Mede8er - Locally manufactured and distribted media player

[Kleine Fische]

Hi Guys, I recently purchased one of these (Friday morning 11th Sept 2009) and had it delivered (Free) via the website http://www.mede8er.co.za

It arrived 1st thing Monday morning as promised and I eagerly opened the precious cargo to reveal a great looking product. You can view the pics of the "Unpacking" here:
http://i27.tinypic.com/314zfcl.jpg
http://i30.tinypic.com/vdds5.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/2mww1us.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/290qvxf.jpg
http://i31.tinypic.com/24pjeiq.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/2e4kfic.jpg

I didn't install a drive into the unit, but used my 1.5Tb external drive and connected it to the Mede8er via its USB port. It picked it all up no problems and when I later on decided to "hot plug" a 2nd external drive via the second USB port it picked that up too. ;)

Plugged it in and started it up. Setup was really simple. All we needed to do was to set the video output (HDMI/TV system) to 1080p and that was it.

The menu system of the Mede8er is impressive and what I really liked was the fast forward (FFWD) process, it toggles to x2, x4, x8, x16, x32 extremely smoothly and flips back into play mode as easily. You actually watch it FFWD in real time frame by frame, no blocky jumps. The slow frame feature offered the same performance. Toggles in steps of 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 speeds and provides a frame by frame toggle as well. The 3/4 and 1/2 speeds not only slowed video but amusingly enough slowed the audio too.

When browsing your folders and begin to select media, a preview is shown on the right of the highlighted media file. If you have a jpeg in a folder and you select that folder, that jpeg is shown on the right with some additional file info. Great for browsing through a movie collection.

We tested the video playback using varying formats which it handled with no problems at all. *.MVK *.Mp4 *.Avi *.Divx *.Vob It played back standard definition, 720p and even 1080p content with no frame skipping, nothing. A smooth HD experience all around.

We then connected the Medi8er to the internet via its LAN port and selected its Internet Radio option. It downloaded the available channels and played them with ease. Once we had selected one of the channels, we were presented with a list of URL's which was a little unexpected, but once we selected one of the available URLs it offered, we heard U2 belting out the speakers. We then selected a few *.Mp3 files and the MP3 playback was good.

Next we wanted to test the UPNP function. We had setup earlier that morning a UPNP server on our network. The Mede8er found it immediately and we could browse through its folders and contents as though it was browsing an internal file system.

Well done to the guys at Sanji, nice to have a local product with a 2 year warranty, 24/72 hr Shipping and a 30 day Money back Guarantee. Well Done!

A few things I will try tomorrow, is to add a hard drive to the unit and format it via the Mede8er, I see the website recommends this as you gain additional functionality (?)

I will add my NAS to the network and enable the NAS option on the Mede8er and see how it handles that.

So all in all based on limited testing and initial impressions I would strongly recommend this product.

***********
Recent Edit
***********

I considered Deleting this post but then I figured I wouldn't just to satisfy 1 naysayer.

Tired of accusations suggesting I work for Sanji / some Mede8er sales office.

I just wanted to contribute to the community and provide some of my honest feed back. Seems this community is too busy looking for the flaws and negative aspects of a post to see a simple contribution.

[JustAsk]

sales pitch:mad:

[Kleine Fische]

sales pitch:mad:

Always nice to see an informative post get tainted with 2 words. No supporting proof or information. Awesome! :p

So, here we go a little disclaimer:

I do not work for nor am affiliated by any means to Sanji or the Mede8er project.

@ JustAsk; try the cup half full approach to life

[I am Penguin]

Nice! Price?

Sound specs?

[Quantum Theory]

It is a great product, so even if it was a sales pitch in disguise, I would not have a problem with that.

Sadly, I bought a Iomega a while back. Without doing any research... Not the smartest thing I have ever done, but the Iomega does what I need it to do for now.

[Kleine Fische]

It is a great product, so even if it was a sales pitch in disguise, I would not have a problem with that.

Sadly, I bought a Iomega a while back. Without doing any research... Not the smartest thing I have ever done, but the Iomega does what I need it to do for now.

No sales pitch, if I was complaining about it I would have posted a comprehensive post, so why not do the same when you have a pleasant experience?

I also bought the iOmega, in fact I bought 2 (a 200 Gb and a 300Gb) with zero research into the products. They have been mediocre IMO but did "fill a gap" I guess.

[I am Penguin]

Still no Nice price?

[Quantum Theory]

Still no Nice price?

I think it is under R2500 without the HDD.

[JustAsk]

Still thinks it a sale pitch but lets leave it there.

The only thing slightly different from the regular hdd players is the mkv support.

No pvr support,no mp3+g support,to name a few.

I've had a media player pitched to me just a month ago with same specs plus slot-in mini bluray drive which i could sell for R200 more.

I don't say its bad,its just not...hmm great.

[I am Penguin]

I think it is under R2500 without the HDD.

Wow, then I smell a HTPC Mobo with HDMI 1.3, DTS 7.1 HD Master sound and HDCP compliance.

[I am Penguin]

Still thinks it a sale pitch but lets leave it there.

Why? is he a salesman or just someone that bought the device? Hmmmm.

[ipodmusicman]

The Mede8er is R2,388 incl. VAT. Really good price. Now I just need to get my new TV. Somehow my crappy CRT is just not going to cut it yet.

@I am Penguin Kleine Fische bought the device. The only way people will know what devices are good or not is by reading what other people's experiences are with them, whether they are good or bad.

[I am Penguin]

The Mede8er is R2,388 incl. VAT. Really good price. Now I just need to get my new TV. Somehow my crappy CRT is just not going to cut it yet.

@I am Penguin Kleine Fische bought the device. The only way people will know what devices are good or not is by reading what other people's experiences are with them, whether they are good or bad.

I know this was discussed in another thread. Therefore my question to JustAsk, I guessed he did not ask before ASSuming! :D

[nightwatcher]

Honestly guys Kleine is trying to help his community. Can’t we give credit where its due. Sanji have developed a great media player and the Mede8er is really great. I bought one and really love the unit, best thing I ever bought.

Just because the guy is praising the unit and giving his community feedback doesn’t mean he work for the guys. Kleine probably wishes he did in fact work for them as I do but unfortunately some wishes are just that wishes.

JustAsk I suggest playing with a Mede8er before you comment. Once you have actually used a Mede8er then by all means comment but before using a unit I don’t think criticizing is fair.

[werner]

i dont get the thread title "locally manufactured" versus the photo of the rear of the thing, saying "made in china"

maybe locally designed, locally distributed...but not locally manufactured. it says "MADE in china"

[marine1]

Still thinks it a sale pitch but lets leave it there.

;)

[tco21]

Nevermind me.... just walking by...

[ToxicBunny]

What would be nice to see is some screen shots of the UI of the device.

That is the only thing thats stopping me from buying one atm really.

[qinglung]

Yes, the title is misleading, it is definitely not manufactured locally. Here is a post by "Mede8er1" on the Mede8er forum (http://www.mede8erforum.com/index.php?topic=11.0).


Mede8er is South African. Sanji has partnered with the best manufacturer in China on the Mede8er project. The user interface face is 100% designed in SA and most of the improved functionality over the standard SDK is designed by Sanji. If you were to compare to similar products available in Europe you would immediately see that they are mainly based on a standard SDK and we have made vital changes to many things that are critically important. We chose to use a common chassis and PCB and to build the Mede8er around a proven and reliable platform that has been sold in huge volumes around the world - this ensures hardware reliability and lower cost. Sanji engineered the fan assembly mounting in order to reduce vibration and noise from the built in fan. Our remote is the same as another brand that is widely available in Europe although we have made some small changes. The remote functionality however was designed by us so from a operational point of view it is a totally different product. If you were to try one of the products already mentioned you would soon see that Mede8er is a totally different animal although similar in external looks. I hope this explanation is helpful and lays to rest the question about mede8er and its South African origin.

[Kleine Fische]

I also just read the same post

http://www.mede8erforum.com/index.php?topic=11.0

Ill happily edit the title, bottom line Sanji are still responsible for some key features which differentiate the product. Making it an OEM hardware product with South African innovation.

Anyways, perhaps this error in my post may finally put my "sales pitch" to rest.

P.S I cant change the title / subject so perhaps a moderator could correct it and remove the "locally manufactured"

[JustAsk]

Honestly guys Kleine is trying to help his community. Can’t we give credit where its due. Sanji have developed a great media player and the Mede8er is really great. I bought one and really love the unit, best thing I ever bought.

Just because the guy is praising the unit and giving his community feedback doesn’t mean he work for the guys. Kleine probably wishes he did in fact work for them as I do but unfortunately some wishes are just that wishes.

JustAsk I suggest playing with a Mede8er before you comment. Once you have actually used a Mede8er then by all means comment but before using a unit I don’t think criticizing is fair.

Well my critisicm was on the post not the product....i did say it's not a bad product,but seriously its not breathtaking either.

Honestly i'm not trying to piss on anyone's batteries here.I read that op and all i see is a sales pitch,not a good review.

Lets see...
1 Thread title - "locally manufacturered and distributed"
2 pics of product before unpacking - as if you know you going to pitch it to mybb
3 extensive review - this is actually a good thing...but
4 no price - its like he wanted you to go to the website...because after an extensive review like that (half of it praised the supplier) you would suspect this guy would drop the price...no...not even if it was asked.

Then i can go with low post count,with a member with even more low post count supports him...you get the picture.

This product can be bought from various outlets,78 i counted from there website,from all over the country,including Namibia,according the site.
Why push Sanji and there online shop?
The OP is in Cape Town with various other dealers yet he chooses to order from Gauteng.BTW its bad business practice to have dealers,some online,but still operate your own online outlet.

I'm just saying...:)


;)
Yeah,at least you come clean with your...sales pitch:)

Is this the reply you expect from a satisfied customer..or a Sanji representative?



Ill happily edit the title, bottom line Sanji are still responsible for some key features which differentiate the product. Making it an OEM hardware product with South African innovation.

[Maestr0]

This thing looks way too similar to my Mvix PVR for it to be a coincidence.

[schpat]

Before anyone gets started here, I don't work for Sanji. I live in Pinelands in the Cape Town and work for a funiture retailer. If anyone would like to verify that pm me with your number and I'd be more than happy to give you a call.

I think the mede8er is a great product. I've owned media players for about four years now and played with more than a few of my friends ones. The mede8er is undoubtedly the best of the players I've ever used.

Just Ask, I think you're being very unfair to Kleine Fische. I think he's done something that the comunity needed and all you are doing is trying to make it look like some kind of shenaniggans are going on.

Firstly, in answer to your points


1 Thread title - "locally manufacturered and distributed"

Yeah so he was unclear about the full story behind the "localness" of the mede8er. But still the fact that the product is ultimatly South African is really exciting and I can totally understand why he would want to put that in the title of a South African forum. Being an employee of the company is not the only reason I can think of for saying "local is lekker".

And if you need any more proof that I don't work for Sanji go to the forums and read my points on the localness of the product


2 pics of product before unpacking - as if you know you going to pitch it to mybb

When I unpacked my box two weeks ago I took photos presicely for the purposes of writing a full review of the player. I just got too involved in watching my videos and also I was a bit too lazy to post the review. There isn't an independant review of the unit online yet and I think that the pictures he took are proably the most important part for someone considering buying the product. Good work KF.


3 extensive review - this is actually a good thing...but

Oh, so a good reviw is a bad thing because you added the word "but"? Is it inconcievable that a user would like to post an acurate review of a product to benefit the comunity?


4 no price - its like he wanted you to go to the website...because after an extensive review like that (half of it praised the supplier) you would suspect this guy would drop the price...no...not even if it was asked.

How on earth does not posting a price show that he is involved with the product. Surely an advertiser would want people to know what the price was? And gee, he praised the suplier for doing a good job, heavens to betsy no! Where does he come off doing that!


Then i can go with low post count,with a member with even more low post count supports him...you get the picture.

I supose you will totally disregard my comment because my post count is low. Just because he lurks more than he posts doesn't make him dodgy, just shy. In fact he has been a member for a year and a half, if it's a conspiracy by Sanji, that damn fine planning on thier part.

The specific reason I don't post on this forum is the eliteism of some of the more vocal members, just because I don't have a million posts behind my name must mean that I'm talking crap right.

His suporters don't all have low page counts:

Quantam Theory has 218 posts
ipodmusicman has 346 posts (and I recognise him from the Mede8er forums, Hey)
I am Pengiun has 3224 posts

Only nightwatcher has a low post count of 14, oh yeah and my own post count is low.

Maybe they don't all gush about the product but at least they respect his efforts and don't try to detract from his message with what basically amounts to slander.

Secondly, I was wondering why you'd want to poo poo KF's post. I thought that maybe you were just a cynic who only sees the bad side of people. But then:


I've had a media player pitched to me just a month ago with same specs plus slot-in mini bluray drive which i could sell for R200 more.

Are you by any chance involved with competative products?

[flarkit]

The only thing slightly different from the regular hdd players is the mkv support.

No pvr support,no mp3+g support,to name a few.


:confused: Really no mp3 or mpg support? That's a pity, I'm very seriously considering the Mede8er, but MP3 support is important.

