Popcorn Hour A-110/B-110 Review Part 1/2 - The Real HT Info

[lumfan2]

Great review. Can you access it with a iPhone? If so how well. Thanks.

[realhtinfo]

@lumfan2 Access the popcorn hour from an iPhone? Under what usage scenario do you envision doing this? If you just mean accessing the files stored on the local hard drive, you will be able to access than as you would any other file on the shared network. I'm still not sure where the iPhone fits in however.

[grandx86]

Is possible to stream PC screen to A-110 direct wifi?

[realhtinfo]

@grandx86 Not currently, and not likely in the future. You should look into Intel's WiDi solution, or consider an HTPC.

[grandx86]

@realhtinfo And with HDMI-HDMI it's possible?

[realhtinfo]

@grandx86

Yes, HDMI to HDMI would work just like any computer monitor.

[mokhkw]

Also...WD list Mpeg4 as a codec, not a container (which is incorrect). No FW updates from WD for this in 15 months either. Very poor support imo.

Hopefully someone else sees this and it saves them from making the same mistake as I did.

[mokhkw]

Thanx for the excellent video. I've just found out that Popcorn Hour A110 supports mpeg4 containers that have a compressed header- Western Digital and Seagate don't.

Why is this so important? If you've downloaded a .mp4 or .mkv video from the net which has been compressed (which most have) then WD and SG Media Players are useless.

I'm returning the WD TV Live & WD TV Mini I purchased today to the store tomorrow and ordering the A110 tonight.

[NitekMuscle]

Does the Popcorn Hour handle video_ts files well?

[realhtinfo]

Yep, will play DVDs complete with menu structure.

[dreamcatcher2092]

Very informative, thank you!

[realhtinfo]

You're welcome.

[rastaxp]

Hi, I have a question regarding the hdd installation. I understand you can use 2.5" discs, but do you need some sort of adapter to make that work. I have the Popcorn a-110, and tried to install a Maxtor 500 GB 3.5" but wasn't satisfied because of the noise, so Im considering a 2.5" drive.

[realhtinfo]

The A110 has 2 sets of mounting hole spacing, one for 3.5" and on for 2.5". You shouldn't need an adapter.

[rastaxp]

@realhtinfo Ok, thanks for your reply. I thought the data/power connector were different on a 2.5" drive. But it seems they are the same on both sizes,

[davomrmac]

Cool video, very informative.

[realhtinfo]

Thank you.

[wsbygt]

Im clarified after this video. No more questions! Thank you

[realhtinfo]

You're welcome.  Thanks for watching.

[JustMarioBros]

Will this or the C-200 be able to play DTS/regular audio through optical out to my Bose surround sound receiver?

[realhtinfo]

Yep, or any other AVR that decoded DTS.

[JustMarioBros]

Thanks for the quick reply.

[realhtinfo]

You're welcome. Some days I move slower, today was a good day.

[EclecticMunk]

Pity it doesn't allow you to record from the TV. That would be awesome.

[realhtinfo]

No kidding. There are a few players being introduced in Asia which will, but I doubt they'll ever make it to the US.

Of course, I don't see any reason why broadcast TV, the stuff that comes for free over the air, shouldn't also be free online using devices like the Popcorn Hour instead of having to watch low-resolution versions embedded on a webpage.

[justinstrack2006]

Yea, maybe they will release it sometime.

[LeonMeekis84]

can you play ogm files too?

[realhtinfo]

Well, I can't but the popcorn hour might. OGG is listed, but not ogm. Feel free to email me a short one (5mB or smaller please) and I'll be happy to try it out.

[denns0r]

what about mkv?

[realhtinfo]

It's right there in the specs and works like a charm. Though, it's important to remember that MKV is just a container, the compression formats within that container must also be supported.

[enj25]

tnx for the reply..

[enj25]

hey can you have a review for hdx1000 i want to know which is better?

