Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Off Topic OT: All singing Media Player recommendation

I can only go on what people say about it on Amazon reviews. 122 x 5*, 30 x 1*

I have the popcorn hour c200

It's a stunning piece of kit if setup well. Mine boots directly into the DVD library and displays all cover art. You then just scroll through the covers and select the one you want. Plays mkv's etc. I am using YAMJ on mine with a different skin and it's great.

Not easy to set up though as instructions a vague to say the least. Mine streams via qnap nas. Top notch player if you are good with networking.

Tim

I have a couple of A200s. If you use YAMJ and a decent skin, it boots straight to the video wall. This is then also navigable via the popcorn hour iPhone App. Haven't explored the music side of things as I use squeezeboxes for that.

Edit: TimH types faster than I do. Just echoed his post.

My suggestion....

1) A refurbished AppleTV (Black) from the AppleStore for �85 - http://store.apple.com/uk/product/FC572B/A?mco=MjEwNjA2OTQ

2) Add aTV Flash Black software for just �12 to enhance the capability of the above (includes PLEX) - http://www.firecore.com/atvflash-black.
This will give you .avi, .divx, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .wmv, .xvid playback. This will playback video/audio content from a NAS.

3) Buy a Netgear ReadyNAS Duo enclosure for less than �150.

4) Add the hard-drive(s) of your choice (I now use Seagate Barracuda 2Tb) for less than �80 each.

I used to love messing around with stuff like this, these days I want it to work out of the box.

I have one of these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asus-1080p-..._2?ie=UTF8&qid=1301651240&sr=8-2

Opened the box, plugged in, and It Just Works. Quality is fine, I use it mostly to stream TV so I'm not looking for the world's finest PQ.

Support is ok, they've released regular firmware updates over time for bug fixes and new functionality.

UI is basic but straightforward - menu / option / select / enter type stuff.

Personally here in the UK I would go for a s/h "grey" AppleTV. I have one already in the lounge, brought one of the new "black" ones for the back room. Unfortunately Apple has decided to fix the display refresh to 60hz - fine if you want to use the box as designed with material direct from iTunes - but not much use if you want to go your own route and play different media. The old "grey" box allows you to set a 50hz refresh so no issues.

Thanks for all the replies guys, much appreciated.

My thoughts are on:

1) A freesat box that will do the same as the media players now and
2) a HTPC. I have seen this eBuyer pc one that looks good and seems to only need a graphics hard with HDMI and DVI with REMOTE CONTROL(?)

So on that basis can you recommend the following and give advise for:

1) Freesat box that will do all or vast majority of formats
2) Is the above PC "good"
3) What HDMI with DVI and Remote control facility Graphic Card will do the job. Cheap as possible please.
4) Can I use this HDD and will it be ok as its RPM is only 5900. Can I really get away with ebuyer hitachi hdd this lower rpm drive and would it be better with a 7200 HDD. What appplications is a 7200 HDD best used for.
5) What operating system will it need. Is it the Media version of Windows. How can I use a remote with it.

I was thinking of using a wireless bluetooth keyboard which I have lying around. I was wondering how to control the playing of media items via the PC.

Also, just to note, I don't mind the fact that the PC is vertical rather than a horizontal case. It's fine for the moment.


As always, thanks and much appreciated guys.

I really don't understand why you want to go through as much trouble messing with HTPCs, operating systems etc. when you can just get it solved easily with reliability from day one.

1. Get a Dune HD Smart B1 (USA: 299 USD, EU, with VAT: 309 EUR)
2. Connect an USB or eSATA disk
3. Done!

What you have now is:
1. A Blu-Ray disc player (physical BD-Drive).
2. The most reliable streamer for HD content.
3. Meridian HD621 support (decoding of DTS Master HD/Dolby TrueHD to PCM over HDMI).
4. No headaches!

Hi Maz,

I think you're drifting way off topic for this Meridian centric forum, you would do better asking these very detailed questions in one or more of the Computer Audio forums out there.

Regards,
Carl

I have changed my mind to a degree Carl. With the HTPC route I can reuse the PC when I have Meridian products again and I can then focus on a more Meridian centric solutions. Atm I don't have Meridian.

So basic questions I would really like to ask are:

1) Is there a freesat box that can play most/majority of files from a HDD
2) If I used a PC what version of windows is best, i.e. Windows Media and how to control it i.e. what remote control.

It's still related to home theatre alebit the use of it for the moment will not be as a proper HTPC, so I believe it still on topic.

Hi again Maz,

You questions are relevant to your OT thread, but the nature and detail of the later questions you asked IMHO would be better asked in a Computer Audio forum and not in this Meridian centric Forum.

I'm not locking this thread down as some on here may be able to offer further advice to you, but please bear in mind this is not a HTPC forum.

Regards,
Carl