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Looking for a media player, budget: $150

post #1 of 26
3/10/12 at 9:20am
Thread Starter 
Hey!

I'm gonna buy a media player soon but I don't know which. I want a media player that plays many video formats and plays it very good via usb/network. I want it to work with media servers like serviio and ps3 media server, since you can have plugins so you can watch web content. I also want Play to, to work.

I have tried netgear neotv550 it didn't find any media servers, play to didn't work and youtube didn't work.

I have looked a bit on Western Digital TV HD Live Media Player Gen 3. What do you think about that one? Would it be a good choice for me? Do you recommend it or maybe another one?

Budget: Not over 150 dollar.

Thanks in advance
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post #2 of 26
3/11/12 at 3:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by XiiD View Post

Hey!

I'm gonna buy a media player soon but I don't know which. I want a media player that plays many video formats and plays it very good via usb/network. I want it to work with media servers like serviio and ps3 media server, since you can have plugins so you can watch web content. I also want Play to, to work.

I have tried netgear neotv550 it didn't find any media servers, play to didn't work and youtube didn't work.

I have looked a bit on Western Digital TV HD Live Media Player Gen 3. What do you think about that one? Would it be a good choice for me? Do you recommend it or maybe another one?

Budget: Not over 150 dollar.

Thanks in advance

Here is a list of media player for less than $150.00. I don't know if they play ps3 media server, youtube or whatever else.

Micca EP600, EP350, EP250
Popbox V8
WDTV2
AIOS
Sony SMP-N200
Patriot Box Office
Xtreme sidewinder

That's what comes to mind.
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post #3 of 26
3/11/12 at 4:40am
My Popbox V8 has been solid since day one.
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post #4 of 26
3/11/12 at 8:54pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the replies so far, I really appreciate it!

Popbox V8

I've read this review:
mediasmartserver.net/2011/10/05/review-popbox-v8

It seems to be an okay media player, but that I could get something better for $150. But thats just my thoughts after reading that review, I guess I need to read/watch some more reviews before I say something more about it.

Micca

Not available in Sweden.

WDTV2

I've read this review:
legitreviews.com/article/1118/1/

This media player seems to be okay, but when reading the review I didn't felt like this one is better then WD TV live gen3. But I have not read so much about this media player, I've only read the review above. So I guess I can't say which one is the better choice.

Which is the best one between gen2 and gen3?

AIOS

Not available in Sweden.

Sony SMP-N200

Not available in Sweden.

Patriot Box Office

I've read this review:
legitreviews.com/article/1136/1/

It seems to be an okay media player. But maybe not the best I can get for max $150.

Xtreamer Sidewinder 1

This one is available in Sweden, however.. it's not available in so many stores, and I prefer to order things from more known stores.


I'm gonna read some more reviews and watch some on youtube. But now I really have no clue on which one I should buy. What do you think?
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post #5 of 26
3/12/12 at 5:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by XiiD View Post

Thanks for the replies so far, I really appreciate it!

Popbox V8

I've read this review:
mediasmartserver.net/2011/10/05/review-popbox-v8

It seems to be an okay media player, but that I could get something better for $150. But thats just my thoughts after reading that review, I guess I need to read/watch some more reviews before I say something more about it.

Micca

Not available in Sweden.

WDTV2

I've read this review:
legitreviews.com/article/1118/1/

This media player seems to be okay, but when reading the review I didn't felt like this one is better then WD TV live gen3. But I have not read so much about this media player, I've only read the review above. So I guess I can't say which one is the better choice.

Which is the best one between gen2 and gen3?

AIOS

Not available in Sweden.

Sony SMP-N200

Not available in Sweden.

Patriot Box Office

I've read this review:
legitreviews.com/article/1136/1/

It seems to be an okay media player. But maybe not the best I can get for max $150.

Xtreamer Sidewinder 1

This one is available in Sweden, however.. it's not available in so many stores, and I prefer to order things from more known stores.


