iPhone 3GS from AT&T. Free ShippingWD TV Live HD Media Player
Manufacturer: Western Digital Corp. Part number: WDBAAN0000NBK
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you don't already own an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 and are serious about networked streaming, the WD TV Live is probably one of your best choices for getting content to your TV.
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CNET editors' review
WD TV Live HD Media Player price range: $119.95 - $149.99
- Reviewed by: Jeff Bakalar
- Reviewed on: 11/06/2009
- Released on: 10/15/2009
The good: Network digital media streamer; Pandora Radio built-in; Live365 channel; YouTube channel; HDMI out; two USB ports; digital optical audio out; quick, easy-to-use interface; includes composite and component wires.
The bad: No Wi-Fi.
The bottom line: If you don't already own an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 and are serious about networked streaming, the WD TV Live is probably one of your best choices for getting content to your TV.
The first few rounds of network media streamers we tested weren't necessarily recommendable. Sure, this was partially because most of these devices depend on Windows Media Center for connectivity and content, but we also had issues with their interfaces and performance.
Fast forward a year and it's safe to say that network media streamers have officially hit their stride. We recently took a look at Netgear's Digital Entertainer Live and really enjoyed its addition functionality beyond playing network-connected media. With the WD TV Live, Western Digital offers a very similar package with a slightly better interface and file compatibly.
The WD TV Live is nearly identical to the WD TV HD Media Player, which we reviewed earlier this year. The only differences between the two, and they're significant, are the WD TV Live's networked streaming and Internet playback features.
The unit itself is small and can either be positioned horizontally or vertically--but regardless, it won't take up a lot of room in your entertainment center. You will need to provide the device with power and a wired internet connection, so plan accordingly.
On the rear of the WD TV Live is an HDMI and optical audio out, along with a composite and component out too. Western Digital also includes most of the wires you'll need to hook the device up to a television except an HDMI cable. Also around back is an Ethernet port and one of the system's two USB ports. The other USB is on the side of the box.
Both USB ports read every storage device we threw at it, including portable hard drives, USB thumb drives, and card readers.
We really liked the slick onscreen interface that the WD TV Live displays. It's very intuitive and logically laid out. It slightly resembles the PlayStation 3's cross-media bar in which you shuffle through the types of media that you want to play. From within each category (music, video, or photos), you can then navigate from what source you'd like to play media.
While this setup is great, we do wish you had the choice to first pop into your USB device then pick out a file among various media types. That said, being forced to choose the type of media first, then the source isn't a huge hindrance. Other than USB drive, each media category lets you choose other sources such as network drive or media server; we'll outline these features a little later on.
In terms of file compatibility, the WD TV Live should have you covered for most of your playback needs. The list of file types is lengthy. Note the impressive amount of photo file formats; usually these devices only offer JPEG.
Audio: MP3, WAV/PCM/LPCM, WMA, AAC, FLAC, MKA, AIF/AIFF, OGG, Dolby Digital, and DTS.
Photo: JPEG, GIF, TIFF, BMP, PNG
Video: AVI, XviD, MPG/MPEG/1/2/4, VOB, MKV, TS/TP/M2T, MP4, MOV, M2TS, and WMV9.
We played several video file formats on both a small 17-inch TV and a larger 50-inch TV. If you're dealing with a small TV, the picture looks pretty good whether you're connected via the standard composite (yellow) cable or HDMI, though HDMI will always look better. When you start to step up to bigger TVs and try to blow the picture up, you're limited by the quality of the file you are playing. The less compressed, high-resolution files will obviously look better.
In terms of compatibility, the WD TV Live was able to play back all the video files we threw at it, including some 1080p film trailers. However, we had some trouble with audio playback from a couple of those files. In one case, the audio ended up playing back through the stereo composite cables but not the HDMI connection. In the other instance, audio wasn't available through HDMI or the composite AV cable. For the record, this was much more the exception than the rule, but don't expect it to play back every file under the sun. Of course, compatibility can always be upgraded if Western Digital releases new firmware that can be loaded automatically via the unit's Internet connection.
Overall, compatibility was noticeably more reliable than the Netgear Digital Entertainer Live.