Strike that, I asusme JustAsk is referring to other devices. The Mede8er site lists MP3 and MPEG playback

[schpat]

I don't know what "mp3+g" is but it definitly plays mp3 files.

Dude, you won't be dissapointed in the mede8er.

[ipodmusicman]

mp3+g is ... wait for it ... a karaoke format. The first time I heard about mp3+g is on this thread. Yeah, somehow i cannot see many media device manufacturers scrambling to suppor this format. :)

According to Wikipedia



MP3+G is a karaoke file format that was created to allow CD+G karaoke to be played from a personal computer easily and quickly.

[schpat]

mp3+g is ... wait for it ... a karaoke format.

So I can't do karaoke on my mede8er? Man, and that's exactly what I bought it for ;)

[JustAsk]

Are you by any chance involved with competative products?
Sorry no,i don't do retail or electronics.

[JustAsk]

mp3+g is ... wait for it ... a karaoke format. The first time I heard about mp3+g is on this thread. Yeah, somehow i cannot see many media device manufacturers scrambling to suppor this format. :)

According to Wikipedia

Correct,its mp3 + graphics and the most decent karaoke format.Instead of using huge video files or crappy sound midi for karaoke,mp3+g gives you decent karaoke with decent sound for the size of a mp3.The media player becomes more and more the heart of your entertainment,so it makes perfect sense.Yes they don't scramble to support it,not now at least,which make them just the same.


So I can't do karaoke on my mede8er? Man, and that's exactly what I bought it for ;)
I also won't buy it just because it plays rm files.Come on man...

[cfvh600]

So I can't do karaoke on my mede8er? Man, and that's exactly what I bought it for ;)
:-)

[ToxicBunny]

You mean ppl actually want mp3+g files?!?!?!..

Karaoke is the devils spawn...

[AMG133]

lol, sounds like a nifty device but my PS3 does most of it already, just waiting for my Play TV to come from UK then Im sorted

[SirFooK'nG]

This thing looks way too similar to my Mvix PVR for it to be a coincidence.

+1 ... sanji electronics are the agents for mvix SA :rolleyes:

[efitol]

just received my mede8er *gleefully rubs hands*

now to wait until home time :D

[ipodmusicman]

@imajin Looking forward to your first impressions.

[efitol]

@imajin Looking forward to your first impressions.

so you can label me a sales person? :mad: never!


ROFL :D will post it soonest

[Kleine Fische]

so you can label me a sales person? :mad: never!


ROFL :D will post it soonest


Im also looking forward to hearing another independent review, Im going to be posting again after the weekend. I need some decent "hands on" time to put it through its paces. Altho what has become rather clear is that Im going to need a HD amp soon. ;p


@JustAsk
HUH WHAT!

You mean to say, I cant play All my Kareoke Media??? ;(

.

..

...

/Search *.* Kareoke Media Folder
/Search *.Mp3+G

.

..

No search results match your criteria.

*Blink *Blink

Seems the loss of that little gem of a format from my media library has no immediate effect on me. Altho Im sure after a tequila or six I might be kicking myself. lolwut! ;)

[efitol]

oh apparently firmware v1.2 has been released as beta...
http://www.mede8erforum.com/index.php?topic=33.0
anyone here upgraded yet?

[schpat]

just received my mede8er *gleefully rubs hands*

now to wait until home time :D

Just like ipodmusic man I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say.

I'd also like to ask you to join the mede8er forums, because a strong user comunity can be a powerful lobby when changed need to be made.

Congratulations on your choice.

[JustAsk]

so you can label me a sales person? :mad: never!


ROFL :D will post it soonest

Cool,go for it...as long as you don't praise "Sanji are still responsible for some key features which differentiate the product":D

...i still think the op was a sales pitch.

[Dolby]

Can this thing search your movie collection - and not only browse it?

I've got a TViX and the lack of searching is killing me with 800+ movies and 25,000+ MP3s. It's such a basic function, that I never bothered to check out whether it can search.

My previous Pinnacle Showcentre (5 years old) had search and a better UI than the R4,500.00 current TVIX. I could serach genre, year, name and even director (IIRC)

[cfvh600]

just received my mede8er *gleefully rubs hands*

now to wait until home time :D
I am so jealous. I want one.

[schpat]

Cool,go for it...as long as you don't praise "Sanji are still responsible for some key features which differentiate the product":D

...i still think the op was a sales pitch.

There's just no pleasing some people

@Dolby, it can't search afaik but that is an awesome idea.

[Dolby]

@Dolby, it can't search afaik but that is an awesome idea.

:(

That's the simplest function - I have no idea why they haven't implemented this. Even a basic 'name' search would be welcome.

I'll have to create a new thread to see which *can* search.

Thanks schpat

[JustAsk]

There's just no pleasing some people

@Dolby, it can't search afaik but that is an awesome idea.

Now i'm starting to wonder about you too.Why you so hmmm passionate?

Go sell some furniture or something.

[SlinkyMike]

Looks quite impressive.

Could you please upload a few snaps of the on screen interface? Preferably while browsing the file system and also during playback.

I have found in the past that this is where most of these units fall down... hard.

Also: what does the unit look like switched on? I am guessing a blue LED type display?

The website says "WiFi Ready" any idea what that means exactly?

Firmware flash-able for updates (new file formats etc.)?

Thanks!

[schpat]

I think you're going to find that realitively few media players will search. I can forsee problems with file nameing as being the biggest issue.

But an id3 tag search for mp3s should be easy enough, and if that kind of tag existed for video file it would be great too.

[qinglung]

The website says "WiFi Ready" any idea what that means exactly?

On their website they have a separate Wi-Fi dongle that you can purchase. So, the device is ready to have that dongle plugged in. I would've preferred to have it built in already though.

[schpat]

Now i'm starting to wonder about you too.Why you so hmmm passionate?

because the product is just so great.

I still don't understand why you are so interested in putting the OP and the product down. You say you are not involved in the industry, but yet somehow you were offered an alternate product by a diferent manufacturer that you could sell for slightly more money.


Go sell some furniture or something.

You know, I'm starting to realise that you're just the kind of person who resorts to personal atacks when they can't win an argument.

[Kleine Fische]

Looks quite impressive.

Could you please upload a few snaps of the on screen interface? Preferably while browsing the file system and also during playback.

Yeah sure, Ill post a few pics tomorrow.



Also: what does the unit look like switched on? I am guessing a blue LED type display?
Yes a smallish Blue LED on the right. Ill take a pic of that too



The website says "WiFi Ready" any idea what that means exactly?
The dongle is available now, Im considering getting one now that I have seen the visual upside of having it connected with no wires (Lan and Power cables to and from another router / switch just distract and can make even neat installations look cluttered and messy)

I want to have the WiFi connectivity so I can get it to stream media stored on my NAS. and the Internet Radio is a pretty cool feature to have avail too.


Firmware flash-able for updates (new file formats etc.)?
Yes it is, and V1.2 is available this week I beleive with a a beta version available now. Mine arrived with V1.1 installed.

[Kleine Fische]

Found this Youtube video, gives you a pretty good idea of the menu structure and features.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4dOJDzzJMo

[SlinkyMike]

Yeah sure, Ill post a few pics tomorrow.


Yes a smallish Blue LED on the right. Ill take a pic of that too


The dongle is available now, Im considering getting one now that I have seen the visual upside of having it connected with no wires (Lan and Power cables to and from another router / switch just distract and can make even neat installations look cluttered and messy)

I want to have the WiFi connectivity so I can get it to stream media stored on my NAS. and the Internet Radio is a pretty cool feature to have avail too.

Yes it is, and V1.2 is available this week I beleive with a a beta version available now. Mine arrived with V1.1 installed.


Found this Youtube video, gives you a pretty good idea of the menu structure and features.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4dOJDzzJMo

Thanks a stack!

Really considering this...

[Moesh]

[QUOTE=ipodmusicman;3139604]mp3+g is ... wait for it ... a karaoke format. The first time I heard about mp3+g is on this thread. Yeah, somehow i cannot see many media device manufacturers scrambling to suppor this format. :)

ROFL :-)

[dualmeister]

+1 ... sanji electronics are the agents for mvix SA :rolleyes:

Yes and as a result we'll probably never get the MVIX Ultio now :(
http://www.mvixusa.com/ultio/1080p-h...heater-pc.html

Sanji didn't even respond to my email yesterday, so I have no faith in them supporting this product ...... :rolleyes:

[schpat]

Yes and as a result we'll probably never get the MVIX Ultio now :(
http://www.mvixusa.com/ultio/1080p-h...heater-pc.html

That link seems broken. Also the Ultio is not a unicorn product and is breaking copywrite law by using the Mvix name. You can see the planned new mx800 from unicorn at www.mvix.net, although who knows when they will actually release it.

[Kleine Fische]

Looks quite impressive.

Could you please upload a few snaps of the on screen interface?

Also: what does the unit look like switched on? I am guessing a blue LED type display?

Thanks!

Heya SlinkyMike,

I took a few pics of my Mede8er Installed and powered up ;)

Overview
http://i31.tinypic.com/2i6hxjt.jpg

Mede8er off (Red LED)
http://i26.tinypic.com/o54zeb.jpg

Mede8er Powered up (Blue LED)
http://i25.tinypic.com/v4uqz5.jpg

Close up of Blue LED
http://i30.tinypic.com/dq12dc.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/fv9080.jpg
http://i27.tinypic.com/ny92f7.jpg

You can see there is a bit of "Bleed" from the Blue LED via the Infra Red Window. Im going to do a little work around using some masking tape and cardboard. Now that I have noticed it, I know its going to irritate me if I done ;p

[Kleine Fische]

HDTV Screen Pics - Menu System
http://i25.tinypic.com/2njwkrr.jpg
http://i31.tinypic.com/15496hs.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/2wghlx4.jpg
http://i25.tinypic.com/2sbv3uw.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/2sbvevr.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/aw9fzp.jpg

You can Edit files & Folders on the fly
http://i29.tinypic.com/4reyh0.jpg

Edited the Layout Template and now it looks like this
http://i26.tinypic.com/spdklf.jpg

[Nerfherder]

LOL... nice but next time close your cuirtains when you take photos.

[Kleine Fische]

LOL... nice but next time close your cuirtains when you take photos.

Was in a rush, and contemplated post editing the pics, but then figured Who cares you get to see my lawn. At least it isnt my naked reflection you seeing from the kettle Im trying to sell on eBay XD

[dualmeister]

That link seems broken. Also the Ultio is not a unicorn product and is breaking copywrite law by using the Mvix name. You can see the planned new mx800 from unicorn at www.mvix.net, although who knows when they will actually release it.

Ah ha. Now I see. Thanks.

[ToxicBunny]

I'm getting more and more impressed with this lil device everyday....

The interface isn't PERFECT, but its better than most of the other ones I've seen.

[efitol]

i wanted to like my mede8er but it just sucked :(.

i basically bought it to replace my xbox as a media streamer because the xbox is a bit loud and can't play .mkv files yet. the mede8er was plugged into my network through a cable, not wireless. it was connected to the telly via hdmi at 720p.

the quality of normal standard definition video was shocking :eek:. the playback was choppy, the video was extremely blurry and the colours were washed out. i thought about it and figured that the mede8er has a terrible upscaler. i wish i had photos to show the difference between the xbox and this thing. and yes, i did set the resolution settings properly and my tv confirmed that it was connected to the mede8er at 720p.

it crashed each and every time i fast forwarded or rewound during video playback. the screen would go blank for a few seconds and when it came back, it was at the home screen. this also happened when i used the "jump to minute" feature.

it didn't pick up my mkv files from my server so i couldn't even test hd playback. oh wait, i have wmv-hd files, let me test that. unsupported format, says the mede8er.

and there were a whole host of other seemingly normal divx/xvid video files (.avi) that just wouldn't play.

i decided to also test the music playback, but it took so long to load my catalogue from the server that i just gave up. i know i have a lot of music but why does the xbox load the catalogue in a second or two?

in the end i decided that i'd just have to live with the noise of the xbox and its inability to play mkv files until windows 7 is officially released (apparently this will allow mkv playback to xbox through media center xtender).

like i said i wanted to like it, it looks good and is quiet, but for the purposes that i needed it for, it was unforgivably atrocious. maybe it fares better if you're using a hdd directly connected to it, but i really don't see how the shocking video playback can be a result of the network if the bandwidth is more than enough for SD video.

and i decided to exercise the whole "30 day return/refund" thing, only to find that they (simplicity) would levy a 15% handling fee. so i wasted R358, so you won't have to ;)

use it, don't use it

[MrSmith]

Yeah streaming playback over network is a known problem with the Realtek chips at the moment but should be fixed with firmware updates in the next while.

I know that Xtreamer are targeting this problem with their Version 2.0 firmware which is based on the new SDK and scheduled for release 12 Oct 2009.

http://forum.xtreamer.net/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=2471

If Mede8er are worth their salt i am guessing that they should have a fix in the works as well. Guess time will tell.

