Western Digital WD TV Live Plus HD Media Player: Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Western Digital WD TV Live Plus HD Media Player. If you're anything like me, you've got a ton of digital media scattered across various devices – external hard drives, USB drives, and maybe even a NAS. The WD TV Live Plus promises to bring all that content together in one place, making it easy to watch your favorite movies, TV shows, and home videos on your big screen. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty and see if this little box lives up to the hype.

What is the Western Digital WD TV Live Plus?

The Western Digital WD TV Live Plus HD Media Player is essentially a set-top box designed to play a wide variety of digital media files on your TV. Think of it as a bridge between your digital content and your home entertainment system. Instead of fumbling with cables or burning DVDs, you can simply plug in your storage devices or stream content over your network. This device was a popular choice back in the day for its versatility and ease of use. It supports a plethora of file formats, including popular video, audio, and image codecs, ensuring compatibility with most of your media library. It also offers network connectivity, allowing you to stream content from your home network or access online services.

Key features of the WD TV Live Plus include:

• Wide file format support: This is a big one. The WD TV Live Plus supports a vast range of file formats, including AVI, MKV, MP4, WMV, and many more. This means you're less likely to encounter compatibility issues when trying to play your media.
• Network streaming: You can connect the WD TV Live Plus to your home network via Ethernet, allowing you to stream content from your computers, NAS devices, or other DLNA-enabled devices. This is incredibly convenient for accessing your entire media library without having to physically move files around.
• Internet connectivity: The device also offers access to various online services, such as YouTube, Pandora, and Netflix (though availability and functionality may vary depending on the firmware version and current service offerings). This adds another layer of entertainment options beyond your personal media collection.
• HDMI output: The HDMI output ensures high-quality video and audio transmission to your TV, supporting resolutions up to 1080p. This means you can enjoy your HD content in all its glory.
• USB ports: The WD TV Live Plus features USB ports for connecting external hard drives, USB flash drives, and other USB storage devices. This provides a simple and direct way to access media files.

Design and Setup

Let's talk about the design and setup. The WD TV Live Plus sports a sleek, compact design that won't clutter your entertainment center. It's a small, black box with a minimalist aesthetic, so it blends in easily with other devices. Setting it up is a breeze, too. Seriously, even your grandma could probably figure it out! You simply connect the device to your TV via HDMI, plug in the power adapter, and connect it to your network (either via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, depending on the model and your setup). Once you power it on, the on-screen interface guides you through the initial setup process, which involves selecting your language, setting up your network connection, and configuring any online services you want to use. The remote control is intuitive and easy to use, with clearly labeled buttons for navigation, playback control, and accessing menus. Overall, the design and setup are user-friendly and straightforward, making it a great option for both tech-savvy users and those who are less comfortable with technology. The simplicity of the setup is a major plus, especially if you're not a fan of complicated installations. You'll be up and running in no time, ready to enjoy your media library.

Key Features and Functionality

Now, let's dive into the heart of the matter – the features and functionality of the WD TV Live Plus. This is where the device really shines. As we mentioned earlier, the wide file format support is a standout feature. It handles a vast array of video, audio, and image formats, so you're unlikely to run into compatibility issues. Whether you've got MKV files, MP4s, AVIs, or a host of other formats, the WD TV Live Plus should be able to play them without a hitch. This versatility is a huge advantage, as it eliminates the need for constant file conversions or the frustration of encountering unsupported formats.

The network streaming capabilities are another key highlight. Connecting the device to your home network opens up a world of possibilities. You can stream content from your computers, NAS devices, or any other DLNA-enabled devices on your network. This is incredibly convenient for accessing your entire media library without having to physically transfer files. Imagine being able to watch a movie stored on your desktop computer on your living room TV – that's the power of network streaming.

Beyond local network streaming, the WD TV Live Plus also offers internet connectivity, giving you access to various online services. While the specific services available may vary depending on the firmware version and current offerings, you can typically expect to find popular platforms like YouTube, Pandora, and potentially others. This adds another layer of entertainment options, allowing you to stream online videos, listen to internet radio, and more.

The HDMI output ensures that you're getting the best possible picture and sound quality. The device supports resolutions up to 1080p, so you can enjoy your HD content in stunning detail. The HDMI connection also carries audio signals, simplifying the connection process and reducing cable clutter.

