MVP Successor?

[mvallevand]

When I converted some of the digital recordings to DivX, I had to install an AC3 filter. Maybe someone could adapt that for use with GB-PVR. It would extend the life of my MVP for at least a year.
http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles...p_id=66022

My preferred option is fix the ac3 time sync problem in mvpmc so that they play without transcoding on the mvp allowing livetv to work. I have mvpmc tweaked now so that one file I have is sync'd perfectly for both downmixed stereo and ac3 digital, and I hope to find a generic solution. When I get around to ordering an HDHomerun it will be a lot easier, I think.

Martin

[JimF]

Wonderful. You will stop using everything else once you have the HDHomeRun.

[mvallevand]

Wonderful. You will stop using everything else once you have the HDHomeRun.

I doubt it, with only 1 OTA ATSC signal and no American channels, I'll be at the mercy of what is unencrypted and from what I've heard that isn't great either and no HD as far as I can tell.

Martin

[JimF]

I was very pleasantly surprised that all of my basic cable channels weren't encrypted (up to channel 99). Only the premium stuff is. So everything I would record anyway is now via HDHomeRun. I am going to get rid of my cable box.

[jksmurf]

Hi all. Thanks for your replies. GBPVR was the only reason for me to get the MVP. I had been searching for a cost-effective integrated solution for a home theatre. Key in my reasoning was to re-use all I have got (A/V equipment, home LAN/WLAN, and computer). Key in this was also to be able to place AV-equipment anywhere in the house without facing a cabling problem and be able to enjoy all services everywhere. Obviously, a client-server architecture was my solution: My PC with GBPVR is a multimedia server, and the MVP is the client feeding the LCD TV and stereo. I only had invested in TV-cards (FireDTV-c and WinTV PVR150 MCE versions) and the MVP.
Installed the GBPVR and connected the MVP.
It really blew my mind. It just worked.

The MVP has its inherent limitations (we all know) so, is there ANY replacement at a reasonable price level that could be considered in the future. What requirements would you like to see?
From the top of my head:
1. Support more media formats internally => more computing power and internal memory.
2. More types of output (HDMI, component video, optical audio out)
3. Support a touch screen (optional, useful if I connect it to a stereo).

I also like the thin client approach where it searches for a boot/gui server on the network, although it makes the device dependent on having a network connection.

I just bought an LCD HD TV (Small 32" one, I'm not big on big sets), but I also really like the quiet "thin client" that undret refers to here. The options for me at the moment are:

1. Wait for a new HD MVP with HDMI output.
   
2. Upgrade my main PC upstairs and include an HDMI Dual Output Video Card (Do these exist?) then run a long cable downstairs. I do like the wireless PC<=>WifiRouter<=>WifiRouter<=>MVP setup I have now though.
   
3. Buy a new silent PC with HDMI Output and put it downstairs next to the TV and play everything from that.

Any other options? I don't think my current PC can cut the mustard with HD, but at the moment the best I get is mpeg2 via DSL. We are slowly getting HD over the next year or so. I would like to play DixV files that I sometimes get without having to transcode and burn to a DVD (I tried desperately to get one to play on my LG RC195 but it hates me ...all 3 disks).

k.

[jksmurf]

.. Divx/Xvid can be converted to MPEG2 or H.264, MP4 in less time. ...

Thanks! I was looking at those DivX DVD players with a USB port. I cannot establish for SURE that these can play DivX files form a thumb drive. One fellow in the shop said they can ONLY play mp3's and jpg's.

k.

[jksmurf]

Philips make a Ultra DivX DVD player it also plays XVid AVI and RAW MPEG2 ... There these players that have the USB support so you can use your USB thumbdrive, I know Philips has one they do play the content as it does see it has HDD folder. If you see one get it, don't think twice..

Hmm, the one you refer to is the DVP5982/37 (or DVP5982C1/37) in the States. But philips says it ONLY does MP3/JPEG/WMA via that USB Drive? http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/dcbin...xt=dvp5982#

Our version here is the DVP5986K which says the same thing. I have seem amazon reports that DivX over USB (and USB Hard Disk drives) DO work. If this is true I'll buy t...

k.

[jksmurf]

I say try it features of the USB hard to come by today.. You don't like it take it back the same day..

LOL...I live in HK. I envy you in the States. Once bought, we can't "take it back" for a different one, we have 7 days to get a replacement (same item) at the store, after that it's struggle with the repair departments ....

k.

[nitrogen_widget]

Philips make a Ultra DivX DVD player it also plays XVid AVI and RAW MPEG2 (meaning) you can stick MPEG2 on DVD DATA disc without recoding into VoB files which I also stick the AVI onto the same disc. This process works as I did pickup one of these DVD players which is hooked up to my HDTV using Component Video (Red/Blue/Green) @ 480P. Media MVP will play AVI Divx/Xvid straight off the net no problem @480I. You can take that Media MVP connect it to a DVD Recorder/Player which is hooked up to the TV and record everything you want onto a DVD. This process is much quicker if you want to do it this way.

There these players that have the USB support so you can use your USB thumbdrive, I know Philips has one they do play the content as it does see it has HDD folder. If you see one get it, don't think twice..

My brother bought one of these from magnavox.
It works ok except, it seems to do 720x480 resolution & if the xvid file is less than 720 it puts black borders on the left & right on the TV.

I guess that's ok when you have a 50" TV.
but it's completly annoying on an SD TV.

does the phillips scale the video to full screen on the sides?

[Zato]

I got my
Media MVP on Amazon from a 3rd party seller. Ended up getting it for only $40. Right now I see it's back up to $88, but keep an eye on it.