WD TV Live Hub Media Center

Comment:
I got this because we're cutting the cord, and I thought the interface looked spouse- and kid-friendly. I liked how it plays most video formats, is DNLA-compliant and comes with Netflix, Pandora, AccuWeather, MediaFly (for podcasts) and Blockbuster on Demand. Blockbuster on Demand? Seriously? I believe there are greater alternatives. While the Hub identified the video, music and image folders on my Windows XP machine all by itself, but my Windows XP can't locate the Hub, for some reason. So, when I want to move files from my desktop XP machine to the Hub, I have to use my laptop to grab the file from the XP machine and drag it onto the Hub. I blame my 6-year-old XP machine. Lots of reviews have complained about the lack of cables or built-in Wi-Fi, but my router is next to the Tv, and I had spare cables. Netflix films look georgous, but, for some reason, WD utilizes an older interface with out a search function. I had no difficulty connecting the gadget through HDMI, but I couldn't get it to perform when I tried to reconnect through component cables. The manual, which you have to download, is quite nicely written but doesn't appear to answer my distinct questions. The WD Television Reside Hub is a large step up from gadgets like the Roku box, but it's not as helpful as a complete-fledged residence theater Pc, but, then again, it's a lot more affordable than a Pc. It does precisely what I hoped it would; stream broadcast Tv shows recorded on the desktop and play Netflix. Excellent for geeks, but it most likely isn't the greatest for folks just looking for a box to stream Netflix.

Comment:
This the 2nd WD Media Player device that I personal. I currently had a WD HD Television media player and nevertheless get very good service out of it. Like the fact that WD place a 1 TB hard drive into this puppy. This device is amazing and straightforward to operate (my ten- and 7-year old youngsters use it on their own). I matched it up with a mini-keyboard to make looking Youtube less complicated. The 1st day I hooked it up, the children spent the entire afternoon doing absolutely nothing but watching lame Youtube videos. . . They were as delighted with it as I was with it. Used powerline networking to stay away from going the wireless route and it functions fantastically. I wish it had a web browser!!!Get yourself a mini-keyboard as typing in words with the remote is ultra-slow perform.A few a lot more apps would be a genuine plus, but the ones it does have function flawlessly. Plenty of storage spaceUncomplicated to setup on my residence networkSleek enough that it doesn't appear bad sitting with my other Audio/Video components in my entertainment center

Comment:
-Plays every achievable format I gave to it such as .mkv which my xbox or playstation wouldn't play-1 TB harddrive-Netflix and several other different apps-HDMI connection and USB port on front of hub to enable external harddrives and flash drives to be connected to stream films off of. -No wireless connection, have to be connected to with ethernet cord. Not genuinely a con since if you are streaming one thing from the world wide web you seriously don't want a wireless connection. I did a selection of investigation and looked into finding an apple Tv, Roku HD, and Boxee Box. The purpose I got the hub is the range of formats it plays more than these other selections. Also no other device has a harddrive to retailer your films on which is an very nice feature. From your laptop or computer you can sync films more than to the device for viewing later.

Comment:
When you want to play all neighborhood content material stored in tough drives, external drives, USB and other individuals this is the player out there. Plus it can retailer up to 1TB worth of content material in there. This is worth the dollars than finding WD Tv Reside plus which is retailing @ ๳ simply because of following causes - 1 TB Notebook hard drive (No sound and much less heat) - Component output - Enhanced UI - Potential to setup sync folders so that information is transferred automatically - Shows as shared drive in your windows Computer to copy content - Plays literally any type of format which includes Blu ray ISO (What else you ask for...?) - Can even turn on/off the front bezel blinking LED - Quick firmware upgrades than WD Tv reside plus UI is slow at times and it does not allow multi tasking...Not a big Con but if you have media stored in additional than 1 computer system then you need to connect to each and every computer system to download/view the contents Playing MKV flawlessly is one particular of my crucial requirement and this little puppy fulfilled it very effectively

Comment:
Can watch series easily, the quality is good. I can bring it with me when I go to a friends house, or when I go somewhere I don't have access to cable TV.Also it has composite, HDMI, and component out. That is huge, as I have friends and I have an older generation TV in my garage which means I can watch my favorite TV shows anywhere.

