

The data rate for playing a DVD should be darn near 10 mbps (peak) or 1 megabyte per second. This isn't high at all. Can a switch be -that- bad?

My (only) suggestion is to be sure that you are running 1.3.2 and NOT 1.4.0.

With this setup, I am able to stream DVD with no stuttering at all through a netgear switch from my Terastation NAS while a PC on the network rips a (different) DVD to the NAS at 1x speed.

This way, I don't have to worry about time-multiplexing these activities.

Greg

Hey Greg,

Which NetGear switch are you using? And how is it hooked up? I assume the switch hooks to your regular router. And then the Terastation and MG-35 hook into the switch right?

Issac

10-16-05, 04:53 PM

Has any one tried Nero Digital or Divx on the MG-35 yet?

harlock

10-16-05, 11:46 PM

Hi,

Is this device user friendly? Meaning can my wife just turn it on and it will show the DVDs with cover art? She won't know how to browse folders and file names to start a movie.

Thanks,
Harlock

whizmale

10-17-05, 12:48 AM

To answer Harlock, no, it only browses folders, no cover art availalbe (I wish)

You can of course make the file names as descriptive as you want i.e Terminator2.mpg etc..

Which is too bad the WAF isnt there , I would like the cover art as well for my kids. Too bad we cant customize this. Embedded Linix hack??

BTW Issac I have several avi files on the drive and it will not play any of them.
I am encoding a DIVX movie right now, will try it tomorrow night and see how it goes.

wz

harlock

10-17-05, 03:36 AM

Thanks for the reply wz. Darn, that's what I need.

dontod

10-17-05, 03:49 AM

Hi all,

I'm thinking of buying this little device, but am interested in knowing more about formats other than iso and similar. Most notedly, I'm interested in:

- DivX: I have well over 200 dvds for the kids, and capturing them without compression will eat up all the space I have. Does it play DivX movies well? Any special things to be aware of when encoding?

- iTunes music files: Can it play iTunes music files? Does it matter what format?

- JPEG: what is the max resolution I can play on the tv? Assuming the image is larger than the resolution of the TV, how does the downscale look like in terms of quality?

Many thanks!
Dror.

I've had no problems with any DIVX movie yet - A quicktime encoded .mov file didn't work.

It can play AAC encoded music files - but no support for Itunes playlists. In fact the playlist support seems very poor. I'm not using it for music playback at all. You can navigate to a folder and play all the music files within.

Jpeg images look good on the TV. Don't know what the max resolution is but I believe it's at least 2000 by 1500 pixels.

Don.

dontod

10-17-05, 03:52 AM

Hi,

Is this device user friendly? Meaning can my wife just turn it on and it will show the DVDs with cover art? She won't know how to browse folders and file names to start a movie.

Thanks,
Harlock

For Movies I'd say it was user friendly. It could be better but it passed the WAF test with no problems. As someone else said, Just name the ISO files with whatever you want. Make a folder structure if you have lots of DVDs and it's easy to navigate. Up, Down and then enter to select, Left to go up a folder.

If the unit gets popular enough and the fact it runs embedded Linux expect lots of nice hacks such as Cover Art etc.

Don.

hjackson

10-17-05, 07:38 PM

Can you load a movie (ISO file) by simply entering a number code, or do you have to manually browse through folders?

hjackson

drorharel

10-17-05, 07:52 PM

I've had no problems with any DIVX movie yet - A quicktime encoded .mov file didn't work.

It can play AAC encoded music files - but no support for Itunes playlists. In fact the playlist support seems very poor. I'm not using it for music playback at all. You can navigate to a folder and play all the music files within.

Jpeg images look good on the TV. Don't know what the max resolution is but I believe it's at least 2000 by 1500 pixels.

Don.

Great. Thanks, Don!

About the "play all music files in the folder" support, will it play all files in all subfolders as well, or just files in this specific folder?

Thanks,
Dror.

drorharel

10-17-05, 07:56 PM

I guess you are all biased toward MG-35, but... does anyone know how it compares to a modified Xbox with the xbox media center on it?

dontod

10-18-05, 04:45 AM

Can you load a movie (ISO file) by simply entering a number code, or do you have to manually browse through folders?

hjackson

AFAIK you can only browse to the ISO file.

Don.

dontod

10-18-05, 05:08 AM

Great. Thanks, Don!

About the "play all music files in the folder" support, will it play all files in all subfolders as well, or just files in this specific folder?

Thanks,
Dror.

I don't think it will play sub folders - but I'll check it out later. It has a feature that if you create a folder called 'music' in the root of the drive it can play the contents automatically. From the manual:

Make a 'music' folder (in a small letter not a capital letter) at root directory of built-in HDD and save MP3 files at the folder. If the HDD is divided into two or more partitions, make a 'music' folder at first partition.
Turn on MG-35 and just press [PLAY/PAUSE] button. MP3 files at 'music' folder will be played automatically. Additionally, after rebooting MG-35, the last played file will be continued to play.

Don.

jsevinsk

10-18-05, 03:51 PM

I just got one of these today, and after playing around with it for only a couple of hours, I think I'm seeing some issues playing DivX movies with the newer 1.4.0 firmware. Sometimes it just locks up, and I have to power it off to get it back. I went back to the 1.3.2 firmware and it seems to be OK.

So, does the manufacturer have a support forum where I could ask questions?

Anybody know when the next version of firmware is coming?

John

jsevinsk

10-18-05, 04:10 PM

A bit of a follow-up:
So... what to do? Convert my 50 or so ISOs to IFO/VOBs or wait for an update to the firmware?

What's everybody's favorite ISO-to-file extraction utility?

John

jsevinsk

10-18-05, 04:21 PM

RussSchultz

10-18-05, 11:08 PM

What's everybody's favorite ISO-to-file extraction utility?

John
DVD decryptor always works for me (but can't cut out unneeded video/audio)

DVD Shrink can cut out unneeded video/audio, but I've found it to give up easily on scratched/protected disks.

Of course, DVD shrink can work on the iso that DVD decryptor extracts....

jsevinsk

10-18-05, 11:44 PM

DVD decryptor always works for me (but can't cut out unneeded video/audio)

Actually, what I was looking for is a program that can take an ISO file (created with Nero) and break it apart into all the files that went into it. Like a reverse-Nero program.

John

gregz

10-19-05, 04:04 AM

Actually, what I was looking for is a program that can take an ISO file (created with Nero) and break it apart into all the files that went into it. Like a reverse-Nero program.

John

I used Isobuster on all of my dvddecrypter'd ISOs. No problems with the results, but then I found that my ISOs actually play fine. So if yours aren't from dvddecrypter, YMMV ??

gregz

10-19-05, 04:08 AM

Hey Greg,

Which NetGear switch are you using? And how is it hooked up? I assume the switch hooks to your regular router. And then the Terastation and MG-35 hook into the switch right?

