Let me first nominate the Abigs DVP-570HDA. It plays .ISO files, has a USB interface in the front to connect to another storage unit if desired, and has a RJ45 if you want to stream from another computer. Anyone else have suggestions?


plays .ISO files
has network capability
component, DVI, or HDMI interface


Top 5???
1) Abigs DVP-570HDA
2)
3)
4)
5)

Let me first nominate the Abigs DVP-570HDA. It plays .ISO files, has a USB interface in the front to connect to another storage unit if desired, and has a RJ45 if you want to stream from another computer. Anyone else have suggestions?


plays .ISO files
has network capability
component, DVI, or HDMI interface


Top 5???
1) Abigs DVP-570HDA
2)
3)
4)
5)
In regards to the Abigs, do you have one and you are speaking from direct experience in terms of nominating it? IMO you can not nominate a NMP based on the Manufactures advertised feature set...

The Abigs looks interesting but it is really new and currently has some problems but its tech support seems to be responsive. I got this information from this forum.

The TVIX4000, Linkplayer2(Using WIZD), MVIX-760HD come to mind. I only have direct experience with the Linkplayer2.

XBMC Awesome program.

The Rokulabs HD1000. It is now discontinued but you can still get them cheaply from ebay. It is also the only one that uses an ATI chipset rather than the sigma and was the very first one on the market that could do HD. It still is the only one that can handle bitrates above 24Mbps.

The Rokulabs HD1000. It is now discontinued but you can still get them cheaply from ebay. It is also the only one that uses an ATI chipset rather than the sigma and was the very first one on the market that could do HD. It still is the only one that can handle bitrates above 24Mbps.

Yeah but isn't there a big problem with the power supplys in them dying?
http://forums.rokulabs.com/viewtopic.php?t=2261&start=210&sid=435ac35698471bff2172650fdf32a5a6

Add the Zensonic Z500 to the mix. www.z500series.com

another vote for XBMC
modded XBOX

how well does the modded xbox with xbmc stream .ISO files over a hardwired network?

Flawlessly for me.. If you try to use it over wireless its choppy (But might improve with a big cache).

another vote for XBMC
modded XBOX
How hard is it for a complete novice to computers, xbox and NMP to Mod an XBOX? create an xbox media center?

I have googled it and found a guide or two but it looks pretty intimidating....comments...

Do you mod XBOX or XBOX360?

Can you stream ts/tp files? and do they play smoothly? even if they have bitrates up to 20Mb/sec?

Can you play mp4 and DivX? Any restrictions on these video formats?

Can you stream and play files located anywhere on your network?

How much of your computer cpu is used when playing ISO/mpeg/ts/avi/mp4 video files using a XBMC?

My vote is for Rapsody N35.

My vote is for Rapsody N35.
v770, how did you setup your n35 wirelessly? i read you installed an ethernet converter, but how did you install the driver for it?

also, how does the wireless connection stream DVD .ISO files? can you tell a difference?

My vote is for Rapsody N35.
Do you know if they have fixed the image shift issue associated with the DVI-HDMI connection?

Have they fixed the audio sync issue with 1080i ts files?

Do you have any direct experience with these issues? Other issues?

Thanks

How hard is it for a complete novice to computers, xbox and NMP to Mod an XBOX? create an xbox media center?

I have googled it and found a guide or two but it looks pretty intimidating....comments...

Do you mod XBOX or XBOX360?

The original XBOX.

Can you stream ts/tp files? and do they play smoothly? even if they have bitrates up to 20Mb/sec?

You can stream them and they will NOT play smoothly (if at all). I've tried it before and some will play but it will not play smoothy or some will not play at all. Don't even bother with ts/tp as the XBOX is only a 733mhz processor IIRC.

Can you play mp4 and DivX? Any restrictions on these video formats?

No restrictions on divx/mp4 (unless it's HD).

Can you stream and play files located anywhere on your network?

Yup. You can even create a bookmark that will consolidate several network locations into one folder view.

How much of your computer cpu is used when playing ISO/mpeg/ts/avi/mp4 video files using a XBMC?