Comment:
NetFlix kicks tail. CinemaNow and Blockbuster just for enjoyable. Plays DVDs rock solid and most "MAJOR" codecs without any concerns at all. ** Supports XML-based Content information** Lots of Third Party Apps popping up to download from on the web databases the content material information for Films and Tv Shows** USER-CUSTOMIZABLE SKINS and THEMES C'mon. RMVB is the most prevalent codec in other parts of the world? What's THAT about? Codecs aren't "Regional." It's the PIRATES that are regional. And if you can't get it to play your pirated media, then you get what you deserve. It does have its eccentricities (a/k/a minor bugs), won't do DTS-HD MA, Network efficiency is barely marginal 12 Mbits/second is the greatest you can anticipate. It is Amazing the number of people today here that mark themselves as Tech Understanding of HIGH but certainly have NO clue what they're performing.All you want to have is a Appropriately OPERATING Windows Network (as one more poster said, it is SMB BROWSER based, not UNC based) and it will come across your media Every TIME.And if you can't get THAT to work, you can use any DLNA-Compliant server for most media types.And if you can't get THAT to operate (in which case you'll have to give up your GEEK CARD and probably shouldn't own any tech anyway) you can load your stuff onto ANY External HD and they'll play perfectly.

Comment:
It plays just about anything that you throw at it. They finally cleaned up the interface compared to the previous WD Tv Live Plus (which I own two of.) It's very quiet and incredibly effortless to use with external drives. I connected two 2TB WD External drives for a total of 4TB's of M2TS format films and it worked like a charm. Firmware updates are straightforward by means of the remote control. Netflix streaming is pretty much as smooth as the PS3, Pandora is wonderful, there's a massive forum community. It comes with a non-serviceable 1TB drive. It is a Discomfort to copy any files into the drive. It is not a uncomplicated copy and paste job. It makes use of a truly aweful network like management technique, it's really very slow.Following playing two moves, the thing just crashed. It would turn on for about a second, show the WD logo on the Tv, then reboot over and more than until it shuts off. I'm incredibly disappointed. I was operating the most up-to-date firmware update and there was Absolutely nothing for me to do with this dead box. There was no way to reboot it, reset it, test it absolutely nothing! No Hulu+ support however, despite the fact that Hulu says that it's coming soon, just don't know when. I was hoping that at practically 赧, it would give me a higher top quality product than the earlier version, but it doesn't. HLNA only worked with the included drive, not with the external drives. I'm nevertheless a big fan of the lineup, specially WD Tv Reside Plus for ๳. I nevertheless advocate that model vs this 赨 box with a nonserviceable drive. You are better off buying the ๳ model and a ๳ 2TB WD Necessary drive. You will then have a streaming box, twice the space, the capability to drag and drop files into the hard drive, and a separate and longer warranty on the challenging drive. The only factor you'll give up is the pretty interface, but I rather give up the aesthetics and save dollars for a lot more reliable functionality. I wish they could present the same interface to the WD Tv Plus series, without having the included drive and kept the factor at ๳. Manufacturer Response:We appreciate the feedback of our item. There are a number of diverse approaches to transfer your media to and from the drive. You can use the built in copy manager to transfer files from a direct attached drive or network drive. You can also use Windows to copy files from your laptop or computer more than your network to the device. At this time the WDTV product line does not support Hulu connection. You might wish to check out our Ideas Lab situated on our Community forums and give feedback on characteristics you would like to see on this device or future devices. If you continue to have troubles please get in touch with us at http://support.wdc.com/rs/ Copy and paste the URL of this evaluation where indicated and provide the requested information and one of our technical support staff will be contacting you concerning this issue.You may well also contact us at 1 齠) 275-4932, you may also want to consider posting your difficulties to our WD Community where you can interact with other WD consumers. www.community.wdc.com

