Std-Def/Hi-Def: Media Streaming Devices

SeeMoreDigital · 5th January 2005, 21:05

I don't know about you guys but I've got a feeling that this year, we are all going to see a lot of activity with regard to "media streaming devices"!

ie: Devices that connect directly to your TV and/or PC monitor!

With this in mind, some of you may be interested in the following: -

The ADS Media-Link, even offers component video and electrical digital outputs: -

The Sony VGP-MR100, incorporates a high-def Sigma EM8620L chip-set: -

http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/vaio/acc/acc.cfm?pd=19898

Cheers

gircobain · 5th January 2005, 22:24

Cool as

Any idea what range of prices are these devices coming out at?

SeeMoreDigital · 5th January 2005, 22:26

Quote:

Originally posted by gircobain
Cool as

Any idea what range of prices are these devices coming out at?

Around $200.00 (£200.00) for the ADS. I don't know about the Sony!

Cheers

SeeMoreDigital · 10th January 2005, 22:21

Just to wet your appetites a little more... It seems as though the European version of the ADS device comes with DVI and optical digital outputs

It uses Sigma's EM851x chip-set which is capable of supporting AAC-LC audio, so in theory, it should be able to handle Mpeg4/AAC in MP4 files. Here's a link to a French web site that contains a little more information: -

http://www.repaire.net/site/diffusio...link/index.php

... I think you'll get the idea!

Cheers

Stratego · 12th January 2005, 02:46

Any idea if this device could play 720p or 1080i mpeg2 files or even "hires" avi files ?

It probably has to actually decode everything going through the network so I guess the answer will be negative. In that case, does anyone know of any media streaming device capable of streaming HD mpeg2 and mpeg4 ?

SeeMoreDigital · 12th January 2005, 12:37

Quote:

Originally posted by Stratego
Any idea if this device could play 720p or 1080i mpeg2 files or even "hires" avi files ?

No it can't....

As I mentioned, the device incorporates a Sigma chip-set, which processes/decodes all the media data. This particular make/model of chip-set can only cope with: -

Quote:

MPEG-1, MPEG-2 MP@ML, MPEG-4 ASP@L5* video decoding

Which means, a maximum "input" pixel size of 720x576 414,720 total) pixels!

When it comes to high-def, Sigma currently produce an EM8620 chip-set, but as far as I know, it's not yet available within a media streaming device!

Cheers

musicnyman · 24th January 2005, 22:33

i've tried both the pinnacle showcenter and the d-link dsm-320, and they both do a horrible job at playing xvid/divx(mpeg-4) files smoothly on the tv. When i stream them via ethernet on these devices (so network/bandwidth shouldn't be a problem), it seems like it's missing some frames from the 23 frames per second it should be playing, especially in high motion/pan scenes. i'm pretty sure the showcenter uses a sigma chip, don't know what model/type, but i was hoping it would fix the problems with choppy playback of xvid files on the d-link. it helped, but it's not 100% smooth.

anyone had any hands on experience with ADS? how do 1.5 gig Xvid/Divx files look?

anyone else have any good media streaming devices they have had some good luck with and can play mpeg4 files smoothly?

--- addition
found the model on the web:

Pinnacle integrated into the ShowCenter the modern chip Sigma Design REALmagic EM 8551

SeeMoreDigital · 24th January 2005, 22:54

Hi musicnyman,

There's a guy over on the 8dims forum who has a couple of the ADS devices..... Maybe you could ask him to confirm some of your queeries/problems.

Please look here: http://8dim.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2213

Cheers

musicnyman · 24th January 2005, 23:49

kewl thanks,

i can't register on that forum for some reason. just goes in a loop when i hit "agree". i'll check it later.

also, looks like the US version doesn't have optical out yet right? that would be a requirement for me. no news on when that french reviewed box is coming to the US yet right?

and i saw your HD posts on the new sigma chip. going to have to wait for a good stable box for that one

might as well wait for a good box that will do xvid/divx HD content as well as smooth xvid/divx playback.

thanks!

SeeMoreDigital · 25th January 2005, 00:01

Normally you guys in the US get all the fancy tools before we do in the EU.... but it looks like we've out done you on the ADS Media Server

When it comes to the high-def/res Sigma chip-sets (developement kits), I'm inclined to agree with you... They don't appear to be stable enough/reliable enough for my tastes either

... which is a great shame!

