Markus HD Media Centres ( and other media players )

[Devilfish]

Has anyone every considered buying an HD Media Centre?

I've recently build an HTPC to do this purpose but these media centres are the business.

Markus 300 1080HD (http://www.digital-kaos-shop.com/userimages/procart4.htm)

Markus-300 is an entry HDD media player. It can easily be used for home media center and external storage. Markus-300 supports both of SATA & IDE type Hard Disk Drives. Markus-300 has very fast response on playback files. Firmware is upgradable for updated software and languages. Markus-300 has easy User Interface to use. Markus-300 plays up to 1920X1080i resolution and it will easily up convert any contents to 1080i/720p resolution.

Features

Movie Jukebox
Markus plays digitally formatted TV shows, movies and User Created Contents on your TV. Connect Markus to a TV or video projector for viewing with family and friends. Markus plays digital video formats such as MPEG-1,2,4, DviX, and XviD. Markus is adaptable to both NTSC and PAL TV systems.

Music Jukebox
Markus allows you to enjoy hundreds of songs that will never skip. Markus can play digital audio formats such as MP3, Windows Media Audio (WMA), and AC3.

Photo Album
Connect Markus to your TV to share and view your photos with family and friends. View digital photos with controls to zoom in and out. A slide show feature previews photos automatically and allows you to play your favorite music as background music.

External Storage
Markus is a Digital Multimedia Player and Storage. Connect Markus to any PC or MAC through USB2.0 to copy your favorite contents on to the Hard Disk Drive as an external hard drive.

Specification

Video Connections: Composite / S-Video /Component (Progressive Scan) : 1080i/ 720p/ 480p/ 480i
Audio Connections: Stereo Audio (L/R) / Optical Digital Audio / Coaxial Digital Audio * The 5.1 channel audio can be down mixed for two channel output
USB Spec:USB 2.0 (High Speed Full Speed: Max. 480Mbps) Connector Type:USB B Type When used in USB1.1 mode, transfer speed is slower.
Support Format: Video File Type Video Codec Audio Codec Remarks MPG, MPA, M1V,M2V,MPEG-1 (VCD), MPEG-1 (VCD) Subtitle: SMI, SRT, SUB Resolution Max.720 x 576 Frame Rate Max. 30fps QP(Quarter Pixel) Feature. MPG, MPA, M1V,M2V MPEG-2 (DVD) MPEG-2 (DVD), AVI, DivX(3.11/4/5) MP3, AC3 AVI XVID MP3, AC3, AVI MS MPEG4 V3 MP3, AC3 * It is normal to experience an occasional pixilation and "skip" during playback due to clarity of digital contents during internet downloading.
Audio File Type Output Bit Rate Sampling
Rate: AC3.MP2,MP3,DTS pass through Ogg,WMA.MPGA MPA 64K ~ 192Kbps, 32K/ 44.1K/ 48KHz
Photo: JPEG
Partition Type: FAT32, NTFS
Dimension: 182 x 143 x 56 (mm)
Power: 12V DC Adapter
Compatible OS: Window 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/MAC OS X ("FAT32" Format only)

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Markus 750 1080HD (http://www.digital-kaos-shop.com/userimages/procart6.htm)

Markus-750 is the revolutionary HDD recorder and HD media player. It can easily record user-made video from Camcorder or VCR as well as TV set top box into HDD. It will upscale any SAt box ITgate/Dreambox/Starview/Eurovox , as well as being your home media centre. It plays HD movie files up to (1920X1080). Through network it can playback and file copy from connected computers easily by remote control. Time shift function can pause the live TV program. The 750 has an inbuilt DVB-T tuner which allows use of box as a freeview recorder. Optional wireless dongle ( ?11.00 ) to make the box fully wireless.

