WD TV Live (2012) vs WD TV Play (2013)

[@SalemMillion]

I am not interested on the WD devices very much but i really enjoy watching your reviews very simple and straightforward

[@DeanoEssex]

I think I will buy the WD live it seems to be the best out of the 2, Great review and info I was searching for. Thanks

[@acurrie]

I'm looking to upgrade from the first-gen WDTV Live and this was really informative... Thanks!

[@rickc2222]

Thank you! we just returned our WDTV live to costco after 10 mos because of the continual freezes and severe lag in the UI. Looking for a faster responding unit/reliable for netflix - just for the kids tv so the Play sounds almost perfect for our needs!

[@Babblingboolean]

Any and all issues I encountered with network streaming were mentioned in this video. The Play can only stream Windows Media Center supported files so no .MKV files. The WD TV Live streams everything except video files that have too high of a bitrate, also mentioned in the video.

[@bflo23e57]

The WD TV Live got a firmware update that includes newer nicer theme, miracast and other improvements. I still have netflix unlike the new 2014 WD TV model. The 2012 WD TV Live could play iso/vob files unlike the Play. This is a great update. This model is an old version and it is good to see WD still care. version 2.02.32

[@rustymixer2886]

Thx, any more update versions since

[@jrfourr]

Great review man. I got to find if I have mpeg 2 files or if there is a jig for the price.

[@H4v0kksh0tgunMan]

The wd live is a pirate friendly model. plays lots of formats. It does not like .flv but is your best bet for streaming media from your own library. combined with smart phone app it is awesome. You can also plug in a wireless keyboard into your live wd media player.

[@JN-kn3bg]

I suggest you get the older wd live plus. I found it to be more responsive than the newer one. It plays every file, does network shares,DTS and it might handle your high quality camcorder video. try it

[@rustymixer2886]

2010 wd live plus? As you said older, older than this live plus of 2012?

[@mR_dubb]

I have the TV Live(2012) and the iOS remote app works fantastically. I use it over my Harmony One. Overall the device has worked great for us - streaming from a networked PC and now with an external drive connected via USB, which I mapped to my PC and can drag and drop movies to it at will. Shame the 2013 version has issues with network streaming.

[@alexandercedeno]

Wow this is a very nice review. Thanks for your work.

[@khawajadotd]

great review. thanks for the info!

[@stevenbenjamincole]

Good review. Thanks.

[@diasf13]

hi im kinda still undecided on buying WD TV live, does this play majority of the mkv format videos? all of the dvd players i own cant read mkv files through usb... i dont want to convert vids anymore so i want a media player that plays mkv videos.. tnx in advance

[@latuman]

The internet says that WD TV Play does NOT need Media Player Streaming on windows, but that regular windows shared folders work fine. So which is it? Or does it prioritize media player streaming if it is available?

[@TwistyTrav]

What would be the benefit of wall mounting the WD TV Live? Wouldn't that interfere with the IR for the remote?

[@Babblingboolean]

The benefit is being able to put it anywhere which makes it easier to hide. As for remote connectivity, if the WD Live is connected to your home network, you can use a smartphone app as a remote control (if your phone is connected to the same network.)

[@TwistyTrav]

Babbling Boolean I guess that makes sense if you used the smartphone app all the time instead of using a remote. But I think it would make more sense if you used HDMI-CEC (not sure if the Live supports it), just in case your smartphone died, or if you were using a Universal remote. (I have the WD Play with a Harmony remote, which works great, and I don't know what I'd do without it.)

[@Marvelly84]

a question for you! I have mezzmo (software for media player server), and I want to watch my videos through streaming. also must allow subtitles.. do you know if WD TV Live can do that? As you said WD TV Play won't work with other than WMP. Thanks

[@justinsluck]

What is the best media player to buy today? Anything soon on the horizon?

[@Babblingboolean]

The best I've reviewed to date is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5nOh5mIaMdko8k

[@aDhanjal13]

i use the WDTV Play with my content on a Plex server and everything runs like a dream; very satisfied and heck got the Play for just $40 :D can't complain about that.