The included remote control is small, but we really liked how it's laid out. It fits nicely in your hand and gives you total control over the system's every feature.
As we mentioned earlier, the WD TV Live separates itself from the WD TV HD Media Player by offering networked and Internet capabilities. You can stream compatible file types to the unit by setting up a shared network on a computer or utilizing a virtual media server. You also can use a NAS (network-attached storage device) which works great with products like these. While the Netgear Digital Entertainer Live had the PlayOn service built-in, you can still use it off a networked PC.
You'll have better success with source material that's hardwired to your router, but we were mostly happy with the streaming quality of most of the content we transmitted.
The WD TV Live also has some built-in services that work well. We were pleased with the quality of the YouTube channel and Pandora Internet Radio worked just as we imagined. The preinstalled Live365 application also works well, though your experience may vary with the type of stream you choose to hook into. There is also a Flickr service that lets you browse images off the photo sharing site, but we did notice a considerable lag when doing so.
Overall, we were impressed with the performance of the WD TV Live. It's ease of use, huge file-type compatibility list, network, and Internet functionality really extend its value.
If you don't already own an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 and are serious about networked streaming, the WD TV Live is probably one of your best choices. We'd have to recommend it over the Netgear Digital Entertainer Live because of its superior compatibility list, quicker interface, and optical audio offering. It's priced comparably at around $130.
User reviews
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Bad design
by dnnguyen on December 31, 2009
Pros: Many useful features in network storage and internet access
Cons: Lack of next/prev chapter functions is the worst thing in any video device. That put the device back to the VCR days. This is really bad design.
Summary: You can view video from various sources. However, it is like a VCR. Unless WD releases a firmware upgrade with the next/prev functions to support track/chapter skipping, it'...
Summary: You can view video from various sources. However, it is like a VCR. Unless WD releases a firmware upgrade with the next/prev functions to support track/chapter skipping, it's not worth buying.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Networking drops, No DVD file menu or chapter functions
by roadlife on January 14, 2010
Pros: Decent feature set and codec set. Was a good device eclipsed by competition
Cons: -- Networking issues. WD says they will try and address in upcoming firmware but they have had firmware nightmares and no progress.
-- Can't play DVD file features such as chapters and menus which competion can do.Summary: I think WD is being caught with its pants down. Competing products can playback DVD files on hard drive or network with chapter movement and menus and the WD can ...
Summary: I think WD is being caught with its pants down. Competing products can playback DVD files on hard drive or network with chapter movement and menus and the WD can not. Asus can, Syabas Popcorn and Popbox can, Seagate can and almost all the rest can. For me watching DVD type files is half to 3/4 of my use and so that is a significant drawback.
There are also network drops. I am not talking about network configuration issues, but the WD dropping connections when everything is properly configured. If your read WD own forums you see people who really know their networks, at a professional level, are finding the WD unit tends to drop connections to the home network, and I can say this has happened regularly both of my NAS and my WHS.
This WAS a good a good device in the fall, but the competition has moved way beyond it.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Does everything you want and need
by pocketneo on December 16, 2009
Pros: Ethernet Networkable, 2 USBs for any external hard drive make/model, HDMI 1080p up-convert, component, and RCA connection. Its small and fits anywhere. It has a cool interface and sets up very fast (I had zero problems!)
Cons: Although it can access the internet, it does not let you surf. It only gives you access to YouTube, Flickr and a couple of other web media content sites (some free)
Summary: After having looked at the HP media center, xBox, PS3, media extenders like Popcorn Hour, Sligbox, etc, the WD TV Live HD Media Player was all I really needed and ...
Summary: After having looked at the HP media center, xBox, PS3, media extenders like Popcorn Hour, Sligbox, etc, the WD TV Live HD Media Player was all I really needed and the price was still decent.
Who's kidding who, the ideal solution is one that is scalable and has an easy to setup interface that can be tweaked by those who want/need to, and has the most positive advantages over competitors. I didn't care for Blue-ray, so I was ok walking away from the PS3.
This unit played all the formats I gave it like mpeg, avi, DVD's video_ts files, mp4, mp3, etc). I set mine up on a network with 1 external hard drive plugged into 1 of the 2 USB-2 ports, an ethernet connection to my D-Link router, which connects to my PC which also and its own external hard drive. I played movies and looked at pictures from all locations with ease.
