I need a dvd player that can play divx and perhaps even dvd formatted folders from a hard drive or network. It would be nice if it could upscale over component for my older TV, but not critical. I am currently using a liteon LVD-2001 which does upscale over component but I could live without it.
My primary want is to be able to have immediate access to multiple kids shows, Disney dvd's etc in a simple to use process.
I am researching the Pioneer 400v, the Philips 5982, Oppo 980. I haven't read anything about the Samsung yet. I also just recently added the Liteon HD-A740GX to the list, which is a recorder with a built in hd though I care nothing about the recording capabilities.
In general, what would be some of the more cost effective solutions for a "media server" in my den that is wife and kid friendly? I have already setup an HTPC in another room, and it is just too unreliable for my needs in this area. So, either a dvd player with a built in hard drive, or perhaps one the capabilities to access an external drive. I notice that some of the dvd recorders have a firewire port to record from a camcorder, but I dunno if you can play divx or xvid or even use a hard drive from them. Also, perhaps there is a media server device that isn't a dvd player?? How about something network enabled? Something wireless and something that could see NTFS formatted drives?
And in specific, model #'s to look at? Are there even still dvd players that upscale over component? I know back in the day there were several options to choose from for that even though it violated some sort of standard. But, at that time HDMI didn't even exist or at least was in it's infancy.
My budget for this project is 50 to 350 dollars. Note, I do have an external drive that I could use, but would probably still buy another. However, don't include that in the budget.
I sure appreciate any possible help!
VegasF6
Edit: I guess media server isn't really the right term, what I am really looking for is the media receiver end of it, I dunno what to call that end of it.
My primary want is to be able to have immediate access to multiple kids shows, Disney dvd's etc in a simple to use process.
I am researching the Pioneer 400v, the Philips 5982, Oppo 980. I haven't read anything about the Samsung yet. I also just recently added the Liteon HD-A740GX to the list, which is a recorder with a built in hd though I care nothing about the recording capabilities.
In general, what would be some of the more cost effective solutions for a "media server" in my den that is wife and kid friendly? I have already setup an HTPC in another room, and it is just too unreliable for my needs in this area. So, either a dvd player with a built in hard drive, or perhaps one the capabilities to access an external drive. I notice that some of the dvd recorders have a firewire port to record from a camcorder, but I dunno if you can play divx or xvid or even use a hard drive from them. Also, perhaps there is a media server device that isn't a dvd player?? How about something network enabled? Something wireless and something that could see NTFS formatted drives?
And in specific, model #'s to look at? Are there even still dvd players that upscale over component? I know back in the day there were several options to choose from for that even though it violated some sort of standard. But, at that time HDMI didn't even exist or at least was in it's infancy.
My budget for this project is 50 to 350 dollars. Note, I do have an external drive that I could use, but would probably still buy another. However, don't include that in the budget.
I sure appreciate any possible help!
VegasF6
Edit: I guess media server isn't really the right term, what I am really looking for is the media receiver end of it, I dunno what to call that end of it.
