Don't believe any of the hype .... here, and especially, from Western Digital. The one I got in August 2011 is now a useless brick that refuses to recognize any of the 950 GB files I installed on it. After thirty days, support evaporates and communication with the company bounces you from Colombia to the Phillipines where very respectful people continually apologize from the scripts with which they are provided. Avoid this thing like the plague.
They added support for Hulu Plus, CinemaNow and Spotify since this review. Also, the Netflix client is much improved, it's the same as Roku's client now. It's infinitely better in the internet streaming department!
I need something I can use to tote the collection of movies from my personal external HDD to other people's homes to watch on their TVs. I'm considering going with this model, but I read somewhere that when choosing a video file from the USB input, it lists all video files in one massive list. Since I have nearly 900 movies organized in folders by genre, that would be a pain if my friends and I are choosing from, say, horror films only. Is it true that I can't view folders/subfolders on this?
Some a**hole is re-posting your video and adding an affiliate link. The lowest of low bottom-scraping-internet-scum. YNYbTyUesB4 .. Testedcom - please report it to YouTube and then delete my comment! thanks
@MrMacBinary I have the C-300 and it makes a database of your movies and covers it also is runs on wifi. it takes a little work setting up but it also holds and internal 2.5 bay drive and 3.5 bay drive. i have mine with an external dvd/blueray player too, so it is my all in one. the Databases it creates references imdb.com so you can look movies up by actor or genra. it also plays via usb and has a library of apps which i haven't really used.
1 of 2: "High bit rate uncompressed video recording w/pro DSLR cameras" had issues in ur review. I just bought a Canon Vixa G10 video camera, HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor, 10x HD Video Lens (35mm equivalent). Will I have problems playing my G10's videos from this digital player?
Fail, all that content flashed at the start has been illegaly downloaded... its impossible he owns and has ripped all those movies. FBI should raid you, lol.
Wow it even has HD available as well 1080p or as it is on some things 1080i.
I wondered how these handy little things worked now I know another place is ebay, amazon or even CeX. webuy.com great shop sells Apple TV too or Western Digital if available!
I'm looking to stream my SKY+ box or DVD/VHS player to my PS3 or XBOX 360 on the network, is this what i'm looking for, if not, can anyone recommend a product?
All WD HD TV units are missing one thing. Easy access to switch from normal to widescreen mode. This should have it's own button, or be accessable while in video. But it's not. Which means, if you want a 4:3 video stretched to 16:9, you have to stop the video, exit to the main menu, go to the video settings section and change it there.
Basically, it SHOULD have an aspect ratio button on the remote.
I already have a ps3, is there anything this does better than the ps3? (my family likes to watch youtube videos, but the PS3 really falls short there)
hi i wanted you to clarify a doubt With the new wd live tv Hub can we stream meida from my Media Server ie a normal pc with all my media on it movies pictures music ... ?? possible or not wil really realy appreatiate if some one replies to my comment
Its way batter to simply build a separate HTPC for about 400$, hook it up to a 1080p TV and be able to do what ever you want with it - browse the web as you like without being restricted by the 'built in aps', not worry about formats whatsoever, have limitless usb connections, wireless keyboard/mice...
@djuri1985 Seriously, wtf. hook your PC up to it... all TVS have connections for PC and Audio. Let's see...buy this box for $199.99 and be limited or 2 cables for $10 and do EVERYTHING you want on your TV.
You can transfer over the network and wait a lifetime to transfer hundreds of gigabytes or you can transfer by plugging in a usb into it. The problem with plugging in the usb is you CANNOT select what it brings in. It takes everything.
You'll be going back and deleting tons of shit from the unit that you didn't want it to transfer.
All of this added HOURS to me getting it up and running.
So, basically, this thing is a waste of money. It streams videos really slow over internet, and it can not be hacked. Apps are useless piece of shits, slow and sluggish ! No buy for me..Rather buy my own htpc !
