When we were last in Vancouver (actually Richmond) we stopped into NCIX and ended up leaving with a new toy: the WD TV Live box for just under $100.
You’ve probably heard of Boxee or Apple TV; WD TV Live is similar. Basically it’s a little wi-fi unit that plugs into a TV and allows you to access digital media and streaming services like Netflix or Shoutcast (of course some like Hulu and Spotify are geo-blocked here but that’s another issue).
We bought it to use on the TV in the basement which doesn’t have cable and, while we were using it to watch DVDs, we thought it would be a useful gadget just for Netflix alone — we watch a LOT of Netflix.
It took us a couple of weeks but we finally plugged it in. Overall, the setup was simple enough, despite some online reviews to the contrary — I was able to do it without Mike’s help. I followed the simple graphic instructions (like IKEA, the manufacturer uses bold illustrations rather than text so they don’t have to be reprinted in every language), and as soon as it found the network, was prompted to download new firmware. Two restarts later, and it was good as new! Hehehe.
The box comes with its own remote control and the menu is bright and simple, allowing the user to choose from several categories of media (muisc, videos, games, or photos) plus services and settings. You can add media to the box, stream it from other shared drives on the same network, or plug in USB drives, but the real fun is in the “services” tab which is where you can access web content.
Most of the music and video services were familiar to me — Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo and Shoutcast — and others are new to me like SnagFilms which has independent content as well as public domain films and TuneIn and Live365 which are more radio stations. There’s also international content with Arabic and Indian services MyTV and YuppTV and sports (most live) through XOS College Sports, MLB Live (premium subscription required), Red Bull TV and SEC Digital Network.
We haven’t actually tried most of these but did load Netflix to make sure it worked and Kiddo was beyond excited to find YouTube available. I may also download the app which allows any smartphone (iOS or Android) to be a controller. Mostly though, I will use it for Netflix (while crafting) or music streaming (great for workouts), and it gives Kiddo more choices while she’s downstairs. Worth $100? Probably. Ask me again in a month or two.