In my thread asking about the PS3, Alx330 commented that the PS3 wouldn't be a good choice, and suggested something like the WDTV Live Hub, or a Tvix Slim S1. I was originally hoping to use the PS3 for my purposes, but it doesn't sound ideal....so, I started this new thread based on what I have and what I want to do.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt L /forum/post/20790452
There are lots of options. I keep all my content on my computer and network from it to the various rooms I want content in. I just use the cheap WD HD Live and it works fine. Can easily be hooked to HDMI audio/video or can connect via optical, or plain old RCA.
If you don't want to use your computer than the hub should work and you can add a WD HD Live unit in the other room to stream to.
Ok, that sounds good. I guess I need to know more about how one would hook something like this up.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mayhem13 /forum/post/20790782
There's a lot of variables to consider depending on 'what' you intend to stream and how you're going to stream it?
Is your network wired or wireless?
Do you need an 'easy to navigate' setup for others to access the media? May seem silly but lots of streaming setups go unused or are quickly forgotten because they're just too cumbersome.
Do you already have a music and or movie library and what are the primary file types? If you don't but intend to create one, it's best to start from scratch and taylor it around current and on the horizon technology.
There's no 'does it all' solution/box out there but there are a few that come close, but 'buginess' plagues a lot of streaming devices,solutions so plan for your acceptable tradeoffs.
I have a DLINK DIR-655 wireless router but I have only been using the wired connections with my PC. I will also use the wireless router for my sisters laptop, it's been fixed at the moment.
I need some sort of navigation. I live in a house with my sister renting a room, but she won't necessarily use this stuff much. I like the idea of being able to use my smart phone to see and play tracks and videos back on my AV systems, like a navigation/remote control.
I don't have a music library. I'd rather rip all my CD's as full quality lossless.
Quote:
Originally Posted by srauly /forum/post/20790878
You seem to be indicating that playing music (as opposed to video) is your top priority. If so, there are tons of options, and you'd probably want to focus on the ones that will offer the best UI. One option would be the current (black) Apple TV, which is inexpensive ($99), has Wi-Fi (802.11n), and can be controlled via an iPhone or iPod Touch, if you have one of those. Your central server would need to be able to run iTunes (unless you want to jailbreak the ATV2, but I'm trying to keep things simple here).
For videos, the ATV2 becomes less popular, as you'd need to convert your videos to MP4/M4V format (using an app like Handbrake) or be content with the built-in video functionality that Apple provides (e.g., renting TV shows and movies from Apple, or streaming Netflix).
I will add info to the top of the thread, duplicated here:
My setup:
Bedroom
1) Marantz SR7000 AV receiver with no HDMI.
2) PC and or laptop with DLINK DIR-655 wireless router.
3) Samsung Galaxy S smart phone with wireless and bluetooth.
4) I hope to eventually have a flatscreen TV in the bedroom, possibly a 46-50" Panasonic ST30 for example.
Living room
1) Marantz SR9600 AV receiver with HDMI 1.1 and FIREWIRE.
2) A flatscreen plasma TV yet to be bought. Most likely a Panasonic 50" to 65" ST,GT or VT30.
So let's say I get a WDTV Live Hub and put it in my bedroom. What would I need in the living room in order to access the content and play back music and videos on the living room setup? What would be the wireless receiver?
thanks
Chris
