Can the Mediagate run stand alone without being connected to a computer?

How is the noise level if you integrate it into your Home Theater enclosure?

Does it work with a Mac?

Where's the best place to get one?

Thanks.

ptwyzard

The MG-35 can run stand alone if you have installed a hard drive and have previously connected the MG-35 through its Slave USB port to a PC to download whatever media files you want to listen to and/or view.

Don't know about the noise level because mine is still on the UPS truck for delivery today.

Since the MG-35 is server independent, it should work with any PC out there.

I got mine off of eBay for $170 shipped. If you do not want to use eBay you can get one from the PCMicroStore: www.pcmicrostore.com

Regards,
TCIII

I saw those at PCMicrostore. If I ordered one with the 300GB hard drive installed, then what you're saying, if I understand you correctly, is that I would just plug it into a USB port on my computer and start copying files over, then disconnect it from the computer, connect it to my home theater system and I'm off and running correct?

I also noticed, on ebay where they are selling them, that it says it is fanless operation so it virtually noise free. Can anyone confirm this for me.

Thanks.

ptwyzard,

Yes, your first statement is correct.

As for fanless operation, I have not seen a fan grill opening in the pictures of the MG-35, so it might not have a fan.

Regards,
TCIII

I've had my mg-35 for about 2 weeks now....
Its VERY Quiet. I bought the 300g drive from the same store.

The harddrive is *not* installed when it arrives. However
its super easy to install it and the formatting comes from plugging
it into the usb port of your pc and configuring it that way.
I had a little hiccup in that dept, but then i figured out the problem.
Whatever you do..do NOT format the harddrive independent of the unit.
follow the instructions and you'll have it working in no time.

I've drag this bad boy to work to rip files off my pc. I've taken it to my friends
and they watched movies and photos and music from it.
Oh and it upconverted my ripped dvds to 1080i on my 61" tv (to emulate a proper 54" 16:9 tv..my tv does that). I Watched Star Wars III and the picture was pretty amazing.

As for networking..what i'v found so far..is you can plug it in a Linksys WAP54g (about $80 at best buy) and it will work great w/ your wireless G router. Just set the wap as a client. If you rip a movie using dvd decrypter, you will have to compres it some w/ DVD Shrink to play wireless w/o stuttering. But i compress it to fit on the size of a 1layer dvd and its looks and works great.

Just remember, you cant have the USB port plugged into a pc and watch movies at the same time bec it disables the media portion when it becomes a USB slave.

Let me know if you have any other questions :D

Sharon

Hi Sharon...

Just ordered my MG-35 from PCMicrostore.

Did you have to set anything on the HDD before installing or did you just plug it in, connect up, and format? How did you format (NTFS)?

I'm using a Mac and use Mac The Ripper to rip my DVDs. I know you're probably not familiar with that, but I then convert them to MP4 files with the same aspect ratio, which lowers the file size to under 1gig? I want to store these on the hard drive. Do you think that they'll look OK? Does the MG-35 handle MP4 video files?

Thanks for the help.

Really looking forward to getting this integrated into my home system... already have the cable run waiting for it... ;-)

hi ptwyzard

These are the steps on installing teh harddrive.

When you get your package you will get the mg35 in a box seperate from the harddrive. YOu'll need a bit of a screw driver to open the mg35..the screws you can use by hand but even w/ my small fingers i needed a screwdriver (i know..girl - weak :P ) Anyway.inside you'll have a power port as well as a ribbon connector..just like in a pc.

Unwrap the harddrive and look carefully at the settins on the jumper to see if its set to MASTER or SINGLE. ON mine i had to pull the jumper off to make it a master/single. But the drive you get oculd be different.

Just plug it into the box, close it upand connect it to the computer.

Now i plugged mine into my computer not my mac to format it to ntfs. I think if you connect it to the mac and go into disk utilities, you format it..but wouldnt that format it to the mac file system/?

I have a mac but i havent used mac the ripper although one of my classmates highly recommended it. I jsut always use my pc's to rip.

So...my question is if you format it to NTFS and then try to connect and dump mac ripped dvds...might you have a problem w/ data integrity?
The reason i ask is that i once loaded some data on my PC formated ipod from a Mac and lost half my songs. :P

good question eh?

oh i forgot..on the pc i had to go to disk management to find the disk, set the partition to 1 and then quick format from there (ntfs). U know im sure its possible to make 2 partitions ..1 for mac and 1 for pc if you wanted too..although i think sort of a waste of space.

Right now i've put about 37 movies, one music cd, and a handful of pics and i've used up 133g. Some of my movies are 4.5 g..some smaller, some bigger depending on if i wanted alot of quality or not.

let me know if you have any more questions.

Sharon

Yes that is a good question. I think I'll post a question over in the Apple forums to see if it can be done.

I have move my my MP3s over my network from my Mac to my PC and vice versa with no problems. Have also done this with pictures and have been able to view them, so I'm thinking it shouldn't be an issue.

What do you thinking about the converting the videos to MP4. Will the MG-35 handle this? Will they look ok if I keep the aspect ratio the same as what was ripped?

