MVP Died, looking for a replacement

[fhmanas]

I have been a long time GBPVR and MVP user, but 1 MVP died, lightning fried it. (still have 2 units though). With new tech since I started, what would be a good replacement extender.

Would like to hear for your experiences with different solutions.

Thanks.

[pcostanza]

The Popcorn Hour ain't cheap but it's a workhouse. I have the A110 which isn't made anymore but you might find some around if you look. Another popular device is the Egreat.
There's lots of people on this forum that know much more about these devices than I do but I love mine.

[fering]

Another vote for the Popcorn Hour.

At this point it is almost as easy to setup as the MVP is.

You can get referbished A110s now at $105USD.

[fhmanas]

Yep, I have been hearing a lot about the Popcorn Hour. I haven't seen one except in websites. How big is it as compared with the MediaMVP? Also, do you get the full GBPVR experience like with the MVP? Will it work with existing MVP on the network? Are there versions of the Popcorn Hour to avoid, like MVP rev E or was it D?

Thanks a lot.

[fhmanas]

Additional questions to Popcorn Hour users:

1. Will I still be able to use original Popcorn Hour features?
2. Are the newer A-200 an overkill for replacement MVP?
3. What can you really do with a Popcorn Hour (A-200 or A-110)
4. Does it have a storage drive?
5. How much power does it consume?
6. Will mvpmc2 work with the C-200 (with BD player)
7. How hard is it to setup for GBPVR.
8. Will it work with MythTV :eek: (no mudslinging, please). For experimentation only, am a loyal GBPVR user.
9. Do you get full GBPVR experience (Screen and all, like MVP).
10. Does it support aspect ratios (16x9, 4x3) with GBPVR


Thanks again.

[toboR]

I can answer a few of those questions.

If you use the NMTInstall application, and the instructions on the wiki, setup is a breeze. (< 5 min.)

I use the A100. It is noticibly more responsive than my MVP's. I get every function that is available to my MVP plus the NMT software (various online tv and music stations) plus HD output plus it supports many more video formats. Think MVP on steroids.

Mine does not have an internal drive, I believe other models can be equipped with one, but that holds no interest for me.

If you are connecting to an SD television, it might seem like overkill, but it works well with an HDTV.

One last bit of advice: Surge Suppressor.

[pcostanza]

I have mine hooked up to an SD TV (I'm waiting for it to die before buying an HD) but there is no doubt that the HD I watch on it look much better than SD TV does! I have a few large HD monitors that I've connected it to just to see how it looks and am very impressed.
I have an MVP laying around somewhere but can't find it but my A-110 replaced it and to me, there is no comparison. Hands down worth it for me. Even the wife enjoys it. I do have a 500GB drive in mine because I put her shows on it and it's easier for her to use it instead of grabbing files off the pc but, I find USB just as easy and you can always connect a USB hard drive to it with no problems.

[mvallevand]

fhmanas, sorry too many questions for me, this is a $150 purchase, not a house. On the A200 thread, I've stated the if you want the best GBPVR experience buy an EGreat M34a or reburb. My only hesitation in recommending this is for those users who need subtitles, HE-AAC audio without post-processing, or Hulu/Netflix (not through PlayOn) for them a PC might be a better choice

As for SD I think the NMT is a great choice. It handles the transcoding of the HD and digital media through hardware much better than the MVP plus aspect ratios aren't a problem and there is even stretching and cropping. The older PC cards that do have quality composite/svideo out are getting harder to find.

Martin

[Jaggy]

Yep, I have been hearing a lot about the Popcorn Hour. I haven't seen one except in websites. How big is it as compared with the MediaMVP?

I prefer to refer to them as NMT's as there are more than just the PCH that work with mvpmcx2 & GB-PVR.
As for physical size the EGreat M34a is approx the same size as a MVP, the A100 is longer & thinner (about 2/3 the length of a DVD player & 1/2 the height) as you can have a HDD inside it if you so desire (I don't I want it silent)

Also, do you get the full GBPVR experience like with the MVP?

Yes & more & faster & better & brilliant

Will it work with existing MVP on the network?

Yes no problem & with more than one NMT as well.

[fhmanas]

thanks all for the info, this is really helpful.