Recommend me a Media streamer please

zoomee

zoomee

zoomee

Soldato
Joined
15 Dec 2004
Posts
5,756
Location
Hudds, UK
Hey guys,

probably posted a million times but heres goes:

Currently I have a Qnap TS-212 (uses Twonkymedia UPNP server software) which I use to stream MKV's to my PS3 (1080p stuff) - It works perfectly after loads of faffing to get the MKV's converted to a format the PS3 can read. Audio wise my PS3 is connected (via HDMI) to a Yamaha DSP AX-861SE amp) - which seems to do fine with DTS etc (its not DTS HD though)

I currently have to get the MKV, use MKVMerge to faff around getting rid of un-required language audio (if so required). Then use Audioconvertor to clean up the DTS track. After all that MKV2VOB is used to get it onto the NAS ready to playback.

What I'm after is a media streamer which will simply play ALL the mkv's I throw at it - without having to mess around 'converting stuff' - This includes AC3 audio movies aswell as the usual DTS, etc (I'm not bothered about DTS HD as my amp doesn't support it)

My budget is about £100 - and the favourite so far looked like the AC Ryan Mini HD2 at about £89. What would you recommend and why please? or should I just keep my PS3? thanks in advance.
 
Mede8er Med450x same chipset as the PlayOn2 but with possibly better support
Dune TV101, with the newer Sigma chipset due this week
and the the new realtek chipset based 1186 models that will dual boot Andriod like the HiMedia HD900B, but that is likely to be over your budget, but this is the players that I am most interested in at the moment.
 
Excellent reply Holwill - just the sort of info I was after, thanks :)

£100 isn't a hard and fast budget - I can go higher if it warrants it.

WD TV Live i put on par with the Viewsonic VMP74 which both I believe are < the AC Ryan HD2? not sure - I've heard allot of bad stories about both viewsonic and WD devices out there.....

All I want is fluid 1080p playback with DTS support! and before anyone recommends one - no I don't need a HTPC! :P - I need something thats passive and makes NO noise :) any more advice appreciated.
 
What about a boxee box - they any good?

Dune players look to be my favourite at the moment!

I also have a gigabit network - is there any point in going for Gb networking on the streamers?
 
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A friend has a Boxee Box and is pulling his hair out, with the firmware's breaking more than fixing, much like ACRyan. BTW I have a PlayOn mini v1 and a Mede8er Med400x, I also modded the latest modded Shizzle Mede8er firmware to run on AC Ryan PlayOn's V1 so I tend to find my way around these firmwares quite well.
Another player just out and using the same chipset as the forthcoming Dune TV101 is the Popcorn Hour Popbox V8, I had a PCH A110 for quite a while and was a great little box with good user support and custom app's/skins etc.
Going back to the Boxee Box, you also have the new Iomega box due this month which also be running Boxee and may turn out be quite good in its own right, the pictures of the remote control doing the rounds shows a similiar but improved remote to the Boxee Box.
 
What problems are your friends experiencing with the Boxee Holwill? I had one problem with mine since November last year and that was fixed in the second firmware update. Now I have no qualms whatsoever
 
Boxee's are available for only £150. However they are more geared for internet streaming than media streaming and loads of users reporting problems with them on the internet these days so I may stay clear - especially when paying that kinda price for an over glorified media streamer.

Yeah I've heard about problems with AC Ryan too, hence why I didn't just take the jump for one. I've just been eyeing up the Mede8er Med450x2 - I like the interface but I don't need an internal HDD - just networking capabilities.....

Man its soo confuzzling - I just want somat that will work - is that even realisticly possible?
 
As stated previously, I have had no problems with the boxee since last year, and it plays every file under the sun, without a hitch. It has the most beautiful and easy to use UI of any player out there and is always being updated, this is especially helpful when you have any techno retards in the house, If you can get it for £150 its a no brainer.
 
Pixmania.com are doing them for £149.99 - but its not my cup of tea tbh. Its more about internet streaming than media streaming - and I've been reading nightmare stories about how each newer firmware introduces bugs on them (on AVForums) and how many are getting glitches etc....

I always thought AC Ryan were the best but it looks like I'm wrong - no wonder theres been loads selling on ebay recently!!

Dune or Mede8er seem to be the ones to look out for unless theres any further recommendations...

thanks for all your input so far fellas - appreciated.
 
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sHo0sH said:
As stated previously, I have had no problems with the boxee since last year, and it plays every file under the sun, without a hitch. It has the most beautiful and easy to use UI of any player out there and is always being updated, this is especially helpful when you have any techno retards in the house, If you can get it for £150 its a no brainer.
Click to expand...

the downer for me was a lack of HD audio. I'm not bothered about internet access or services, I just want a full HD media streamer which will play my rips and display my pics etc.

I nearly bought the AC Ryan 2 but will probably go for the mede8ter 450 instead due to support etc
 
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