List of Known Networked Media Devices [Archive]

jfila

10-06-2003, 08:41 PM

This forum is intended to help consumers find out about the "networked media devices" on the market and learn about their features.

A "networked media device" is a video and/or audio player that recieves it's content from a server running on a network. These devices can either hook up to your stereo, TV or both.

Please post in this thread if you are aware of other devices. Please start another thread if you wish to ask questions or comment on a device.

The List:

SliMP3 - www.slimdevices.com - the SliMP3 player is a networked device that hooks into your stereo. It features a 2x40 VFD and plays audio content streamed from a server. The server software is open source and runs on Windows, Linux, Mac OSX, BSD and even Solaris. Currently selling at $239.

Prismiq - www.prismiq.com - The Prismiq media player interfaces with your stereo and TV and allows you to play digital audio and video files, view photos, stream Internet radio, chat with friends, and browse the Web. The media software runs on Windows. Currently selling at $249.95.

cd3o - www.cd3o.com - The cd3o Network Mp3 Player plays streamed mp3s through a wired or wireless connection to your stereo. The server software runs on Windows XP or 2000. Currently priced from $129 - $199.

hp digital media receiver - hp.com (http://www.shopping.hp.com/cgi-bin/hpdirect/shopping/scripts/generic_store/generic_subcategory_view.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0123 848227.1065499025@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccceadcjihggmekcfngcfkmdfondfgg.0&landing=computers&category=home_networking&subcat1=digital_media_receivers&cat_level=1&browse_link=true) - The HP media recievers allow you to play digital music on your stereo and to view photos on your TV. Software runs on Windows XP, 2000 or Me. The device comes in a wired or wireless package and is priced from $129.99 to $199.99.

Turtle Beach Audiotron - www.turtlebeach.com - AudioTron uses your home network to play Internet radio from a networked Internet connection and digital music files from a PC’s hard drive. The software runs on Windows. Currently priced from $299.95 to $349.95.

Onkyo Nettune OnkyoUsa.com (http://www.onkyousa.com/prod_class.cfm?class=Nettune) - Onkyo offers a whole line of networked audio recievers. Onkyo's "Net-Tune Central" software runs on Windows. Priced at $400 and up.

Linksys Wireless-b Media Adapter Linksys.com (http://www.linksys.com/splash/wma11b_splash.asp) - Using a wireless connection, the Media Adapter displays your digital photographs on the TV and plays MP3s through your stereo. Software for Windows XP or 2000. Currently priced at $178.99.

JoyPort JoyFaktory.com (http://www.joyfaktory.com/joyport.html) - An audiophile media wireless device capable of streaming audio, and video content to home-theather and Hi-Fi audio systems. Server software runs on Windows, Linux and Mac. Prices start at $699.

Omnifi Omnifimedia.com (http://www.omnifimedia.com/products/omnifi_products.jsp) - Digital media streamer for your home. Allows your PC to stream your favorite digital media content (MP3 & WMA) to your home stereo. Server software runs on Windows. Prices start at $299. (Note - they also have a companion module to go in your car)

Motorola Simplefi - Motorola.com (http://commerce.motorola.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=232843&prmenbr=126&bcs_cgrfnbr=230509&zipcode=) - Wireless digital media streamer that hooks up to your stereo. Server software runs on Windows 98, Me or 2000. Currently priced at $299.

Creative Sound Blaster Wireless - Creative.com (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=119&subcategory=121&product=9192) - Supports 802.11 b and g and features an RF remote that has a 132x64 pixel blue backlit LCD. Server software supports Windows 98 through XP. Currently priced at $249.99

HomePod by MacSense - Macsense.com (http://macsense.com/product/homepod/) - Features a 2.5" backlig LCD, built in stereo speakers, RCA outputs and optical outputs. It supports wired or 802.11b wireless networking. Supports Windows, Linux, Mac OS 9 and OSX, BSD and Solaris. Not on sale yet but will be at $249.

jfila

10-06-2003, 08:53 PM

Also:
Escient (http://www.escient.com/productline.htm). Their digital media devices differ from the others because they are hard drive based - yet still can hook to a network.

ReQuest Multimedia (http://www.request.com/us/) Also hard drive based but some models are networked - including a "net sync" feature in which the device backs up everything it has locally to a network drive. Beautiful, but expensive.

ECA

10-06-2003, 10:34 PM

Panasonic has cameras that hook directly to a server. Look in the sec section.

jfila

10-07-2003, 09:16 AM

Thanks ECA but I'm trying to stick to devices that stream either music (MP3s etc) or video (AVI, DIVX, VOB etc).

Updated the list with a few more...

Unregistered

10-07-2003, 10:57 AM

Rio Receiver ( http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/support/rio/product.asp?prodID=99 ) is a device that streams MP3 and WMA files from a server. Although discontinued, new and used Rio Receivers are readily available at many online stores and auction sites (I'd recommend eBay as a first stop) for well under $100 (in fact I've seen new ones go for closer to $50.) There are Dell and Gateway branded versions of the Rio Receiver as well.

GlooLabs

10-09-2003, 02:06 PM

You guys missed one that I'm involved with...

The HomePod (http://www.macsense.com/product/homepod/) is a wireless audio device that streams MP3, AAC, and WAV files around the home. Also has built in speakers so you can move it around the house as a free standing player. Server runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. Retails price $249. ( A developer version of the HomePod is available from GlooLabs - http://store.yahoo.com/gloolabs/homepod.html)

jtfields

10-09-2003, 05:34 PM

GlooLabs - That product does look quite intriguing. I assume that since your username is that of the company offering the developer version that you actually are using one of these devices. I'd appreciate if you'd start a separate thread (since this one is only for listing products only) and tell us a little more about the HomePod including it's strengths and weaknesses compared to some of the other popular digital audio receivers.