I like that the unit can have its firmware upgraded, and more so via the ethernet connection and a menu option too! If WD uses firmwares to improve the unit's features more in addition to whatever bugs happen, then that would add more reason for people to buy it. I like units that have a longer shelf life then having to trade up all the time. Only makes people like me look at competition. I'd be willing to pay a small price for upgrades that improve functionality.
I didn't care so much for the internet media content providers. Its evident in their user guide how much attention was put into how to use their services that you wonder if WD is making money off these program's usage when the account is a paid account.
What would make this baby the Mercedes in my opinion is a few things:
(a) Allow true internet surfing via your networked connection. A decent browser would make this experience awesome (firefox, opera, etc).
(b) Add a keyboard and maybe even a mouse support for the surfing.
(c) Improve the file display, allowing greater file selection display in some modes (like 30 files instead 10).
(d) Add a notation in their handbook or user guide for how to use other remotes other then the native remote which btw is still nice.
Overall, I give this unit a 2 thumbs up.2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not up to current standards
by NJDriver on February 8, 2010
Pros: Plays most codecs, but so do all the others.
Cons: * NO DVD file Menu or chapter support.
* Intermittent failure to find network shares
* Apparent abandonment of the player by WD
* problems and studdering with >25 FPS HD content.Summary: * NO DVD file Menu or chapter support. All the other players in he price range have it but WD.
* Intermittent failure to find network shares, also a problem not found ...Summary: * NO DVD file Menu or chapter support. All the other players in he price range have it but WD.
* Intermittent failure to find network shares, also a problem not found on other players.
* Apparent abandonment of the player by WD, no response on firmware, botched firmware updates.
* Known and documented problems and studdering with >25 FPS HD content.
Get any of the other products in this category. If you have DVD rips all of them an play them with chapter advance and chapter back except for WD. -
great device easy to set up and use
by GeovannyS01 on October 21, 2009
Pros: Ease of use. has detected all my music and videos and pictures.
Cons: I have not had it that long just got it today and really like it ... no sorry LOVE IT.
Summary: My configuration :
Onkyo receiver - Optical for audio
HDMI switch - for video
Harmony 890 remote control
WD TV live - using both HDMI and optical (i have an older ...Summary: My configuration :
Onkyo receiver - Optical for audio
HDMI switch - for video
Harmony 890 remote control
WD TV live - using both HDMI and optical (i have an older receiver with out HDMI connections)2 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Home made Blu-Ray DVR
by cpthook26 on January 2, 2010
Pros: Recognizes most media files to include Mpeg-4 & M2TS(Blu-Ray). DTS and DD also supported. Definitely offers a cheaper alternative to cable/sat company administered DVR's with a larger HD attached. A must for Home Theater enthusiasts.
Cons: Unless you have a LAN bandwidth extender attached, you cannot stream HD, Internet or even DVD without issues. I had to add a powerline wireless extender in order to wireless stream files successfully! Mini remote is not too efficient!
Summary: All in all a great value for Blu-Ray pirates who need a disc-less folder system capable of backing up large numbers of HD movies(30 or more with a 1....
Summary: All in all a great value for Blu-Ray pirates who need a disc-less folder system capable of backing up large numbers of HD movies(30 or more with a 1.5TB HD attached).
WDHD Live..$119 + $120 for a decent sized HD, definitely a cheaper alternative to insanely priced standalone Blu-Ray players/Recorders.1 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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An Impressive Multimedia Device
by iclark85 on November 22, 2009
Pros: Ease of setup, ability to play multiple video formats, beautiful 1080p rendering.
Cons: The addition of the ability to see hulu/fanspot/etc.. content and rent movies would, in my opinion, make this an Apple TV killer.
Summary: It took longer for me to plug the HDMI cable into the back of my television than to get the device setup. In 10 minutes I was watching video content ...
Summary: It took longer for me to plug the HDMI cable into the back of my television than to get the device setup. In 10 minutes I was watching video content stored on my mac that was in another room of the house. The WD TV live is initially slow while it searches any attached drives for content, but runs very smoothly after the search is complete. I had high expectation for this product when I purchased it, and it definitely delivered.
