My Secret Media Player REVEALED - Mediagate MG-25P
07-31-2006, 03:02 PM
#281
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I read in this thread that you can get the Avox unit from Fry's. Do they carry both the 2.5" model or the 3.5" model, because I have a 250GB 3.5" hdd that I could use. It checked outpost.com(I know they don't carry everything the brick and mortar store does) and it only showed the 2.5" model.
07-31-2006, 03:07 PM
#282
Originally Posted by jdeec
I read in this thread that you can get the Avox unit from Fry's. Do they carry both the 2.5" model or the 3.5" model, because I have a 250GB 3.5" hdd that I could use. It checked outpost.com(I know they don't carry everything the brick and mortar store does) and it only showed the 2.5" model.
07-31-2006, 03:43 PM
#283
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Originally Posted by lembowski
You could call your local fry's to see if they have it in stock........
07-31-2006, 03:45 PM
#284
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Fry's carries the Vantec AVOX, which is the 2.5" Mediagate MG-25P. They do not carry the 3.5" version. It's cheaper to buy the AVOX online than at your local Fry's. You'll save like $20-$30.
07-31-2006, 07:53 PM
#285
Originally Posted by datmrman
BigB2k5,
First, make sure you read this post.
I have yet to see the Mediagate MG-25N. I know its on the AL Tech website, but I have not seen it being sold anywhere.
The link you posted is for the Anyware HD-MG-25, which I believe Crook is currently using. He got his at Walmart. It looks like it is based on the MG-25P since it also has an IR extension port.
Basically, there are many rebrands on this drive and they run almost around the same price. I have a strong feeling that any of the rebrands will also run the original AL Tech firmware, which is usually the latest. A majority of members are running the Vantec AVOX. I can count about six off the top of my head. You can stick to what is known to work or go out and try a different rebrand. Just make sure it has all the features you want. Good luck!
First, make sure you read this post.
I have yet to see the Mediagate MG-25N. I know its on the AL Tech website, but I have not seen it being sold anywhere.
The link you posted is for the Anyware HD-MG-25, which I believe Crook is currently using. He got his at Walmart. It looks like it is based on the MG-25P since it also has an IR extension port.
Basically, there are many rebrands on this drive and they run almost around the same price. I have a strong feeling that any of the rebrands will also run the original AL Tech firmware, which is usually the latest. A majority of members are running the Vantec AVOX. I can count about six off the top of my head. You can stick to what is known to work or go out and try a different rebrand. Just make sure it has all the features you want. Good luck!
Now I am scard to order. Newegg emailed me and said it does not have IR port....
Also, manufacture emailed me again, the 25N design is what is changed, its compleate but they have not started production yet so its not for sell... Also, anyone think of trying to get a Group Buy going? I know the dealer sells in case of 10 but not sure on the price.. Site: http://www.anywareus.com/ Thats the link the manufacture gave me for the US ver. (this is not a rebrand, even though it is..)
07-31-2006, 08:05 PM
#286
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Go with the Vantec AVOX.
I went to the Anyware website and checked out the firmware. The link for their latest firmware v1.3.2 points to the AL Tech website.
I went to the Anyware website and checked out the firmware. The link for their latest firmware v1.3.2 points to the AL Tech website.
07-31-2006, 10:34 PM
#287
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Finally got my IR extender, and it works just as Fade said. It's the Gefen IR extender, and can be found here:
Gefen IR Extender
for $27.31 shipped. (I think it took 4-5 days for them to ship it from Cali to NJ.)
They also send you a lil pamphlet of what they sell and give you coupons too just in case you ever want to buy anything from them again.
Gefen IR Extender
for $27.31 shipped. (I think it took 4-5 days for them to ship it from Cali to NJ.)
They also send you a lil pamphlet of what they sell and give you coupons too just in case you ever want to buy anything from them again.
07-31-2006, 11:30 PM
#288
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Awesome! I'll add that extender to the first post so new readers will get a good summary from the first post. Its better than reading though this ongoing thread thats already 12 pages long.
So other the following car adapters work right? iRiver, Archos, Belkin XM (with adapter), and maybe the Sony PSP?
Updated thread to reflect new findings.
So other the following car adapters work right? iRiver, Archos, Belkin XM (with adapter), and maybe the Sony PSP?
Updated thread to reflect new findings.
08-16-2006, 03:59 PM
#290
Originally Posted by Laxplaya11385
They also send you a lil pamphlet of what they sell and give you coupons too just in case you ever want to buy anything from them again.
08-16-2006, 04:18 PM
#291
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Originally Posted by Kennedy
Hey Laxplaya, can you hook me up with a coupon? I'm about to order the same IR extender. Are the coupons "codes" you could post for the rest of us to use?