I'd also like to know a little about it's interface. There doesn't seem to be much information available about it on the website.

Also, the website mentions an expected ship date of October (this month). Are they behind this schedule?

jfila

10-09-2003, 06:32 PM

Wow that HomePod looks pretty cool. I'll add it to the list

The site is kinda messed up for me though - anyone else? Some items are cut off and there is text in the background that shouldn't be.

neuroking

10-09-2003, 07:55 PM

So which of these puppies also do mpeg and avis? I have been spoiled by my QCast tuner software for the PS2. I can play mp3s, wma, avis, mpeg4, mpeg2, and display pictures to music. Only thing it lacks is a nice visualization suite for the music playing app.

Ioman

10-09-2003, 10:07 PM

Originally posted by neuroking
So which of these puppies also do mpeg and avis? I have been spoiled by my QCast tuner software for the PS2. I can play mp3s, wma, avis, mpeg4, mpeg2, and display pictures to music. Only thing it lacks is a nice visualization suite for the music playing app.

Man I want that new PSX they just announced. That would look tight in my home theater and i would love using it as a media player.

jfila

10-10-2003, 04:45 AM

The prismiq does video and audio. It can play DIVX, AVI and even VOBs (ripped DVDs). I almost bought it but bought the SliMP3 instead because the Prismiq doesn't have a display.

I'm very happy with the SliMP3 but wouldn't mind trying something with video.

ECA

10-10-2003, 07:45 AM

so, you are looking more on Output items rather then input or creation of audio/video.

jfila

10-10-2003, 11:54 AM

Originally posted by ECA
so, you are looking more on Output items rather then input or creation of audio/video.

Originally posted by jfila
A "networked media device" is a video and/or audio player that recieves it's content from a server running on a network. These devices can either hook up to your stereo, TV or both.

ECA

10-10-2003, 01:35 PM

WELL, there is a device from x-10 that hooks to the TV output and audio of the computer and then sends what ever you want to the setero/TV, and has the ability to be Infrared controlled, so that if you have infrared input on the computer, it can control the software also.

jfila

10-30-2003, 07:43 AM

Updated the list with the homepod and creative's wireless music blaster.

Guest

11-04-2003, 10:43 PM

Forgot Kiss, if it was only wireless :(

http://www.home-control.co.uk/products/product_info.php?products_id=103&osCsid=44

wetheyus

11-05-2003, 11:18 AM

Great list. Thanks. I have another challenge for DesignTechnica and its readers.

In the above list you brought together home media streamers. Great. However I would like to see a list of specialty AV boxes which hosts & SERVES media. Not just stream from PC to the box, but from the box to the TV or even to client PCs on the home LAN. A dedicated home media server (pre-packaged box) which relieves the duty from my PC which I want shut down when guests come to my living room to see my photo collection. (needless to say, build-it-yourself media PCs are not the solution...).

I'll get you started:

1) Telly MC1000 (linux based)
http://www.interact-tv.com

2) ONEBox Media Centre (Windows Media Centre based)
http://www.oneboxmc.com/

3) ?

Can there be only two?

Cheers,
-Wetheyus

Ioman

11-05-2003, 11:29 AM

You can make that Telly MC1000 on your own if you want. They are using a Cooler Master ATC-610 computer case and other parts you can buy on your own.

In fact, if I built this, I would take the system and then throw in a Maya 7.1 sound card (a little over $100) to give it the ultimate surround sound ability.

jfila

11-05-2003, 11:30 AM

Very cool Wetheyus! I think I will start a list. Keep the links coming!

Ioman

11-05-2003, 11:30 AM

That ONEBox is using stock parts as well. In fact the remote that comes with this system is the same remote ATI packages with their All-in-wonder cards as does Nvidia on their Cineman FX cards. I am willing to bet this system could be built rather easily.

Unregistered

11-05-2003, 11:31 AM

SMC's EZ-Stream Universal Wireless Multimedia Receiver is one I don't see listed. Haven't personally tested it though.

Hauppauge has a Media MVP which I have tested and works great. You can find it online for around $90. Here is a link to there web site:
http://www.hauppauge.com/html/mediamvp_datasheet.htm
Hope this helps some of you.

Rick
web_page_guy@yahoo.com

jfila

11-05-2003, 11:31 AM

Originally posted by Ioman
That ONEBox is using stock parts as well. In fact the remote that comes with this system is the same remote ATI packages with their All-in-wonder cards as does Nvidia on their Cineman FX cards. I am willing to bet this system could be built rather easily.

Let's see how close I can come with my HTPC based on the Radeon 9600 AIW.

Ioman

11-05-2003, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by Unregistered
SMC's EZ-Stream Universal Wireless Multimedia Receiver is one I don't see listed. Haven't personally tested it though.

Hauppauge has a Media MVP which I have tested and works great. You can find it online for around $90. Here is a link to there web site:
http://www.hauppauge.com/html/mediamvp_datasheet.htm
Hope this helps some of you.

Rick
web_page_guy@yahoo.com

Welcome to the forums rick. Please register so we can chat with ya some more!

ECA

11-05-2003, 02:06 PM

This isnt that hard. But making it yourself, you can have MORE control. They have a whole OS built around using a remote control now. Its just a wireless mouse.
The fun part is Knowing what YOU put in it, insted of what OTHERS out into it.
Tell us features you want. Linking to the computer is easy, they even have a TV/DVD player/recorder that has a 1394(firewire)on it.
OK, lets see:
TV output, with Computer display.
Audio 5.1
Networkable to Client home system, for loading data, media, and such.
Remote controllable.

