AppleTV V1 user seeks Mac compatible alternative

[Parris]

I am currently using 3 x Apple TV (Version 1) units (they are in different locations geographically) and I am looking for a cheaper, HDMI ported alternative, which is Mac format compatible.

All 3 units have been hacked to accept external HDD units and I have stored my film collection on an HDD that travels from 1 location to the next depending on where I happen to be.

I'd like to get rid of the Apple TVs and perhaps go for something like a SumVision Cyclone, which only costs £18.99, but it's only FAT32 compatible and I need a unit that accepts Mac formatted HDD. I want to maintain my collection via an iMac / Macbook Pro, so I need it to be Mac format HDD.

Has anyone stumbled upon anything that might fit the bill?

I realise I could have 2 x HDD or even reformat the HDD and have it as FAT32 or NTFS, but frankly I don't want to. I would prefer to keep it the way it is.

Thanks in advance!

 

[next010]

WDTV Live, Lacie LaCinema and Boxee Box all support HFS+ (non-journaled).

You wont find support for Mac filesystem in many players, it's not that common I'm afraid.

 

[dante01]

Maybe easier to look at DLNA certified media players and use DLNA to access the media stored in a centralised location? You could keep the files on a Mac formatted HD connected to a Mac and still access them over a LAN via DLNA or you can store the files on a NAS that both your Mac or Macs can access as well as any DLNA certified devices.

 

[next010]

He's on the movie though so DLNA isnt really that viable. There is a USB device which could work via DLNA the Segate GoFlex Satellite but it's not worth it.