Cheers

SeeMoreDigital · 28th February 2005, 14:43

Direct Zensinic web site link: http://www.ziova.com/z400.php

Cheers

SeeMoreDigital · 10th March 2005, 19:48

I received one of these ADS Media-Link MXL-581 devices a couple of days ago and have had it hooked up in our kitchen to a 15" LCD TV/PC screen and micro hi-fi unit... and I have to say my first impressions are very encouraging

For those of you with large collections of iTunes audio tracks (AAC .m4a) sitting on your PC/server, you might like to know that such tracks can be played back perfectly...

Mpeg4 video in the .AVI and .MP4 container are also supported... I will do some more tests. And if any of you would like me to test some files, please let me know?

Cheers

SeeMoreDigital · 11th April 2005, 14:21

As reported in this thread Pinnacle Systems have launched their std-def/high-def media streaming device.

Proposed costs in the UK should be around £200.00

Cheers

musicnyman · 14th April 2005, 23:26

i've decided to leave pinnacle with all the problems and no support and bought a buffalo linktheater instead...i'll compare

SeeMoreDigital · 12th July 2005, 17:06

In case some of you are interested.... and why not!

I've posted some test results for this device here.

Cheers

SBaT · 1st August 2005, 13:44

Buffalo looked really promising untill I found out that it dosent have any HDMI/DVI connector

.

spiderman123 · 6th September 2005, 17:51

Hi seemore digital

firstly thanks for all your info i'm new to the game but have found it very handy

where did you buy yours from and how do you rate it against snazio and other prods
tanxs

spiderman123 · 11th September 2005, 02:24

hi ya
i'd appreciate any feedback from anyone who bought the ads tech media link
cheers

SeeMoreDigital · 11th September 2005, 10:05

Sorry Spidey,

You should be able to obtain the ADS Media-Link from Dabs.com. It's quite a basic media serving device, built around one of Sigma's "std-def" capable chip-sets..... It's a very stable, small, neat looking device, with bags of connectivity along with EtherNet and wireless networking connectivity.

However, the remote control is awful, and ADS are not very communicative with their customers.... hence... no firmware upgrades since launch!

SnaZio on the other hand sell two devices built around one of Sigma's "high-def" capable chip-sets, the EM8620L.....

The first device, the SnaZio SZ1350 is fitted with a CD/DVD-ROM drive. The second device, SnaZio SZ1350 is a media server. Both offer virtually the same level of connectivity. ie: composite, s-video, component and DVI outputs for the video along with 2Ch/6Ch analogue RCA/phono and S/PDIF outputs for the audio. Plus EtherNet and wireless networking.

As new products go the SnaZio's have caused quite some excitement and appear to be better products than their immediate rivals, ie: I-O DATA's AVLP2 and Buffalo's Link-Theater.

But.... your choice will depend on what you want from such devices ofcourse.... and I can't help you with that

There will be other devices appearing very soon, including Zensonic's Z500 which will offer NeroDigital certification, SMB sharing, HDMI (with HDCP), FLAC audio playback and hopefully Matroska container support (via a firmware upgrade after launch).

Hope this helps....

spiderman123 · 12th September 2005, 00:12

i know what you mean about ADS i've emailed 4 time last week enquiring as to where i could buy one (DABS are out of stock and not getting any more in).
i think i'll wait for the snazzio to drop.

i've bought a 2nd hand kiss 1504 for £70 so that will do until then.

i don't have a hi def plasma yet or any media so theirs no point in buying the snazio yet

shame about the ADS player, its so frustating to see companies come out with great products and then lose the plot.
kiss is a good example the software that comes with it is pants yet some guy in his spare time has wriiten something far superior ( EzLinkNG)

thanks for the advice guys

5th January 2005, 21:05	#1 \| Link
SeeMoreDigital Life looks better in HDTV Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: UK Posts: 10,026	Std-Def/Hi-Def: Media Streaming Devices I don't know about you guys but I've got a feeling that this year, we are all going to see a lot of activity with regard to "media streaming devices"! ie: Devices that connect directly to your TV and/or PC monitor! With this in mind, some of you may be interested in the following: - The ADS Media-Link, even offers component video and electrical digital outputs: - The Sony VGP-MR100, incorporates a high-def Sigma EM8620L chip-set: - http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/vaio/acc/acc.cfm?pd=19898 Cheers __________________ Still confused about anamorphic images? Then look here! \| Main Encoding Interests: Hardware device playback \| My Gear \| Last edited by SeeMoreDigital; 3rd January 2007 at 13:01.