How about Cable/TV input and cable internet.
Lets see, how about Cable/TV to a VCR(or somesuch) then to a 4 channel Video input on the unit, then the other 3 channels can be DVD, Remote Camera(s).
NOW, Audio input is a pian as there aint manny cards that will input Dolby. So, you will STILL need a second remote for a tuner for sound.
How about AM/FM, that can be done.
Haugpage, has the AM/FM, TV, card. but does it have Video input or only Cable/antenna.

ONLY problem I really see... Is, I havent seen a Digital input output for the computer(s-video,RGB) for progressive scan. I have seen S-video OUT, but not input cards.

anyone??

I have to ask, WHY? The only thing you are gaining is the ability to play Audio Video accross to the TV and tuner. And this, you can do anyway, except the OTHER stuff is independant of the computer(need more remotes, maybe).
There are units for around $70 that you can use to send Audio and video to the TV/Tuner to be played from the comp, if you have a TV output card. And a remote that can work also. Really you arent gaining anything for $900. Just less remote controlls.

UNLESS, you wish to record Video to the server, Id suggest a Tivo. Still cheaper.

Guest again

11-05-2003, 06:04 PM

The aiw 9600 pro has Stereo audio, S-video, and composite video inputs and outputs

The thing is building a mini computer or a home theatre only computer will cost a lot more then the $300 you pay for those other things mentioned above.

I have decided to build a mini system with my aiw though because you can use all video formats and not just mpeg-1 and 2.

ECA

11-05-2003, 06:48 PM

VIA Mini-ITX M10000 Motherboard w/ 1GHz C3 Processor
256MB DDR266 Memory
ATI RADEONTM 7500 Graphical Processing Unit
ATI TheatreTM 200 Technology
64MB DDR Dedicated Video Memory

With these stats from the Onebox. I think it is sorely lacking.

ATI card is good, the 256meg is FAIR.
But the VIA Mobo, and the 64meg Video, SUCK.

NOW, IF you really want this type of thing, ask me and I will BUILD one for you. With better stuff on it then this has.

wetheyus

11-10-2003, 04:45 PM

Thanks for the feedback everyone! :-)

Most of the posts here have either proposed that there's no big deal about the Telly or the OneBox because it's all pretty basic equipment and that one could do better on their own.

Fine no argument there.

But I don't WANT to do it on my own. Like most consumers I just want to buy a box which has built-in all the the functionality I need: DVR, wireless network access to internal drives, photo/music/video delivery to my AV system & client PCs, DVD-R. (the side-benefits of internet access like streaming internet radio and remote control of the box are cool but not deal breakers).

To clarify, here's what I don't want (forgive the self-indulgence here, but I really believe what I'm outlining here is nearer the ultimate home media centre for the avg consumer than anything else I've seen):

a) I don't want to have to tinker with just the right multimedia card, and I don't want to have to bear the responsibility of installing all the necessary codecs, drivers and a GUI for TV interface... and I'm willing to spend an extra $100 bucks or more to get a hassle/maintenance free system. Of course, I also want an open platform that will allow all of these activities should I feel so inclined later on. :-)

b) I don't want to have to have another computer running somewhere else to serve media to this thing. The point is THIS will be the home media server and I can shut off my laptop and put it away while I listen to music from my MP3 collection in my computer-less living room.

c) I don't want a separate screen sitting next to my TV used for controlling things. This is just an issue of interior design. my living room should feel like a living room, not an office.

um... that's it I think! :-)

Is there no other company which offers a box with all this in a tightly integrated package?

A value added reseller somewhere?

Cheers,
-Wetheyus

ECA

11-10-2003, 10:21 PM

Not with Wireless.
Not with the DivX drivers, or any related to them.
And DVD-R you need at LEAST a 1.2ghz-2ghz system. REALLY.
What are you willing to spend for someone to set it up, and DL all the needed drivers,codecs, and such.
Lowest and most.
HOW BIG do you want it.

Whats real funny, is that TV cards used to be standard, could find them all over. NOW is custom. I would REALLY like a TV only card with 128megs of ram. For the $200 for a monitor, I could have a 27" TV.

jake_friz

11-11-2003, 09:59 PM

Play@TV: www.playattv.com

Roku HD1000: www.rokulabs.com

Gateway's Connected DVD Player: http://accessories.gateway.com/AccessoryStore/Consumer+Electronics_381930/Digital+TV_381941/DVD+Players_9000002/1530868_ProdDetail?tpcid=1000&productid=1530868

Ioman

11-11-2003, 10:16 PM

Originally posted by jake_friz
Play@TV: www.playattv.com

Roku HD1000: www.rokulabs.com

Gateway's Connected DVD Player: http://accessories.gateway.com/AccessoryStore/Consumer+Electronics_381930/Digital+TV_381941/DVD+Players_9000002/1530868_ProdDetail?tpcid=1000&productid=1530868

oooh Good finds. We should be getting the Gateway networkable DVD player soon for review.

jake_friz

11-12-2003, 09:51 AM

One more:

Hauppaugge MediaMVP: http://www.hauppauge.com/html/mediamvp_datasheet.htm

wetheyus

12-08-2003, 07:09 AM

hi all,

what do people think about these guys?

http://www.tapeitall.com/Products.shtml

like onebox or telly, a prepackaged HTPC that doesn't use WinMCE.

