Mediagate MG-35 questions

[ptwyzard]

Can the Mediagate run stand alone without being connected to a computer?

How is the noise level if you integrate it into your Home Theater enclosure?

Does it work with a Mac?

Where's the best place to get one?

Thanks.

[Thomas J. Coyle]

ptwyzard

The MG-35 can run stand alone if you have installed a hard drive and have previously connected the MG-35 through its Slave USB port to a PC to download whatever media files you want to listen to and/or view.

Don't know about the noise level because mine is still on the UPS truck for delivery today.

Since the MG-35 is server independent, it should work with any PC out there.

I got mine off of eBay for $170 shipped. If you do not want to use eBay you can get one from the PCMicroStore: www.pcmicrostore.com

Regards,
TCIII

[ptwyzard]

I saw those at PCMicrostore. If I ordered one with the 300GB hard drive installed, then what you're saying, if I understand you correctly, is that I would just plug it into a USB port on my computer and start copying files over, then disconnect it from the computer, connect it to my home theater system and I'm off and running correct?

I also noticed, on ebay where they are selling them, that it says it is fanless operation so it virtually noise free. Can anyone confirm this for me.

Thanks.

[Thomas J. Coyle]

ptwyzard,

Yes, your first statement is correct.

As for fanless operation, I have not seen a fan grill opening in the pictures of the MG-35, so it might not have a fan.

Regards,
TCIII

[spalkowetz]

I've had my mg-35 for about 2 weeks now....
Its VERY Quiet. I bought the 300g drive from the same store.

The harddrive is *not* installed when it arrives. However
its super easy to install it and the formatting comes from plugging
it into the usb port of your pc and configuring it that way.
I had a little hiccup in that dept, but then i figured out the problem.
Whatever you do..do NOT format the harddrive independent of the unit.
follow the instructions and you'll have it working in no time.

I've drag this bad boy to work to rip files off my pc. I've taken it to my friends
and they watched movies and photos and music from it.
Oh and it upconverted my ripped dvds to 1080i on my 61" tv (to emulate a proper 54" 16:9 tv..my tv does that). I Watched Star Wars III and the picture was pretty amazing.

As for networking..what i'v found so far..is you can plug it in a Linksys WAP54g (about $80 at best buy) and it will work great w/ your wireless G router. Just set the wap as a client. If you rip a movie using dvd decrypter, you will have to compres it some w/ DVD Shrink to play wireless w/o stuttering. But i compress it to fit on the size of a 1layer dvd and its looks and works great.

Just remember, you cant have the USB port plugged into a pc and watch movies at the same time bec it disables the media portion when it becomes a USB slave.

Let me know if you have any other questions

Sharon

[ptwyzard]

Hi Sharon...

Just ordered my MG-35 from PCMicrostore.

Did you have to set anything on the HDD before installing or did you just plug it in, connect up, and format? How did you format (NTFS)?

I'm using a Mac and use Mac The Ripper to rip my DVDs. I know you're probably not familiar with that, but I then convert them to MP4 files with the same aspect ratio, which lowers the file size to under 1gig? I want to store these on the hard drive. Do you think that they'll look OK? Does the MG-35 handle MP4 video files?

Thanks for the help.

Really looking forward to getting this integrated into my home system... already have the cable run waiting for it... ;-)

[spalkowetz]

hi ptwyzard

These are the steps on installing teh harddrive.

When you get your package you will get the mg35 in a box seperate from the harddrive. YOu'll need a bit of a screw driver to open the mg35..the screws you can use by hand but even w/ my small fingers i needed a screwdriver (i know..girl - weak :P ) Anyway.inside you'll have a power port as well as a ribbon connector..just like in a pc.

Unwrap the harddrive and look carefully at the settins on the jumper to see if its set to MASTER or SINGLE. ON mine i had to pull the jumper off to make it a master/single. But the drive you get oculd be different.

Just plug it into the box, close it upand connect it to the computer.

Now i plugged mine into my computer not my mac to format it to ntfs. I think if you connect it to the mac and go into disk utilities, you format it..but wouldnt that format it to the mac file system/?

