Ok, so I've read through most of the threads over the past couple of weeks, and I've narrowed my selection to a possible 3 finalists. However, there is SO much information on here, I've confused myself beyond belief, so now I need some help. The thee receivers I'm looking at are:

1. d-link 520
2. MediaGate MG-350HD
3. Mvix (MX-760HD) Wireless HD Media Center

Basically, all I want is something to attach to my HD tv that will store or have the ability to connect to something that will store about 500-750GB of DVD video (ripped in whatever format that is the most DVD-like). So I don't care if it's an internal or external harddrive (I don't think I care anyways) Currently, I am using an HP laptop running XP Home and I have a linksys wireless g router. I don't plan on storing my videos or other media on the laptop harddrive at all. (or atleast after the DVD is ripped and ready to be played) I'd like a half-way decent UI on the tv, but isn't everyone?

I looked into the spreadsheet comparison link and the 2nd two options weren't listed. So I'd like a little help in figuring out if I'm looking at the right stuff, or if I should be looking at another receiver. And any advise on how to make the right choice.

Thanks everyone!

Ok, so I've read through most of the threads over the past couple of weeks, and I've narrowed my selection to a possible 3 finalists. However, there is SO much information on here, I've confused myself beyond belief, so now I need some help. The thee receivers I'm looking at are:

1. d-link 520
2. MediaGate MG-350HD
3. Mvix (MX-760HD) Wireless HD Media Center

Basically, all I want is something to attach to my HD tv that will store or have the ability to connect to something that will store about 500-750GB of DVD video (ripped in whatever format that is the most DVD-like). So I don't care if it's an internal or external harddrive (I don't think I care anyways) Currently, I am using an HP laptop running XP Home and I have a linksys wireless g router. I don't plan on storing my videos or other media on the laptop harddrive at all. (or atleast after the DVD is ripped and ready to be played) I'd like a half-way decent UI on the tv, but isn't everyone?

I looked into the spreadsheet comparison link and the 2nd two options weren't listed. So I'd like a little help in figuring out if I'm looking at the right stuff, or if I should be looking at another receiver. And any advise on how to make the right choice.

Thanks everyone!
Your short list is interesting but differs from mine quite a bit.

My short list is:
TVIX 4000
DSM-510 or 520
Linkplayer2

Why isn't the TVIX 4000 on your list?

If you have not already done so you should go to the manufacturers forums. Do not be be swayed by their Web page adds.

Why isn't the TVIX 4000 on your list?



I was just about to update my post to include the M-4000P. So I guess there are 4 finalists...

Well I can only really say that I got the 760hd the other day and I love it. I'm still in the age of standard definition though so I can't comment on HD quality.

The 350hd and 760hd seem very similar, but the 760hd was a clear winner for me with it's LCD display on the front and support from 1080p (over 1080i on the 350hd). I don't want to get into a debate about whether 1080p is necessary - when I do get an HDTV I will get one with 1080p so want to have the best I can. The LCD has proved itself invaluable so far in selecting TV outputs and playing music without the TV on. In fact you get pretty much the same control through the LCD as you do the TV menu.

The D-link flew under my radar as I wanted a mini box so I can't really comment on it.

There's my 2 pence anyway.

Come on guys.. almost 150 views and only 2 responses. Surely someone can help me out with limiting down my options.... please....

Come on guys.. almost 150 views and only 2 responses. Surely someone can help me out with limiting down my options.... please....
A significant portion of the people trolling this forum are in the same boat as you...so it is not that no one wants to help you...

The vast majority of NMPs can only be purchase over the internet, which means that it is a real hassle to return. The selection of NMPs is growing but unfortunately they all seem to be suffering from problems...poor support, frequent lockups, noisey fans, very liitle data on the internet, most of the data available is in the form of complaints and so on...

I'm pretty happy with the MG350HD, especially now that they are providing more frequent firmware updates, and seem to be more responsive to both problems and feature requests.

One thing to be aware of - I think you will have issues trying to stream DVD movies over the wireless network. I foundt hat MP4 encoded files streamed over wirless ok, but that DVD rips often stutter to a halt. I have heard that using a WIRED network connection works just fine though.

Both DLink and Netgear are expected to have new boxes in the next month or two. I would wait for reviews before I put any money down, especially since you are interested in HD. Just be sure you get a box that handles the major formats in hardware. According to Tomshardware.com the Dlink DSM-510 transcodes in software. That means you can't use a NAS in the future to serve unless you have a server with enough power to transcode.

I own the DLink DSM-520 which while it has limitations, serves my needs pretty well with the latest firmware. It does support a lot of files natively, so I serve most stuff off my NAS.

Alan

Ok, so I've read through most of the threads over the past couple of weeks, and I've narrowed my selection to a possible 3 finalists. However, there is SO much information on here, I've confused myself beyond belief, so now I need some help. The thee receivers I'm looking at are:

1. d-link 520
2. MediaGate MG-350HD
3. Mvix (MX-760HD) Wireless HD Media Center

I am also following this thread. I am looking for a device that will mainly play HD .tp and .ts files over an ethernet network. I am trying to compile a short list of media receivers that recognize and play these files without hiccups - as well as the usual mess of other AVI and MPG files... Thanks

I am also following this thread. I am looking for a device that will mainly play HD .tp and .ts files over an ethernet network. I am trying to compile a short list of media receivers that recognize and play these files without hiccups - as well as the usual mess of other AVI and MPG files... Thanks
When you say ethernet are talking wirelessly? If so, there are not many players than can play HD high bitrate smoothly over a wired network let alone wirelessly.