Cheers,
-Shady

diphenhydramine

12-09-2003, 11:49 AM

Does this one qualify?

http://www.actiontec.com/products/broadband/wdmp/wdmp_overview.html

http://www.actiontec.com/company_info/release120803.html

mhuca

12-18-2003, 02:01 PM

One device which has been mentioned but I feel should be added to the list is the GameShark Media Player (GSMP) formally the QCast Tuner.

http://www.broadq.com

It runs on a PS2 with sever software used to stream video, picture and audio to the PS2 for playback.

Mark

jake_friz

01-02-2004, 09:44 PM

Philips SL-400i Wireless Media Link

http://www.streamium.com/products/sl400i/index.shtml

blunlimited

01-03-2004, 01:51 AM

Has this one been listed? I didn't see it in this thread:

http://www.buy.com/retail/electronics/product.asp?sku=90123771&loc=111&sp=1

I have been looking into connecting the PC's (5) in the house to the TV's and, after days of research, I am focusing on the PrismIQ for its' video abilities although this machine sound promising.

There are several reviews at the bottom of the linked page with most showing + results but there are a few complaining of bad results. You know how that goes - you only hear from the users that had problems, not from the ones that had a good experience.

lesterw

01-25-2004, 06:21 PM

I spent some time putting together a spreadsheet of all the Network Media Devices I could find. The Excel spreadsheet includes various specifications (at least from what I could find). I was surprised how many there are.

http://www.fibreone.com/NMDList.zip

If anyone has anyone has any additional comments, corrections, etc. please send me a private message.

- Lester -

jfila

01-25-2004, 06:38 PM

Wow! Awesome job Lester. What prompted this? Have you bought one (or several) yourself?

We're getting a few of these in for review pretty soon. Please keep us updated if you find any more!

I saw a few at CES this month. Turtle Beach is coming out with a new version of the AudioTron (not named audiotron because it has video also) and it looked slick. I see you got the Philips device - that looked pretty good too. I still haven't had a chance to look at the Creative Music Blaster and really want to.

lesterw

01-26-2004, 01:08 PM

I enjoyed putting together the list and will try and keep it updated as I find new information. Unfortunately, not all vendors provide detailed specs and there are numerous inconsistencies with the marketing data and the published specifications.

I'm anxious to see what Turtle Beach comes out with. I just ordered a Slim Device's SqueezeBox. I'll provide feedback after I set it up. I also want to purchase a model that does various video formats, especially MPEG-2 (coupled with my ReplayTV and the free http://dvarchive.sourceforge.net/ (DVArchive) server, it will allow me to extend my ReplayTV).

By the way, I suspect that the Gateway Connected Wireless DVD Player is OEM'ed from Amoisonic model NDP-9100 (see the front and back photos at http://www.amoisonic.com/english/index.htm and http://accessories.gateway.com/AccessoryStore/Consumer+Electronics_381930/Digital+TV_381941/DVD+Players_9000002/1530868_ProdDetail?tpcid=1000&productid=1530868 (Gateways unit )).

ECA

01-26-2004, 02:20 PM

Originally posted by lesterw
I enjoyed putting together the list and will try and keep it updated as I find new information. Unfortunately, not all vendors provide detailed specs and there are numerous inconsistencies with the marketing data and the published specifications.

I understand the problem with Specs.
Try this.
Make a list of Q and specs you are looking for.
Then Customize it for each instance, and email your Q to there compnay, generally, tech support, customer service and 1 other person SHOULD be able to give any answers. But try to send to 3 departments, if you dont they may shuffle you and NOT forward it.

strewth_bruce

01-28-2004, 01:34 AM

Hi,

I'm quite interested in the Actiontec device (link originally posted by diphenhydramine earlier in this thread). It seems to support a wide variety of formats, both audio and video. However, I've not seen any detailed reviews of it anywhere. Is anyone aware of any reviews on the web of this product? Better still, if anyone's actually got one, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on it!

cheers,
Andrew

jfila

01-28-2004, 07:37 AM

Actiontec is sending me a review sample. I'll put it through the tests and let you all know. Look for it in the next 10-14 days.

synergicity

01-30-2004, 09:54 AM

Neuston and Pinnacle and Actiontec use the Sigma Designs EM8550 chipset and have similar functionality. In addition, each can use its own server software or one of two third party servers. Here are some urls:

Devices

Neuston MC-500 (http://www.neuston.com/en/mc500.asp)

Pinnacle Showcenter (http://www.pinnaclesys.com/ProductPage_n.asp?Product_ID=1481&Langue_ID=7)

Actiontec WDMP (http://www.actiontec.com/products/broadband/wdmp/wdmp_features.html)

Server Software

Openshowcentre (http://openshowcenter.sourceforge.net/Mambo/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=53&op=page&SubMenu=)

OXLY ~BOX (http://www.oxyl.de/oxylbox/main_EN.php?p=main_EN)

Like the SliMP3, there seems to be a very active open source user community building around these devices. This is why I bought the SliMP3 (well that and the fact that the hardware is awesome too!). It is a good indication that good things are to come for these boxes IMHO.

Disclaimer, I haven't bought one yet, but am leaning toward one of these or a HTPC. Can't decide yet.

jtfields

01-30-2004, 02:02 PM

Probably not the right place to post this but...

It seems like more and more of these devices are so dependent on the remote control. I've got a SLIMP3 as well and that's my main complaint. Without the remote you're screwed (you have to use your computer to control it without the remote.)

Whatever happened to good old fashioned buttons on the unit itself?

synergicity

01-31-2004, 02:28 PM

The EyeHome, just discovered it today. Supports mp3 and AAC (but not iTunes drm songs), mpeg1,2,4 and divx, jpg.