Features

HD playback files like MPEG2 HD(TS), Divx HD, Xvid HD and etc.
One Touch Guide Menu
Multi-way File Copy
Time Shift
Pause Live TV
Various Connection
Digital Photo Album
Audio Juke Box
Home & On-The-Road
Internel HDD with SATA interface
Functions without HDD installed
Easy & Fancy HDD exchange
Many Language Support
Sata(i/ii) up to 1TB

Specification

Recording Partition: UDF
Recording Mode: HQ,SP,LP,EP,SLP
Recording Format: MPEG II
File Partition: FAT32/NTFS
File Playback (VIDEO): MPEG2 HD(TS, TP) DIVX DH(AVI), XVID HD(AVI), MPEG1/2 (DAT.MPG.VOB.IFO), DIVX (AVI), XVID (AVI), DV25 (DIGITAL CAMCORDER)
File Playback (AUDIO): Dolby Digital, AC3, CDDA, LPCM, WMA, AAC, OGG
File Playback (PHOTO): JPEG, BMP (32bit)
WMV, MKV, H264, X264 files can be playback only with realtime transcoding depending on the codec in the computer and AV files characteristic thru Network

Connections (Rear) ANT IN x 1 : ANT OUT x 1: USB(Host) x 2, USB(Target), Lan, Component Out, Composite Out, Composite In, HDMI Out, Optical Out, Coaxial Out, Ext.IR In & DC in, 2 Euroscart ( Av in,, & TV out )
Input: AC 100V~240V, 50/60Hz
Extra DVB-T terrestrial Tuner.

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Markus 800 1080HD (http://www.digital-kaos-shop.com/userimages/procart8.htm)

Top of the line in Media Center. Markus-800 is designed for High Definition media lovers and it plays most of the latest files codecs & formats. It has 2" LCD screen for easier access to the menu. Markus-800 support true 1080p resolution with HDMI port. Markus-800 has E-SATA support for fast data transfer and has two USB host for more USB devices. You can enjoy Blue-Ray Disc quality movie with H.264 codec MKV files.

*Support H.264, X.264, MKV formats
*HDMI port for true HD at 1080p resolution
*2"LCD Screen
*Network Stream Playback
*E-SATA Port

*NDAS solution for Network storage

Specification

Video Connections: Composite / S-Video /Component (Progressive Scan)/HDMI : 1080p/1080i/ 720p/ 480p/ 480i
Audio Connections: Stereo Audio (L/R) / Optical Digital Audio / Coaxial Digital Audio * The 5.1 channel audio can be down mixed for two channel output
USB Spec:USB 2.0 (High Speed Full Speed: Max. 480Mbps) Connector Type:USB B Type g)yy* When used in USB1.1 mode, transfer speed is slower.
Support Format: Video File Type Video Codec Audio Codec Remarks MPEG1/2/4, XVID, DIVX, WMV9, WMV9HD, H.264,X.264, TP, TRP, TS, MKV, WMV, AVI. ISO.IFO,VOB MPG, ASF, DAT
Audio File Type Output Bit Rate Sampling Rate:AC3.MP2,MP3,DTS (pass through) Ogg,WMA.MPGA MPA, PCM 64K ~ 192Kbps, 32K/ 44.1K/ 48KHz
Photo: JPEG/GIF/BMP/PNG
Partition Type: 3.5" SATA FAT32, NTFS
Power: 12V DC Adapter
Compatible OS: Window 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/MAC OS X ("FAT32" Format )

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If you're considering getting one of these Media Centres, please use the following link.

Digital Kaos Shop - Home (http://www.digital-kaos-shop.com)

Thanks! :)

[Jaffa]

A couple of months too late for me, I bought the WD TV for ?75. It a nice wee box but I would have considered the Markus if I had known about it.

[glic83]

75 quid was a good price to get the wd hd tv player for jaffa,any issues with ff and fr and lagging ive noticed that when using my memory stick and divx player it can take an age sometimes to fast forward

[stroner]

Ive been looking at these for a few weeks now and really tempted to go for the 750 model,only one thing stopping me.....the mrs:eek:

[glic83]

yeah the 750 looks the business alrite if only........

