List of Known Networked Media Devices

[strewth_bruce]

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]

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]

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

Pinnacle Showcenter

Actiontec WDMP

Server Software

Openshowcentre

OXLY ~BOX

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]

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]

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

EyeHome NMD

[synergicity]

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

Direct from Germany:

The Fast Mediaplayer MP-100N

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

Syabas Technology 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]

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

for the techie info and

Here if you want to buy it for $299 U.S. plus shipping

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

[jfila]

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]

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

From Manowa International

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

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

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]

FIA ON3

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.