I have a mac but i havent used mac the ripper although one of my classmates highly recommended it. I jsut always use my pc's to rip.

So...my question is if you format it to NTFS and then try to connect and dump mac ripped dvds...might you have a problem w/ data integrity?
The reason i ask is that i once loaded some data on my PC formated ipod from a Mac and lost half my songs. :P

good question eh?

[spalkowetz]

oh i forgot..on the pc i had to go to disk management to find the disk, set the partition to 1 and then quick format from there (ntfs). U know im sure its possible to make 2 partitions ..1 for mac and 1 for pc if you wanted too..although i think sort of a waste of space.

Right now i've put about 37 movies, one music cd, and a handful of pics and i've used up 133g. Some of my movies are 4.5 g..some smaller, some bigger depending on if i wanted alot of quality or not.

let me know if you have any more questions.

Sharon

[ptwyzard]

Yes that is a good question. I think I'll post a question over in the Apple forums to see if it can be done.

I have move my my MP3s over my network from my Mac to my PC and vice versa with no problems. Have also done this with pictures and have been able to view them, so I'm thinking it shouldn't be an issue.

What do you thinking about the converting the videos to MP4. Will the MG-35 handle this? Will they look ok if I keep the aspect ratio the same as what was ripped?

Thanks for the input... really looking foward to getting this.

BTW, you sent your drive was set to Master/Single. I assume this is the same thing? Can they actually be two separte options on the jumpers? If so, I assume I choose master?

Also, if I rip my DVDs using DVD shrink, what's the best way to get them to the smallest size and still have acceptable viewing on a 47" Panny HDTV? I'd really like to get all my movies (about 100 or so) on this along with my music and photos... Maybe I'm asking for too much.

Thanks again.

[sapest]

Sharon (et al)
Could you describe you thoughts on the interface the MG-35 delivers to the TV? My interest is only in video streamed from a host PC. Are you presented with anything beyond a bare bones file - like listing of file names? How can you navigate to a different folder, or can this be done? Does the remote offer any friendly features? backlit? mutiple ff or rev speeds? ET or time remaining indicator? (while watching the program) skip ahead button that can be programmed?
Was it the HDD that made you go with this device over say the ADS Tech MediaLink or the Pinnacle ShowCenter 200?

Many thx to all who take a moment to answer.

[spalkowetz]

Originally Posted by ptwyzard

I have move my my MP3s over my network from my Mac to my PC and vice versa with no problems. <snip>
What do you thinking about the converting the videos to MP4.
<snip>
Thanks for the input... really looking foward to getting this.

BTW, you sent your drive was set to Master/Single. I assume this is the same thing? Can they actually be two separte options on the jumpers? If so, I assume I choose master?

Also, if I rip my DVDs using DVD shrink, what's the best way to get them to the smallest size and still have acceptable viewing on a 47" Panny HDTV? I'd really like to get all my movies (about 100 or so) on this along with my music and photos... Maybe I'm asking for too much.

Thanks again.

When i purchased an ext hd firewire/usb, i read in it that i either should format it MAC OS FORMAT or NTFS. Now i believe that if it were a network drive, it would be multiplatform compatible. In this case i think i would format it for either mac or pc, or use two partitions. One way to knwo for sure would be to try it and see if you get data loss...


As for converting it to mp4..i havent tried it. I just ripped it exactly w/ ifo/vob bec i wanted to rip fast and not have to re-encode the file. Im not too up on alot of conversions so i might say sth wrong here. IM sure others will see to correct it if i do. Now i have converted the files to 'dvix' and 'xvid' and that took like 6 hours for one movie (bleh). The mg-35 will rpsect the aspect ratio for ifo/vobs. It will aslo for divx, xvids and avis.

Master/SINGLE can be the same thing..on my WD it was. On the maxtor drive i think it is also. the manual will be a tad more specfic. But im assuming you'd go w/ Single if there were two settings for this.