[Devilfish]

There's always that last obstacle that we need to get around...her indoors!!! :mad:

[glic83]

if the 750 took off big time would there be a need for the likes of sky hd i mean everything would be going through the 750 and being upscaled to 1080p better than what sky currently transmit so would people bother going for it?

[Jaffa]

75 quid was a good price to get the wd hd tv player for jaffa,any issues with ff and fr and lagging ive noticed that when using my memory stick and divx player it can take an age sometimes to fast forward

Sorry for delay m8....at work and actually working.....shock/horror.

The only issue I had was that .MKV FILMS are mostly DTS audio and it wont work just hooked up to the box but if you have a surround sound system or similar then DTS is fine.

MKV will play if the audio is ac3. I actually download quite a lot of tv series in .mkv format and these play spot on.

I think WDTV is 79.99 in Amazon, thats about the cheapest.


Sorry DF....I know this thread is about the Markus, I'm just answering a question........:captain:

[satman]

if the 750 took off big time would there be a need for the likes of sky hd i mean everything would be going through the 750 and being upscaled to 1080p better than what sky currently transmit so would people bother going for it?


Its 1080i ;) but still fantastic picture, and the 750 upscaling and making any dreambox/starview etc a recording box with fantastic timeshift too. ( pausing live tv etc )

And I can vouch for these, got one myself, wrote a few reviews on the 750 myself too ;) will post em up when@ home.

750 is the dogs bollocks to to speak from my testing..:dancing2:

[glic83]

Its 1080i ;) but still fantastic picture, and the 750 upscaling and making any dreambox/starview etc a recording box with fantastic timeshift too. ( pausing live tv etc )

And I can vouch for these, got one myself, wrote a few reviews on the 750 myself too ;) will post em up when@ home.

750 is the dogs bollocks to to speak from my testing..:dancing2:
even at 1080i its still better than what sky hd currently transmit in

[apachechief]

Sorry for delay m8....at work and actually working.....shock/horror.

The only issue I had was that .MKV FILMS are mostly DTS audio and it wont work just hooked up to the box but if you have a surround sound system or similar then DTS is fine.

MKV will play if the audio is ac3. I actually download quite a lot of tv series in .mkv format and these play spot on.

I think WDTV is 79.99 in Amazon, thats about the cheapest.


Sorry DF....I know this thread is about the Markus, I'm just answering a question........:captain:

Popcorn mkv audio converter will convert from DTS; just takes a few mins and you have a fully playable file.

Unfortunately, the markus doesn't support mkv playback which is its biggest drawback. I've ended up using mine just for upscaling

[bill4676]

ive got a cyclone hd just got it today seems ok any good software to play with for it

[sirlisterofsmeg]

Regarding the "Have to convince the Mrs." hurdle

I have found it is much easier to apologise after the purchase than to ask for permission before hand

Good Luck

[Billohaley]

Hi all

Ive got a 750 markus and was wondering how you stream to you tv from the computor can this be done and how ?

[adeel]

i was wondering if i can get sky psorts without suscribing as I want to watch the icc world cup :alberteinstein: . someone told me to go to these asian tv sat shops and they will give me a dish and box. But i don't know if this works can some help me :help: or if their is anyother way. thanks

[gmb45]

was going to start a new thread but this sticky will do, ive been looking into a buying media player but theres loads about, can peeps post in here their opinions on these boxes, performance, best place to buy, spec, etc, etc cheers :)

[billy2]

m8 its going to come down to what you what to play on it, blu-ray ,hd-dvds mkv ,iso, hd audio ??? and what price you wont to spend

[tshirtman]

I've been using an xtreamer for the last couple of years, the company it's self are a bit of a joke, and there forum does not allow any criticism of there products what so ever, posts are constantly being removed, or threads locked by mods,
but, there products are surprisingly good, and there about to release there new media player called the "prodigy"

Xtreamer Prodigy Announcement! (http://www.xtreamer.net/Prodigy/)

it even has the option of a DVB-t tuner, prices are to start at ?119 for the basic model, for the price it looks a good player.