Finally! A good looking mediaplayer with a nice GUI! Only wish they had a smaller version without a HardDrive (the other WD mediaplayers look hideous and don't come with mochi)
one bad thing about Hub is no WiFi lan Built in. you still have to buy a Wifi Adapter sold separately. the reason why they came out with a new model cus people where buying the wd tv live then stick the Wd tv 2 generation back in the box and returning it.exchanging it . because 2 generation looks so much like 3 generation
@ButterMeMilkiWay yea I go with the wd tv live. not the hub there equal. both do not have wifi. u got to buy wifi adapter for like 30.00 dollars more. just run 50 ft long internet jack to your living room and yea it can be a tripping hazard. some day when I have money I will buy one but its by far not in my important things to do, I rather buy some yummy food for the month.like frozen straw Berrie and Blueberry yummy.Natural peanut butter MMM . I live food. Smoothies are yummy
stick with WD tv live the model before the hub. November there was Firmware updates 2 updates to fix HD play back problems. and there was another Firmware up date December 30 2010 to fix freezing issues & keyboard compatibility problems sense the new Firmware update my Rating will go from a 3 star to 4 star. I am so happy with firmware update. Christmas 2010 I got (2tb Elements External USB Hard drive 89.00 Dollars decided to buy 2 of them because the rating was 4 half star for a year strait
@camboy1132 you mentionned an hard drive with 4 half star wich one did you buy? and thank for information reggard new firmware! but i love the new look of 3 generation i hate mine :(
CAUTION THIS DEVICE DOES NOT SUPPORT BLUE RAY DISC MENU's DOES NOT SUPPORT DTS HD MASTER AUDIO DOES NOT SUPPORT DOLBY TRUE HD. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY. I REQUIRE THAT THE UNIT SUPPORTS BLUE RAY .ISO IMAGE WITH FULL MENU SUPPORT & ALSO THE SAME WITH DVD's WITCH THIS UNIT DOES NOT. I GIVE IT A SCORE OF 3 OUT OF 5
@Hondacber I can see you found the Caps Lock button :-) There is no way in fucking hell any commercial media player will support BD Menus. Sony are keeping their programming secrets tightly to their chest.
@Hondacber i wanna buy one for my old father but WD TV system are not intuitive or user friendly like it supose to do for novice! and i appreciate what you mentionned here!
Can I have it play back a folder full of videos (.vob files), but randomize/shuffle them?
kturcotte 3 weeks ago
Don't believe any of the hype .... here, and especially, from Western Digital. The one I got in August 2011 is now a useless brick that refuses to recognize any of the 950 GB files I installed on it. After thirty days, support evaporates and communication with the company bounces you from Colombia to the Phillipines where very respectful people continually apologize from the scripts with which they are provided. Avoid this thing like the plague.
Elwood2911 1 month ago
Will it play 10bit encoded videos?
genkisudo154 1 month ago
How do i access the themes folder? I want to install a custom theme
NWindfeldt 2 months ago
Does it have WiFi? You didn't say... :-/
unlokia 2 months ago
@unlokia it doesn't, the WD Live TV (the one without the hdd) has it.
andresparra 2 months ago
roku seems better....
UnboxingsEpic 3 months ago
@UnboxingsEpic Roku doesn't stream videos from your computer natively.
DamianColucci 2 months ago
You can browse the files by folder/subfolder.
Tarrega33 3 months ago
They added support for Hulu Plus, CinemaNow and Spotify since this review. Also, the Netflix client is much improved, it's the same as Roku's client now. It's infinitely better in the internet streaming department!
kiwisoup 3 months ago
I need something I can use to tote the collection of movies from my personal external HDD to other people's homes to watch on their TVs. I'm considering going with this model, but I read somewhere that when choosing a video file from the USB input, it lists all video files in one massive list. Since I have nearly 900 movies organized in folders by genre, that would be a pain if my friends and I are choosing from, say, horror films only. Is it true that I can't view folders/subfolders on this?
malcolmthebear 3 months ago
Comment removed
Ashleybradbury 3 months ago
Some a**hole is re-posting your video and adding an affiliate link. The lowest of low bottom-scraping-internet-scum. YNYbTyUesB4 .. Testedcom - please report it to YouTube and then delete my comment! thanks
Sosukodo 4 months ago
Popcorn hour is better
jdwilcox211 4 months ago
@jdwilcox211 why? I'm trying to choose between them
MrMacBinary 4 months ago
@MrMacBinary I have the C-300 and it makes a database of your movies and covers it also is runs on wifi. it takes a little work setting up but it also holds and internal 2.5 bay drive and 3.5 bay drive. i have mine with an external dvd/blueray player too, so it is my all in one. the Databases it creates references imdb.com so you can look movies up by actor or genra. it also plays via usb and has a library of apps which i haven't really used.
jdwilcox211 4 months ago
I'm not a tech guy so:
Is this thing better than Roku 2xs?
achillies0 4 months ago
requested in the forum to have solution for My TV Hub but waited for a week without suggestion back. would like to have prompt reply soonest.
Kelvinpl 4 months ago
protvlive. net and pro tv live
kobot852 5 months ago
1 of 2: "High bit rate uncompressed video recording w/pro DSLR cameras" had issues in ur review. I just bought a Canon Vixa G10 video camera, HD CMOS Pro Image Sensor, 10x HD Video Lens (35mm equivalent). Will I have problems playing my G10's videos from this digital player?
