WD TV Live HD, Now with Windows 7 Compatibility

[Chris Gohlke]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/2010/05/07/wd-tv-live-hd-gets-a-new-windows-sticker-and-play-to-functionality/' target='_blank'>http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/2010/05...-functionality/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Microsoft has blessed Western Digital&rsquo;s HD network media player with Windows 7 compatibility. So, in addition to being a perfectly capable UPnP client, WD TV Live HD now supports Play To functionality directly from Windows Media Player 12. In other words, just about any media file accessible by Windows Media Player can be zapped to the device for instant playback. A good thing since it saves you from navigating through your available network folders to track down a shared file you&rsquo;d like to access using the device&rsquo;s TV interface and remote."</em></p><p><em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1273527839.usr10.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></em></p><p>Anyone know if the Play To function is supported on the 360 yet? &nbsp;With the recent addition of USB memory support, I'm expecting the 360 to be able to do most of these same tricks. &nbsp;But, at $149, with a smaller, quieter and hopefully more energy efficient form factor, along with built in wireless, might make this a nice extender for other rooms in the house.</p>

[Joel Crane]

Wait a second. USB memory support on the 360? Did I miss something?

[Jason Dunn]

Wait a second. USB memory support on the 360? Did I miss something?

Yes, it seems you did. ;) It's less cool than it sounds though, you're limited to 16 GB, so it's not like you can slap a big ass hard drive on there and finally have a huge storage pool for Xbox content. :mad:

[Jason Dunn]

I just want something with a decent UI that can mount and play ISO files that are stored on a network server - my Windows Home Server - is that so much to ask? :confused:

[stlbud]

...Anyone know if the Play To function is supported on the 360 yet?...

According to Paul Thurrott's article on Media Player 12, http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/ff_wmp.asp He says, "...including the Xbox 360."

I'll know is a week or so.

[stlbud]

I just want something with a decent UI that can mount and play ISO files that are stored on a network server - my Windows Home Server - is that so much to ask? :confused:

You might try XBMC. Look at this page of their WiKi Videos - XBMC (http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Videos) The feature list shows, "DVD video playback, including the ability to play imaged DVDs (iso) over a network "

I've been impressed by XBMC for several years. It's feature set eclipses everything else I've seen or tried.

[Jason Dunn]

You might try XBMC. Look at this page of their WiKi Videos - XBMC (http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=Videos) The feature list shows, "DVD video playback, including the ability to play imaged DVDs (iso) over a network "

Yeah, Boxy is built off XMBC, so I'm thinking that a Boxy Box might solve all my problems. Actually, I think my next problem is not enough HDMI ports on my TV. :eek:

[stlbud]

Yeah, Boxy is built off XMBC, so I'm thinking that a Boxy Box might solve all my problems. Actually, I think my next problem is not enough HDMI ports on my TV. :eek:

That TOTALLY Sucks! ;-)

Have you looked at any of these HDMI switches. Some of them work with your remote. My biggest question is do they work with HDCP and other DRM schemes that break our home entertainment systems?

By the way, there are some good articles on Lifehacker to help set up XBMC. I like this one
The Ultimate Start to Finish Guide to Your XBMC Media Center - Xbmc - Lifehacker (http://lifehacker.com/5536963/the-ultimate-start-to-finish-guide-to-your-xbmc-media-center)

[Jason Dunn]

Have you looked at any of these HDMI switches. Some of them work with your remote.

I haven't looked very closely at them - I'd only be interested in one that does auto-switching. I don't want to have to switch things manually.

[stlbud]

I haven't looked very closely at them - I'd only be interested in one that does auto-switching. I don't want to have to switch things manually.

All I can say to that is, "Love my Harmony Remote."

[Jason Dunn]

All I can say to that is, "Love my Harmony Remote."

Yeah, I have two Harmony Remotes as well. If it can control an HDMI switcher, that would make it less of a hassle to be sure. :)