Use WDTV LIVE as a Music Jukebox

WDTV Live's USB input allows playback of media files from an external hard drives. I am not sure whether the USB input has an onboard DAC chip or not, but I use it to read my WAVs from my baffolo external drive and bypass them completely to my Yamaha 665 via HDMI for decoding.(correction-WDTV does not support bypass---files are still decoded by its internal decoder) 


I have tried both sound output modes under the WDTV LIVE, i.e. Stereo (music decoded by WDTV LIVE itself) and Digital (music bypassed and decoded by receiver), I found that the sound quality is about the same. (correction - not correct)


You can do the same stuff by using a CD Player with a USB port, e.g. Marantz SA8003. According to http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0109/marantz_sa8003.htm, its USB input is powered by an NEC uPD63901 microcontroller, and it enables the SA8003 to play MP3, WAV, WMA and AAC files directly off a USB hard drive, pen drive, or iPod but the uPD63901 does its own D/A conversion, so files read from the USB input completely bypass Marantz' excellent CS4398-based digital section (and cannot be output via the Marantz digital outputs). Then this does not make sense to me, so I stick to a cheap WDTV LIVE solution for a Music Jukebox.

WD TV LIVE - new firmware 1.04.10 update again in 2 weeks' time

What's in this update? 

Release 1.04.10 (11/22/10)

• Supports Facebook application.
• Supports Deezer application.
• Supports Flingo application.
• Supports AccuWeather application.
• Supports USB keyboards.

 http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/updates/?family=wdfwdtv_live

WD TV® Live™ HD Media Player firmware Version 1.03.49_V

Latest official firmware update for WDTV LIVE is now available on  http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/updates/?family=wdfwdtv_live.

Release 1.03.49 (11/16/10)

• Added DVD navigation support.
• Added Mediafly application.
• Resolved MP4 poor frame-rate and audio out of sync issue.
• Resolved HDMI auto resolution selection issue.
• Resolved playback issues related to mkvmerge.
• Other bug fixes and product updates (see release notes).

Sleek, attractive External HD that can be positioned vertically or horizontally

I have been looking for a reasonable priced external hard disk for my media library, now I have found one - Buffalo's DriveStation Axis USB 2.0 Hard Drive HD-LBU2. DriveStation Axis features a sleek, attractive chassis that can be positioned vertically or horizontally, adapting to the location it is used in for efficient use of space. 

According to the manufacturer, DriveStation Axis comes equipped with Buffalo Tools, a feature-rich suite of tools designed to enhance computer performance and the day-to-day digital life of Windows® PC consumers. Users can boost file transfer performance by up to 180% using TurboPC, conserve energy and battery consumption by utilizing ECO Manager and perform PC backup with the easy to use Backup Utility. DriveStation Axis is the perfect solution for expanding storage or backing up your computer.

The capacity ranges from 1TB, 1.5TB to 2.0TB.

Western Digital TV Live Hub

Western Digital has just added a new media player in their production line. The selling point here is it comes with a 1-tb built-in hard disk. A full review can be found from STORAGE REVIEW.COM at http://www.storagereview.com/western_digital_tv_live_hub_review_wdbabz0010bbk

HP 2309 with HDMI & Built-in Speakers

Just bought a HP 2309 that comes with  a HDMI port and built-in speakers. I think this is a decent buy. Happy with the tiny speakers, which are loud enough for MSN and occasional HD playback. My desktop is cleaner without the speaker wires now.

Dali Lektor 6 for HTPC

I have got the DALI LEKTOR 6 for my HTPC recently. The LEKTOR front baffle features a silky matt dark grey finish with edge-mounted aluminum snap locks to secure the front grilles. All drivers are mounted with concealed screws, lending a timeless, minimalistic appearance. The 28 mm (1.1”) soft dome tweeter incorporates a powerful ferite magnet system. This innovative driver provides enhanced power handling - continuously and instantaneously - as well as lower power compression, for a more open, vibrant high end.

The pair of 6.5” mid/bass units incorporates lightweight coated woodfiber cones, low-loss suspensions and semi-shielded, double-magnet motors for a highly saturated magnet system. The cone drivers utilize inverted dust caps for improved phase response and structural integrity.

As far as the sound quality is concerned, nothing much to complain for this price range. I use the LEKTOR 6 as my front speakers and shift the original tiny front speakers to become the Presense Speakers with the Yamaha 7.1 setup. However, this setup has a flaw as the center speaker is a bit weak if compared with the LEKTOR and upgrade in future is essential.      

XQBOX HTPC CASE

Yamaha 665 vs 663

Finally I got the yamaha 465 replaced with a 665, to my surprise it looks exactly the same as the 465. First impression is that it does not have the smooth aluminum front panel with contemporary touch like the old 663. Appearance-wise it lacks the 'high-class' equipment feel if compared with the old 663. 

The 665 also comes with a smaller foot print and size, you don't have to read the manual to find out the differences - it is smaller and lighter, and... looks cheap! As expected, it supports HDMI video output which the 465 is lacking, and this is the only reason I upgraded it.

Yamaha Receiver Rxv-465 does not pass video through HDMI

I just bought a Yamaha Rxv-465 receiver and only after that I realised it does not support HDMI video output. The manual did not say a word about it and even the vendor could not figure it out until they called the local distributor. I need to have the video output through the HDMI to my LCD TV as I want to use it as a hub for my other stuff such as dvd player, htpc, etc.

Too sad as this is a decent 5.1 receiver that does HD audio via HDMI. My only solution is to upgrade it to a 565 or 665.

