Thread: How do you watch your Movies and TV Shows?

I'm curious how everyone watches the content they download?

Back in the day an Xbox running XBMC was the best solution imo. You could throw any format at it, even bin/iso/rar. With the advent of HD it has become obsolete now though.



This generation of consoles have limited playback features, so to use them you have to convert/re-encode some formats or run a streaming app on your PC such as PS3 Media Centre or TVersity. There is also WMP media sharing for streaming compatible formats, and you can use the Xbox 360 as a Media Centre Extender.

Aside from consoles, you have a host of dedicated players like boxee, wdlive, freeagent, etc as well as using a HTPC. There is also the old fashioned way of burning things to disc and using your dvd/bluray player if it supports it.

Last but not least, some people simply watch it on their PC. A major argument in any 16x9 vs 16x10 panel debate is 16x9 displays all widescreen content borderless, so I'm sure a lot of people do this.

So, what is your preference?

Hey there! I agree with you completely that consoles limit video playback in a lot of ways. Since my PS3 is in my bedroom (and xbox360 is wwaaayyyy out in the living room lol) I usually use my PS3 to play everything from my external hard drive. Xbox360 stays in the living room for when I want to migrate and works just about the same in my opinion. I found the Wii not so great on the video playback but can be used in emergencies. Sad bit is that I cannot play mkv on any of the above without muxing - very quick - but if it's softsubbed have to completely re-encode it to something playable with hardsubs - longer. I don't like most streaming options, probably because my network is not wired so it can get a little laggy.

I will be getting the boxee box for Christmas. I chose this one because I thought the interface was very attractive and it had the most playback options, including those pesky mkv's. I have heard good things about the WDlive as well and almost got that one instead.

I have not the patience to burn DVDs. :3

I'm using mini HTPC w/ MediaBrowser in my living room and I think HTPC is best solution IMO, because it could play almost anything. On the other hand, console or others device usually have some codec compatibility problems once in awhile but I do use my PS3 and MG-350HD as a playback device in my bedroom and game room.

I generally stream stuff from my NAS--->Computer/TV via many ways..

VLC Stream on my PC Laptop--HDMI--HDTV
VLC Stream on my Desktop on my 22 inch 1080p monitor.

I do like my TV a little more (mostly the leather couch), but my roommate generally is on it much more since his computer sucks.

I have a nice little stop set up in my home theater cabinet where I can just set the laptop, hook up HDMI and power cables that are waiting there. And my NAS is hooked up to my WNDR3700 running DD-WRT, repeated from another 3700's DD-WRT hooked up to my cable modem.
I sort of have ridiculous wi-fi coverage in my house..lol.

I am using my Toshiba Laptop for streaming movies and others with HDMI cable connected to the TV.

The best way..

I am using my Toshiba Laptop for streaming movies and others with HDMI cable connected to the TV.

The best way..

I'm using a Popcorn Hour with HDMI to HDTV. This is very easy, and is compatible with almost every format. I guess if it ever breaks down in the future, I may get a HTPC...

I am watching movies with my HP Laptop.

42" BRAVIA V Series LCD Flat Panel HDTV and dedicated player when I'm not doing anything. Laptop when I'm washing dishes.

View Poll Results: How do you watch your video content?
PC + Monitor 3 33.33%
Console + TV 3 33.33%
HTPC/dedicated device + TV 1 11.11%
Other - please spcify 3 33.33%


is it just me or is it extremely odd that the poll goes to 110%?