Ok.so I challenge piracy laws one torrent at a time. So sue me. But then I also have to be able to play my booty somewhere! And considering the multiple formats existing, that’s quite a challenge. So hence I was on the lookout for a media player that I could afford, rely upon, and get my hands on quick time.
After a lot of research, I zeroed in on the Western Digital TV LIVE. Deceptively small but big in capability. Just like the missus! I scoured the net for the best price and got it for Rs. 6400 including delivery. I had an option of getting it marginally cheaper from eBay but did not want to risk it.(That’s a different story.) Sounded like a good deal. So I got myself the WD TV Live.
It’s a small enough box. Comes well packed, stable and all the audio & video component cords you could need. No HDMI cord though. Sad. But then making that a part of the packet would raise the cost I s’pose. I happily trotted home and connected my WD to my Buffalo 500 GB Portable Hard Drive and then to my 40” Sony Bravia LED. I was ready for action!
The player took a little time scanning the files. Prudently, I waited for it to completely scan befor playing. I’ve a variety of audio and video files. From Brittney Spears videos(in HD you naughty boy you) to Black Hawk Down(in HD too). A variety of music albums in different formats. And HD wallpapers too – models and sports cars, of course.
It played quite a few of them. I wasn’t bothered about that. The media player software can be upgraded to play the latest formats via manual updates. The on-screen navigation menu requires a cool mind and slow hand. Primarily ‘coz I’m all thumbs and need to check my remote before I press that tiny little button which may take me to Godaloneknowswhere.
Peculiarly, you first need to decide if you want to play an audio or video file. This means that if I’m watching a movie and suddenly get struck by the urge to listen to some 60’s hits, then I need to stop that particular file, backtrack out of the filing syst., go to the first option that appears, select the audio option, select the type of file view, choose the particular audio file I want to listen to…and then hit myself on the head coz by then the magic moment is gone! Knowing how my convoluted mind works, chances are, I now want to see some HD wallpapers! Seriously! So that’s one gripe that the Bio-thermo nuclear experts at WD need to address.
I updated the software a coupla days later and the files that did not play then played now. Overall, the WD TV media player is ideal for those who download their stuff. With multiple formats existing, the player is crucial to getting over the conversion process. It can be connected to a home theatre syst to make it a hub for all your entertainment needs. Am planning on connecting it to a micro system so that I can play my music files. Cost wise, it is quite affordable and is no pressure on the pocket. My need for the product arose when I got an HD enabled television set. But did not want to rely on a tempramental DVD player who agrees to play only certain types of DivX files! But if you own a conventional CRT tv then you need to think if the WD is for you. You experience its fullest potential when u download HD content.
Overall its a good buy. It keeps you format free and you wont need to invest in a bluray if you can consistently get the right torrent. Couple this with audio play capability and it can be a winning purchase.