[realhtinfo]

We've had lots of requests for a HDX1000 review. I'll see what I can do about getting a product sample.

At the end of the day, both are syabas-based products, so functionality is going to be largely the same. Features, support, and aesthetics are what I'd base my decisions on.

[thehawkMT]

What if I just want to play media files (AVI/MKV/etc.) without the hassle of networking and hard drives and so on, a sort of plug and play and delete thing, maybe via a USB stick.

Would this product be too much for my requirements?

[realhtinfo]

You may want to consider the Western Digital Media player for about $100.

[thehawkMT]

Thanks mate, just found it after posting the comment this morning :)

[VoiceOpinion]

Great review by the way, 2 thumbs up.

[realhtinfo]

Thank you.

[VoiceOpinion]

I can do all of that with my PS3 and have the ultimate gaming console at my fingertips when I need it, no need for Popcorn Hour and no need to ship out $300 or so dollars. =)

[realhtinfo]

I think the appeal of the Popcorn hours rests in not needing to transcode your content if you have less common file types. Dead silent operation and money/electricity saving efficiency are also advantages.

But yes, if you want to game, you can't do that on a Popcorn Hour.

[AaC4U]

these are great you should be a partner!

[realhtinfo]

In the business sense or classic western sense :)

[thinkpadders]

You're the best product reviewer I've ever seen on Youtube.

[realhtinfo]

Thank you very much. I wish I had time to do more, and will in the upcoming months (hopefully).

[realhtinfo]

It's very simple. All you have to do is, on your windows PC, share the folder containing the files over the network. Then, connect the popcorn hour via wired or wireless, and point it towards the shared folder. Select the file on the popcorn hour, and hit play. That's it.

The only difference between the Popcorn Hour and the WD is a slightly better codec support, and networked features like pulling files from your home network, streaming from the internet, bittorrent support, etc.

[Sabocalypse]

oh wow great review, but I have some questions and I have done quite some research but I can't find my answers, maybe you can help me?

if you put the popcorn hour on standby, does the HD wich is installed keep running? or does it shut off also? or do you need to get of your seat go to the popcorn hour and completely shut of the popcorn hour for this.

also .MKV sometimes have 2 audio tracks, example jap and english does it have no problems with this?

Thnx realhtinfo I need to know, before I buy

[realhtinfo]

The HD should spin down when you put the PH in standby, though the PH itself will continue to draw 5 watts.

You should be able to select audio tracks using the "audio" button on the remote, though I don't have a file to try it out on.

[TigerL0rd]

Hey there!

Thanks for your awesome review, I have a question. How's the playback of H.264 .mkv files? I had to buy CoreAVC for my PC for smooth playback (VLC really wasnt doing a great job).

I plan to play them directly from my PC.

Thanks!

[realhtinfo]

Plays back smoothly even on 1080p content with total bitrates north of 10,000 kbps (and more highly compressed, cpu-intensive rips as well).

On another note, you shouldn't have to pay for software to playback h.264 smoothly if you computer has enough horsepower (CPU+Memory). Try Klite or the Combined Community Codec Pack along with Media Player Classic.

[TheEgyptianOne]

wd hd tv is beter for the price this is just expensiv

[realhtinfo]

Apples and Oranges, I'm afraid. The WD doesn't offer any kind of networking (though one is being developed by users through elaborate hacks). So, no remote files, no bittorrent, no internet media streaming, no hulu/netflix support through playon. Also, unrelated to networking, no ability to install an internal hard drive.

I'd say that if the WD is priced right at $100-120, the PH at $200-$235 is also.

[d1rtyjester]

Superb .... covered just about everything ! I want one now .

[realhtinfo]

You'd like it, I use my popcorn hour every day. Thanks for the comment.

[dommasti]

Thanks a lot!

[realhtinfo]

You're welcome.

[dommasti]

You mentioned that it does not support ISO, What about BRay? if i have a file on my computer will it play the bray file using A110?