It's the same as transfering files from your computer to another over the network. It shouldn't be much as your computer is just hosting the file and not doing any processing of the actual video.

the problem with the modded xbox, is that it sucks at deinterlacing...so if you plan to use if for dvd viewing then I would strongly suggest you look elsewhere...eventually this was the demise of my xbox...I couldn't stand the combing anylonger, and it's a problem with mplayer...so there isn't much that can be done about it.

@JaPhule and PLincoln;
Thanks for the information. Unfortunately I record and view mostly mpeg and about 35% of that are HD ts files.

the problem with the modded xbox, is that it sucks at deinterlacing...so if you plan to use if for dvd viewing then I would strongly suggest you look elsewhere...eventually this was the demise of my xbox...I couldn't stand the combing anylonger, and it's a problem with mplayer...so there isn't much that can be done about it.

Yup, that's why I just set it to output 480i and let my tv do all the processing.

are there any mods for the xbox to output video digitally, either through an SDI mod (ideal) or...some hacked on DVI/HDMI port?

@EazyM3: I know it is not on your list but for what it is worth I have been using the Linkplayer2 for 18months now. If your main needs are as you stated then the I/O Data Linkplayer2 + WIZD server software will work quite nicely.

WIZD is free and there is a version that is specific to the LP2. It does not have a fancy UI but it is simple, reliable and just plain works. You can play .iso files, stream just about any video file type and you can smoothly play HD ts files up to 15Mb/s. If you went with NFS then it may be possible to smoothly play up to 20Mb/sec.

I am not a sales person for I/O Data and I am looking for a 2nd NMP. The main reason I do not get another LP2 is that the support forum has not been visited by I/O Data in 6 months.

In the 18 months I have run the LP2 I have had zero problems, zero lock ups and it is fully accepted by my family. WIZD is a must if you choose the LP2 because it is what provides the .iso capability among other things like bookmarking and deleting files after viewing. I have tried Twonky and TVersity and I personally like WIZD better.

--snip--
I am not a sales person for I/O Data and I am looking for a 2nd NMP. The main reason I do not get another LP2 is that the support forum has not been visited by I/O Data in 6 months.
--snip--
.
Unlike the folks at Ziova (Zensonic) who visit their forums every 6 minutes it seems. I have never seen such support before.

They recently issued their 1.6.1 firrmare and a new remote (free to those who had the older flaky one) and things are now really getting stable. The product is delivering on nearly all of its its promises of which there are many! The Z500 (and their new line up of products) is definitely worth making anyone's short list IMHO, and as Chuna mentions it does do ISO files over both wired ethernet and WiFi.

peter

Unlike the folks at Ziova (Zensonic) who visit their forums every 6 minutes it seems. I have never seen such support before.

They recently issued their 1.6.1 firrmare and a new remote (free to those who had the older flaky one) and things are now really getting stable. The product is delivering on nearly all of its its promises of which there are many! The Z500 (and their new line up of products) is definitely worth making anyone's short list IMHO, and as Chuna mentions it does do ISO files over both wired ethernet and WiFi.

peter
I am keeping my eye on the Ziova CS510, which is supposed to be available in the US in April. I really do not want another NMP with a DVD player in it.

I am keeping my eye on the Ziova CS510, which is supposed to be available in the US in April. I really do not want another NMP with a DVD player in it.
I hear you! I have 3 DVD players - the one in the Z500 sits permanently idle...

peter

yeah. the dvd player is useless. i would rather save a few bucks.

does the z500 play divx files? if it can do iso, vob, divx, avi, i might have to pull the trigger on this one.

anyone play divx hd on this thing? how is the throughput on wired ethernet?

i would love to see something with gigabit ethernet connected to my server with a crossover cable.

Z500 ISO/IFO is definitely not 100% reliable. I have at best 30 - 40% success rates with it. If you just want to play the main movie and rip it to a single .VOB it is fine...but you lose chapter points, menus, extras, etc.

