Finding a Media Management Device, Media Playback Device
I recently got a pretty nice plasma TV. I'm slowly becoming a couch potato again, but that's a different story. My current problem is: beside the cable TV input, I have VGA and audio cable inputs so that i can connect my laptop and be able to play the movies and TV shows that i download. Now this all works great, i typically download using iTunes or uTorrent and playback most everything using VLC.
But, we always want something better, don't we? I would like a device (with a remote control) that would allow me to manage and playback on my HDTV, all if not most, of the media files/formats I have on a hard drive, preferably the device has an internal hard drive or allows an external drive (USB connected). What i do not want is to always have to convert the media i download to a different format, for playback (such as for Apple devices). So where can i find such a device?
It has been difficult trying to search the web, so I've put together this page in hopes of providing a basic catalog of what I've found (in no particular order). Please post your comments below and suggestions for other device you've come across, I'm not really writing reviews for these devices, so if you have links to reviews of the products please let me know so i can add. Hopefully this list will help you take that first step in finding what you are looking for.
By far the Popcorn Hour A-100 is really impressive. Marshall Guthrie, of The Real HT Info Podcast has a great video review.
I just got one of these units (check ebay) and I must say setup isn't that bad. The only technical parts are: installing the hard drive, updating the firmware and installing the NMT applications (just a menu selection), hooking it up to your network (in my case it was a wireless network so i bought a linksys gaming adaptor).
I started transferring my movies and TV shows and its been able to play them all, I'm very happy so far.
Check out the community forms also for tuns of info on the product.
NetGear Digital Media Receivers
XBOX 360 and the XBOX Live Marketplace
The most useful features to me have been the ability to rent movies and purchase TV Shows.
TiVo
TiVo is in the DVR/PVR arena, but i figure i would include it here as its still an entertainment device.
If you have any feedback about this guide please email me and let me know.