I'm gonna read some more reviews and watch some on youtube. But now I really have no clue on which one I should buy. What do you think?

I think you need to list EXACTLY what you need your media player to do and list that for us here, then we can try to help you make an informed decision. If you prefer/need to buy locally then that will probably be your determining factor in choice. Your budget of $150 is limiting as well...
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post #6 of 26
3/12/12 at 7:25am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by streamerlover View Post

I think you need to list EXACTLY what you need your media player to do and list that for us here, then we can try to help you make an informed decision. If you prefer/need to buy locally then that will probably be your determining factor in choice. Your budget of $150 is limiting as well...

Thanks for your reply!

I prefer ordering from internet, since it's a bit cheaper. But I only want to buy it from a known webshop that I can trust.

I'm quite sure any of these media players will satisfy my needs. But I want the best I can get for max $150.

I want this
  • 1080p video must work very well via usb and network.
  • It must support the most formats. ISO must work.
  • It must work with media servers like serviio and ps3 media server. Since I can use plugins that lets me watch play channels.
  • Play To dlna must work
  • It must have hdmi and composite out.
  • It must have youtube and internet radio. Other apps isn't a must.
  • 5.1 audio must work. Currently I have 2.0, but that could change.
  • A future proof media player.
  • I want a good firmware, that isn't too buggy.
  • WLAN, is not a must.. but if it has WLAN then its's good.

So which media player should i choose?
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post #7 of 26
3/12/12 at 7:35am
Quote:


Play To must work

If you mean AirPlay, then Boxee Box, or a jailbroken AppleTV 2 w/XMBC installed. Not sure if ATV2 works w/media servers like serviio and ps3 media server however.
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post #8 of 26
3/12/12 at 7:45am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brajesh View Post

If you mean AirPlay, then Boxee Box, or a jailbroken AppleTV 2 w/XMBC installed. Not sure if ATV2 works w/media servers like serviio and ps3 media server however.

Thanks for your reply!

I mean play to dlna, so I can play content from my phone to the media player using android apps like allshare and bubbleupnp.
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post #9 of 26
3/12/12 at 8:19am
ATV2 doesn't do DLNA, but I believe Boxee Box does. The other option is the already mentioned WD TV, either Live Plus or the new Live Streaming. The latter has a nicer, more polished UI. But, if you intend to play camcorder 1080p/60 files, don't get it as the new Sigma chip in it has issues there. Otherwise, it's a pretty capable streamer.
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post #10 of 26
3/12/12 at 9:13am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brajesh View Post

ATV2 doesn't do DLNA, but I believe Boxee Box does. The other option is the already mentioned WD TV, either Live Plus or the new Live Streaming. The latter has a nicer, more polished UI. But, if you intend to play camcorder 1080p/60 files, don't get it as the new Sigma chip in it has issues there. Otherwise, it's a pretty capable streamer.

Thanks for your reply!

Boxee box is too expensive, it costs around $235 in Sweden. I don't think I will watch any camcorder stuff now, but maybe later. Who knows.. Regular movies is in 24p, right?

I've heard that wd tv live gen2 or gen3 doesn't play 5.1 in aac, is that true? Which one plays video best (apart from 1080p/60fps)? Which one is the better choice?
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post #11 of 26
3/12/12 at 10:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by XiiD View Post

Thanks for your reply!

I prefer ordering from internet, since it's a bit cheaper. But I only want to buy it from a known webshop that I can trust.

I'm quite sure any of these media players will satisfy my needs. But I want the best I can get for max $150.

I want this
  • 1080p video must work very well via usb and network.
  • It must support the most formats. ISO must work.
  • It must work with media servers like serviio and ps3 media server. Since I can use plugins that lets me watch play channels.
  • Play To dlna must work
  • It must have hdmi and composite out.
  • It must have youtube and internet radio. Other apps isn't a must.
  • 5.1 audio must work. Currently I have 2.0, but that could change.
  • A future proof media player.
  • I want a good firmware, that isn't too buggy.
  • WLAN, is not a must.. but if it has WLAN then its's good.