Finally..using DVD Shrink. I ripped the main titles, depending on the movie down to 2.5g before..and looked ok on my 61" sony rear projection tv that upconverts to 1080i. For Star Wars i left it the title at no compression at around 4-5 g.

REally that is up to you and your TV. I only have component outputs on the mg-35. it doesnt have a dvi or the other port..um..for hidef..i forget what its called. I highly suggest ripping the same movie..i.e. star wars or something thats done in exceptional definition at several compressions and see what you can live with. Thats what i had to do.

Good luck!
Sharon

[spalkowetz]

Originally Posted by sapest

Sharon (et al)
Could you describe you thoughts on the interface the MG-35 delivers to the TV? My interest is only in video streamed from a host PC. Are you presented with anything beyond a bare bones file - like listing of file names? How can you navigate to a different folder, or can this be done? Does the remote offer any friendly features? backlit? mutiple ff or rev speeds? ET or time remaining indicator? (while watching the program) skip ahead button that can be programmed?
Was it the HDD that made you go with this device over say the ADS Tech MediaLink or the Pinnacle ShowCenter 200?

The interface from the MG is like this. When it turns on you get two options..Eiether the local hd if installed or network if hooked up.

If you choose HD, you'll see files as you setup when you dl'ed them from the PC. I make 3 folders..music, photos, movies at the root. I put all my ripped dvds into each respective folder than put them under the MOVIES folder.

So if you choose HD, you'll see the three folders, click on movies, click on the dir's of the movie you want and you'll see the list of files exactly as your ripped. If you click on the TS.vob file, and you have the whole dvd ripped, it will start playing the folder JUST as if the dvd were in a drive. Menus, govt warnings, trailers, all of it.

If you jsut rip the main title, you'll prob see the TS .IFO and a few vobs. (maybe one other file but you wont care). That way you have fewer vobs, less excess space taken up *and* if you click on the TS.IFO file it will go directly to playing the movie. You will get chapter navigation but NO menus, no govt warnings, trailers, etc.

REMOTE:
Its prety small and simple. Got your standard dvd type stuff on it..menu/title, repeats, subtitles, video, audio, etc. It has screen size so you can zoom in x3. Includes also a volume, contrast/br button, time search and file info.
Its not backlit, its very simple. It also includes a power button. For a small remote tho, its prety mighty.

I've just ordered a harmony 880, but it will be a few days b4 i get it. Im not sure if it will work w/ the MG..although im really hoping it will. Bec if you lose this remote its near impossible to run the MG w/o it.

Hope that helps.

Oh btw..i think there is a manual link someplace around here. Search in the forums for MG-35 MANUAL. Be warned its simple.

Sharon

[sapest]

Many thx for the quick answers
The good news, I have an 880, & I see with a quick check that the Mediagate 35 is supported. You will find it under Music Player, Digital Music Server.
"standard dvd type stuff" must include ff & rev, but any skip ahead, back, besides chapters?
And could you make any comment on the navigation via network? I really dont need the local HHD & will try to purchase one without, if that can be done. (still trying to find a vendor who even knows this exists here in Vancouver Canada)

Will look for manual too, I see its on the Mediagate web site

again thx for your quick reply

[ptwyzard]

Originally Posted by spalkowetz

if you click on the TS.IFO file it will go directly to playing the movie.

Hi again Sharon....

Can the TS.IFO file be rename to something more descriptive, like the name of the film, then click on it and have it start like you said?


Thanks.

[spalkowetz]

that i dont know i've never done it.

-s

[spalkowetz]

Originally Posted by sapest

Sharon (et al)
Could you describe you thoughts on the interface the MG-35 delivers to the TV? My interest is only in video streamed from a host PC. Are you presented with anything beyond a bare bones file - like listing of file names? How can you navigate to a different folder, or can this be done? Does the remote offer any friendly features? backlit? mutiple ff or rev speeds? ET or time remaining indicator? (while watching the program) skip ahead button that can be programmed?
Was it the HDD that made you go with this device over say the ADS Tech MediaLink or the Pinnacle ShowCenter 200?