EE, I really like you!

EE, the flowers are for you, impressed?!

ATI Radeon HD 5450 focuses on HTPC features

AMD has just announced the introduction of the ATI Radeon™ HD 5450 graphics card which delivers a state-of-the-art HD multimedia and game experience at a value price. The HD 5450's passively-cooled, ultra-quiet features is every HTPC builder’s dream. The home theater experience is enriched with features such as HDMI 1.3a with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio for the ultimate media PC. According to the source the SRP is $50.


(source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/04/ati-radeon-hd-5450-focuses-on-multimedia-features-neglects-gami/)

Socket AM3 + DDR3 785G matx motherboard

GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-US2H is one of the best value for money well-built 785G matx mobo on the market. It supports the latest AMD's Socket AM3 and the other specs are as follows:

AMD 785G + SB710 Chipset

1. Ultra Durable 3 Classic Technology with copper cooled quality for lower working temperature
2. Revolution energy saving design with Easy Energy Saver technology
3. Supports AMD AM3 Phenom II/ Athlon II processors
4. Dual Channel DDR3 1800+ for remarkable system performance
5. Integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200 graphics (DirectX10.1)
6. PCI-E 2.0 x16 interface with ATI Hybrid CrossFireX support for ultimate graphics performance
7. Features high speed Gigabit Ethernet and IEEE1394
8. Blu-ray playback supported by high quality 106dB SNR ALC889A HD audio
9. Integrated HDMI/ DVI interface for Full HD 1080 Blu-ray playback with HDCP
10. Patented DualBIOS with dual hardware BIOS protection
11. Compatible with Window 7 to deliver the best operation experience 

source: http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ClassValue=Motherboard&ProductID=3250&ProductName=GA-MA785GMT-US2H

Wireless For HDMI

WHDI (Wireless Home Digital Interface) is a standard created by Israeli company AMIMON that can send HD video signals via 5GHz narrow band technology. But the wireless solution from Gefen is the 3Ghz bandwidth, also Offering Uncompressed Method of 1080p Full HD Wireless Connectivity up to 30 Feet in Distance.

The GefenTV Wireless for HDMI 60Ghz extender comes with HDCP compliance, support for CEC protocols, an RS-232 port for easy control or convenient Internet access to firmware updates and an IR remote for turning power on/off. Pricing is set for $999.

(source: http://hothardware.com/News/GefenTV-Wireless-For-HDMI-Connects-Sources-And-HDTVs-Without-Wires/)

HD 5670 brings Dolby True HD and DTS HD to the sub-$100 market

Finally it comes - a budget card that can bitstrem Dolby True HD and DTS HD for about $100. According to Engadget, the Radeon HD 5670 can boast Direct X 11 and Eyefinity support are for a suggested price less than one Benjamin Franklin. But for HTPC users, low cost solution for bitstreaming HD audio to your amplifier for decoding is what has been lacking so far and the wait is over now.  

(source: http://www.engadget.com/)

ViewSonic PC mini VOT530/550

The ViewSonic PC mini VOT530/550 is not much larger than your palm, so it's extremely easy to install or move around. As the PC mini 550 also comes with a Blu-ray DVD drive and convenient remote control, you can enjoy high-definition video and the best audio entertainment right in your living room or bedroom.

The incredibly small ViewSonic PC mini VOT530/550 has the computing power of a PC ten times larger. With better performance than many low-power alternatives, the high-performance Intel Core 2 Duo processor in the PC mini 530/550 is ideal for both digital entertainment and daily computing. 

Featuring a fast Intel Core 2 Duo processor and advanced power management, the ViewSonic PC mini VOT530/550 consumes only 18W of power even at full speed*, and is quiet at 22dB or less. Perfect for your entertainment center or den.

(source: http://www.viewsonic.com/vot530-550/)

MSI Wind PC Intel Atom 1.6GHz/ Intel 945GC

The MSI Wind PC Intel Atom 1.6GHz/ Intel 945GC/ A&V&GbE Proprietary Barebone System is a mini PC setup which comes with a PCI-E slot if you want more horse power. 

Specifications
• Mfr Part Number: 6667BB-003US
• VESA-mountable Nettop Barebone without ODD Drive Bay
• Processor: Intel Atom 330 Processor(1.6GHz, FSB 533 MHz, 1MB Cache), FSB 533MHz
• Chipset: Intel 945GC & ICH7
• Memory: 1x DDR2-533/400 SO-DIMM, Max Capacity 2GB
• SATA: Support a SATA2 HDD
• Audio: Realtek ALC888 Azalia 8-Channel Audio CODEC
• Video: Integrated Intel GMA450 Graphics Controller
• LAN: Realtek RTL8111DL PCI-E Gigabit LAN; 1x Wifi Antenna included
• Drive Bays: 1x 3.5" Internal
• Ports:
• Front: 2x USB 2.0 Ports; 1x Card Reader Slot
• Rear: 2x USB 2.0 Ports; 1x VGA Port; 1x RJ45 Port; Audio I/O Jacks
• Expansion Slots: 1x CF Card Slot; 1x Half-Height PCI Express Mini Card Slot
• Card Reader: 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/XD)
• Power Supply: External 65W, Active PFC Power Supply
• Operation System: Support Microsoft Windows XP
• Form Factor: Proprietary, 27.5 x 17 cm
• Color: Black
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 297 x 60.2 x 223 mm
• RoHS Compliant

The asking price is $148.99. Not a bad choice if you are looking for a small PC setup with a PCI-E slot.  

(source: http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-6667-3#)