I have tried it with two (different) GigE ones. I don't have the model numbers handy, but I can post them later.

Yes, you have the setup right. It is pretty straightforward.

I have gotten a response to my initial emails to the manufacturer, but I haven't followed up with them yet. They profess no knowledge of any networking problems, so I am not holding my breath for a fix anytime soon. At least not in any alleged upcoming release. Total speculation, of course...

Greg

jsevinsk

10-19-05, 11:58 AM

I used Isobuster on all of my dvddecrypter'd ISOs. No problems with the results, but then I found that my ISOs actually play fine. So if yours aren't from dvddecrypter, YMMV ??

My ISOs are from DVD Shrink with the "output to ISO file" option. This is with the 1.3.2 firmware. I upgraded to 1.4.0, which allowed me to play ISOs, but unfortunately, playing my DivX files causes the thing to lock up within a few minutes. I went back to 1.3.2.

John

emedwhat

10-19-05, 12:46 PM

I want to order one from shop4tech. Is there any valid discount coupon code? Please PM.... :o

gregz

10-19-05, 06:00 PM

My ISOs are from DVD Shrink with the "output to ISO file" option. This is with the 1.3.2 firmware. I upgraded to 1.4.0, which allowed me to play ISOs, but unfortunately, playing my DivX files causes the thing to lock up within a few minutes. I went back to 1.3.2.

John

I should say that they (dvddecrypter ISOs) play fine with 1.3.2 , so I avoid the incredible instability of 1.4.0 .

greg

gregz

10-19-05, 06:03 PM

HenwayDTV

10-20-05, 12:46 AM

Is it just me, or does anyone else find it confusing that when it asks a yes/no question, the "yes" answer is "0"? I have no problem with "X" for "no." Why didn't they use a green check mark or something for "yes"?

John

This is common to Asian cultures and specific to Japanese (though since the unit is Korean it will have influences). Circles always mean Yes, not 0. X always means No. Concentric circles means Best Suited For, and triangles mean Probably or Marginally.

drorharel

10-20-05, 03:06 PM

I want to order one from shop4tech. Is there any valid discount coupon code? Please PM.... :o

Try Techbargains10
this is a 10% docount copun for another product that seems to work fine on this one :)

jsevinsk

10-20-05, 08:44 PM

So I watched an episode of Battlestar Galactica last night. This is an avi file that I acquired, somehow. It is 368,402KB in size, so it seems to be of a 'standard' compression ratio for this type of source. Anyway, I noticed right off that there is a defect in the rendering by the MG-35. The image stutters on a regular interval. I would guess that interval to be around 4-5Hz. It was quite annoying.

I played the same file on the tvix and there was no stuttering.

I notice stuttering too when playing from the hard drive. (I don't have the network connected yet.) The source was an XviD AVI file that I converted from a DVD using Auto Gordian Knot. But, I just started using Auto GK and the MG-35, and it's the first time I watched this particular movie too. Too many variables. I too have a TivX, so I'll try the movie on that and let you know what happens.

John

emedwhat

10-20-05, 10:19 PM

Maybe it is very silly question but, is it possible to connect MG-35 to a TV directly without ethernet connection? I mean I don't have to connect MG-35 to PC ethernet all the time, is an internal HD enough to connect to a TV?

onstar

10-20-05, 11:14 PM

Yes. I put a 300GB drive and use it in my minivan. You can buy one with 250GB internal drive at PCmicrocenter.

emedwhat

10-20-05, 11:20 PM

RussSchultz

10-21-05, 09:19 AM

FWIW, I did a crossover cable between my server and the media gate and still got stuttering in playback of an ISO. It was BETTER, but my torture test still failed.

My torture test being:
1) The "20th Century Fox intro graphic".
2) The Futurama episode intro

Its kinda disappointing. SOOOO close, but not quite.

I haven't tried a HD, so I don't know if its a limitation of the MG35, or the network.

Overall, its OK for general use, but these little quirks prevent me from buying one for every room in my house.

Hopefully the HD-350 is better, or some other manufacturer's product solves these quirks.

jsevinsk

10-21-05, 09:31 AM

Actually, I ordered one MG-35 yesterday, but I don't feel confortable about my decision. :( I may cancel my order.

1. For HD, ATA 100 or ATA 133 make any difference?

2. Is the power adapter 220 volt compatible?

3. Which one is better regardless of network feature Tvix or MG-35?

4. The user interface of MG-35 seems too simple, doesn't it?

Thanks

1. My guess is probably not.

2. Not sure, but I know the TViX takes 90-250 VAC 50/60 Hz.

3. The are both *really* close, although I've never had any issues with the TViX not playing videos right or locking up. I'm hoping that once they get the bugs out of the MG-35 firmware, it will be better than the TViX because of the network feature.

4. Would you rather have a complicated interface? What do you mean by "too" simple?

John

emedwhat

10-21-05, 10:39 AM

jsevinsk,

Would you rather have a complicated interface? What do you mean by "too" simple?

I mean MG-35 UI doesn't look professional, it looks like weak interface, that's all.

1. About power requirement, can anybody look at the power adapter and tell me that if power adapter is 220 volts compatible? It is very important to me, please.... :o

2. Could it be said that MG-35 works with a HD rather than a network stream?

Thanks

gregz

10-21-05, 12:52 PM

Actually, I ordered one MG-35 yesterday, but I don't feel confortable about my decision. :( I may cancel my order.

1. For HD, ATA 100 or ATA 133 make any difference?

2. Is the power adapter 220 volt compatible?

3. Which one is better regardless of network feature Tvix or MG-35?

4. The user interface of MG-35 seems too simple, doesn't it?

Thanks

There is reason to believe that the lockups and gross video disturbances with 1.4.0 can be easily addressed.

The subtle stuttering that I mentioned earlier in this thread seems like a harder problem to solve and also seems like it occurs only in some avi files.

As for the tvix, I would say that I have had more problems with it in the avi arena. Often I don't get any sound, for instance. Sometimes that is random... A file will start several times with no sound, then finally it will work.

greg

mka

10-21-05, 08:16 PM

emedwhat: the power adapter specifies AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz, 0.7A.

whizmale

10-21-05, 11:06 PM

FWIW I have played several movies off of the local hard drive and have noticed no stuttering, running version 1.32. Used xvid(created with Gk) and ISO (DVDD).

If its not broke I am not going to fix it..unless they release support to copy files over the net...:-}

wz

emedwhat

10-21-05, 11:37 PM

mka,

really appreciated.

jsevinsk

10-22-05, 12:10 PM

I notice stuttering too when playing from the hard drive. (I don't have the network connected yet.) The source was an XviD AVI file that I converted from a DVD using Auto Gordian Knot. But, I just started using Auto GK and the MG-35, and it's the first time I watched this particular movie too. Too many variables. I too have a TivX, so I'll try the movie on that and let you know what happens.

