Hi All

I'm looking for a media player (video only) for my father in-law on a budget. My needs are as follows:
1) Play video streams from an on-board HDD
2) Play video streams from a USB drive
3) Support for the widest range of codecs
4) Network support will not be needed
5) HD output will not be needed
6) The software needs to be rock solid

Obviously TViX and the like are wonderful, I have one myself, but I'm looking for something a bit cheaper. Any thoughts?

Bugger, I guess it doesn't exist.

I suppose there isn't a huge demand for something like this as all the "lightweight" players rely on a PC.

Hi All

I'm looking for a media player (video only) for my father in-law on a budget. My needs are as follows:
1) Play video streams from an on-board HDD
2) Play video streams from a USB drive
3) Support for the widest range of codecs
4) Network support will not be needed
5) HD output will not be needed
6) The software needs to be rock solid

Obviously TViX and the like are wonderful, I have one myself, but I'm looking for something a bit cheaper. Any thoughts?

XBMC meets all of your needs....with some minor mods.
1. Yes, would need a bigger HDD
2. Yes, would need to add the USB port
3. XBMC has probably the widest range of codec support out there
6. XBMC is extremely solid with a lot of skin options available.

Pricing -
1. an old XBOX can be had on Ebay for probably $50. or less
2. You'd need either a Modchip (not sure of price) or just do the software mod.
3. The XIR mod for for remotely turning off/on the Xbox. About $20.
4. The DVD remote kit - Ebay or Gamestop - about $20.

You could probably have the entire XBOX setup as you need for less than $200. if you buy everything listed along with a new HDD. I looked for a long time at media streaming options and XBMC beat everything. As long as you don't mind doing a few mods yourself, you can have the solution you're looking for.

I'm kinda new to these forums, but I went with the Mediagate MG-35. I think that meets most of your specs, with the exception of adding an external hard drive. I'm using mine as a "video-jukebox" for my kids. Now more searching through 100's of DVD's!

Software is great and there is alot of support out there via this forum and yahoo groups including a firmware upgrade in August.

Picked one up for $80 on ebay!

Well I would have recommended the Tvix (I want one for myself). But obviously you have one and need something cheaper. I've done alot of research and for your budget I second what rjc said and get a Mediagate MG-35.

Which model Tvix do you have? I was looking at the 4100SH.

Well I would have recommended the Tvix (I want one for myself). But obviously you have one and need something cheaper. I've done alot of research and for your budget I second what rjc said and get a Mediagate MG-35.

Which model Tvix do you have? I was looking at the 4100SH.

Hi All

Mmm the Mediagate looks interesting... I'm researching as we speak.

I have a TViX 5000A whish is over a year old now. Everything it plays is streamed over the network. I LOVE it and the only limitation is the inability to play mkv files.

Okay... so there is a ton of data on this box. So I humbly have some questions:

1) Can I connect an external USB stick to the MG35 from which it can play files?
2) Other than HD and wireless, does the350HD have other added functionality?

Thanks again all!

No - that is the only drawback as I see it for the MG35 is that you can't add external storage via USB. The USB connection is used to connect the unit to your computer to add/remove data. For me it wasn't a big deal - I have a 500gb Hard Drive in there which was more then enough (750gb hard drives have also been tested and worked if you need even more storage)

I can't speak on the 350 since I don't have one and can't compare the differences.