MVP Model Numbers

[SLR_65]

Other than nicking his laptop, you could rip the DVD's to MPGs (as I do) and transcode the HD recordings.

Other than that you only have the comparatively expensive HD remotes like the PCH. It would still be a cheaper option than a laptop or PC I guess.

Hi Martin,

I thought about that, but there are times I think I get too cheap and end up costing myself more in effort in the long run.

My main pc uses an Asus M2NPV and it has a built in video card with SVHS output and stuff. Works fine for SD stuff. That board is discontinued but shows up frequently on fleaBay and I could probably get one for $50 or so. I have an old mini tower case not doing anything and I have a couple 40 gb harddrives and a couple BenQ dvd burners spare (the old BenQs were EXCELLENT drives so I bought a couple when LiteOn bought them out), as well as a copy of Windows XP spare. Sooo, I'm down to what, a cpu, memory, and remote control and eye (my son stole my extra ones for his lap top!). I magine I could get by with a fairly whimpy cpu and not much memory as all I'm doing is playing stuff, it'd never record or transcode anything (anyone care to make suggestions on cpu and memory?).

There's always incidentals - maybe fan upgrades to quiet the case down a bit or something, but I could probably put a client together for $150 and then it would play whatever was loaded on my main htpc without issue.

With the MVP it would be about $100 cheaper to get into, but I'd end up spending time, which I have little of, converting dvds over to mpegs or transcoding avis. It's doable, but I think I'd probably get tired of it in a hurry and I'd end up kicking myself for not just doing a client in the first place.

On the other hand, it's cheap and really doesn't take much to install. And it'd play 90% of what I have on the main htpc . . . the Jack Benny in me really wants to pick one up, but in the back of my mind I keep thinking I'm settling for something I wont be 100% happy with and for the hundred bucks or so it'd probably just be best to build the client.

Decisions, decisions . . .

I was hoping for more input. I've done some research and it seems there are some problems with the units, but I also realize that those who are happy with their units tend not to say anything, it's the ones who have trouble that post more.

So far the pros are:

*) Cheap - about $50 shipped.
*) Plays 90% of what's on my htpc.

cons:

*) Wont play dvds unless they are converted to mpegs.
*) Wont play material sourced from hd sources unless transcoded.
*) wifi on the new models doesn't work well (not a big issue for me)
*) They sometimes get a funky picture and need a few reboots to get running correctly again.

Did I miss anything? I'd appreciate any and all inputs from MVP users!

Steve

[martint123]

I can't remember what I used to rip DVD's - I didn't do it much and changed around a lot and now with a PCH......

I use PC clients, but not for main viewing - just garage and shack - too big, noisy and power consuming. Until I splashed out for an HD LCD, I was happy with a pair of MVP's.

You will have to start a poll

[mvallevand]

If it was me deciding between an SD compatible MVP for $50 or a low-end PC for $150, I'd go for the MVP, and watch 90%. Really SD is throwaway now in the US so save your money for later. Of course if you are trying to eek out AVI's etc with the MVP the transcoding is going to "steal" power from your main machine during the transcoding.

Regarding the "wimpy" CPU, I'd suggest that a client needs more processing power and especially more video power then a GPBVR backend.

Another Martin

[martint123]

Ah, yes, I was forgetting the client PC would need big legs for your HD content from recordings and DVD's. So I'd say beefy CPU and video card minimum.