10th January 2005, 22:21	#4 \| Link
SeeMoreDigital Life looks better in HDTV Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: UK Posts: 10,026	ADS MediaLink - European version Just to wet your appetites a little more... It seems as though the European version of the ADS device comes with DVI and optical digital outputs It uses Sigma's EM851x chip-set which is capable of supporting AAC-LC audio, so in theory, it should be able to handle Mpeg4/AAC in MP4 files. Here's a link to a French web site that contains a little more information: - http://www.repaire.net/site/diffusio...link/index.php ... I think you'll get the idea! Cheers __________________ Still confused about anamorphic images? Then look here! \| Main Encoding Interests: Hardware device playback \| My Gear \| Last edited by SeeMoreDigital; 18th March 2005 at 16:27.

24th January 2005, 22:33	#7 \| Link
musicnyman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 146	i've tried both the pinnacle showcenter and the d-link dsm-320, and they both do a horrible job at playing xvid/divx(mpeg-4) files smoothly on the tv. When i stream them via ethernet on these devices (so network/bandwidth shouldn't be a problem), it seems like it's missing some frames from the 23 frames per second it should be playing, especially in high motion/pan scenes. i'm pretty sure the showcenter uses a sigma chip, don't know what model/type, but i was hoping it would fix the problems with choppy playback of xvid files on the d-link. it helped, but it's not 100% smooth. anyone had any hands on experience with ADS? how do 1.5 gig Xvid/Divx files look? anyone else have any good media streaming devices they have had some good luck with and can play mpeg4 files smoothly? --- addition found the model on the web: Pinnacle integrated into the ShowCenter the modern chip Sigma Design REALmagic EM 8551 Last edited by musicnyman; 24th January 2005 at 22:36.

24th January 2005, 22:54	#8 \| Link
SeeMoreDigital Life looks better in HDTV Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: UK Posts: 10,026	Hi musicnyman, There's a guy over on the 8dims forum who has a couple of the ADS devices..... Maybe you could ask him to confirm some of your queeries/problems. Please look here: http://8dim.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2213 Cheers __________________ Still confused about anamorphic images? Then look here! \| Main Encoding Interests: Hardware device playback \| My Gear \|

25th January 2005, 00:01	#10 \| Link
SeeMoreDigital Life looks better in HDTV Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: UK Posts: 10,026	Normally you guys in the US get all the fancy tools before we do in the EU.... but it looks like we've out done you on the ADS Media Server When it comes to the high-def/res Sigma chip-sets (developement kits), I'm inclined to agree with you... They don't appear to be stable enough/reliable enough for my tastes either ... which is a great shame! Cheers __________________ Still confused about anamorphic images? Then look here! \| Main Encoding Interests: Hardware device playback \| My Gear \|

5th January 2005, 22:24	#2 \| Link
gircobain Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Brasil Posts: 221	Cool as Any idea what range of prices are these devices coming out at?

12th January 2005, 02:46	#5 \| Link
Stratego Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 2	Any idea if this device could play 720p or 1080i mpeg2 files or even "hires" avi files ? It probably has to actually decode everything going through the network so I guess the answer will be negative. In that case, does anyone know of any media streaming device capable of streaming HD mpeg2 and mpeg4 ?

24th January 2005, 23:49	#9 \| Link
musicnyman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 146	kewl thanks, i can't register on that forum for some reason. just goes in a loop when i hit "agree". i'll check it later. also, looks like the US version doesn't have optical out yet right? that would be a requirement for me. no news on when that french reviewed box is coming to the US yet right? and i saw your HD posts on the new sigma chip. going to have to wait for a good stable box for that one might as well wait for a good box that will do xvid/divx HD content as well as smooth xvid/divx playback. thanks!

28th February 2005, 14:43	#11 \| Link
SeeMoreDigital Life looks better in HDTV Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: UK Posts: 10,026	The Zensonic Z400 Digital Network Media Player Direct Zensinic web site link: http://www.ziova.com/z400.php Cheers __________________ Still confused about anamorphic images? Then look here! \| Main Encoding Interests: Hardware device playback \| My Gear \| Last edited by SeeMoreDigital; 9th March 2007 at 18:48.

