[mythtv-users] Advice on media players

[Brian Wood]

On Thursday 03 December 2009 07:54:03 am Michael Tiller wrote:
> I have a MythTV system (MythBuntu 9.10) that is the hub of my media
> network.  My in-laws live with us and they currently use a MediaMVP to
> access their programs.  However, we are getting them an HDTV and so 
we want
> to have an HD capable media player to go with it
> 
> My wife and I have a Popcorn Hour in our room and it basically works.  
Not
> exactly the most polished piece of hardware but at least it has the
> necessary codecs, etc.  By the way, in case anybody is interested I wrote
>  my own custom web app to provide a crude MythTV interface to the 
Popcorn
>  Hour. Only supports playback and deletion, but that is all we needed.  You
>  can find the source code here <http://github.com/mtiller/MythPCH>.
> 
> Back to the topic at hand.  I'm not exactly doing backflips over the
>  popcorn hour so I'm open to other possibilities.  My requirements are:
> 
>    1. HD output (their TV is going to be 720p).
>    2. Must be able to handle playback of both MPEG2 and whatever format 
the
>    HD-PVR spits out (H.264 I assume).
>    3. Must be able to connect and playback MythTV recordings on the
>  network. 4. Must be consumer friendly.  The more "out of the box" the
>  better. Although a "hacker" solution is fine for me, it has to be push
>  button simple for them (and reliable).
> 
> I'm not looking for high end.  Just whatever can do these things and is
> reasonably cheap but reliable.
> 
> The PCH fits the bill on all of the above.  I'm just wondering if there is
> anything else I should be looking at.  For example, Newegg has this
> combination Blu-ray/DLNA
> 
player<http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16882005044>for
> $169.99.  I doubt my in-laws would use the Blu-ray much and I'd be
> concerned that the DLNA support wouldn't provide seamless MythTV
>  integration but nevertheless it is interesting because of the range of
>  capabilities.
> 
> So is the PCH the best HD MythTV player out there or is there something
> better (and by that I mean mostly cheaper :-).

I'd consider the Acer Revo. It will run a full frontend, and can use VDPAU 
with the ION video chipset. Not a bad complete frontend for $200.

Pricier than a PCH, but a lot more flexible.

There has been talk of using the Roku Netflix device ($99), but I don't think 
anyone has got that working yet.

I use a Myka unit, also pricier than a PCH, and also a "Networked Media 
Tank".

XBox-360s, PS3s and Wiis can be used with the UPnP server in a Myth 
backend. Also the D-Link DSM-520, and similar devices.

So nothing really cheaper then the $100 price point, yet.