OK, I know more now. The it's more of a jumping than a stuttering. It happens about once a second. It's like it skips a frame and jumps ahead to the next one. The good thing is that you don't notice it all the time.

Anyway, it happens with both the MG-35 and the TViX. It also happens when I use GK to convert it or Dr. DivX. Playing the DVD files on either the MG-35 or the TViX looks OK, so it has something to do with the DVD->DviX/XviD conversion.

John

slocko

10-22-05, 02:07 PM

any links to pics of the interface for playing video? wondering if this might be easier to use than a media center pc since all i want is to play dvd video and photos, nothing else.

any input on the interface?

emedwhat

10-22-05, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by drorharel

Try Techbargains10
this is a 10% docount copun for another product that seems to work fine on this one

Thanks a lot. My baby on the way.

Mujja

10-22-05, 05:33 PM

any links to pics of the interface for playing video?

Follow the link in the first post and download the manual. There are screenshots of the UI in there.

The manual says a thumbnail view is only available for browsing photos but there are no screenshot in the manual of what it looks like. Maybe someone can post a pic and also comment on the speed of the interface with the thumbnail view on.

Also what's the max filename length the Mediagate supports? The MG doesn't support MP3 tags so will i be able to name my MP3s with long filenames including spaces and -'s etc?

onstar

10-23-05, 09:54 AM

Did anyone try MG-35 with Linksys NSLU2?

KAS

10-23-05, 01:11 PM

Did anyone try MG-35 with Linksys NSLU2?

I use it with both of my NSLU2s (each of which is connected to two 300gb hdds - for a total of 1.2tb) and it works fine. You need to put any files you want to play in the public share folders (i.e. Disk 1 or Disk 2) and allow for guest logins.

Since I only have one MG-35 at this point, I have not seen how well it works when two different MG-35s are trying to access data through the same NSLU2 but I might give this a try if the firmware improves a little more.

A question I have is whether it is a software limitation or a hardware limitation to enable the MG-35 to not only see files on a NAS, but also files on another MG-35 on the network? Would this be possible if they are able to update the firmware to allow transfers over the network to the MG-35 as has been eluded to in prior posts?

Thanks

alibaba

10-23-05, 10:34 PM

midi-guy

10-23-05, 11:03 PM

A question I have is whether it is a software limitation or a hardware limitation to enable the MG-35 to not only see files on a NAS, but also files on another MG-35 on the network? Would this be possible if they are able to update the firmware to allow transfers over the network to the MG-35 as has been eluded to in prior posts?
Thanks
As mentioned previously, the MG-35 does not have a built-in 'NAS' function.

Adding such functionality is definately a possibilty, as it's not difficult to add 'server' functionality to an existing linux based network stack.

In fact as posted on this forum, it seems that the Mediagate's manufacturer already has a prototype.
However, it would seem that they're thinking about charging for adding such functionality to the MG-35.

onstar

10-24-05, 01:05 AM

Quote from Alibaba: "I don't know if this forum is very active any more but I had a question about the mg-35. I have this unit and love it. Though I have one problem with it. For any .avi file I watch the audio and video are not in sync. If I pause it and play it again quickly, it syncs up for only a few minutes. I have a s-video cable for video output and an optical cable for sound. I've tried both 1.3.2 and 1.4.0 firmwares. Didn't help. Does anyone else have a sync problem? Thanks"

I do not play .avi file, so I do not know the answer to your question. Since nobody answers your question, I guess nobody plays .avi file as well and does not know the answer.
Regards,

dontod

10-24-05, 03:51 AM

I don't know if this forum is very active any more but I had a question about the mg-35. I have this unit and love it. Though I have one problem with it. For any .avi file I watch the audio and video are not in sync. If I pause it and play it again quickly, it syncs up for only a few minutes. I have a s-video cable for video output and an optical cable for sound. I've tried both 1.3.2 and 1.4.0 firmwares. Didn't help. Does anyone else have a sync problem? Thanks.

I've had similar problems with some avi files (XVid encoded), but others play fine. I think it's a combination of audio and video codecs, bitrates and resolutions. Not all mpeg4 avi files are created equally. There is a huge variety of encoding options so I suggest trying different types and see what results you get.

Generally the MG35 will handle most files thrown at it.

Don.

skymatrix

10-24-05, 11:51 AM

I was also experiencing a/v (AC3) sync issues with the MediaGate MG-35 firmware from v1.4.0 and up.

In my case I found a solution by "re-interleaving" the avi file. I suggest to use VirtualDubMod. It can be downloaded <HERE>http://members.iinet.net.au/~skygraph/images/vdmod.gif (http://sourceforge.net/projects/virtualdubmod)

Note that Re-interleaving does NOT change the video or audio quality of the existing file. It only changes the structural pattern that the audio and video are linked within the file. Luckily, it's also very quick to do.

Re-Interleave the DivX/XviD file using a Preload of 96ms with Interleaving also set to 96ms. This is what AutoGK uses by default, and it fixes the av sync problem with Firmware v1.4.0. I haven't bothered to test other values, but these work for me. However these settings do seem to affect how well Windows Media Player (and others), seek using FF/REW, so there may be more universally optimum Interleaving settings to be experimented with.

Within VirtualDubMod, (once you've loaded in the avi file), you need to choose "Stream list" from the "Streams" menu. Then "Right-click" the Audio stream, and click "Interleaving". Change both the Preload value (I'd suggest 96ms) and the "Interleaving audio every x ms" (Also try 96ms). Then Re-Save the file using "Save As", BUT make sure you choose "Direct stream copy" for the video mode, so that the file does not get re-encoded!

http://members.iinet.net.au/~skygraph/images/virtualdubmod_thumb.gif
<Visual Guide> (http://members.iinet.net.au/~skygraph/images/virtualdubmod.jpg)

I hope this helps anybody else who, like me, had av sync problems with Firmware v1.4.xx on both the MediaGate MG-25 and MG-35.

ps. Don't forget... If, while watching a long movie, the audio and video slowly go out of sync, pressing the "0" key on the remote control should re-sync it. Works for me! This kind of slow desync (which only happens to me occassionally) is probably only an issue with network access. Not having a HDD in my MG-35, I can't comment further.

gregz

10-24-05, 01:58 PM

wkmitchell

10-24-05, 04:04 PM

Are there any benefits to the to the beta 1.4.2. firmware. If so could you please post them.
I would be interested in experimenting with it. Currently running an internal HD plus using a
Hotway lan-drive as a file server, works great w/AVI's, not so great w/ISO's.
Currently using early firmware.

