Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player
Manufacturer: Western Digital Corp. Part number: WDAVN00BN
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While it isn't infallible, the Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player plays back a wide array of audio, video, and image files on your TV without the need for a computer.
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CNET editors' review
Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player price range: $89.90 - $109.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 02/13/2009
The good: Compact adapter allows for playback of USB-based multimedia files on TV; reads a lot of file formats; both HDMI and composite video connections; able to connect up to two mass USB storage devices at one time via side- and rear-mounted USB ports; up to 1080p output.
The bad: Couldn't play back audio on some files; no networking capabilities; eSATA, FireWire, or flash media reader options would've been nice as well.
The bottom line: While it isn't infallible, the Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player plays back a wide array of audio, video, and image files on your TV without the need for a computer.
There's an interesting new niche market developing in the media player arena as storage companies like Western Digital, SanDisk, and Iomega look for a way to tap the growing number of consumers who have multimedia files stored on their computers and want to bring them to their TVs without the hassle of PC hookups or network connections. In Western Digital's case, the product is the Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player (model number WDAVN00), a little black box that attaches to your TV and reads a variety of audio, photo, and video files. The product is designed to be paired with a portable hard drive that's loaded with media files. Naturally, Western Digital would prefer if you purchased one of its My Passport drives, but you can connect any USB mass storage device--whether it be a hard drive or thumbdrive--to the WD TV Media Player. The WD TV lists for $129, but it's widely available for $100.
The WD TV Media Player comes with a remote and connects to your TV via HDMI or standard composite AV cables (only composite AV cables are included, however). We tested the unit with both a thumbdrive and a couple of external hard drives; all worked without a hitch. While USB compatibility lived up to its "universal" name, it would have been nice to see additional connectivity options: FireWire, eSATA, or flash media readers (SD, MemoryStick, and the like). That said, those would've undoubtedly added more girth to the tiny unit.
You can actually plug in up to two USB storage devices at once and the content on those drives will show up in an onscreen menu system that's pretty easy to use. If there's a small knock against all these types of media players, it's that it takes a short while for the unit to initially recognize and load all the media files. It's not a huge delay, but you're not looking at the same kind of zippiness you've probably come to expect from connecting a drive to your PC or laptop and having the files show up in a few seconds (so long as everything is connected via USB 2.0). It's also worth noting that the stock thumbnail icons all look the same; there's no custom image for each thumbnail to differentiate the file icons. (You tell them apart by their titles.)
Western Digital assumes you obtained all your media files legally, but the WD TV Media Player appears to be rather inclusive in the types of files it plays. The device also ships with ArcSoft's MediaConverter 2.5, which converts photo, video, and music files into formats optimized for use on the WD TV HD Media Player. According to Western Digital, the player supports full HD video playback--up to 1080p--via HDMI, though 1080p files tend to be pretty large (5GB+). Our tests confirmed 1080p playback.
Here's the list of supported file formats:
Video: MPEG1/2/4, WMV9, AVI (MPEG4, Xvid, AVC), H.264, MKV, MOV (MPEG4, H.264), Subtitle SRT (UTF-8)
Photo: JPEG, GIF, TIF/TIFF, BMP, PNG
Audio: MP3, WMA, OGG, WAV/PCM/LPCM, AAC, FLAC, Dolby Digital, AIF/AIFF, MKA Playlist PLS, M3U, WPL
Aside from the lag issue when loading files, we were pretty pleased with the setup. 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 Media Player was able to play back all the video files we threw at it, including some 1080p film trailers that looked really good. 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 that the rule, but don't expect it to play back every file under the sun. We tested the unit with the 1.01 version of the firmware; Western Digital may add support for additional formats with future firmware upgrades as well (just download the new firmware and copy it to a USB drive to upgrade).
Owners of the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 should note that those consoles already do a good job of media playback (via USB or over the network), but the WD TV might have some key file format support that those do not. Likewise, dedicated media streamers such as the Popcorn Hour A-110 (which has built-in networking capabilities for streaming files directly from your computer to your TV, and even a dedicated BitTorrent client) or the Sling Media SlingCatcher (which supports file playback via USB) may be more full-featured, but they're far more expensive as well. They also include some degree of network configuration, while the WD TV is more of a plug and play device.
As far as direct competition, the Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link is less expensive ($80-100), but the WD TV Media player is the sleeker looking device and has a easier-to-use interface. However, the Iomega managed to play the audio without a hitch on those two files the Western Digital player had trouble with. Meanwhile, at the time of this writing, Seagate hadn't quite released its FreeAgent Theater HD media player, but the two products are very similar and carry identical price tags. We doubt that model will have any significant advantages over this one, so if you're in market for this type of device as a way to free your multimedia files from your computer, we have no problem recommending the WD TV Media Player. While it may not be without its kinks or offer networking capabilities, it does what it advertises--and does it pretty well.
