Best client / media extender

[colinnwn]

Hi,

In the next 2 weeks or so, I'll be buying a media extender for my parents. It doesn't need to do much, just let them watch and schedule GB-PVR recordings from their TV. I'd rather not build a computer for this.

I'm planning on getting them a MediaMVP or NMT, used on ebay if necessary. I'd like it to be not much over $100. Is there any consensus, on what is the best extender for basic needs, or any big drawbacks to certain models? If I get a NMT, should I just go for a PCH A-100, or are some of the other options listed here good/ok?

http://gbpvr.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Hardware/NMT
Popcorn Hour (PCH) A100, A110, B110, EGreat M34a, HD Digitech HDX 1000

Thanks.

[Jaggy]

I have a PCH A-100 & an EGreat M34a & if for some weird reason I "had" to chose one of them I would keep the M34a as it just seems to work a tad better & the remote (even though it doesn't have the coloured buttons as such & you have to assign other buttons for them) is much nicer to use, also being able to hard reset it without having to get out of your chair has advantages also at times. I also have a number of MVP's & while they still work OK'ish they are not in the same league these days to the NMT.

[colinnwn]

Do you know anywhere to get the EGreat? I found it at only 2 places for about $150 on Google Shopping, eBay and one vendor with 2.5 of 5 stars. I'm not against eBay, but I think I'm steering clear of BestOfferBuy.com.

[Jaggy]

I got mine from http://www.egreatusa.com/ they are listing them for $139

[mvallevand]

The MVP is a bargain, for basic PVR 150/500 playback, with anything else I'd go with an NMT. I just searched ebay and I guess the other vendor is MediaConcept which has 731 responses with 100% positive feedback, for $145 shipped. I've linked to egreatusa.com as an etailer before.

Technically the Egreat M34a is the most advanced (HDMI 1.3a, DTS downmix). but it doesn't accept an internal drive. Jaggy mentioned the remote issue too, some people like the upgrade, I prefer using the 200 series remotes on my 100) and I can get those for under $20 shipped (with backlit keys). Don't be tempted by the lower priced EGreats the aren't compatible with mvpmcx2

Martin

[steveum]

I am in the same situation as Jaggy. I have a A-100 and a egreat m34a. I too would recommend the m34a. It just seems to be a little more reliable. The egreate remote is more natural, but is missing some keys. You can upgrade it later if you feel you need to.

[jtokach]

I own MVP's and a PCH A100. The PCH is better than the MVP's for a variety of reasons and the HD playback is excellent. However, the PCH is far from a perfect device. The native interface is the absolute worst and fails even at simple tasks like playing mp3's. (Mine drops the first few secs of each song I think because it does some sort of handshake between tracks) Even though this may not be a concern of yours, if I had purchased this device as a media extender without using GBPVR, I would be EXTREMELY disappointed.

I would not buy another unless the cost was significantly less than the competition.

[mvallevand]

That's sort of like saying I don't like GPBVR on my PC because I don't like Window Media Centre. AFAIK mp3's aren't cutoff playing through mvpmcx2.

Martin

[jtokach]

That's sort of like saying I don't like GPBVR on my PC because I don't like Window Media Centre. AFAIK mp3's aren't cutoff playing through mvpmcx2.

Martin

No, it's like saying, without mvpmcx2, this device would be a hard sell. Yes, mp3's are cutoff in mvpmcx2 as well. I believe it has something to do with audio over HDMI. Everytime I switch tracks, like all other audio inputs, I watch my Denon AVR-1909 renegotiate the audio input, but the PCH is extremely slow in this regard. I haven't tried another audio out interface on the PCH, so this is a best guess.

[Jaggy]

I listen to mp3's with mine nearly every day & I have never had them cutoff with either the native interface or mvpmcx2, but I am using the composite interface to my old TV.