Z500 ISO/IFO is definitely not 100% reliable. I have at best 30 - 40% success rates with it. If you just want to play the main movie and rip it to a single .VOB it is fine...but you lose chapter points, menus, extras, etc.
What software do you use to rip DVDs to .iso? How do .iso play if it is just the main movie and sound track. I personally have no need of the other STUFF so I need know if the Z500/CS510 can play just the main movie as an iso.

Z500 ISO/IFO is definitely not 100% reliable. I have at best 30 - 40% success rates with it. If you just want to play the main movie and rip it to a single .VOB it is fine...but you lose chapter points, menus, extras, etc.
If you want to avoid this and not want to use ISO, just do a complete rip of the whole DVD, in the form of viable VIDEO_TS.IFO and VIDEO_TS.VOB files - that way you keep everything including menus and it plays fine at least for me over SMB.

The problems that I have read about with ISO files not playing is predominantly due to the software used to create the files. The one that I see most heavily recommended above all others is DVDFab - reported success on the Z500 is very high with this.

Peter

yeah. the dvd player is useless. i would rather save a few bucks.

does the z500 play divx files? if it can do iso, vob, divx, avi, i might have to pull the trigger on this one.

anyone play divx hd on this thing? how is the throughput on wired ethernet?

i would love to see something with gigabit ethernet connected to my server with a crossover cable.
You might want to hold the trigger as you suggested until a version without the DVD player comes out - this is the one that gets me excited for "less than $200" (probably $199.9999!), to which you can add your own hard disk - the CS515.
http://www.internetnewsbureau.com/archives/2007/january/ziova.html

I don't use ISO but play the other types without any issues.. see my other posting about ISO files. There were issues up until the 1.6.1 firmware but this seems to have stablized things a lot. I have been using the new firmware for a week.

It so far has played all the HD stuff I have thrown at it - over wired ethernet including mpeg2, wmv HD, and stuff encoded using divx5.0 - at 720p and 1080i.

Your mileage may of course vary. Check out the Z500 forums if you have detailed questions etc.

What is super cool is the Shoutcast streaming radio functionality - radio stations from all over the world and you don't need your computer on. Last night I was streaming to my home theatre the BBC, a station from Beruit and one from the Philippines. It is very easy to add a new station. If you write a fancy macro on a universal remote you don't even need to have your TV on at all. Just hit the button with the name of your radio station and wait.

peter
p.s don't buy it for the slideshow mode - it sucks!
p.p.s. review with old firmware version here (many of the bugs have been fixed)
http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/index.php/taxid;2136212605;pid;1144;pt;1
"Overall, we found the Z500's standard definition playback to be good, but when it came to high definition, we were really only impressed with DivX HD."

If you want to avoid this and not want to use ISO, just do a complete rip of the whole DVD, in the form of viable VIDEO_TS.IFO and VIDEO_TS.VOB files - that way you keep everything including menus and it plays fine at least for me over SMB.

The problems that I have read about with ISO files not playing is predominantly due to the software used to create the files. The one that I see most heavily recommended above all others is DVDFab - reported success on the Z500 is very high with this.

Peter

I am always trying with a complete rip of the whole DVD. I've tried doing it to individual files like they are on the DVD and launching via the video_ts.ifo file, and ripping to a single .iso file. I've used DVDFab Decryptor (the free version), Ripit4Me, and DVDShrink. No joy on any of them. Specific titles that fail and I'm sure most everyone has or is trying are Talladega Nights, The Departed, and Avia.

If you have made the Z500 work with any of these let me know

What software do you use to rip DVDs to .iso? How do .iso play if it is just the main movie and sound track. I personally have no need of the other STUFF so I need know if the Z500/CS510 can play just the main movie as an iso.

I haven't tried to create iso's of just the main movie. When I've had the Z500 fail on complete DVD rips I've usually used DVD Shrink to rip just the main movie as one big .vob (uncheck the "split into 1 gb file" checkbox to do this). These work pretty well and are a good solution if you only want the main movie.

I am always trying with a complete rip of the whole DVD. I've tried doing it to individual files like they are on the DVD and launching via the video_ts.ifo file, and ripping to a single .iso file. I've used DVDFab Decryptor (the free version), Ripit4Me, and DVDShrink. No joy on any of them. Specific titles that fail and I'm sure most everyone has or is trying are Talladega Nights, The Departed, and Avia.

