A while back, I mentioned that we were in the process of fully refurbishing our home, which we moved into back in May. We’re about two thirds of the way through the work, which has been a hard slog, but the work is really starting to pay off, with big chunks of the house now looking like they belong in 2007 rather than 1981!
A couple of weeks ago, we completed work on our lounge, and one of the major additions to this room that we’re all completely loving is a digital media receiver (sometimes also called a “network media player”) - basically, a “set-top box” that is connected to our home server by ethernet, and therefore can play all of our music, videos and photos over our home cinema setup.
Having had various adventures with beta testing Windows Media Center in the past, this provides all of the media functionality we had with Media Center, in a much neater form factor (which is important when you’ve just spent weeks redecorating the room!) If, like me, you’re building up decent sized collections of mp3s, videos and photos, a digital media receiver (DMR) is a great addition to your home server powered home.
So, in the lounge, here’s how it looks:
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Here’s the kit I installed in the lounge:
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NETGEAR EVA8000 Digital Entertainer HD (UK Link)  This is the model I’ve been using - it took a little bit of setting up to work with Windows Home Server (basically, it needs to be set up as a guest on your server), but it can play pretty much any file format you want to throw at it, and automatically keeps track of new files that are saved to your server. It’s fully HD compatible, with both HDMI and Component connectors, so you can view your videos in full HD.So what can it do? It can:
The unit’s firmware can be a little tempremental, but it does get updated every couple of months, and Netgear are pretty active on adding new features and media formats to the unit. Right now, I reckon this is the best DMR on the market right now. More Info: Netgear | Hands On Review | Newegg | Amazon (UK) |
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NETGEAR HDXB101 HD Powerline Kit (UK)
The original plan was to run ethernet cable into the lounge, from the under-stairs cupboard (where I now have my router and home server set up). We’d run a lot of cable all over the house, but hadn’t got to the lounge with it at that point. The issue was that at the time we were doing the lounge, the carpets running through to the lounge hadn’t yet been taken up, so it would have been a lot of hassle ripping up carpets all over the place to get the cables in.I then heard about Powerline networking, which is relatively new networking technology. Basically, it turns any electrical socket into an ethernet networking point, making a data connection using your electrical wiring in the home. I was initially a bit dubious as to whether this would actually work, but I bought Netgear’s kit with the thought of returning it if I couldn’t get a connection, or more likely, I could get a connection but it was either really unstable or slow (which would be a big problem for video). The way it works is that you get two largish adaptors (see left) and two ethernet cables. Plug one into a power socket near your router (it has to be a wall socket, not a power extension cable), and connect the ethernet cable from the plug to a router port. Then take the other plug, insert it into a socket near the DMR, and attach the ethernet cable between the plug and the DMR. And, erm, it works! Whilst you never get the speeds advertised by the manufacturers (200 mbps in this case - yes, whatever, Netgear) the connection easily handles MP3s, AVIs, DIVX/XVID videos and photos no problem, without stuttering.As you can imagine, a lot can depend on the quality of the wiring in your home, but our wiring here is well over 25 years old, and the network speed is absolutely fine. So in short, this was a complete revelation, and saved a lot of hassle with carpets - whilst the EVA8000 can handle wireless connections no problem, Ethernet does provide a much more stable connection and higher speeds, so the HD Powerline kit was perfect for me. The kit is a bit on the pricey side ($160/£130) but for a specific need, it does the job. You can then buy single adaptors More Info: Netgear Website | Newegg | Amazon (UK) |
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to extend your ethernet network into other rooms - I’ve now got CAT5 in most rooms, so isn’t necessary for me, but workth checking out if you want your home ethernet-enabled, but want to avoid the cabling hassle! So, that’s what I’ve been using at home for the past few weeks, and it’s really helped me make the most of having the home server. There are alternatives also available - let’s take a look at a few of them.
Audio, Video and Photo Streamers
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D-Link DSM-520 Wireless HD Media Player (UK)
This is D-Link’s competitor to the EVA8000. It plays Music, Photos and video up to 1080i and comes with a HDMI connector.
More Info: D-Link | PC World Review | Newegg | Amazon (UK) |
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D-Link DSM-320RD Wireless Media Player with DVD and Card Reader (UK)
The DVD player supports DVD playback as well as SVCD, VCD, CD-R, DVD±RW, CD-RW, CD, and MP3 discs.Like the Netgear EVAs a plethora of file formats are supported. Here’s the full spec:
More Info: D-Link | Newegg| Amazon (UK) |
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NETGEAR EVA700 Digital Entertainer (UK)
This is the cheaper, lower spec brother of the EVA8000. It has broadly similar functionality, but lacks the HD connectivity of the EVA8000 (no HDMI connector). The UI is a little more basic, and some of the higher end features of the EVA8000 are missing. It can play HD video up to 1080i (EVA8000 plays up to 1080p) and misses out on SMB networking, WMV10 and FLAC support.On the upside, it still features bith Ethernet and 802.11g wireless, so for basic streaming of music, video and photos, you’re fine. It’s a great budget option, but if you want full HD video, the EVA8000 is a better bet. More Info: Netgear | Small Net Builder Review | Newegg | Amazon (UK) |
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D-Link DSM-510 High-Definition Media Player The D-Link DSM-510 is a small footprint media player (and the little brother of the DSM-520 above), which will fit neatly under your TV. It looks a little like a router than a piece of consumer electronics (like a DVD player), and depending on your set-up, it’s white and black colour scheme may look a little out of place.That said, it’s pretty well specced:
Right now, the product is only available in the USA. More Info: D-Link | Small Net Builder Review | Newegg |
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Buffalo PC-P3LWG/DVD LinkTheater High-Definition Wireless Media Player
Similar in function to the D-Link DSM-320RD, this is a digital media receiver, bundled with a DVD player. Compared to the D-Link machine, is lacks the card reader, and the lack of HDMI is also a missing. It’s getting a bit long in the tooth but it’s still a competent performer.