You are not presented w/ anything other than a file listing. ITs as if your looking at a file explorer in windows.
The remote is not backlit. It has the standard dvd remote buttons..ff/rr and chapter > and <... I think if you press the ff/rr it might toggle speed up.

The reason i went w/ this device is bec i had a Buffalo Link theater and it had two major flaws. Unless you ran a wizd ..a third party server..could you get any chapter navigation. And if you did run wizd, you had to enter in each dvd path. yuk. That is as far as i undestood it.

I ilked that you coudl plug in an ext harddrive, which is what iwatned, but it def wouldnt support chapters of any kind on the vobs. The thing is..it just plays a vob..unless you put them in order and will pause btwn each one. If youy made a big vob..and stopped playback.you had tos tart back over at the beg and ff.

The second reasin is that the BLT did not support proper VOB play back in relation to respecting aspect ratios on my plain old 4:3 48" rear projection tv. It did howerver support the AR on my 61" tv that has the ability to convert up.

For these reasons are why i went wth somethinmg like the MG. Now i chose the MG as opopsed to the TVIX or TVISTO Bec MG has the network port.

[spalkowetz]

Originally Posted by sapest

Many thx for the quick answers
The good news, I have an 880, & I see with a quick check that the Mediagate 35 is supported. You will find it under Music Player, Digital Music Server.
"standard dvd type stuff" must include ff & rev, but any skip ahead, back, besides chapters?
And could you make any comment on the navigation via network? I really dont need the local HHD & will try to purchase one without, if that can be done. (still trying to find a vendor who even knows this exists here in Vancouver Canada)

Will look for manual too, I see its on the Mediagate web site

again thx for your quick reply

Sapest..good news on the 880..thanks.

yes whateer navs you have on a dvd remote you have on this one.

You can purchase an mg w/o a harddrive. The networking is almost similar to the Harddrive navigation cept you'll have a list of computers available. You also have to share your drives on the pcs/drives your sharing from..so Drill down is NETWORK>COMPUTER NAME > SHARED DIRS

THe guys that post here all agree going hardwired is the best, however thats pretty difficult for me sine i live in a weird townhome. So i use the newest plain jane linksys wireless router 54g (main pc is plugged inot this) and then downstairs i plug my MG35 into a Linksys WAP54g configured as a client.

It stutters on dvds wireless streamed at NO compression but if you compress the dvd some, you 'll get good streaming w/ no stutter and a decent picture.

sharon

[sapest]

Sharon
Again many thx for this info.
Tomorrow I will look thru the manual

Glad to hear that your setup is working out for you. I will be wired, pulled Cat5 thru my whole house 2 yrs ago, very low WAF, but paying off now!
Steve

[ptwyzard]

OK... here's a couple of stupid questions....

Just got my MG-35.

1. When you install the hard drive do you just "lay it" in the case or does it attach in some way?

2. What are the four extra screws for in the box?

Thanks.

[ptwyzard]

OK.. I set up my MG-35 and put a couple of movies on it, upgraded the firmware, etc., etc....

I also set up directories, Movies, Music, Photos....

Why when I'm at the main menu and select movies, does it go to the next screen which shows my folders, Music, Movies and Photos?

How do I get it so when I choose Movies from the main menu, just the movies show up? Or Music, or Photos?

I had read where people were setting up directories, however, I don't think mine are working correctly/

Thanks.

[imarkup]

This is a very subjective question ... does the upconverter (to 1080i) work as well as an inexpensive upconverter DVD player (like the Zenith)? Also, how is the CAF (Child Acceptance Factor)? I have an 9 year old who easily navigates through a Tivo - will she have problems finding movies (ripped to an ISO on a network share) using the MG-35?

[imarkup]

One other question ... does the MG-35 show elaspsed AND remaining time for video files?

[skymatrix]

Originally Posted by imarkup

One other question ... does the MG-35 show elaspsed AND remaining time for video files?

Just elapsed time...

avi
dvd ifo/iso
vob

[rloureir]

How does your MG-35 display on a widescreen TV?