I have been looking for a NMP that will do what you are looking for but at bitrates > 15Mb/s over a wired network....there are a few that can do it but NAS and NFS is required to do reliable smooth playback of HD ts/tp video with high bitrates.

If your thinking wireless....forget it!

I'm definately not depending on wireless. Basically, I want a movie-on-demand box with a good user interface.

When you say ethernet are talking wirelessly? If so, there are not many players than can play HD high bitrate smoothly over a wired network let alone wirelessly.


I am definitely talking about a wired ethernet link for the large HD files.

I'm in the same boat. I have the DSM 320, bought it before the HD boxes starting coming out and it's been a lot of trouble. I also do a lot of photography so I wanted pics and although DLink claims there is no known issue, the aspect ratio for pictures is way off, I understand that to be the same for the 520 as well.

One nice feature which I will require any unit I buy to have is a restart function. This way you don't have to unplug it every time you need to reboot. Something to think about. Short and long is I will not be buying another Dlink media streamer especially with there 45 minute wait IT support.

My next move is to HD (I have the TV) and it appears that a lot of these sets have similar features now with the major deciding factor being file formats or conncectivity. But if you're going to watch HD that means you're going to be wired so the connectivity shouldn't be an issue.

My advice which I'm going to follow, make sure you buy it at a place with a good a return policy, discount computer shops typically charge you a restocking fee, if you like it and it plays HD well, keep it. If not, return it and try another. Kind of a pain in the but at least you'll know through personal experience and not from forums and reviews....which you can spend hours upon hours on only to find that you bought the one unit that won't cooperate. If you want to get a good discount via the web, do the same. Just take it back and then order it.

Beleive me through all my electronic purchases there is nothing like taking it home, using it for a week to two to find any bugs and then deciding.

Hope this helps.

P.S. With regards to file formats if you rip a legal copy of HD / Blueray disk does it still have the same file extensions as the SD disks? Wondering how these units will stream these backedup copies from your comp.

I bought and loved the MX-760HD at first. It played all my personally captured .ts files flawlessly.

The problems started when I tried to playback files rejoined from multiple segments. They would play with dropped frames every 3-5 min causing a jerky stagger.

I then realized that files larger than 4gb would not play completely and would restart 41-50 min in. The firmware updates only seemed to make things worse as my previously smoothly playing .ts files were now playing back with the same choppy dropped frames as the rejoined .ts files. Not to mention the locking up of the box in the middle of a FF or RW operation on multiple occasions.

I reluctantly returned the unit and will wait for a unit with a SIGMA EM8634 chipset. Then I think .ts and even H.264 playback will be left without the labored stutter or 4gb limit.

Don't get me wrong the MX-760HD is great.. and the open source is starting to produce some promising homebrew firmware.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=759390&page=1&pp=30

I'm in the same boat. I have the DSM 320, bought it before the HD boxes starting coming out and it's been a lot of trouble. I also do a lot of photography so I wanted pics and although DLink claims there is no known issue, the aspect ratio for pictures is way off, I understand that to be the same for the 520 as well.

One nice feature which I will require any unit I buy to have is a restart function. This way you don't have to unplug it every time you need to reboot. Something to think about. Short and long is I will not be buying another Dlink media streamer especially with there 45 minute wait IT support.

My next move is to HD (I have the TV) and it appears that a lot of these sets have similar features now with the major deciding factor being file formats or conncectivity. But if you're going to watch HD that means you're going to be wired so the connectivity shouldn't be an issue.

My advice which I'm going to follow, make sure you buy it at a place with a good a return policy, discount computer shops typically charge you a restocking fee, if you like it and it plays HD well, keep it. If not, return it and try another. Kind of a pain in the but at least you'll know through personal experience and not from forums and reviews....which you can spend hours upon hours on only to find that you bought the one unit that won't cooperate. If you want to get a good discount via the web, do the same. Just take it back and then order it.

Beleive me through all my electronic purchases there is nothing like taking it home, using it for a week to two to find any bugs and then deciding.

Hope this helps.

P.S. With regards to file formats if you rip a legal copy of HD / Blueray disk does it still have the same file extensions as the SD disks? Wondering how these units will stream these backedup copies from your comp.


I bought the DSM-320 the same month it was released and haven't had any issues with it at all. I only play downloaded TV shows which are .avi's and they all play perfectly. I have set it up both wireless and wired with no trouble. I do notice that when it is wireless, you have to set it to interlace to get a smoother framerate since it is sending half the data. However your TV has to have a good film-mode or de-interlacer built in if it isn't a CRT. Since I only use it for TV-shows I missed, it has been a blessing and a great buy. I haven't played around with any of the other features on the DSM-320 because I have a PS3 for my photo's and HD video. Tomshardware said the DSM-520 is the best one so far since it uses hardware decoding and does a fine job with HD material. However I can't vouch for that statement. Good luck finding the right one. My only other advice is to simply get it at Best Buy and return it if it doesn't meet your expectations. Also, wait for second generation HD models which have ironed out the bugs.