Coupon#: 09083612 - $10 off all orders over $60
Coupon#: 09083613 - $20 off all orders over $250
(yeah...the coupons aren't THAT great, but hey..$10 saved is $10 earned.)
08-16-2006, 04:39 PM
#292
Originally Posted by Laxplaya11385
yeah they're codes:
Coupon#: 09083612 - $10 off all orders over $60
Coupon#: 09083613 - $20 off all orders over $250
(yeah...the coupons aren't THAT great, but hey..$10 saved is $10 earned.)
Coupon#: 09083612 - $10 off all orders over $60
Coupon#: 09083613 - $20 off all orders over $250
(yeah...the coupons aren't THAT great, but hey..$10 saved is $10 earned.)
BTW,
Here's an OEM PSP power adapter NIB on the bay for $12 shipped if anyone needs it. He had 2, I just snagged 1. Good feedback I guess.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Genuine-Sony-PSP...QQcmdZViewItem
08-16-2006, 06:20 PM
#293
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by sunnyflava99
Just out of interest, will the Archos AV500 work in place of the mediagate?
The AV500 is a nifty little device and you can surely use that in place of the mediagate. It's a lot more $$ though. I haven't looked at the AV500 specs, but if it has video out and RCA connections, it shouldn't be a problem.
08-17-2006, 06:39 PM
#294
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Just a headsup for any newcomers to this.
You can get everything except the IR extender at Newegg.com com for pretty great prices..
I just ordered
AVX-100TXf or $85.99
Hitachi 120GB HDfor $99
Sony PSP Power adapter for $27
$236 total
I went with that specific drive because it was the best bang for the buck (160gb was $205) and it was low RPM so it should give off less heat than the 5200 RPM drives.
Now to find an IR extender.
Brian
You can get everything except the IR extender at Newegg.com com for pretty great prices..
I just ordered
AVX-100TXf or $85.99
Hitachi 120GB HDfor $99
Sony PSP Power adapter for $27
$236 total
I went with that specific drive because it was the best bang for the buck (160gb was $205) and it was low RPM so it should give off less heat than the 5200 RPM drives.
Now to find an IR extender.
Brian
08-17-2006, 06:46 PM
#295
Brian,
IR Extender: http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/p...2&cat=0&page=1
I shopped it hard too. Just order it, it ain't cheaper nowher else.
I got the same drive. It's pretty slow to load it due to the low RPM speed, but as long as your not performing 100G transfers daily, it's fine. Load it once and undate occassionally.
Ashame you didn't jump on the PSP power supply I posted yesterday for $14 from ebay...
IR Extender: http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/p...2&cat=0&page=1
I shopped it hard too. Just order it, it ain't cheaper nowher else.
I got the same drive. It's pretty slow to load it due to the low RPM speed, but as long as your not performing 100G transfers daily, it's fine. Load it once and undate occassionally.
Ashame you didn't jump on the PSP power supply I posted yesterday for $14 from ebay...
08-17-2006, 07:22 PM
#296
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Originally Posted by Kennedy
Brian,
IR Extender: http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/p...2&cat=0&page=1
I shopped it hard too. Just order it, it ain't cheaper nowher else.
I got the same drive. It's pretty slow to load it due to the low RPM speed, but as long as your not performing 100G transfers daily, it's fine. Load it once and undate occassionally.
Ashame you didn't jump on the PSP power supply I posted yesterday for $14 from ebay...
IR Extender: http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/p...2&cat=0&page=1
I shopped it hard too. Just order it, it ain't cheaper nowher else.
I got the same drive. It's pretty slow to load it due to the low RPM speed, but as long as your not performing 100G transfers daily, it's fine. Load it once and undate occassionally.
Ashame you didn't jump on the PSP power supply I posted yesterday for $14 from ebay...
Sucks about the Ebay power adapter. Don't know how I missed that. Could have saved ~$15. Oh well.
08-19-2006, 03:13 PM
#297
Two questions:
Any idea why the PSP Genuine has the bulky box on it while all these other little brands have just the plug in the car adapter? I would think the PSP is because it converts the 12v to 5v 2a, so what are the others doing, just using resistors in them or something? How are they smaller?
I want to get the best power plug to use, but if the ones with or without the bulky box do the same, mine as well get the one that takes less space?
Also, I have the device and was playing with it at home. I got a 120GB 8mb 5400RPM seagate drive, I put an AVI file I had downloaded on the box and when playing on the TV the video seems to be jumpy, but when I play on the PC it runs smooth and perfect. Is this a problem with the device or the video file?
Any way to correct?
Thanks!
Any idea why the PSP Genuine has the bulky box on it while all these other little brands have just the plug in the car adapter? I would think the PSP is because it converts the 12v to 5v 2a, so what are the others doing, just using resistors in them or something? How are they smaller?
