WD announces combined media centre and server, complete with built-in 1TB storage
Just launched by Western Digital is the WD TV Live Hub: it combinines a streaming client, capable of outputting 1080p via HDMI, with 1TB of onboard storage and the ability to operate as a media server for other devices on the home network.
It will play a wide range of media file types, including HD versions of .mkv, .mp4 and .mov. These can be streamed from other DLNA/UPnP storage on the network, loaded onto its hard disk either from computers on the network, or copied from USB storage devices via one of its two USB ports.
It can also play content directly from USB storage, as well as acting as a DLNA/UPnP media server for other network-connected devices such as TVs, media players, games consoles and Blu-ray players.
Facebook integration and YouTube viewing is built-in, along with access to a range of podcasts, and the unit has built-in Ethernet connectivity, or can be made wireless with an optional adapter.
As well as the HDMI out and two USBs, the unit has composite and component video out, plus stereo analogue and optical digital audio outputs.
It's available now at £200, either from a wide range or resellers or online at WD's UK shop.
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Comments
Would be good if it could categorise the videos like mediaportal. Otherwise it is just another player, and �200 is expensive for that considering you can get good ones with inbuilt 1tb memory for �80
Not that cheap, considering the wdtv live is more than half this price and an external hd can be bought very cheap as well. Good for people only wanting 1 box.