User reviews
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I LOVE this thing!!!!
by dalemi on February 1, 2009
Pros: ? Easy setup
? Excellent quality
? Plays H.264 and MKV movie formats without conversion
? Relatively inexpensiveCons: ? No built in Hard Drive
? Have to physically move the external hard drive back and forth from you computer to your Home Theater System to download movies
? Stays warm in standby mode
? No HDMI Cable included
? Small remote contolSummary: If you download movies especially H.264 or MKV formats this little box plays them with no conversion and avoids the need to burn them to a dvd or blu-ray ...
Summary: If you download movies especially H.264 or MKV formats this little box plays them with no conversion and avoids the need to burn them to a dvd or blu-ray disk. You load the file on an external hard drive plug the external hard drive into the WD TV which hooks to your TV or home theater through an HDMI cable, or composite cables if you must, and you are good to go. The setup is as simple as it comes.
While it does show photos and play music to be honest I didn't buy it for that purpose and have not tried those features.
I have the WD TV hooked to my Home Theater System which has a projector with 1080i output and a 100 inch screen. The quality of the video and audio output is excellent, essentially the highest quality you can get on 1080i, virtually blu-ray quality. The WD TV is also easily upgradeable with downloads from Western Digitals website.
The WD TV is relatively cheap for what it does. Bottom line this is a great little box.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Reads a load of different formats, clunky, many flaws
by Gutterboy1 on January 3, 2009
Pros: When it works properly this product has a great interface reads nearly every video format is compact & easy to use & set up.
Cons: The device hangs. Is to hot even when in standy it also keeps the power running to the external HD in standy mode & needs to be turned off at the power socket after every use. The maximum working room temperature is 35C to low especially in summer.
Summary: I originally set the WD TV up using a HDMI switch using 1.3 cables to my Sony Bravia KDL-40X2000. The interface hung 1 in every 3 boots (it would ...
Summary: I originally set the WD TV up using a HDMI switch using 1.3 cables to my Sony Bravia KDL-40X2000. The interface hung 1 in every 3 boots (it would go to save screen mode after a while but the remote never responded until switching the device off & on at the wall socket). I then did some trouble shooting & dedicated the device to each HDMI port swapping numereous HDMI cables & updating the firmware but the problem only worsend to working about 1 in every 15 boots. This was all extremely frustrating to say the least. I went back to the store & swapped WD TV 3 times & continued the trouble shooting but had the same issue on all devices. I came to the conclusion that it could be one of three issues... a HDMI issue with the WD TV, the TV was not recognising the WD TV properly, or I just got a bad batch. Every other device I have connected to the TV works without fault including my Pioneers DV-410S with has DivX operational thru a USB port to external HD.
I was extremely disapointed as I like the product but feel it has been released to early & requires a load more tests & updates. I have read forums from other people with similar but not identical HDMI issues to mine. I beleive there may be a known error with the HDMI. I also read about a possible HDCP certified issue that may be causing these problems on some TV's.
The composite worked well even on my mother in laws 18 year old telly using a scart to composite converson box.
I ended up purchasing a Mediagate MG-450HD I have been testing it since yesterday & it runs very well but does not accepts slightly less media formats.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Gadget to play HD media files/Audio/Photos
by Athiappan on February 12, 2009
Pros: 1) Easy setup and play
2) Since there is no built in drive, no fear of becoming obsolete in storage
3) Plays most formats -audio, video and photo with very good quality
4) Compact in size
5) WORTH the Money spentCons: 1) No proper product promotion and manual
2) Does not use the playlist in HD recorded movies. Each movie clip need to be played separately.
3) The unit I brought required firmware upgrade to play ".mts" files (the file format in AVCHD cameras).Summary: It is a useful HD media player especially when there are very limited players available in the market to play HD clips (I think IOmega Screenplay PRO HD is the ...
Summary: It is a useful HD media player especially when there are very limited players available in the market to play HD clips (I think IOmega Screenplay PRO HD is the other available one). I have a HD TV and HD camera. Always the camera need to be connected and the files are to be copied to camera SD to playback and it is a hassle.
Even though i could not confirm about its capability to play .mts files before buying (Neither the product box nor the WD web page does not list this format), it did with some initial hitch. I had to rename the .mts files to .m2ts files (!!!). Later i upgraded the firmware and it worked without problem.