Thanks for the input... really looking foward to getting this.

BTW, you sent your drive was set to Master/Single. I assume this is the same thing? Can they actually be two separte options on the jumpers? If so, I assume I choose master?

Also, if I rip my DVDs using DVD shrink, what's the best way to get them to the smallest size and still have acceptable viewing on a 47" Panny HDTV? I'd really like to get all my movies (about 100 or so) on this along with my music and photos... Maybe I'm asking for too much.

Thanks again.

Sharon (et al)
Could you describe you thoughts on the interface the MG-35 delivers to the TV? My interest is only in video streamed from a host PC. Are you presented with anything beyond a bare bones file - like listing of file names? How can you navigate to a different folder, or can this be done? Does the remote offer any friendly features? backlit? mutiple ff or rev speeds? ET or time remaining indicator? (while watching the program) skip ahead button that can be programmed?
Was it the HDD that made you go with this device over say the ADS Tech MediaLink or the Pinnacle ShowCenter 200?

Many thx to all who take a moment to answer.

I have move my my MP3s over my network from my Mac to my PC and vice versa with no problems. <snip>
What do you thinking about the converting the videos to MP4.
<snip>
Thanks for the input... really looking foward to getting this.

BTW, you sent your drive was set to Master/Single. I assume this is the same thing? Can they actually be two separte options on the jumpers? If so, I assume I choose master?

Also, if I rip my DVDs using DVD shrink, what's the best way to get them to the smallest size and still have acceptable viewing on a 47" Panny HDTV? I'd really like to get all my movies (about 100 or so) on this along with my music and photos... Maybe I'm asking for too much.

Thanks again.

When i purchased an ext hd firewire/usb, i read in it that i either should format it MAC OS FORMAT or NTFS. Now i believe that if it were a network drive, it would be multiplatform compatible. In this case i think i would format it for either mac or pc, or use two partitions. One way to knwo for sure would be to try it and see if you get data loss...


As for converting it to mp4..i havent tried it. I just ripped it exactly w/ ifo/vob bec i wanted to rip fast and not have to re-encode the file. Im not too up on alot of conversions so i might say sth wrong here. IM sure others will see to correct it if i do. Now i have converted the files to 'dvix' and 'xvid' and that took like 6 hours for one movie (bleh). The mg-35 will rpsect the aspect ratio for ifo/vobs. It will aslo for divx, xvids and avis.

Master/SINGLE can be the same thing..on my WD it was. On the maxtor drive i think it is also. the manual will be a tad more specfic. But im assuming you'd go w/ Single if there were two settings for this.

Finally..using DVD Shrink. I ripped the main titles, depending on the movie down to 2.5g before..and looked ok on my 61" sony rear projection tv that upconverts to 1080i. For Star Wars i left it the title at no compression at around 4-5 g.

REally that is up to you and your TV. I only have component outputs on the mg-35. it doesnt have a dvi or the other port..um..for hidef..i forget what its called. I highly suggest ripping the same movie..i.e. star wars or something thats done in exceptional definition at several compressions and see what you can live with. Thats what i had to do.

Good luck!
Sharon

Sharon (et al)
Could you describe you thoughts on the interface the MG-35 delivers to the TV? My interest is only in video streamed from a host PC. Are you presented with anything beyond a bare bones file - like listing of file names? How can you navigate to a different folder, or can this be done? Does the remote offer any friendly features? backlit? mutiple ff or rev speeds? ET or time remaining indicator? (while watching the program) skip ahead button that can be programmed?
Was it the HDD that made you go with this device over say the ADS Tech MediaLink or the Pinnacle ShowCenter 200?


The interface from the MG is like this. When it turns on you get two options..Eiether the local hd if installed or network if hooked up.

If you choose HD, you'll see files as you setup when you dl'ed them from the PC. I make 3 folders..music, photos, movies at the root. I put all my ripped dvds into each respective folder than put them under the MOVIES folder.

So if you choose HD, you'll see the three folders, click on movies, click on the dir's of the movie you want and you'll see the list of files exactly as your ripped. If you click on the TS.vob file, and you have the whole dvd ripped, it will start playing the folder JUST as if the dvd were in a drive. Menus, govt warnings, trailers, all of it.

If you jsut rip the main title, you'll prob see the TS .IFO and a few vobs. (maybe one other file but you wont care). That way you have fewer vobs, less excess space taken up *and* if you click on the TS.IFO file it will go directly to playing the movie. You will get chapter navigation but NO menus, no govt warnings, trailers, etc.

REMOTE:
Its prety small and simple. Got your standard dvd type stuff on it..menu/title, repeats, subtitles, video, audio, etc. It has screen size so you can zoom in x3. Includes also a volume, contrast/br button, time search and file info.
Its not backlit, its very simple. It also includes a power button. For a small remote tho, its prety mighty.

I've just ordered a harmony 880, but it will be a few days b4 i get it. Im not sure if it will work w/ the MG..although im really hoping it will. Bec if you lose this remote its near impossible to run the MG w/o it.

Hope that helps.

Oh btw..i think there is a manual link someplace around here. Search in the forums for MG-35 MANUAL. Be warned its simple.

