[jubblyray]

please can someone advise me the merits / cons as to using a ps3 with mediaserver software to play hd files off pc or using a popcorn hour c200 to play hd content
please be gentle i`m a noob to all of this.
cheers ray

[NX3]

I started with just a PS3 but got a Asus O!play as well. The o!play plays more file formats without having to transcode them. Using PMS my PC could do all that but it meant have the PC on to watch something from the NAS. Also overall it wasn't as slick or quick.

PS3 + PMS Server Software + PC + NAS = Good
Asus O!play + NAS = much simpler, just works....

imo

[next010]

The only thing on top is I'd add the PS3 has a slicker GUI compared to Asus O!Play. In comparison to PCH C-200 it also has a nice GUI but it is not GPU accelerated like the PS3's is.

If you dont want to be reliant on a transcoder running on your PC or remuxing videos so they'll play on the PS3 I'd go with the PCH C-200.

[NX3]

WDTV have slicker interface than the realtek based players like O!play. You've got options depending what's important to you.

[probedb]

Originally Posted by NX3

WDTV have slicker interface than the realtek based players like O!play. You've got options depending what's important to you.

But the PS3 has a nicer interface than the WD TV Live. I've got both but prefer the WD TV Live for streaming.

It has some irritating features like no dedicated buttons for info, subtitles etc but otherwise is very good

[jubblyray]

Thankyou for your responses , I`m going to get a ps3 for the moment well thats the current train of thought as for having the playing of blu ray disc`s facility .
The shelf is going to have to be adjusted and i`m going to put my old trusty denon 2900 in a box ,ps3 to replace it and also maybe a WD TV Live if i can fool the better half into thinking we need one
cheers ray

[Uridium]

BBC iPlayer and Vidzone service are useful extra's on the PS3 as well