[realhtinfo]

I'm sorry if I said during the video that it doesn't support ISO because it does (though I did have some playback problems early on that have been resolved with the latest firmware).

It also supports blu-ray files, but not the file structure and video menu. In other words, you'll have to identify and select the specific video file you're looking for, not rely on the menu of the Blu-ray disc itself (as you would with a standalone player).

[kenjuma]

Would you prefer it to the HDX 1000?

[realhtinfo]

Well, I haven't had my hands on an HDX 1000, but the 1000 has a couple of advantages in that it has both digital co-ax and optical audio outs, and a hard power switch, as well as a memory card slot.

I think the Popcorn Hours strongest suit is the customer support, including firmware updates. Assuming both are the same price, and assuming the 1000 has as good of tech and firmware support as the popcorn hour, I'd take the HDX 1000.

[poksi360]

Thanks!!

[realhtinfo]

You're welcome.

[poksi360]

How does the remote controll work. Do you need to point the remote directly to the machine? Or can you use the remote by aiming it down the floor?

[realhtinfo]

Well, it's an IR remote which means that it's line of sight. Like all IR remotes, you need to point it at the device.

Now if you're asking how "picky" it is, I'd say medium. My AVR you can point the remote several feet above and it will still read the commands, I've had other media streamers where you have to aim the remote like a sniper rifle. The popcorn hour responds whenever you make a reasonable effort to aim the remote at the device.

[sparrrowhawk]

Does A-110 support 5.1 through av reciever ?

[realhtinfo]

Yep, supports all major formats including Dolby True HD through bitstream.

[kenjuma]

Nice review. Too bad in the US, stuff seems to be way cheaper than here (I ordered a A-110 for €189,-, ex. shipping (257 USD), which was a promotional offer (€249 is the normal price).

Anyway, what I was wondering, what kind of HDD would you recommend? Well, laptop/2.5" I guess. But does rotationspeed and cache need to be kept in mind? Or can one just go for the minimal price, maximum storage capacity?

[realhtinfo]

Slower is better.  It will run cooler and quieter, cost less, and you'll see no performance trade-off.

[ichiban1081]

Hey realhtinfo, Ive watched your reviews about this product many times and also see you speak so highly of it in engadget comments and other forums. After 2 months of procrastinating (and begging the wife) I finally placed an order. Just built a huge 6TB server for all my ripped blurays and dvds and I want to watch them in the living room. I have a HTPC for the bedroom but wanted something small, thanks for your help.

[realhtinfo]

Thank you. I wish I had more reviews up now, but life's been getting in the way. I'll have a couple more up pretty soon.

As for the Popcorn Hour, I think you'll be very happy. I use mine every day, and while it can be a little painful to setup, once you do, it runs cool, quiet, and problem free just playing back everything you throw at it. Perfect for a living room interface.

If you ever get tired of that 6TB server, feel free to send it my way :)

[meserie74]

i think it's still too expensive. I wouldn't pay more than 50$ for it.

[realhtinfo]

Well, considering what the feature set and price compared to similar products on the market, I'd say $50 is giveaway. Sure, it would be nice if everything were less expensive, but the PH shares functionality with:

Upscaling DVD Player: $100-200

Media Streamer: $150-250

Blu-ray Player: $200 on a very good day

Apple TV: $229

PC: $??

Considering the WD Media Player is essentially a popcorn hour minus the network functionality, and it comes in at $99, I'd say the PH is priced about right.

[wrlord]

I don't get it -- why not just incorporate a computer with wireless mouse and keyboard into your home entertainment system?

[realhtinfo]

$215 + shipping get you a device that runs dead silent, uses only 5 watts of electricity (1 watt 24/7 = approx $1 per year), and plays back 1080P.

A computer would cost more initially, cost more in electricity to run, would be louder, and bigger. On the other hand, it would also have more functionality. It really depends on what tradeoffs you're looking to make, but for under $250, I'd say the popcorn hour wins the value/performance argument.

