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Moving on from my Boxee Box - PCH 210 or Dune D1 ?

post #1 of 61
7/11/11 at 8:11pm
Thread Starter 
Hey,
Had the boxee box for six months now and tired of waiting for them to figure out the hd audio drop problem. That and with latest firmware I have numerous sync problems with the mkv files.

I don't care about online content, only want to play local content which is streamed over wired network. I play hd material in mkv,m2ts,ts and iso format. 90% of which is mkv. Some of the files are up to 40 gigs in size.

What I liked about Boxee was that it would play all of the files without needing to piece them together. If I had a rar'd file or the whole blueray structure I could just click on the folder and it would play. No need to winrar or use makemkv. I also liked the FF and RW with the latest update. I like being able to ff continuously and not in 30 second increments.

The pch a210 and dune smart d1 seem to be the best solution for what I need. I want hd audio and video (have new denon receiver that plays all the codecs) with no dropouts or sync issues and the ability to play all the files like my boxee did. The only difference I see from afar is that the dune is 60 bucks more.

I rarely play music on my media player so thats not much of an issue. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Have mulled this over for three months waiting for boxee but going to take the plunge in the next week.
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post #2 of 61
7/11/11 at 8:24pm
Both the PCH and Dune are great products. But no media player is perfect and each one has it's own issues or quirks. I have several Boxee Boxes and a C200. There are a few things I like better about the C200 and many things I like about the Boxee box. There were also a few things I liked about the Dune when I had it. But no player has yet been perfect for me. And now that I'm over 850 titles, it's becoming increasingly important to have an interface that allows me to quickly navigate my collection.
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post #3 of 61
7/11/11 at 8:46pm
Thread Starter 
I only keep a collection of kids movies for the rugrats and i only have around 70 in there. They watch them on the computer. Your right in that nothing is perfect.

Aaron is the pch FF and RW like the boxee ?
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post #4 of 61
7/11/11 at 8:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chaluga View Post

Hey,
Had the boxee box for six months now and tired of waiting for them to figure out the hd audio drop problem. That and with latest firmware I have numerous sync problems with the mkv files.

I don't care about online content, only want to play local content which is streamed over wired network. I play hd material in mkv,m2ts,ts and iso format. 90% of which is mkv. Some of the files are up to 40 gigs in size.

What I liked about Boxee was that it would play all of the files without needing to piece them together. If I had a rar'd file or the whole blueray structure I could just click on the folder and it would play. No need to winrar or use makemkv. I also liked the FF and RW with the latest update. I like being able to ff continuously and not in 30 second increments.

The pch a210 and dune smart d1 seem to be the best solution for what I need. I want hd audio and video (have new denon receiver that plays all the codecs) with no dropouts or sync issues and the ability to play all the files like my boxee did. The only difference I see from afar is that the dune is 60 bucks more.

I rarely play music on my media player so thats not much of an issue. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Have mulled this over for three months waiting for boxee but going to take the plunge in the next week.

One thing to consider.

PCH can be bought from amazon and returned with no restocking and no questions asked....

DUNE can be bought from dune player and can't be returned other than to replace badly manufactured box. If the box is buggy or doesn't meet your needs your SOL. I know the Dune is well regarded and I have recommended it but to me that's a difference worth considering.

I also have a C-200 and just bought boxee #2 (#1 went back in january because the Software sucked). going to be used in bedroom so HD audio wont matter.

Like Aaron I also have a ton of movie titles.. Actually even more than him. I honestly find navigating my large library easier and faster in YAMJ than with Boxee. Libraries and Genres and years are an important part of my usage model and boxee doesn't have them.

C-200 GUI is not as fast or animated but YAMJ + AEON/Sabish or Eversion I think are more powerful and useful than boxee box. Not so with XBMC as it has all the features boxee is missing.

no pirate RAR support in Syabas products but you can run your torrent DL's or Usenet Gets on the PCH's

Sean
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post #5 of 61
7/11/11 at 8:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chaluga View Post

I only keep a collection of kids movies for the rugrats and i only have around 70 in there. They watch them on the computer. Your right in that nothing is perfect.

Aaron is the pch FF and RW like the boxee ?

no it works like a DVD player. better than Boxee IMO

and you get chapter support in MKV's, forced subtitles in MKV's etc....

Sean
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post #6 of 61
7/11/11 at 9:25pm
Thread Starter 
Dune can be bought from here
http://www.complete-it.ca/DVDPlayers...Smart%20D1.php

which will allow you to return it if your not happy with the product (minus the shipping costs).
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post #7 of 61
7/11/11 at 10:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by chaluga View Post

Dune can be bought from here
http://www.complete-it.ca/DVDPlayers...Smart%20D1.php

which will allow you to return it if your not happy with the product (minus the shipping costs).