I want to get the best power plug to use, but if the ones with or without the bulky box do the same, mine as well get the one that takes less space?
Also, I have the device and was playing with it at home. I got a 120GB 8mb 5400RPM seagate drive, I put an AVI file I had downloaded on the box and when playing on the TV the video seems to be jumpy, but when I play on the PC it runs smooth and perfect. Is this a problem with the device or the video file?
Any way to correct?
Thanks!
08-19-2006, 05:05 PM
#298
Originally Posted by BigB2k5
Two questions:
Any idea why the PSP Genuine has the bulky box on it while all these other little brands have just the plug in the car adapter? I would think the PSP is because it converts the 12v to 5v 2a, so what are the others doing, just using resistors in them or something? How are they smaller?
I want to get the best power plug to use, but if the ones with or without the bulky box do the same, mine as well get the one that takes less space?
Also, I have the device and was playing with it at home. I got a 120GB 8mb 5400RPM seagate drive, I put an AVI file I had downloaded on the box and when playing on the TV the video seems to be jumpy, but when I play on the PC it runs smooth and perfect. Is this a problem with the device or the video file?
Any way to correct?
Thanks!
Any idea why the PSP Genuine has the bulky box on it while all these other little brands have just the plug in the car adapter? I would think the PSP is because it converts the 12v to 5v 2a, so what are the others doing, just using resistors in them or something? How are they smaller?
I want to get the best power plug to use, but if the ones with or without the bulky box do the same, mine as well get the one that takes less space?
Also, I have the device and was playing with it at home. I got a 120GB 8mb 5400RPM seagate drive, I put an AVI file I had downloaded on the box and when playing on the TV the video seems to be jumpy, but when I play on the PC it runs smooth and perfect. Is this a problem with the device or the video file?
Any way to correct?
Thanks!
Not sure what the other plugs are doing, but your suspicion is probably correct (adding resistors).
2) Intersting, It could be the HDD isn't fast enough (RPM wise) to play the file. I have the same one I think, so i'll have to do some testing myself. Try a few other media files and report back
Wish I had better answers for you.
08-20-2006, 12:30 PM
#301
Originally Posted by Kennedy
1) I prefer the PSP genuine as I plan to dissassemble the "plug" and hard wire splice the box into the female ciggy plug's wiring, and stashing the box under the center console. This way, my plug is available for other accessories, and looks super clean.
Not sure what the other plugs are doing, but your suspicion is probably correct (adding resistors).
2) Intersting, It could be the HDD isn't fast enough (RPM wise) to play the file. I have the same one I think, so i'll have to do some testing myself. Try a few other media files and report back
Wish I had better answers for you.
Not sure what the other plugs are doing, but your suspicion is probably correct (adding resistors).
2) Intersting, It could be the HDD isn't fast enough (RPM wise) to play the file. I have the same one I think, so i'll have to do some testing myself. Try a few other media files and report back
Wish I had better answers for you.
Also, does the PSP plug have screws or a way to take it apart? I have not ordered mine yet, found a few for $13 shipped but before I order wanted to make sure as I would like to do the same, however the pictures I see posted here dont show a way to open it...
08-20-2006, 11:00 PM
#303
WDP Director of R & D
Hi all,
Been looking through this mammoth thread and am considering one of these media players etc..
Looking at Newegg, it looks to me like both the (Anyware)MG-25 and the AVOX have the "IR" port... Looks like they both combine the IR and 5.1 into one 1/8th inch jack.
I already have a remote IR wired in the TL from my trunk mounted DVD player.. Maybe I will luck out and it will work with the media player.....
I read several threads referencing one unit had IR "out/in" and others did not..
Anyone confirm that what I read/looked at is factual??
Thanks all
Been looking through this mammoth thread and am considering one of these media players etc..
Looking at Newegg, it looks to me like both the (Anyware)MG-25 and the AVOX have the "IR" port... Looks like they both combine the IR and 5.1 into one 1/8th inch jack.
I already have a remote IR wired in the TL from my trunk mounted DVD player.. Maybe I will luck out and it will work with the media player.....
I read several threads referencing one unit had IR "out/in" and others did not..
Anyone confirm that what I read/looked at is factual??
Thanks all
08-20-2006, 11:54 PM
#304
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I think pretty much any modern laptop HD should be fine. Can you imagine any modern laptop which can't play video files? I got the 4200 RPM drive to cut down on power consumption / heat generation. I guess we'll find out in 2 days when my drive and Mediagate get here but I don't expect any issues.
08-21-2006, 04:44 AM
#305
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Sorry for the delay. I've been out on a mini vacation the last few days so I didn't get a chance to reply until now.
