Home > Consumer Reviews > Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player

I purchased this on a whim...not even daring to hope it would do all it says. Well; guess what? It does. This device is absolutely incredible. I have a 500gb external hard drive with old movies and cartoons - that i simply plugged in and waited for it to be recognized. Within a few minutes I was happily re-watching movies,shows,etc. and munching on tortilla chips and salsa. I was also listening to some mp3 files while in the kitchen cooking. I also used it to read manga i had in jpeg format. You can views photos too. There's an option for normal or widescreen viewing when watching videos - if you're into subtitles (which i absolutely love) the font size can actually be adjusted...for real! I have found if you have tons of files the best way is to have folders on your hard drive (it makes them easier to find on the device) and use the list view (my personal preference) there's also thumbnail if you prefer. I was able to watch avi/mkv/mp4 formatted files. File types rmvb/wmv don't currently work (to my dismay); hopefully there will be some sort of firmware update that will allow this in the future. Not sure if it works with flv/omg file types - don't have too many of those and haven't bothered to check. Also, if you have tons of files like i do and don't want to scroll through them all; use the very helpful search function (that's right...couldn't believe it myself). All in all i am more than satisfied (ecstatic) about this device...so much so that i intend to buy another one for my bedroom. Way to go WD - I will definitely purchase more of your products in the future.

Had the Western Digital HD Media Player for period of 5 months but sold that piece of junk.

* Some files wouldn't play (plays on my other machine that is same price).
* Lack of DVD menus (you need this for TV shows and special features)
* Slowwwww - loading takes forever, the remote response time is so slow you'll be pressing same button multiple times through frustration.
* No DTS downsample through TV - if you have movie file with only DTS audio, you won't hear the audio at all unless you have it hooked to DTS capable receiver. Other machines allow you to hear audio through the TV.
* Remote sorely lacking in features - most basic of functions only.
* Lack of support by western digital - if you buy it and expect western digital to come out with firmware to support a feature you want you'll be disappointed.

I just got a cinematube and it's tons better. However, there are other similar machines from other competitors that I would also recommend over the western digital crap. Basically you're better off with anything but a western digital media player.

Forget all the media players in the market, this is the best, this is exactly what you need in order to play all your media through a HD TV! Great quality! 100% Recommended.

It's a amazing product and very ease to use, also is very small, so I can carry and use wherever I go.
I'm very happy for my purchase and I recommend for everyone who like's enjoy it's films and pictures without complications

This player is difficult to use. I have it fairly well filled, but there is no search function. The name of each file would be a good way to search. It is very slow when going from one file to another. It also doesn't play all types of WMV files.

Right after I got it, it stopped working. Obviously it was still in warranty, so I contacted Western Digital. They were polite enough, but they don't make returns practical and easy. First you need a return material authorization. You must get a box and ship it using a traceable carrier. No Post Office for them, you have to send it by UPS. You need to mark the box on three sides with the number they give you. Less than three markings, no credit. You must use bubble wrap or non movable cardboard, otherwise no credit. If the item is damaged in transit, no credit. Further you need to put the item in an electrostatic discharge bag, otherwise no credit. You get a new unit about 30 days after they receive the return. I don't live near a UPS store, don't have boxes or bubble wrap laying around and definitely don't have a special electrostatic discharge bag. For a hundred dollar item, this is just too much effort. I checked out the unit thoroughly and discovered that what was wrong was the AC adaptor. After going to several stores with no luck, I gave up and contacted Western Digital. They sold me one for $13 delivered by UPS. After four emails to customer service, I found that the fact that it was in warranty was irrelevant, as that is not a covered item. They don't make them so they don't warranty them.

Next time I buy a Media Player I won't buy from Western Digital.