I recently purchased an Infrant NV+ to start storing audio files on, but now I also have the video-server bug. As little as I have learned about the audio side of things, at this point, I am even less knowledgable about video storing/streaming.

I want to start simple, by trying to find an inexpensive solution to play video files to my SD set in the bedroom and am thinking about the Buffalo Link Theater Mini. I know it is discontinued at this point, likely in favor of a wireless solution, but I have 5e throughout my home, so this hard-wired solution suits me; and at $80 the price is right to try and cut my teeth, so to speak.

My question is this: my current "backup" software rips to .vob, along with .ifo and .bup, which I assume the .vob needs to be read properly? Are these compatible with the Buffalo device (which says only that it is compatible with MPEG-2 standard resolution files) or will the Buffalo software convert these files to be compatible?

Thanks,

CD

The buffalo should playback vob's without trouble if it is anything like the LinkTheater/Player. It will not playback IFO's (menus). For that you need something like the Mediagate MG35, or the Tvix's. If you only need SD playback and are looking to save some bucks, I would get a Mediagate. I have one and it playsback SD stuff OK and also supports menus through IFO support over the network or (optional)internal hard drive.

A more capable costly, higher end solution is to use the Tvix 5000/4000.

I started with the mg35 after going through the iodata and buffalo and it worked well for SD DVD rips. However I quickly found myself in the wonderful world of HD and upgraded to the Tvix 5000. The 5000 works wonderfully for my video chores and I have 2-one in the bedroom and one in the office. I am planning on picking up a 4000 for the living room HDTV. All are connected to 2 Infrant NV's.

I only use the devices for VIDEO and cannot help you with your audio chores.

Bottom line is to just rip the IFO/VOB's and you will be good to go. No conversion required.

Good luck.

Thanks for the help Q; sounds like good news. I was looking to maybe pick up the 4000 when I decided to get the Plasma ready for streaming. But like I said, while I'm wading in and learning from my mistakes, I just wanted an inexpensive, simple solution for SD in the bedroom. Sounds like everyone recommends that mg35 as a great jumping-off point, so that may be the way to go above the Buffalo.

CD