[Dolby]

i wanted to like my mede8er but it just sucked :(.

i basically bought it to replace my xbox as a media streamer because the xbox is a bit loud and can't play .mkv files yet. the mede8er was plugged into my network through a cable, not wireless. it was connected to the telly via hdmi at 720p.

the quality of normal standard definition video was shocking :eek:. the playback was choppy, the video was extremely blurry and the colours were washed out. i thought about it and figured that the mede8er has a terrible upscaler. i wish i had photos to show the difference between the xbox and this thing. and yes, i did set the resolution settings properly and my tv confirmed that it was connected to the mede8er at 720p.

it crashed each and every time i fast forwarded or rewound during video playback. the screen would go blank for a few seconds and when it came back, it was at the home screen. this also happened when i used the "jump to minute" feature.

it didn't pick up my mkv files from my server so i couldn't even test hd playback. oh wait, i have wmv-hd files, let me test that. unsupported format, says the mede8er.

and there were a whole host of other seemingly normal divx/xvid video files (.avi) that just wouldn't play.

i decided to also test the music playback, but it took so long to load my catalogue from the server that i just gave up. i know i have a lot of music but why does the xbox load the catalogue in a second or two?

in the end i decided that i'd just have to live with the noise of the xbox and its inability to play mkv files until windows 7 is officially released (apparently this will allow mkv playback to xbox through media center xtender).

like i said i wanted to like it, it looks good and is quiet, but for the purposes that i needed it for, it was unforgivably atrocious. maybe it fares better if you're using a hdd directly connected to it, but i really don't see how the shocking video playback can be a result of the network if the bandwidth is more than enough for SD video.

and i decided to exercise the whole "30 day return/refund" thing, only to find that they (simplicity) would levy a 15% handling fee. so i wasted R358, so you won't have to ;)

use it, don't use it

Oh - maybe my TVIX isn't as bad as I intially thought ;)

Thanks for the review ...

[igeorge]

Is this an issiue with streaming playback only? Does this issue affect playback from network shares as well? Surely that is a better option for network play, as you aren't beholden to your streamer as well.

The reason I ask is I have a NAS, which streams as well, but I generally use the network browse option to find files on my media players...

Ian

[SirFooK'nG]

Well I picked up my mVix PVR for R2499 (ex Vat) and I'm happy with it.... If I have unsupported video files, just convert them... and it has built in wireless, which is fine at streaming DVD images (full on vobs etc). Its rewind and playback of live TV is wayyyy betta than the multi choice SD-PVR.

[diabolus]

Ok so 5 pages and loads of pics and no bloody price? WTF man?

If you're going to use "locally manufactured" in a sentence the 2nd thing that comes to mind is PRICE. Most people don't buy these things "local" for the quality and the service, it's the PRICE, PRICE and PRICE....


...also to the OP, you reviewed the thing, nice...you say you're not part of the company and just a normal consumer....so you should have no problem telling us what you paid then? I mean if i bought something and review it, it's the first thing i will mention. In 99% of every electronics review, price is a factor.

EDIT: And excuse me if the price was mentioned, but it really should be in the review.

[MrSmith]

http://www.mede8ershop.co.za/ - R2,488.88
http://www.simplicity.co.za - R2,399.00

[flarkit]

http://www.ikonicit.co.za/index.php?target=products&product_id=4006, R2,200

(although they didn't reply to a stock enquiry I sent, so perhaps they aren't too interested in selling these)

[ipodmusicman]

@imajin Thanks for the review. Glad that you managed to put it through its pases over a network. When I played with one earlier this week, we had hard drives connected to it. The fact that it was connected over LAN with the video being so choppy is just unacceptable. I would of understood to an extent over Wifi, but a 100mbps LAN?

I don't own one (yet), but I think it is always good to feedback to Mede8er themselves via their forum about the problems that you had. Their response on the forum is prompt and if your situation could help them improve the device for those who own one and for future owners, we all benefit.

For me personally, I would like to see this device succeed and if more people put it through its pases and problems are found or people have suggestions on how to improve it, let them know, even if you decide to return it. No news is good news as they say.

[larryk]

To imajin

What a lot of unadulterated crap. You are just making a real fool of yourself. I would hate too think that your 2 bit post would put people off a superb product. For people who are genuinely interested in the Mede8er I would be happy to do a demonstration and show anyone that this machine works flawlessly on a proper wired network and it has been demonstrated to even streams 1080 over WiFi. I have never uncounted a avi that would not play on the Mede8er. The visual quality is superb. Should anyone want to take me up on my offer you can email me on sales@mede8er.co.za

[JustAsk]

To imajin

What a lot of unadulterated crap. You are just making a real fool of yourself. I would hate too think that your 2 bit post would put people off a superb product. For people who are genuinely interested in the Mede8er I would be happy to do a demonstration and show anyone that this machine works flawlessly on a proper wired network and it has been demonstrated to even streams 1080 over WiFi. I have never uncounted a avi that would not play on the Mede8er. The visual quality is superb. Should anyone want to take me up on my offer you can email me on sales@mede8er.co.za

Really great PR skills...:mad:

[marine1]

Thanks for an informative post.
Seems it may not be the best player around.
i wanted to like my mede8er but it just sucked :(.

i basically bought it to replace my xbox as a media streamer because the xbox is a bit loud and can't play .mkv files yet. the mede8er was plugged into my network through a cable, not wireless. it was connected to the telly via hdmi at 720p.

the quality of normal standard definition video was shocking :eek:. the playback was choppy, the video was extremely blurry and the colours were washed out. i thought about it and figured that the mede8er has a terrible upscaler. i wish i had photos to show the difference between the xbox and this thing. and yes, i did set the resolution settings properly and my tv confirmed that it was connected to the mede8er at 720p.

it crashed each and every time i fast forwarded or rewound during video playback. the screen would go blank for a few seconds and when it came back, it was at the home screen. this also happened when i used the "jump to minute" feature.

it didn't pick up my mkv files from my server so i couldn't even test hd playback. oh wait, i have wmv-hd files, let me test that. unsupported format, says the mede8er.

and there were a whole host of other seemingly normal divx/xvid video files (.avi) that just wouldn't play.

i decided to also test the music playback, but it took so long to load my catalogue from the server that i just gave up. i know i have a lot of music but why does the xbox load the catalogue in a second or two?

in the end i decided that i'd just have to live with the noise of the xbox and its inability to play mkv files until windows 7 is officially released (apparently this will allow mkv playback to xbox through media center xtender).

like i said i wanted to like it, it looks good and is quiet, but for the purposes that i needed it for, it was unforgivably atrocious. maybe it fares better if you're using a hdd directly connected to it, but i really don't see how the shocking video playback can be a result of the network if the bandwidth is more than enough for SD video.

and i decided to exercise the whole "30 day return/refund" thing, only to find that they (simplicity) would levy a 15% handling fee. so i wasted R358, so you won't have to ;)

use it, don't use it

[ToxicBunny]

Well I've done some "more" investigation, seems like Windows 7 fixes alot of my issues with the XBOX MCE... so I'm going to give that a bash again now that I'm running Win7 RTM, so my interest in a standalone media player is waning again...

[nightwatcher]

Imajin please can you explain your setup as your post does not make any sense.

i run a very big busy network at home and use my Mede8er mainly for network streaming and have never ever had any issues.

I can fast forward, I can rewind i can do whatever i like even play big MKV files over my network. I was even able to playback my entire .AVi collection that allot of my other multimedia players wouldn’t playback.

It makes no sense at all I myself and many other users are using the Mede8er on network and have never had any issues. Check out the Mede8er forum there are lots of guys using network with no problems at all.

Are you sure your unit wasn't faulty or something ? ? ? ? ?

How does a whole lots of other people not experience any problems what so ever and you experience all these problems.
Dont get me wrong I'm no saying the Mede8er is perfect with no problems however the problems are minor and nothing at all to what you have mentioned.

I would love to test some of your files because i have tried everything on my Mede8er and actually tried to get a file not to play and I couldn’t do it they all just play one after another it actually upset me that I couldn’t crash the unit and I am good at crashing things yet you crashed it without trying.

Makes no sense, did you ask Simplicity if the unit was faulty ?
Maybe your unit was a faulty unit and you actually didn't see the true potential of it.

[dualmeister]

Digital Planet has it on special for R2199 at the moment.

[Sneeky]

Thanks for the reviews everyone.

I have been reading around for the last week or so and am looking for a device like this.

Can anyone offer an opinion on this versus the Western Digital device?



Digital Planet has it on special for R2199 at the moment.

Saw that, lead me not into temptation :D

[InsomniaRSA]

Hi,

I have been an active moderator and contributor on many international HTPC and media player sites, and have been a 'heavy' user of many generations of media players and XBMC-based PCs for about the last 4 years. I do not derive any monetary income from the media player or related industry or from Mede8er themselves - I am just a passionate user with a sincere desire to contribute to this technology and be part of the revolution.

I have an extensive movie collection of more than 6TB consisting of a good mix of AVIs, ISOs, MKVs, VOBs, MP4s, DivXs, etc, and I've yet to come across a movie file that I haven't been able to play on my Mede8er.
80% of this collection resides on a wired 100 Mbit/s LAN; I have also extensively tested media played from the internal HDD as well as USB storage without a single issue.

This media player has a small, quiet, unobtrusive footprint, a 10-15 second boot-time, a wife-friendly interface, and many features that are well ahead of the 'big-name’ international players. Add to this the fact that it looks quite at home in even the most sophisticated media room, and I am sure that anyone with even a single movie file will quickly realise that they’ll be hard-pressed to find a better media player in this category, not to mention one that even comes close to matching the ease-of-use and committed South African support behind the Mede8er.

There have already been two firmware releases to add further enhanced features, with another expected shortly – this certainly lends credibility to the dedication of the Mede8er team. For a product that is barely a month old in the wild, a few minor bugs have been admittedly identified, but certainly no show-stoppers by any stretch of the imagination. The developers are working with the chipset manufacturer (Realtek) to overcome these issues and provide further planned features and functionality that will serve to keep this product ahead of the game, taking South Africa’s young upstart to the forefront of the international media player market.

With this in mind I can stake my reputation on recommending this product with its home-grown user-interface and dedicated South African support.
If you have serious questions then feel free to drop by the Mede8er forums.

[marine1]

You would understand if we didnt take the opinion of someone who has only 2 posts. ;)
You may very well work for them

[InsomniaRSA]

I have never understood how a post count is thought to be indicative of one's knowledge and integrity when 99% of most people's posts consist of general chat and one-liners.

Anyway, all I ask is that people keep an open mind - let the product speak for itself.

[dudleygb]

You would understand if we didnt take the opinion of someone who has only 2 posts. ;)
You may very well work for them

hehehee, exactly..

I've checked the WD HD, and they too are releasing excellent support and firmware upgrades, and at less than half the price of this local 'money spinner', I'm thinking the safe bet is with the WD HD. I still cant fathom what the hell a mmplayer has to be able to do, for it to cost 2100-2500? WD HD is a great unit, plays it all, and as far as brand goes...?

[dudleygb]

i wanted to like my mede8er but it just sucked :(.

i basically bought it to replace my xbox as a media streamer because the xbox is a bit loud and can't play .mkv files yet. the mede8er was plugged into my network through a cable, not wireless. it was connected to the telly via hdmi at 720p.

the quality of normal standard definition video was shocking :eek:. the playback was choppy, the video was extremely blurry and the colours were washed out. i thought about it and figured that the mede8er has a terrible upscaler. i wish i had photos to show the difference between the xbox and this thing. and yes, i did set the resolution settings properly and my tv confirmed that it was connected to the mede8er at 720p.

it crashed each and every time i fast forwarded or rewound during video playback. the screen would go blank for a few seconds and when it came back, it was at the home screen. this also happened when i used the "jump to minute" feature.

it didn't pick up my mkv files from my server so i couldn't even test hd playback. oh wait, i have wmv-hd files, let me test that. unsupported format, says the mede8er.

and there were a whole host of other seemingly normal divx/xvid video files (.avi) that just wouldn't play.

i decided to also test the music playback, but it took so long to load my catalogue from the server that i just gave up. i know i have a lot of music but why does the xbox load the catalogue in a second or two?

in the end i decided that i'd just have to live with the noise of the xbox and its inability to play mkv files until windows 7 is officially released (apparently this will allow mkv playback to xbox through media center xtender).

like i said i wanted to like it, it looks good and is quiet, but for the purposes that i needed it for, it was unforgivably atrocious. maybe it fares better if you're using a hdd directly connected to it, but i really don't see how the shocking video playback can be a result of the network if the bandwidth is more than enough for SD video.

and i decided to exercise the whole "30 day return/refund" thing, only to find that they (simplicity) would levy a 15% handling fee. so i wasted R358, so you won't have to ;)

use it, don't use it

i'm putting my bet on the WD HD, i can forego connectivity for something that actually plays mkv...after all, isnt that what a media player is suppossed to do?

[dudleygb]

+1 ... sanji electronics are the agents for mvix SA :rolleyes:

OMG anything connected to or related to the mVix is a c o c k up, I've had mVix, what a piece of k a k! Stay away! Check the WD HD instead

EDIT: Ok, so its not actually related in any way, just found that out......I am still a little sceptical though, however the Mvix equivalents are priced much higher, not that mVix should be used as the measuring stick

Who knows, maybe this thing is really hardcore......what we really need is a clear unbiased opinion...not from mister 4 post, sales pitcher, sales@mede8er themselves, we need an independant review....