So which media player should i choose?

The box you want doesn't exist. The closest is a PCH or DUNE IMO
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post #12 of 26
3/12/12 at 11:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by XiiD View Post

Thanks for your reply!

I prefer ordering from internet, since it's a bit cheaper. But I only want to buy it from a known webshop that I can trust.

I'm quite sure any of these media players will satisfy my needs. But I want the best I can get for max $150.

I want this
  • 1080p video must work very well via usb and network.
  • It must support the most formats. ISO must work.
  • It must work with media servers like serviio and ps3 media server. Since I can use plugins that lets me watch play channels.
  • Play To dlna must work
  • It must have hdmi and composite out.
  • It must have youtube and internet radio. Other apps isn't a must.
  • 5.1 audio must work. Currently I have 2.0, but that could change.
  • A future proof media player.
  • I want a good firmware, that isn't too buggy.
  • WLAN, is not a must.. but if it has WLAN then its's good.

So which media player should i choose?

For $150.00 none. Even the players that cost more won't be able to do all that correctly. You can built a HTPC, that would do all that, but it is going to cost you a lot more than $150.00.
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post #13 of 26
3/12/12 at 11:49am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the replies!

What media player for max $150 comes closest to what I want?
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post #14 of 26
3/12/12 at 12:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by XiiD View Post

Thanks for your reply!

I prefer ordering from internet, since it's a bit cheaper. But I only want to buy it from a known webshop that I can trust.

I'm quite sure any of these media players will satisfy my needs. But I want the best I can get for max $150.

I want this
  • 1080p video must work very well via usb and network.
  • It must support the most formats. ISO must work.
  • It must work with media servers like serviio and ps3 media server. Since I can use plugins that lets me watch play channels.
  • Play To dlna must work
  • It must have hdmi and composite out.
  • It must have youtube and internet radio. Other apps isn't a must.
  • 5.1 audio must work. Currently I have 2.0, but that could change.
  • A future proof media player.
  • I want a good firmware, that isn't too buggy.
  • WLAN, is not a must.. but if it has WLAN then its's good.

So which media player should i choose?


1. V8 will do this
2. v8 will do this
3. Not sure how it handles mediaserver or serviio I use my v8 with a upnp server called llink but just stream local content with it.
4. Play to used to work but not sure if it still does with the new upnp stack in the v8
5. v8 has both hdmi/composite out
6. v8 has youtube and some radio app think its shoutcast
7. v8 will do 5.1 over hdmi
8. Pretty future proof not much will change over next couple of year least not till x265 is finished
9. I used the v8 on a regular bases without problems
10. It has a wifi usb stick but wired is the way to go
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post #15 of 26
3/12/12 at 12:20pm
Agree, PopBox v8 is another solid option under $150. I use it with Eversion to get a classy jukebox for my movies & TV shows.
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post #16 of 26
3/12/12 at 12:23pm
If the PopBox had Netflix, I'd be all over it for my secondary media player in the kids room. Without Netflix it's no deal though, so I keep trucking along with my Seagate FAT+ in that room.

I am looking to upgrade that box, however. Another Boxee might be the best bet so even the kids can navigate to what they want.
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post #17 of 26
3/12/12 at 12:24pm
Not ideal, but you can get Netflix via PlayOn running on another computer or server.
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post #18 of 26
3/12/12 at 12:51pm
For people that want netflix/hulu and all the other online apps you cant beat the roku, Rather then looking for a box that does both local and online get two different boxes, There is still a gap there between boxes that play good local stuff and good online content. Boxee box is close But not near the local playback as other hardware and not near as good online streaming as roku.
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post #19 of 26
3/12/12 at 12:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by XiiD View Post

Thanks for your reply!

I prefer ordering from internet, since it's a bit cheaper. But I only want to buy it from a known webshop that I can trust.