EyeHome NMD (http://www.elgato.com/products/eyehome.html)

synergicity

02-08-2004, 12:02 AM

Here are a couple more that I think are related to the Pinnacle/Neuston/Actiontec

Direct from Germany:

The Fast Mediaplayer MP-100N (http://www.tv-server.co.uk/content/tv-server/mp100n.htm)

and what may be the mother of them all, i.e. the supplier of this tech:

Syabas Technology myIBox (http://www.syabas.com/syabas/syabas.jsp?name=products&subname=products_faq&subname1=products_faq_myibox)

for whom the Fast Mediaplayer manufacturer is listed as a partner.

What's really interesting is that on the Syabas site, the box is supposedly capable of digital video recording. Maybe just a software or firmware update needed to enable this? Here's the quote:

"The myiBox offers a full range of capabilities including playing PC-to-stereo music, web on TV capability, video-on-demand/VOD, PVR capabilities, and more. myiBox home networked architecture taps the resources of the PCs in the home? hard drives, which are costly? to keep the overall price down. Furthermore, by accessing the hard drives throughout the home, users can download, burn, and manage digital files where they are used to doing so (on their computer) and enjoy them where they prefer (on the TV or entertainment center)."

synergicity

02-08-2004, 07:36 PM

Someone stop me before I hurt myself!

Here's another Sigma 8550 device, this one with a built in dvd player.

I-O Data Avel. Linkplayer (http://www.iodata.com/usa/news/releases.php?newsID=9&tot=16&ts=4&tsc=21)

for the techie info and

Here if you want to buy it for $299 U.S. plus shipping (http://shop.iodata.com/shopping/products.php?cat=MIJ&sc=JSR&sc=JSR&pId=AVLP1%2FDVD)

although they seem to be out of stock at the moment.

jfila

02-08-2004, 08:35 PM

Holy engrish on the IOData page.

I really like the look of that FAST one.

Don't stop Syn! Have you made a purchase yet?

synergicity

02-08-2004, 09:59 PM

This one appears to be a clone of the I-O Data Avel Linkplayer with slightly different rear panel connector set:

From Manowa International (http://www.manowa.com.tw/dvdplayer880N.html)

Supposed to be available in March. This site features Engrish as well, but this time from Taiwan.

And this one which is so new there is no picture but still a Sigma 8550:

From ADS Tech (http://www.adstech.com/media/mediafiles/PR-CES-Media-Link.htm)

OK, this one is just for the fun of the cartoons in the ad. It's a direct clone of the Neuston and Actiontec:

Vertex MediaWiz (http://www.vertexlink.co.jp/product/vertexlink/mediawiz/)

Me purchase? Heck no, it's too much fun shopping! I do however, already have a slimp3 which is the best thing that ever happened to my music listening habits. Now I want to do the same thing for my other media (photos, dig-vid, and dvd). This field is moving so fast, I'm afraid to pull the trigger.

synergicity

03-05-2004, 10:39 AM

FIA ON3 (http://www.fiainc.net/pdf/On3_DataSheet_screen.pdf)

FIA is a company that makes a variety of Network Attached Storage devices, of which the ON3 appears to be one. It has a 120 gb hdd, all the inputs and outputs you'd expect, supports video and audio formats up the ying yang. It will function like the other devices, streaming media from the network to your HT, and will also work disconnected from the network, as a stand-alone server. I don't know anything about the quality of the TV interface or the server, I'll let you know when I get response from FIA to my questions.

List price is $599 US, so it's pricy, but maybe worth it. It's kind of nice having a NAS box on your network.

znaps

03-05-2004, 10:47 AM

Originally posted by GlooLabs
You guys missed one that I'm involved with...

The HomePod (http://www.macsense.com/product/homepod/) is a wireless audio device that streams MP3, AAC, and WAV files around the home. Also has built in speakers so you can move it around the house as a free standing player. Server runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. Retails price $249. ( A developer version of the HomePod is available from GlooLabs - http://store.yahoo.com/gloolabs/homepod.html)

Cool, I saw that on Javalobby. Good luck with it..

techfreak

03-05-2004, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by znaps
Cool, I saw that on Javalobby. Good luck with it..

No offense but I don't think that one will take off unless you do a little better job with the PR bro!!

Looks cool but if no one can get their hands on it for review, we will never know if its any good.

Looks sweet though! :D

znaps

03-05-2004, 11:37 AM

True..so they have refused to send any review units? That's not a great sign...

synergicity

03-05-2004, 03:46 PM

Hot News: Roku has lowered the price of the HD-1000 to $299 effective now. Look for the yellow emblem on the front page at http://www.rokulabs.com/

jfila

03-05-2004, 04:38 PM

Originally posted by znaps
True..so they have refused to send any review units? That's not a great sign...

Did anyone see the screensavers on techtv tonight? They did a review (well what TechTV calls a review :confused: ) and ripped it apart. They said the sound was terrible, it felt cheap and it didn't work well at all.

synergicity

03-07-2004, 09:19 AM

I found some info (in French) about the ADSTech Media-Link. It is another clone of the Neuston/Actiontec/Vertex/Syabas box.

French page (http://www.planetenumerique.com/breve.php3?id_breve=197)

According to the www.adstech.com site, which has the Media-Link listed now (with pictures not quite working), the device is only available in France, but will be available elsewhere Real Soon Now.

