Have been using WDTV but it’s showing its age epecially with Bluray content. Time to get an updated player. WDTV Live Hub seems great but the deal breaker for me is the lack of BD iso menu support. The NeoTV550 from Netgear that just came out supports it. Looks like they use a similar Sigma processor. It’s a shame that WD does not have support (yet). Hopefully soon with firmware update…
I’ve always assumed the Blu Ray ISO support was only going to be possible on an HTPC. But if the specs hold up (including support for HD sound) on the Netgear unit, this might be a very interesting alternative to both the WD Hub or a HTPC. However, I stream local content off of my NAS and am a little concerned whether the 10/100 LAN port on the Netgear will be fast enough. As it is, I have only had success by making sure both my NAS and switches feeding the Hub are gigabit.
Just wondering what’s the big deal of supporting BD menu? Don’t think it’s a technical reason. Is it mainly with licensing?
I don’t see a specific mention of BD menu support on the 550’s product page. Just a vague reference to ‘Blu-ray’.
The limiting factor on the Live units (and Hub) is the Sigma chip not supporting Java, which many BD menus require.
BD menus are NOT happening on any of the current WD Live products.
I found a review on Amazon.com where the author has experience with the Neo TV550 and he indicates ISO for BD is supported. On the negative side, he also indicates the menu system is complex and requires some “Geek” experience.
I just checked out the spec sheet for the Sigma 8642 inside the NeoTV 550 and, sure enough, it does support BD-J.
http://www.sigmadesigns.com/uploads/documents/bluray8642_br.pdf
Saying it has support for BD ISO is too vague. The HUB support BD ISO. ISO is just a container.
I see some comments specific to menus:
Some Blu-Ray menus require 1GB of storage. This can be a USB stick, SD cartridge or other attached storage device.
As well as:
Blu-Rays and DVDs play fine, audio bitstreams and menus work.
I realize the review author on Amazon is providing anecdotal evidence but he says “Blu-Rays and DVDs play fine, audio bitstreams and menus work.” Obviously I would only purchase one of these from a location where they had a liberal return policy.
Not beating a dead horse…I have to give the WD TV Hub for its design and the user interface. But NeoTV can clearly support BD menu. Some more links to support the statement. Note that supporting Blu-ray iso is not the issue. The issue is whether it supports showing the Blu-ray menu.
http://www.iboum.com/pr/netgear-neo-550.php - this site also has a list of all the media streamers with detailed specs. Netgear is the only name brand player that supports BD menu.
http://havetheknowhow.com/Hardware-reviews/Netgear-NTV550-Review-page1.html - again the reviewer is excited about the support of BD menu.
Again, I have to say WD TV Hub is a great product but it seems like there are always little things missing to make it perfect (another e.g. rmvb support that GoFlex TV can do as well.)
Off topic…hope the next Hub can let customer easily change the internal hd.
