WDTV to WDTV Live...Early Review

rallyshark

As someone who has owned a WDTV for a while, I have really enjoyed it. I recently realized they come out with a "Live" version, so today I purchased one to see if the "Live" part was worth it. Short Response: Hell Yeah:D

It's basically the same unit with a network connection. It does everything it did before, if not slightly faster. The "Live" is just icing on the cake for me! I can now browse my computer and play video/music/pics etc. from my living room, and it works quite well. Granted, I could do most of that with the PS3, but not a s easily. It has essentially made my HDDs connected to it network drives as well. It DOES allow copying to the drives over the network, which was a big plus for me.

Anyway, it's short review, but I just thought I would bring it to your attention in case some of you didn't know it was available:)
Here's the link:
http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=735

rallyshark

I forgot to add that you can watch youtube, and flicker, and listen pandora and live365 with it to. Another plus is the fact that it can update the firmware over the internet! Mine did as soon as I plugged it in,lol!
I know many may not care, but I just think this thing is an awesome tool for the HT/music/gadget nuts out there who don't have the cash for a HT PC. Considering all the things it can do, I think it's a hell of a bargain at $120!
I shut up now:D

DeusExa

Thinking of replacing my WDTV w/a live..

rallyshark

Do it! Sell the old one on CL, or put it in another room:D Seriously, the "Live" part just gives you so many more options and uses. I say it's definitely worth the extra $30 IMO

DeusExa

The only problem is that wired is not a go for me because of distance (from TV to computer)...how is its wi-fi implementation?

rallyshark

From what I've read in the manual you can use it wireless. Apparently you just use a wireless usb adapter and set it up in the menu. I guess the downside to that is you lose one of your usb connections, and the speed will likely be a little slower versus hardwired. I'm lucky since my cable modem/wireless switch are behind the TV. I also have my PS3 hardwired now. I did notice an increase in download speed with the PS3 when I hardwired it versus wireless. I hope that helps man:)

thsmith

Thanks RAlly, I may go to the live. I have enjoyed WDTV in my system as well.

DeusExa, I have the same problem but since I already havbe powerline devices in a couple of other rooms I am going to add one to my system. They work great and better than wireless as you can stream HD content where with wireless is can be problematic. I will also add a 5 port switch for $15 and connect my DVR and PS3 hardwire.

rallyshark

I'm glad I could be of some help to someone, as I'm usually quite useless:D On a side note, the picture quality is really kickin' **** to. I dare say, it might be slightly better than the original WDTV to my eyes:)

polkymond

I am also considering one for my living room. Does it support RMVB playback? What about Podcast in iTune?

rallyshark

I'm not sure, as I only use mine to play .vob files for the most part. Something tells me that apple wouldn't let them do that very easily, but I'm not sure. The link to the product page at Western Digital is in the first part of the thread. I'm sure you can find the answer there:)