How does this compare to an Xbox/XBMC setup? It's not cheaper since Xbox's can be purchased cheaply these days. However, it would be much easier to setup and use.

I have one of these ... since Xmas. It was to replace my 5 yr old MediaGate MG35 which is also a network media player. There are lots of written reviews out there, so I'll only point out the main things I like and dislike.

Likes:
- Silent.
- Supports newer codecs - h.264, mov, xvid, divx, mpeg2, mpeg4 (most of the time)
- Bonehead simple interface
- Nice HiHef content playback.
- Attach to SMB shares with user/password
- Easy firmware updates over the internet
- small physical size

Dislikes:
- interface is cumbersome, sometimes; youtube xface just sucks.
- caching of files for too long. To refresh the list of videos, you have to disconnect from the source server and reconnect.
- Remote control is the only interface, no on-device buttons, no power button
- Videos, Music, Photo content viewing is non-intuitive except for really simple desires OR if you manually create a playlist outside the TV-Live
- Others have complained that it doesn't handle DVD Menus. I expect a firmware update can handle that, since my 5 yr old MG35 does it well.

If you don't care about noise, go with a HTPC or MythTV or Boxee or XBMC solution. These are more general use and you aren't stuck waiting for firmware updates from 1 provider.

OTOH, if you want a tiny, silent, no fuss media playback device that works with USB storage AND samba shares AND that media center interface, the TV-Live is probably the best choice right now for the price.

I've had mine since Friday and I can say it does what it does well. You don't have the wide open flexibility of a Media Center PC, but with little power usage and a fairly simple interface, it has played everything I've thrown at it. Even an old Divx 3 video most other players refuse to recognize. Well worth the $100 I paid for it after gift card.

I've had one about two weeks and it works fine.

I have one. The device is basic and simple. Great for the family who just wants to watch movies. I attached 500 gig HD to this unit so my 5 year old can watch his kids movies. Like the others have said, if you want simple, this is it. But if you are looking for flexibility, there are better products out there.

I haven't fully investigated the capabilities of the Nettop + XBMC solution, but if it can do Hulu, Netflix and the like it probably outguns this with a low enough price tag to be worth it.

If you don't need streaming, the WD HD TV version without the network connection works beautifully. Aside from FLVs it plays everything I've thrown at it.

how would this compare to something like popcorn hour?

when I power mine on it takes a solid 5 minutes of waiting before it can 'see' my SMB shares on the network. anyone else have that problem??

Thank you everyone for your input. Basically I have two Xbox/XMBC setups with a Buffalo Linkstation NAS on my network which contains all my media. Many people have this type of setup today. It's super convenient. The setup works great except for HD which I am not too interested in currently.

My "problem" is that I want to add a 3rd setup for the bedroom but don't want to go through the hassle of modding another used, old Xbox. Therefore this could be an easy, inexpensive alternative.

I am not too sure if it really is a good alternative since some of you report usability issues. The Xbox/XBMC setup boots up in a few seconds and I can list and access my NAS/SMB shares within 15 seconds after that. It's wife and kid proof. Should I buy a $50 used Xbox and soft-mod it, or should I buy this thing?

let me know when I can shoot hulu from my computer to the tv and I might be interested

#10, Hulu may prevent it. A little while ago someone released a hulu plugin for XBMC. It worked great! Then Hulu intentionally changed their system to break this functionality. I think the plugin author then fixed it and Hulu changed it again. I believe that there is some type of licensing issue with playing the content to a TV. IIRC, Hulu is not allowed to offer the content for playing on TV's since they cannot "compete" with your local station affiliates for TV shows.

Does anybody know if the Western Digital WD TV Live Media Player can be hooked up to a wireless USB dongle and stream content from my network?

I love all info you guys posted up here except the price. I bought two last Christmas @ $95/each after blah.. blah..., of course.
#12, yes it can. But I think you should forget to stream content over wireless network (even with N wireless). Don't waste your money at least for now.

Syabas (makers Popcorn Hour) Popbox being launched at 2010 CES looks more appealing with support Netflix, Twitter, SHOUTcast etc., Expected to retail for $129 available in March.

I have a WDTV Live and an OG WDTV. They both work awesome and very easy to set up. I have my WDTV Live connected to my network and it reads my network shares on my NAS with no problem.

Syabas (makers Popcorn Hour) Popbox being launched at 2010 CES looks more appealing with support Netflix, Twitter, SHOUTcast etc., Expected to retail for $129 available in March.

Dell Zino for $200 would be much better choice in my opinion; it adds DVD playback and ability to do general computing.

How is this price a "deal"? NewEgg, Amazon, Buy.com and Tiger all have it for the same price. Or I can get one at Best Buy (plus tax but I get the convenience of taking it back to the store if it breaks).

@18

Did Best Buy change their policy of "Screw the consumer, we have money!"...? They've never been anything but a royal pain in my experience.