Hard Drive to TV

[SCPD]

Im looking for a box that does not need to be network but has to have a hard drive so i can upload all my movies files to it and play it on my TV via hdmi. I was looking at an android set top box but maybe you guys know of something better in the 100-150 range.

Thanks
Mike

 

[recon20]

I'd be interested in checking out what you already found in the 100 to 150 range.
I've got my home computer hooked up to my flat screen, but I spent a couple hundred bucks on just the video card. Sure there are cheaper ways to go, but what have you come up with so far?

 

[SCPD]

So far just the western digital tv live HD. I dont need a nettop or XMBC system. Just want to play my mpg's and have some sort of front end menu.

 

[JSTARS03]

WD TV Live

I have the WD TV Live and really like it.
Another option is a Roku and Sony makes one.
Most DVD/BluRay players have USB on them now also.

JSTARS03

 

[recon20]

That's good info. I didn't even think of running a hard drive though a dvd player.

 

[SCPD]

I think that is what im leaning towards (wd live tv) i have an apple tv 2nd edition and i had a roku but neither one has the option to add a HD

 

[SCPD]

I bought this one. Let you all know how it works

Western Digital WD TV Live Plus 1080p HD Media Player 718037764542 | eBay

 

[recon20]

Thanks for the update. Looks like a great unit, especially for the price.

 

[SCPD]

No Problem. All i wanted to do it is have a set top box that will play whatever movie file formats i store on it. Looks like the WD will fit the bill just fine.

 

[Thayne]

It looks like that will not store anything; only do streaming from the internet (But I hope I am wrong)

 

[SCPD]

Ohhh shi* i think your correct. Good thing i have some spare 500gb sata hard drives

 

[JSTARS03]

Correct, the WD Live has two USB ports to plug in an external hard drive.
There is a Roku with USB port also that does the same thing.

 

[WayneH]

The Roku has always had terrible support for video formats. Be it local via USB or a NAS on the network. It excels at being an internet streaming device. I own one and rarely use it as I don't use VUDU, Amazon, Netflix, etc.

I have my Mom setup with a WDTV Live and a USB drive. It's really the way to go for simplicity.

Most TV and Blu-ray devices that do have USB ports are meant for USB flashdrives.

 

[SCPD]

Just got it today in the mail. No issues at all. Works great and does 100% what i wanted it to do.