[MrSmith]

i'm putting my bet on the WD HD, i can forego connectivity for something that actually plays mkv...after all, isnt that what a media player is suppossed to do?

Dude in case you never heard already, the WDTV is about to be replaced by the WDTV 2 / WDTV Live, just Google those names and you will get the low down. The new version will have network connectivity.

[dudleygb]

Dude in case you never heard already, the WDTV is about to be replaced by the WDTV 2 / WDTV Live, just Google those names and you will get the low down. The new version will have network connectivity.

yeah agreed, but i doubt its going to cost 1100...

so then, in actual fact we should be comparing the WDTV2 with the Mede8er....lets see how they stack up when its released....

[dudleygb]

just to screw with everyones minds a little more....heres some more to consider

http://www.compafrica.co.za/popcorn-hour/model/c-200.jsp

so then its down to the WDTV2 vs POPCORN C200 vs MEDE8ER

[Dolby]

TViX not even a consideration?

[dudleygb]

TViX not even a consideration?

i dont know it, except that ppl were saying the mede8er was like a tvix just cheaper...i will do a bit of research, but if u know something...do tell

[Dolby]

True I guess ... from what it sounds like, it does everything a TVIX does for R2,000 cheaper

[MrSmith]

just to screw with everyones minds a little more....heres some more to consider

http://www.compafrica.co.za/popcorn-hour/model/c-200.jsp

so then its down to the WDTV2 vs POPCORN C200 vs MEDE8ER

Here is another consideration www.xtreamer.com :D

[ipodmusicman]

@dudleygb The C200 I'd say is the mother of all players, but if you're not willing to put up with the current state of the C200, wait a few months until the firmware matures. I read the MPC Club review on the C200 and although the device has a lot of potential, it is still very raw.

Out of all the players I've seen the C200 is the one that would fit in the best in your A/V rack. As a matter of fact, I'd put the Mede8er in that category too. As much as one should look at functionality, I find that the astetics of many media devices like the WD, MVix, Xtremere aren't that astetically pleasing. i.e. they look like a piece of tech instead of something that should be part of your entertainment system.

If you look at many of these devices, each one has a different suite of hardware and software features and it is up to you which one would suite you best.

[InsomniaRSA]

Here's a link to the MPCClub C-200 review (http://www.mpcclub.com/download.php?f=review_pch_c200.pdf), if anyone is interested.

[dudleygb]

@dudleygb The C200 I'd say is the mother of all players, but if you're not willing to put up with the current state of the C200, wait a few months until the firmware matures. I read the MPC Club review on the C200 and although the device has a lot of potential, it is still very raw.

Out of all the players I've seen the C200 is the one that would fit in the best in your A/V rack. As a matter of fact, I'd put the Mede8er in that category too. As much as one should look at functionality, I find that the astetics of many media devices like the WD, MVix, Xtremere aren't that astetically pleasing. i.e. they look like a piece of tech instead of something that should be part of your entertainment system.

If you look at many of these devices, each one has a different suite of hardware and software features and it is up to you which one would suite you best.

agreed, in fact the only two devices on my eval list right now is narrowed down to the C200 and Mede8er. I will be happy with either I'm sure. Will have to still wait for the WDTV2 for it to be included. going to Rage this weekend to see if I can make a final decision by seeing the stuff in action

[dudleygb]

Here's a link to the MPCClub C-200 review (http://www.mpcclub.com/download.php?f=review_pch_c200.pdf), if anyone is interested.

excellent thanx, been waiting for this review

[MrSmith]

Out of all the players I've seen the C200 is the one that would fit in the best in your A/V rack. As a matter of fact, I'd put the Mede8er in that category too. As much as one should look at functionality, I find that the astetics of many media devices like the WD, MVix, Xtremere aren't that astetically pleasing. i.e. they look like a piece of tech instead of something that should be part of your entertainment system.

Yeah that is one of the main reasons I bought the C-200 as it is a great fit in the AV rack and the fact that I could add a DVD/BD ROM drive if want to and boot the DVD player which I never really use any more also that the C-200 can now use the HDMI port that the DVD player was using.



If you look at many of these devices, each one has a different suite of hardware and software features and it is up to you which one would suite you best.
Very good advice ;)
Nobody here can say which is the "best" player for you, it all depends on your needs/functionality required/budget etc.

[dudleygb]

insomnia, do u know if these guys have done a review on the mede8er?

[InsomniaRSA]

They have a Mede8er unit at the moment and they are apparently busy reviewing it.
I have no idea how long MPCClub takes as they sat with the TViX M-6600 for 2 months before posting the final review.

I hear some of the local A/V publications are also checking it out.

[dudleygb]

They have a Mede8er unit at the moment and they are apparently busy reviewing it.
I have no idea how long MPCClub takes as they sat with the TViX M-6600 for 2 months before posting the final review.

I hear some of the local A/V publications are also checking it out.

cool pls PM me if you see any good reviews surfacing

[InsomniaRSA]

If anyone is familiar with MPCClub and Hi-Jack's reviews then you'll be aware that this guy is as critical as you'll get.
He hasn't finished with the Mede8er review just yet, but he has announced his top 5 Realtek media players and Mede8er is at the top of this list - number 1 - above all the big-brand international names...
Before anyone says "but he has a post count of 0", just check it out... (http://www.mpcclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21322)
Oh yeah - his post count is 21 122 on MPCClub... ;)

[MrSmith]

Yeah but the Xtreamer still gets the "Editors Choice" award ;)

I am thinking of getting one just so I can get in on the Xtreamer eTrayz 2 bay NAS unit deal for EUR59.
http://forum.xtreamer.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2403

May keep the Xtreamer for the guest room or just flog it to one of my mates.

[dudleygb]

If anyone is familiar with MPCClub and Hi-Jack's reviews then you'll be aware that this guy is as critical as you'll get.
He hasn't finished with the Mede8er review just yet, but he has announced his top 5 Realtek media players and Mede8er is at the top of this list - number 1 - above all the big-brand international names...
Before anyone says "but he has a post count of 0", just check it out... (http://www.mpcclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21322)
Oh yeah - his post count is 21 122 on MPCClub... ;)

yeah cool, i just saw this, apparently said he will have a review of the Mede8er by Wed or so....in the mean time, lemme check this xtreamer

[dudleygb]

Yeah but the Xtreamer still gets the "Editors Choice" award ;)

I am thinking of getting one just so I can get in on the Xtreamer eTrayz 2 bay NAS unit deal for EUR59.
http://forum.xtreamer.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2403

May keep the Xtreamer for the guest room or just flog it to one of my mates.

bunch of terms and conditions though, seems like you only qualify for the special if u have a xtreamer player or have ordered one?

[dudleygb]

ok so now the list is between:

mede8er
c200 popcorn
xtreamer

anyone got an xtreamer?

[InsomniaRSA]

The Mede8er will be demo'd at RageExpo.
Those who are curious can see it in action at stand J and get in line for some "great show specials" according to the Mede8er Forum.

[dudleygb]

The Mede8er will be demo'd at RageExpo.
Those who are curious can see it in action at stand J and get in line for some "great show specials" according to the Mede8er Forum.

i'm there!

[dudleygb]

ok so now the list is between:

mede8er
c200 popcorn
xtreamer

anyone got an xtreamer?

xtreamer off the list.....hear they were the old mvix ppl, I hate Mvix and anything to do with or related to mvix, its crap!

[MrSmith]

Dude get the Mede8er, as even if you ordered the C-200 today I very much doubt you will get it much before December.

[dudleygb]

Dude get the Mede8er as even if will ordered the C-200 today I very much doubt you will get it much before December.

yup, i think its case closed, i'm not really going to use a lot of the c200 'features' anyways....i like the mede8er and i think its got great potential to challenge the big guys....well, i guess the mede8er is the big guy now?

going to ragexpo on sat and see if i can get a show deal and check the unit in action....yeah!

[swsup97]

Hey Guys,

Those of you who follow the MPCCLUB reviews by HiJack would be pleased to know that the review is out for the mede8er

here is the link

http://www.mpcclub.com/download.php?f=review_mede8er_med500x.pdf

[dudleygb]

Hey Guys,

Those of you who follow the MPCCLUB reviews by HiJack would be pleased to know that the review is out for the mede8er

here is the link

http://www.mpcclub.com/download.php?f=review_mede8er_med500x.pdf

cool! lets read! Before I read I can only assume its going to be 5 star rating :)

[swsup97]

I wonder when that firmware update will take place, nice review...

[dudleygb]

agreed, well done mede8er, I think it was an excellent review! I'm picking mine up at the show on saturday :) See u there!

[InsomniaRSA]

Wow - well done to the team at Sanji! :D

Hi-Jack is a very highly respected critic in the media player industry - to please him took some doing...

Now the rest of the world will sit up and take note that SA can take on the 'big boys'!

[Garyvdh]

They are selling it at Matrix now... but I think it is around R2600

[dudleygb]

I wonder when that firmware update will take place, nice review...

I'm sure they are working on it as we speak, they seem to have held to their word so far and support for the product looks great, well better than zioncom and mvix, those guys have NOOOOO support, they suck! I will never buy a Zioncom or a MVIX ever again...

[dudleygb]

Ok, so I decided to go for the mede8er. Met the guys at Rage yesterday and picked it up for 2099. I will give a full review on it once I'm done. They still got some today I think. The popcorn c200 was on special for 3500. I may just end up getting both units, but so far the mede8er has me not wanting anything more. Its pretty full featured and complete. Updates to come!

[ipodmusicman]

dudbygb I'm super chuffed that you got the Mede8er and that you're happy with it. A review would be awesome. But all in all, R2099 is a damn fine price as well. If I was at rAge, I would of probably bought one - brought it home and asked for forgiveness. hehehehe.

The C200 for R3500 is a good deal. That is the price that somebody else on the forum paid when ordering it from the PCH site.

[dudleygb]

dudbygb I'm super chuffed that you got the Mede8er and that you're happy with it. A review would be awesome. But all in all, R2099 is a damn fine price as well. If I was at rAge, I would of probably bought one - brought it home and asked for forgiveness. hehehehe.

The C200 for R3500 is a good deal. That is the price that somebody else on the forum paid when ordering it from the PCH site.

agreed, I'm going to push it to its limits and try make it break :)
c200 is a nice machine aswell, but it is almost twice the price without a HDD
I will see how the mede8er stacks up, especially with the wireless and networking features. The connectivity features is one of my main reasons for buying such a device. As soon as its going full speed, i will post my likes and dislikes. O Yeah, spoke to the guy at the E8E stand and he says they working on an auto IMDB lookup features, directly from the unit...that would be a damn cool feature!

[mercurial]

Seems like a really nice device, but I'd still opt for the Popcorn Hour A-110.

[sand_man]

Okay so I've put in an order for one of these Mede8er players together with a 1TB Seagate hardrive, R2999-00 all inclusive through Ikonic...

Hope this thing isn't going to be a waste of time and money. It will be my 1st media player... I'm a traditionalist...:)

[maudrid]

I'm looking at these devices too:
mede8er
c200 popcorn
xtreamer

Mede8ter is easy to find in SA and if I can get one from Esquire, it might be cheap.

c200 popcorn hour seems expensive for what you get and I don't know where to get it.

xtreamer looks like an interesting one, but I have no idea were to find it or what it would cost.

[mercurial]

What about the Popcorn Hour A-110?

[MrSmith]

I'm looking at these devices too:
mede8er
c200 popcorn
xtreamer

Mede8ter is easy to find in SA and if I can get one from Esquire, it might be cheap.

c200 popcorn hour seems expensive for what you get and I don't know where to get it.

xtreamer looks like an interesting one, but I have no idea were to find it or what it would cost.

www.popcornhour.com $299 + $83 shipping (DHL door to door [mine took 2 days from China to CPT]) + 14% VAT on the $299 + R70 local DHL fee.
All in should be around R3,500 depending on exchange rates.
There have been production delays and holidays in China so if you order today do not expect it before Dec.
http://www.networkedmediatank.com for more up to date info on the C-200.

http://www.xtreamer.net/ EUR99 + shipping etc. (shipping will be much less than for C-200)

[dudleygb]

I'm looking at these devices too:
mede8er
c200 popcorn
xtreamer

Mede8ter is easy to find in SA and if I can get one from Esquire, it might be cheap.

c200 popcorn hour seems expensive for what you get and I don't know where to get it.

xtreamer looks like an interesting one, but I have no idea were to find it or what it would cost.

