media player connected to NAS

krugger

krugger

krugger

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Joined
24 Feb 2004
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114
Hi,
I've just ordered NAS and two 1tb disks to use as storage and backup for photos, films, files etc.

Is there a media player i can attach to the network for steaming direct?

doesn't need HDD internal as NAS will store the files and will be hard wired to network.

so many pop up with search which ones should i look at?

Cheers.
 
Checkout the Squeezebox range. They've been around for a few years now, so the software (excluding beta's) is stable and works well. They're also available s/h for sensible prices now (around £100).
The key options are:
- SB Duet. No built in LED screen, is controlled using an SB controller, which is vaguely akin to an Iphone, but without the looks of the Iphone or the phone capability
- SB3. Looks like a small hi-fi component. IR controlled. Supports 24/48 files, SPDIF outputs. Connects via wireless or ethernet

Very shortly the SB Touch arrives, which as the name suggests will have a touch screen. Will also support direct connection to a USB drive and higher bitrate files (24/96).

Further upmarket you should really look at the Linn DS range. Starts around £1k, then has models at £2k, £4, and £8k. Yes they're a shed load of dosh, but IMO are the best streamers you can buy from a sound quality perspective.

Another option would be a do everything box such as the WD unit and Popcorn hour, which can stream music and video. I've no idea how they compare from usability and sound quality grounds to the already mentioned SB solutions.
 
Check out MPCClub - loads of reviews on media players.

I guess it depends on your budget - Popcorn Hour (A100/A110) can run with or without a hard drive.

The Xtreamer seems to have become the flavour of the month - well priced.
 
If you don't have a hi-fi or want to upgrade one, the Linn Sneaky DS will plug into the network, stream audio from the NAS, and it has a built amp.... so just connect it to some speakers. So is a one box solution, for around £800, and will give you the best Sound Quality option.
 
if you go the wdtv route then factor in the cost of a usb to ethernet adapter as well in order to network it

i got wdtv, belkin gigabit usb to ethernet adapter and a hdmi cable for 95 quid all in.
flashed the firmware to the b-rad.cc wdldtv one, dropped the requisite files onto a usb stick, configured my nas shares and it works a treat
 
encephalopathy said:
if you go the wdtv route then factor in the cost of a usb to ethernet adapter as well in order to network it

i got wdtv, belkin gigabit usb to ethernet adapter and a hdmi cable for 95 quid all in.
flashed the firmware to the b-rad.cc wdldtv one, dropped the requisite files onto a usb stick, configured my nas shares and it works a treat
Click to expand...

Hi,

Did you flash the wdtv with the b-rad.cc 0.5.6.1 firmware?
Then ammend the net.mounts file with the ip address of my NAS?
Would that work?

I have a Wii usb>ethernet adapter that I can plug into the wdtv and works.

Cheers.
 
It seems there's at least two of us with working networked WDTVs. You've got a choice of the WDLXTV or ext3-boot firmware, but the config files you need to edit are the same - the following post might help a bit:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14738285&postcount=243
Good luck with it.

Edit: I've noticed that there's an Asus O!Play media player that seems to do similar things to what the wdtv does, but has network built in. If you haven't already got the wdtv it might be worth a look at.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the reply, I'll give it a go tonight.
Would I be able to use this method to connect to a NAS that I have?

I've actually got the wdtv already and also have an xtreamer too.
I ordered the xtreamer before I found that it was possible to connect the wdtv to my network, damn my impulsive buying.
 
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