Thanks, Bill

mka

10-24-05, 05:37 PM

I am running firmware 1.3.2 and am unable to play AVI files created by the Roxio software when I import video from my digital Sony camcorder. I get a message that basically says that it does not recognize the file. Apparently not all AVI files are created equally.

akagump

10-24-05, 08:37 PM

I have this problem with certain avi files. This occurs with all three firmware versions: 1.3.2, 1.4.0, and 1.4.2.

Greg

Can you tell me where I can get a copy of the new firmware... I can't find it on AL Techs website.

Also dose this version enable NAS support?

CASEYATBT

10-24-05, 09:37 PM

I have this problem with certain avi files. This occurs with all three firmware versions: 1.3.2, 1.4.0, and 1.4.2.

Greg, can you send me a copy of the 1.4.2 update? Send it to caseyatbt(at)myway.com

jc

jsevinsk

10-25-05, 10:29 AM

Are there any benefits to the to the beta 1.4.2. firmware. If so could you please post them.

I have this firmware, and I'm happy with it. I could not play ISO files with 1.3.2, but they work fine with 1.4.2. I could not play XviD files without the thing locking up, resetting, or just acting weird with 1.4.0, but they play fine with 1.4.2. I got this firmware attached to an email message from a tech support person at Airlinktek. I would like to share it, but I wouldn't feel right about handing out unofficial beta versions of their firmware. If you ask them, maybe they will give it to you too.

John

David O

10-26-05, 08:45 PM

I got one of these a couple of weeks ago and played with it briefly.

It's simple to setup - took me about 2 minutes - and the video plays great in HD (Edit: I mean normal DVD video playing on a HD monitor). I noticed no stuttering.

Some limitations I hit upon pretty well straight away:

1. Interface is "simple" - it just presents you with the UNC paths for computers on the same subnet. You have to navigate (fairly painfully) to where your music/movies are stored. So not a very high WAF!!

2. Wouldn't play XVid with 1.4.0, even those I had encoded using AutoGK with the "standalone compatibility" option set to Sigmatec, which is the chip the MG-35 uses.

3. Wouldn't display photos taken with a 4 Megapixel camera (each photo is 2276 x 1500 in a 900k jpg file) - error message said not enough memory".

4. Displays MP3 filenames but runs out of space to display long filenames. Using the standard "Artist - Album - Track# - Song title.mp3" format is impossible as all filenames look the same. Had to rename to "Track# - Song Title - Album - Artist.mp3" instead.

These are not killer issues but I guess I was expecting something more user friendly and overall with a bigger "cool" factor.

emedwhat

10-26-05, 09:06 PM

I recieved my MG-35 today. Here is my first impression. :)

1. HD intallation and copying the media is very simple and flawless. ;)
2. Since the manual said that if I choose FAT32 system on Windows 2000/xp, one drive letter's max size will be limited to 32GB, I divided my HD 3 partition. But the thing is when I connected MG-35 to TV, these partitions appear as Partition 1, Partition 2 and so on. This is really silly. These partititon names should be renamed. :eek:
3. I played avi fileand I did not have any problem. ;)
4. I played photos shot by 5 Mega camera and bigger than 1 MB almost 1,5 MB, I did not have any problem. ;)
5. The remote I guess is OK. ;)
6. I think the worst thing of MG_35 is user interface. It is really colorless, unattractive. :(

jsevinsk

10-27-05, 09:18 AM

The tech support guy said it's OK to share the 1.4.2 firmware, so here it is:

http://home.access4less.net/~jsevinsk/MG-35/

John

wkmitchell

10-27-05, 10:35 AM

Thanks for that John, internal hd iso's running much better than 1.4.0, still no joy on networked iso's(choppy a\v). Avi's seem to be just fine either internal or networked. I'll experiment with other types later today.

Thanks, Bill

David O

10-27-05, 11:10 PM

I recieved my MG-35 today.
...
4. I played photos shot by 5 Mega camera and bigger than 1 MB almost 1,5 MB, I did not have any problem. ;)

Interesting, I will have to give it another go at my end. Am upgrading to 1.4.2 firmware so will also try my XVid-encoded AVIs again.

Anyone have any idea how to start going about hacking the OS? I would like to know if it would ever be possible to refer it to appropriate startup folders for movies, photos etc. That would mean non-volatile storage which I'm not sure is available.

HiDuck

10-28-05, 07:44 PM

I am really interested in this MG-35 but want to get some thoughts on what I want to achieve and opinions from those using it already.

My goal is to create a digital library on HDD in the Video_TS format. I have tried DivX and am unhappy with the quality achieved. Plus I would rather trade off the higher speed of ripping to Video_TS with larger file size than that of hi quality compression for DivX with long rip time.

To start with I would add a HDD to the MG-35:
1.What is the max HDD size I can install using NTFS.
2.The MG-35 uses an IDE hook up not SATA, correct?
3.Can I network directly to the MG-35 and add files to the HDD via my desktop computer running Win XP Pro?
4.Down the road I would like to add a BL Tera Station (NAS) for more holding capacity. Will the MG-35 recognize the content on the internal HDD and the Content on the NAS at the same time? I ask this because I like the idea of pulling the MG-35 out for road trips in the SUV.
5.Can you organize content in separate Category Folders titled the type of movies inside, like Children’s or Action?

In regards to Video_TS files:
1.What is the better format to use with the MG-35, ISO or IFO?
2.Will the MG-35 recognize full menu options when included in the format or am I limited to movie only?

I read complaints of the on screen interface:
1.Will it be easier for my wife to navigate the on screen interface to play a movie over digging out a DVD, and all the processes to get it to play? Let me say she didn’t understand my want for Tivo until I installed it and put the remote in her hand. She couldn’t live without it now.
2.What about an age for a child to use it on their own. Am I going to have to wait until they are in 6th grade or a genius?

Noise Factor:
1.Will this be as silent as the HDD inside can operate at? Or will I be listening to a fan like my gaming computer?

onstar

10-29-05, 12:02 AM

Most of your questions (90%) are answered earlier in this thread, but I will answer them any way.
1. Not sure, I think up to 500GB (biggest IDE hard drive at the mean time). I am using a Seagate 300GB.
2. Correct, IDE.
3. No. But you can connect MG-35 to computer using USB cable and use it as an USB external hard drive to add contents.
4. Yes. I use MG-35 in my mini-van with a power converter sometimes.
5. Yes.

In regards to Video_TS file
1. IMO, ISO is better.
2. Full menu options. Just like you play the real DVD.

I can't answer the other questions because they are more in opinions than facts and people see them differently.

jsevinsk

10-29-05, 01:25 PM

I read complaints of the on screen interface:
1.Will it be easier for my wife to navigate the on screen interface to play a movie over digging out a DVD, and all the processes to get it to play? Let me say she didn’t understand my want for Tivo until I installed it and put the remote in her hand. She couldn’t live without it now.
2.What about an age for a child to use it on their own. Am I going to have to wait until they are in 6th grade or a genius?