Sharon

Many thx for the quick answers
The good news, I have an 880, & I see with a quick check that the Mediagate 35 is supported. You will find it under Music Player, Digital Music Server.
"standard dvd type stuff" must include ff & rev, but any skip ahead, back, besides chapters?
And could you make any comment on the navigation via network? I really dont need the local HHD & will try to purchase one without, if that can be done. (still trying to find a vendor who even knows this exists here in Vancouver Canada)

Will look for manual too, I see its on the Mediagate web site

again thx for your quick reply

if you click on the TS.IFO file it will go directly to playing the movie.

Hi again Sharon....

Can the TS.IFO file be rename to something more descriptive, like the name of the film, then click on it and have it start like you said?


Thanks.

that i dont know i've never done it.

-s

Sharon (et al)
Could you describe you thoughts on the interface the MG-35 delivers to the TV? My interest is only in video streamed from a host PC. Are you presented with anything beyond a bare bones file - like listing of file names? How can you navigate to a different folder, or can this be done? Does the remote offer any friendly features? backlit? mutiple ff or rev speeds? ET or time remaining indicator? (while watching the program) skip ahead button that can be programmed?
Was it the HDD that made you go with this device over say the ADS Tech MediaLink or the Pinnacle ShowCenter 200?



You are not presented w/ anything other than a file listing. ITs as if your looking at a file explorer in windows.
The remote is not backlit. It has the standard dvd remote buttons..ff/rr and chapter > and <... I think if you press the ff/rr it might toggle speed up.

The reason i went w/ this device is bec i had a Buffalo Link theater and it had two major flaws. Unless you ran a wizd ..a third party server..could you get any chapter navigation. And if you did run wizd, you had to enter in each dvd path. yuk. That is as far as i undestood it.

I ilked that you coudl plug in an ext harddrive, which is what iwatned, but it def wouldnt support chapters of any kind on the vobs. The thing is..it just plays a vob..unless you put them in order and will pause btwn each one. If youy made a big vob..and stopped playback.you had tos tart back over at the beg and ff.

The second reasin is that the BLT did not support proper VOB play back in relation to respecting aspect ratios on my plain old 4:3 48" rear projection tv. It did howerver support the AR on my 61" tv that has the ability to convert up.

For these reasons are why i went wth somethinmg like the MG. Now i chose the MG as opopsed to the TVIX or TVISTO Bec MG has the network port.

Many thx for the quick answers
The good news, I have an 880, & I see with a quick check that the Mediagate 35 is supported. You will find it under Music Player, Digital Music Server.
"standard dvd type stuff" must include ff & rev, but any skip ahead, back, besides chapters?
And could you make any comment on the navigation via network? I really dont need the local HHD & will try to purchase one without, if that can be done. (still trying to find a vendor who even knows this exists here in Vancouver Canada)

Will look for manual too, I see its on the Mediagate web site

again thx for your quick reply

Sapest..good news on the 880..thanks.

yes whateer navs you have on a dvd remote you have on this one.

You can purchase an mg w/o a harddrive. The networking is almost similar to the Harddrive navigation cept you'll have a list of computers available. You also have to share your drives on the pcs/drives your sharing from..so Drill down is NETWORK>COMPUTER NAME > SHARED DIRS

THe guys that post here all agree going hardwired is the best, however thats pretty difficult for me sine i live in a weird townhome. So i use the newest plain jane linksys wireless router 54g (main pc is plugged inot this) and then downstairs i plug my MG35 into a Linksys WAP54g configured as a client.

It stutters on dvds wireless streamed at NO compression but if you compress the dvd some, you 'll get good streaming w/ no stutter and a decent picture.

sharon

Sharon
Again many thx for this info.
Tomorrow I will look thru the manual

Glad to hear that your setup is working out for you. I will be wired, pulled Cat5 thru my whole house 2 yrs ago, very low WAF, but paying off now!
Steve

OK... here's a couple of stupid questions....

Just got my MG-35.

1. When you install the hard drive do you just "lay it" in the case or does it attach in some way?

2. What are the four extra screws for in the box?

Thanks.

OK.. I set up my MG-35 and put a couple of movies on it, upgraded the firmware, etc., etc....

I also set up directories, Movies, Music, Photos....

Why when I'm at the main menu and select movies, does it go to the next screen which shows my folders, Music, Movies and Photos?

How do I get it so when I choose Movies from the main menu, just the movies show up? Or Music, or Photos?

I had read where people were setting up directories, however, I don't think mine are working correctly/

Thanks.

This is a very subjective question ... does the upconverter (to 1080i) work as well as an inexpensive upconverter DVD player (like the Zenith)? Also, how is the CAF (Child Acceptance Factor)? I have an 9 year old who easily navigates through a Tivo - will she have problems finding movies (ripped to an ISO on a network share) using the MG-35?

One other question ... does the MG-35 show elaspsed AND remaining time for video files?

One other question ... does the MG-35 show elaspsed AND remaining time for video files?

