WDTV Live HDMI problem

Hello, as you might already know, I have a WDTV Live media player. the power comes on, the network light is blinking, but the HDMI cable to the TV doesn’t produce anything except a black screen. The HDMI cable isn’t broken, it’s definitely the media player.
My question is: has anyone else had this problem and if so did you fix it and you know the next question. I don’t have any warranty and the store’s 15-day return policy has came and gone quite some time ago. Is there any surgery I can perform on it or do I just own an overpriced plastic paperweight?
If the thing is done, then what media player do you recommend that has network capabilities [wired not wireless but if both are included then i will still consider purchasing it] and is a good quality product? Preferably not one that costs hundreds of dollars either. Thanks for reading, now give me some recommendations, please. Sorry about the rudeness and straight-forwardness you might have read into but I can assure you that I was trying to be polite. I would never purposefully treat the helpdesk in a rude manner.
Answer #1
What do you mean you don’t have any warranty? Unless you bought it used, then it has at least the standard 1 year waranty. Just return it to the shop. The 15 day thing is only to return a product which you did not use.
Answer #2
I might have a warranty but due to certain circumstances, that I will fail to mention here, WD will more than likely, not honor the warranty.
What are the alternatives? Popcorn hour? doesn’t it cost nearly double of a wdtv, and what’s so good about it that I should pay twice as much? Plus where can I buy one from besides from the internet?
Plus, if anyone has any tips on repairing the thing, then please share with us.
Answer #3
As far as repairing the device you would have to send it to the company who made it if that’s possible. You can check their site for phone and e-mail support at: www.wdc.com. You can buy a Roku, Boxee Box or Vudu. Here is another suggestion. MY 32 inch Samsung TV has a HDD port that allows me to plug in an external HDD. I can play videos that I have stored on the HDD. If your TV has that port maybe you can try it.
Answer #4
I have Sumvision media players – they play anything I throw at them, a lot better than WD IMO.
Sorry, no idea what’s wrong with yours without physically looking at it and testing. Take it to a local electonic engineer/repair shop if you have no warranty. But may just be cheaper getting a replacement depending on what’s wrong.
Answer #5
As many bad reviews as good ones for Sumvision products. Dunno what you mean by “I might have a warranty but due to certain circumstances, that I will fail to mention here, WD will more than likely, not honor the warranty.” No idea what that means.
As to other players Patriot Box Office gets good reviews and is great if you use homebrew firmware (ditto with the WDTV Live players) but if you really want to know what is popular you have to go to Iboum and have a look. Generally depends on what you want to do with the device. Streaming? Playback from HDD? Netflix? You have to be specific.