If you have made the Z500 work with any of these let me know
Absolutely no problems with DVDShrink - but this is on older DVDs - via the IFO/VOB route.

Have you posted your question to the Z500 forums? The folks there are way more knowledgeable than me and I have seen them helping folks with ISO issues before.

I assume you are on the latest firmware - 1.6.1?

Peter
p.s. we are starting to hijack this original thread I fear ;-(

i'm sort of stuck, i already have 100's of iso files already on a NAS box. I need to get them to the TV.

once i have a box that works, i can try and create new files to work with it.

so, if ytou say the z500 is only 30-40% reliable, its not very encouraging for me ...

i was also looking at the mvix 5000, but not sure if it has ISO support or not

Also Ziova have publicly declared on their forums that they aren't putting any effort towards fixing the ISO playback problems. Not a priority for them.

You got to understand the Playback problems comes from the way the files are encoded not because it is in particular a problem playing back as such. A lot of people don't understand that. There are many variances due to copy protection of files etc that causes issues playing back an ISO. Other media players also suffer from this. Success is never going to be 100% when playing back ISO's unlike sticking a DVD disc into your drive and playing it back. 2 very different things as ISO is a rip.

It is very complex thing to analyze which is why there isn't a 100% hit on ISO's which is not the fault of the player. You will find usually the success rate will hover between 90 and 95% depending on how the file is ripped and encoded.

This also takes up huge resources which is why we havent prioritized this because a lot of users do get a 90 to 95% success rate on ISO/IFO playback. Some get as high as 97%.

I understand it is a hard problem, as evidenced by the fact that I don't think there are any hardware players that are at 100%. But it is not an insurmountable problem: HTPC's play 100% of these rips, so it is definitely do-able. The thing that isn't clear from a consumer perspective is whether the failure is a hard limitation of the prevalent Sigma chipset. It will be interesting to see as new chipsets become available what is possible.

I think all this indicates that overall, the market offerings for network media players is still immature and bleeding edge.

I understand it is a hard problem, as evidenced by the fact that I don't think there are any hardware players that are at 100%. But it is not an insurmountable problem: HTPC's play 100% of these rips, so it is definitely do-able. The thing that isn't clear from a consumer perspective is whether the failure is a hard limitation of the prevalent Sigma chipset. It will be interesting to see as new chipsets become available what is possible.

I think all this indicates that overall, the market offerings for network media players is still immature and bleeding edge.

It is not the same to compare a PC to a CE device. 2 totally different things. A HTPC is way more powerful and can do way more things besides a full OS and tons of memory compared to a 166Mhz device with 64MB of memory. Sure stack this CE unit up with a 2 or 3Ghz processor and a Gig or 2 of RAM and give it a full OS and that also can do wonders and give you pretty much everything a PC can do too. A PC is also a lot more forgiving to copy protection than a CE device.

There are many variances due to copy protection of files etc that causes issues playing back an ISO. Other media players also suffer from this. Success is never going to be 100% when playing back ISO's unlike sticking a DVD disc into your drive and playing it back. 2 very different things as ISO is a rip.
DVD Decrypter and the like strip the copy protection before ripping the files to disk.
So I do not understand how this is an issue. Can you explain please. I'm new to this and must be missing something. :confused:

It is not the same to compare a PC to a CE device. 2 totally different things. A HTPC is way more powerful and can do way more things besides a full OS and tons of memory compared to a 166Mhz device with 64MB of memory. Sure stack this CE unit up with a 2 or 3Ghz processor and a Gig or 2 of RAM and give it a full OS and that also can do wonders and give you pretty much everything a PC can do too. A PC is also a lot more forgiving to copy protection than a CE device.


Correct, that's why I bought Shuttle PC as an universal media player. It plays everything.

There is one more problem with the hardware media players - subtitles. While mainstream users probably are not affected, there is an issue for users who are playing movies with the non-western subtitles (Cyrillic, Armenian, Japanese etc.). Only a few media players on the market allow reprogramming or use Unicode fonts, while adding an extra font in the HTPC is literally a no-brainer.