Interesting store. They also seem to have a restocking fee.

Quote:


A handling / service fee of 20% of unit price plus original shipping costs based published rates will be deducted from refund.

You could also try onlybestrated.com . They have no restocking fees and handle warranty issues. I have had great service from them. The A210 is an excellent player and totally quiet (no fan). If fans are something you worry about then that is a big plus for the A210.

philip
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post #8 of 61
7/11/11 at 11:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sean_w_smith View Post

I honestly find navigating my large library easier and faster in YAMJ than with Boxee. Libraries and Genres and years are an important part of my usage model and boxee doesn't have them.

To be fair, the Boxee does support sorting by genre. It doesn't have any way to sort by year that I know however.

I also liked what I saw out of the YAMJ interface, and I may pick a PCH up in the future to check it out.
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post #9 of 61
7/12/11 at 5:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sean_w_smith View Post

One thing to consider.

PCH can be bought from amazon and returned with no restocking and no questions asked....

DUNE can be bought from dune player and can't be returned other than to replace badly manufactured box. If the box is buggy or doesn't meet your needs your SOL. I know the Dune is well regarded and I have recommended it but to me that's a difference worth considering.

I also have a C-200 and just bought boxee #2 (#1 went back in january because the Software sucked). going to be used in bedroom so HD audio wont matter.

Like Aaron I also have a ton of movie titles.. Actually even more than him. I honestly find navigating my large library easier and faster in YAMJ than with Boxee. Libraries and Genres and years are an important part of my usage model and boxee doesn't have them.

C-200 GUI is not as fast or animated but YAMJ + AEON/Sabish or Eversion I think are more powerful and useful than boxee box. Not so with XBMC as it has all the features boxee is missing.

no pirate RAR support in Syabas products but you can run your torrent DL's or Usenet Gets on the PCH's

Sean

I'm was only comparing the built in movie management of the boxes.
I remember trying to set up YAMJ around 1.5 years ago but never got it working right and never got around to trying it out again.
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post #10 of 61
7/12/11 at 7:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Irishdoom View Post

To be fair, the Boxee does support sorting by genre. It doesn't have any way to sort by year that I know however.

I also liked what I saw out of the YAMJ interface, and I may pick a PCH up in the future to check it out.

I was looking for that the other day and could not find it. Will take a look when I return from vacation. a tip would be appreciated.

Sean
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post #11 of 61
7/12/11 at 7:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaronwt View Post

I'm was only comparing the built in movie management of the boxes.
I remember trying to set up YAMJ around 1.5 years ago but never got it working right and never got around to trying it out again.



Yes the built in NMJ jukebox is lack luster and does work for small libraries. It can't successfully load my library (ever no matter how many times I try). Music is even worse.

Curious? what jukebox do you use.

YAMJ is getting easier to setup. Both Eversion and AEON SabishGT skins have all in one version that simplify setup greatly. The only real trick is understanding the network paths and knowing how to turn a shortcut in YAMJ into its internal PCH representation. (cut,paste and fill in the blank).
I'm glad to help if your ever interested in trying again.

NFO support in YAMJ is pretty good. It missing a few things on TV shows compared to XBMC but for the most part my YAMJ is scraping using 100% local data, thumbs, fan art, etc...

Sean
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post #12 of 61
7/12/11 at 7:24am
You have to go to Movies > Files > to sort your local movies by Genre. I use it all the time to only display the kid's movies for when I want to put something on for them.
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post #13 of 61
7/12/11 at 7:47am
I'm an original PCH A-100 owner and have been very happy with it. Being a little long in the tooth now, when looking for a suitable modern replacement I first looked at the current PCH offerings. They seemed to fit my needs... except for lack of output mode support my TV seems to favor (odd/uncommon output of 1080p@30Hz). So I searched around a bit more and sent out some email inquiries. Turns out the Dune D1 (and other "Smart" series Dune players) does support that very uncommon output mode and a slew of other less common outputs that the current NMT devices have dropped since the old A-100/A-110 series.

So +1 for Dune supporting many many varied output resolutions and refresh rates that the PCH players don't support any longer.

I also get lots of content from um... "mixed" sources so they're mostly MKV's or full BD rips, with some Xvid, and .ts files too. Audio could be DTS-MA, HD, AC3, etc... and the Dune D1 has had no issues playing back anything I've thrown at it so far. PQ from the Dune is top notch, excellent color rendition, no stutter on any file I've played.