[Shady]

tbh gimp, your 'super duper' telly that you hardly ever mention is probably capable of playing most formats and more than likely has a usb port.
If i were you, id try playing a number of formats of films off your existing usb stick. if they work id get a portable hdd to store films on

[gmb45]

m8 its going to come down to what you what to play on it, blu-ray ,hd-dvds mkv ,iso, hd audio ??? and what price you wont to spend

want a box that plays most video files,mainly the formats used by torrent sites, or other download sites.

[gmb45]

tbh gimp, your 'super duper' telly that you hardly ever mention is probably capable of playing most formats and more than likely has a usb port.
If i were you, id try playing a number of formats of films off your existing usb stick. if they work id get a portable hdd to store films on

~~~~~~ :boring: already doing that :boring: theres some formats it wont play mkv is one, it plays a lot of formats but just missing a few.

[xant14]

Most players play everything. some don't play as you say is .MKV, iso, and img. And it is VERY important that you buy a player that does play these, as these are the better quality movie files.
There are loads of media player out there ranging from cheap to expensive.
As you probably know, I was looking too, and have settled for a dedicated PC for the Front room telly. At least with a PC, you know it is going to be future proof, should any new formats come out.

[billy2]

have alook at these m8


Boxee Box Scan.co.uk: D-Link Boxee DSM-380 Multimedia Streamer Box, Stream, Sort and Play Digital Media on your TV (http://www.scan.co.uk/products/d-link-dsm-380-boxee-multimedia-streamer-box-stream-app-sort-and-play-digital-media-on-your-tv)
Netgear NTV550 Scan.co.uk: Netgear NeoTV 550 Black All Video Format MKV/BD-ISO etc., 7.1 DTS-MA, Youtube, Photo/Music Streamer - NTV550-100UKS (http://www.scan.co.uk/products/netgear-neotv-550-black-all-video-format-mkv-bd-iso-etc-71-dts-ma-youtube-photo-music-streamer)


also would keep an eye on these if they can get things right they could be great players


xtreamer ultra Xtreamer Ultra Announcement! (http://www.xtreamer.net/Ultra/)

xtreamer prodigy Xtreamer Prodigy Announcement! (http://www.xtreamer.net/prodigy/)

[kuttruff]

HDD Media Player (http://www.chinazrh.com/wholesale-home-audio-video-hdd-media-players-c-38_127.html) are the products that can move the contents of the hard disk inside a TV or monitor to play out of the tool. They are the alternatives to DVD players, VCD, DVD, digital photo frames, mobile hard drives and other electronic products, as the tool for mobile hard disk services, it needs to use with drives.

[goondu]

as i do not burn or download any medias ....
any recommendations on those internet streaming media player which also at the same time, allows internet browsing, radio and attached usb harddisk ?

[Shady]

as i do not burn or download any medias ....
any recommendations on those internet streaming media player which also at the same time, allows internet browsing, radio and attached usb harddisk ?

get an android tablet..plenty out there for sub ?150

[sparrow]

what u think about this box ? 3D + Android 1080P Full HD Network DLNA MKV Bluray ISO Media Player Realtek 1186 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3D-Android-1080P-Full-HD-Network-DLNA-MKV-Bluray-ISO-Media-Player-Realtek-1186-/230713197179?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item35b794027b)

[xant14]

what u think about this box ? 3D + Android 1080P Full HD Network DLNA MKV Bluray ISO Media Player Realtek 1186 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3D-Android-1080P-Full-HD-Network-DLNA-MKV-Bluray-ISO-Media-Player-Realtek-1186-/230713197179?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item35b794027b)

Looks brilliant. Buy one and let us know how you get along.

[G74XS]

where can i find some firmwares update for my markus 300, i need to know if it reads any MKV file format!! thanks

[xant14]

where can i find some firmwares update for my markus 300, i need to know if it reads any MKV file format!! thanks

You need to FIITC