WD TV Live vz Apacer AL670 media player ?

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hkeyzer

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#62810 15-Jun-2010 11:40

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a suitable media player for our TV.

I've looked at the specs for the above two units and both seem to fit my requirements. Similar wide range of media supported, HDMI, LAN or Wireless network connection. I've checked various reviews and community feedback for the devices - not much for Apacer Al670 as it is so new.

However as I would like to get some real users feedback so if you have any pros or cons about these two devices I would like to hear it before I finialise my decission.

Thanks
Henk

Ragnor

8035 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#341900 15-Jun-2010 12:48

I have a WDTV Live at home, it's great has handled every file format (avi, mkv) and codec (xvid, h.264, divx etc) thrown at it so far.

No experience with the Apacer, I'd wager that WD will have better support (firmware updates over time).

Note: The WDTV Live does not include wireless by default, you need to get use a USB wireless adapter for that (there is an officially supported list on the WD site).

I'm using a TP Link TL-WN821N Draft N Wireless USB Adapter even though it's not on the officially supported list, haven't seen any problems with it so far.

hkeyzer

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#341908 15-Jun-2010 13:14

Thanks Ragnor for the feedback,

on the WD TV live user forums there are some complaints with regards to Audio Sync loss and slow performance of the unit. Others have raised issues of video quality. I suspect these are issues raised by people who just have to complain. However have you noticed any of these issues?

Cheers

tdgeek

21522 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#342067 15-Jun-2010 19:46

I dont have a WDTV Live, but I have a WDTV (normal??)

The WDTV is great, as Ragnor said, no issues at all. Quality is magic, I am quite picky, having a TIVO and MySkyHDi and a top Panny plasma, I know what quality is available to me. If I download a HD Tv program or movie, the quality is excellent. Appears as real HD despite it is encoded and reduced in size.

The WDTV menu is not quick, response to remote is not quick, the Live is better according to reviews. That being the case, the Live is great option.

I have had no issues, and it has had a lot of use

madad

75 posts

Master Geek

#344785 24-Jun-2010 09:56

Hi there, thought I might chuck in my 2c if its of use..

I own both the WDTV Live and have more recently purchased the AC Ryan PlayOn HD.

The WDTV has been relegated to the bedroom for a couple of reasons:

1) the WDTV does not suuport playing ripped dvd menus (from video_ts folders). I have a good number of dvds on my server so the ability to play a dvd properly (ie not forcing me to select a vob file to play) is essential.
2) I tried a few slightly more obscure formats of mkv file on both device and it seems the Playon is a little more capable. The was a couple that the WDTV refuses to play.

Apart from that they're both great, apart from the common clunkiness associated with having to navigate through my network manually (-3 WAF points).

I've really enjoyed the simplicity of plugging a portable drive in the side of the device and playing movies immediately. It's been a very positive move away from the pain and frustration of managing a Media Center environment.

Cheers
Adam.

hkeyzer

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#365334 9-Aug-2010 12:26

Hi,

Thanks all for feedback.

Just in case others are watching. I ended up with an ASUS O!play R1. I got to compare a WD TV Live, Apacer AL670 and O!play and no way could I see any difference in the picture quality.

Settled on the ASUS O!play for the following reasons:
Price dropped to $178.00
Has Esata connection option to external drive, better for play back of true HD quality files.
Active base of 3rd party developers - so can chose between 3 or 4 different firmwares with different features, although I have stuck with ASUS firmware as the additional features (youtube etc) don't really do much for me.
LAN support with access to NAS devices.
Play back of DVD and BR iso.
Huge range of different codec support.
NTFS format support.

Things I don't like:
Sad user interface.
Slow interface especially when connected to a LAN.
ASUS breaking things in the firmware when they release new versions.

JC1600

20 posts

Geek

#372168 24-Aug-2010 14:41

rolling a WDTV LIVE with custom firware here, check out http://forum.wdlxtv.com

Using it play media from my PC and working well here, turns on really fast as well.

i had the AC Ryan Playon HD Mini for a while but sent that back for the WD, didnt like the AC Ryan.

JimmyH

2695 posts

Uber Geek

#374312 29-Aug-2010 22:03

I have the WD HD TV (not the live), which I love. I was going to get the Live, but it has apparently been replaced in the US by the more capable Live Plus model, which is zippier and adds DVD menus from ISO etc. Keen to see the pricing when it hits NZ.

The other unit I have been contemplating, which I have read some very good reviews about, is the Xstreamer (which can be landed for $AUD 190 (160unit + 30 shipping), which isn't bad - aboyt $NZ 230 all up. Includes an internal 2.5" drive bay, and you can transfer files to/from it as if it were just a NAS box - wired or wirelessly. There is also a slightly pricier and bulkier, "pro" version which has two 3.5" internal SATA bays but, apparently, a noisy fan as well.

Interested to hear if anyone has tried the Xstreamer?

driller2000

808 posts

Ultimate Geek

#374561 30-Aug-2010 22:16

hi there have had a xtreamer for a year now and am very happy with it

plays all files i have flawlessly - video / music / photos (i have a mark 1 xt - the other newer models sidewinder and pro also now handle hd audio - at least in some formats)

has had numerous fw updates since release and more coming

has an active community that have developed a jukebox and added additional internet functionality ie. xlive

connects to my wired home newtork - sees and plays all of my shares - incl pc / laptop and nas (also their product ie. etrayz)

all in all i am very happy with the product and while it dosent have all the functionality of a htpc (obviously) - by purchasing this i dont feel the need to build a htpc anymore - saving me lots of cash :)

i recommend it and suggest a nosy around their forums if you are interested

lyonrouge

1993 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#673412 16-Aug-2012 18:01

hkeyzer: Hi,

Thanks all for feedback.

Just in case others are watching. I ended up with an ASUS O!play R1. I got to compare a WD TV Live, Apacer AL670 and O!play and no way could I see any difference in the picture quality.

Settled on the ASUS O!play for the following reasons:
Price dropped to $178.00
Has Esata connection option to external drive, better for play back of true HD quality files.
Active base of 3rd party developers - so can chose between 3 or 4 different firmwares with different features, although I have stuck with ASUS firmware as the additional features (youtube etc) don't really do much for me.
LAN support with access to NAS devices.
Play back of DVD and BR iso.
Huge range of different codec support.
NTFS format support.

Things I don't like:
Sad user interface.
Slow interface especially when connected to a LAN.
ASUS breaking things in the firmware when they release new versions.

How has this device worked out for you?