DVD Decrypter and the like strip the copy protection before ripping the files to disk.
So I do not understand how this is an issue. Can you explain please. I'm new to this and must be missing something. :confused:
I do not have a technical answer...but commercial DVDs, even though they have to follow standards, can be setup differently...different enough that sometimes Decrypter or Ripit3me or DVDFab Decrypter will get it wrong. The encryption is stripped out but the wrong audio is used for example.

The media industry really does not want their DVDs copied and so they make it as difficult as they can.

Correct, that's why I bought Shuttle PC as an universal media player. It plays everything.

There is one more problem with the hardware media players - subtitles. While mainstream users probably are not affected, there is an issue for users who are playing movies with the non-western subtitles (Cyrillic, Armenian, Japanese etc.). Only a few media players on the market allow reprogramming or use Unicode fonts, while adding an extra font in the HTPC is literally a no-brainer.
The old HTPC vs networked media player argument....there are about as many negatives as there are positives for both approaches....no perfect solution except the one that works for you.

The old HTPC vs networked media player argument....there are about as many negatives as there are positives for both approaches....no perfect solution except the one that works for you.

Actually I have both, D-Link 520 and Shuttle, but speaking about HTPC negatives, so far I know only one - price, other than that, HTPC rules...

I think i'm going to go with the z500. if i can't get all the iso's to work its not a big deal. i have plenty of other content, avi,divx,mpg, as long as it can play those, i should be good to go

Actually I have both, D-Link 520 and Shuttle, but speaking about HTPC negatives, so far I know only one - price, other than that HTPC rules...
Be honest...how much time did it take for you to get it setup just right(hardware/software/codecs/case/fans)...to get the overlay just right...to be able to reliably and repeatably play 1080i HD smoothly...to get a user GUI that met all your needs...all your family's needs...to get a good remote control solution. Think back to before you knew what you know now.

In my world the negatives for HTPC, one that will play ts 1080i HD files smoothly are: Cost, complexity(steep learning curve), needs to be relatively close to the TV(I know that there are small form factors and fairly quiet setups but for my wife and I it is not enough) and the wife/family factor in terms of robustness and ease of use(for example if she accidently turned the PC off and then had to wait for it to reboot, she would think she did something wrong and would probably avoid using it from then on).

Niether solution is perfect....actually not even close especially if you take into account the average JoeDon'tKnowNothingButTurnItOn!

Be honest...how much time did it take for you to get it setup just right(hardware/software/codecs/case/fans)...to get the overlay just right...to be able to reliably and repeatably play 1080i HD smoothly...to get a user GUI that met all your needs...all your family's needs...to get a good remote control solution. Think back to before you knew what you know now.

In my world the negatives for HTPC, one that will play ts 1080i HD files smoothly are: Cost, complexity(steep learning curve), needs to be relatively close to the TV(I know that there are small form factors and fairly quiet setups but for my wife and I it is not enough) and the wife/family factor in terms of robustness and ease of use(for example if she accidently turned the PC off and then had to wait for it to reboot, she would think she did something wrong and would probably avoid using it from then on).

Niether solution is perfect....actually not even close especially if you take into account the average JoeDon'tKnowNothingButTurnItOn!

Well, let's educate our JoeGoingHD!

The truth is, all this HD stuff still goes over average Joe & Jill circle, at least one step up. 720p/1080i/HDMI still sounds Greek for many users. But, eventually everybody got used with VCR, so will HTPC.

If my 84-years old mother in law can handle our HTPC so will Joe.

With the SFF PC you've got different dimension. Literally!

Well, let's educate our JoeGoingHD!

The truth is, all this HD stuff still goes over average Joe & Jill circle, at least one step up. 720p/1080i/HDMI still sounds Greek for many users. But, eventually everybody got used with VCR, so will HTPC.

If my 84-years old mother in law can handle our HTPC so will Joe.

