Setup with WD TV HD, USB Drive and Network - Is this possible? I can't unplug the USB Drive and hook it up to the computer every time i want to add media content so I'm trying to figure out a way to have the WDTV hooked up to a drive which is also...
1690211
There is a great forum for all kinds of WDTV information and help. They also have an area for hacking the player and using to play additional formats - including network support! Its at WDTVforum.com
1183200
This device cannot be put on a network on it's own. You would need to connect it to a Media Server on your network (Ex:PC, Mac, Roku....). You will need appropriate apps on your device to stream content from the Seagate though the Media Server on to your device.
1866318
Well, which is it? This question is critical. Can someone from WD weigh in? It's almost inconceivable you can't direct attach this to a computer via USB.
1708012
Yes, you can attach a hd external in this device with your videos, photos, etc...You can't put direct in your computer.WD TV works like a media center, access data from external devices (pen drives, HDs...) put in your USB.WD TV conect if your tv with HDMI cable..Easy, very easy...You don't need Internet conection, but if you have WD TV will download information about your movies, tv shows... You will have something like a Netflix in your home.Regards,Alex
1771700
Bob R.My new router has a usb connection, could that possibly used to connect an external HD for streaming purposes? ( I'm really not sure what it's for)Thanks
1232670
I don't think the USB port can provide enough power to run a hard drive. You might end up having slow rpms on your HD, therefore decreasing performance. If it's not plugged on the network, best way out is to plug a big-fat flash drive with your movies.
2041121
Depends more on the brand. I have a 3 TB Western digital my book essential. It seems to support it as it recognizes it over the network. Currently streaming via DLNA is problematic though but that is more of an issue with the firmware than the hard drive. I believe if you google the netgear webpage there is a listing of supported drives.
2047839
My subjective experience says yes. I gave the WD TV a try to compare it to the multiple WD TV Lives my family has solely for the purpose of playing content from directly attached USB drives. My experience thus far has been completely hassle free which is a vast improvement over the WD TV Live. I was worried when I attached the second USB drive to the WD TV and it didn't appear to be scanning for the content on the drive; I went to Videos just to see what was there and the content was already displayed (note that this drive had already been connected to a WD TV Live previously but it seemed to simply 'work' when I plugged it into the WD TV). My subjective experience says yes. I gave the WD TV a try to compare it to the multiple WD TV Lives my family has solely for the purpose of playing content from directly attached USB drives. My experience thus far has been completely hassle free which is a vast improvement over the WD TV Live. I was worried when I attached the second USB drive to the WD TV and it didn't appear to be scanning for the content on the drive; I went to Videos just to see what was there and the content was already displayed (note that this drive had already been connected to a WD TV Live previously but it seemed... » Read More My subjective experience says yes. I gave the WD TV a try to compare it to the multiple WD TV Lives my family has solely for the purpose of playing content from directly attached USB drives. My experience thus far has been completely hassle free which is a vast improvement over the WD TV Live. I was worried when I attached the second USB drive to the WD TV and it didn't appear to be scanning for the content on the drive; I went to Videos just to see what was there and the content was already displayed (note that this drive had already been connected to a WD TV Live previously but it seemed to simply 'work' when I plugged it into the WD TV). « Show Less
707097
Can you plug an HD Antenna into the back with a USB dongle & watch local over-the-air channels?- I have not tried it, but I don't believe so.Can it see/browse video files on a network NAS?- Yes. It was able to see my SaMBa share without any problems and play the videos there.
2113907
I think it should be a direct USB connection because it won't understand multiple external USB HHD or flash drives as multiple storages. It only works with a single storage device and it is really slow over network connections anyways. I tried 8GB flash drive and successfully set it up and used my PS3 to view its media/video files but if I want to fast-forward, it will fail sometimes. Also, the wireless connection will just get lost.
1649757
Sorry, but I don't know. I did try to add a USB drive and the router forgot about it's internal drive. I just had nothing but bad luck with this router. I still say I give WD 5 stars on their drives, but I don't think they should be in the router business.
95935
B. Meerdink, neither of the two information you brought are backed by the links you posted.I've been searching the internet for the same info D. Wong wants, I'm about sure there is no document on WD's website that will state which is the internal drive interface of "My Passport Essential" products. This is something only reviewers who have opened their "My Passport Essential" drives can tell us. Do you happen to own one of those? Have you opened it up?? Has anyone out there?
23535
Hello Kathryn,This cable never did work for me. I plugged it in and my laptop could not see the drive. Returning the cable was not an easy process so I just kept the cable. If your WD drive is less than a year old I'm sure if you called WD they would send you a free replacement if yours stopped working.
1713821
Yes, you can connect a USB drive directly or access your files on the network. I have downloaded Plex Media Player from the Google Play store, and I love it. It catalogs all media, download poster and art if available on the Internet automatically. Google TV comes with media player but I like Plex and Avia players from play store.
1773794
I read 10/10 on another forum, but whatever the real date is, it's sometime in the next 2-3 wks. It retains the same design as the WDTV 1, but adds Ethernet and composite outs. USB ports for external drives, as before. On the software side, it does DTS-downmixing, so that means the WDTV 2 will be a lot more flexible. No need for an audio receiver anymore.pictures and info: http://electric-echoes.blogspot.com/2009/08/wd-tv-2.html
1042056
Thank you so much for your response! You also answered my next question as to whether or not it would recognize external HDDs connected to the Mac.Have you experimented connecting external drives to the WD TV Live Plus directly through the USB? If so are you able to transfer files wirelessly from your Mac to the external drive?It's a shame the WD TV Live Plus doesn't have built in wireless like the Apple TV.
521220
I have no idea where these yes and/or maybe answers are coming from. Even if your router is one of the few with a USB interface specifically for hard drives (airport extreme is one), you can't call this USB unit a network hard drive. A network hard drive has an ethernet or wifi interface, which these do not have. The only correct answer is no, it won't work as a network hard drive. Are we all talking about the same exact Toshiba? Maybe not since Amazon likes to make changes and lump things together as one, but I doubt any in this series have ever been network capable.