[@narcomniac6906]

Is that via Wireless? Also does it support 1080p and MKV? I've had issues streaming high resolution videos to my current media device and have been considering either one of these. Cheers for any answers you may provide.

[@mishka59]

Thanks for the review Whats the difference between 3rd gen WDTV Live and WDTV ? Other than the 2 items as shown at www.wdc.com/en/products/homeentertainment/mediaplayers/ which I don't really care about. I need it mostly to stream Digital movies from My PC (hopefully MKV with subtitles .srt work) as well as Netflix. Currently have the WDTV Live Plus (is it considered 2nd or 1st gen ?)

[@Babblingboolean]

WD TV Live is 3rd gen. As for the WD TV I just got my hands on it, but I'll need a couple of weeks to test it fully and make the video.

[@heyramineni]

very informative. Planning to buy WD TV play :)

[@MichaelJade213]

I dint see a volume button on either remote? Guessing that there is no option to increase vol except from via the tv/hi-if remotes?

[@Babblingboolean]

Correct.

[@TheEvilnickademus]

oh god, why doesnt the play see network shares anymore?

[@TSMultimediaTS]

I am slightly confused, I own a Mac, can I stream files to the WDTV Play or only Windows?

[@Babblingboolean]

Don't own a Mac so I'm not sure. Google search.

[@Galasuy]

Hey Sukhjit, i watched your video and it was extremelly helpful, however, i'm also kinda stuck between both devices' pros and cons. Considering this, would you mind suggesting some other better device ? Thanks!

[@Babblingboolean]

I have a couple of Sony Bluray media players between the $70-$110 (CAD) price range I need to review. The reviews should hopefully be done in less than two weeks, they're my favourite media players right now and are fast and responsive.

[@justinsluck]

I am interested in the best media player for network streaming from a USB hard drive attached to an Asus router.

[@ZwiebyFred]

Thanks for the video.,

[@acoxandy]

I have the WD TV Live (2012) and the remote has quit working... any suggestions?

[@Babblingboolean]

You could order a replacement remote or if you want to save money, use the remote app available for iOS and Android devices. To make the app work, your WD Live and mobile device (running the app) must be on the same network.

[@xaipirina]

Thanks for this comparison, was pretty much what I am looking for, but I am still confused :) all I need is a box I stick a USB drive in and it plays pretty much every single video format ... I am not talking 15GB files, not even expected x265 to be supported yet. I have an older WD model and it starts stuttering now and then, so I really want to get something new and the play can be had for under 50$ now, but in the comments I read it supports now less file formats than the older 'live' ? I am not interested in any netflix / hulu / youtube / apps / not even streaming over wifi / ethernet ... my TV has a USB port but only can deal with about 10% of files I throw at it .. so .. what might be the best box out there? Thanks for any input!

[@kevystead]

It seems like for msot general use, the live is the best option.. As far as remote issues, I wonder if it can be used with the logitech harmony remotes better to make easier use?

[@williamccjr]

So what in your opinion is the current best HD media player in this price range? Particularly for playing 1080p video files off a USB Flash Drive/HDD & being able to surf the web (browser?) & use online apps like KZbin, Hulu Plus & Facebook? What other options are out there & are there some more budget friendly models just for playing 1080p video files off a USB flash drive/HDD? Thanks for your time.

[@BuzzingGoober]

mezzmo plays mkvs fine on the play?

[@imthedj2000]

I use the phone app, to type and select movies as well as turn it on and off. Phone App is awesome

[@imthedj2000]

And the volume. you can also select your apps

[@Nick84Gr]

i own a wd tv live and i m very happy,it's very smooth and smart,i found the hidden browser too and now i can navigate on internet

[@ItsDaiko]

are you able to watch tv live because nobody shows te function

[@gpav1376]

There is an app in wd tv live thats says i can put apps from a usb to wd tv. Is this right and how exactly does it do that?

[@rharms_]

isnt the wdtv live from 2009 or 2010 and not from 2012?

[@akshaystephen82]

can u stream video or audio via your phone/laptop

[@jonviar]

Babbling Boolean does this two supports seagate hard drives? 4tb up to 5tb?