Faucheux70065 5 months ago
Sorry but it's not illegal to download and store the video files it's just illegal to burn, copy, or sell the content.
TylerLeal 6 months ago
Fail, all that content flashed at the start has been illegaly downloaded... its impossible he owns and has ripped all those movies. FBI should raid you, lol.
YSKite 6 months ago
@YSKite Shut up, you goverment lacky!
usarkem 5 months ago
Thanks for this review, very useful as I'm thinking of buying the Live Hub
refresher 6 months ago
Wow it even has HD available as well 1080p or as it is on some things 1080i.
I wondered how these handy little things worked now I know another place is ebay, amazon or even CeX. webuy.com great shop sells Apple TV too or Western Digital if available!
MusicanoftheFuture 7 months ago
Does it play .avi and other formats video files? For instance, .mkv files.
orestesdd 7 months ago
@orestesdd it palys mkv as for avi it plays that format but it doesn't play divx format with avi. it plays regular avi formats.
ButterMeMilkiWay 7 months ago
@orestesdd Video - AVI (Xvid, AVC, MPEG1/2/4), MPG/MPEG, VOB, MKV (h.264, x.264, AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC-1), TS/TP/M2T (MPEG1/2/4, AVC, VC-1), MP4/MOV (MPEG4, h.264), M2TS, WMV9, FLV (h.264)
Photo - JPEG, GIF, TIF/TIFF, BMP, PNG
Audio - MP3, WAV/PCM/LPCM, WMA, AAC, FLAC, MKA, AIF/AIFF, OGG, Dolby Digital, DTS
Playlist - PLS, M3U, WPL
Subtitle - SRT, ASS, SSA, SUB, SMI
BB0YMatty 7 months ago
@BB0YMatty Thanks.
orestesdd 7 months ago
Are you able to play iso-files with this device? DVD and BD isos?
2advanced4me 7 months ago
@2advanced4me some videos on youtube shows playing dvd and bd iso but not sure if it's true or not
ButterMeMilkiWay 7 months ago
I'm looking to stream my SKY+ box or DVD/VHS player to my PS3 or XBOX 360 on the network, is this what i'm looking for, if not, can anyone recommend a product?
markhorneyuk 7 months ago
All WD HD TV units are missing one thing. Easy access to switch from normal to widescreen mode. This should have it's own button, or be accessable while in video. But it's not. Which means, if you want a 4:3 video stretched to 16:9, you have to stop the video, exit to the main menu, go to the video settings section and change it there.
Basically, it SHOULD have an aspect ratio button on the remote.
farmhousemedia3000 8 months ago
My family likes to watch youtube vids, and we already have a ps3, but hte ps3 really falls short in watching youtube vids. Is this worth getting?
ColdRoxas 8 months ago
I already have a ps3, is there anything this does better than the ps3? (my family likes to watch youtube videos, but the PS3 really falls short there)
ColdRoxas 8 months ago
how is youtube playback on this (HD)? Does the Youtube UI have a search function?
ColdRoxas 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
hi i wanted you to clarify a doubt With the new wd live tv Hub can we stream meida from my Media Server ie a normal pc with all my media on it movies pictures music ... ?? possible or not wil really realy appreatiate if some one replies to my comment
brendanspurious666 10 months ago
@brendanspurious666 yes, it is possible
fede018 9 months ago
Its way batter to simply build a separate HTPC for about 400$, hook it up to a 1080p TV and be able to do what ever you want with it - browse the web as you like without being restricted by the 'built in aps', not worry about formats whatsoever, have limitless usb connections, wireless keyboard/mice...
djuri1985 11 months ago
Comment removed
mark95427 11 months ago
@djuri1985 or you get a WD Live TV and put custom firmware on it, saving yourself $300.
UKRazor87 8 months ago
@djuri1985 Seriously, wtf. hook your PC up to it... all TVS have connections for PC and Audio. Let's see...buy this box for $199.99 and be limited or 2 cables for $10 and do EVERYTHING you want on your TV.
gearlabmusic 5 months ago
For under $200, this was a steal imo.
I love it.
The pain is setting it up.
You can transfer over the network and wait a lifetime to transfer hundreds of gigabytes or you can transfer by plugging in a usb into it. The problem with plugging in the usb is you CANNOT select what it brings in. It takes everything.
You'll be going back and deleting tons of shit from the unit that you didn't want it to transfer.
All of this added HOURS to me getting it up and running.
breakneck14 11 months ago
Can you connect more than two external drives to the unit? With a USB hub? I need to connect like 6 x 1TB drives....
simonheester 1 year ago
@simonheester dam.. 6 tb of media? what the hell are u dling? must be all HD movies thats 10gb each.