Theoretically, a person could use the open-source stuff on this one too, although it would need to be tested. And, you could also use the Neuston software on one of the others, or whatever. Should be interchangable since the hardware is the same.

teknotronic

03-10-2004, 02:12 PM

I just got an Actiontec Wireless Digital Media Player on order(same as
Neuston MC-500, Pinnacle Showcenter, FAST Mediaplayer MP-100N).

It should be here Friday or Monday and I will immediately put it through it's paces and report back here with the info on it.

I thank you all for the help you have provided as I would not be at this point without all of your info on these devices.

I chose the Actiontec after looking seriously at the Prismiq and after finding out that it transcodes things like DIvX and MP4 at the pc running the server software I decided against it.

Now I don't actually know that the Actiontec doesn't do this as well, but I could never find anywhere where it said they did. So I am going with the assumption that it will play these formats natively without transcoding on the box itself. (edit - after further reading up on the chipset that these products use (Sigma Designs 8550) I am quite confident that they play just about everything on the device itself without transcoding and they even play aac and wmp audio.)

I also like the fact that since this seems to be based on the Syabas technology I would think that firmware and server software updates will come quickly with a larger user base.

Another deciding factor was the digital video output (DVI). I have a brand new HDTV and I might as well use the best connection possible. I will be using this device to listen to music, play movies, and browse the web on the tv.

With all this for only $150 including shipping it would have to be a pretty bad product for me to be unhappy with it.

So once again look for my mini-review on this device no later than Tuesday (3-16-04) as long as the UPS guy doesn't fall off a cliff with it. ;)

-teknotronic

synergicity

03-11-2004, 11:47 AM

Very cool, teknotronic! I will be living vicariously through you until April 15 when I buy one of my own. Thanks for being willing to give us some feedback.

Regarding the FIA ON3, I had a long conversation on the phone with one of their project managers. Evidently, my geeky email filled with questions got escalated past the email answerer. We talked for about 45 minutes and I asked him all about his product and told him about the competition. I gave him a bunch of web links to go through. I'm lobbying for a review box to be delivered to me, but if they want someone more reputable, I will recommend that they send one here to designtechnica, if that's OK.

teknotronic

03-15-2004, 07:49 AM

Well it looks like the UPS guy did indeed fall off the cliff with my package so just a small note for anyone waiting for my review of the Actiontec Wireless Digital Media Player it will be delayed until 3-18-04. I guess I should have paid the extra for overnight shipping. :-(

-teknotronic

Armand28

03-19-2004, 10:23 AM

Just ordered Gateway ADC-320 Wireless Connected DVD player, should have it in a day or two.

I already have the Onkyo TXNR801 Receiver, which is networked and can play MP3's from my PC (I have it hooked to a wireless game adapter, works great!) so this unit will be a little redundent, but I'm a geek and don't care :)

I'll let you know how it works out. I recently bought a Harman Kardon DVD101 DVD player ($285) so I doubt I'll use it for playing DVDs much, but who knows, it may be OK.

teknotronic

03-20-2004, 09:04 AM

Well it finally showed up! Friday 3-19-04! Stinking UPS...

Ah well enough of that. On to the review!

Actiontec Wireless Digital Media Player Review
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First I would like to say up front that most people will *NOT* be happy with this device. It has too many little things wrong with it, although nothing major. It is a decent enough audio/mp3 player, photo viewer, and internet browser. Plus it is only $150.00 so I was not expecting too much.

I got it out of the box and installed the 802.11b (11 mbps) wireless card in it (this comes with it, but it isn't preinstalled) and plugged it into my tv's audio/video jacks and plugged in the power adapter and the setup screen came up. The setup is very simplistic and want's to know about your wireless and/or wired network including if you want wep enabled and what the wep key is if enabled. It also has settings for what type of video and audio outputs you want the device to use. It also has a button to upgrade the firmware in the device in the setup screen. I clicked on it and it said that I was already at the latest firmware level.

That was all simple enough. Then it was off to the pc(s) to install the media buddy software. One click from the autorun menu and about 2 minutes to install and the media buddy was off and running. One thing I noticed right away on my windows xp machine was that the mediabuddy did not run as a service but instead as a startup folder item so you must be logged into the computer under the account you installed the software with for it to work. This isn't a good thing in my opinion since not only do you need to have the computer turned on but also logged in.

After getting the mediabuddy software setup and configured to look for my music, photos, and movies on the hard drive I moved back to the tv to see what I had. After powering on the device it showed the one computer I had set up with the mediabuddy software and so I pushed enter and it logged on to the mediabuddy and showed that pc's music, movies, photos, and internet favorites so I picked a few web sites from the internet favorites and the web sites seemed to be very viewable and navagable even though I would not want to do very much browsing at 640x480 and with the tiny remote which you must push the 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.0 button to create letters/words like on your cell phone. This got tiresome very quickly. A wireless keyboard would be a good add on for this purpose. Other than that the web browsing was very fast and seemed to work like a webtv unit. The pages were displayed well despite most being designed for minimum screen sizes of 800x600.

Next I tried some photos. You can pick which folders you want to view and can view the photos one by one or by an alphabetical or random slide show. It will play you choice of selected music playlist while showing the photos.

Then I tried some music. I already have everything ripped to my server in mp3 at 192kbps. On the music screen you can choose artists, album's, genre's, or individual album's, artist's, or songs. I chose an album and click on the play random button. As with the photo's above you can choose a play by alphabetical (not original album order :-( sorry) or play by random. For some reason it does not seem to read the id3 tags but instead just uses the filename for it's artist/song info. This could be bad for some. My songs are all ripped using musicmatch software and so I already have the correct filename text. The manual says you can play playlists but never says how to create these or what type of playlist the unit will recognize.