[@mobilemta]

Thank you for the review!! About network shares? Can both devices access network shares? I MEAN "shared folders in the network". (I do NOT MEAN dlna)...

[@04masterman]

Does it support 3TB HDD's or even 4TB?

[@chronofusion]

4TB's is too large for either one of the media players to handle? That's odd. According to a WD rep I talked to via email communication, she said both this PLay unit and the Live smp, which I have, both support up to 12TB per usb port. I'm confused.

[@Babblingboolean]

Perhaps there were too many files on the 4TB I tested, after all most of the files were pictures. That's just my guess though.

[@Tangeloor]

There IS custom firmware available for the WDTV Live that can enable you to do a great many things that a HTPC can do. Most people will not go there, but through different firmware, there are browsers and a much wider variety of apps out there - you can even use utorrent through this box

[@scottcooney2360]

does it down-mix DTS to something it can play?

[@negrobrito4415]

Live can play DTS as Play cannot, and play does nothing to dts, just shows the video without sound. Havent tried connecting hdmi to a dts capable recievers passthrough connector yet, but i guess you can find someone who did that already and posted the results on the internet

[@renae0007]

Which Western Digital Player plays .ISO movie format. I have an older Western Digital older player that does not have Internet steaming and it plays .ISO files. I want to purchase an additional box- but I need it to play .ISO files. Can you recommendation please for .ISO movie files to be played off an external hard drive attached directly to the WD box. Thanks

[@Ho55Delux]

Havet you tried to stream the 26 MB/s file via a media server on the WDTV live? I had the same problem when streaming high quality files via Windows shares or slow usb-memory.

[@Babblingboolean]

Yes, it didn't fair any better.

[@markbooysen9412]

Hi Babbling, Quick question on the Play Device. When streaming media over WiFi you said you need to use Windows Media Player. Is this true fro streaming from a Desktop PC to the WD device OR is it true for streaming from the WD to the desktop PC.? Thanks for a great post.

[@Babblingboolean]

You can only stream from a computer to these media players, they only take input signals to play media content.

[@gilberttiborjakub9890]

Does the WD TV Live read the NTFS formated external HDDs?

[@Babblingboolean]

It does for my USB sticks so technically yes.

[@raymondcrisostomo9778]

Can you access your other drives on your other pc where movies library's using windows 10? For WD live tv

[@apimvernnelovelove3361]

mine doesnt have files where to find it?

[@nickvinyl1431]

basically the Live is the best with the original Firmware,its plays all HD Bluray and 3D flawless, it was the first of its kind and i have not found anything comparable to it yet ive been using it since launch

[@garymorton1772]

can this support exFAT??

[@MightBeSmart]

Yes you can put your own apps in your device, though its a "hack" thing

[@OmkarDeonalli]

Is it possible for me to connect the WD play to a regular LED monitor(with a DVI and/or HDMI port) instead of a TV and still have it work the same way?

[@Babblingboolean]

If it has an HDMI port then technically yes, the main issue is that if your monitor doesn't have speakers then there would be no sound output.

[@carolynworthy5867]

Can you get Kodi on this player?

[@Babblingboolean]

+Carolyn Worthy Unfortunately no. The only apps available are the ones that WD provides.

[@Babblingboolean]

Like cable TV? No that is only possible if you have something like a Slingplayer. This is a media player and that's all.

[@kcintobearzzLA]

ya great! smooth explanatory n fast. very understandable. thankz!

[@BELGRANOization]

dude, you're awesome. Thx.

[@IanDack]

Did you find a perfect media player? My WD Play has broken after 3 months and I've been offered a refund or repair. If there's something better I might take the refund. Thanks.

[@Babblingboolean]

Sorry for the delay, the best I've reviewed to date is the: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5nOh5mIaMdko8k

[@philydsteak]

I have a 1TB seagate ext. HD, will it still work on these even though it's not a western digital? ..... also you your family really likes plaid huh? lol just messin

[@Babblingboolean]

Yes it reads any brand HDD or USB stick. It might not play friendly with your 1TB if it has too many files to read, both WD devices are slow to read too much data.

