Ask Engadget: Digital media adapter recommendations?

Ok, it's Ask Engadget time once again. Last Thursday we wanted to know which next-gen gaming console you've been eyeing, this week's question comes to us courtesy of reader Colin E., who wants a suggestion for a digital media adapter:

Recently, I've been intrigued by the growing market of digital media receivers which let you network together your computer and home entertainment center. I've been looking at the Prismiq MediaPlayer, the D-Link MediaLounge, and GoVideo's newest networked DVD player. Any comments or advice? I cannot make a satisfying decision, as I've read that there are several flaws inherent with each.

Any suggestions?

[jake @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I have a modded xbox and xbox media center... it works really well for me.

it's a bit more work (not much) than a premade one, and I haven't looked into pricing, so I don't know the price difference, but it suits my needs...

and, it was something I already had... I'm a poor college student, I can't afford a media center AND a game console.

[jimbo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I've hard the best one currently available out there is the D-Link MediaLounge. It has a good interface, fast menus, and easy to learn. I work for an IT house, and work on the Digital Home side of things, and have heard many problems with the Linksys official Media Center extender. I've also personally tried the Viewsonice DMA, Twinhead DMA, and the Netgear DMA. None work too well, as the software is low resolution, not too easy on the eyes, and don't support many video file formats.

[jimbo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Here's an article from a Digital Home Magazine regarding the current state of DMA's out there.

http://www.digitalconnectmag.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=159906454

[dan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I've tried the Dlink and the Linksys. Don't waste your time with the linksys.
The Dlink is reasonable -- it was pitiful out of the box, but their firmware upgrades (which you just click from the menus to download) resolved many of the issues. Also, it seems to work better when you use Windows Media Connect to host the music, rather than their own custom software.

[dan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I've tried the Dlink and the Linksys. Don't waste your time with the linksys.
The Dlink is reasonable -- it was pitiful out of the box, but their firmware upgrades (which you just click from the menus to download) resolved many of the issues. Also, it seems to work better when you use Windows Media Connect to host the music, rather than their own custom software.

[Day Day @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Look out for generic claims like "XviD support." There's no one XviD standard and the assorted tweaks - GMC, Qpel, BVOPs, packed etc - can mean an AVI file wont play or plays badly on a media player. I would look for detailed specs and end-user reviews. Or email the maker before you buy and ask them about the above.

The ability to upgrade codecs would be nice. Same for adding new ones.

[Brad @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

You know, I think the state of the world of "digital media adapters" is not unlike what the state of digital audio players was before the iPod came out. They all pretty much suck, and they'll continue to suck until some one (Apple? Sony? Microsoft?) comes along and gets it right.

The only product that seems to have nailed its niche is the Sonos music system, and that's (a) on the expensive side and (b) limited to just music.

Chances are if you buy something now, you're going to be tossing it within a year. (of course, you're reading this website, so chances are you're ok with that).

[D. B. Lection @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I have a Prismiq, I am not happy with it for a couple of reasons:

1.Does not work with uPNP servers
2.When running the Prismiq server on my 3.0GHZ P4, it degrades the machine's performance

It has good function, but I wish they would fix the problems with the required server software.

[Arvind @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I use and like the Roku PhotoBridge HD1000. The software was seriously limited at the time of release but of late, their betas have added a lot of functionality - especially nice are AAC support, UPnP support, smoothing out of HD video. Its not perfect yet but thanks to the abundance of 3rd party software (they share their SDK and actually encourage using it), the functionality is awesome - internet radio, itunes client, mythtv client, replaytv client, music jukebox, screensaver with song info etc etc.. The best of them all is MPlay which is just an excellent video playback program!

[stephen @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I agree with jake, mod you xbox and get XBMC. I have tried all the major adapters (Linksys,Roku,Netgear) so far none have come close to XBMC in terms of codecs and smoothness of playback. XBMC has yet to not play a format i have throwed at it.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Another vote for a modded xbox with xbox media center.

Connects directly to your network, you can add a huge drive if you want or stream from a computer. Plays just about every type of media format available and I can even move stuff off my replaytv directly onto the box.

Other free programs are available that allow you to check email, access internet radio stations, podcasts, movie trailers and game video.

visit xbox-scene.com for detailed info.

