Choosing a budget HD media player?

Question

Iron

I set out to purchase an inexpensive HD media player for the home, around $200.
Requirements:
- the ability to connect HDD;
- built-in torrent downloader;
- omnivorous playback formats;
- regular firmware updates from the manufacturer.
At the moment, BBK Popcorn NP101S v2 and Dune HD Lite 53D are in mind . The characteristics are similar devices, but I would like to hear feedback, because. any of the above has its own nuances.
Tell me where to stop?

Answer 1

I bought myself a Chinese EGREAT M34 and flashed it with popcorn firmware from A110 - everything works fine for half the money, and the screw, and the rocker, and mkv plays great.

Answer 2

Does size matter to you?

Answer 3

Here is the most useful resource: www.networkedmediatank.com/

Answer 4

and how do you like it?

Answer 5

I use WD TV Live. Satisfied.

Answer 6

IconBIT HDS6L - budget supertank

Answer 7

Wait for Boxee Box, a month left

Answer 8

I own Iconbit HD400Le and Iconbit HD40NMT - great devices that fully and fully work out the money invested in them. I didn’t even flash it - why, if everything works anyway?
All files play perfectly over the network, not a single freeze for almost a year of work.
There is a torrent downloader based on Transmission, however, Sigma Designs chips are not very smart with it.
Devices based on fresh Realtek are much faster in this regard, but subjectively they are more capricious to the codecs of the playback.