[@alexatkin]

Glad I watched this as I had no idea they dropped DLNA server streaming in the Play, that is seriously lame especially as you mention it still works as a DLNA renderer. I did read about it lacking DTS and in fact its why I looked for this review to see if that just meant decoding into stereo was impossible or not supported for bitstreaming either. Sadly, its the latter.

[@SayVoDinh]

i got a question, do you know any media streamer that can stream 1080p and 120 hz or even 240 hz? netflix or whatever thanks for helpful video

[@Babblingboolean]

Both of these media players support 120hz content for everything. Your question is related to a TV not media players. It's the TV's job to play content at 120Hz or 240Hz. When buying a LCD/LED TV there should be details listing if it's 120Hz, 240Hz or for plasma TVs it could be 600Hz.

[@reddog694uk]

Western digital should have stuck with one physical design of box and improved the guts on a bi yearly basis. The WDTV is the best but they also mess around with the gui at will which annoys many users. They should authorize third party gui designers to develop the software since WD themselves simply keep messing it up. These are old issues that still haven't been addressed.

[@romant2280]

Both work with PS3 Media Center if you rather not use Windows Media Center. Just install it and you see all your HDs that are connected to your PC. Much easier to setup.

[@honda12345678]

I just bought and hooked up the wd media player as I don't even need internet access. I just wanted to be able to play my digital movies. This will not play movies from a flash drive, or external hard drive without its own power adapter. It took 25 minutes to load my external drive and be prepared to spend another 10- 15 minutes sorting through movies as the box is painfully slow. I frankly do not want to run my backup harddrive for hundreds or thousands of hours and risk having it crash just to play some movies. If this thing would play off of a flash drive an HD movie I would keep it. Easier to just run a movie off my laptop through the hdmi as its 100X faster. Waste of money for me. Returning it.

[@ferrocanada79]

Does anyone know if there are any products out there that support flash? I'd like to be able to watch tv shows from internet sites such as justinTV or project free tv.... Thanks!

[@cuddles6938]

WD TV Live is Firmware upgradeable, all they had to do was allow a Firmware Update to make it into a TV Play Model.

[@search5819]

My WD TV Live reads my 5tb Seagate External Hard Drive Perfectly...

[@negrobrito4415]

I have one of those and i can play streamed mkv files no problem

[@auxillianwarghost5123]

Hey Boolean, thanks for the video reviews. Did you ever find a better media player? Please message me if you find something. The search continues.....

[@danielschwartz302]

yes it can it platys ever kind of file i can throw at it

[@MightBeSmart]

on live

[@yairoushful]

אני אישית אהבתי יותר את ה wd live אבל כמו שאמרת חבל שלא לקחו ושילבו ביניהם. נקווה שישמעו בעצתך!

[@katandbmw1339]

прошивка нужна на 13

[@auxillianwarghost5123]

It's really pathetic how stupid the engineers at these companies must be. So, they release a newer model that SHOULD do everything better. It does read higher 26mb video files from camcorders, and it does have a faster app broswer and interface, but cannot read as many file types? It is weighed down by Windows media Player?? No DTS audio?? Poor network streaming????? Why would they release a newer model that can't do what the old model does? Is this just because the engineers are morons or because the WD executives just don't want to release a product that will be better than the old model it should be replacing?? It just seems so idiotic to me for these stupid companies to neuter these products while in development.

[@MaxPanic]

Coronation Street :D

[@VAX1970]

Just get a KODI box

[@Babblingboolean]

#WDTVLive vs #WDTVPlay : kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYnTiYKjqax4oM0 #westerndigital #wd #tvplay #mediaplayer #wdplay #tvlive #wdlive

[@hoejland1000]

Babbling boolean, the WD live tv can easily play videos over 30mbps, try to play a remux bluray there isn't compressed, it will play it without any fails. but i cant play 3D iso files....

[@AnttiEskelinen]

I don't know about WD play but after using WD live I would suggest anybody just staying away from it. It is just horrible product. Slow and buggy.

[@alextubusor]

Is there any custom firmware for the WD TV Play?