[Ty @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I agree with Jake - I too have a modded Xbox and use Xbox Media Center in combination with a D-Link wireless bridge.

You can't beat a $60 solderless chip that opens up a whole new world of potential for a piece of equipment you already own. Stream internet radio or browse photos, music, and movies located on your computer from your TV - it's fantastic.

[jake @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

ty, you can softmod it for $0... if you've got the balls for it (can potentially mess up your xbox), you can even swap out the harddrive without a modchip.

but, a mod chip would probably be better... I guess...

[KissTheRing @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Hack that Xbox

[Jeremy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

This is getting repetitive, but obviously you should take that for what it's worth. Xbox media center and ccxstream server are the best. It's what I use every day and keeps making me smile to myself.

[Morgan MacArthur @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Saw some positive MediaLounge comments, thought I'd pipe in. You can se my experience here:

http://gadgetize.blogspot.com/2005/01/pains-of-earlyuninformed-adoption-dsm.html

Unless there has been a major software upgrade, video was useless on the thing, XviD videos did not stay in sync for more than a minute at a time.

I, too ended up with a modded Xbox. In retrospect, I wish I had bought an AivX now, it seems absolutely great and portable too.

http://gadgetize.blogspot.com/2005/03/perfect-pocketprojector-companion-aivx_20.html

[Adam Lindsay @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

XBOX is a great way to go. The roku stuff is excellent as well.

Being a little more Audiophile focused, I personally I ended up going with the Airport Express. IMHO I feel the audio quality is superior to them all. It has the ability to be BitPerfect. Skip the analog aspect and get a decent optical cable running into a nice DAC. Using Apple Loseless or AAC320+ provides an excellent experience. I realize this is a little more high end for the avg. person, but for those seeking quality, this is what I have found to be the best. Short of still using the CD's and a good transport.

[Adam Lindsay @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I realize the Airport Express only does audio, duh! I just wanted to mention it, cause well its good and I am an Apple Whore. :)

[devin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I had a Prismiq and despite its long list of features, it just didn't work well enough to use on a daily basis. My biggest gripe is the interface which is way too slow to navigate through a large music library.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Another vote for the xbox and Xbox Media Center, just share your media (music, movies, pictures) using Samba (standard windows filesharing, available on *nix as well) or the other streaming software it supports. Add the DVD remote and you are in media heaven. Along with the addons it supports, you can stream music videos, trailers, internet radio, practically anything from the internet. Hookup the advanced A/V pack and you can have optical audio/component video. Another neat feature is support for www.audioscrobbler.com.

I barely use my xbox for games anymore after I setup XBMC.

[JP @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Question about the XBox mod.... do you still have to have Media Center running on a networked PC?
JP

[John @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Two others you should consider are the Buffalo LinkTheater and the IOData Linkplayer 2. They both support HD video via component cabling and can play video, music, and photos from a PC/media server. Both of these companies are continuing to make firmware improvements every month or so to support new features. I own a BLT and have been very pleased with it.

[Bryan Batchelder @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I had big problems with the D-Link Media Lounge.

Here is my review: http://blogs.patchadvisor.com/bryan/archive/2005/01/03/805.aspx

The only other DMA I have had experience with, and have yet to see mentioned, is the Pinnacle Show Center. I was at someone's house that had one and it worked great.

http://www.pinnaclesys.com/ProductPage_n.asp?Product_ID=2656&Langue_ID=7

I decided I would wait until they mature a bit more, and instead got a few of the Phillips DVP642 DVD players...and I just burn content to DVDs (it will play ISOs with just the raw files burned to them, no conversion to DVD). It will also handle dual layer discs, so you can usually burn an entire season of a show onto one disc, and this player will play it. It had NONE of the sync issues I saw in the D-LInk, and it can be gotten at Target for like $60.

[graham @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

first i'd think about what you are going to use the device for, is it really video or pictures or music.. just music? i think sonos is your best bet. if its pictures and video the Xbox is pretty cool route, but you have to be into it for the hobby because it will take some time. i dont think there are any out of the box ready products to do that right yet.

[Petrica @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Using Apple Loseless or AAC320+ provides an excellent experience. I realize this is a little more high end for the avg. person, but for those seeking quality, this is what I have found to be the best.

