I haven't seen much on this topic in a while. What is everyone using for Media Players?

I normally install RoKu players for online content, but what about a client that wants to copy his movies to a NAS? Plex? RoKu Media Player?

I have a Mede8er at home, but its not really a system that I would deploy to a customer.

If you have a client that wants to rip and put his movies on a NAS, that client needs to own the ripping and streaming methodology.

I've used two different MPs that I like.

The older unit is a Dune HD Smart D1. I don't know if these are still available.

One nice feature of the Dune was support for BlueRay menus - for those that want that ability.

[Link: dune-hd-usa.com]

I recently tried a DVDFab Movie Server which seems to be working well.

[Link: dvdfab.cn]

Ripped content is stored on Synology DS1813+/DS1815+/DS1817+ units.

Frederick

Dune Smart series were awesome. Unfortunately, it's a rare find if you see one, I believe they are no longer sold/produced.

Their newer players are pretty damn good too though.

Otherwise, I hear the Nvidia Shields are pretty bad ass.

I have the Dune products in my home. One in the theater and one in the Master bedroom. The theater one is driven by my own home theater application which is very similar to kalaidescape, but of my own design.

What I like about the Dune player is that is is completely controllable over IP. I have mine set up so that I just give it the address for the movie file (an mkv file) in a TCP/IP message and it plays it. I use the unraid system for the NAS. I have had the unRaid system working non-stop for 372 days before I took it down to upgrade the softare. Right now it has been running non-stop for over 91 days.

We used to build our own Media Servers and clients using Windows Media Center and MyMovies.  Since Windows has done away with Windows Media Center, we have switched to using Fusion Research products.  I'm very happy with them.

We don't do as many systems as we used to though.  Most people are fine with Rokus or AppleTVs.

If I was to rebuild my system at home, I would probably build it around Plex with Rokus as the clients.

Plex and Roku.
Great for mobile access too!

Look into AnyDVD for ripping. It’s what Mozaex uses.

AnyDVD is gone.  It is now a company called RedFox, and they haven't updated recently.  (at least the last time i checked)

DVD Fab is what I use for ripping now.

Both the vendors of AnyDVD and DVDFab ran into legal issues.

Both are back and keeping their products updated.

The DVDFab vendor released a pretty nice media player.

Frederick

Make MKV is free. This to rip.

Handbrake is also free. This to compress.

For clients I stay away from recommending stuff because I don't want endless headaches.
Kaledascape for people that can afford it.

On my own system, I use QNAP for both NAS and media player(Plex) as it has HDMI out. For other locations, SmartTVs and Roku(s) have Plex clients.
It's a nice interface, easy to use and sort and it works.

As a side note: I maxed out my NAS over the holiday (had additional time to RIP older movies) and now I'm in a process of deciding if I want to go with a larger NAS or just get a UX-500P or UX-800P to expand my storage needs.

I find the easiest setup for most able customers to use is using MyMovies software along with Redfox AnyDVD HD.

Dedicate a PC or use the customers and you can just about automate the whole process. Pretty much only need one click to rip after the cover art is found.

What he said!
Great, easy to use and reliable device.