I've also looked at all those devices.

the popcorn got scratched becuase its too expensive and has features I dont care about, and features I do care about but not yet in the mede8er, is soon to be added to the med8er. The popcorn software is also not mature and needs some time, and didnt get such a good rating on mpcc forum. I still think its a great unit, but for me the mede8er was an easy sell.
Locally supported, very nicely put togethere, mature and ratings are great, also nice price. there also a lot of support for the mede8er, right on our doorstep.

the xtreamer has roots with mvix and its build quality and UI is also not up to scratch. I had an mvix, I HATE MVIX! Bad support and crappy build.

the mede8er and xtreamer are both Realtek chips, the popcorn is a Sigma. I couldnt find anything that could say which one was better. The biggest thing on the media players is the UI, and how well its done, how well it plays content, and how good the support is wrt firmware updates etc. Over and over again Ive read how the mede8er plays anything u can throw at it, and I intend testing this, as I have a totally mixed bag of content ranging from weird ass DVD rips to blue ray rips to 1080p mkv to all sorts of xvid and divx versions. I cant wait

for me, all things considered, the mede8er was the most logical choice, I saw it in action at rage expo and I bought one. I've been agonizingly waiting for my HDrive to be shipped so I can get it going and post a review on myBB. I get my HDrive tomorrow from Nivo at 999 for 1.5TB samsung f2. Great price.

Watch this space....for my experiences

[mercurial]

www.popcornhour.com $299 + $83 shipping (DHL door to door [mine took 2 days from China to CPT]) + 14% VAT on the $299 + R70 local DHL fee.
All in should be around R3,500 depending on exchange rates.
There have been production delays and holidays in China so if you order today do not expect it before Dec.
http://www.networkedmediatank.com for more up to date info on the C-200.

http://www.xtreamer.net/ EUR99 + shipping etc. (shipping will be much less than for C-200)

I was hoping someone would post something like this. I'm thinking of importing the older A-110. So you only pay 14% VAT? No other costs other than the unit and the shipping?

[maudrid]

I've also looked at all those devices.

the popcorn got scratched becuase its too expensive and has features I dont care about, and features I do care about but not yet in the mede8er, is soon to be added to the med8er. The popcorn software is also not mature and needs some time, and didnt get such a good rating on mpcc forum. I still think its a great unit, but for me the mede8er was an easy sell.
Locally supported, very nicely put togethere, mature and ratings are great, also nice price. there also a lot of support for the mede8er, right on our doorstep.

the xtreamer has roots with mvix and its build quality and UI is also not up to scratch. I had an mvix, I HATE MVIX! Bad support and crappy build.

the mede8er and xtreamer are both Realtek chips, the popcorn is a Sigma. I couldnt find anything that could say which one was better. The biggest thing on the media players is the UI, and how well its done, how well it plays content, and how good the support is wrt firmware updates etc. Over and over again Ive read how the mede8er plays anything u can throw at it, and I intend testing this, as I have a totally mixed bag of content ranging from weird ass DVD rips to blue ray rips to 1080p mkv to all sorts of xvid and divx versions. I cant wait

for me, all things considered, the mede8er was the most logical choice, I saw it in action at rage expo and I bought one. I've been agonizingly waiting for my HDrive to be shipped so I can get it going and post a review on myBB. I get my HDrive tomorrow from Nivo at 999 for 1.5TB samsung f2. Great price.

Watch this space....for my experiences

Great! I'll wait for your review.
Also, The WD TV Live Media Player is due to be released soon.
I know a few people that have the first one and they are quite happy with it.
I hope it comes out soon so I can compare prices.

[SirFooK'nG]

I have the mVix PVR, and so far I'm very happy with it. I have yet to play HD content on it (don't have any yet) Mostly used for DivX and DVD backups. Dont use the online feature, allthough I did try it out. The built in wireless is good, could have been better if it supported 802.11n. But it does not stutter for me with playback since I put my AP in my ceiling. Overall its been doin great for me. The PVR function is easy to use and it is more responsive than my DSTV SD-PVR. I dont store any media on the hard drive (other than PVR recordings), I stream everything from my PC, which does use the FTS utility which is a bonus for the mVix - basically re-codes media to the mVix on the fly (need a good system to handle it nicely). So essentually if there are new codecs and media formats, they only need to update the FTS software for streaming.

[MrSmith]

I was hoping someone would post something like this. I'm thinking of importing the older A-110. So you only pay 14% VAT? No other costs other than the unit and the shipping?

Well I only paid VAT and no further duties.

Popcorn Hour declare as International Trade Customs tariff number : 8517620090 "Other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network)"
http://support.popcornhour.com/article.aspx?ID=1015

There is no duty on such items only VAT (VAT is only on the sale price of the item not the shipping price as well)

Also as the A-110 is much smaller unit so the shipping to SA is only $45.

[mercurial]

Well I only paid VAT and no further duties.

Popcorn Hour declare as International Trade Customs tariff number : 8517620090 "Other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network (such as a local or wide area network)"
http://support.popcornhour.com/article.aspx?ID=1015

There is no duty on such items only VAT (VAT is only on the sale price of the item not the shipping price as well)

Also as the A-110 is much smaller unit so the shipping to SA is only $45.

Awesome! :D I'll be saving R700, because it costs R2900 locally.

[dudleygb]

Great! I'll wait for your review.
Also, The WD TV Live Media Player is due to be released soon.
I know a few people that have the first one and they are quite happy with it.
I hope it comes out soon so I can compare prices.

eventually got all the pieces for my mede8er.....1.5TB check, cabling ....check, Mede8er....check. Lots of MKV's.....check

Ok, almost there, I should have something posted by the weekend.

[londonsangel]

Does this come with the hdmi cable? And does it play vob files that are directly ripped from the harddrive including showing menu's like a normal dvd would... hardly any multimedia players seem to be able to do this... my ps3 cant either ...

[ipodmusicman]

It comes with a very good quality HDMI cable. I was quite impressed. Yep, it can play VOB files that are ripped from DVD's including menus, etc.

[londonsangel]

Thanks so much, I am definitely getting one tomorrow after work ... :) It a R100 more expensive than ordering from their site but I cant wait till Monday!

[dudleygb]

Thanks so much, I am definitely getting one tomorrow after work ... :) It a R100 more expensive than ordering from their site but I cant wait till Monday!

brilliant, let us know how u go? and report your experiences. I eventually got my HDrive delivered and cables for my DVI plasma. I got a couple MKV 1080p I cant wait to see how it looks. Yes, the player does play almost anything u can throw at it.... :)

I chatted to the Mede8er dude and he says they working on an auto IMDB lookup for cover art etc for movies and music, currently you got to put the image there yourself...I would really dig that feature! YEAH MEDE8ER ROCKS!!!

[swsup97]

brilliant, let us know how u go? and report your experiences. I eventually got my HDrive delivered and cables for my DVI plasma. I got a couple MKV 1080p I cant wait to see how it looks. Yes, the player does play almost anything u can throw at it.... :)

I chatted to the Mede8er dude and he says they working on an auto IMDB lookup for cover art etc for movies and music, currently you got to put the image there yourself...I would really dig that feature! YEAH MEDE8ER ROCKS!!!

That dude from Mede8er did he say when exactly they going to come out with that feature ...i would like to know if it will be included in their next firmware update.

[dudleygb]

That dude from Mede8er did he say when exactly they going to come out with that feature ...i would like to know if it will be included in their next firmware update.

he said they were working on it, so I am guessing it might just be on the next release, maybe ask at the mede8er forum. Either way, I reckon they doing a great job of their UI, cant wait to see how it evolves over the next few months

[londonsangel]

YAY that sounds wonderful, was wondering how long I was going to be sitting downloading movie covers this weekend :) Athough I must say I'll be too scared to do the firmware update, if someone has done it I want to hear about it first, tried upgrading my Omnia's firmware last night from the samsung website and its killed my phone, so it has to be sent to JHB :(

[schpat]

I was worried when I first did the upgrade, but it worked fine.

[londonsangel]

I was worried when I first did the upgrade, but it worked fine.

Mmm so I'll have to see if mine already needs an upgrade... after last night I'm not sure I will be able to do it, I'm so so scared! Suppose that's an easier upgrade than your mobile phone firmware though...

[schpat]

realy very easy, you put the FW on a USB stick and then say update in setup.

[londonsangel]

Cool thanks.... I will definitely let you know once I've gotten it and the courage to do it! want to pick mine up after work today although another supplier can get me one for R300 cheaper... now I'm waiting to hear how long that will take cause I'm not so sure I can wait if its too long.. I'd rather pay the R300 :p

[schpat]

I know what you mean, I just bought an iPod Touch from the cheapest online place i could find, and I've waited 2wks for delivery. For like R350 more I could have gotten it 24hrs later and for R1200 less I could have brought it in from the states myself in the same time.

I didn't realise that they were merely bringingf the iPod in from overseas.

[londonsangel]

That is annoying!!! Sometimes its just worth the extra money... hopefully my Omnia's software just needs to be reinstalled and they wont charge me for that :o

[dudleygb]

Ok, so I got my Mede8er up and running last night. Plays stuff very nicely, no skipping and all that. Plays it even better then my Quad core PC with HS graphics card. It just seems smooth and the picture and sound through HDMI is pretty good.
I'm quite happy with the playability, I'm just trying to work out how to use the Samba NAS to copy content to the unit, aswell as pull content from a PC,onto the Mede8er via the network. This will be easier than having to connect the Mede8er up to the PC everytime I want to copy content across.
I'm also finding the little doc that came in the box, is a little sparse, and doesnt really cover any of the networking features that well. Is there perhaps a more comprehensive doc for the Mede8er?

So far, for the price, I might just still think the A110 popcorn may still have the upper hand, in terms of features and openness. But its still early days and I look forward what the Mede8er guys are going to be pushing out on their FW updates, with features that can compare to the popcornA110. The popcorn is also only about +-500 more than the mede8er. I will give the mede8er a little more time, as I think the auto cover art and usenet downloader on the A110 is a REAAALLLY nice feature.



i just looked at the pocorn hour again, and it looks like I might get the A110 and later try the C200. Apparently, the A110 already gets your cover art for you. It also even got usenet downloader, which is nice, then u dont have to copy content across to the device all the time.

[InsomniaRSA]

I re-install the firmware practically on a daily basis - it's easy as pie...

As Schpat says, just go into the menu and select 'Update' and wait for about a minute. The screen will go blue for a bit, the unit will re-start and you will see the progress bar run across the screen a few times; just don't cut power during the update procedure. If you do there is a very easy recovery procedure where you insert the USB with firmware on it and hold in the ON/OFF button for about 10 seconds - and the firmware will automatically kick off.


You may want to use the update feature first though so that it will back up all your setting preferences, so then you can restore them again after the update.

There should apparently be another firmware patch very soon to resolve a few HDD reporting issues that have popped up (HDD remaining size reports incorrectly).

[InsomniaRSA]

Hi dudleygb,

It's easier to push content to the Mede8er from your PC - look on your network from your PC and you'll see a Workgroup called 'WORKGROUP' - in there you'll see the 'Mede8er' SMB share, including the internal HDD and any USBs you may have plugged into it.

[londonsangel]

I re-install the firmware practically on a daily basis - it's easy as pie....

Everyday, I hope this is for various people :p and not that I'll have to be doing that ;)

How big are these updates, the stupid Omnia one took 229MBs and then still killed my phone, so had to topup my internet after that download... my ps3 download was also over 300MB... its starting to add up..

Cant say I'm worried about the feature of being able to automatically update the movie clipart.. I dont mind looking for it myself.

[InsomniaRSA]

The firmware update downloads are about 17 or 18 Megs each, compressed. It will decompress to about 80 or 90 Megs.
I only update often because I test various features and compare functionality - it's really not a necessity unless you want to make use of a feature or fix that is made available through an update.

[dudleygb]

Hi dudleygb,

It's easier to push content to the Mede8er from your PC - look on your network from your PC and you'll see a Workgroup called 'WORKGROUP' - in there you'll see the 'Mede8er' SMB share, including the internal HDD and any USBs you may have plugged into it.

cool thanx, but it does have the option to copy from network to <a device..usb, hd etc>. Does this not work then? My PC with content is upstairs on the network. My Mede8er is downstairs, I'd like to pull stuff onto the mede8er without having to go sit on the PC. Cant the mede8er do this, I would be surprised if it cant..?

[dudleygb]

Everyday, I hope this is for various people :p and not that I'll have to be doing that ;)

How big are these updates, the stupid Omnia one took 229MBs and then still killed my phone, so had to topup my internet after that download... my ps3 download was also over 300MB... its starting to add up..

Cant say I'm worried about the feature of being able to automatically update the movie clipart.. I dont mind looking for it myself.

agreed, but its just a really nice feature for a device to be able to go and do an IMDB lookup on its own and go pull down the movie/music art, the less menial admin i dont need to do the better, but no, its not a killer.

I've got a nice Omnia ROM update for u, PM me if you need some help

[londonsangel]

True, especially since IMDB doesnt allow you to just copy the picture, unless I'm looking in the wrong place... I'm sure they'll eventually have it do that though...

My omnia is dead though, doesnt even respond when I plug it into the pc and the pc doesnt detect it, tried a hard reset several times... still just stuck on the boot screen :( cant even switch it off without taking battery out!

[mercurial]

If you import the Popcorn Hour A-110, you will get it for R2200.

[InsomniaRSA]

cool thanx, but it does have the option to copy from network to <a device..usb, hd etc>. Does this not work then? My PC with content is upstairs on the network. My Mede8er is downstairs, I'd like to pull stuff onto the mede8er without having to go sit on the PC. Cant the mede8er do this, I would be surprised if it cant..?