Just elapsed time...

avi (http://members.iinet.net.au/~skygraph/images/v01.jpg)
dvd ifo/iso (http://members.iinet.net.au/~skygraph/images/v02.jpg)
vob (http://members.iinet.net.au/~skygraph/images/v03.jpg)

How does your MG-35 display on a widescreen TV?

When I setup the MG-35 to display 16:9, I have black bars across the top and bottom of the screen.

Does anyone have this problems as well?

How does your MG-35 display on a widescreen TV?

When I setup the MG-35 to display 16:9, I have black bars across the top and bottom of the screen.

Does anyone have this problems as well?

Are you talking about while streaming video, or just navigating the MG-35 menus? When I configure mine to 16x9, then menu's show up with no black bars (it stretches all the screens to 16x9 - actually my top and bottom seem to be "cropped"). When I play videos, it uses the Aspect Ratio of the video (4x3 shows up with "pillar" bars on left and right, 16x9 content shows up using the full screen, and 2.35 movies show up with small bars on top and bottom).

It seems to use the correct aspect ration for showing photos as well, but the the photos (at least on my 65" HD TV) show up rather fuzzy. Does anyone else use this to view high-res photos on an HDTV?

It stutters on dvds wireless streamed at NO compression but if you compress the dvd some, you 'll get good streaming w/ no stutter and a decent picture.

sharon

Sharon:

I used to have the same stuttering problem with NSLU2. Since than I have bought Linkstation Ii (MIPS Processor), and all the stuttering is gone. I can stream even high bitrate DVDs to MG-35 from internal or external Linkstation HD.

jhaveri

This question goes out to someone that has a Mediagate MG-35. I know the unit has a loop function. I was wondering if it's a seamless loop or if it freezes for a second or two while the clip recues? Also, can I specify a clip to loop or does it loop a playlist? Thanks in advance...

OK... here's a couple of stupid questions....

Just got my MG-35.

1. When you install the hard drive do you just "lay it" in the case or does it attach in some way?

2. What are the four extra screws for in the box?

Thanks.

You'll find that most HDD's have a fairly snug fit into the HDD cradle and don't really need to be screwed in.

However, to screw it in, you must remove the 3 screws holding down the white HDD cradle, insert the HDD, then flip over the cradle and screw it in from the underside.

Hi Sharon...

Just ordered my MG-35 from PCMicrostore.

Did you have to set anything on the HDD before installing or did you just plug it in, connect up, and format? How did you format (NTFS)?

I'm using a Mac and use Mac The Ripper to rip my DVDs. I know you're probably not familiar with that, but I then convert them to MP4 files with the same aspect ratio, which lowers the file size to under 1gig? I want to store these on the hard drive. Do you think that they'll look OK? Does the MG-35 handle MP4 video files?

Thanks for the help.

Really looking forward to getting this integrated into my home system... already have the cable run waiting for it... ;-)

I also got my MG-35 from PCMicrostore last Xmas w/ a WD 250Gb HDD. Applied latest firmware and loaded about 180 Gbs of VOBs on the HDD without any problem. Connected it to my home theatre system and played everything great. The only problem is this last weekend, I turned it on and the MG put out a message on the screen like 'Not connected to hard drive and/or network'. I took out the WD drive and tested it on my PC using one of my external enclosures, and found out that the WD HDD is DEAD?!?! I logged onto Western Digital website to apply for a replacement drive without any problem since the HDD is under warranty until 11/2008. Has this happend to anyone? was this probably caused by a short-circuit in the MG, or did I get a 'lemon' hard drive?

daiqngo,

I have found that Western Digital HDs tend to run the hottest of all of the drives out there.

Since the MG-35 only has passive cooling for the installed hard drive and the WD HDs run hot, your drive may have died due to being overheated especially if you ran your MG-35 for extended periods of time.

One of the MG-35 owners on the the firmware thread installed a fan on the side of the case facing the HD. You might want to give that a try especially if you want to run large HDs in the MG-35. I have stuck to drives 200GB and smaller in my MG-35s and have not encountered any drive problems.

Just a thought.

Regards,
TCIII

Thank you, Thomas J Coyle. I also thought about that overheat problem. If that is the case, then this is a deficiency of the MG-35.
I'm thinking about dumping this box and switch to the Mediaman HVX-3500. This box is very similar, functionally, to the MG-35. It can pretty much do everything that the MG-35 can do (except for the NAS capability, which I don't need).
The HVX-3500 has not been discussed much in this forum, but it does have the following additional features which are better than the MG-35:
1. Nicer-looking interface screens.
2. HD level picture quality through 720p/1080i
3. Internal fan with user-controlled speed.
4. DVI output.
5. Built-in 5.1 ch analog output.
6. more sophisticated remote control.

Thank you, Thomas J Coyle. I also thought about that overheat problem. If that is the case, then this is a deficiency of the MG-35.
I'm thinking about dumping this box and switch to the Mediaman HVX-3500. This box is very similar, functionally, to the MG-35. It can pretty much do everything that the MG-35 can do (except for the NAS capability, which I don't need).
The HVX-3500 has not been discussed much in this forum, but it does have the following additional features which are better than the MG-35:
1. Nicer-looking interface screens.
2. HD level picture quality through 720p/1080i
3. Internal fan with user-controlled speed.
4. DVI output.
5. Built-in 5.1 ch analog output.
6. more sophisticated remote control.

