wireless media players

[rh71]

When would be a good time to buy one of these things ? I figure this would eliminate the need to burn/convert files and it's just plain sweet to be able to do. Looks like this one even has a hardwired ethernet plug for 100Mbps speeds if you have LAN drops throughout the house...

Thoughts/experience with these things ? I thought they would be more popular than they are... is the pricetag (~$150) still a problem ? I'm thinking I'll pick one up if they ever offer it for < $100 via rebates.

The laptop with wireless only has a 15" screen so you can't say that's an option... know what I mean ? Also, I'm wondering how well the aspect ratios will "convert"...

 

[Modeps]

I've been looking into something similar, like being able to wireless stream MP3s to some speakers outside by my pool.

I think the technology is still in it's infancy, so it may be a while before these things are cheaper and function better.

 

[bamacre]

Yup, I am also awaiting for this technology to get a little better.

I just have a PC connected to my TV and stereo receiver. I got rid of my VCR, stand-alone DVD player, 5-cd disc changer, and a lot of plugs. This PC is networked to my file server (yeah I have a cord running around the base of a wall), it's great, if you have a lot of music/movies/tv episodes on hard drives.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: Modeps
I've been looking into something similar, like being able to wireless stream MP3s to some speakers outside by my pool.

I think the technology is still in it's infancy, so it may be a while before these things are cheaper and function better.

Compgeeks has some refurbished RCA wireless speakers for $25. I don't think it'll sound like Spunday at 1015 Folsom, but for $25 wtf do you want?

 

[apac]

Why not just mod an xbox? It has those same capabilities.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: apac
Why not just mod an xbox? It has those same capabilities.

can I stream the vids through the ethernet port of the XBOX (instead of having to copy files over to the XBOX HDD or burning discs)? That would work for me...

I'm assuming XBMC... how would I interact through that interface ? How much for that kind of mod ? (I don't care about modding for games, etc.)... would just love to have the features of XBMC to play whatever my PC can play.

 

[Nothinman]

can I stream the vids through the ethernet port of the XBOX (instead of having to copy files over to the XBOX HDD or burning discs)? That would work for me...

Yep, I do it at my friend's all the time and since XBMC is based on mplayer it plays just about anything you throw at it.

 

[DaveSimmons]

For video be sure to get wifi G not B -- B isn't fast enough in real-world performance for high-bitrate MPEG2.

I've thought of getting one of the appliances, but I rip my CD collection to lossless FLAC format so I have a pile of parts waiting to turn into a home theater PC instead.

With a HTPC you can:
* play any video codec, not just those in the appliance's firmware
* put in a Hauppage PVR-150 and make it a digital video recorder and capture device for old VHS tapes
* put in a NEC 3500a and make it a DVD recorder
* play any audio codec, including my beloved FLAC
* play the free (for monthly fee) unlimited protected song downloads from Napster Premium or Rhapsody
* play PC games
* use any image viewer (at 640x480 unless it's a HDTV)
* open a web browser (at 640x480 unless it's a HDTV)

...and you aren't tied to one fixed player program.

Of course that pile of parts costs much more than the Netgear, so if you just want basic streaming a HTPC is more trouble than it's worth.

 

[Nothinman]

For video be sure to get wifi G not B -- B isn't fast enough in real-world performance for high-bitrate MPEG2.

Depends on how high, I can watch DivX HDTV rips over 802.11b just fine and the stream never seems to need more than ~300K/s except for the initial buffering.

 

[rh71]

I do have wireless G but I have a lan drop out in the living room so I'll be pulling it at 100Mbps (theoretically)... was just wondering about the capabilities of the XBMC (control via dvd remote or xbox controller ? - how does it work exactly?) vs. getting one of these netgears (at a higher price, currently).

And which (cheapest) modchip do i get for those capabilities ?