Kenwood, new AV/networked receiver

[Zimdvd]

This may make a lot of the which-player-plays-what discussions irrelevant..

http://engadget.com/entry/4696250848314683

(apologies if the wrong forum, it doesn't fit into the "players" forum)

Note, the link to the full article (from engadget) doesn't work for me.

Mike

[flaninacupboard]

they're kinda behind the times
http://www6.tomshardware.com/consumer/20040312/multimedia_players-04.html

and only $250.

[dun4cheap]

they're kinda behind the times
http://www6.tomshardware.com/consumer/20040312/multimedia_players-04.html

and only $250.

Actually I see two completely different items. One is a DVD player that streams while the other is a Home Video Amplifier that streams and powers the speakers. It is also a hub for a TIVO, VCR and DVD player. While I think the Kiss looks nice, I am more interested in the Kenwood version. Now if they added TIVO functionality with a TV tuner but this could be added as a separate component.

[flaninacupboard]

they're kinda behind the times
http://www6.tomshardware.com/consumer/20040312/multimedia_players-04.html

and only $250.

Actually I see two completely different items. One is a DVD player that streams while the other is a Home Video Amplifier that streams and powers the speakers. It is also a hub for a TIVO, VCR and DVD player. While I think the Kiss looks nice, I am more interested in the Kenwood version. Now if they added TIVO functionality with a TV tuner but this could be added as a separate component.

ok, take the kiss and add this http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/product.jsp?productTypeId=55&sortBy=price&pageId=2&productId=2602
and you still save $500

[LisaB]

So, your plan is just to keep all your divx video on your PC hard drive? I just fail to see how the networked receiver is really practical, that's all...

Ultimately, I would think most people want to archive their video files on a removable, transportable media, like DVD.

Flaninacupboard's idea is better...plus, you can use the extra $500 to pay for the German lessons so you can read the KiSS handbook and menu

[Suntan]

Or for $150 you can get an Xbox and install Linux on it.

-Suntan

[dun4cheap]

Actually even better you can get the Dlink Mutli Media Center for $199 which plays all the popular formats, xvid,mpg4, mpg3, mpeg2, mpeg1, jpgs and all. It has digital out, composite out, svideo out, remotes and more to boot. The idea behind this is I run a media server in my house, so I can install this device or in the future when the Home Video amps that hook up via ethernet are down to $200 I can go that direction. Its all about convenience, I can have a 100 cds or dvd floating around room to room, or I can access on the same content from different rooms utilizing 1 server. I don't know about you but I have enough cds and dvds floating around. The data can easily be backed up from the gigalan media server onto almost any media I wish. Plus at a touch of a button I have access to my music collection, homevideos, divx, ripped dvds, slideshows in a nice clean setup.

[flaninacupboard]

yeah, once 1TB hard drives can be had for 30p a gig i'm building a video server with all my dvd's and all my cd's on it. we already have wired and wireless networks so it'll be sweet.

[Zimdvd]

Learn something new everyday, will look at the other options.


Where is a good forum (here or otherwise) for discussions on the convergence of home networking/audio/video, etc? I don't quite see the appropriate category here at videohelp, tho I think its a great site.

Thanks,
Mike

[flaninacupboard]

Digital TV and Computer would be good. the AVS forums have stuff on HTPC's, but their site is splt into $level categories...... think the folks there take themselves a little seriously

If you ask you'll find there's plenty of people on here on the same path as you.

[Louis Knew]

"Ultimately, I would think most people want to archive their video files on a removable, transportable media, like DVD."
I don't agree. I think it would be great to have them all on one drive. Backed up of course.

[Suntan]

@Zimdvd,

Ask away, I am sure you will get answers (maybe not the right ones, but answers none the less) I second AVSforums as it does have a lot of info and it moves quite fast, but as flaninacupboard says you have to take it with a grain of salt.

@Louis Knew
I agree, having everthing available from the click of a remote botton does rock. I don't really worry if my media HD craps as I still have the originals.

-Suntan