Go into the File Manager feature, navigate to the source folder on the left, 'source' window and use the [SELECT] button on the remote to select one or multiple files/folders; Then press the [RIGHT] arrow to jump to the 'destination' window, navigate into the destination folder and press [RIGHT] arrow again to perform the move.

[dudleygb]

True, especially since IMDB doesnt allow you to just copy the picture, unless I'm looking in the wrong place... I'm sure they'll eventually have it do that though...

My omnia is dead though, doesnt even respond when I plug it into the pc and the pc doesnt detect it, tried a hard reset several times... still just stuck on the boot screen :( cant even switch it off without taking battery out!

bring it to me and I flash it for u, I've just done that for a friend of mine....same story....the utility I use grabs control of the device as soon as its plugged in....i am pretty confident I can help u, PM me if u interested...

[dudleygb]

Go into the File Manager feature, navigate to the source folder on the left, 'source' window and use the [SELECT] button on the remote to select one or multiple files/folders; Then press the [RIGHT] arrow to jump to the 'destination' window, navigate into the destination folder and press [RIGHT] arrow again to perform the move.

sweeeet thanx, will try it tonight

[londonsangel]

aaah i just dropped it off at nashua, gonna be in JHB for 4 weeks :( you dont live in EL though do you?

So just plugged in my mede8er and i cant seem to get sound on anything, using the hdmi, anyone have ideas what it can be?

[dudleygb]

aaah i just dropped it off at nashua, gonna be in JHB for 4 weeks :( you dont live in EL though do you?

So just plugged in my mede8er and i cant seem to get sound on anything, using the hdmi, anyone have ideas what it can be?

well if they cant fix it, ask them to send it back or allow me to go pick it up and I will try flashing it. I'm in JHB.

I tried the HDMI on my mede8er last night and its very cool, sound and all comes thru. What file are u playing? Is the volume up? :)

[InsomniaRSA]

You must set the audio to HDMI downmix if you're plugging directly into a TV, otherwise set to HDMI passthough if you're playing via an A/V receiver, especially if you're playing a 6-channel file.

If this doesn't resolve then you'll need to provide more info in respect of your settings, hardware & the media file itself.

[dudleygb]

You must set the audio to HDMI downmix if you're plugging directly into a TV, otherwise set to HDMI passthough if you're playing via an A/V receiver, especially if you're playing a 6-channel file.

If this doesn't resolve then you'll need to provide more info in respect of your settings, hardware & the media file itself.

cool yeah, my hdmi downmix was already selected as default

we really could do with a better manual for all the 'undocumented' features.. :)

[londonsangel]

Thanks Dudley I will let you know... cant believe it takes 4 weeks to reload software onto a phone...

I just selected hdmi passthrough i think and that works, i have my player connected to my samsung full hd directly with the hdmi cable... the settings are confusing though as i'm not very technical! also there's the option for 1080p 24hz (i think), should i make this on/off, is this the only setting for 1080p?

[dudleygb]

Thanks Dudley I will let you know... cant believe it takes 4 weeks to reload software onto a phone...

I just selected hdmi passthrough i think and that works, i have my player connected to my samsung full hd directly with the hdmi cable... the settings are confusing though as i'm not very technical! also there's the option for 1080p 24hz (i think), should i make this on/off, is this the only setting for 1080p?

no it takes 30 min or less, the rest of the 3.99 weeks they use for vodacom red tape, transporting to and fro, and theres a default wait of 1 week for any unit coming in for repairs. its crap,pity u cant just ask them for it back, i could have it fixed in 1 hr

i've got mine set to 1080p 60Hz, thats the correct setting, 24Hz should also be fine, just push the tv_sys button for more modes..

[londonsangel]

Thanks will go have a look in a bit, you are a pro, we dont need a manual with you around!!!

Well now i've bought a flatscreen, ps3 and mede8er in the last 2 months, i'm sooo broke, but sooo happy and can say goodbye to my social life :p

[dudleygb]

Thanks will go have a look in a bit, you are a pro, we dont need a manual with you around!!!

Well now i've bought a flatscreen, ps3 and mede8er in the last 2 months, i'm sooo broke, but sooo happy and can say goodbye to my social life :p

nah me , not a pro, just started using it, picked up a few things. Insomnia knows more about the mede8er. :) But thanx for the compliment.

You wont be sorry, your purchases will bring you many years of HD bliss....

[londonsangel]

Oh I'm not sorry, enjoying my mede8er now :) Have my 2 x 1TB attached but will soon get a 1.5TB to put inside when I see some specials.. although me getting it inside is another story :) Gonna go look to see my firmware and update now.

Poor ps3 is being ignored but picking up Uncharted from the post office tomorrow so she'll get plenty of play then :D

[londonsangel]

Ok so didn't have as much time as I hoped with my mede8er, but what I did I loved :) its so so great, did the firmware update, all went fine :) Even sat for a few hours using that movie GUI program to get all the about.jpg's for my movies, must say that took forever but was worth it in the end! not sure how much of my internet it used up though :p

I just wish I could stay home and watch movies now instead of being at work!!!

[dudleygb]

i'm also very happy with the mede8er, it really does play anything and its a pleasure to use, I love it! I'm sure with a bit of time, its going to start doing a lot more automated online stuff. Its going to be great! I'm enjoying it very much and I recommend the unit very highly.

[londonsangel]

This is probably a stupid question,I bought my first blu-ray disc last weekend,now its fine playing in the ps3, but is there a way to rip it to my harddrive and play it through the Mede8er, without having a blu-ray writer? I only have the ps3, no blu-ray reader on laptop or anything like that...

[dudleygb]

This is probably a stupid question,I bought my first blu-ray disc last weekend,now its fine playing in the ps3, but is there a way to rip it to my harddrive and play it through the Mede8er, without having a blu-ray writer? I only have the ps3, no blu-ray reader on laptop or anything like that...

do some googling, but yes u get some software that u can boot up into your ps3 and rip the blu ray disk

[InsomniaRSA]

This is probably a stupid question,I bought my first blu-ray disc last weekend,now its fine playing in the ps3, but is there a way to rip it to my harddrive and play it through the Mede8er, without having a blu-ray writer? I only have the ps3, no blu-ray reader on laptop or anything like that...
Reply With Quote
Here's a discussion on just this (http://www.mede8erforum.com/index.php?topic=83.msg382#msg382)...

[londonsangel]

oooh thank you that is great :)

[mh348]

I got my Mede8er today, looks good, didn't have much time to try everything out, going to test it properly when I get home tonight.

How can I set a Password for the NAS server, so that only I can access the file share?

[sand_man]

I got my Mede8er today, looks good, didn't have much time to try everything out, going to test it properly when I get home tonight.

How can I set a Password for the NAS server, so that only I can access the file share?Please post reviews once you've had an opportunity to play with it!!!

I am awaiting delivery of one too. Got my hardrive from Take2 earlier today, 1TB Seagate, getting Mede8er from Digitalplanet maybe tomorrow. R2199-00 on special.

What'd you pay?

[cfvh600]

I got my Mede8er today, looks good, didn't have much time to try everything out, going to test it properly when I get home tonight.

How can I set a Password for the NAS server, so that only I can access the file share?

I am jealous!

[cfvh600]

Please post reviews once you've had an opportunity to play with it!!!

I am awaiting delivery of one too. Got my hardrive from Take2 earlier today, 1TB Seagate, getting Mede8er from Digitalplanet maybe tomorrow. R2199-00 on special.

What'd you pay?

And of you to!

[dudleygb]

Please post reviews once you've had an opportunity to play with it!!!

I am awaiting delivery of one too. Got my hardrive from Take2 earlier today, 1TB Seagate, getting Mede8er from Digitalplanet maybe tomorrow. R2199-00 on special.

What'd you pay?

some of the things I really like about the mede8er is how quiet it is, you cannot hear it at all.
It plays 'anything' seriously.
Locally supported, excellent price.
The preview options is really nice and navigating through movies and skip etc works really well.
I am now going to focus on getting the networking going. The main idea is to wireless my mede8er so that I can see all the drives connected to it (basically a NAS) and copy to and from the med8er and also play content from it.
When ppl say, they stream content from the mede8er, does it mean the actual content is played with the mede8er codecs or is the remote device merely just playing a file off the mede8ers HDrive...?

[InsomniaRSA]

How can I set a Password for the NAS server, so that only I can access the file share?
This unit was designed for home use, so it is either on as a public share or off.
The developers are currently working on a 'folder lock' feature however, to protect specific folders with your 'sensitive' movies.
I'll need to get more info for you, but feel free to put in a feature request on the Mede8er forums.

[londonsangel]

some of the things I really like about the mede8er is how quiet it is, you cannot hear it at all.
It plays 'anything' seriously.
Very very true, its silent! If you put your own hard drive in though (which I've never done in my life), is there an internal fan for the harddrive to keep it cool? I suppose it wont be as quiet then though?

[killkom]

Hey Guys

Have any of you tested a Quicktime HD file .mov

Does that work on the Mede8er

Cheers

[sand_man]

Very very true, its silent! If you put your own hard drive in though (which I've never done in my life), is there an internal fan for the harddrive to keep it cool? I suppose it wont be as quiet then though?
Yes, got mine this morning, have a 1TB Seagate installed, very easy to install!!! If you know how to use a screwdriver you will be able to install it. There is an internal cooling fan yes...

Didn't have too much time to play with it this morning but it's a relatively intuitive piece of kit to set up.

Come's with a plethora of cables. In fact I think the box housing the cables has a greater net weight then the Mede8er player itself (without hardrive installed).

It's a petite, well put together piece of kit. Conspicuous by the virtue of its inconspicuousness and as already pointed out, silent!!!

I haven't had a chance to find a file type it cannot play but will put it through its paces a little later.

Picture quality was good. Played a clip from Grey's Anatomy Season 6 Episode 1 in 720p format and was reasonably impressed. HD PVR for me is about 15% clearer though. Then tried a standard AVI download, Californication Season 3 Episode 1 and the quality was impressive. 20% better than our standard SD PVR.

Didn't attempt any skipping, slow motion or fast motion actions but I suspect it handles such tasks with aplomb.

I also fancy the wifi route of transmitting data to the unit but there about 5 different ways to do this either via Lan, External hardrive, Laptop etc etc etc

Ordered a wifi dongle from Simplicity only to be told 3 weeks before it arrives. I canceled the order.

Anyone know where I can get one sooner?!!!

Anyway although it's early days I'm feeling pretty chuffed with this purchase. R3k all in and I might never have to buy another DVD player:D

[londonsangel]

I might never have to buy another DVD player:D

That's what I figure, am still running my external 1TB, but once I can afford a 1.5 / 2TB internal I'm sorted for a loooong time to come! My brother owns just about every DVD you can think of and I so wish he didn't live in Ireland! I'd have a nice little collection of movies to watch :)

[InsomniaRSA]

...Ordered a wifi dongle from Simplicity only to be told 3 weeks before it arrives. I canceled the order.

Anyone know where I can get one sooner?!!!

I believe that the reason for the delay is that these WIFI dongles are still awaiting ICASA clearance.

I wouldn't get just any WIFI dongle and assume it would work though - it would rather be prudent to wait for the certified & tested dongle. Being of the 'N' standard it should be worthwhile.

[InsomniaRSA]

Very very true, its silent! If you put your own hard drive in though (which I've never done in my life), is there an internal fan for the harddrive to keep it cool? I suppose it wont be as quiet then though?

The internal fan is always on, whether you have a HDD in it or not - that which you hear now is as loud as it is going to get!

[InsomniaRSA]

...When ppl say, they stream content from the mede8er, does it mean the actual content is played with the mede8er codecs or is the remote device merely just playing a file off the mede8ers HDrive...?

If you stream content 'from' the Mede8er, you are basically playing files as you would from any network share - the Mede8er is merely acting as a NAS (Network Attached Storage) unit; in this sense the media 'player' capabilities are not being utilised.

[sand_man]

I believe that the reason for the delay is that these WIFI dongles are still awaiting ICASA clearance.

I wouldn't get just any WIFI dongle and assume it would work though - it would rather be prudent to wait for the certified & tested dongle. Being of the 'N' standard it should be worthwhile.Yes. Only compatible with the dongle suggested by Mede8er...

[InsomniaRSA]

...Have any of you tested a Quicktime HD file .mov

Does that work on the Mede8er


.MOV is a container, and as a file extension is recognised by the Mede8er.
I am not going to bore you with specifics as this is all detailed at length on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.mov#QuickTime_file_format) if you are interested in finding out more.
Do keep in mind however that it is the video codec contained within the .MOV wrapper that you need to check.
The Mede8er will play the .MOV videos encoded with H.263 and H.264 codecs, but not those with embedded DRM.

[killkom]

.MOV is a container, and as a file extension is recognised by the Mede8er.
I am not going to bore you with specifics as this is all detailed at length on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.mov#QuickTime_file_format) if you are interested in finding out more.
Do keep in mind however that it is the video codec contained within the .MOV wrapper that you need to check.
The Mede8er will play the .MOV videos encoded with H.263 and H.264 codecs, but not those with embedded DRM.

Sorry was not really clear with my question

I just wanted to know if it would recognize the .mov container.

