So far this unit has exceeded my expectations. My main purpose was to be able to watch archived videos from my upstairs PC down to the living room TV. But internet access to YouTube on the TV would definitely be a plus.
The unit came with the 1.0.1.10 firmware, and downloaded 1.0.1.11, which seems to be
working just fine. Obviously, Western Digital has removed the destructive 1.0.1.12 download that has been so hotly discussed in the previous reviews.
Hooking up the unit was a snap. Since I've used all the component video inputs on my current TV, I'm using composite which is fine since I'm not playing any hi-def with this unit yet. It is connected to my home network via Cat5e/ethernet cabling.
As described in one previous review, the unit was disconnecting from the network after 4 minutes. I used a workaround that was suggested to turn the network "Share WDTV on your network" on the unit to OFF. Since then I haven't had the problem. Thanks to that reviewer for your help!
So now the network connection seems to be working just great. I'm running Windows XP SP3 with an old Netgear non-wireless router (10/100).
The unit plays the videos (mpeg and VOB) from my PC's external hard drives with no picture degradation and no audio/video sync problems (although I have to admit I live alone so I'm the only one on the home network at any given time). I even have one anamorphic widescreen film on the hard drive and you honestly can't tell the difference between the video being streamed to this unit vs. playing the actual DVD itself. I am very impressed! YouTube access works just fine.
The few gripes that I have are some of the same ones brought up by the other reviewers: the clunky fast-forward menu controls, no option to turn off displaying the subtitle during the first few seconds of video, and no DVD menu capability for VOB's. The last one is a REAL problem for me since I had DVD's with multiple episodes of half-hour programs, which makes it real difficult to get the desired show.
Overall, though, I'm really happy with this unit. I'm hoping Western Digital makes improvements on those things that are lacking.Get more detail about Western Digital WD TV Live Network-ready HD Media Player WDBAAN0000NBK-NESN.
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