WD TV Live has some great features, but from my point of view it is still somewhat flawed. Currently, I switch between three devices (please note that this is a limited review, so I will only touch upon each capabilities and how I use them)
Apple TV with 160GB Hard Drive - MB189LL/A - great media support when combined with iTunes. However, it is not expandable, which is a pretty big flaw. It would be great if you could plug an external hard drive or USB flash drive. It has the advantage that you can rent movies, watch previews, use YouTube and Flickr. it is also the most costly option, but (as expected it works seamlessly with a Mac) and it is a wireless device - it has HD playback
Sling Media SlingCatcher SC100-100 Universal Media Player for TV - not wireless, limited media playback support and will not work with a mac. However, when coupled with a Slingbox you have the ability to watch a remote television. Does not have YouTube, NetFlix, Movie rentals, or Flickr Support. You can plug in external devices - does not support HD plyaback
Finally, Western Digital WD TV Live Network-ready HD Media Player WDBAAN0000NBK-NESN Open format that supports HD. Offers YouTube, Flickr and other support.... when combined with a PC and a service like TVersity you have nearly unlimited capabilities - including Hulu. Works great with media servers and allows you to seamlessly navigate your media library. Set-up (for me) was a bit difficult to set-up some will find it pretty difficult to use the advanced functions.. I had very limited success using WD LIve with my Mac - you lose the ability to content (including Hulu). Plays all media formats - AVI, MP4 and others. Supports Pandora and other music services (not too big of a deal for me since I do not listen to music through my TV). Unless, I am totally missing something the device is not wireless.
Final verdict, Huge advantages to anyone who uses a PC - and advanced Mac users will be able to set-up a external media network which will allow them to bypass their cable company DVRs - however, for me.... the WD Live is nice but not a necessity.
3 1/2 StarsGet more detail about Western Digital WD TV Live Network-ready HD Media Player WDBAAN0000NBK-NESN.
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