Hello all,


I'm pretty new to all this stuff so I need some advice or any recommendations please.

For my display I'm going to buy the Panasonic TH-58PZ700U. The main usage for it will be 360 gaming and HD Cable. So I know those will look great - but I really want to pick up a Wireless Media Center, I was looking at the Helios x5000 but it didn't get such great reviews. Another mediocre review was of the Netgear EVA8000. First off, can anyone recommend either of these or a better network player?

However, my main concern is that whatever I'm streaming (primarily DIVX and XVIDs of all different resolutions), will they look really bad on that size / HQ Panasonic set? The same going for standard dvds - I really don't want to see a lot of grainy pixelated stuff if possible.

I know it really depends on what the encoding specs are - but in general what do you guys think of that as a setup?

Also, If I'm getting a 1080p set - I'd want to get an Oppo that upconverts right? I haven't seen an upconverted image- so I don't know if it makes a real difference. I'm guessing that would resolve the standard DVD issue?

Speakers I will deal with shortly after I get these components out of the way.

Sorry for all the questions, but I need professional advice- so I come to you all!

Thanks in advance,

Steve

What do you mean by standard dvd issue? DVD's obviously don't look as good as an HD source but they do look better then they would on an older TV which is probably what you are used to. But you can probably get your 360 to do the upconverting for you anyways.

To do a quick and dirty test of your encoded videos just full screen them on your computer. If your resolution on the monitor is around 1280x1024 the quality should be comparable.

Media extenders like the Helios x5000 and Netgear EVA8000 generally don't do video well wirelessly, either SD or especially HD. And IMO, I don't think any of them do audio particularly well wirelessly either-- the spectrum where they operate is crowded and prone to interference, causing stuttering and drop-outs. Running ethernet will ensure you get a good streaming experience. Over in the Digital Media Servers & Content Streamers Forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=14&f=39) you can probably get better information.

For upconverting DVDs, it depends on which device has the better scaler, the upconverting player or the TV. Some people see a remarkable difference, while others see none at all.

Thank you! Exactly why I came here. Been browsing the Digital Media Servers & Content Streamers Forum and I already have a headache- but it's what I need to know.

Thank you! Exactly why I came here. Been browsing the Digital Media Servers & Content Streamers Forum and I already have a headache- but it's what I need to know.
One other thing that rarely gets mentioned in that forum-- your choice of server software is just as (and IMHO, more) important than the choice of media device.

Most servers that come with media extenders are pretty basic, while some third-party servers will transcode formats for you (provided your server hardware is robust enough) and allow access to various internet feeds and podcasts.