Then I had to struggle with remote to play each HD clip separately ( 1 or 2 min duration each). I got a solution. The .mts files can be combined using a free software Tsmuxer (try http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/tsMuxeR-Download-92743.html)
AND NOW I have an excellent device to playback the HD clips. In addition you can use your HD TV to play back high res. photos. Hence, it makes the HD camera, digital still camera and your mp3 collections more useful and meaningful (Enjoy.!!!) at relatively low cost (around US$120/- in middle east) when compared to the HD gadgets (I mentioned earlier) we possess.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Cool Media Player
by Birdman7 on April 20, 2009
Pros: This is a great device that enables you to watch movies from the thumb drive of this device. Set up was a snap. Once I got the hardware out of the box it took no more than a minute to set up. The on-screen menu is simple and easy to interact with.
Cons: Spent more time tracking down this media player in the store then setting up the device. It's not well know.
Summary: For the price of $110 this is a great product.
Summary: For the price of $110 this is a great product.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Cheap and powerful product, but it should be improved
by truling on April 14, 2009
Pros: - Capability of playing CD-quality sound files (FLAC) to hi-fi RCA connectors
- Full-HD TV playback through HDMI
- Easy firmware updates
- Playing from any USB driveCons: - cumbersome organization of files
- not continuous playing of sound filesSummary: The WD-TV can play a large number of video and audio formats, from any USB drive. It has 2 USB connectors, so it is convenient to have a hard disc ...
Summary: The WD-TV can play a large number of video and audio formats, from any USB drive. It has 2 USB connectors, so it is convenient to have a hard disc permanently attached to it, and left the other free for playing from a pen drive. I have read that you can plug an USB hub, but I have not tested whether it works. What convinced me to buy the WD-TV was its capability to play FLAC files, i.e. lossless sound files, since then I could rip all my CD collection and listen to them in CD quality trough my hifi system. Moreover it has a hdmi connection, and I could also see movies on my HD-ready TV. In fact it can play full-HD files, I would like to be able to use this feature in the future.
The quality of both image and sound is good (not audiophile, but excellent for the price). The design is elegant and the size is very convenient. The menu is simple to use. The big problem is the organization of the files, since when you have a large number of them is rather cumbersome. You can select music files by album, by artist, or navigate on the folders of your hard disc. But to select an album you have to find it between all your albums in alphabetical order, regardless the artist. If you have a large number (easy in a 500 GB drive) this is a hard task. If you select by artist, you find all the songs by that artist in alphabetical order, so mixing all the albums. It will be more convenient to find albums by that artist, in order to select one to play!
Other problem, which should be easily solved in a firmware update, is that there is no option to play continuously (i.e. without gaps in sound) sound files from an album. This is awful when listening to certain albums or to live recordings.
Of the video files I used for testing the unit, roughly one third played without problems, other third played without sound, and the other third didn't play at all. When I updated the firmware, those without sound then played without problems. Those not playing continued to not play. The unit came with a conversion software which I have not tested yet, I hope this will permit to convert these files into a compatible format, but I cannot confirm it.
In conclusion, if in a future firmware update WD solves these issues, the WDTV would be an excellent player of all types of media files. But for the moment it is not. Before buying this unit, I would recommend checking the release notes of the last released firmware version (which you can find in the WD web page) in order to check whether all these issues have been actually solved. If yes, then the firmware update is very very easy (simply copy the file in a USB pendrive and plug it into the WD-TV).1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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7 to 14 seconds to display slideshow photos.
by Mr_joe_user on April 13, 2009
Pros: Easy to use, sleek, simple.
Cons: I bought this to display slideshow photos to friends and relatives. The unit is supposed to be able to display pics at 3 second intervals but it won't. It takes between 7 and 14 seconds. This is unacceptable and WD was not helpful.
Summary: When I found out that the unit was taking between 7 and 14 seconds to display my slideshow photos instead of the 3 seconds that it is supposed to, I ...
Summary: When I found out that the unit was taking between 7 and 14 seconds to display my slideshow photos instead of the 3 seconds that it is supposed to, I went through a lot of time-consuming trouble to send it back to WD. You must fill out forms on-line and get an RMA number, box it carefully, print the RMA form on 3 sides, ship it to the depot at your expense, and wait. That's after communicating by email with their tech-support for a few days. Eventually I got a replacement which operated no better than the original. When I called about a refund they said to call the store where I bought it on-line. They didn't return the original box I shipped it to them in, so Tiger Direct will likely not accept it. I have several WD external drives, and I like them, but this unit just won't do what they say it should.... and my photos aren't huge files. They are bigger than most, but even WD says they should present no problem.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Elegant solution
by Pauliex on April 8, 2009
Pros: Small, compact, good looking box. Totally silent (no fans). Excellent picture quality. Works with all of my files.