More Info: C-Net Review | Newegg |
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Buffalo LinkTheater PC-P4LWAG Wireless A&G Network Media Player (UK)
The PC-P4LWAG is a newer system from Buffalo, coming without the DVD player but offering dual band wireless (A & G) for less interference. A wider range of video formats are also supported, up to 720p.
More Info: Buffalo | C-Net Review | Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) |
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Kiss 1600 Media Player / DVD Recorder
The Kiss 1600 Media Player has recently been picked up by Cisco to be sold under the Linksys brand. It’s the daddy of all digital media receivers, offering an upscalining DVD player (at 720p and 1080i) as well as being able to play most media formats out there.
More Info: Linksys | PC Pro Review | Amazon (UK) |
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Xbox 360 Elite (UK)
Not to be underestimated as a digital media receiver. Unfortunately, it won’t strea, some of the more interesting video formats (DIVX/XVID) from your home server, but it works well with mainstream video, audio and image formats and unlike the other devices here, has a great set of kick-ass games to go with it!
More Info: Microsoft | Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) |
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PlayStation 3 (UK - 60Gb Version)
Like the Xbox 360, the PS3 is powered by Windows Media Connect so can stream some of the more basic file formats, but lacks support for others. The PS3 can upscale DVDs up to 1080p and of course, comes with a Blu-Ray drive for high definition video.
More Info: Sony | Amazon (US) |
The D-Link DSM-320RD is a wireless media player loaded up with a DVD player and 5 in 1 card reader (supporting SD, Memory Stick, MMC, and Compact Flash (Type I and II)).
So, as you can see, there’s plenty of choice available when it comes to selecting a digital media receiver for Windows Home Server. But what if you just want an audio streaming device, or maybe a digital photo frame? We’ll be taking a look at these devices soon.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:00 am
I’m sure the Xbox 360 supports more audio formats. You have only listed MP3.
Perhaps you should also mention the optional HD DVD drive.
September 10th, 2007 at 9:57 am
Any tips for setting up Home Server in conjunction with one of these gadgets?
September 10th, 2007 at 10:12 am
Hi Rex
Look out for an article at some point covering this!
Terry
September 11th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
What about the smaller form factor gadgets such as the MG35 and MG350-HD? Both of these are inexpensive, have large support groups, and active development communities. A big plus is that they are portable so when you are not using NAS you can take your media with you if you opt for plugging in a HD.
Considering the price I think everyone should try one. LOL
September 12th, 2007 at 7:19 am
I’m also using an EVA8000 (the Australian version) to play movies, TV recordings, music and photos that are being served from my WHS system. I’m finding it to be a really useful product for making all the media I’ve got on the WHS available to my whole family. I was originally running it wireless but I’ve just converted it across to used a wired connection. I made the change to get the higher speed - and this has helped with some of the higher bandwidth requirements of the TV-recordings I make.
I didn’t have to make any changes to my WHS setup to support this device. The setup was all done in the EVA8000 where you tell it where to look for media. I pointed it to my WHS shared folders and told it what username and password to use. The system is still not bug free but, as Terry pointed, out new versions of the firmware are being released to fix existing bugs and provide new features and support for other formats.
I can’t comment on any of the other devices that perform this sort of function as I haven’t had any experience with them. I expect there are pros and cons for all of them, including the EVA8000. For me the EVA8000 is doing what I bought it to do and I’m happy with it.
September 12th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Hi Terry
Just wanted to say thanks for an excellent overview. I’ve been looking for a good summary of digital media receiver options, and since I’m about to take the plunge and get my hands on a WHS box this article was well timed. Looks like I’ll be getting an EVA8000 then! The “how to get this thing working with WHS” article sounds like something to look forward to
Do you have any plans to investigate using networked music receivers like the Roku Soundbridge to access files on the server? I can’t imagine they’d be that different from a full media receiver to set up, but I’m completely new to this WHS thing…
Cheers again for a really informative article (and site generally).
September 12th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Hi Jason
Many thanks for the kind comments - I’m more than happy to write whatever articles are required - getting hold of the kit is the issue
Generally, you’ll find that if the hardware supports Windows Media Connect (which many do) it should be able to access files on your server automatically, without too much intervention required. My EVA needed me to open up Guest access on my home server for the Music, Video and Photo folders, but as Alistair mentioned above, his didn’t, so it’s probably just a firmware issue.
