Video streaming questions

[nyfirefly11]

I'm thinking about the Asus O!Play or the Patriot Box Office...any thoughts?

In terms of streaming video (both standard and HD in h.264), would there be any difference b/t these options?

A. Asus w/external drive via Esata (possibly a WD green av drive)
B. Patriot Box Office w/external drive via USB 2.0
C. Patriot w/internal 2.5" drive

Are the bitstream speeds of video faster than the above options that it would make a difference?

Thx!

 

[Sahakiel]

I'm thinking about the Asus O!Play or the Patriot Box Office...any thoughts?

In terms of streaming video (both standard and HD in h.264), would there be any difference b/t these options?

A. Asus w/external drive via Esata (possibly a WD green av drive)
B. Patriot Box Office w/external drive via USB 2.0
C. Patriot w/internal 2.5" drive

Are the bitstream speeds of video faster than the above options that it would make a difference?

Thx!

I've seen occasional complaints of incompatibility or stuttering on these low end players. Take with a grain of salt, you might fall in with the majority who have no issues.



Maximum bitrate for BD movies is 54Mbps. You'll be fine unless you're watching an re-encode off the source masters.
Now, whether the chips inside can access data at full speed is another question entirely. The WD Live I know has speed problems accessing Windows shares over network. USB and eSATA both consume a lot (for chips this speed) of CPU cycles. I have no idea how efficient they are, so take with a chunk of salt.



Take a good look at the supported file formats, codecs, formats/codec combinations, and the files you'll be stashing on the drive. Not every player supports every format or combination, even some more common ones.


UI is probably the biggest consideration. Hardly a good idea to sit down for a relaxing evening with a movie or two just to become frustrated or riled over the UI before you even start watching.
Besides, it might clash with your decor.

 

[nyfirefly11]

Good to know about the bitrate - some people said they had problems with the boxes over LAN, but not locally, so that helps. I can get the Patriot for cheap, which is tempting, but maybe I'll wait and see what comes down the line in the fall (especially the Boxee Box).

I'd get a Dune Player, but they're so expensive.

 

[poofyhairguy]

XBMC + ION can play anything. XBMC has the best interface out there.

Just a thought before something like a Dune. I have had good luck with a WD Live Plus a friend has.