Seeking a media center recommendation

[Twohearted]

I am trying to find a solution to my media center requirements. It sounds like the WD Live Hub has most of what I am looking for, but I am concerned about some of the negatives details in the Anandtech review (HD audio streaming, lack of playback for some video formats, picture quality). Here is what I am looking for in general:

• Media library that integrates locally stored content and/or network drive content. Local storage is not a big requirement unless the network streaming capabilities is a problem due to bandwidth.
• UI that supports easy/fast navigation of the media library through use of meta data.
• Good to excellent audio and picture quality (1080p).
• Audio and/or video streaming capabilities from network drives. Let's assume here that the drive housing the content can support the read speed necessary for HD audio/video.
• Media streaming services, such as Netflix, Youtube and Hulu Plus.
• Support for major audio and video file formats (I don't care about random formats that are not widely used).
• Capability of streaming network and local content to any other networked computer.
• Remote that isn't terrible.

So is there anything out there that will fit the bill? Price isn't much of an issue. Any thoughts/recommendations/advice on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Destiny]

I am trying to find a solution to my media center requirements. It sounds like the WD Live Hub has most of what I am looking for, but I am concerned about some of the negatives details in the Anandtech review (HD audio streaming, lack of playback for some video formats, picture quality). Here is what I am looking for in general:

• Media library that integrates locally stored content and/or network drive content. Local storage is not a big requirement unless the network streaming capabilities is a problem due to bandwidth.
• UI that supports easy/fast navigation of the media library through use of meta data.
• Good to excellent audio and picture quality (1080p).
• Audio and/or video streaming capabilities from network drives. Let's assume here that the drive housing the content can support the read speed necessary for HD audio/video.
• Media streaming services, such as Netflix, Youtube and Hulu Plus.
• Support for major audio and video file formats (I don't care about random formats that are not widely used).
• Capability of streaming network and local content to any other networked computer.
• Remote that isn't terrible.

So is there anything out there that will fit the bill? Price isn't much of an issue. Any thoughts/recommendations/advice on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Sounds like the Boxee Box by D-Link or Boxee Box by IOmega with internal HDD support (coming soon) will fit what you need to do what you want...

All media players will have some kind of issues right out of the box... just make sure you pick one that has firmwares that have addressed/fix all or most that concerns you... there is no perfect media player for everyone...

If you want to stream local content to other devices and PCs, then you need a media player with internal HDD support. The Boxee Box by IOmega with internal HDD support can do this...
I have the Nixeus Fusion HD that can do that can fullfill most of what you need it to do (current Meta Data support is not compeleted), but for NetFlix and Hulu plus you will need a 3rd Party Software such as PlayOn. My brother has the PCH A-200/210 that currently supports meta data and what you are asking for... but it also needs PlayOn for NetFlix and Hulu Plus

For example the Boxee Box will do all you need - but it has issues with HD Audio bitstreaming in which during a two hour movie you will experience about an average about 4 to 5 dropouts...