5400 RPM is fast enough to play video. Mine is the same speed and it plays fine. I would check the video encoding. I had a handful of DivX/XviD avi files that required re-encoding for it to work on my other media player. Here are a few free software that might help:
Best way to confirm is to contact Newegg and ask them.
You shouldn't have issues with the 4200 RPM drive. I agree with you. Most modern day laptop hard drives should be fine.
Just to clarify, certain video files will require you to install a codec in order for your computer to decode the video. DivX, XviD, Real video, and Quicktime are some examples.
Originally Posted by BigB2k5
Two questions:
Also, I have the device and was playing with it at home. I got a 120GB 8mb 5400RPM seagate drive, I put an AVI file I had downloaded on the box and when playing on the TV the video seems to be jumpy, but when I play on the PC it runs smooth and perfect. Is this a problem with the device or the video file?
Any way to correct?
Thanks!
Also, I have the device and was playing with it at home. I got a 120GB 8mb 5400RPM seagate drive, I put an AVI file I had downloaded on the box and when playing on the TV the video seems to be jumpy, but when I play on the PC it runs smooth and perfect. Is this a problem with the device or the video file?
Any way to correct?
Thanks!
Originally Posted by KJSmitty
Hi all,
Looking at Newegg, it looks to me like both the (Anyware)MG-25 and the AVOX have the "IR" port... Looks like they both combine the IR and 5.1 into one 1/8th inch jack.
Looking at Newegg, it looks to me like both the (Anyware)MG-25 and the AVOX have the "IR" port... Looks like they both combine the IR and 5.1 into one 1/8th inch jack.
Originally Posted by brianp6621
I think pretty much any modern laptop HD should be fine. Can you imagine any modern laptop which can't play video files? I got the 4200 RPM drive to cut down on power consumption / heat generation. I guess we'll find out in 2 days when my drive and Mediagate get here but I don't expect any issues.
Just to clarify, certain video files will require you to install a codec in order for your computer to decode the video. DivX, XviD, Real video, and Quicktime are some examples.
08-21-2006, 12:12 PM
#307
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Originally Posted by brianp6621
Can this thing play .m4vs? I have a vidcast that only distributes in that format and it would be nice to not have to convert the files each week.
Thanks
Thanks
08-21-2006, 12:24 PM
#308
Originally Posted by brianp6621
Actually another related question would be can it play .mov's. Somewhere online I saw that m4vs are basically renamed mov's.
08-21-2006, 12:30 PM
#309
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Originally Posted by lembowski
MPEG 1, 2, 4 (MPG, MPEG, AVI, M2V, DAT, VOB, IFO etc.) DivX, XviD (except GMC, Qpel option applied)
08-21-2006, 04:11 PM
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Looks like I lucked out. I just dropped by Dealer Works in San Jose to order my new USA Spec. I was talking to Alex about the Mediagate and he said he has a box of IR extenders from old dvd player installs and when I get my mediagate I can drop by with it, test out a few until I find one that works/I like and he'll sell it to me for $10-$15.
I'm glad didn't order the geffen one.
I'm glad didn't order the geffen one.
08-22-2006, 03:51 PM
#311
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Well my Vantec came today and everything works great (well sorta).
I immediately upgraded to the AL Tech firmware and then put on several version of a DVD I ripped.
I ripped it straight, then with shrink (at like 50% quality I think) and then tried using another utility to create divx files from the VOB of the original rip. All of these no matter the resolution or quality skip and don't play right.
I am pretty sure since the original rips work fine it isn't the drive (4200rpm) or the unit (unless the divx decoder is messed up)
I don't have any other files to test with that are known good.
What are people using for a simple solution for ripping/converting DVDs to smaller Divx files?
Thanks
I immediately upgraded to the AL Tech firmware and then put on several version of a DVD I ripped.
I ripped it straight, then with shrink (at like 50% quality I think) and then tried using another utility to create divx files from the VOB of the original rip. All of these no matter the resolution or quality skip and don't play right.
I am pretty sure since the original rips work fine it isn't the drive (4200rpm) or the unit (unless the divx decoder is messed up)
I don't have any other files to test with that are known good.
What are people using for a simple solution for ripping/converting DVDs to smaller Divx files?
Thanks
)
08-22-2006, 07:17 PM
#318
Safety Car
Thread Starter
An ISO file is basically a zipped file of all the VOB files. So instead of all the VOB files from the VIDEO_TS folder, you'll have one simple ISO file.
08-23-2006, 04:06 PM
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Well I went back by Dealerworks to pick up the new USASpec PA11-HON2Y, and showed Alex the MG25. He was very impressed. He also let me go through his box of IR extenders and we found several that worked. I ended up taking this one home for $10.