If your wife can use a TiVo, she can use the MG-35. It's very similar. It gives you a list of movies in alphabetical order. (Long file names are supported.) You just use the arrow up/down keys to pick the movie and select it to play. You can put the movies into folders if you like. My 6 and 7 year old kids have no problem with this.

John

emedwhat

10-29-05, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by HiDuck

I read complaints of the on screen interface:
1.Will it be easier for my wife to navigate the on screen interface to play a movie over digging out a DVD, and all the processes to get it to play? Let me say she didn’t understand my want for Tivo until I installed it and put the remote in her hand. She couldn’t live without it now.
2.What about an age for a child to use it on their own. Am I going to have to wait until they are in 6th grade or a genius?

Noise Factor:
1.Will this be as silent as the HDD inside can operate at? Or will I be listening to a fan like my gaming computer?

On screen interface is not difficult to use, the problem is it does not look colorful and nice.

Since MG-35 does not have a fan, it is really silent.

alibaba

10-30-05, 07:21 PM

I'm gonna state my problem again and try to be more specific. I don't think I was last time.

I have the mg-35 and my audio gets out of sync when I have it in digital output mode. It happens to DVD .ISO files and xvid/divx .AVI files with AC3 audio. I am playing them off the hard drive. I have a svideo cable from the mg-35 to the TV and I've tried both an optical cable and digital coaxial cable from the mg-35 into the receiver. When I'm playing say an .ISO and I skip ahead to another chapter, the video plays right away, but there is maybe a 1 to 2 second pause before the audio starts.

So I guess I'm not sure if it's the reciever or if the mg-35 just has problems outputing digital audio. I've tried firmware 1.3.2, 1.4.0, and 1.4.2 and I get the same problem with any of them. Oh, and I also tried interleaving the file like skymatrix suggested.

Anyways, I'm sorry to ask the same thing again, I'm just hoping if I am more specific I could get some better answers and this is the only forum I've found that's discussing the mg-35. So thanks in advance.

David O

10-30-05, 08:19 PM

On screen interface is not difficult to use, the problem is it does not look colorful and nice.

Since MG-35 does not have a fan, it is really silent.

The on-screen interface is relatively straighforward IF you are using a localhard drive, and take the time to set up folders and files using short informative names.

If you are accessing files on a server, then your wife will need to know about UNC paths for at least the top level of navigation. I guess if you rename your PCs you can make this relatively user friendly. Microsoft Windows gives PCs very strange names by default.

skymatrix

10-31-05, 05:51 AM

alibaba... Have you tried using DVDShrink to Re-process the ISO/DVD files. Other members have said that they had success by doing this. I don't use it myself so I can't help you on the specifics of using it, but others may be able to help you. My problem with the av sync was specific to v1.4.0 and now 1.4.2. All other prior versions worked fine for me, until I did the re-interleaving with VirtualDub, as I mentioned previously in the thread. I was always getting an audio delay of about half a second whenever I tried to FF or REW the avi file. After re-interleaving the file, I don't have any further problems.

Your problem appears to be different. You might want to try using some different programs to create the ISO files or DivX/XViD files. Most of my DivX files now contain multi-channel audio streams using the original dts (with a secondary mp3 stream) or ac3 audio streams. They work beautifully on both my MG-25, MG-35 and my TViX. Also, I haven't had any problems with ISO or DVD vob file playback. I use DVD Decrypter and CloneDVD2 (together with AnyDVD) to create the ISO files.

BUT... I am ONLY playing files through my 10/100 wired network. I don't have a hard drive in my MG-35, as I play the files via my network from either my TViX (via USB2), my MG-25s, or from my external hard drives connected to my computers scattered around the house. In all I have quite a few locations on the network I can source the files from. The only problem I got was from my Repotec NAS which is so slow as to cause stuttering on file playback. Playing from everything else including my Buffalo LinkStation NAS works fine.

alibaba

10-31-05, 10:50 AM

Thanks for the reply. The DVD .ISO files were ripped using DVD decrypter. The divx/xvid were downloaded. The sound stays in sync when I'm using analog ouput.

hooked4life

10-31-05, 01:39 PM

I am comtemplating going with the MG-35 or Photobridge. Most of the discussion here is Video Streaming/Playing which answers my questions. The only answer that I havent seen is what about the video output quality of Photos MG-35 vs PhotoBridge?

Thanks..

RussSchultz

11-02-05, 05:01 PM

I use DVD Decrypter and CloneDVD2 (together with AnyDVD) to create the ISO files.

BUT... I am ONLY playing files through my 10/100 wired network.
Are you playing ISOs? Or DVIXs? (your post seemed a little unclear).

Have you tried aladdin or any of the Futurama intros? I'm wondering if its my setup or not.

(FWIW, I tried a 'crossover cable' between the server and the MG35 and that didn't seem to help much)

billr

11-03-05, 08:06 AM

Can someone who has an MG-35 recommend a good seller and price? I've searched around without much look (google).

Thanks in advance.

skymatrix

11-04-05, 01:16 AM

Are you playing ISOs? Or DVIXs? (your post seemed a little unclear).

Have you tried aladdin or any of the Futurama intros? I'm wondering if its my setup or not.

(FWIW, I tried a 'crossover cable' between the server and the MG35 and that didn't seem to help much)

RussSchultz... I am playing mainly DivX encoded avi files that contain AC3 and dts soundtracks, at a video encoded bitrate of 1500kbps. These play very well. I haven't tried any of those Futurama intros, etc, that you mentioned, but my video library is now quite large, and all of my videos seem to play well.

I also occasionally play ISO files, but only when I am too impatient to wait while I downconvert to a DivX file. Once again, I don't have any stuttering on playback. The (speed) quality of any of your network components (such as switches, hubs, network cards) is obviously very important to get smooth playback through the network. Any weak link in the network will affect video playback quality.

oneman

11-04-05, 06:05 AM

I bought mine at PCmicrostore (the spam filter is blocking links from me due to lack of post history). It was $289.99 for a 300GB. I like it a lot, just wish the hacker community would adopt it as a project because it could be sooooo much better....

spalkowetz

11-05-05, 04:26 PM

Hi guys

Goal: to dvd decrypt my DVDS to a harddrive into a dvd jutebox.

I have a Buffalo link theater and i can plug in an ext harddrive thru USB, but i have two problems...the aspect ration on my 4:3 sony 48 Rear Projection TV doesnt compress them properly so the widescreen ones are cutt off the edges. bleh. Seconly...of course, no menus or navigation.

So..after spending hours reading and my brain is beyond full...