Thanks for the reply

[dudleygb]

YAY, MORE PRO's for the Mede8er. I'm struggling to fond something that WONT play on this damn thing :)
Yes it is freeking quiet, I have to touch the unit to check if its on, even though the light is on, it doesnt sound like its on, but it is :)

Its been mentioned that most Realtek based dongles could work. I have one at home I stopped using, going to give it a try, but once the proper one comes out I will def be getting it. YAY for media streaming via NAS. I'm really enjoying this player!

And with such excellent support from Insomniac, I'm really enjoying the prompt level of support and helpfulnes.

Just met someone with a C200 and they are not happy. It runs ext3 filesystem, so u cant share with FAT and NTFS without really fiddling with some additional software. Apparently the USB ports arent working so well either and theres no HOST usb. For a unit that costs R4000, I think its a white elephant and the Mede8er kicks it in the nuts!

[dudleygb]

If you stream content 'from' the Mede8er, you are basically playing files as you would from any network share - the Mede8er is merely acting as a NAS (Network Attached Storage) unit; in this sense the media 'player' capabilities are not being utilised.

thanx for clarifying! Its how I thought....

[killkom]

I just want to ask a question about the Mede8er

I currently have an MVIX 780HD and it really sux so I am looking at buying the Mede8er but I don't want to get burnt again

I have read all the reviews and it looks good so far but one thing I am still unclear about is how it handles recently viewed videos

If I watch a video and get half way and want to stop is and watch it from the same place later how does that work on the mede8er

I know when you start the video it asks if you want to book mark it but do you have a list of previously watched videos and they clearly marked and how many videos can it remember

The MVIX has a menu at the root of the interface which shows the last 6 videos watched and you can resume watching them from that menu. Just curious to how the Mede8er handles this

thanks

[InsomniaRSA]

If I watch a video and get half way and want to stop is and watch it from the same place later how does that work on the mede8er

The Mede8er's current interface will remember the last known position of movies that haven't been watched through to the end. On launching such a movie, a dialogue pops up on the screen asking if you want to watch from the position it was stopped or restart from the beginning. I am not aware of any limit in the numbers of files that are remembered.


I know when you start the video it asks if you want to book mark it but do you have a list of previously watched videos and they clearly marked and how many videos can it remember

One cannot currently force a bookmark aside from stopping the movie, although this is an envisaged feature for a future firmware update - those 'bookmarks' are only created on stopping a movie before it has been completed.


The MVIX has a menu at the root of the interface which shows the last 6 videos watched and you can resume watching them from that menu. Just curious to how the Mede8er handles this

There is currently no menu option listing all the 'recent' movies so that they can be continued from that position, so one has to navigate to the movie and launch it. This is also on the roadmap for a future firmware enhancement.

According to Hi-Jack's review, these are on the roadmap for the next major firmware release (v1.3), although there are a few bug fixes expected first in a minor release (v1.2.3):

o Folder Password Lock
o Bookmark
o Library Search
o YouTube and Internet streaming
o BD ISO support
o SDK improvements
- codec
- subtitles
o FTP access
o Audio player GUI and functionality

[killkom]

The Mede8er's current interface will remember the last known position of movies that haven't been watched through to the end. On launching such a movie, a dialogue pops up on the screen asking if you want to watch from the position it was stopped or restart from the beginning. I am not aware of any limit in the numbers of files that are remembered.



Thanks for the info but I just have a question on this part. Can you differentiate between the movies that have been watched half way and the movies that have not been watched or have been watched to the end. If you can does it colour them differently or something.

Sorry for all these questions but this is an invaluable feature to me since I some times watch a few movies and series at the same time

[dudleygb]

I just want to ask a question about the Mede8er

I currently have an MVIX 780HD and it really sux so I am looking at buying the Mede8er but I don't want to get burnt again

I have read all the reviews and it looks good so far but one thing I am still unclear about is how it handles recently viewed videos

If I watch a video and get half way and want to stop is and watch it from the same place later how does that work on the mede8er

I know when you start the video it asks if you want to book mark it but do you have a list of previously watched videos and they clearly marked and how many videos can it remember

The MVIX has a menu at the root of the interface which shows the last 6 videos watched and you can resume watching them from that menu. Just curious to how the Mede8er handles this

thanks

more interestingly, whats burning you on the MVIX? Once u list those issues then we can see if the Mede8er can do it better.

I also had an earlier MVIX, and it was mighty crap!

[killkom]

more interestingly, whats burning you on the MVIX? Once u list those issues then we can see if the Mede8er can do it better.

I also had an earlier MVIX, and it was mighty crap!

There is loads of stuff burning me on the MVIX 780 HD

Lack of h.264 support which I can't blame it for not having it because it was not really a standard when it came out but it does leave me with the inability to just download an HD file and play it I will have to convert it which can take up to 5 hours

No support for DTS this is really silly

No MKV support
No MOV support
ver 1.0 HDMI port no sound over HDMI so you have to use optical or coax for sound I have a HDMI amp so I would prefer sound over HDMI.

It's a good Divx player though but I have had problems playing some Divx stuff on it it sometimes freezes and hangs on certain movies. And sometimes it does not play the DIVX movie even thought the movies is encoded with Divx.
They promised a Torrent Client when it was released and that never happened they have not had a firmware upgrade since last year October.
NAS is shocking on it it takes over 4 hours to copy a 4 gig file over a wired LAN cable lets not even talk about wireless.
You cannot copy from a USB drive to the internal hard drive. It cannot handle a hard drive over 1TB

So to summarize its a good attempt at a media player but it leaves a lot to be desired.

Its my fault though I did not do the research when i bought it and now I am paying the price

Not going to make that mistake again

I saw the Mede8er in the popular Mechanics a while ago there were no reviews so I didn't think much of it but now with this post and the reviews its looking good its for filling most of my requirements so far just that last question I had about the replying previously viewed files if you have a way of differentiation between them and files that you have watched completely and files you have not watched yet.

Once I find this out its up to my wife to let me buy a new one that could be a harder sell :)

[dudleygb]

There is loads of stuff burning me on the MVIX 780 HD

Lack of h.264 support which I can't blame it for not having it because it was not really a standard when it came out but it does leave me with the inability to just download an HD file and play it I will have to convert it which can take up to 5 hours

No support for DTS this is really silly

No MKV support
No MOV support
ver 1.0 HDMI port no sound over HDMI so you have to use optical or coax for sound I have a HDMI amp so I would prefer sound over HDMI.

It's a good Divx player though but I have had problems playing some Divx stuff on it it sometimes freezes and hangs on certain movies. And sometimes it does not play the DIVX movie even thought the movies is encoded with Divx.
They promised a Torrent Client when it was released and that never happened they have not had a firmware upgrade since last year October.
NAS is shocking on it it takes over 4 hours to copy a 4 gig file over a wired LAN cable lets not even talk about wireless.
You cannot copy from a USB drive to the internal hard drive. It cannot handle a hard drive over 1TB

So to summarize its a good attempt at a media player but it leaves a lot to be desired.

Its my fault though I did not do the research when i bought it and now I am paying the price

Not going to make that mistake again

I saw the Mede8er in the popular Mechanics a while ago there were no reviews so I didn't think much of it but now with this post and the reviews its looking good its for filling most of my requirements so far just that last question I had about the replying previously viewed files if you have a way of differentiation between them and files that you have watched completely and files you have not watched yet.

Once I find this out its up to my wife to let me buy a new one that could be a harder sell :)

Sheesh, I stopped reading after point 5, MVIX is K a K!
Sorry to hear you had such a crappy experience.
My wife enjoys the Mede8er more than i do, she cant leave it alone.
I promise u, u will love it! Just buy it. The minor little things like the bookmarking are minor in comparison to what you going to be getting in return.
I even met a guy who just bought the supposed wonderful popcorn hour C200 and they say its crap! For the price and features, u cannot go wrong with the Mede8er. Tell u what, if u buy it and u dont want it, I will buy it from u......thats how sure I am of this little device...it does its job very well!

http://www.ikonicit.co.za/index.php?target=products&mode=search&subcats=Y&type=extended&avail=Y&pshort=Y&pfull=Y&pname=Y&pkeywords=Y&q=mede8er&cid=0&x=0&y=0

[InsomniaRSA]

...Can you differentiate between the movies that have been watched half way and the movies that have not been watched or have been watched to the end. If you can does it colour them differently or something...

At this point there is no way to graphically differentiate between that which has been watched and that which has not, but I seem to remember this being brought up before in terms of a request for some or other 'watched' indicator. You have to launch the file and only then will you get the dialogue asking whether you want to continue or restart the movie.

Furthermore, you cannot currently see a simple list of that which has been partly watched, completely watched and that which has not been watched at all.

I see where you're going with this idea and perhaps it could find a home in the feature requests list - there is a 'Library' feature envisaged and perhaps this type of indicator could live within this database.

[killkom]

At this point there is no way to graphically differentiate between that which has been watched and that which has not, but I seem to remember this being brought up before in terms of a request for some or other 'watched' indicator.

Furthermore, you cannot currently see a simple list of that which has been partly watched, completely watched and that which has not been watched at all.

I see where you're going with this idea and perhaps it could find a home in the feature requests list - there is a 'Library' feature envisaged and perhaps this type of indicator could live within this database.

Its a pity that it does not do that even the DSTV HD decoder does this if you have watched a recorded movie halfway it shows up as Blue otherwise it shows up as black. Not having this feature will make this very difficult to navigate with the amount of Series and Movies i currently have. I suppose its not a huge train smash you just have to try a few episodes and see which one you left half way through

Another cool feature would be to add this functionality.
My Wife and I some times watch a episode of Frasier or Friends we always watch it together then when she is not there I watch a Stargate or other things it would be great if when I go back and see which episode of Frasier or Friends I watched last and continue on. instead of trying to guess.

just a thought

Thanks for the replys

[Pearson6]

Another cool feature would be to add this functionality.
My Wife and I some times watch a episode of Frasier or Friends we always watch it together then when she is not there I watch a Stargate or other things it would be great if when I go back and see which episode of Frasier or Friends I watched last and continue on. instead of trying to guess.

just a thought

Thanks for the replys[/QUOTE]

Well I also went to the B & H shops( I think dats the name in Sandton City- Camera Shop) and the sales guy told me it can remember between 20 to 40 of the last movies/shows you watched so I'm sure it will pick it up I just need to find out about the other point you talked about on whether it kinda highlights the last watched movies but I'll check today and let you now........ I must say from what I've read over the past 2 days I'm gonna con sum1 into buying my old Mvix and get myself a Mede8er...........thanks for everyones reviews......:)

[dudleygb]

Another cool feature would be to add this functionality.
My Wife and I some times watch a episode of Frasier or Friends we always watch it together then when she is not there I watch a Stargate or other things it would be great if when I go back and see which episode of Frasier or Friends I watched last and continue on. instead of trying to guess.

just a thought

Thanks for the replys

Well I also went to the B & H shops( I think dats the name in Sandton City- Camera Shop) and the sales guy told me it can remember between 20 to 40 of the last movies/shows you watched so I'm sure it will pick it up I just need to find out about the other point you talked about on whether it kinda highlights the last watched movies but I'll check today and let you now........ I must say from what I've read over the past 2 days I'm gonna con sum1 into buying my old Mvix and get myself a Mede8er...........thanks for everyones reviews......:)[/QUOTE]

I had to flog my old mvix for like 350, thats all its worth, if u lucky :) Piece of c r a p

[ipodmusicman]

I would suggest that any feature requests on the Mede8er be posted to the Mede8er forum under the Feedback section. This would allow Mede8er admins to easily gather all feature requests for possible future firmware updates instead of looking all over the web.

I plan on getting mine early 2010 and I cannot wait. I'm already collecting content and withholding myself not to watch it until I get one (in addition to a new TV).

In the meantime, I'm obsessive conpulsivly checking the Mede8er forum every day for any cool stuff that might pop up in there. :)

[sand_man]

R1765 VAT Inclusive for the Mede8er on Saturday at Durban Esquire..

http://specials.esquire.co.za/2009_10_15Durban_HappyHourSpl.html

[cfvh600]

R1765 VAT Inclusive for the Mede8er on Saturday at Durban Esquire..

http://specials.esquire.co.za/2009_10_15Durban_HappyHourSpl.html

Wow very good price.

[dudleygb]

R1765 VAT Inclusive for the Mede8er on Saturday at Durban Esquire..

http://specials.esquire.co.za/2009_10_15Durban_HappyHourSpl.html

durban guys get all the breaks!

[dudleygb]

I would suggest that any feature requests on the Mede8er be posted to the Mede8er forum under the Feedback section. This would allow Mede8er admins to easily gather all feature requests for possible future firmware updates instead of looking all over the web.

I plan on getting mine early 2010 and I cannot wait. I'm already collecting content and withholding myself not to watch it until I get one (in addition to a new TV).

In the meantime, I'm obsessive conpulsivly checking the Mede8er forum every day for any cool stuff that might pop up in there. :)

sheesh, this is like worse than being celibate in a room full of naked supermodels :)

[Pearson6]

I had to flog my old mvix for like 350, thats all its worth, if u lucky :) Piece of c r a p[/QUOTE]

Damn dat low..........well but there a number of people that would like to own a Mvix media player.....lol.....