Cons: - JPG picture viewer is very slow
- tracks not listed in order in mp3 albums
- icons are all the same - doesnt show first frame in movies etc.Summary: Cant go wrong with this. I was getting tired of burning CDs and DVDs to play AVI files in my DIVX-enabled DVD player. This is the perfect solution for me ...
Summary: Cant go wrong with this. I was getting tired of burning CDs and DVDs to play AVI files in my DIVX-enabled DVD player. This is the perfect solution for me - stick the files on my 4gb thumb drive, plug it in and watch away...
The small size is perfect for my set up too - fits in the little space I have in my rack.
I only wish it had a front USB port - I have to trail a USB extension cable out the back of the device to attach my thumb drive too.
An SD slot would have been nice too, but not a big deal, since SD->USB converters can be had for $1.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A must have addition to a big screen tv.
by DarkTrade on April 3, 2009
Pros: 1. Video format support.
2. HDMI connectivity.
3. Size.
4. 1080p capable.
5. Price.Cons: Can be quirky at times, needs to be restarted.
Summary: I have been waiting for a video player with the long list of features to hit the market for my bedroom TV set for a very long time (I use ...
Summary: I have been waiting for a video player with the long list of features to hit the market for my bedroom TV set for a very long time (I use an HTPC for my main TV). WD fits the bill quite nicely. It plays almost anything you throw at it, has HDMI and 1080p support and plays .ISOs (dvd disc images). I even take it in my minivan to use on the long trips. It had some problems at first, but WD is constantly working on improving the box and fixing all the known bugs. Did I mention the price? There are other alternatives on the market from a less known companies, but they're a lot more expansive. WD is one of my favorite hard drive companies and now they have another outstanding product on their hands.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Networking capabilities??
Pros: I could be wrong but who actually likes the idea of having thier computer ON so they can stream content to their TV?--I think the vast majority of people prefer the easy no fuss method. Some of us don't have big bucks like the whiny Cnet reviewers.
Cons: "Networking capabilities" waay overated--I'm very confident making this statement.
Summary: Love the product--this is what i've been waiting for.--I'm sold.
Summary: Love the product--this is what i've been waiting for.--I'm sold.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great little device!
by drewchips on February 16, 2009
Pros: Multiple format playback.
Easy interface
Very simple, yet elegant menusCons: This device does just what it says. It is easy to use and has no defects.
Summary: This device does exactly what I hoped it would. It makes music and movie playback via your home entertainment system, a breeze. It is simple to setup and can be ...
Summary: This device does exactly what I hoped it would. It makes music and movie playback via your home entertainment system, a breeze. It is simple to setup and can be used for SD TVs as well as HD TVs. Most media extenders do not support the older TVs. The remote is simple and small and has a lot of power as it relates to it's range and angle.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Western Digital Corp.
- Part number: WDAVN00BN
- Description: Combined with a My Passport portable drive (sold separately), this player is the most convenient way to play HD movies or user-generated videos, listen to high-quality digital music and show high-resolution slideshows of your family photos on your TV. Also works with popular USB drives, and digital cameras, camcorders, and portable media players that can be recognized as mass storage devices.
General
- Device Type Digital AV player
- Key Features Digital audio player, Digital photo viewer, Digital video player
- Width 5 in
- Depth 3.9 in
- Height 1.6 in
- Weight 10.7 oz
- PC Interfaces Hi-Speed USB
- Localization North America, South America
Display
- TV Output Resolution 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
Still Images
- Supported Still Images Formats BMP, GIF, PNG, JPEG, TIFF
Digital Audio
- Supported audio formats AAC, MP3, PCM, WAV, WMA, AC-3, AIFF, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis
Video
- Video Playback Formats AVI, MKV, MOV, WMV, XviD, H.264, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4
Connectivity
- Connections Composite video/audio output - RCA x 3, USB - USB Type A, HDMI output - 19 pin HDMI Type A, SPDIF output - TOSLINK
Power Adapter
- Type Power adapter
Software
- Software Included ArcSoft MediaConverter
Environmental Parameters
- Min operating temperature 41 °F
- Max operating temperature 95 °F
Miscellaneous
- Firmware Upgradable Yes
- Included Accessories AV cable, Remote control
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
