WDTV Codecs FAQ

• Will it be possible to add functionality? Like more codecs or even possibly fix existing problems ?
  Thats difficult to do, because only WD has the source code of their binaries :\ .. We can only add features to the the linux system that was not suposed to have, like internet to stream videos via a pc, etc .. Until someone has the source code of what controls the hdmi port, composite port, etc, its impossible (and I think it will not be possible
• Does anyone try to implement DTS down-mix ?
  No, this feature is dependent on signed Sigma microcode. Instead, you have to use PCH Audioconverter and reencode to AC3 and remux movie to mkv container and you can have single movie file with AC3 audio track and also DTS original and in WDTV you can change to Ac3 and on other players you have still original audio.this process is fast try learn do that and dont wait on DTS support.
• Do I have plugged in USBstick in WDTV if I am using ext3-boot firmware ?
  Yes, becouse ext3-boot firmware was loaded and is still running from this media but you can use also usb-hdd and boot from it. Reason why we dont flash firmware into WDTV is ext3-boot is still under development and flash memory have limited write cycles is better updating external memory then internal hardwired memory.
• I want test your firmware Is it possible flash back original firmware ?
  Yes, you have to only follow small how-to. It's simple and it's same process like upgrading only WDTV.VER file have to be modified WDTV accepting only higher firmware version this is reason why WDTV.VER file have to be changed.This file is simple textplain file there is no issue with editing.

• Is it possible play movie from my computer
  Yes, many ext3-boot fw users reporting this is working fine SDmovie,720p, 1080p over NFS or SD upto 720p over CIFS(windows file sharing).
• Why I should use NFS and not Windows Sharing ?
  Becouse NFS is faster more then 2x faster then CIFS. Anyway NFS is harder to setup you will learn something new. Small how-to:)
• Am I able to see my data on HDD which attached to WDTV over network ?
  Yes, you are able copy and delete data on your HDD which is attached to WDTV but you need working USB network adapter.
• Will my wireless USB dongle work with non-official firmware?
  Maybe We recommend that if you really need wireless access use LAN wireless router/AP and connect WDTV+USB LAN dongle to wireless router or buy something like WirelessHDD HDD providing space and wireless connection to HDD or for WDTV on PC+share. Some wireless USB network adapters do work with the most recent non-official firmware releases, but we've not found any with good performance yet.
• I am windows/mac user how can create NFS server on my computer ?
  NFS on Windows (Mac: reserved comming soon or you can add this answer)
• What does it mean NFS SAMBA SAMB/CIFS or TELNET ?
  Some usefull facts you can find here NFS, SAMBA, CIFS/SMB, Telnet, FTP
• Will you add new features like have Popcorn hour ?
  We are adding usb network support and remote network share capability this
• Is it possible play my movies over network from my Windows/MacOSX computer ?
  Yes, some guys reporting its possible play our testing sample [DIVX6 1920×1080 5670kb AC3 over SAMBA/CIFS]
  be caredull not all usb network adapters have same speed some are slower–you're mileage may vary. faster Tester1
• How can I mount windows share from my WDTV ?
  - xmount //IP Addess/Sharefolder MountName cifs
  - ex. xmount //192.168.0.1/Media MyShare cifs
  —-
  - 192.168.0.1 is the IP address of the share computer/device
  - Media is the location on the computer of the media you want to share
  - MyShare is the name of the folder you will see when you browse on your WD
  - cifs is the filesystem type for windows shares (or nfs if you decide to change it)
  - Also, you might want to temporarily disable the firewall on your PC before you start up the WD device.

• I want have faster and better supported EXT2 or EXT3 filesystem but have Windows OS What I should to do ?
  Hi, you have to backup your data first, and then you can format USB-HDD to EXT2/EXT3 / use Acronis or PQ magic or free RescueSystemCD+Parted for this job or you can use CLI interface over telnet I dont recommnend this to non-experienced user with Linux devices. Also you have to install under Administrator Acount on Windows EXT-FS support, reboot and after you will be able work with EXT2/3 partition as with NTFS

Open notepad paste there this piece of code and saveas to disableautorun.reg you have to be Administrator on machine if you want execute

• I am using USB Keys and USB-HDD between many computers is it dangerous for my computer?
  Yes, if you have computer without GOOD Antivirus package or you have Autorun feature enabled.I am appologize upto you disable it!
  Autorun feature is for people who aren't able open “My computer\Local drive X” but its responsible for executing programs from media.

If you dont trust to me read this Highly recommended install this security update
or Activate this registry changes ( and later install MS security patch )

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer]
"NoDriveTypeAutoRun"=dword:000000ff

Save this piece of code to file for example noautorun.reg and run it under Administrator account on you machine this will disable Autorun only