[Eric N @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

just a question on a modded xbox, I currently don't own a xbox but I am thinking about getting one to use as a media center, how difficult is it to mod one yourself, or is it a better bet to buy one premodded?

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

#21 and #26

Even though its called Xbox Media Center, it doesn't need a pc with media center edition. Mods will work with any windows pc and I think Linux.

Its surprisingly easy to install the mod chip and software. The hardest part for me was deciding which chip to buy and how to install the software the first time.

There's lots of modding information available, but it seems to be spread out over lots of different sites with few updated, simple instructions for noobs.

[graham @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

first i'd think about what you are going to use the device for, is it really video or pictures or music.. just music? i think sonos is your best bet. if its pictures and video the Xbox is pretty cool route, but you have to be into it for the hobby because it will take some time. i dont think there are any out of the box ready products to do that right yet.

[graham @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

if anyone has a good URL for moding xbox to act as media center would be much appreciated. Looking for a how-to for someone who just wants to get it done, vs have 100 decisions to get it perfectly customized.

thanks

[Harsh @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I recommend the D-Link Media Lounge. It works well with the dlink server software as long as you do not throw too many directories at it (I have about 70G of music). It also plays OGG files along with mp3/wma etc which was important to me. Also, based on mine and other people's experience, wireless may not be the best way to go for smooth playback (esp. video). Wire it if you can.

[alan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

The D-Link is a worthless POS. There are countless firmware updates, each of which fixes one thing and breaks one of two others. It STILL cannot correctly play Divx/xvid/MPEG4 video without skipping, sync issues, and locking up. The WiFi antenna is NOT CONNECTED inside the box - you have to open it (voiding the warranty) and connect it yourself. Thier support is clueless and contemptuous. Run, run away from this miserable waste of $299.

[vivek @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

best website on the scene for xbox mods is
www.xbox-scene.com -- click on the forums and scroll down to mod installers - there is even one for retailers

again.. my vote is for a moddded xbox - I think the main advantage you have to see is not only is it an adaptor connecting to your network to stream music video etc.. you can upgrade the hard drive and have the files directly on your xbox -- soo if you decide to take the xbox to lets say your hooked up car or friends house - you have some content for the rode...

indeed - who games anymore on the xbox/ xboxmediacenter is too sick --

[ben murray @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

ok this info is all well and good and I realise i'm putting a new skew ion the question here but what solutions would people recommend for us Apple users out there?

Airport express is all well and good but it is just music

[tuig @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

You could also consider upgrading your PC to Microsoft's Media Center Edition. You can then add one or more extenders, either dedicated (by HP or Linksys) or software (for Xbox). Current crop of extenders is lacking some functionality (like hi-def), but you can always upgrade to the Xbox 360 end of this year, which promises to be a lot better.

MCE with extenders may not be the ultimate in functionality (if you're prepared to hack you get more with xbox media center etc) but the usability is the best.

Lastly, I could suggest taking a small form factor and silent PC insstead of a media adapter. It will cost you more, but you have full power and functionality, and you can run your favorite OS and apps on it and share all content back and forth over your network. Bit more hassle to set up and maintain, but this is the way I went!

[Greg Gallai @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I use a modded XBOX in my living room, XBMC just blows all competition away, IMHO. Plays music, movies from almost any source (I connect to a SMB file server where all my movies are); it displays weather info, streaming movie trailers (from apple).
I have not come across any format it was not able to play.

In my bedroom I have a TERRATEC NOXON wireless music player. It's very inexpensive, small, and plug-n-play. Can connect to any UPNP media server (Nero's media home works best for me), and play streaming audio (internet radio, that is).
Has a built-in web server for config, can also add my own streaming URLs.

just my 2c

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I agree with the other chap - get an Xbox, get it chipped, get Xbox media center installed!