[dudleygb]

I had to flog my old mvix for like 350, thats all its worth, if u lucky :) Piece of c r a p

Damn dat low..........well but there a number of people that would like to own a Mvix media player.....lol.....

yeah I just wanted to get rid of it quickly, like an old turd on the lawn

[londonsangel]

THis is prob me being dumb again... but maybe there is a way around this I dont know about... I normally switch off all my wall plugs during the day, so at night I switch on the plug and my tv and ps3 dont switch on, but their little red lights switch on so i can switch them on with just the remote. now with the mede8er its always off, i have to first switch it on by the unit and then i can switch it on and off with remote, this happens everytime i had the plug off, any help?

[londonsangel]

R1765 VAT Inclusive for the Mede8er on Saturday at Durban Esquire..

http://specials.esquire.co.za/2009_10_15Durban_HappyHourSpl.html

WOW you are so so lucky, almost R1000 cheaper than I paid... then again I do live in East London :p

[dudleygb]

any sight or news about the mede8er wifi adapters as yet?

[mh348]

any sight or news about the mede8er wifi adapters as yet?

Its on the Simplicity Online site for R359.00

http://www.simplicity.co.za/Mini_Shops-Mede8er_Shop/c18_586/index.html

[dudleygb]

Its on the Simplicity Online site for R359.00

http://www.simplicity.co.za/Mini_Shops-Mede8er_Shop/c18_586/index.html

yeah but the last time someone said they cant actually get stock? Did ayone take delivery as yet?

[dudleygb]

just chatted with sales at simplicity, still NOOOOO stock! Arrgghh

what if i just plug in any realtek wireless adapter in there, reckon it will work?

[InsomniaRSA]

THis is prob me being dumb again... but maybe there is a way around this I dont know about... I normally switch off all my wall plugs during the day, so at night I switch on the plug and my tv and ps3 dont switch on, but their little red lights switch on so i can switch them on with just the remote. now with the mede8er its always off, i have to first switch it on by the unit and then i can switch it on and off with remote, this happens everytime i had the plug off, any help?

Hi londonsangel,

While the red light is on, the Mede8er is in "standby" mode and will obey remote on/off commands; if starting up from a complete power off ("hard off" mode) then the front bezel on/off will need to be used the first time to bring the unit online.

[InsomniaRSA]

...what if i just plug in any realtek wireless adapter in there, reckon it will work?

Hi dudleygb,

I wouldn't count on it - the Mede8er MED500X drivers are optimised specifically for the Mede8er USB wireless adapter.

[dudleygb]

Hi dudleygb,

I wouldn't count on it - the Mede8er MED500X drivers are optimised specifically for the Mede8er USB wireless adapter.

hahaha, yea, will just have to be patient. Making the mede8er go wireless is going to be great! Simplicity says still another 3 weeks

[mh348]

hahaha, yea, will just have to be patient. Making the mede8er go wireless is going to be great! Simplicity says still another 3 weeks

Do you have a wireless router, if you do just run a cable to the router and then you have wireless access from your laptop :D

[dudleygb]

Do you have a wireless router, if you do just run a cable to the router and then you have wireless access from your laptop :D

yup, but the mede8er is downstairs and the pc's are upstairs, the wife doesnt want wires running everywhere, but i guess its only for 3 weeks....beats unplugging the mede8er all the time to take it up to the PC to copy stuff and make GUI Builder thingies...

[killkom]

I sold of my MVIX 780HD and got a Mede8er On Monday

It's really great

It has a few niggles which should be sorted out soon but it plays absolutely everything I throw at it

Really good product

I finally can Enjoy HD videos :)

Well Done Mede8er

Cheers

[dudleygb]

I sold of my MVIX 780HD and got a Mede8er On Monday

It's really great

It has a few niggles which should be sorted out soon but it plays absolutely everything I throw at it

Really good product

I finally can Enjoy HD videos :)

Well Done Mede8er

Cheers

This is truly becoming their famous attribute..."It plays everything I throw at it" I found the same, its the nicest toy I've bought in a long time.

[londonsangel]

I'm still loving mine too :) Think I've used it everyday since I bought it!

Does anyone else have sound issues though, its only happened to me twice now so it doesnt bother me that much, but I've put on my mede8er, and then none of my movies or content has any sound, until I switch if off with the remote and back on, then the sound works again, its not the TV as I checked other channels and the PS3 and their sound worked. Its nothing major just wonder if anyone else has had this?

[InsomniaRSA]

Hi londonsangel,

There have been a few sound issues raised both here and on the Mede8er forum which raises it's head after one pauses certain movies - after resuming the sound is 'flat' for want of a better description. This is being worked on at the moment by the tech crew together with RealTek as it appears to be some fault buried within the RealTek SDK.

Currently a workaround is to perform a 'SKIP' backward after pausing (press the REPLAY button on the remote once) - this will jump back 10 seconds whereupon the sound will be fine again on re-commencing playback.

Rest assured that this is being looked at with a view to resolve before new functionality is introduced.

[sand_man]

Yes, I too have experienced this anomaly...

[londonsangel]

Mine for some reason just doesnt work when I switch it on (the sound I mean), but as I said it has only happened twice. Also noticed when I'm watching my DVD's that I've backed up to the hard drive, (vob files), it seems to also drop the sound for a second now and then, and sometimes my HDMI connection seems to lose connection for a second or two and comes back on again.

[InsomniaRSA]

Try launching your DVDs from the IFO file instead of the VOBs.

[londonsangel]

Try launching your DVDs from the IFO file instead of the VOBs.

Yep am doing that :D

[killkom]

Mine for some reason just doesnt work when I switch it on (the sound I mean), but as I said it has only happened twice. Also noticed when I'm watching my DVD's that I've backed up to the hard drive, (vob files), it seems to also drop the sound for a second now and then, and sometimes my HDMI connection seems to lose connection for a second or two and comes back on again.

Its actually better not to use INF and Vob files

Download DVDshrink its a free package and create ISO files out of all the DVD files you have on your Mede8er with no compression it does it pretty quick.

Then when you want to start a movie just click the iso and away you go. It also looks neater only having one file

Cheers

[londonsangel]

Its actually better not to use INF and Vob files

Download DVDshrink its a free package and create ISO files out of all the DVD files you have on your Mede8er with no compression it does it pretty quick.

Then when you want to start a movie just click the iso and away you go. It also looks neater only having one file

Cheers

I am using DVDshrink to create my vob files (full backup of dvd), so what option do i choose instead of 'backup', i dont seem to see an ISO option? does this still support all chapters and menus?

[JustAsk]

click the dropdown option next to "harddisk folder"

[killkom]

its a setting on the output you can output it to a DVD or you can create an ISO

After you click backup you should have the ISO option on the pull down menu

[londonsangel]

Thanks all I found it :)

[InsomniaRSA]

Shrink hasn't been updated in years.
I'm using DVDFab which is up-to-date and includes all the latest decryption, is Win7 compatible, and includes BD support.
(Beginning to sound like an ad: but that's not all...)

[SirFooK'nG]

Shrink hasn't been updated in years.
I'm using DVDFab which is up-to-date and includes all the latest decryption, is Win7 compatible, and includes BD support.
(Beginning to sound like an ad: but that's not all...)

+1 DVD Fab Platinum is fantastic, convert, shrink and decrypt all in one and it is fast. Takes about 15 to 20 minutes to rip a DVD.

[killkom]

Do the ISO's you create on DVDFAB work on the mede8er

I used to have an MVIX and for some reason it would not read the iso's from DVDFAB it would only work with the ones created on dvdshrink

It would make it a lot easier if I could DVDFAB to do everything

dvdshrink won't decode most new DVD movies

Cheers

[SirFooK'nG]

Do the ISO's you create on DVDFAB work on the mede8er

I used to have an MVIX and for some reason it would not read the iso's from DVDFAB it would only work with the ones created on dvdshrink

It would make it a lot easier if I could DVDFAB to do everything

dvdshrink won't decode most new DVD movies

Cheers

Never tried it as an ISO, just had complete DVD structure on PC, with Vobs etc. That worked fine. Sometimes a little choppy via wireless, but wired is fine. That is with the mVix PVR.

[InsomniaRSA]

The ISO files created with DVDFab work just fine on the Mede8er - I tend to use the full 1:1 DVD9 format, removing PGCs & foreign languages for all my music DVDs.

[killkom]

i just find ISO's neater than the whole DVD structure

[SirFooK'nG]

i just find ISO's neater than the whole DVD structure

I just rip to divx now.... roughly about 1.2 gig per movie...

[InsomniaRSA]

...Never tried it as an ISO, just had complete DVD structure on PC, with Vobs etc...
The only time you should ever have to use the loose IFO/VOB structure is if you are using a FAT32 drive - in that respect the ISOs are mostly in excess of the 4Gb limitation.

[killkom]

I have found something quite interesting

a normal 42 minute TV series is about 350megs this is when its incoded with Divx and has Stereo Sound

I found a few encoded with H264 in a mkv container which are 150meg and they have slightly better quality then the Divx equivalent

this might have a goos effect on DVD rips as well if you can bring them down to say 700Meg and have the same quality.

Does anyone know a good encoding app for MKV containers using the H264 codec?

Cheers

[InsomniaRSA]

...
Does anyone know a good encoding app for MKV containers using the H264 codec?


DVDFab 6+ can create MKV rips too...

[londonsangel]

The ISO files created with DVDFab work just fine on the Mede8er - I tend to use the full 1:1 DVD9 format, removing PGCs & foreign languages for all my music DVDs.

I created the ISO with DVDFab, but for some reason it doesnt get 'seen' by the mede8er, its like there's just no file in the folder.. what am I doing wrong?

[InsomniaRSA]

Can you see the file in the folder when you plug the Mede8er into your PC via the USB? What is the filename exactly, including the extension?

Is it's extension '.ISO'? If not then try renaming it and give it that extension - if it is truly an ISO file then it will work.

[londonsangel]

Can you see the file in the folder when you plug the Mede8er into your PC via the USB? What is the filename exactly, including the extension?

Is it's extension '.ISO'? If not then try renaming it and give it that extension - if it is truly an ISO file then it will work.

I will go have a look tonight and let you know, its probably me that's done something silly again... What I did was create the ISO file into a folder on my external harddrive called 'Roswell', (it was one of the discs from season 1), then when i go to that folder through the Mede8er there's nothing there, I can only see the file through my laptop.

Also, does anyone know of the best priced 2TB drives to put into the mede8er? I'm currently running 2 x 1TB externals, although one is just a backup of the other, and i'm running outta space :s

[ipodmusicman]

2TB drives are still very expensive. 1.5TB drives offer good value for money. I see a 2TB go for around R2k and a 1.5TB go for around R1k.

The problem nowadays is that HD content and good DVD rips takes up so much more space, so before you've rubbed your eyes out, all your space is gone.

[Stevie G]

Where in Cape Town is the Mede8er dirt cheap. i'm also keen on getting me 1 soon. Looks like it can do everything except a recording function.

I'm twitching as i am typing this.
:D:D:D:D:D

[londonsangel]

I will go have a look tonight and let you know, its probably me that's done something silly again... What I did was create the ISO file into a folder on my external harddrive called 'Roswell', (it was one of the discs from season 1), then when i go to that folder through the Mede8er there's nothing there, I can only see the file through my laptop.

Also, does anyone know of the best priced 2TB drives to put into the mede8er? I'm currently running 2 x 1TB externals, although one is just a backup of the other, and i'm running outta space :s

I dont know what I was doing before but the ISO works now :) Thanks for the help!

[londonsangel]

2TB drives are still very expensive. 1.5TB drives offer good value for money. I see a 2TB go for around R2k and a 1.5TB go for around R1k.

The problem nowadays is that HD content and good DVD rips takes up so much more space, so before you've rubbed your eyes out, all your space is gone.

Its rediculous :( I would like a 2TB one as I have the 2 x 1TB's to back up the 2TB's... my problem is I'm backing up my older boxsets that are a bit scratched, and Roswell itself is over 100GBs...

[cfvh600]

Looks like there is a review in the AVSA magazine as well this month according to their website: www.avsa.co.za

[InsomniaRSA]

Here's the link to the AVSA review (http://www.mede8er.org/artwork/temp/AVSA_review_mede8er_med500x.pdf).

[cfvh600]

Here's the link to the AVSA review (http://www.mede8er.org/artwork/temp/AVSA_review_mede8er_med500x.pdf).

Nice review.

[Mcwidowmaker]

Got one with a 1.5 TB drive, but when I rig it up, it says "Mede8er firmware will not work on this hardware." yet the unit and the drive was supplied by them. It also report the 1.5tb drive as a 1tb drive.

Their support forum is locked, so I can't get the latest software. :confused:

Edit: They're very quick with their help though. Got the new firmware. :)

Edit 2: Wow they have impresive service. Apparently the unit needs to be flashed at the factory to resolve the issue I have. They contact me on Sunday morning by email and arrange to have it picked up tomorrow, flashed and returned same day. A large company doing this type of support over a weekend is to be commended and rewarded. I am so chuffed to get this kind of support. Its not something you see every day. Keep it up guys. :D