One necessary feature I find missing of the Mediaman HVX-3500 is the lack of ethernet or wireless connectivity. I don't like the idea of having to disconnect this box from my HT setup to upload new content to it.

Hi guys. I know this is sort of off topic, but im about to buy a drive for my soon to be purchased MG-35. Can you guys just quickly have a look at this and make sure this hard drive would work with the thing

Seagate Barracuda 200GB IDE Hard Disk Drive 8MB Buffer (ST3200822A-RK)
* Product Description - Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 Plus - hard drive - 200 GB - ATA-100
* Type - Hard drive - internal
* Form Factor - 3.5" x 1/3H
* Dimensions (WxDxH) - 4 in x 5.8 in x 1 in
* Weight - 1.3 lbs
* Capacity - 200 GB
* Interface Type - ATA-100
* Connector - 40 pin IDC
* Data Transfer Rate - 100 MBps
* Average Seek Time - 8.5 ms
* Spindle Speed - 7200 rpm
* Buffer Size - 8 MB
* Manufacturer Warranty - 5 years warranty

Hi guys. I know this is sort of off topic, but im about to buy a drive for my soon to be purchased MG-35. Can you guys just quickly have a look at this and make sure this hard drive would work with the thing

Seagate Barracuda 200GB IDE Hard Disk Drive 8MB Buffer (ST3200822A-RK)
* Product Description - Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 Plus - hard drive - 200 GB - ATA-100
* Type - Hard drive - internal
* Form Factor - 3.5" x 1/3H
* Dimensions (WxDxH) - 4 in x 5.8 in x 1 in
* Weight - 1.3 lbs
* Capacity - 200 GB
* Interface Type - ATA-100
* Connector - 40 pin IDC
* Data Transfer Rate - 100 MBps
* Average Seek Time - 8.5 ms
* Spindle Speed - 7200 rpm
* Buffer Size - 8 MB
* Manufacturer Warranty - 5 years warranty

That drive should do just fine in your MG-35.

macboy3k,

I have two MG-35s and am running 200GB drives in each one.

I find that the 200GB size is a good compromise between storage size and the heat that is generated in the passively cooled MG-35 case.

If you eventually plan to run a bigger drive in the MG-35, I would attach a fan to the side of the case next to the hard drive to help reduce heat build up and increase the life of the drive.

Just a thought.

Regards,
TCIII

Thanks guys. Also it isnt hard to install these right. I have never in my life seen how a hard drive looks. That should explain my level of skills with these for installation.

Thanks guys. Also it isnt hard to install these right. I have never in my life seen how a hard drive looks. That should explain my level of skills with these for installation.
macboỷk,
Before you connect the IDE & power cables and put the drive in the MG-35, make sure to set the jumper to 'MASTER', otherwise it won't work. The jumper setting diagram is usually printed on the Seagate drive itself.

Size of the drive doesn't determine the amount of heat it puts out - its the number of platters and rotational speed that do. You can find hot 200GB drives, you can find cool ones. Those 4 platter 500gb drives put out a lot!

I've been a fan of the seagate drives for a number of years for areas where I want a quiet drive. At storagereview.com, you can dig into the benchmark data and look at power dissipation to see which drives run coolest or quietest etc., but keep in mind that even if you're looking at the same family (ie: the st7200.7), there will be differences based on the size if the platter count varies.

I think I've got a seagate 7200.8 200gb drive in my mg-35.

I have found the seagates and the samsungs to run the coolest myself.

Hi All,

So I've been looking for a digital streamer and pretty much narrowed it down to the MG 35 or the Pixel Magic (which isn't out yet). I have some questions for those of you who have the MG:

1)does it play .iso's with full menu capabilities, extras, etc?

2) How is the picture quality? I know this may be subjective. Obviously if it is just ripped with DVD Decrypter it should be as good as the original. What about if I use DVD2ONE to get it down to 4.7g, is there any perceivable differance in PQ? It is going to be hooked up to my Panny 47" widescreen.

3) Does the upconversion to 1080i look good?

4) I want to stream from my NAS upstairs, thru a wireless bridge. I know some have said there was stuttering at no compression, but fine if compressed. Anyone else find out otherwise?
What are the download speeds that you have seen transfering files from the NAS over the LAN to the MG? (2, 4, 5MB?, etc.)

5) If you are playing .vob's is there a delay between the different .vob's or does it play seamlessly thru the whole movie?

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

rhi

I play VOBs that I got using DVD Decrypter over a wired connection from an Infrant X6 NAS and they play seamlessly for me.