[Dousch]

Thanks, the info I wanted was how you trasnfer files from WI-Fi and then play the video/dvd files etc.

[realhtinfo]

Well, you don't really transfer files from Wi-fi, but rather, over wi-fi (or ethernet cable). You basically have two options for playing local files. You can either play them over the network from another computer or server, or you can play them from a hard drive installed in your popcorn hour.

Now, if your not talking about local files, but rather files streamed from an internet provider, there should be footage of that in the other review (youtube, weather, etc)

Did I answer your question?

[Dousch]

Yeah well i just dont know if i will know what to do when i have it since i really want to stream things from my computers internal hard drives.

[realhtinfo]

Can you describe where the media is that you want to play, and what kind of content it is?

[Dousch]

Let's say I have a D harddrive with an XviD movie that I want to watch in my popcorn hour thorugh wifi, iw ould like to know what it looks like to set up the machine with the computer so you can see the files from your harddrive, ive seen pics where it has been connected to an harddrive.

[realhtinfo]

Okay, when you say you have a "D harddrive" do you mean a 2nd harddrive in a PC?

If so, that what your seeing in that meta cafe review. That interface, that playback, that's all coming from a hard drive in my PC 100 feet away.

Now, that's using hardwire ethernet, but using the popcorn hour with the WN-100 wireless adapter will have the exact same interface.

All you need to do is share the folder on your computer,, and then browse to it using the popcorn hour interface.

[Dousch]

That sounds perfect.

[Dousch]

I just want to know what the menu screen looks like when youve transfered files.

[realhtinfo]

I'm afraid I don't quite understand the request. Take a look at the review I did over at metacafe, search "popcorn hour" and it should pop right up.

It was too long for youtube, though looking back, I should have just broken it into 2 parts.

If the info that you're looking for isn't there, send me a message, and I'll make you a video.

[CanOfSpam]

VOB files!!!!!!!?!??!?!?!!

(falls to the floor)

PLEASE sell this in Europe soon!!!

Only thing missing is ISO playback....and I would not need to use my laptop anymore!!!

PS

Will the streaming from a computer effect the playback if the computer is being used (like gaming etc??)

[realhtinfo]

It does support ISO, though I had a few lockups with earlier firmware.

[dflores1]

WANT!

[realhtinfo]

Direct and to the point, I like your style.

[fjayrockst]

LOL

[OnYourTodProd]

Great review. I am going to order the A-110 this Friday. Will this come with a UK 3 pin plug? or will I have to get my own? Also I may order a WN-100 USB WiFi adapter. Can I use any USB WiFi adapter or do I have to use the WN-100?

Thanks

[realhtinfo]

Hi. The review sample I received was intended for the US, so it did not come with a UK plug adapter. You should contact Popcorn Hour directly (I'm not affiliated with the company) to ask if they have a UK version.

As for the wireless adapter, there are several models available worldwide that are supported by Syabas. Most any should work, but you'll want to research a particular model on the Popcorn Hour forums (or ask the company) just to be sure.

[takyc]

Thanks for the review. I just ordered one this morning. Just another question if you don't mind. Is there a volume control on the remote control?

[realhtinfo]

You're welcome.

There is a volume control, but it will only work with digital audio output if the audio is set to downmix. In other words, if you're sending dolby digital out the optical cable to your AV Receiver where it is decoded, you will have to adjust the volume with your AVR Remote. If you are downmixing and sending out PCM over optical, or, using the red/white RCA analog outputs, you can adjust the volume on the popcorn hour remote.

[takyc]

Thanks for the review. I'm considering the A110. Just wondering, if the unit playback DVD (either .ifo or .iso) with menu navigation? Thanks

[realhtinfo]

It will do both, though in past firmwares I had a couple .iso files that would lock up. When I ripped them down to ifo/vob I had no problems.