T1ger8oi 11 months ago
@simonheester ..... you can network the hub to your pc thats proably your best bet
L3AV3R2000 11 months ago
googletv is bad ass big time get googletv
alienhddna 1 year ago
i have a 3D tv van i play 3d movie's on it???
spectonic 1 year ago
So, basically, this thing is a waste of money. It streams videos really slow over internet, and it can not be hacked. Apps are useless piece of shits, slow and sluggish ! No buy for me..Rather buy my own htpc !
swatus 1 year ago
@swatus what can u do if u hack a set-top-box?
T1ger8oi 11 months ago
Good review.
chillyspoon 1 year ago
good review
CamCon586 1 year ago
Hi testedcom,
i am deaf or hearing impaired anyway download from movie what about caption closed & Subtilites not work how can you exlpaling me thank you
vsolano59
vsolano59 1 year ago
flac is compressed audio idiot
mattdelhey 1 year ago
@mattdelhey no, it's not, dumbass!!!
fede018 9 months ago
Finally! A good looking mediaplayer with a nice GUI! Only wish they had a smaller version without a HardDrive (the other WD mediaplayers look hideous and don't come with mochi)
mister8765 1 year ago
dose anyone know if you can replace the hard drive with a larger format
jason4275 1 year ago
@jason4275 very good question! i have a 2TO wd external HD and i d'like to put into this wdtv! did you get an answered?
spectreduloft 1 year ago
review sucks
Zenon2006 1 year ago
@Zenon2006 I disagree. I found this review answered all my questions about the device.
TolonNetwork 1 year ago
@Zenon2006 Do it better then asswhipe
BlueBellyfluff 1 year ago
one bad thing about Hub is no WiFi lan Built in. you still have to buy a Wifi Adapter sold separately. the reason why they came out with a new model cus people where buying the wd tv live then stick the Wd tv 2 generation back in the box and returning it.exchanging it . because 2 generation looks so much like 3 generation
camboy1132 1 year ago
@camboy1132 damn it, thanks dude I thought it came with wi fi built into it
ButterMeMilkiWay 1 year ago
@ButterMeMilkiWay yea I go with the wd tv live. not the hub there equal. both do not have wifi. u got to buy wifi adapter for like 30.00 dollars more. just run 50 ft long internet jack to your living room and yea it can be a tripping hazard. some day when I have money I will buy one but its by far not in my important things to do, I rather buy some yummy food for the month.like frozen straw Berrie and Blueberry yummy.Natural peanut butter MMM . I live food. Smoothies are yummy
camboy1132 1 year ago
stick with WD tv live the model before the hub. November there was Firmware updates 2 updates to fix HD play back problems. and there was another Firmware up date December 30 2010 to fix freezing issues & keyboard compatibility problems sense the new Firmware update my Rating will go from a 3 star to 4 star. I am so happy with firmware update. Christmas 2010 I got (2tb Elements External USB Hard drive 89.00 Dollars decided to buy 2 of them because the rating was 4 half star for a year strait
camboy1132 1 year ago
@camboy1132 you mentionned an hard drive with 4 half star wich one did you buy? and thank for information reggard new firmware! but i love the new look of 3 generation i hate mine :(
spectreduloft 1 year ago
just bought one. good review.
xXhamiltonXx 1 year ago
CAUTION THIS DEVICE DOES NOT SUPPORT BLUE RAY DISC MENU's DOES NOT SUPPORT DTS HD MASTER AUDIO DOES NOT SUPPORT DOLBY TRUE HD. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY. I REQUIRE THAT THE UNIT SUPPORTS BLUE RAY .ISO IMAGE WITH FULL MENU SUPPORT & ALSO THE SAME WITH DVD's WITCH THIS UNIT DOES NOT. I GIVE IT A SCORE OF 3 OUT OF 5
Hondacber 1 year ago
@Hondacber I can see you found the Caps Lock button :-) There is no way in fucking hell any commercial media player will support BD Menus. Sony are keeping their programming secrets tightly to their chest.
Darksteel1335 1 year ago
@Hondacber i wanna buy one for my old father but WD TV system are not intuitive or user friendly like it supose to do for novice! and i appreciate what you mentionned here!
spectreduloft 1 year ago
Great review. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
ecpatte 1 year ago
Cool man, very informative and well - put together review.
mikeMX3000 1 year ago
Norman Chan! Former PC Gamer intern man!
warbread 1 year ago
wooow!
initabath 1 year ago
great review
killacam44 1 year ago
Norm!
peetabix 1 year ago