Comment:
Compact design and 12v input is extremely desireable for automotive installation to power in entertainment system as well as portable dvd head rest Tv's. Functions beautifully in my 2005 navigator. Wonderful way keep the youngsters content on lengthy trips with out danger of damaging DVD's You have to be carefull to shut it down as not to harm the HDD when the car is turned off. You permit have to use a inverter because their's a tremendious hum/buzz when you connect it directly into the 12v automobile power. I know it wasn't designed specificly for this application. It would be good if this device could have a few tweeks to make it additional appitizing for automotive use. Such asɅ. 12v Continuous and 12v Acc wireing support2. Multiple BlueTooth head telephone support like the Inventive Labs WP-300 which has play,pause and volume controls.three. Ability to work as a external USB HDD on a pc to simplify uploading videos.four. BlueTooth remote optional accessory in addition IR so the unit can be hidden away.five. Much better support for DVD's on HDD so main menu and extras perform.6. USB iPhone/iPod support for video/audio control and playback.

Comment:
Plays everything. 1TB harddrive built in, as opposed to the ASUS O!Play HD2... The remote is simple to figure out how to use. Easy to installƓ cables..power HDMI and ethernet), and when you hook it up to a network it automatically lets you know if there's any firmware upgrades and whatnot. Also when its hooked into your network, you can play something on it to any laptop or computer on that network which is amazing. Streams Netflix & YouTube rapidly and flawlessly (my world-wide-web isn't that fast, but it nonetheless does it perfectly). The menus are simple to realize, but.. The only flaw i see is that it could be a bit annoying if you want to watch a movie from a USB flash drive, mainly because you have to adjust the input for exactly where the hub is seeking.. Not terrible, but a separate menu would be nice. It won't make me tacos. I normally don't sync issues from a USB drive, and if I do, I plug the drive into my laptop and download them over the network directly to the WD's built in tough drive and it reads them all just fine. If you look up the harddrive by itself, it lists at 贘 alone, so this is also a steal in that respect. They say you can use the USB port in the back to plug in a BlueTooth keyboard or some thing of that nature, I haven't attempted it yet but I would hope that works.And honestly, if you're just obtaining this to look at images on a Television or one thing, you're wasting your dollars. Seriously, no 1 wants to appear at your kids on a 55" LED/LCD television. Now turn the movie back on.

Comment:
Very nice player when working properly. Numerous firmware upgrade issues. Also, a documented power switch issue which I'm experiencing after just 2 weeks. http://www.thewebernets.com/2011/08/05/wd-tv-live-hub-boot-failure-auto-shut-down-power-button-problem/I will be RMA'ing the unit with WD.

Comment:
-plays fairly a lot any video/audio file-super tiny and practically noiseless-HDMI with full HD 񡺸p)-comes with the greatest two.5" HDD obtainable Ƒ TB)-controls are easy and responsive employing the remote-has numerous net apps built appropriate in like every other device these days (netflix, pandora, etc.) -"quirky" interface takes some acquiring utilised to-takes a bit to customize it to get it doing what you want-comparatively slow transfer speeds even though it claims to have a gigabit ethernet port I've really enjoyed using my WD Television Live Hub because I got it a month or so ago. It took some video I had that looked poor even on my PC and upconverted it to HD and even formatted it in widescreen for my Television. With the 1 TB HDD plus a USB port for an further HDD, you'll by no means run out of space. Note that you can only view the library from 1 source at a time although (either local storage or network storage) so that could be a negative for some.Also the browser you use to view all your files is much less than sufficient and can be a pain occasionally. When I tweaked some of the settings and played with it a bit, I was mostly satisfied. I later found a custom interface (the Hub enables for you to use your own) that not only looked wonderful but improved the functionality dramatically as properly. Overall I don't believe there's a device with this combination of usability, storage capacity, capabilities, and level of customization out there

Comment:
Able to play practically all media, ease of use and set-up with one exception. Wire plug in was simple but to move media to it was a various story. The manual was a piece of paper with only illustrations and maybe a sentence. I eventually went to the internet site to read the complete manual and it suggested to use the WDTVLive finder. Basicially setting up a mapped drive to the Media hub and permitting access on the network. Immediately after that No complaints. Immediately after researching and attempting to put together a HTPC, I gave up. And my friend that owns WDTV live recommended me this becuase I wanted to watch my stuff without having getting to keep a personal computer on or anything.And I swear this thing is amazing and I extremely suggest.