What do i buy...a TVISTO, a TVIX or a the Mediagate mg-35? I want the Tvix 5k, but it dosent look to be out til Jan 06.

So until then..which one of the three to get? I would like to rip movies to my ext. usb/firewire harddrive and plug it directly in. However, im not entirely opposed to buying an empty one of those things and putting in a harddrive. (just already spent the money onan ext hd)

Internet streaming would be great but not mandatory...wiresless even better (Again not mandatory).

Thanks again for all your help

inittab

11-06-05, 08:29 PM

spalkowetz

11-06-05, 11:59 PM

But that requires me to either purchase a chip OR softmod the box by opening up my pc, taking off my harddrive, either buying a new harddrive or pulling apart that Xbox and yanking out that harddrive and reformatting it in my pc. Then cross fingers and hope its all correct w/o destroying something. All the while, if something goes wrong, the response time to get any help is like...12 hous if im lucky?

Im not saying its a bad thing to do, what im saying, its not something i feel like missing w/. Thanks for your suggest tho ;)

That being said...back to my original question...anyone?

sunder

11-07-05, 12:06 PM

Hello i see here a lot of experimented people on mg-35, i just bought one form ebay on canada, but i live in spain, and my english it's not as good as i like to call mediagate support for solving my problems. My first and actual problem it's that i have tried to configure the mg-35 for ethernet connection and i could not get this option make walk.

If anybody could give me any help about it, i'll be really pleased.

Well the way im trying to connect the computer with mg-35 is via ethernet, just with the rj-45 cabl, just this, cause it says on manual it could configure just with cale without router or any other connection machine or whatever, you'll may be understand me.

I do not have router so i cannot try. Well im using xp pro os, so if any one could give me any clue how to connect it, cause i tryed with everyhing and it cannot get configured, bytheway i have 1.3.2 firmware

thanks to everyone that could give me some answers.

thanks and bye again

midi-guy

11-07-05, 01:51 PM

Well the way im trying to connect the computer with mg-35 is via ethernet, just with the rj-45 cabl, just this, cause it says on manual it could configure just with cale without router or any other connection machine or whatever, you'll may be understand me.

To connect directly to another PC, you need a special CAT5 cable type.
A crossover CAT5 cable allows you to network using a direct connection between two hosts.
In your case, connect a CAT5 crossover cable between your XP PC and the MG-35.

inittab

11-07-05, 04:22 PM

Does anyone have screenshots of the Mediagate MG-35 during any type of listing? I'm wondering if the interface is crappy or does look nice like MCE ?

spalkowetz

11-07-05, 05:02 PM

Can you plug in an ext harddrive via usb into the unit and play ripped dvd's from it?

THANKS!!!

(would like ot puchase one but waiting for this really important answer! thank you!!)

jwtseng

11-07-05, 06:53 PM

Can you plug in an ext harddrive via usb into the unit and play ripped dvd's from it?

THANKS!!!

(would like ot puchase one but waiting for this really important answer! thank you!!)

In a word... no.

spalkowetz

11-09-05, 12:28 PM

can you plug the mg-35 into a wireless bridge and access your network that way?

jwtseng

11-09-05, 01:38 PM

can you plug the mg-35 into a wireless bridge and access your network that way?

I don't see why not.

spalkowetz

11-09-05, 03:00 PM

really?
so i guess teh question is...if it can see the network
what would the streaming be like..hmmm....(i.e. stutters etc)

spalkowetz

11-10-05, 04:27 PM

is there a list of the upgrades btwn 1.3 to 1.4.2? Do i need to upgrade the firmware??

Thanks guys!

Sharon

jhaveri

11-10-05, 04:41 PM

I have 1.4.2 and no problems so far.

RussSchultz

11-10-05, 10:06 PM

Does anyone have screenshots of the Mediagate MG-35 during any type of listing? I'm wondering if the interface is crappy or does look nice like MCE ?
The interface is spare, serviceable, and functional.

But not pretty.

spalkowetz

11-11-05, 12:01 PM

Hi guys
So what does one gain by going up to the latest beta firmware?

thanks
Sharon

atreis

11-12-05, 10:12 AM

I just picked up one of these devices (based in part on recommendations seen here), and have some issues with it...

I bought it primarily for use playing music and viewing photos, with only a little watching of videos with it. I bought it in part because I wanted a device that didn't require a host computer. I put a spare hard drive into it to hold all of the files for it.

Issues with photos:
I can't seem to get it to display photos without also playing music. When I move to photo and press enter, it displays the photo and starts the first song in my music directory (which happens to be B.B.King...).

Issues with music:
I have quite a lot of music... The directories display unsorted (apparently in whatever order they happen to be in on the hard drive). It would be REALLY nice if it would at least sort them alphabetically.

Issues with playlists:
It appears the device has no non-volatile RAM. No problem. I put a hard drive into it. Why can't it save playlists onto the hard drive for later recall? Seems like a fairly simple modification to the firmware....

Again, if the playlist contains photos, while displaying the photos it will immediately start playing the first item found in music (B.B.King again).

If you put both music and photos in the playlist, instead of playing the music as background to the photos, it will sequentially play each photo/music item as it gets to it. It would be nice if it would detect that there is music and play it in the background of the photos. That would help solve the B.B.King problem.

Other Info:
Otherwise, it's a nice device and has been able to play everything I've thrown at it. I did upgrade the firmware to version 1.4.2 and that at least allowed me to wrap around the music folder, and do mass select/deselect for the playlist.

Hopefully they will continue to work on the firmware. Better yet, someone will hack together a better firmware.

Bytre

11-15-05, 01:12 AM

Question: Is there any functional difference between the MG-35 and the MG-35N?

Bytre

11-15-05, 01:17 AM

Question: What is the video quality of the mediagate? Has anyone compared it critically against a good stand alone DVD player?

midi-guy

11-15-05, 01:24 PM

Question: Is there any functional difference between the MG-35 and the MG-35N?
No.

Has anyone compared it critically against a good stand alone DVD player?
Define good. :)
For what it is, it does very well. It's not going to compare to well to TT or a Denon 5910. I don't think that's the point of these devices.

sunder

11-15-05, 02:59 PM

To connect directly to another PC, you need a special CAT5 cable type.
A crossover CAT5 cable allows you to network using a direct connection between two hosts.
In your case, connect a CAT5 crossover cable between your XP PC and the MG-35.

hi how are you, rally tahnking your response, but i do not know what a CAT5 cable is, i have a net cable, with rj45 connector, the thing is that i had a LAN form my room to my sisters room and i'd like to use the same cable, by the way is installed via all the wall with plastic gutter, so if i use a router it could work

thanks you very much

sunder

11-15-05, 03:03 PM

To connect directly to another PC, you need a special CAT5 cable type.
A crossover CAT5 cable allows you to network using a direct connection between two hosts.
In your case, connect a CAT5 crossover cable between your XP PC and the MG-35.
hi how are you, rally tahnking your response, but i do not know what a CAT5 cable is, i have a net cable, with rj45 connector, the thing is that i had a LAN form my room to my sisters room and i'd like to use the same cable, by the way is installed via all the wall with plastic gutter, so if i use a router it could work

thanks you very much
Report Post

ptwyzard

11-15-05, 08:47 PM

What is the best format to save movies in for storage on a HDD in the MG-35? I rip my movies to my Mac using Mac The Ripper which puts them in .VOB format, each one taking up about 5 GIG. At that rate, with a 300GB HDD I would only be able to store about 50 DVDs on the MG-35 (and that's without photos or music). Anyway to shrink these down?