I don't care about online content and exclusively stream from my NAS, so I can't comment on the Dune D1's web features, except the web browser app does work and Shoutcast app works fine.

I've had the Dune D1 since last Friday, and I'm very happy with it.

I did a "mini" review of my initial experience with the D1 here yesterday: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post20680355
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post #14 of 61
7/12/11 at 8:38am
I don't want to hijack this thread, but I am also considering the players you mention.

Believe it or not, I have been using an original Xtreamer since it was first released and it has worked VERY well for me, but I want to have a visual jukebox function for Movies (99% which are .MKV, I do not use Blue Ray discs any more. I have not attempeted to set up YAMJ on the Xtreamer because it seemed to be way too difficult and didn't seem to have any support available. Music is not required but would be nice because my new player will be in my theater only. Everything is hardwired gigabit ethernet connected to a NAS.

I was originally thinking the PCH210 might be a good one for me because their jukebox seemed to be more integrated and easy to set up, but I think I am reading that it does not handle large libraries very well. I have about 500+ .MKV files and about 50,000 songs in my music library. Will the jukebox be overwhelmed by my library which is only growing?

I see the Dune player that was linked here has a Blue Ray player built in which I do not need.

I do not want to go full HTPC, and I am willing to spend up to $400 or so to get 1080p, HD Audio with a VISUAL MOVIE JUKEBOX function that allows the family to browse titles, genres, etc.

Seems simple, but as has been stated many times, there is no perfect or even near-perfect player out there.....

Any advice.
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post #15 of 61
7/12/11 at 8:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Video View Post

I see the Dune player that was linked here has a Blue Ray player built in which I do not need.
Any advice.

The Dune Smart series has three different players:
B1- Media player with built in BD-Rom.
D1- Media player with front panel LED display
H1- Media player with front access HDD rack with hot swap function.

http://dune-hd.com/hd_players/current/
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post #16 of 61
7/12/11 at 9:35am
Rob, thanks for the links. Does Dune have a good user interface? I looked around their website, but saw no examples of their UI. Also, no mention of any jukebox features that show cover art, etc.

Does the Dune have those features and if so, how difficult is it to set up?

Thanks
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post #17 of 61
7/12/11 at 10:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Video View Post

Rob, thanks for the links. Does Dune have a good user interface? I looked around their website, but saw no examples of their UI. Also, no mention of any jukebox features that show cover art, etc.

Does the Dune have those features and if so, how difficult is it to set up?

Thanks

The FW was updated last month with a new GUI, so there's probably not many screen captures available yet, but I found a few...
http://www.upload.ee/image/1306911/D...GUI_4_joke.jpg
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images...kin01.jpg/sr=1
http://media.photobucket.com/image/n...1/SAM_2082.jpg


There a a few jukeboxes available for the Dune's one is discussed here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1284698
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post #18 of 61
7/12/11 at 12:54pm
I've been looking at the Dune vs the PCH A-210 for awhile and have some questions to those who own either with the latest firmware.

I understand both support MKV files. Which support MKV chapters, subtitles, forced subtitles and multiple audio tracks?
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post #19 of 61
7/12/11 at 3:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Irishdoom View Post
You have to go to Movies > Files > to sort your local movies by Genre. I use it all the time to only display the kid's movies for when I want to put something on for them.
OK thanks for the tip. will try when I return from vacation.....

Sean
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post #20 of 61
7/12/11 at 3:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Video View Post
I don't want to hijack this thread, but I am also considering the players you mention.

Believe it or not, I have been using an original Xtreamer since it was first released and it has worked VERY well for me, but I want to have a visual jukebox function for Movies (99% which are .MKV, I do not use Blue Ray discs any more. I have not attempeted to set up YAMJ on the Xtreamer because it seemed to be way too difficult and didn't seem to have any support available. Music is not required but would be nice because my new player will be in my theater only. Everything is hardwired gigabit ethernet connected to a NAS.

I was originally thinking the PCH210 might be a good one for me because their jukebox seemed to be more integrated and easy to set up, but I think I am reading that it does not handle large libraries very well. I have about 500+ .MKV files and about 50,000 songs in my music library. Will the jukebox be overwhelmed by my library which is only growing?

I see the Dune player that was linked here has a Blue Ray player built in which I do not need.

I do not want to go full HTPC, and I am willing to spend up to $400 or so to get 1080p, HD Audio with a VISUAL MOVIE JUKEBOX function that allows the family to browse titles, genres, etc.

Seems simple, but as has been stated many times, there is no perfect or even near-perfect player out there.....