1 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A few corrections to the review...
by gregorymcdaniel on January 3, 2010
Pros: Works on an old TV. Noiseless. Wireless network option. Recognizes WMP playlists.
Cons: Works on an old TV, but fonts and screen layout aren't optimized for it. Known defect: logging onto YouTube resets the device.
Summary: ??compatibility can always be upgraded if Western Digital releases new firmware that can be loaded automatically via the unit's Internet connection. Overall, compatibility was noticeably more reliable than the ...
Summary: ??compatibility can always be upgraded if Western Digital releases new firmware that can be loaded automatically via the unit's Internet connection. Overall, compatibility was noticeably more reliable than the Netgear Digital Entertainer Live.? WD issued an update in December that bricked units, then withdrew it: http://community.wdc.com/t5/forums/forumtopicpage/board-id/tv_live/message-id/581#M581
?You will need to provide the device with power and a wired internet connection, so plan accordingly.? WD lists several current USB WiFi adapters known to work, so the wired connection is a soft requirement: http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3805#wireless0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Yes, it does that.
by 777-3 on December 28, 2009
Pros: easy setup
easy/intuitive menu/functions
web channels = pure bonus.Cons: still looking
Summary: I was using a xbox 360 as my media extender (not with media centre; I used media player for less memory usage.) I never loved that xbox set-up, but got ...
Summary: I was using a xbox 360 as my media extender (not with media centre; I used media player for less memory usage.) I never loved that xbox set-up, but got used to it. This unit is way better.
Bottom line: If you are wondering how to get your downloaded movies onto your new plasma/lcd TV, then ...
This is the device for you !0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This thing ROCKS the house!
by timzhp on January 30, 2010
Pros: I searched all over for what to buy to play all my ripped movies from my DVD collections. Now i just put them into my
thumb drive and choose select..and im watchnig my movie or TV show.Cons: shows nearly 99% of the encded file available. But enough that you will be happy it
was well spent instead of converting files to DVD formate 1hr later to view for the family. Just
plug and play.....working in 4min flat!Summary: Get it....save yourself the time i waisted on other products and considering putting a whole computer in my
family room to watch all these shows at night. You'll ...Summary: Get it....save yourself the time i waisted on other products and considering putting a whole computer in my
family room to watch all these shows at night. You'll love it!0 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Western Digital Corp.
- Part number: WDBAAN0000NBK
- Description: HD video, photos, and music - they're on your computer, your USB drives, and the Internet. Now it's easy to play a whole world of Full-HD, 1080p media on your TV with the WD TV Live network-ready HD media player.
General
- Product Type Digital multimedia receiver
- Width 5 in
- Depth 3.9 in
- Height 1.6 in
- Weight 10.7 oz
Audio System
- Output Mode Stereo
- Digital Audio Format DTS digital output, Dolby Digital output
Connectors
- Optical Digital Output Yes
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Supported Digital Audio Standards MP3, WAV, WMA
- Supported Digital Video Standards AVI, MKV, MOV, VOB, WMV, VC-1, XviD, H.264, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4
- Digital Storage Media None
Network & Internet Multimedia
- Functionality Digital audio playback, Digital photo playback, Digital video playback
- Connectivity Wired
- Supported Audio Formats AAC, MP3, PCM, WAV, WMA, AIFF, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)
- Supported Video Formats TS, AVI, MKV, MOV, VOB, WMV, M2TS, Xvid, H.264, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4
- Supported Pictures Formats BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, TIFF
Remote Control
- Type Remote control
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x ( 4 pin USB Type A ) - Side, 1 x ( 4 pin USB Type A ) - Rear, 1 x - Rear, 1 x SPDIF output - Rear, 1 x ( RJ-45 ) - Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio output ( Mini-phone 3.5 mm ) - Rear, 1 x Component video output ( Mini-phone 3.5 mm ) - Rear
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Video / audio cable
Power
- Type External
Manufacturer info
- Western Digital Corp.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Western Digital Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.wdc.com/
- Address:
20511 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92630-7741