Comment:
This little unit is great! After using the original WDTV for a few years, decided to give this a go. WOW! What an upgrade! Built it storage, wifi capability, Netflix, what more could you ask for?!?Highly recommend!

Comment:
this is way better than the patriot media player it replaced, i like it alot better the gui is awsome and it is faster for some reason as well, i really like this and i will definitely get another in the future. and as always ncix is the best e-tailer in the world.

Comment:
Initial off, its easy,elegant plug into television and go. It can stream and play just about any media format thrown at it and does a fantastic job upconverting HD stuff too. Good OS, like the widget and Netflix, FB, Pandora, etc integration as nicely. The media cataloging for ur vid files and music stuff could be a bit superior. Looking and loading media from a removable takes forever.*There is a NASTY bug/problem with huge removable drives that are NTFS formatted.....it eventually corrupts them. It nuked my large video drive (USB) and corrupted my smaller NTFS 300GB music drive.

Comment:
Love the Hub. Upgraded from the WDTV Gen2. Network shares with a large number on files almost lockups teh Hub because it build the library. Play nearly everything I throw at it. One MKV that the first WDTV couldn't play correctly, played without a peep.Great buy for anyone that has a nice TV and lots of files to play :D

Comment:
Looks like a leap ahead from previous model, but it falls short on the promises. Some mp4 video files that work perfectly fine on WDTV Live Plus have a hard time playing on the hub. To start them you need to press fast forward - otherwise they won't start. Then often times it starts to stutter (doesn't matter where the file is, even on the internal hdd). You have to stop, start again, fwd again, etc. I ended up just going and watching in the basement where my WDTV Live Plus is. The media library is buggy as well, saves the metadata into xml files which you can edit (using your PC). What you update  shows on the movie sheet, but never gets update d into the main database. Say you change genre from Action to Animation. It'll show Animation when browsing, but if you do a search it would still be under Action. So you can create  your own genre for your home video files, but you can never search for them.On mine safely ejecting USB drive renders the USB port unusable until I plug the unit off.There's no true power off state, if you go on vacation and power goes off, then comes back your hub will be up and running for nothing.It does not rescan the network share folders with media library turned on - unless you unplug it. Personally, I found myself fighting bugs instead of watching content. I much prefer the WDTV Live Plus functionality wise. Hopefully, it will be worth the money down the line, after a few firmware update s.Other than that, it's great for what it is - a media player. It plays flac files, which was the reason I bought the original WDTV - hate the little mp3's and the like. You got optic out, great sound on my HK receiver.Plays mkv's, DTS decoding is great if you want the sound on your TV.

Comment:
I am very pleased with this product. Had it installed and running in no time, although it took me a while to figure out that files are copied easier from the PC as a shared drive and not from the WD Hub.

Comment:
Bought this to organize my digital library and view it on my TV. I had this unit connected to my network and viewing images from my NAS in about 10 minutes. Great product.

Comment:
I bought FOUR of these for myself and friends. They all love it. Almost got a BOXEE BOX.My sister copied her kids DVD-Video collection using free legal software (passkey lite and imgburn; DVD->ISO).Will play all those legal BluRay rips, HDTV, trailers etc too. I THINK it plays BluRay ISO too.*Can't properly play VORBIS audio in video (i.e. MKV/AVC/Vorbis). It doesn't claim too. I think it can be fixed in the future, otherwise you'll need to recode (i.e. mkvmerge, extract audio, convert audio to AAC, remux audio and video. Tricky.)Summary:Best for easily managing large video collection. If mainly WEB, consider BOXEE BOX. Recommend additional WD 2TB Elements drive for both if needed (Boxee Box has no hard drive). This review was modfied by poster @ 01-27-11 07:15 PM