Western Digital Media Player

wihogfan

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8993217&st=WD+Media&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=1218008588808

This was my Xmas gift this year.

It's not exactly a HTPC, but it's pretty cool and allows you to play media files directly from an external USB hard drive.

Pros: It's played any media I've thrown at it so far including Flac loseless audio files. The quality of playback is excellent. Has an HDMI output as well as a digital audio output. Price (the similar Popcorn Hour Media Tank that I've been coveting is more expensive and much harder to find).

Cons: Have to disconnect USB drive from the player and use a PC (or Mac) to transfer files onto the hard drive- doesn't have the networking and streaming capabilities of the Popcorn Hour. Will not output via HDMI and composite video output at the same time (have to choose one of the other).