NAS drive vs Mezzmo

[Dave]

I am about to dive into DLNA streaming now that I have bought a Sony Bravia LCD TV. I am now deciding whether to get a NAS drive that has a DLNA server built into it, or use DLNA software like Mezzmo.

I have about 13,000 files (5000 music files, 6000 photos and 1000 home videos). They are various formats. I have a Quad-core PC with plenty of RAM and disk space. I intend to use wireless for my streaming.

What are the advantages of Mezzmo over a NAS drive solution? Any issues I should know about? Can Mezzmo handle HD video?

[Paul]

Hi Dave,

There are several advantages in using Mezzmo over a NAS drive, including:


Mezzmo can transcode your files to make them compatible with your TV, so if you have something which the TV cannot play, Mezzmo will convert it on-the-fly for you.
Mezzmo can organize your library of files in any form you like - there are various types of playlists that let you organize your collection manually and automatically. You could keep your existing folder structure in Mezzmo and you can also use the organizing features of Mezzmo to make browsing your collection even easier.
There are several ways to search through your collection designed to make finding anything you are looking for quick and easy.
When adding files to Mezzmo, it'll get album artwork, image and video thumbnails, music lyrics, etc... so you can see them on your TV when you browse your collection.
If you have more than one device (let's say you buy a second TV for another room), you can easily and precisely control which contents can be played on which device, so you could block some folders that you don't want your other device to see.
We have extensive support capabilities and we test Mezzmo on new devices that come out, so you know that Mezzmo will always grow with the market and be updated.
Mezzmo and a big hard disk is cheaper than an average NAS drive, but give you much more value and flexibility ;)


There are even more advantages listed here: http://www.conceiva.com/products/mezzmo/faqs.asp#Features .

Mezzmo can easily handle HD video, provided your wireless network is up to it (strong signal and good throughput are required for HD video).

Please let me know if you have any more questions, I'm always glad to help.

Dennis

[Dave]

Wow. The reasons to use Mezzmo are quite compelling. I did not know that NAS drives were so limited in their features. I definitely will need to transcode my files since I already know that my Sony Bravia TV does not support my M4A or M4V files. That immediately rules out getting a NAS drive. Mezzmo transcodes M4A and M4V files, right? I hope so.

Anyway, I have downloaded the trial version of Mezzmo now & will play with it. Thanks for your help.

[Paul]

Wow. The reasons to use Mezzmo are quite compelling. I did not know that NAS drives were so limited in their features. I definitely will need to transcode my files since I already know that my Sony Bravia TV does not support my M4A or M4V files. That immediately rules out getting a NAS drive. Mezzmo transcodes M4A and M4V files, right? I hope so.

Yes, Mezzmo transcodes M4A and M4V files, as well as all other popular formats (see this page for a full list: http://www.conceiva.com/products/mezzmo/formatsupport.asp). Also, Mezzmo is using ffmpeg for transcoding and it's updated regularly, so any improvements in format support, performance, etc... will be passed on to you to further enhance your Mezzmo experience.

[Dave]

My first impressions are great. I especially love the organizing features (something that Tversity and Twonky don't seem to have at all). Mezzmo is easily the best DLNA server I have tried so far.

I am streaming all my files using Mezzmo to my Bravia and it's all working fine. One more question - I have an iPhone 3GS and I saw references in the help file that Mezzmo supports iPhones and iPods. Can I DLNA stream the photos in my iPhone using Mezzmo to my TV? How do I do that?

[Paul]

My first impressions are great. I especially love the organizing features (something that Tversity and Twonky don't seem to have at all). Mezzmo is easily the best DLNA server I have tried so far.
Thanks!


I am streaming all my files using Mezzmo to my Bravia and it's all working fine. One more question - I have an iPhone 3GS and I saw references in the help file that Mezzmo supports iPhones and iPods. Can I DLNA stream the photos in my iPhone using Mezzmo to my TV? How do I do that?
That's easy - I assume you already have iTunes installed, then just run Mezzmo and plug in your iPhone. It will appear as a folder under the Library. You can also copy files from your iPhone and add them to Mezzmo's library, or just stream them directly by browsing your iPhone's folders from the TV.

[Dave]

Awesome. I can stream my iPhone's music and photos now directly to my Bravia. I just purchased Mezzmo from your site - it's great software & you have great support. Thanks again!!!