Mede8er 250X or 450X2S?

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SCHUMI-4-EVA

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I want to get a Mede8er but I'm eternally unsure of what I want to get. I don't want the weakest and oldest but at the same time the most of the others don't seem to offer that much over the 250X (at least compatibility wise). I want whatever is going to have the longest support, decent performance and greatest compatibility...is that the 450X2?
Which one do I get?
Something else?
 
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Personally I wouldn't touch a Mede8er. It is ancient technology.

Much better options available e.g. MyGica.
 
Assuming you are wanting some sort of " media pc" setup? Understanding what you intend to do with it might lead to some other suggestions...
 
MyGica has no specific codec support (neither do any other Android TVs?) ? So I'm dependent on whatever player I can find in the play store?


I'm basically just looking for something that can expand my DVD player's USB DivX playback into USB anything playback. I don't care for any "Smart" functions. Kind of gets laborious after a while to always encode to DivX before being able to watch it on my TV plus there's more compression loss for every codec conversion. The media player is meant to cure that.

So I basically want a DVD player that doesn't play DVDs but instead via USB or internal storage plays every format/codec under the sun (or at least as close as I can get).

I don't need storage (although I won't say no to the option), nor streaming or any sort of network capability.

I've got a TV card and I've been recording stuff for years (for instance the SABC3 retro hour shows). Most of the time I've encoded to XVid but I've also got some MP4, MKV and possibly some other formats I've forgotten.
 
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A couple of points to consider:

- the 250X (as far as I know) does not have a LAN network - so if you want to link this via cable to your network it is going to be a problem.
- these things does not decode X265 codec (and I don't think they will), and at the moment more and more stuff is in X265 meaning you might have to encode back to DivX or X264 in any case.

For my 65 year old father in law I got the 250X and a portable hard drive, and for him that works 100%. But for me, I would probably look to replace my 2 Mede8er's in the next year or so with something else that can do X265...
 
Jan99 said:
A couple of points to consider:

- the 250X (as far as I know) does not have a LAN network - so if you want to link this via cable to your network it is going to be a problem.
- these things does not decode X265 codec (and I don't think they will), and at the moment more and more stuff is in X265 meaning you might have to encode back to DivX or X264 in any case.

For my 65 year old father in law I got the 250X and a portable hard drive, and for him that works 100%. But for me, I would probably look to replace my 2 Mede8er's in the next year or so with something else that can do X265...
Click to expand...

Yeah X265 support would be nice but not a deal breaker. I've got very little that's x265 at this stage and certainly nothing I care to share with the family (if it's just for me I'll watch it on my PC). What however actually has x265 support? (I know no mede8er does nor can they get, but if nothing else does either then the point is moot).

Don't have a network to link anything to, too much trouble and cost at the moment as far as I care. Don't see my opinion on that changing anytime soon either.
 
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The Mede8er's are based on the obsolete Realtek RTD1185/86 family. These are single core MIPS based processors running at 750MHz. The latest Amlogic S905 processor is a quad core 2GHz ARM based design which supports a much wider range of video file formats/resolutions such as H.265, 4K etc. The Realtek chips might have better support for one or two features but overall the latest ARM based SoCs are far more capable and cheaper. Considering that you can purchase a current S905 based machine for <$40 from China including free shipping I think that it might be better to purchase a unit and test it for a few weeks to see if it meets your requirements and resell it if you are unhappy before spending a lot more money on an obsolete model. The S905 based machines support Kodi which will give you much greater control over customisation of your video library/artwork etc. There are also apps available such as Shou which allow you to record live IPTV streams etc.

Takealot reviews for 450X2
http://www.takealot.com/mede8er-med450x2s-media-player-with-wifi/PLID38528351

Amlogic S905 video formats
http://ugoos.net/ugoos-brand/AM2-8gb-Amlogic-S905
Mede8er 450X2 video formats
http://www.mede8er.com/mede8er_product_med450x2s.htm

A few of the more popular S905 machines (use free coupons to get additional discounts)
Beelink Mini MX 1/8GB (2/16GB option)
http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box-mini-pc/pp_258635.html
Beelink M18 (2/16GB with luxury aluminium case)
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Beel...th4-0-HDMI2-0-H-265-Miracast-DLNA-361657.html
Tronsmart Vega S95 Meta (Meta option 2/8GB includes VidOn Kodi with DTS-HD, Dolby True HD, 7.1 passthrough, 3D MKV, 3D BDMV, 3D ISO playback and BD-J menu navigation support - Telos option 2/16GB with SATA connection ~$100)
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tron...N-XBMC-H-265-HDMI2-0-Miracast-OTA-359701.html
 
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I Wouldn't worry about X265 - not for 4 years or so - its at this stage still early development, and the absolute ONLY reason for it - is to get smaller size files, but the "same" quality as for example X264 - it's more aimed at broadcasting/streaming - "less bandwidth" for the same quality - but it uses a lot of cpu...