I'm quite sure any of these media players will satisfy my needs. But I want the best I can get for max $150.

I want this
  • 1080p video must work very well via usb and network.
  • It must support the most formats. ISO must work.
  • It must work with media servers like serviio and ps3 media server. Since I can use plugins that lets me watch play channels.
  • Play To dlna must work
  • It must have hdmi and composite out.
  • It must have youtube and internet radio. Other apps isn't a must.
  • 5.1 audio must work. Currently I have 2.0, but that could change.
  • A future proof media player.
  • I want a good firmware, that isn't too buggy.
  • WLAN, is not a must.. but if it has WLAN then its's good.

So which media player should i choose?

Oh my! Is that all??!!! "future proof" and media streamer are not usually uttered in the same paragraph, let alone sentence...
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post #20 of 26
3/12/12 at 2:15pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the replies!

With future proof I mean.. I don't have a fullHD tv but I still want 1080p support so when I buy a fullhd tv, I don't have to buy a new media player. And I have a 2.0 audio system now, but I want it to support both aac and ac3 5.1 so if I want to upgrade to 5.1 then I can. You know, things like that. That's what makes the media player future proof to me.

Yes my budget is limited, but I want to get the best I can for $150.

For now I think it's between wd tv live gen3 and popbox v8. I can't find so many english reviews of popbox v8 on youtube, but I'll see if i find some more text reviews. I will also compare the specs. I'm gonna read some more reviews about them and then make a pro and cons list.

Is there any more player I should take a look at? Is there and coming media player just around the corner that I should wait for?
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post #21 of 26
3/13/12 at 12:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by halfelite View Post

For people that want netflix/hulu and all the other online apps you cant beat the roku, Rather then looking for a box that does both local and online get two different boxes, There is still a gap there between boxes that play good local stuff and good online content. Boxee box is close But not near the local playback as other hardware and not near as good online streaming as roku.

The Roku is good but it's really only useful in the US and UK now I guess. The WD Live Streamer seems to be a very capable player backed by a solid company.

For someone in Sweden perhaps MPC Club would have better info?

philip
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post #22 of 26
3/16/12 at 4:06am
Thread Starter 
I haven't had time to read/watch any reviews.

New budget, not over $200. So what media players do you recommend now?

A hard drive or wifi is not a must have. But if it has I don't mind, just want the best media player I can get for $200.
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post #23 of 26
3/16/12 at 7:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by XiiD View Post

I haven't had time to read/watch any reviews.

New budget, not over $200. So what media players do you recommend now?

A hard drive or wifi is not a must have. But if it has I don't mind, just want the best media player I can get for $200.

The same one we've mentioned before.
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post #24 of 26
3/24/12 at 1:21am
how about Pivos AIOS HD Media Center?It is around $120. you can buy it from ebay or amazon.hope can help you.
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post #25 of 26
3/24/12 at 7:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by streamer5 View Post

how about Pivos AIOS HD Media Center?It is around $120. you can buy it from ebay or amazon.hope can help you.

AIOS is about $70 bucks if its still on sale. I bought it for $79.99 on amazon for my bedroom. Its not as fancy as my Dune D1, but it plays all my files without issues.
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post #26 of 26
3/24/12 at 9:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by XiiD View Post

I haven't had time to read/watch any reviews.

New budget, not over $200. So what media players do you recommend now?

A hard drive or wifi is not a must have. But if it has I don't mind, just want the best media player I can get for $200.

A Roku will handle all the internet streaming. A NeoTV 550 can be had for less than $100 and will play video .isos and most all music files as your network device (and lots more if you want).

The thing the Neo won't do is use your 3rd party interface app, but its' interface is very acceptable.

This way you only have less than $100 in each device and some future upgrade doesn't make you throw away a $3-400 device.

The point has been made that no one box comes close to doing what you want well. These two, imo, come the closest as a package.

Hope that helps.
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