Confusion reigns supreme

[vivekphadnis]

Hi guys,
Okay, so I decided to buy myself a media player. I have narrowed down my choices to Seagate Freeagent Theatre + and Western Digital TV HD. The more I read, the more I am getting confused. How the hell do I decide? Please help me out.

Cheers,
Vivek

 

[venkatcr]

Make of list of YOUR MUST HAVE features, and then choose the model that has those features. If both have all the features, then choose the cheaper one. You must have the heart to ignore certain features that look attractive in one product. The question is will you ever use those features?

Cheers

 

[vivekphadnis]

Hi Venkat,
Both players have all the audio and video formats I would ever want to play. For movies, it will be 5.1 DD or DTS (through my Denon HT receiver). Most of the files I have are avi or mkv. And audio it will be flac or mp3 files from my WD external hard drive. Both have network connectivity and HDMI outputs. Anything I missed or should look out for?


Vivek

 

[angynagpal]

Hi Venkat,
Anything I missed or should look out for?


Vivek

Price :lol:

 

[magma]

hello vivek

you should also consider the AC Ryan PlayONHD mini
the distributer is right there in Banglore

i got mine shipped here
im quite happy

its got a good support forum as well

 

[vivekphadnis]

Angynagpal, right you are.

Magma, how much did it cost you and how do you rate it?

 

[vivekphadnis]

Okay, amateur question. I know both WD and Seagate can decode DD and DTS signals but what about HD audio? How does it work?

 

[venkatcr]

None of the models you are looking at will process HD Audio. You must ensure that the product must pass HD Audio through. Check for details in iboum.com : Future Entertainment Technology : Home.

Cheers

 

[vivekphadnis]

Okay thanks Venkat. Which one do you own and what is your opinion about it?

 

[wlg]

Hi
A friend of mine who has done a lot of research suggests Asus Media Player (Rs.4500/-) at Lamington Road Mumbai

 

[magma]

vivek

the Play on HD mini cost me about 7500

the older brother Play on HD costs about 10k

i did some research when i got mine
considered the X treamer,asus WDTV etc

the AC ryan seemed good for my need
so pulled the gun on that.Also they have some decent audio video roots so i felt a bit more confindent

 

[venkatcr]

Okay thanks Venkat. Which one do you own and what is your opinion about it?

I have used Dune and TViX a lot, I have tested a WDTV Hub, and I am planning to buy a Popcorn Hour C-200. Personally I like the Dune a lot, though it's physical build is questionable. It is simply fantastic when it comes to playing files of all kind. They have recently added Apple Lossless to its repertoire.

Cheers

 

[vivekphadnis]

Does it make a lot of sense buying one that can pass through HD audio material? After all, blue ray discs are quite few and they can always be ripped and converted to a usable audio format.
The point is, is it worth it? Cost is also a factor here and I am prepared to spend upto Rs 6K.


Vivek

 

[vivekphadnis]

Hey guys, there is a AC Ryan Playon HD2 and HD2 Mini. Anyone has them or knows the price?

 

[Kittu]

Play on HD India
Part of AqTronics Technologies Pvt. Ltd.,
No.60, I Floor, Kanakapura Road,
Basavanagudi, Above Tyre Professionals,
Bangalore 560004
Ph: 91-9901859859; 9880848036


Hope this helps. Talk to Ranga Prasad.

 

[venkatcr]

Does it make a lot of sense buying one that can pass through HD audio material? After all, blue ray discs are quite few and they can always be ripped and converted to a usable audio format. The point is, is it worth it? Cost is also a factor here and I am prepared to spend upto Rs 6K.

Blu-Ray discs are few? Every movie that is produced now comes in Blu-Ray. Literally every movie that was made over the last 100 years will be converted to Blu-Ray.

Though you can convert a 7.1 HD Audio to 5.1 Dolby or DTS, this is equivalent to taking a 1080P video signal, and playing it at 480i or less. Whether HD Audio is worth it or not is a personal issue. If you listen to a good 7.1 Dolby or DTS HD Audio, you will understand the tremendous difference between that and regular Dolby/DTS.

Cheers

 

[vivekphadnis]

So I should get one that passes through DD and DTS HD audio, right?
Can anyone confirm if the AC Ryan Playon can pass through HD audio signals. I was planning to upgrade my HT receiver to one that can decode HD signals.

 

[venkatcr]

The AC Ryan PlayOn! (particular model) does not pass through DTS-MA nor Dolby TueHD.

cheers

 

[vivekphadnis]

Shucks, I had better stay away from AC Ryan then. I just spoke to the dealer and was told it passes through HD audio. Maybe I will consider the Asus O!Play HD2. Their site says it passes through HD Audio.

 

[angynagpal]

Blu-Ray discs are few? Every movie that is produced now comes in Blu-Ray. Literally every movie that was made over the last 100 years will be converted to Blu-Ray.

Though you can convert a 7.1 HD Audio to 5.1 Dolby or DTS, this is equivalent to taking a 1080P video signal, and playing it at 480i or less. Whether HD Audio is worth it or not is a personal issue. If you listen to a good 7.1 Dolby or DTS HD Audio, you will understand the tremendous difference between that and regular Dolby/DTS.

Cheers

I have a question here (might sound dumb), does HD Audio sound better on a 5.1 system as well?? As in does it carry better sound quality in the 5 channels as well or does it sound good just because of the 7.1 being more immersive?