boomer

Any thoughts on this from Maplins?

Duzzn't do WMV files, but seems pretty capable as a standalone device.

mb

hux309

External Portable 640GB Media Centre Hard Drive - AWD-IT.CO.UK

Cheaper and moar storage.

corradoboy

I have the Maplins one and it's superb. Connected to my TV via component upscaling to 720p (768 pixel Panasonic PDP) and AV amp via digital coax. My pooter is upstairs so I tend to download a dozen or so movies then plug the HDD in via USB to transfer them over. PQ is about half way between VHS and SD DVD with some artefacting on smaller rips (700mb) but hardly noticeable when they get over 1.2gb, along with Dolby Digital if the rip uses AC3. Currently about 60 movies on it along with 100 albums of MP3's and a few hundred pics with 400gb left. Can't see it ever getting totally full as good movies I eventually buy on DVD and poor ones I watch once then delete. I may consider upgrading to an HD model with HDMI at 1080p in the future.

boxst

I don't understand why these things don't have built-in wi-fi or ethernet as it must be a pain to plug it in to the computer to transfer things?

Steve

corradoboy

Nah, not too much hassle. Once a month or so unless I'm desperate to watch something. I suppose the next generation of them may get some kind of wireless connectivity as everything else is.

boomer

corradoboy,

well you have convinced me - and i have just bought one (Maplin in Erdington had four in stock). Now time to play

hux309,

the ICY was tempting (especially with the blue display)!

Cheers,

mb

corradoboy

Mininova and PirateBay are your new best friends then

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

I have wi fi on two media players but I still prefer to plug them into my pc for transfers

James Neill

iTrader: (1)

Said it before. But a cheapo Xbox (the original) with XBMC will stream music and video from a PC using ethernet or WiFi (if you get a bridge). Will cost less than any of the above and you get a nice front end for watching the stuff with.

Downside though. More hassle getting an xbox softmodded and XBMC installed. But well worth it in the end.

boomer

James,

funny that you should say that...

I bought an "original" XBOX from argos about a year ago (bargain price), and still have to take advantage of the cheap price (i.e. it is still in the original box).

Do you have a pointer to how to XBMC the thing??

Cheers,

mb
p.s. So far, the INOi is pretty impressive, if a little noisy.

James Neill

iTrader: (1)

Some details here

How to Go from Xbox to Xbox Media Center in 30 minutes - ProductWiki, unbiased product reviews and information

Also, google for things like "XBMC", "xbox modding", "xbox bios"

boomer

James,

thanks for that link - but i reckon that it will take more that 30 minutes to read it, never mind mod the box

Cheers,

mb

James Neill

iTrader: (1)

Hey, no pain, no gain

bigsinky

I wish. i have just stuck another 5x500GB on my sytem. one had to go in a usb enclosure as the PCI-E SATA cars only has 4 ports on it. my network is now close on 10TB. god i am such a geek. you can tell i delete nothing. will get around to watching/listening to some of the stuff some day

bigsinky

Ahhh james james james. i stream all my stuff via XBMC. pity it can't cope with the .MKV files. just not enough puff unfortunately.

bigsinky

don't forget TVTorrents

spireite

and dididave

boxst

That looks complicated. Isn't it easier to just buy a modchip? They are much easier these days than when I had to scrape off solder to fit one of the wires...

Steve