HP Micro Server or WD TV Live Media Player

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weelzSA

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Hi all.

I know there are other posts on the HP Micro Server ect and I have read through them all (which is actually why I am posting this post).

Basically I already own the WD TV Live Media Player and I must say it works like a dream - haven't had any problems playing different media formats ect. Since day one it has just worked. It has no problem playing 3D Blu-Ray rips flawlessly.

The problem is I am very drawn towards building a HP Micro Server and using that as my main media player. I have the knowledge to build and set it up just fine and install the different programmes I'd need to act as a media player, but I want to know, how well does it play full Blu-Ray rips, 3D Blu-Ray rips ect? It will be connected directly to my TV via HDMI.

If I had to build the Micro Server, I'd use the GT520 low profile graphics card (as I have read those are the recommended ones) and probably install 4-8gigs ram (depending on suggestions) - on that note does it take normal desktop RAM or notebook RAM? I already have the HDD's so that won't be necessary to purchase.

Please could someone let me know if they have had any problems with playback ect? If all works fine, then I mite be very tempted to sell the WD TV Live and use the cash towards building the Micro Server.

Sorry for all the questions, but don't want to go down the Micro Server route only to find the playback ect will be worse than my WD TV Live media player.
 
On my microserver I have two profiles logged in permanently. One running SABNZB, couchpotato and sickbeard and one profile running XBMC. The only time I notice slowdown is if I am unpacking huge NZB files while transferring data to the server and I'm busy copying to a USB drive.

I'm sure if I add more ram it wouldn't miss a beat since I am still running with the default 2Gb
 
Keep the WD live and build the Microserver. WD is perfect for streaming from server.No transcoding on the server side ( this will kill playback , I have 4gb ram ). I watch the same 10GB file on both without skipping a beat. Then again I need both to keep the kids out of my man cave. You might not have that problem but it might come in handy.
 
Something like the WD tv will play "everything" but it doesn't do much more beyond that. If you want to build a box with a lot of storage and you'd like it all nicely indexed, ripped, cover art added etc then HPMS is a great choice. There's also other features like adding arcade games, pseudo tv, youtube, remote control from browser/android/ios as well as obviously just being able to run other stuff you might want as it's basically a pc at the end of the day.
 
Corbin said:
Keep the WD live and build the Microserver. WD is perfect for streaming from server.No transcoding on the server side ( this will kill playback , I have 4gb ram ). I watch the same 10GB file on both without skipping a beat. Then again I need both to keep the kids out of my man cave. You might not have that problem but it might come in handy.
Click to expand...

I will only be viewing on my main TV in my lounge and the TV in my room - but for the room I will use my PC to stream from the Micorserver (but this will be on the rare occasion only). I was thinking about keeping the WD but then I thought it is quite a waste as I can connect the Microserver directly to my TV so what will the point of the WD be?
 
rorz0r said:
Something like the WD tv will play "everything" but it doesn't do much more beyond that. If you want to build a box with a lot of storage and you'd like it all nicely indexed, ripped, cover art added etc then HPMS is a great choice. There's also other features like adding arcade games, pseudo tv, youtube, remote control from browser/android/ios as well as obviously just being able to run other stuff you might want as it's basically a pc at the end of the day.
Click to expand...

Ofcourse the WD does more than just play files. I currently have one 2tb HDD connected (other one is busy dying so backing up before its too late) with a mixture of movies (new and old), series, live music shows, documentaries ect and every one of them are presented with cover arts, movie info (date, director, actors, ect), the movies story line, trailer for the specific movie ect - and when I add new movies or series, this info is automatically fetched.

With regards to YouTube and online content - the WD TV Live does the perfectly - see here for all the online services .

I currently use my iPhone as a remote to control the WD TV Live as its easier to search for content using a "keyboard" than the remote that comes with it.

Also Western Digital are always updating the software to add new features ect.

I kow everyone might think then there is no point in getting the MicroServer, and in all honestly the WD TV Live is doing a great job - it's just something new.

So if I won't be affected by poor playback (especially Blu-Ray and 3D Blu-Ray rips) then I want to go for the MicroServer unless you think otherwise?
 
Oh ok did not realise it did all that. I guess there's not much reason to switch from what you've got unless you want 4/5 * 2/3TB hard drives.
 
Yeah it is the updated version and offers alot of functionality ect which I really enjoy. I know there is not much reason but try telling that to geek in me :) ! But on a serious note tho yeah I will defiantly want to add more drives and have access to them all the time and like the idea of trying and customising the players ect.

My main concern is the loss of picture and or video playback quality. In theory if the WD TV Live can handle the Blu-Ray playback flawlessly then surely the Microserver should to?
 
I would get a micro server, not for XBMC, but to use for automated downloads and storage.
 
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