Generally you’ll find if you just try it, it’ll work, if not, then hit the manual and online forums
Look out for the article soon.
Terry
September 21st, 2007 at 8:34 am
Hi,
I have been waiting for something listed here regarding media players for the WHS. i have been using my old XBOX with the MOD that allows a Full media center… i can stream all my music and vids from the WHS using the built in network. Have been using it with this setup now for about 3 years minus the WHS of course, and now thinking of getting a new media player.
the NETGEAR EVA8000 looks like a good option. and will look at the others available before a purchase.
thanks for the heads up on players in your article
Gary @ BKK
October 28th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Hi Terry,
wonderfully informative site and one that I’ve returned to a number of times.
I’d originally looked to creating a Windows PC based media centre, but didn’t really have the space for a PC in my living room or the inclination to attempt to build a PC for it’s use. I did however have a 3 year old PC (HP D530s, 1Gb RAM, P4 etc.) which I’ve added a 500Gb hard disk to with all my media.
With this in mind, I’d heard that a Media Receiver might be a more suitable option - seems this may be the case having read you comments.
The Netgear EVA8000 looks most suitable, but I don’t want to jump the gun and purchase when there may be a better option available in the not too distant.
Is there any more information available on the Netgear, including any issues with wireless connectivity or might an XBOX 360 do the job, giving me the flexibility of a games console additionally.
Also, would a PS3 do the same job i.e. act as a media extender - I’d always presumed this could not be the case.
Great sire; keep up the good work.
Regards,
October 28th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Hi Craig
Thanks for the comments! Certainly Netgear aren’t (to my info) releasing a better model before the end of the year - in fact the EVA7000 will have similar functionality to the 8000, but without the HDMI interface.
Both the Xbox 360 and PS3 both offer Windows Media Connect compatibility, so either can be used as a media extender - however, the big issue here is that you’re limited in the file formats that can be played back.
Before purchasing I’d take a look at some of the forthcoming Windows Media Center v2 Extenders from Linksys and others that will shortly be coming on the market. Whilst these are designed for use predominately for Media Center rather than WHS, they *do* offer a very wide range of file format support - the only issue is whether they’d work as vanilla Windows Media Connect devices (the pessimist in me doubts they would).
I’ve found the EVA to be fine, once you get a stable firmware release. Netgear are investing in continual firmware improvement with new features, which leads to a slightly rocky road in terms of stability…..
November 7th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
The Netgear Eva8000 is a great product if you enjoy lock ups, freezes, reboots and frequently crawling around unplugging and replugging in your eqiupment when it locks up. The picture quality however is fantastic
I bought 2 Eva8000’s for separate rooms. They’re both pathetic. I have had the previous model (EVA700) for about 6 months. This has a completely different (more basic) interface and, unlike the EVA8000, is an absolute pleasure. It seems that Netgear are not content with only releasing crap hardware (EVA8000), installing Netgear’s Digital Entertainer software causes certain files to bomb out when played in windows. This leads to Media Centre (both XP & Vista versions) to completely crash (regardless of which other codecs are installed - I tried numerous combinations and versions including just the latest divx & xvid official codecs).
Removing the Netgear software makes Media Centre work again every time. The best thing one can say about the Netgear software is “it uninstalls well”. If my Eva8000 were to catch fire it would improve my life as I would stop the futile exercise of trying to get it to work without locking up or rebooting (and yes I do have the latest firmware).
Rebooting takes about 2 minutes and then one has to rescan the media library which takes about 15 minutes for 3000 files. The cheaper Eva700 is practically instant on and adding media doesn’t require a rescan. Why didn’t they just keep the Eva700’s operation, “Windows Media Connect” software and add hi-def capabilities? This would have made the Eva8000 an unbeatable product.
Although I am a fan of Netgear products the EVA8000 is a piece of crap. I cannot believe anyone would actually sell something so buggy. I’d rather have smallpox than another EVA8000. If you can find one…get the EVA700. It isn’t high-def, but it works flawlessly.
January 1st, 2008 at 9:09 am
Very informative list Terry. Do any of the devices mentioned here play ISO images of DVDs or do you have to convert them to some other format?
January 1st, 2008 at 9:45 am
Hi Sheryn
I knwo the EVA8000 will play ISO images - right now, DVD menus don’t play but all of the conent can be accessed… http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101671.asp for more.
Not sure about the others - I think the DSMs definitely can’t right now….
Terry
January 1st, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Thanks Terry. I need something to sit between my WHS and TV to deliver content and was hoping I wouldnt have to build a Media Centre PC.
As an aside I highly recommend the ethernet over power devices. I use the NetComm Homeplugs to get my internet connection from the garage (30m away) to my house. One is plugged into a 4 socket power board and the other is in a double adapter and it works just fine. My house is 60 years old and back then 1 power socket per room must have been considered oodles!
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:11 pm
The xbox 360 now supports xvid and Divx aswell as far as I know…