As far as picture quality is concerned, I am not sure that the upconversion is that great on all movies and sometimes think that my Panasonic DVD player produced a better picture, but I have not really bothered to verify this. I am satisfied with the picture and consider the MG-35 only a temporary solution until something better comes out. (I use a Sony 11HT projecting on a 100" Grayhawk screen.)

mka:

What model Panasonic dvd player do you have? I have the RP-56 and thought that provided a nice picture.

rhi:

I've had the MG-35 c/w 320GB HDD for two weeks. In response to your questions:
1) Yes - I confirmed this last night as I played an ISO with full DVD capabilities.
2) Using an uncompressed DVD Encrypter rip the quality is equal to any of my DVD players (iLO, RCA, Polaroid and Sony). Same applies to a title only ripped to 4.7GB. There is some degradation if I do a compressed complete rip but it is still as good as a 4.7GB DVD copy played in any of my players. A DivX (approximately 1.4GB) file has about the same quality as the latter.
3) Sorry - don't have the equipment to check this out.
4) I have one desktop hardwired to the router that plays all files as smoothly as if they were on the MG-35 HDD. I experienced some stuttering trying to play IFO/VOB and ISO files from my wireless desktop and laptop; therefore, I only view DivX files by that route. I won't have my NDAS key for another week so I've had no experience transferring files over the network. Where my MG-35 is situated it is easiest to transfer files from my laptop via USB.
5) I've played about ten complete movies from my network hardwired PC and I think I've noticed about two brief pauses - I don't know if this was between VOBs or not. Obviously this doesn't occur when playing ISO files or from the MG-35 HDD.

My responses:

2) How is the picture quality? I know this may be subjective. Obviously if it is just ripped with DVD Decrypter it should be as good as the original. What about if I use DVD2ONE to get it down to 4.7g, is there any perceivable differance in PQ? It is going to be hooked up to my Panny 47" widescreen.

It is not as good as my standalone players (Panasonic RP56, Panasonic CP72) which are dated, but are pretty good at deinterlacing for a 480p picture. As I have a CRT RPTV which can render 480p natively, upconversion to 1080i would just be adding garbage, so I don't use the upconversion.

4) I want to stream from my NAS upstairs, thru a wireless bridge. I know some have said there was stuttering at no compression, but fine if compressed. Anyone else find out otherwise? What are the download speeds that you have seen transfering files from the NAS over the LAN to the MG? (2, 4, 5MB?, etc.)
I have had a little stuttering, but not much. I'm using a 100mb cable, not wireless, so mine isn't a good answer for you.

rhi:

I have the Panasonic CP-72 DVD player.

Thanks for all your input. Maybe i'll still have to look around for my player. I have seen pics. of the UI, ....not that great lloking :( Does anyone know of another box that has a 'nice" UI?

Thanks

Thanks for all your input. Maybe i'll still have to look around for my player. I have seen pics. of the UI, ....not that great lloking :( Does anyone know of another box that has a 'nice" UI?

Thanks

The UI isn't that nice, but it functions. I don't spend much time staring at the UI anyway, so it doesn't really matter much to me.

Does mediagate MG-35 Play Dollby Digital 5.1 sound.i have onkyo receiver if i connect optical cable to my receiver does this will play 5.1 digital sorround sound

dildotum, the answer to your question is yes. I also have an ONKYO receiver TOS-Linked to my MG35. Works perfectly!

daiqngo, thanks for info.i want to buy one can you tell me where i can buy this?

daiqngo,
I just get my MAG-35 but it does not play Dolly Digital 5.1 sound. from my DVD player its play 5.1 digital sound ,its says on receiver screen Dolly Digital under red square when i play dolly digital 5.1 DVD. but when i play from MG-35 its does pickup Dolly Digital 5.1.is there any other setup.i use optical cable

daiqngo,
I just get my MAG-35 but it does not play Dolly Digital 5.1 sound. from my DVD player its play 5.1 digital sound ,its says on receiver screen Dolly Digital under red square when i play dolly digital 5.1 DVD. but when i play from MG-35 its does pickup Dolly Digital 5.1.is there any other setup.i use optical cable

From the "audio" menu, select "encoded digital". This will fix your problem.

seattlite ,
I try this, it is not working its play sound but not DolbyDigital 5.1

Does anyone know if the MG-35 will playback mpeg4 file encoded using VLC (video lan client). I encode using VLC with the following parameters:

1. Video codec = mp4v
2. Audio codec = mpga
3. mux=mp4

Thanks!

Marc

Greetings people!
Just got my MG35 today, still exploring the features, but one thing has me vexed:
mpeg files containing AC3 audio (converted from digital TV) produce no sound, even though the extracted .ac3 file will play (as music) just fine.
When I play an mpg file with AC3 audio the Audio Quality item in File Info says "unknown".
Please tell me there's a simple answer!

Another Ian

mpeg files containing AC3 audio (converted from digital TV) produce no sound... Please tell me there's a simple answer!
The only good news about this is Al Tech knows about it and is working on the problem. I even sent them a sample home video to make sure they saw (or rather didn't hear) the same thing as we. The firmware I've tried, starting at 1.3.2, produce unlistenable choppy sound until V1.4.0 when AC3 files are totally silent. (Video plays fine.)

Note that the only mpeg program streams I have which play the sound properly are LPCM @ 44.1kHz and mpeg-2 sound tracks. Neither LPCM nor AC3 sound tracks play when encoded @ 48kHz. I have not produced and have not tried AC3 @ 44.1kHz, so I don't know about that combination, or even if it's legally part of the DD standard.