Finally, the USB ports provide a simple and direct way to access media files stored on external hard drives, USB flash drives, and other USB storage devices. Just plug in your device, and the WD TV Live Plus will recognize it and allow you to browse and play your files. This is a great option for those who prefer to keep their media on physical storage devices or for situations where network streaming isn't available.

Performance and User Experience

Okay, so it's got the features, but how does the WD TV Live Plus actually perform in real-world use? Well, for the most part, it delivers a smooth and enjoyable user experience. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, with clear menus and a logical layout. Browsing through your media library is a breeze, and playback is generally smooth and responsive. The device handles most file formats without any issues, and video quality is excellent, especially when playing HD content. However, like any piece of technology, the WD TV Live Plus isn't perfect. Some users have reported occasional hiccups, such as buffering issues when streaming over Wi-Fi or minor playback stutters with very large files. These issues are relatively rare, though, and can often be resolved by ensuring a strong network connection or optimizing your media files. The overall performance is solid, and the user experience is positive, making it a great choice for anyone looking to simplify their home media setup. The device's responsiveness and ease of use are particularly noteworthy, as they contribute to a hassle-free viewing experience.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons of the Western Digital WD TV Live Plus HD Media Player to give you a clear picture of its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

• Wide file format support: Plays virtually any video or audio file you throw at it.
• Network streaming: Stream content from your home network with ease.
• Internet connectivity: Access online services like YouTube and others.
• HDMI output: Enjoy high-quality video and audio.
• USB ports: Connect external hard drives and USB drives directly.
• Easy setup and use: Simple to set up and navigate.
• Compact design: Won't clutter your entertainment center.

Cons:

• Occasional buffering issues: Can occur when streaming over Wi-Fi.
• Limited online services: The availability of online services may vary.
• May struggle with very large files: Minor playback stutters can sometimes occur.

Alternatives to the WD TV Live Plus

While the WD TV Live Plus was a popular choice in its time, there are now many other media players on the market that offer similar or even better features and performance. If you're looking for alternatives, here are a few options to consider:

• Nvidia Shield TV: This is a powerful Android TV box that offers excellent performance, support for 4K HDR content, and a wide range of apps and games.
• Roku Streaming Stick+: A compact and affordable streaming device that supports 4K HDR and offers access to a vast library of streaming services.
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: Another popular streaming stick that supports 4K HDR and integrates seamlessly with Amazon's ecosystem.
• Apple TV 4K: A premium streaming device that offers excellent performance, support for 4K HDR, and access to Apple's services.
• Kodi Media Center: This is a free and open-source media player software that can be installed on a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, and set-top boxes. Kodi offers a highly customizable experience and supports a wide range of add-ons and plugins.

Is the WD TV Live Plus Still Worth It Today?

So, the big question: is the Western Digital WD TV Live Plus HD Media Player still worth buying today? Well, that's a bit of a tricky question. The WD TV Live Plus is an older device, and technology has come a long way since it was first released. Newer media players offer more advanced features, such as support for 4K HDR content, faster processors, and access to a wider range of streaming services. However, if you already own a WD TV Live Plus and it's still working well for you, there's no urgent need to replace it. It's still a capable device for playing local media files and streaming from your home network. Additionally, if you can find a used WD TV Live Plus at a very low price, it might be a good option for a secondary media player or for use in a less critical setup. However, if you're looking for a new media player and want the latest features and performance, you're probably better off considering one of the alternatives mentioned above. The newer devices offer significant improvements in terms of processing power, streaming capabilities, and support for newer video and audio formats.

Final Verdict

The Western Digital WD TV Live Plus HD Media Player was a solid device in its time, offering a versatile and user-friendly way to play digital media on your TV. Its wide file format support, network streaming capabilities, and internet connectivity made it a popular choice for many users. However, with the rapid advancements in technology, there are now many other media players available that offer more advanced features and better performance. While the WD TV Live Plus may still be a viable option for some users, particularly those who already own one or can find it at a very low price, most people will be better served by a newer device. The alternatives mentioned above offer a superior experience in terms of performance, features, and long-term support. So, while the WD TV Live Plus holds a special place in the history of media players, it's probably time to consider upgrading to a more modern solution. Thanks for reading, guys! I hope this review was helpful!