This is an update to my previous WDTV Live Plus post way back in October. I gave this box a four out of five. It still is a great box because of all the updates that Western Digital have been pushing down, I thought I should add some more to the review.
The current version of the firmware is 1.04.31 dated April 12, 2011. This update and all previous updates have only increased our use of this trusty media box. Some of the improvements include an updated Netflix interface.
The old interface was fine as long as you could manage your Instant Queue. You would have to go online and add items to the queue and then when at your TV find them to play. Now the new interface allows you to manage your Instant Queue but also search the complete library. You really don’t need the Instant Queue anymore. This interface also adds support for Dolby Digital 5.1 sound and Subtitles.
Another internet streaming feature is CinemaNow. This service allows you buy or rent movies and tv shows. While this is similar to Netflix, CinemaNow is pay as you go and Netflix is a monthly charge. It looks like CinemaNow’s content is more current than Netflix. My family and I have not set up an account yet. So I can’t speak to the quality versus Netflix quality. One could continue the debate of monthly versus as-you-go also.
Other internet features include Blockbuster, Youtube, Mediafly, Flingo, Pandora, Tunein, Deezer, Live365, and Flickr. There is still no support for PicasaWeb or Hulu. The streaming of local content has only gotten better. Support for DVD ISOs is worth mentioning.
So all and all, the WDTV Live Plus has become more and more solid. We are glad we have it and can’t wait for future updates.
Chris Sussmann 
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