What other formats can I use?

Thanks.

Thomas J. Coyle

11-15-05, 11:22 PM

ptwyzard,

You can use DVDShrink to compress a two hour two layer DVD movie down to a one hour single layer DVD, but the picture quality suffers as the compression percentage goes up.

According to the Media Player Comparison spreadsheet the MG-35 can do both .VOB and .IFO formats.

Regards,
TCIII

spalkowetz

11-16-05, 12:25 PM

yeah it does but ..depending on how much detail your going for. Ifyou have a plain old tv..dropping the compression down alot you prob wouldnt notice too much.

I ripped and shrunk several movies to get an idea of what i thought was really good, tolerable and 'oh ew do over'.

I honestly thought at first i wanted the whold dvd w/ all the menus and extras. I've come to find that all i really want is the movie w/ chapters, subtitles, etc. I figure i have the dvd if i want all the extras... So now i rip the movie and reauthor using DVD Shrink to get the main title on most movies.

I also discovered that if you rip a movie and then shrink the whole dvd to fit on a 1 layer dvd blank, that you end up compressing the main title a bout 50-60%.

If you just reauthor the main title after ripping the movie, and dont compress the movie, you end up getting about 4- 5 g movie uncompressed. Its usually the menus and extras that make up the rest of the 4g to make up a 9g double layer disk..

Just a thought. Then i played around w/ how much i could compress just the main title. I found that alot of main titles can be compressed more if they're a chick flick, and alot less if they're cool scifi or action movie.

Hey just my two cents. IM totally jealous of the guy w/ the 6T raid :D *sigh*

Sharon

Thomas J. Coyle

11-16-05, 01:39 PM

Sharon,

I usually just rip the main title and the Dolby sound track so that the rip is just one continuous movie and plays back just like going to the movies.

My HTPC Meedio front end will let me go forward and backwards in the movie, but there are no chapters with this type of rip.

Regards,
TCIII

hooked4life

11-16-05, 02:25 PM

I am getting my MG-35 tomorrow. When you you guys rip the video/audio from the DVD can you out to an ISO or must it be seperate IFO's?

Thomas J. Coyle

11-16-05, 03:21 PM

hooked4life,

DVDShrink will allow you to make an ISO, but I reauthor to a VIDEO.TS folder that holds the .IFO and .VOB files.

Regards,
TCIII

spalkowetz

11-16-05, 03:49 PM

Thomas i rip the main title too but w/ the MG-35 i get chapters :D
I also rip seperate vobs bec it serves up better 1 g files rather than one giant g. Esp if your streaming thru the wireless. No pauses btwn vobs.

The mg35 is the coolest thing since sliced bread. Now if they only work on the interface to pretty it up for us girlies (just kidding)

It rawks :D

norr

11-17-05, 02:59 PM

This is going to sound a little silly, but how do you upgrade the firmware? The manual just says to go to where the file is and press enter, but MG's way of browsing is file specific, and since the firmware file has no extension it's simply invisible... I tried to add .mp3 to it and found it while "looking for music" but once selected it didn't do anything at all. Please give this guy a clue, I feel really blonde on this one ;-)

atreis

11-17-05, 06:31 PM

I felt stupid about upgrading too. The file is visible if you go into movies. (Leave it named as it was when you downloaded it.) Click on it in movies and it'll install.

hooked4life

11-17-05, 09:20 PM

I felt stupid about upgrading too. The file is visible if you go into movies. (Leave it named as it was when you downloaded it.) Click on it in movies and it'll install.

I downloaded the firmware upgrade and copied MG35_1[1].4.2.upgrade to the movies dir on my mg-35 Hard Drive. For some reason when I go into movies the file is not listed?

mka

11-17-05, 11:58 PM

First of all, I didn't see it mentioned above, but the new 4.2 upgrade is now
listed on the official mediagate website.

I downloaded the file to a separate backup directory on my NAS device (one not called
movies, photo, etc.). When I directed the MG-35 to that directory, all the upgrade
files I have stored there showed up without any problem and I simply clicked on
the desired one and installed the upgrade.

hooked4life

11-18-05, 05:40 AM

Very interesting.. the upgrade file would not appear when copied to the HD, but displays/runs fine from my Networked PC.

max_33

11-18-05, 07:52 AM

What file system do you use on the internal HD?

norr

11-18-05, 01:32 PM

I followed atreis' advice (thanks :) and it worked! Indeed, when I had it in the movies folder it didn't see it, but by itself in the root it showed up... go figure! My hdd is formatted NTFS, I didn't try over the network.

atreis

11-18-05, 09:23 PM

Glad it worked! Yeah, it does seem to have to be in the root of the drive, even though one goes into movies to find it.

I also figured out the thing I complained about above, with the device automatically playing mp3s when I view photos... Apparently, if you have mp3's loaded on the internal hard drive, it will find them and play them automatically when you view photos. (Uh... That is to say, it's not a bug, it's a feature.) The instructions indicate that the folder should be named "music" for this feature to work, but it seems to happen with other names for me as well. Annoying since I use the device in a non-networked way and therefore want everything loaded on the internal HDD. Ahh well.... Mute works. :-)

Bytre

11-18-05, 10:17 PM

Define good. :)
For what it is, it does very well. It's not going to compare to well to TT or a Denon 5910. I don't think that's the point of these devices.

How about to a once upon a time $200 Panasonic RP56? Is it picture equivilent to a decent consumer player or more like a crap-o-vision $30 unit from china?

atreis

11-21-05, 06:56 AM

How about to a once upon a time $200 Panasonic RP56? Is it picture equivilent to a decent consumer player or more like a crap-o-vision $30 unit from china?

This is pretty subjective, but in my opinion, it's better than the crap-o-vision, comparable to an older (around year 1999 or 2000) decent consumer DVD player, but not as good as a decent consumer DVD player is today.

For the money and the features, it's hard to beat.

raskolnikov

11-24-05, 10:20 AM

Just my luck. This thing is great. I am a Mac user and had no problems until...