I tried to play a couple of DVD movies that I had ripped to the server and they seemed to play with glitches and the audio wasn't synced correctly. I had to choose the actual .vob files themselves instead of the .ifo so even though it did play the video portions of the movie ok it would not play the menu, etc. I tried this wired (100 mbps) and wireless with the same results.

Things I liked:

-Good mp3 audio quality using the optical digital out.
-Plays music while showing photo slideshows and plays photo slideshows while playing music.

Things I didn't like:

-Doesn't seem to be able to play mpeg2 dvd video file properly.
-Doesn't tell you what type or how to create audio playlists.
-Doesn't keep album order when listening to music.
-Doesn't use id3 tags for song title/track info.
-Doesn't install server software as service so you can use it without having to be logged into the pc running mediabuddy.

Final note: If you are looking for a simple and inexpensive mp3 player to hook up to your stereo system you may get along ok with this device if you can live with the problems I mentioned.

-teknotronic

p.s. no I'm not done here. I will fiddle with this device a little more and order a couple of others to let you know what the differences were. I think I'll order a prismiq next as it is the closest in specs to this one.

teknotronic

03-20-2004, 11:01 AM

One other thing I forgot to mention... Here is another review of the Actiontec WDMP clone the Neuston MC-500: http://www.neuston.com/en/HWM_Feb2004.pdf

It came to the same conclusion as I did. The only difference between these two units is the Neuston has a scart connector instead of the the component outputs and it adds a usb connector which the WDMP does not have. The remote on the Actiontec is much nicer. Other than that they seem to be using the exact same syabas interface and server software.

Just in case my review got you down, don't let it. I don't think any other media player available right now has any where near the features of this thing for the price ($150). I mean come on it will decode natively without transcoding almost all current audio and video formats including aac, flac, wav, ogg, mp3, mp4, mp3, mp2, mp1, quicktime, etc.

I think another 6 months of firmware and server software upgrades and these things might be very usable by the majority of people who purchase them. Right now I think they need some work and don't suit my needs since I am looking for more than an mp3 player.

-teknotronic

synergicity

03-20-2004, 11:05 AM

Excellent work, thank you.

Here are a couple of things I am curious about. I also have a bunch of vobs on my hdd, from dvdshrink or dvddecrypter. I wonder how the Actiontec would do if you encoded them to xvid using Gordian Knot or whatever? For me, I'm willing to let the movies live on my hdd in whatever format works and preserves reasonable quality.

Next, regarding the audio, it's disappointing that you are stuck with alphabetical order. This works with my naming scheme, but I'd much rather that it used id3 tags instead of filename. A question, if you load up a couple of albums worth to play, does it keep them in album order or does it alphabetized all of them?

Do you have the hardware to test this with a 802.11g bridge or game adaptor? I wonder if that's enough bandwidth for video?

Finally, are you willing to play around with the Neuston, Openshowcenter, and Oxyl~box servers (and maybe the Neuston firmware)? I'd be very interested in your views on those alternatives and whether they even work with the Actiontec.

Here's a blog of a person who is going through all of this with the Neuston device. (http://mediacentre.blogspot.com/)

Have fun with it and keep us informed.

teknotronic

03-20-2004, 04:00 PM

Originally posted by synergicity
Excellent work, thank you.

Here are a couple of things I am curious about. I also have a bunch of vobs on my hdd, from dvdshrink or dvddecrypter. I wonder how the Actiontec would do if you encoded them to xvid using Gordian Knot or whatever? For me, I'm willing to let the movies live on my hdd in whatever format works and preserves reasonable quality.

Next, regarding the audio, it's disappointing that you are stuck with alphabetical order. This works with my naming scheme, but I'd much rather that it used id3 tags instead of filename. A question, if you load up a couple of albums worth to play, does it keep them in album order or does it alphabetized all of them?

Do you have the hardware to test this with a 802.11g bridge or game adaptor? I wonder if that's enough bandwidth for video?

Finally, are you willing to play around with the Neuston, Openshowcenter, and Oxyl~box servers (and maybe the Neuston firmware)? I'd be very interested in your views on those alternatives and whether they even work with the Actiontec.

Here's a blog of a person who is going through all of this with the Neuston device. (http://mediacentre.blogspot.com/)

Have fun with it and keep us informed.

I will try other video formats and see how they do. I'd bet encoding anything into mp4 or something similarly smallish would work fine. It seemed to be having problems slinging mpeg2 encoded video across my network, probably due to a shortcoming of my network not the box itself.

If you tell it to play multiple albums it will alphabetize the whole list.

I tried to figure out how to get the neuston firmware on the box but could not figure out how to get it from neuston. I think the neuston server software will work without changing the firmware. I've already checked out the oxyl-box and openshowcenter interfaces and can confirm that they do work on the actiontec box ok but I don't care for them anymore than what it comes with.

I do not have an 802.11g card that is compatible with this box to test so I cannot say but from what I have read, it should be plenty of bandwidth to do video over since that is what all the commercial wireless solutions are using.

-teknotronic

synergicity

03-20-2004, 05:12 PM

I just had an idea. You could use the free slimserver software to serve up an audio stream, then use the Actiontec web interface to access the slimserver webinterface and set up playlists that way. There are several skins for the slimserver and a couple will fit in 640x480 (the Handheld skin is one of them).

This would be one way around the music file handling shortcomings. Plus the slimserver is just plain cool software.

