MediaGate's wireless HD MG-450HD media server now shipping

Apparently MediaGate heard the "What? No HD?" cries from you folks during yesterday's PC-on-TV DPG-1200 shipment announcement, as it has just opened up the flood gates and allowed its MG-450HD entertainment server to start filtering out to end users. If you'll recall, this wireless HD media streamer can also play on wired networks and with USB devices such as digicams and flash drives, and you'll also find HDMI, composite, S-Video and component video outputs to complement the stereo L / R, optical / coaxial digital and analog 5.1-channel audio ports. Of course, you'll be asked to provide your own internal hard drive, but considering that it managed to shed $20 from its initial price tag (down to $229 now), it's still squarely in bargain territory.

[Via SlipperyBrick]

[MeatyPi @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:36PM]

pfft, get appletv

[Catdogburger @ Apr 22nd 2008 8:49PM]

Pfft, get Archos TV

[JohnTitor @ Apr 22nd 2008 10:18PM]

ArchosTV is good, PopcornHour is better

[badweasel @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:42PM]

I don't know. Apple TV doesn't play Video_TS folders and enough formats. If this thing will allow me to convert my 400 DVD collection to files on a server, plus start adding HD content - then I'm sold.

[pc @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:43PM]

The Sansa Take TV been out how long and for less than $150, when is a company gonna come along where I can just plug my external hard drive to my tv. IE Take $150 Take TV Incorporate to External Hard Drive.

[TheRequiem @ Apr 22nd 2008 7:07PM]

So you mean something like this?

http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/09/iomegas-500gb-screenplay-hd-multimedia-drive-touts-hdmi/

I don't know what more you expect.

[Dave Zatz @ Apr 22nd 2008 7:05PM]

pc, Iomega did that with their ScreenPlay product a couple of years ago. I don't think it sold too well...

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1934487,00.asp

[splitsecond @ Apr 22nd 2008 7:10PM]

@badweasel totally agree, the itunes (apple tv or ipod) model is just way too weak.

Does anyone have the full scoop on the file format support here? Not the codecs. I want to know if it can mount ISO's, read exploded Blu-Rays and DVDs, etc.

Thanks.

[trancemocean @ Apr 22nd 2008 7:27PM]

Yes DVD .iso files, Yes DVD Video_TS folders, Not sure about Blu-Ray. I have the wired version. It's great, not perfect, but very functional. Runs on uCLinux and can be hacked to play around with.

[badweasel @ Apr 22nd 2008 9:55PM]

I calculate my DVD collection to be about 500 discs at 9 gigs each is like 4TB. I'd like to do them as .iso files or video_ts. Any HD movies would be like 10 - 15 GB each. I could probably get them into h.264 or something - not sure about how to link 5.1 (or better) audio.

But anyway I'm not going to hang 4 TB off something in my TV room. But I would hang it off my Mac and access it wirelessly from a device like this. And if I can also have another local drive on it for mobility... it might be the answer I'm looking for.

Thanks for the info. What makes it less than perfect?

[John @ Apr 22nd 2008 9:27PM]

I've been pretty happy with PopcornHour... only $179

[Nick Catalano @ Apr 22nd 2008 10:30PM]

Just ordered mine a few days ago

[HughJorgan @ Apr 23rd 2008 2:45AM]

Same here... should be shipping next week I think? from China to Oz.. I might get it a bit before my yankee brethren. By all accounts it is an amazing device... my xbmc is kind of slowly dying RIP xbox.

[zyren @ Apr 23rd 2008 12:48AM]

popcorn hour is definitely the best HD streamer in the market right now. it is also the cheapest. I can play all my HD files i have with no problem.

[Cotay @ Apr 23rd 2008 1:37PM]

Well, it is certainly a nice streamer I give it that, but there are better players on the horizon. I am debating ordering one (my order invitation expires tomorrow) and I am having doubts about a few features (of lack thereof). Specifically, I wish the Popcorn had more audio out options (multi analog outs, optical digital out), the ability to use NTFS in addition to EXT3, and an internal SATA connection as opposed to the PATA interface. I may wait or order one of the current ISTAR or MediaGate players…to be honest I think that the Popcorn really only has price going for it once all of the other Sigma 8635-based players hit the market.