Any advice.
Built in jukebox wont handle your library. YAMJ will though. remeber you are also using an external library on the Dune.

I can't comment on the music jukeboxes for PCH. I use XBMC and iTunes for Music...

Sean
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post #21 of 61
7/12/11 at 3:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Valnar View Post
I've been looking at the Dune vs the PCH A-210 for awhile and have some questions to those who own either with the latest firmware.

I understand both support MKV files. Which support MKV chapters, subtitles, forced subtitles and multiple audio tracks?
Only PCH at the moment. Dune doesn't even do chapters. PCH does all the above in my testing.
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post #22 of 61
7/13/11 at 6:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sean_w_smith View Post

Only PCH at the moment. Dune doesn't even do chapters. PCH does all the above in my testing.

Actually, no, the Dune does chapters in MKV just fine, added it a couple of firmware versions ago (and supported subtitles in em for a long long time)
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post #23 of 61
7/13/11 at 6:35am
So.....both do everything now?
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post #24 of 61
7/13/11 at 6:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kurtz9 View Post

Actually, no, the Dune does chapters in MKV just fine, added it a couple of firmware versions ago (and supported subtitles in em for a long long time)

forced subs too?
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post #25 of 61
7/13/11 at 2:16pm
Thread Starter 
After reading tonnes of info i went with my gut and just ordered the dune d1. Should arrive in 4-5 days. I went to the dune website and downloaded the latest firmware. Is it as easy as putting the 85mb dff file on a usb drive and opening the file ? Hope so. thanks for the input
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post #26 of 61
7/14/11 at 8:00am
Where did you buy the Dune? I am thinking about ordering, but want to find a good online retailer that will take returns if this things sucks.
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post #27 of 61
7/14/11 at 8:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by chaluga View Post

I went to the dune website and downloaded the latest firmware. Is it as easy as putting the 85mb dff file on a usb drive and opening the file ? Hope so. thanks for the input

Updated my D1 last week, it was simple. Just follow the instructions from the manual:

Perform the following steps:

Put a firmware DFF file at the top level of a USB flash drive.

Rename the firmware DFF file on the USB flash drive into "dune_firmware.dff".

Switch the player off (using the power button on the player).

Attach the USB flash drive with the "dune_firmware.dff" file to the player.

Switch the player on.

The player should detect the USB flash drive and automatically start firmware recovery procedure. You should see "RECOVER", "CHK 0", "CHK 1"... "CHK 99", "REC 0", "REC 1"... "REC 99", "OK", "EJECT STORAGE AND REBOOT" messages on the front panel of the player.

On an error, a message "ERR ..." is displayed on the front penal of the player. Possible error codes:

"ERR Ann", "ERR Bnn", "ERR Cnn": A problem with the "dune_firmware.dff" (the file is invalid/broken, the file corresponds to a wrong player model, the file can not be read from the USB drive, etc).
"ERR Dnn", "ERR Enn": A problem during data copying (e.g. the USB drive disconnected during data copying).

Detach the USB flash drive from the player, and delete the "dune_firmware.dff" file from it (do not attach the USB flash drive with this file to the player when you switch the player on, otherwise, the player will attempt to recover the firmware again).

Switch the player off (using the power button on the player).

Switch the player on.
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post #28 of 61
7/14/11 at 8:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by chaluga View Post

After reading tonnes of info i went with my gut and just ordered the dune d1. Should arrive in 4-5 days.

Congrats!
Think you'll enjoy it....
I've used my D1 pretty much every night for a week straight now and it's been flawless.

Best thing about the Dune.... it just works

PS- last night I took the SD card out of our camera and shoved it in the D1's front SD card slot.
The SD card instantly appeared on the D1's main menu. I selected it, browsed to the DCIM folder highlighted the first photo.jpg and hit play on the remote. That started the slideshow... it even rotated the portrait mode photos perfectly every time, not one upside down photo. Impressive!
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post #29 of 61
7/14/11 at 9:30am
Thread Starter 
replay,

do you have to go through that error procedure every time you update ? Or only if you actually do get an error message. Just want a smooth first 30 minutes with my new player. I always get so excited when I get a new piece of home theater equipment and i hate it when I can't figure it out.

For Video,
I live in Canada so i bought it from a canadian wholesaler. They have restocking fee but I know that I am going to like it. I am sure i would have liked the PCH as well. It really is splitting hair I think.
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post #30 of 61
7/14/11 at 10:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sean_w_smith View Post

forced subs too?

Anyone?

Can anyone confirm both the Dune and PCH have the exact same MKV feature-set?
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