I have a slimp3 and thus my words should be taken with however many grains of salt you feel are necessary.

teknotronic

03-20-2004, 09:51 PM

Originally posted by synergicity
I just had an idea. You could use the free slimserver software to serve up an audio stream, then use the Actiontec web interface to access the slimserver webinterface and set up playlists that way. There are several skins for the slimserver and a couple will fit in 640x480 (the Handheld skin is one of them).

This would be one way around the music file handling shortcomings. Plus the slimserver is just plain cool software.

I have a slimp3 and thus my words should be taken with however many grains of salt you feel are necessary.

Sure, that would work. However I am looking for a device that actually does what I want it to out of the box without some kind of workaround.

I think my ultimate device will end up being the new (not yet released) Prismiq Media Player/Recorder since I am looking to do movies, mp3's, photos, and web browsing from one integrated box. I'm fairly sure with the new horsepower being put into this new box it will be able to do what I am looking for. Albeit at twice the price ($299). I've got a Prismiq Mediaplayer ($199) on order that will be here next week that I will test and see what it does better or worse than my current actiontec and will report back.

I personally really like the slimp3 squeezebox/slimserver combo and if I was only interested in doing the mp3's I would just snag it but I hate single purpose devices and already have way too many as is. I am looking to simplify what I currently have.

-teknotronic

ECA

03-21-2004, 10:01 AM

Have you considered trying it on a Linux box??
Or is there a driver for this?
Less over head and more power going to what you want done.

synergicity

03-24-2004, 05:49 PM

teknotronic = I found out you can get the neuston firmware if you install the mediacenter. From the help menu, choose firmware update and it will download to:

...\Program Files\Neuston Media Centre\webapps\ROOT\firmware

Not sure what you can do to fool the Actiontec into loading the Neuston firmware, but who knows.

synergicity

03-29-2004, 09:56 PM

It's quiet...too quiet.

I have two more weeks until tax season is over, but I promise that after that I will be getting ready to pull the trigger and will get some more info on here. Here's the short list.

Actiontec WDMP - $160
Prismiq Mediaplayer - $199
Roku HD-1000 - $299
Hauppauge MVP - $100
Fia ON3 - $500

Or maybe something else will be announced between then and now, but this is what I know at the moment. None is perfect, but all are good "beta" version efforts. Well, actually the Fia On3 isn't even beta, but it talks a good game.

Back to work for me. This was just a little encouragement for further posting by the other august members of this thread.

synergicity

03-29-2004, 11:26 PM

OK, here's one more I've not seen mentioned:

Modded X-Box in tandem with the X-Box Media Center software.

Here's the link for the XBMC software (http://www.xboxmediacenter.com/info_project.htm)

and here's a place where you can get a pre-modded X-Box (http://www.upgrade123.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=66&osCsid=7f6490413d0ac7af58bf68692185c672)

The first link lists a very impressive list of media formats playable and to boot -- you get a 120 gb hdd and the ability to play Halo (and you can install Linux and a bunch of other stuff).

Be sure to explore the site behind the first link, especially the screenshots. There are multiple gui skins available and they are impressive.

So, I guess you should add this combo to my list in the previous post.

teknotronic

03-30-2004, 02:42 PM

Originally posted by synergicity
It's quiet...too quiet.

I have two more weeks until tax season is over, but I promise that after that I will be getting ready to pull the trigger and will get some more info on here. Here's the short list.

Actiontec WDMP - $160
Prismiq Mediaplayer - $199
Roku HD-1000 - $299
Hauppauge MVP - $100
Fia ON3 - $500

Or maybe something else will be announced between then and now, but this is what I know at the moment. None is perfect, but all are good "beta" version efforts. Well, actually the Fia On3 isn't even beta, but it talks a good game.

Back to work for me. This was just a little encouragement for further posting by the other august members of this thread.

Hehe! Nah it's just nice weather outside so no one is playing inside any longer...

I got my prismiq mediaplayer and have been fairly happy with it so far...

The mpeg2 video quality seems to be fairly low, and it won't show me the exif info when viewing my photos.

Other than that it seems to be fast, bug free and plays my music very nicely. I will be ordering a ROKU HD-1000 shortly for my HDTV but I think I will keep the prismiq around. Plus I'm sure once the new Prismiq mediaplayer/recorder is available in april/may I will pick one of those up as well. I'm sure with the better/newer codecs in it (native mp1/2/4/divx/etc. that it will have much better video quality.

I think for now here is what you should keep in mind:

1. Is the video quality important to you? Pick the ROKU HD-1000 or Actiontec WDMP.

2. Is the cost important to you? Pick the Hauppauge MVP or Actiontec WDMP.

3. Is listening to music the only thing you want to do? Pick the Actiontec WDMP, Prismiq mediaplayer, roku, audiotron, or squeezebox as they all have alot of functionality and digital audio outputs.

4. Do you dislike having server software running on your pc's for these boxes to work? Your only choice that I know of is the roku hd-1000 as it uses smb to connect to anything on your network with media files (mac, pc, linux, windows, etc.) without having to first setup server software on that computer.

5. Do you like to tinker? Probably the Hauppauge MVP, Actiontec WDMP (Neuston, syabas, etc.) boxes will suite your fancy as they have many opensource people working on new software for them all the time.

6. Do you just want to pull something out of the box and have it work? Probably go with the Prismiq mediaplayer or roku HD-1000.

As for me I'm in categories 1 and 4. I hate that stupid server software! And I would like the best video quality possible since I will eventually be dumping all my movies to a server and viewing them over the network and I would like them to look at least as good as they do now on my progressive scan dvd player.

I think I could recommend the roku hd-1000 whole heartedly if it just had internet browsing capabilities put into it.

Just my 2.02 cents (adjusted for inflation)

-teknotronic