With the SFF PC you've got different dimension. Literally!
Actually I do not think HTPC or NMP will ever be main stream...the logical direction is media TVs.

the new buffalo p4 looks promising, im not sure what the intel viiv does exactly? anyone know? i have the p3 buffalo, it has the same flakes as most other media streamers, but it does most of what i want it to.

Is it better to save onto a hard drive as an ISO or as a TS file and what is the difference?

How hard is it for a complete novice to computers, xbox and NMP to Mod an XBOX? create an xbox media center?

I have googled it and found a guide or two but it looks pretty intimidating....comments...

Do you mod XBOX or XBOX360?

Can you stream ts/tp files? and do they play smoothly? even if they have bitrates up to 20Mb/sec?

Can you play mp4 and DivX? Any restrictions on these video formats?

Can you stream and play files located anywhere on your network?

How much of your computer cpu is used when playing ISO/mpeg/ts/avi/mp4 video files using a XBMC?

IMO opinions setting up the networking and getting the sharing working is harder than modding an xbox. Of course there are plenty of sources for pre-modded xboxes, some even with warranties.... Wireless streaming is purely a function of how good your wifi reception is. I have 3 xboxes that can stream DVD's flawlessly over wifi and one in a bad location that wont. Wired throughput is near line rate...

1. regular xbox

2. no, but you I suspect you know the answer to this already from your previous postings

3. everything, just resolution can be limiting factors. nothing over 540p

4. yep using a number of different protocols. upnp can be used but SMB is preffered over the rest.

5. maybe 1-2%. I can run six simulataneous streams with 2% load.

plus all the good features. Best interface anywhere, broadest codec support anywhere, Awesome Visualizations for Music, and its cheap... Only box under 5k that auto looks up movie info and creates automatic databases with movie thumbs, actor thumbs, movie previews and more... There's just so many features that are impressive. Again, its flaws, 1. you can't just walk into CC and buy one, 2. it doesn't have enough CPU MIPS to decode HD Streams on the xbox platform. PC's certainly do though.... I would be nice if it had HDMI or supported high bitrate audio over HDMI. Unfortunately for the latter there is no solution for this outside the PS3.


IMO Its the ultimate solution for those who dont need HD. For HD users there is XBMC for MAC, Windows and Linux thats improving rapidly.... or there are always the popcorn hours, tvix, etc which certainly have the chops to play modern files but almost everything else about them is sub standard....





Here's a few snapshots of the GUI. All thumbnails and info was pulled automatically of the internet.... Its really quite simple and amazingly useful. Later this year I will probably do a HTPC running XBMC to compliment the 11 xboxes I have between both my houses....

http://lh6.ggpht.com/rufrothy/Ry3rc2-FU1I/AAAAAAAABe4/8b_-Al8Hujs/s800/screenshot006.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/rufrothy/Ry3rhG-FU2I/AAAAAAAABfA/4r5UDHpcEis/s800/screenshot001.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/rufrothy/Ry3rim-FU3I/AAAAAAAABfI/i_FGAVF5SDo/s800/screenshot002.jpg

http://lh3.ggpht.com/rufrothy/Ry3rkG-FU4I/AAAAAAAABfQ/HQ-tBDzExZE/s800/screenshot003.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/rufrothy/Ry3rlW-FU5I/AAAAAAAABfY/gh8Ef2wy1IA/s800/screenshot005.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/rufrothy/RqkuvI3vR0I/AAAAAAAAA8w/gVhAmnzKWSs/s800/3D%20Album%20View.jpg

check out eva8000 http://www.netgear.com/Products/Entertainment/DigitalMediaPlayers/EVA8000.aspx
This would need to be in the top 5. I did have to update firmware. It just works!
I also have the Rapsody N35, for me. It never got out of Beta! It's now in the back. Has a streaming problem, cant stream iso's over 4 gb.

FYI, this thread just got a 1 year bump :)

popcorn hour...been streaming ISO's everyday through NFS...flawless!!!

popcorn hour...been streaming ISO's everyday through NFS...flawless!!!

Tendulkar :) ?? he he Where are you based?

Now the question and thoughts that pop in my head.

