Home Entertainment

Western Digital launches TV Play streaming box

Western Digital launches TV Play streaming box
The TV Play also features Ethernet, HDMI, Composite A/V, built-in Wi-Fi and Optical audio
The TV Play also features Ethernet, HDMI, Composite A/V, built-in Wi-Fi and Optical audio
View 6 Images
Western Digital's TV Play low-cost streaming box
1/6
Western Digital's TV Play low-cost streaming box
2/6
The TV Play also features Ethernet, HDMI, Composite A/V, built-in Wi-Fi and Optical audio
3/6
The TV Play also features Ethernet, HDMI, Composite A/V, built-in Wi-Fi and Optical audio
Streaming in full 1080p, the TV Play has access to a wide range of services including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Spotify, Pandora and Vimeo
4/6
Streaming in full 1080p, the TV Play has access to a wide range of services including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Spotify, Pandora and Vimeo
The WD TV Play is significantly smaller than the rest of the range, measuring just 1.07 x 4.13 x 4.17 inches
5/6
The WD TV Play is significantly smaller than the rest of the range, measuring just 1.07 x 4.13 x 4.17 inches
The TV Play features a number of ports including USB 2.0
6/6
The TV Play features a number of ports including USB 2.0
View gallery - 6 images

Western Digital has expanded its range of streaming boxes with the TV Play, a device that aims to compete with popular products like the Roku 2 XD. The low-cost TV Play offers access to a wide range of streaming services, as well as the user's own media library.

The WD TV Play is the latest addition to the company's line of streaming products, which includes the TV Live and TV Live Hub. But while both those devices are priced above the US$99 point, the TV Play comes in at a more wallet-friendly $69. It's also significantly smaller than the rest of the range, measuring just 27.2 x 104.9 x 105.9 mm (1.07 x 4.13 x 4.17 inches).

The TV Play features a number of ports including USB 2.0
The TV Play features a number of ports including USB 2.0

Streaming in full 1080p, the TV Play has access to a wide range of services including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Vudu, Spotify, Pandora and Vimeo. Users can also access and stream personal media via either the USB 2.0 port or any DLNA/UPnP device on a home network. In addition to the USB port, the TV Play also features Ethernet, HDMI, Composite A/V, built-in Wi-Fi and Optical audio.

Western Digital has reworked the user interface for the TV Play, taking a tablet-like approach to content navigation, allowing for home screen personalization. There's also a new remote which features dedicated Netflix, Vudu and Hulu Plus buttons, and users can also control the TV Play using smartphone and tablet apps on both iOS and Android.

One of the most obvious competitors to the TV Play is the Roku 2 XD, which offers similar functionality – including full 1080p output – at an identical price point. However, the XD does not feature a USB port, potentially giving the TV Play a slight edge (depending on user priorities).

Source: Western Digital

View gallery - 6 images
5 comments
5 comments
exodous
Eh, I have the Ouya coming so if it streams I'll just use it. I really want to stream, right now I use one of those tiny cheap play anything boxes with a usb hdd attached. Steaming from my computer would be much better.
Chuck Anziulewicz
What I would like more than anything is an "À la carte" TV service. My cable bill is over $90 per month, and there can't be more than 20 channels that I watch on even an occasional basis. I have no use for the sports channels, the religious channels, the shopping channels, the music channels ... and yet just because I like BBC America and the Science Channel, I have no choice to pay upper tier prices.
Pro2nd
Where is the USB port?
5318008
The USB is on the side of the box, according to different photos.
Robert in Vancouver
I agree with Chuck about wanting a box that will let me pick and pay only for the TV channels I want.
I watch only 14 channels but have to pay for 82 just to get the 14 I want.