[na @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I'd steer clear of the Prismiq. I was doing a lot of research on it and had a got a lot of information from other Prismiq users on http://www.prismiq.org. Unfortunately it looks like Prismiq disagreed with the comments on the bulletin board, because it looks shut down and they took away links to it from their main site: http://www.prismiq.com.
1) Prismiq hasn't been updating their s/w for the media player because the product is over two years old and is limitted by two year old hardware (can you say obsolete?). They are a small company with limitted resources so they are all supposedly committed to working on the next generation of media players...
2) They promised to release their next generation of media player about maybe a year ago. I've notice it got pushed back from last October, to Qtr. 1 2005, and supposedly the latest date was June (don't hold your breath). They removed all references to the product coming out on their website. It was supposed to be an MP/R (Media Player/Recorder). With TV tuner that would record files onto a network hard drive.
3. As mentioned above, they shut down their user community (Prismiq.org). So its tougher finding out Prismiq owner's opinions on the product.
4. Looks like they focused their attention away from the Media Player by developing a wireless router and wireless pc card (do we need more of these on the market?)
For these reasons I won't getting the media player. You know that the minute you buy the two year old box, they will finally release the MP/R. I'm willing to give them a chance if they ever release it, but I'm not taking the gamble on a product they said they stopped developing.

[na @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

...Also, hold out for a media player with the minimum of Component Outputs. You could also wait for DVI or HDMI outputs (not sure if any are out yet, except for Media Center PC's). Otherwise you're going to be ticked that you're not getting the most you can get out of your expensive new Widescreen you are going to buy (or have).

[Spencer @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

An Xbox is the way to go: Xbox $150 - Chip+Install <$85 - Hard drive $60-300. XBMC is made by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, there's not much you could want that it doesn't have.
You can get your Xbox modded, software installed, the works for 50 dollars or less, with a good chip (e.g. X2.6CE) for 35 or less. If you want to add a hard drive, look around the local stores and grab one with a great rebate. My customers have been getting 160-200GB drives for around $60 recently (I mod Xboxes). A hard drive isn't required, though, since you can stream video from a Windows or Linux PC, or play videos from SMB shares, etc. And of course you can use it to play DVD's, VCD's, and burned discs with media files on them.. Rip your music CD's.. See http://xboxmediacenter.de/ and http://xboxmediacenter.de/info_faq.htm for more specifics..

If you want to do it yourself (it's easy if you do a little research and are moderately competent with technology), check xbox-scene.com for many tutorials and guides. If you don't want to risk it, they have a forum for local modders, which are much cheaper than the big Web businesses (and they'll actually install a BIOS for you, the Web companies can't).

-Spencer (spencert^at^gmail^dot^com)
Xbox modder from SE Portland, OR (shameless plug!)

[nemi @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

The only answer is a PC. If you want to be able to play every format your PC can play then you logically should choose a PC with the same OS for your TV room.

I use my older PC as my media center and the flexibility is fantastic and I don't need to learn to hack new hardware / OS as I use the same one as I am used to.

Coupled with a graphics card with DVI output (AGP 6200 cards can be had for less than $80) it gives the best display quality to my HDTV.

I can do audio, video, visualizations, network storage, www, email, ftp, internet radio, display pictures, pdfs, word documents, custom VB (etc. etc.) programs, *pc games*, Remote desktop connection, Streaming/serving of audio/video/files to other network devices, easy remote control (Browse Amp), scripted backup of files to NAS, Home control automation etc. etc. etc.

It does not have to be expensive, you can use your "old" PC or pick up one for whatever price you deem you can justify. With the additional cost of a DVI graphics card (if not already included) you are in a better position than any other solution I have seen for HDTV display.

[E. Marrs @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Another vote for xbox with xbmc.
Mine has yet to fail playing ANY media I have thrown at it. It will play any type of movie (even old simpsons ones that have its own kind of codecs) and if you are lucky enough to have one with the good dvd drive (the phillips one with the two holes in it) then you can have files on cdr-s and really use anything on it (other two drives will not play cd-rs. I have a dvd burner anyway, but my old simpsons epidoes are on cd-rs)

ANYONE WHO WANTS ONE- search the internet and you can find PREMODDED xbox's, brand new ones too. There are many modders who will either mod your box, or send you a new modded one. I sent mine in, and got it back in a week (the guy I used, www.modchipguy.com is close to my house- the average is 2 weeks though I think)

I use my xbox everyday, either for movies, my old nes games, music or even xbox games. I have not played an actual xbox game on it for at least a month, but I still use it everyday for other stuff.

You can also buy xbox hard drives on eBay that come preinstalled with all the software you need on it so you just plug it in and your done. I plan on putting a 200gb hdd in it this summer. Imagine saving ALL of your music on this one thing, having tons of games old & new on it, and a large collection of movies. It is easy to bring around too, and with the remote, it is your best friend.