I have the following items:

Sharp 52" 1080p LCD with HDMI etc..
Philips 8992 Up converting Player with USB 2.0 supporting FAT32 Drives / Flash

I am planning to set up a NAS over Gigabit Ethernet.

Network Media Player / Streamer Options:

NMT Based Device - HDMI, Great for HD Video, Does ISOs, VOBs, etc, Not great UI

PS3 - HDMI, Great UI and apparently shows Thumbnails etc. Smooth. Does VOBs, Not support ISOs... I am assuming it shows HD

XBMC - Non HD, But has one of the best Media Center Interfaces.

FOLLOWING MY REQUIREMENTS:

I am currently backing up SD DVDs into DVD9 / DVD5 ISOs and VOBs. I dont expect or plan to buy any HD or Blu Ray players / DVDs for the higher resolution as such. No incentive at this point.

I bought a 1080p screen as long term investment with a good deal.

The question now is - What player would best work for me?

Would streaming SD DVD5 / DVD9 / VOBs (Non HD) using NMT or PS3 over HDMI look that much better than using the XBMC over (non HDMI) whatever (Coax? Component? Composite - Whats the best option here) ?

Thoughts?

hmm ps3 will have the eyecandy there is nothing to say but when you look around also popcorn are getting nearer there they will never be that stylish as an ps3 with an horsepower you wouldnt find in an PC against an chipdesign which is maybe an 1/100 of the performance haha,
I dont know what you think about power consum the popi will need around 10-20w an ps3 will be where :) and the most important thing for me is that the ps3 is loud and my pch is without any any noise!!!

cHarOn

As I said above, the eva8000 works for me. I stream VOBs and ISOs. HDMI 1080P from a Qnap TS-409 turbo NAS, I also have a Rapsody N35. It can't stream ISOs over 4gb. I had a Mvix MX-780 HD for about three days.. Sent it packing. Not trying to bad mouth the 780, just not for me. I'm wired gigabit ethernet

Tendulkar :) ?? he he Where are you based?

Now the question and thoughts that pop in my head.

I have the following items:

Sharp 52" 1080p LCD with HDMI etc..
Philips 8992 Up converting Player with USB 2.0 supporting FAT32 Drives / Flash

I am planning to set up a NAS over Gigabit Ethernet.

Network Media Player / Streamer Options:

NMT Based Device - HDMI, Great for HD Video, Does ISOs, VOBs, etc, Not great UI

PS3 - HDMI, Great UI and apparently shows Thumbnails etc. Smooth. Does VOBs, Not support ISOs... I am assuming it shows HD

XBMC - Non HD, But has one of the best Media Center Interfaces.

FOLLOWING MY REQUIREMENTS:

I am currently backing up SD DVDs into DVD9 / DVD5 ISOs and VOBs. I dont expect or plan to buy any HD or Blu Ray players / DVDs for the higher resolution as such. No incentive at this point.

I bought a 1080p screen as long term investment with a good deal.

The question now is - What player would best work for me?

Would streaming SD DVD5 / DVD9 / VOBs (Non HD) using NMT or PS3 over HDMI look that much better than using the XBMC over (non HDMI) whatever (Coax? Component? Composite - Whats the best option here) ?

Thoughts?

Does the PS3 look better than XBMC. Yep

Is it elegant to operate... no its its really pretty poor....

PS3 will play vobs but thats just it. No Menus, no subtitles, no angles, no multi language support, no movie database, no video thumbnails.

Can you make it play DVD's yes. Is it crude yes.... would I ever use it for that, no way (and I own 2 PS3's)...... why because a $60 xbox does a better job. If you want the ultimate in PQ go by an Oppo 983.

Sean

Sean

popcorn hour...been streaming ISO's everyday through NFS...flawless!!!

Question is will it stream Blu Ray ISO's at 1080P?



This popcorn hour sounds interesting, but why oh why would they go with a file tree structure and not just support cover art??

noting I'm not in the market having already distributed everything with HTPC's just curious.

Cheers,

Requis

there wont come out an streamer which can stream blueray isos, you must know sony will kill the company if someone trys that without blueray device inside!