I know you mentioned no "smart tv" type things - but it's a bit of a catch 22 situation - my advice would be to replace your dvd player with what I recently bought - new high end samsung player. It is a "smart tv" - so yes, all those online services, network access etc - but even if you dont need it - it does play everything in terms of files - it's very quick - and it's a replacement of your current player, so cabling etc is a lot easier.

People will disagree - but honestly for the "non techie" - a media pc with the likes of Kodi etc is just a lot of effort that brings a lot of frustration with it. Some files work, some don't, some audio codec issues, then some video problems that aren't "quite right" - for something that "just works" - you can't go wrong with a purpose built device. Not sure what your budget is - I paid around 3K for it - there is an LG version of it (it has less features, is a year older - but about R500 cheaper)

Have a look at the SSung website:
http://www.samsung.com/za/consumer/tv-av/audio-video/blu-ray-dvd-player/BD-J7500/XA

EDIT:

Didn't mention - but this specific player still has all the analogue connections as well - just in case your tv is so old that there isn't any HDMI... or perhaps you have an older amplifier that doesn't have HDMI, but does have the 5.1 inputs..
 
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IguBu said:
I Wouldn't worry about X265 - not for 4 years or so - its at this stage still early development, and the absolute ONLY reason for it - is to get smaller size files, but the "same" quality as for example X264 - it's more aimed at broadcasting/streaming - "less bandwidth" for the same quality - but it uses a lot of cpu...
Click to expand...

I have to disagree. More and more content is available in x265. I've reduced HDD space by so much already that instead of 2 x 2TB drives I can use 1 x 2TB drive and mirror them in RAID 1 for redundancy. Also there are $10 ARM boards available that support x265 hardware playback. Love x265 :love:
 
Jake45 said:
The Mede8er's are based on the obsolete Realtek RTD1185/86 family. These are single core MIPS based processors running at 750MHz. The latest Amlogic S905 processor is a quad core 2GHz ARM based design which supports a much wider range of video file formats/resolutions such as H.265, 4K etc. The Realtek chips might have better support for one or two features but overall the latest ARM based SoCs are far more capable and cheaper. Considering that you can purchase a current S905 based machine for <$40 from China including free shipping I think that it might be better to purchase a unit and test it for a few weeks to see if it meets your requirements and resell it if you are unhappy before spending a lot more money on an obsolete model. The S905 based machines support Kodi which will give you much greater control over customisation of your video library/artwork etc. There are also apps available such as Shou which allow you to record live IPTV streams etc.

Takealot reviews for 450X2
http://www.takealot.com/mede8er-med450x2s-media-player-with-wifi/PLID38528351

Amlogic S905 video formats
http://ugoos.net/ugoos-brand/AM2-8gb-Amlogic-S905
Mede8er 450X2 video formats
http://www.mede8er.com/mede8er_product_med450x2s.htm

A few of the more popular S905 machines (use free coupons to get additional discounts)
Beelink Mini MX 1/8GB (2/16GB option)
http://www.gearbest.com/tv-box-mini-pc/pp_258635.html
Beelink M18 (2/16GB with luxury aluminium case)
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Beel...th4-0-HDMI2-0-H-265-Miracast-DLNA-361657.html
Tronsmart Vega S95 Meta (Meta option 2/8GB includes VidOn Kodi with DTS-HD, Dolby True HD, 7.1 passthrough, 3D MKV, 3D BDMV, 3D ISO playback and BD-J menu navigation support - Telos option 2/16GB with SATA connection ~$100)
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/Tron...N-XBMC-H-265-HDMI2-0-Miracast-OTA-359701.html
Click to expand...

Wow thanks that's quite informative and exactly the info I needed.
Unfortunately however I need something with all the ports of the 450X2, not the standard android box minimalism featuring a single HDMI port and maybe a USB port.

Also I'm not a fan of purchasing from non-local websites and even then I only like buying from the sort of standard ones (Takealot, Raru, Loot, Wantitall) rather than bid-or-buy or just any little old thing that seems to have what I want.

IguBu said:
I Wouldn't worry about X265 - not for 4 years or so - its at this stage still early development, and the absolute ONLY reason for it - is to get smaller size files, but the "same" quality as for example X264 - it's more aimed at broadcasting/streaming - "less bandwidth" for the same quality - but it uses a lot of cpu...

I know you mentioned no "smart tv" type things - but it's a bit of a catch 22 situation - my advice would be to replace your dvd player with what I recently bought - new high end samsung player. It is a "smart tv" - so yes, all those online services, network access etc - but even if you dont need it - it does play everything in terms of files - it's very quick - and it's a replacement of your current player, so cabling etc is a lot easier.