I upgraded the firmware last night and it automatically powered off after installing. I turned it back on and now the blue light just flashes. No image on the screen. No input from the remote. Anybody have this problem.

Typical. Is there an email link other than the sales link? How do I talk to tech support. GAWD_DAM_it

Oh well at least I didn't buy an Xbox 360. At least my house didn't catch fire! Poor suckers.

jhaveri

11-25-05, 03:36 AM

Try hitting your video button on remote a few times, watching after each hit. It could be a video mode problem.

jhaveri

raskolnikov

11-27-05, 07:03 PM

Try hitting your video button on remote a few times, watching after each hit. It could be a video mode problem.

jhaveri

Thanks jhaveri,

Yeah I tried that. It does not respond to remote control. The blue light just flashes like it does when it is plugged in via USB.

What happens during the firmware upgrade? I got the progress bar and I look away for a minute and when I looked at the TV again the unit had shut off. Is is supposed to shut off automatically? Does it tell you the upgrade succeeded and to restart it?

jhaveri

11-28-05, 02:10 AM

Myrica

11-29-05, 04:55 PM

Hi Folks. I have some news here about the network file sharing with the mg-35.

Well as you guys might remember, the mg-35's harddrive would not show up on your network right?
As for today the mg-35 can scan your computers drive, but copying files to the mg-35 via the Ethernet is impossible.

Curious about that i took some time and wrote an emai directly to Mediagate, and suprisingly those guys answered in just a day's time ;)

Here's what they had to say:
"Dear Mr. Vincent --------,

MG-35 can be shared HDD in home network (via LAN cable).
Our new function called "NDAS" make it possible.
We newly release this function in domestic market.

Best Regards
------"

Apparently they are going to release that kind of firmware pretty soon and if that happens I'm gonna buy one of the mg-35's despite their bad gui - -

I also asked for some information about the mg-350's availability, but he only confirmed what we know : that it's not realesed yet.

Hope this clears things up for some of you.

regards <<m>>

norr

11-29-05, 06:08 PM

This seems to be good news at first sight, however their deficient English leaves room for interpretation... besides, domestic market means Korea, right?

firmtech

11-29-05, 06:57 PM

The software and the firmware are on the Korean site. I installed the software (which is in english) and the Korean firmware (looks funky with the Korean Chars). I'm not sure what to put for NDAS device ID or write key In the software setup. Maybe we will see the english version of the .pdf in a few days. Looks like you will need to use their software to use NAS anyway

raskolnikov

11-30-05, 12:42 AM

Have you removed the USB plug from the PC or the NAS device? Sounds like it is still connected (the flashing blue light). Also, check the manual for reset button. If not, at least completely remove the power plug, and plug it back and turn it on again. If that does not work, may be remove the internal HD and try again (in case the botting process is hanging on the ide check).

jhaveri

Yep, I've unplugged it. Took the hard drive out. Took the plastic hard drive tray out. I can't see any button but there are jumpers. Anybody know anything about those? Wonder if I could do a firmware reset witht the jumpers. I may post this in the main forum in case people are ignoring this thread now.

Myrica

11-30-05, 04:28 AM

Well, just that would be sufficient for me anyways.

I don't actually mind using software on my computer that allows me to transfer the files, as long as that software runs as some sort of service
that does not take up lots of my memory etc.

/edit : Can you provide me with furthe information about that program?

max_33

11-30-05, 09:15 AM

Thats really good news. Hope they release an english version soon.

raskolnikov

11-30-05, 09:54 AM

Yep, I've unplugged it. Took the hard drive out. Took the plastic hard drive tray out. I can't see any button but there are jumpers. Anybody know anything about those? Wonder if I could do a firmware reset witht the jumpers. I may post this in the main forum in case people are ignoring this thread now.

I just received this from airlinktek:

If you just press [F1] button in Remote controller, you can see the picture.
You might in Europe and you use PAL injection TV.
But our Standard would be NTSF.

If you want to initialize your product please follow below mentioned direction.

** Initialization Method
1. Turn off your MG35 and Turn on again.
2. Please go directly go to setting and press below mentioned key in your remote controller.

[Stop] -->[Play] --> [Stop] --> [Play] --> [Media Type] --> [Main Page]

3. If Initialization is success full, you can see the letters in yellow box.
If you hardly see any sign, please do it from the first time.

If your initial firmware is 1.3.2, this initialization help you going back.

_______

Not sure what the F1 button is...

Myrica

11-30-05, 01:28 PM

Concerning NDAS

Their webpage now lists a new mg-35 : mg-35 NDAS
The old mg-35 is still listed though.
Whatever that means..anybody want to shed some light into what the page actually says in english? What i undestood so far :
NDAS makes the mg-35 ndas show up on your local network. The transfer speed is apparently limited at 12mb/sec. Also for mg-35 ethernet streaming it states : "no HD"

regards <<m>>

//update:

"We just need 2.
1) program for PC
2) upgrading firmware in MG35.

We need to pay royalty in certain function.
and the price will be up a little bit or we will sell NDAS program in reasonable price."

jtovar

12-01-05, 04:42 AM

I'm not postive, but somewhere in this thread someone was asking about identifying AVI file properties. Here are a couple of links to little apps that do just that. I have tried the avicheck program, but not the gspot one. Hope they help.

Since, I have never posted to the forum, the message board is preventing me from posting the URLs until I post 5 messages.....well, just put the string back together and it should work. Add the com after headbands.....geez, I can't believe this is so difficult. It won't even let me type in the URL without complaining.

swissbull-it
.ch/
download/
Avicheck.zip

headbands.
/gspot
/download
.html

wkmitchell

12-01-05, 10:31 AM

Just wondering if anyone has figured out what to use as the write key with the Korean firmware upgrade. May have to find somebody to translate the Al-tech website.

davidpeele

12-01-05, 12:07 PM

I am ready to order a mg-35 but am wondering if i can use a Serial ATA150 Hard Drive. Does anyone know? does Serial ATA150 work the same as an IDE?

Thanx,
Dave

jhaveri

12-01-05, 12:35 PM

I just received this from airlinktek:

If you just press [F1] button in Remote controller, you can see the picture.
You might in Europe and you use PAL injection TV.
But our Standard would be NTSF.

If you want to initialize your product please follow below mentioned direction.

** Initialization Method
1. Turn off your MG35 and Turn on again.
2. Please go directly go to setting and press below mentioned key in your remote controller.

[Stop] -->[Play] --> [Stop] --> [Play] --> [Media Type] --> [Main Page]

3. If Initialization is success full, you can see the letters in yellow box.
If you hardly see any sign, please do it from the first time.

If your initial firmware is 1.3.2, this initialization help you going back.

_______

Not sure what the F1 button is...

A wild guess, it is not F1 but FI (i.e. File Information button, one in the upper right corner of the remote, it says File Information).

Bharat