This problem should have been rectified in later firmwares.

Thanks for watching.

[badbob12345678]

Does this have a fan? Mate has a USB HD enclosure and it looks exactly the same, the fan is crap quality- grinds away.

[realhtinfo]

Nope, no fan. Quiet as a tomb.

Thanks for watching.

[etychon]

This is a good review, thanks for sharing!

[realhtinfo]

You're welcome. There's more on the way in just a few days (I'm editing right now).

[realhtinfo]

The A-100 doesn't have any moving parts, so it can't be making any noise. Your hard drive, which is optional for most functions, may be making noise. If you want to install a hard drive you can go solid state which will be dead quiet, or use a 2.5" laptop drive, which will be nearly dead quiet. 3.5" desktop drives will be louder, but you can find reviews at places like Silent PC of which desktop models are the quietest.

[9mmglockz]

Nice review...the guys from Popcorn hour should be linking to this video!

[realhtinfo]

I think they are (well, linking to my website which has the video embedded).

Thanks for watching.

[NOVOIVITTUX]

I jusr bought the garbage hour A110, I will be returning it first thing monday. It's completely useless piece of garbage.

It takes me close to 20minutes of work to start watching a movie EVERY TIME (from folder with thousands of files).

Web features so slow they are useless, and sodamn buggy freezes the browser after every 3rd youtube video. Picure viewer crashed whole box on 1st opened image !

[rewindyourpants]

so if I plug it in my computer via usb slave mode, my computer should just recognize it as an external HD?

[realhtinfo]

Yep, as long as you have a hard drive installed (and you'll need to have the power supply connected also).

[realhtinfo]

You could, but the blu-ray files would have to be ripped and burned to a disc. You couldn't just pop in a commercial disc and have it play. I'd probably recommend just using BR movies archived on a home server.

[chinito77]

Good reviewer. Speaks clear and slow. Explains what things mean in layman's terms.

[realhtinfo]

If there's ever anything I could improve, please let me know.

[HoratioDUKEz]

oh and is there anyway to use like a wireless dongle or something?

[realhtinfo]

You want the wn-100 from popcorn hour.

[HoratioDUKEz]

could i use an hdmi to dvi converter for the video while still using the red and white audio cables...my tv doesnt have hdmi but it has dvi.

[realhtinfo]

Yes, you can use the digital video out, while also using the analog audio out.

Thanks for watching.

[rvenes]

Good review!

[realhtinfo]

Thanks for watching.

[hackcker101]

This is utter waste of money I bought it and the only good thing about it is it play lot of formats. It's user interface/menu very poorly designed a piece of SHIT. If you go to setup it doesn't remember the folder you were last time in, you cannot resize icons. A song cannot be played if you are in Movie application. I have Inoi MH720 and it is 100times better than this for the money. Popcorn hour is slower than a $70 Inoi when moving from one menu to other and that sucks.

[ToWi1989]

oh yeah lets put some masking take on it... thats a REALY good idea (i) !

[realhtinfo]

I'm sorry, I misspoke. I meant to say electrical tape, but window tint film would work also.  Do you have a suggestion?

[ToWi1989]

im not realy fond on just sticking anything on nice looking equipement. I would rather just leave it or mod it with an other led/resistor.

[yusufer5000]

You mentioned that you are having rattle with hard drive when you are using the faster larger CPU hard drives.

If you install small rubber washers where the screws go you should be able to decrease alot of the rattle.

that goes for both 2.5 and the 3.5 hd but if have alot of media and/or working on a budget its a good way to get the sound way down.

[realhtinfo]

Excellent tip, I also solved the problem by placing the Popcorn Hour Unit itself on a piece of foam.

[teknokracy]

tag all your videos with realhtinfo so people can find your other stuff in the related videos  sidebar!

great review!

[realhtinfo]

...and I learn something new every day. Thank you.