Is one NMT better than the others?

[baj1]

So I am finally going to bite the bullet and try one of these. I see several different manufacturers out there using the same NMT platform, is there one that's "best"?

Looks like the PCH A-100 and A-110 seem to be pretty popular with GB-PVR. The A-110 has some pretty poor reviews on Amazon.com, several siting hardware problems and pathetic support from the manufacturer.

Also, where's the best place to purchase? Looks like direct from the manufacturer is cheapest, although probably the slowest. I'm not in a hurry, so I don't mind waiting if I can save a few bucks.

Any other comments on PCH or other NMTs?

Thanks,
-Brad

[Jaggy]

I can't give you any recommendations from experience as I don't have one but like you I have been looking at getting one & was very interested in Martin's comments about the EGreat EG M34 as discussed in the this thread
http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?t=41809&page=4
from post 35 on, the link Martin posted also has some very good information.

[mvallevand]

Since the A100 is no longer available the choice is certainly tougher, because of the high premium for the A110 It really depends on what you want for features this link gives you and idea http://www.mpcclub.com/banner_log.php?id=5111 of how they can differ. I really like the price of the egreat and the fact that you could buy two of them for the price of an A110 with an reasonable internal drive.

Reviews of the PCH will be all over the map, it does play many files but the standard NMT UI is pathetic. That is why so many alternate UI's have been developed (GBPVR, YAMJ, SwissCenter llink) and have proven successful. Typically the people that have opted for another NMT brand prefer their brand choice for obvious reasons.

Syabas have actually been good to me in helping support GBPVR users, but at the same time, the NMT could be so much better if they had advanced the firmware more over the last couple of years. It is probably the most-overrated and under-rated product I have ever used. I used to worry about missing firmware updates which is why I recommended against the istar (the second NMT) originally. Now I don't think we are going to see too many more major firmware update with benefits for GBPVR users, still without a doubt the A110 is the safest bet if you are more optimistic than me. Egreat and HDX seem to have an well-established and supported client base too.

Martin

[baj1]

Thanks for the pointers.

Yeah, I wasn't too worried about the software end of things with GBPVR supporting it, and all the enthusiasm for the NMTs in the forum has persuaded me that I should start down this path sooner rather than later.

I actually have an extra SATA drive on my desk, so I'm kind of leaning towards the A-110... ...decisions, decisions....

Thanks again,
-Brad

[baj1]

Well, I ordered an A-110. Looks like it will be a while before I receive it though.

Thanks again for the feedback. I'm sure I'll have to do some digging and reading to get this setup when it gets here. I'm definitely looking forward to it though.

-Brad

[mvallevand]

For those following the EGreat, m34a note that remote is different from the NMT

http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/yhst-49885707646311_2048_0

and it probably isn't acceptable for GBPVR use.

Martin

[Jaggy]

Blast!! To find this out now just after we found out egreatusa do reduce the price of freight for international orders of two or more units & I had almost figured out how to put together enough cash to order one......but I guess it's better to find out now than just after we had ordered three of them as we were planning :p

[mvallevand]

I'm confirming it with egreat. Finding a suitable remote is actually one of the harder things for emulation mode. I mentioned I had emulation mode running on a Roku box (HD) a couple of years ago but the remote http://www.stereophile.com/images/archiv...07roku.jpg didn't cut it.

Same thing the WDTV (a cheap easy to get box like the NMT) that I might have been able to hack a solution for except for the bad remote http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41...SS350_.jpg

The worst remote for PVR is on the new ION based Acer Aspire Revo though http://aceraspirerevo.com/wp-content/upl...50x150.jpg I was thinking of trying to port emulation mode to it, but that alone makes it not worth it.

Martin

[soccerdad]

Martin, just curious, is the issue the actual remote, or the way it is interfaced? In other words, will a harmony help? My guess is no, but I thought I would ask.

[dalabera]

Something very useful to read....