The other file types that can play the sound properly include VOB files, ISO files made from DVDs, AVI files, and (so I've heard) DiVX files. So, until Al Tech gets their software engineers to fix it, these other file types are your only workarounds. A less-likely possibility is that our very active firmware modding group can fix it.

Thanks, TheKrell (great name- I love Forbidden Planet!) - I'm glad to hear that Al Tech know about it.
I can work around it, but it means extra processing.

-Ian

I recently purchased an external 300gb hard drive and then found out about the MG-35. Can I connect the external HDD to the MG through its USB plug in the back or do i have to open up the HDD and slot it into the MG?


Also, the files I mostly want to play are divx, avi, mpeg4 (I think those are all different) (most of them are around 700megs), I assume these files will play in the MG-35?

Cheers,
JR

I recently purchased an external 300gb hard drive and then found out about the MG-35. Can I connect the external HDD to the MG through its USB plug in the back or do i have to open up the HDD and slot it into the MG?




Also, the files I mostly want to play are divx, avi, mpeg4 (I think those are all different) (most of them are around 700megs), I assume these files will play in the MG-35?
Cheers,
JR

On the MG-35 you will have to take the hd out of your external enclosure and fit it into the MG-35...

If you had brought one of the NEW MG-350HD units , you could just plug the enclosure in and the MG-350HD would "see: it. and play off it.

Adding this USB "host" support is one of the things that the MG-35 Firmware project **MAY** be able to add to the MG-35 in the future , but it has to be stressed at this time we do not know of this is yet possible due to the limited hardware present in the MG-35.

Playing video files:

This Totally depends on how the video files are encoded, files encoded using the standard methods using Divx and Xvid codes usually play ok on the MG-35 , alot of is trial and error , using various encoding settings that play perfectly...

Hope this helps a little..

Dont forget to use the NEW GUI Firmware on your MG-35 , it will make the interface look so much better - available at my Yahoo Group here:-

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mg-35_firmware_mods/

TheKrell, could you confirm that V1.3.2 correctly identifies AC3 streams in MPG files?
I've compared mpegplayer.bin from 1.3.2 with 1.4.5 and noticed a difference where the audio is determined (marker is compared from r3 (in 1.4.5) instead of r1.
What I need now is to rebuild CRAMFS with the modified mpegplayer.bin, stick it into an .upgrade file and try it.
I do need help with that first step though :o

Ian

@ Teddystacker

Thanks for the info. I have been to mediagates website and have been trying to locate where I can buy a 350HD in Vancouver (or Canada). Know of any places?

Also, I was thinking that the WD-35 may be sufficient for me if I use the LAN option (e.g. connect the WD-35 to the ethernet cable and then link it to my computer that is connected to the external harddrive). Is this a correct assumption that the WD-35 will be able to pull/view files from my computer through the LAN?

I just recently bought a condo and it has come prewired with ethernet cables and some how would like a big link between my mediagate (either the 35 or 350hd), computer, and external harddrive. Any help would be greatly appreciated. PS. I also like the WD-35 cuz it is cheaper (furnishing a condo is friggin expensive)!

Cheers
JR

Could you confirm that V1.3.2 correctly identifies AC3 streams in MPG files? If you're referring to the File Info Audio Quality line, it shows MPEG on files whose sound plays, and Unknown on files that have no sound. This is true in 1.3.2 and 1.4.4. :(

I just recently bought a condo and it has come prewired with ethernet cables and some how would like a big link between my mediagate (either the 35 or 350hd), computer, and external harddrive. Any help would be greatly appreciated. PS. I also like the WD-35 cuz it is cheaper (furnishing a condo is friggin expensive)!

Cheers
JR

Ok , at, I have the setup you want and its not that expensive todo..

Get yourself a "Hub" or "switch" as some people call them , plug your pc into one port,and the MG-35 into another , you can then "share" a external hard drive off your pc and the MG-35 will See and play any content off your Expernal Drive..

If you want to turn the above Wireless (So you can move the MG-350 around) get a 350HD and a "Wreless Bridge" and plug it into the hub..

Thanks, Krell.
I'll see if I can make sense of this bit of code.

[QUOTE=teddystacker]
Get yourself a "Hub" or "switch" as some people call them , plug your pc into one port,and the MG-35 into another , you can then "share" a external hard drive off your pc and the MG-35 will See and play any content off your Expernal Drive..
QUOTE]

Thanks for the quick reply! I think I get it but just to confirm I have one more question. My comp and my MG-35 will be in different rooms. I was going to plug the ethernet cable from the wall 'plug' to the MG-35 and then in my computer room plug the ethernet cable from the wall plug to the wireless router. This way I was thinking I could use my laptop's wireless and connect the external hard drive to my laptop when I need to watch something off my HDD. Does this seem like a something that will make sense?

Also, have you found the MG-35 (once you upgrade the firmware) to be fairly easy to use, in terms of finding files etc?

Thanks a lot for all your help. This will save me many angry evenings :P
JR

Hi everyone,

I've just bought an MG-35 so I can play back movies from my external HDD and I'm having a small problem that I hope someone can help me with.