I have gotten rid of ALL of my old systems except nes, and there is no chance of me selling my xbox or even keeping it out of sight in my room. It is the best way gamers and entertainment-teers can spend their money (I think they are like $280 NEW with shipping from modchipguy.com - you can look around for someone closer to your house for cheaper shipp.- I live near chicago )

Another thing for ppl with a xbmc- have you ever gone into linux to get files off of your computer and put them on your xbox hdd so you do not have to even go onto your computer to get movies and stuff?

[otakucode @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I have to concur with the Xbox Media Center suggestion(s). There simply is not a device out there that can compete with a modded Xbox running Xbox Media Center. It supports more formats, is updated more frequently, has more features, is cheaper. It just wins. There is no contest as of right now. All of these other devices are crap when compared to a modded Xbox running Xbox Media Center.

The only legit complaint about the XBMC solution is that the Xbox can be a little loud. If you're willing to put in a little effort, that can be solved though. If there's a fan on the video chipset (only on early console revisions), take it off and replace with a good heatsink. Replace crappy fan with silent 80mm computer case fan. Line inside with cork.

[Brad Williamson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Is there a trend here? Mod that Xbox! With the component cables it scales video to 1080i better than anything else I've tried. A-B comparisons with HBO-HD/ SHO-HD and scaled DVD's playing from the Linux server are very nearly indistinguishable on a 55" Pioneer HDTV @1080i. I have an Audiotron and Rio Receiver that aren't even plugged in anymore. The Xbox is on probably all day showing cartoons and disney movies for the kids w/o any risk of disk damage. Best $150 I ever spent! Don't waste your money on the MCE extender either, it's garbage. Check spencer's post above for more modding details.

[Josh @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I've been using the Hauppauge MediaMVP(http://www.hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_mediamvp.html) for about 18 months. I got it because it was cheap (about $80) but I love it because of its flexibility. Since its UI is basically just DHTML hosted on a custom web server, it's easy to hack. It can be used a front end for GB-PVR, BeyondTV, and more. Check out http://www.shspvr.com/smf/ (and scroll down to the media MVP section) for more info.

[Josh @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

One more comment - with the right codecs and transcoders loaded onto my computer, I'm able to watch WMV, MOV and DivX, in addition to basic MPEG. Didn't have to configure anything, realized one day that it just worked! How cool is that!

[Moon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

The D-Link Media Lounge is a joke. I have it, I used it for several months and now it sits there, disconnected.

Slow, buggy and it distorts your videos.

[Roberto @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

Does this xbox mods / XBMC allow the connection of a USB tuner/encoder (such as Plextor) so as to use the Xbox as a PVR too?

[toeknee @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I purchased a GoVideo Networked DVD player in order to stream videos (that I own) that have been ripped to the hard drive. I consider myself very technically savy, but had nothing but problems from video encoding that the GoVideo wouldn't work with to usability problems (didn't pass the wife test).

After that I bought the Media Extender for XBox to run that against media center running on my PC. Works pretty well, but I have to put the Media Extender in my xbox in order to run the Media Center Extender app.

Finally I gave in and modded my xbox (actually a coworker that is better at soldering modded my xbox). Since then I couldn't be happier. It streams any movie from my PC that I've ripped from DVDShrink without having to re-encode audio (I had to do this most of the time to get GoVideo player to work). It never stutters, flawless playback all the time. I also have a bigger hard drive in my xbox, and ripped my xbox game disks to the hard drive so my kids aren't destroying the xbox disks anymore.

I highly recommend the modded xbox. I initially tried to avoid it because I didn't want to feel like a hacker. Yes, I do in fact purchase all the games I have on my xbox hard drive and own all the movies ripped to my pc. That being said, once I gave in and modded the xbox, it's the best media entertainment system around...

[Lee Henderson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I do a bit of DJing once a month. I use a 17" PowerBook, OSX 10.4 and iTunes! job done

[George Moore @ Dec 19th 2005 12:16AM]

I am a mobile DJ thst is apple based. Let me quickly get to the point. I use megaseg. The only good DJ program out there. http://www.megaseg.com

I rip mp3s into itunes and megaseg plays it from there