When I setup the MG-35 to display 16:9, I have black bars across the top and bottom of the screen.

Does anyone have this problems as well?

[imarkup]

Originally Posted by rloureir

How does your MG-35 display on a widescreen TV?

When I setup the MG-35 to display 16:9, I have black bars across the top and bottom of the screen.

Does anyone have this problems as well?

Are you talking about while streaming video, or just navigating the MG-35 menus? When I configure mine to 16x9, then menu's show up with no black bars (it stretches all the screens to 16x9 - actually my top and bottom seem to be "cropped"). When I play videos, it uses the Aspect Ratio of the video (4x3 shows up with "pillar" bars on left and right, 16x9 content shows up using the full screen, and 2.35 movies show up with small bars on top and bottom).

It seems to use the correct aspect ration for showing photos as well, but the the photos (at least on my 65" HD TV) show up rather fuzzy. Does anyone else use this to view high-res photos on an HDTV?

[jhaveri]

Originally Posted by spalkowetz

It stutters on dvds wireless streamed at NO compression but if you compress the dvd some, you 'll get good streaming w/ no stutter and a decent picture.

sharon

Sharon:

I used to have the same stuttering problem with NSLU2. Since than I have bought Linkstation Ii (MIPS Processor), and all the stuttering is gone. I can stream even high bitrate DVDs to MG-35 from internal or external Linkstation HD.

jhaveri

[nibbletuhoh]

This question goes out to someone that has a Mediagate MG-35. I know the unit has a loop function. I was wondering if it's a seamless loop or if it freezes for a second or two while the clip recues? Also, can I specify a clip to loop or does it loop a playlist? Thanks in advance...

[Frenik]

Originally Posted by ptwyzard

OK... here's a couple of stupid questions....

Just got my MG-35.

1. When you install the hard drive do you just "lay it" in the case or does it attach in some way?

2. What are the four extra screws for in the box?

Thanks.

You'll find that most HDD's have a fairly snug fit into the HDD cradle and don't really need to be screwed in.

However, to screw it in, you must remove the 3 screws holding down the white HDD cradle, insert the HDD, then flip over the cradle and screw it in from the underside.

[daiqngo]

Originally Posted by ptwyzard

Hi Sharon...

Just ordered my MG-35 from PCMicrostore.

Did you have to set anything on the HDD before installing or did you just plug it in, connect up, and format? How did you format (NTFS)?

I'm using a Mac and use Mac The Ripper to rip my DVDs. I know you're probably not familiar with that, but I then convert them to MP4 files with the same aspect ratio, which lowers the file size to under 1gig? I want to store these on the hard drive. Do you think that they'll look OK? Does the MG-35 handle MP4 video files?

Thanks for the help.

Really looking forward to getting this integrated into my home system... already have the cable run waiting for it... ;-)

I also got my MG-35 from PCMicrostore last Xmas w/ a WD 250Gb HDD. Applied latest firmware and loaded about 180 Gbs of VOBs on the HDD without any problem. Connected it to my home theatre system and played everything great. The only problem is this last weekend, I turned it on and the MG put out a message on the screen like 'Not connected to hard drive and/or network'. I took out the WD drive and tested it on my PC using one of my external enclosures, and found out that the WD HDD is DEAD?!?! I logged onto Western Digital website to apply for a replacement drive without any problem since the HDD is under warranty until 11/2008. Has this happend to anyone? was this probably caused by a short-circuit in the MG, or did I get a 'lemon' hard drive?

[Thomas J. Coyle]

daiqngo,

I have found that Western Digital HDs tend to run the hottest of all of the drives out there.

Since the MG-35 only has passive cooling for the installed hard drive and the WD HDs run hot, your drive may have died due to being overheated especially if you ran your MG-35 for extended periods of time.

One of the MG-35 owners on the the firmware thread installed a fan on the side of the case facing the HD. You might want to give that a try especially if you want to run large HDs in the MG-35. I have stuck to drives 200GB and smaller in my MG-35s and have not encountered any drive problems.

Just a thought.

Regards,
TCIII