I have connected it to my network using DHCP and it has come up with an IP address. I can ping the MG-35 from my PC. The problem is that when I go into the menu and select "Movies" it searches for a while and then says that there are no PCs or shares connected to the network. I have multiple shared drives that it should be able to see.

Has anyone else had this problem and found a solution?

Many thanks

Warwick Finch
Australia

... It searches for a while and then says that there are no PCs or shares connected to the network. I have multiple shared drives that it should be able to see. That's a new one on me! I have had shares disappear because (ahem) I gave them names longer than 12 characters. And I have had security problems with W2K that prevented me from seeing anything on this PC. But all my PCs always showed up.

Does anybody have the MG35 connected to an external DAC using the toslink or the coaxial digital out for playing music?

Hi all

I am expecting my Mediagate any time and looking to use it in conjunction with a D-Link DWL-G700AP wireless access point.

I know SPALKOWETZ mentionned he used a LINKSYS equivalent, but I didn't get if it works as NDAS using the access point as well ?

Thanks

Hi everyone,

I've just bought an MG-35 so I can play back movies from my external HDD and I'm having a small problem that I hope someone can help me with.

I have connected it to my network using DHCP and it has come up with an IP address. I can ping the MG-35 from my PC. The problem is that when I go into the menu and select "Movies" it searches for a while and then says that there are no PCs or shares connected to the network. I have multiple shared drives that it should be able to see.

Has anyone else had this problem and found a solution?

Many thanks

Warwick Finch
Australia

remember that WinXP blocks the guest account from network access by default. If you are using the guest account for the Mediagate in WinXP, you must change the security policy to allow network access:

Start -> Run: secpol.msc
Security Settings -> Local Policies -> User Rights Assignment
Acccess this computer from the network = add the guest account.
Deny access to this computer from the network = remove the guest account

Anybody running latest (1.4.6) firmware? Is it stable?
My MG-35 came with 1.4.4 firmware. Everything seems to be working just fine, so I wonder should I bother with the upgrade. (You know, don’t fix it if it isn’t broken).
How complicated and safe the upgrade is – can anything go wrong?

Thanks.
:)

Anybody running latest (1.4.6) firmware? I am. I'm even running with a hacked version. ;)
Is it stable? Seems to be, but we've had one report each of "killer jpegs" with 1.4.5 and 1.4.6. Other than that, it seems to be stable. If you don't use the slide show function, or all your jpegs are a reasonable size, you won't have a problem. 1.4.4 shows a green screen instead of a picture on progressive jpegs.
My MG-35 came with 1.4.4 firmware. Everything seems to be working just fine, so I wonder should I bother with the upgrade. Well... 1.4.5 added a repeat folder option, and 1.4.6 added a rudimentary screen saver. Other than that, some "unknown bugs" were quashed. (See amusing release notes.)
How complicated and safe the upgrade is – can anything go wrong? We have seen rare disasters, such as the power failing during the reflashing process, and one or two cases of corrupted files read over the network. I avoid the latter by doing the upgrade from internal disk.

Thanks TheKrell

A question though, as I use slide show a lot. What exactly is a “killer jpeg” and what does it do to the machine?

Thanks TheKrell

A question though, as I use slide show a lot. What exactly is a “killer jpeg” and what does it do to the machine?
A killer jpeg is one that triggers some bug in the slide show code that corrupts the NVRAM in a way that kills your MG-35 and turns it into a brick.
(It will no longer boot) The NVRAM holds the operating system of the unit and the boot-loader. As long as the boot-loader is intact, a new version of the operatinng system can be installed if you have the right tools and knowledge.

The one unit that was de-bricked had its MAC address zeroed out by the killer jpeg, and apparently because it was missing, the boot loader prompted for and was patiently waiting for a new MAC address to be entered via the serial port every time the unit was re-booted.

Since nothing is connected to the serial port, and since no MAC address was entered at the prompt, the unit nicely stopped at that point in the boot process.... and acted as a brick.

The symptoms of a "killed" unit are the blue light flashing, but nothing else happens when attempting to power up the unit. At least so far, this indicates the basic boot loader is intact and it is possible to fix the unit via a special serial cable connected to the internal port and a subsequent upload/upgrade/input.

The manufacturer does not do this, but instead will simply replace a unit under warantee. This de-bricking technique has been reverse engineered by several very bright owners of the MG-35.

So far, no fix has been offered by the manufacturer for this killer jpeg bug.

Joe L.

Thanks Joe. You gave a better explanation than I had penned before a dinner party interrupted my reply.

Couple of added comments: I requested the killer jpeg from the two users who had this disaster, but neither responded. So nobody really knows at this point what characteristics trigger the bug. I think it's either an odd aspect ratio or a large file, or some combination of both, but that's only a guess.

One other improvement in 1.4.5 that I forgot to mention above was the addition of m3u playlist capability.

Thank you both.
It’s a pity that there was no response. It would be interesting and useful to know the face of the “killer”.

I do process all my jpegs through Photoshop batch so that they are all uniform in size and resolution (and compression type). I guess that makes it pretty safe.
:)