Western Digital introduces WD TV Live Plus

Last October, Western Digital launched the WD TV Live HD media player, and saw strong sales.

Today, WD has introduced that latest version of the box, the WD TV Live Plus, which adds built-in support for Netflix and MediaFly. If you are a Netflix subscriber with a $8.99 or higher monthly package, they can stream over 12,000 "Watch Instantly" movie and TV titles.

MediaFly offers podcasts from CNN, NBC, MTV and ESPN.

Just like with past versions of the box, the Live Plus will allow for playback of mostly all formats of video and music and pictures. Also built-in is support for Internet radio such as Live365 and Pandora. You can connect the player to the Internet via Wi-Fi or ethernet, and even stream content from your computer via DLNA.

HD playback is available up to 1080p.

Twice lists the compatible file formats, and you would be hard pressed to find a file you cannot play via the Live Plus:

Compatible file formats include: AVI (Xvid, AVC, MPEG1/2/4), MPG/MPEG, VOB, MKV (h.264, x.264, AVC, MPEG1/2/4, VC-1), TS/TP/M2T (MPEG1/2/4, AVC, VC-1), MP4/MOV (MPEG4, h.264), M2TS and WMV9 video format; and JPEG, GIF, TIF/TIFF, BMP and PNG image formats.

For audio: MP3, WAV/PCM/LPCM, WMA, AAC, FLAC, MKA, AIF/AIFF, OGG, Dolby Digital and DTS music formats.

The unit allows users to create playlists such as PLS, M3U and WPL and subtitle format such as SRT, ASS, SSA, SUB and SMI.

The player is available for pre-order with a $150 MSRP.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 9 Jun 2010 10:39

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9 comments

dEwMe

So is the thought if I own enough Netflix capable devices I will give in and join up? It's just not gonna happen...

Just my $0.02,

dEwMe

9.6.2010 12:53 #1

ntense69

still prefer my ps3 to streaming

9.6.2010 21:31 #2

netphemera

I've got 4 TB of movies on my external HDs. I don't pay for any monthly media services. I have the old WD HD Live. I see no reason to upgrade. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone on this site who thinks differently.

9.6.2010 23:18 #3

DVDBack23

Originally posted by netphemera: I've got 4 TB of movies on my external HDs. I don't pay for any monthly media services. I have the old WD HD Live. I see no reason to upgrade. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone on this site who thinks differently. I have the original model as well, but I think the Netflix and Pandora options may be worth it. That being said, I have not hacked my box.

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9.6.2010 23:34 #4

KillerBug

I would not pay for a streaming box, I have a PC, a PS3, and an Android phone...between them I can get any kind of streaming I might want...no reason to get a new box that does the same things, only not as well.

10.6.2010 03:22 #5

ThePastor

I have an original WDHD as well and wouldn't trade it for anything. It works fine and I hate streaming.
Personally, I think these video companies would do much better if they offered a "Download and play when you want" option so it didn't have to stream.
I could imagine a Netflix que that allows you to "download" up to three movies at a time for off-line availability (no streaming) Full on HD quality without the network lag.

When they start doing that, then they'll get my interest.

Unfortunately for them, all Blu-ray protections have been broken and BD rips can be found around the Internet, usually before the retail even hits shelves.

10.6.2010 14:43 #6

rick5446

With more MKVs coming out with all the different Audios,the live is a good investment. I have a WD & WD Live, along with the My Passport HDD 500 Gig.. Paid the same price for both ($199.00 W/HDD )

12.6.2010 09:18 #7

wazzat

Twice doesn't mention .swf or .flv file playback. Not too interesting.

12.6.2010 13:28 #8

IguanaC64

My Asus box supports FLV file playback...I watch some from time to time that I yanked off Youtube. Haven't tried any shockwave files, but I doubt they work.

14.6.2010 16:52 #9

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