How long does it take to start up? Would it be a good fit for a HTPC connected to a TV and playing files sourced over UPnP?
1264416
It does start instant. I run home theater from a central pc with streaming and storage. It is only good if you unlock it and treat as a client. I unlocked it removed the Google Chrome, added android 4.3 with a mbr from windows 7. It's now connected as a drive with a 4.0 bluetooth keyboard that wakes the server. Wish I could buy this barebones.
1264417
I use the Plex App from the Chrome Web Store top play files from my networked pc and other devices.I did not install a different OS, my box works finewith Chrome OS.I also use the Chromecast to play files as well.
1264418
Startup is pretty quick. Remember, the chromebox can only play thru a web browser. I would be hesitant to stream something that requires a ton of resources.
1264419
It starts up pretty quick compared to a Windows machine. I have the box connected to my TV and I found it very good for streaming online videos. So far, I've been happy with this very reliable setup. From time to time, the box does need to be re-started. But, recommended and, overall, very good box.
1567549
This system will be too slow. Ethernet cannot send enough data for a movie to play well. The system will hangup. You are better off using separate hard disks connected to each TV. Just make a copy of each disk.
1249225
Allan, Thanks for the input. Could you clarify which TV you bought?Did you try utilizing the DLNA to connect to a PC and play movies off the PC?What are your views on the quality of the TV's picture/sound/color...etc?
1488361
I have not had an issue. I have had this for a couple of months now and have only charged it a handful of times. We don't use our HTPC for everthing but it does get daily use. I turn it off everytime I am done doing anything. When mine goes to sleep I have to turn it offf and back on anyways. So it's just easier to turn off everytime I input what I need. Maybe you just got a lemon. Hopefully this helps.
1688461
The response time is 6ms. I watched netflix on it without any problem. I'm not sure about playing games
1288325
I have 2 of these. One is loaded with Windows 7 Pro and the other is loaded with OPENELEC to run a clean XBMC. Both work great, no issues.
95288
I do not see it having a problem as long as server can feed quick enough over network. I attach directly to tv and have movies running on it all the time as a server so I know it handles 1080p fine w/o network. Get 4gig memory and increase buffer size if you have any issues.
1497839
I just submitted my review of the Mac Mini as an HTPC. Look for it in a couple of days and it will address some of your questions. The main issue is to get past the PC vs. TV greyscale gamma standard so that the blacks don't look muddy.
428448
Yes I actually have this setup so I stream from my main pc to my multimedia room. Before i did try it i had the idea that a really big hd movie like 10Gb would give me problems but its pretty amazing how the media player reproduces the movie with no problems at all.Configuring your shared folder so the box can see your videos can be the tricky part but here is the video I used to configure my shared folder so it wont ask for password and all my family can view the content.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQstgQ4eJCM
687827
It's not a question of whether DLNA is or is not simplistic. It's a question of whether it works when people use this device, and specifically when people use it with the native capabilities of whatever is hosting or storing the media. Saying what's better sidesteps the issue. It would be better for me to ignore the WD and use a powerful desktop computer attached to my TV instead. Unless you factor in cost. In that case, it's better not to need to find any dedicated server program or anything else that's not included for free.
1286279
It has worked fine for me, steaming Netflix and various video files. I haven't pushed it at very high data rates, though. Jim
1347858
Setup, from unpacking to watching tv, took about 15 minutes. A second person would be helpful to get the tv out of the box, but isn't absolutely required. The tv is very user friendly.
2145670
I use Slingbox expressly for this purpose -- to watch my home U-Verse service at the cottage.I recently upgraded the speed on our home network to get greater upload speed, but at the cottage I have DSL which sometimes gets to 8 MB speed (but usually closer to 3-4 MB).I use my laptop to run Slingplayer, and connect via HDMI cable to my 19-inch LCD. The quality is pretty stunning. Very close to HD quality. Slingbox/Slingplayer does a nice job of optimizing the signal and speed, and gives me exactly what I want, without having the expense of Dish/DirecTV service.
1036937
I was able to stream to my Asus I play player and smart tv. The device was slow because the media scanner was constantly running and taking 90% of the resources. I recommend buying a synology nas instead for media and everything else. The OS is much better an the apps to stream to smart TVs and iPad/android are better. WD is not fully baked.
573288
I find it to be very slow. With my Harmony remote, I trigger the turn on cycle, go get changed for bed, and by the time I get back it'll be ready. Perhaps a full minute between power on and ready to display DirecTV or BluRay. The functions are wonderful, but initial power on and shutting it down is very slow.
61314
It can play videos from SD Card and USB. It doesn't have built in UPnP so you would have to use another device to stream. I personally use a PlayStation 3 or Chrome cast.
2220972
We are using PlayOn which is now integrated with Roku.It streams from a NAS unit on our network.Claimed to be a beta implementation but works flawlessly for us.