People will disagree - but honestly for the "non techie" - a media pc with the likes of Kodi etc is just a lot of effort that brings a lot of frustration with it. Some files work, some don't, some audio codec issues, then some video problems that aren't "quite right" - for something that "just works" - you can't go wrong with a purpose built device. Not sure what your budget is - I paid around 3K for it - there is an LG version of it (it has less features, is a year older - but about R500 cheaper)

Have a look at the SSung website:
http://www.samsung.com/za/consumer/tv-av/audio-video/blu-ray-dvd-player/BD-J7500/XA

EDIT:

Didn't mention - but this specific player still has all the analogue connections as well - just in case your tv is so old that there isn't any HDMI... or perhaps you have an older amplifier that doesn't have HDMI, but does have the 5.1 inputs..
Click to expand...

Thanks that's also a good suggestion and yes I'd need those ports because the rest of my audio-visual stuff is that old. For the same reason I wouldn't consider a BluRay player though, too much cost for something I can't even get the benefit of.




Anyways I ended up getting the 450X2S seeing as the daily deal status on Takealot placed a time limit on me and there wasn't anything clearly better that also had everything I needed. Don't think I'll be disappointed and it will be exactly what I need for now (and I finally figured out that a 250X wouldn't have been up to the task) and the for now will likely go on for a few years yet. Unless this country suddenly goes HD overnight and I have to upgrade everything.
 
If "available" means - to download - then yes I have seen some episodes encoded into X265 - but that is only for some shows, If you have tried to ENCODE your own content to X265 I will be surprised. Simply put - it will take hours, days, weeks to re-encode - not worth it - hdd's are cheap :) Also - lots of problems with multi channel audio with X265... but I depends what you want.

You are basically making the same point - the only reason is to save space - but to get there yourself (unless you torrent) is not easy - also no commercial players - for example a blu ray player of the shelve - that supports it - yet.

Those ARM boards are not usable for the average person - for the Techie who plays with Rpie, etc - sure, but then you would be running your own linux box with Kodi etc - which I believe the poster is not interested in...
 
Will do. :)

Just a bit more about the encodes bit again the main source for the files that the media player will be playing are my own encodes from my own recordings most of which are Xvid, MPEG2, DivX, or H264 although I also messed around with some other codecs over the years. Not so much what's out there in the wild. And unless you guys know something I don't I haven't come across a simple (AutoGK/MKV or TMPGEnc or some other suite that will allow me to cut and encode according to my own settings within a few clicks) way to encode X265 yet so my files won't be using that anytime soon.
Anything more exotic is generally stuff the family wouldn't be interested in so there's no burning need for the media player to handle it and I'll just watch on my PC which is more capable regardless of what I get (K-Lite Mega or VLC + IPS monitor ftw).

And all those files are sitting on DVDs and external HDDs so there's no need (or even ability) to manage my vid library. They'll be fed to the media player via USB 2-4 files a time (or maybe later I'll decided to add a HDD and keep a few series on there but it'll still only be a portion of my library and won't require much management)
 
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Unfortunately I'll probably only get a chance to test it next weekend or even a couple of weekends from now (got some family stuff coming up that will keep me away from home for the next 2-3 weekends) so I can only truly report back then. But just examining it externally it seems like exactly what I wanted. I'm also impressed with the contacts of the box and how it all fits together (in other words I can actually reassemble the box fairly simply unlike the usual case where things just refuse to slot back into place). So so far I'm very happy not that that means much given I haven't even turned it on yet.
 
Forgot today was a public holiday haha. Anyways tried it out today and I love it. It's perhaps not loaded with whistles and bells but from unpacking to watching something takes less than 5 minutes and it handled everything I had on a random flash stick flawlessly and without lag. I guess eventually the lack of X265 will bug me but until I find the same thing for the same price (less than 2K although in this case I bought it on special for 1.2) with X265 that's just too bad. Haven't tried any anime on it yet though (in other words I don't know how well it does subs). I guess one slight gripe would be that despite setting the screen size a small part of the text still renders offscreen/is cut off by the screen edge. But for what I bought it for it will handle the jobs flawlessly.
 
SCHUMI-4-EVA said:
Forgot today was a public holiday haha. Anyways tried it out today and I love it. It's perhaps not loaded with whistles and bells but from unpacking to watching something takes less than 5 minutes and it handled everything I had on a random flash stick flawlessly and without lag. I guess eventually the lack of X265 will bug me but until I find the same thing for the same price (less than 2K although in this case I bought it on special for 1.2) with X265 that's just too bad. Haven't tried any anime on it yet though (in other words I don't know how well it does subs). I guess one slight gripe would be that despite setting the screen size a small part of the text still renders offscreen/is cut off by the screen edge. But for what I bought it for it will handle the jobs flawlessly.
Click to expand...

Changing your TV to "Screen Fit" instead of 16:9 should fix that.
 
I did...I think, and I also tried 4:3 letterbox but still it's slightly out of range. But thanks for the advice.
 
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