10th March 2005, 19:48	#12 \| Link
SeeMoreDigital Life looks better in HDTV Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: UK Posts: 10,026	ADS Media-Link MXL-581 I received one of these ADS Media-Link MXL-581 devices a couple of days ago and have had it hooked up in our kitchen to a 15" LCD TV/PC screen and micro hi-fi unit... and I have to say my first impressions are very encouraging For those of you with large collections of iTunes audio tracks (AAC .m4a) sitting on your PC/server, you might like to know that such tracks can be played back perfectly... Mpeg4 video in the .AVI and .MP4 container are also supported... I will do some more tests. And if any of you would like me to test some files, please let me know? Cheers __________________ Still confused about anamorphic images? Then look here! \| Main Encoding Interests: Hardware device playback \| My Gear \| Last edited by SeeMoreDigital; 11th April 2005 at 14:22.

11th April 2005, 14:21	#13 \| Link
SeeMoreDigital Life looks better in HDTV Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: UK Posts: 10,026	Pinnacle ShowCenter 200 As reported in this thread Pinnacle Systems have launched their std-def/high-def media streaming device. Proposed costs in the UK should be around £200.00 Cheers __________________ Still confused about anamorphic images? Then look here! \| Main Encoding Interests: Hardware device playback \| My Gear \|

14th April 2005, 23:26	#14 \| Link
musicnyman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 146	i've decided to leave pinnacle with all the problems and no support and bought a buffalo linktheater instead...i'll compare

12th July 2005, 17:06	#15 \| Link
SeeMoreDigital Life looks better in HDTV Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: UK Posts: 10,026	ADS Media-Link Test Results In case some of you are interested.... and why not! I've posted some test results for this device here. Cheers __________________ Still confused about anamorphic images? Then look here! \| Main Encoding Interests: Hardware device playback \| My Gear \|

1st August 2005, 13:44	#16 \| Link
SBaT Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 22	Buffalo looked really promising untill I found out that it dosent have any HDMI/DVI connector .

6th September 2005, 17:51	#17 \| Link
spiderman123 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6	Hi seemore digital firstly thanks for all your info i'm new to the game but have found it very handy where did you buy yours from and how do you rate it against snazio and other prods tanxs

11th September 2005, 02:24	#18 \| Link
spiderman123 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6	hi ya i'd appreciate any feedback from anyone who bought the ads tech media link cheers

11th September 2005, 10:05	#19 \| Link
SeeMoreDigital Life looks better in HDTV Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: UK Posts: 10,026	Sorry Spidey, You should be able to obtain the ADS Media-Link from Dabs.com. It's quite a basic media serving device, built around one of Sigma's "std-def" capable chip-sets..... It's a very stable, small, neat looking device, with bags of connectivity along with EtherNet and wireless networking connectivity. However, the remote control is awful, and ADS are not very communicative with their customers.... hence... no firmware upgrades since launch! SnaZio on the other hand sell two devices built around one of Sigma's "high-def" capable chip-sets, the EM8620L..... The first device, the SnaZio SZ1350 is fitted with a CD/DVD-ROM drive. The second device, SnaZio SZ1350 is a media server. Both offer virtually the same level of connectivity. ie: composite, s-video, component and DVI outputs for the video along with 2Ch/6Ch analogue RCA/phono and S/PDIF outputs for the audio. Plus EtherNet and wireless networking. As new products go the SnaZio's have caused quite some excitement and appear to be better products than their immediate rivals, ie: I-O DATA's AVLP2 and Buffalo's Link-Theater. But.... your choice will depend on what you want from such devices ofcourse.... and I can't help you with that There will be other devices appearing very soon, including Zensonic's Z500 which will offer NeroDigital certification, SMB sharing, HDMI (with HDCP), FLAC audio playback and hopefully Matroska container support (via a firmware upgrade after launch). Hope this helps.... __________________ Still confused about anamorphic images? Then look here! \| Main Encoding Interests: Hardware device playback \| My Gear \|

12th September 2005, 00:12	#20 \| Link
spiderman123 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6	i know what you mean about ADS i've emailed 4 time last week enquiring as to where i could buy one (DABS are out of stock and not getting any more in). i think i'll wait for the snazzio to drop. i've bought a 2nd hand kiss 1504 for £70 so that will do until then. i don't have a hi def plasma yet or any media so theirs no point in buying the snazio yet shame about the ADS player, its so frustating to see companies come out with great products and then lose the plot. kiss is a good example the software that comes with it is pants yet some guy in his spare time has wriiten something far superior ( EzLinkNG) thanks for the advice guys

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