SteveCon
IBEW 2222 Boston, MA
Premium
join:2004-09-02
Burlington, MA
 ·Verizon FIOS
| DVD Player - to end all DVD players?
I came accross this DVD player last week while searching for players that understand Divx, Xvid, MPEG4, etc. This player; AVeL LinkPlayer2 certainly fits the bill! It boasts a "#1 seller" in Japan claim in addition to a codec, media, etc support list that was seemingly spectacular. I had to have it.
Two *very* nice features are (1) A 10/100 network connection for easy point and click firmware updates when connected to the internet and, (2) the ability to stream video / audio from a PC on the LAN - no need to burn a DVD or CD.
The problems.. The remote control function is fussy though, the receiver's aperture for IR commands appears to be much tighter than the 30 degrees the manual indicates. When playing an Xvid DVD there was a faint squeal-like sound present but not very objectionable (it was not present playing a "regular" rented movie DVD). In spite of that, it seems to be a solid performer, and *very* tough to beat at $250.
I'm still playing with it, I have to install the PC software on a machine running something other than WinXP Pro x64 before I comment on the file server capabilities. I was however able to connect to the internet & update the firmware with no problem.
The webpage for the unit: »www.iodata.com/usa/products/prod···%2FDVDLA
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jig
join:2001-01-05
Hacienda Heights, CA
| a much better option, and cheaper, would be to buy an xbox gen 1 console package with the remote, chip it with an aftermarket bios, and then install xbox media center onto it. it can output in HD, though not with dvd content (yet, probably never).
it does everything you mention that your box does, without any of the squeal. the packages vary in price, though they seem to have come down in expectation of the new xbox. there are local games shops that are selling refurbished ones for $125. a decent chip costs $30. The remote is either free with purchase or an extra $15. |
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Redshirt 24
Premium
join:2003-08-08
Plano, TX
·Verizon FIOS
| Yeah, but it's that little upscaling DVD content thing... 
I actually have one of these myself. As a pure media player, it's genuinely not bad: it plays a surprising cross-section of material. I'm not fond of that wacky narrow-focus with regards to the remote either, though, or the rather slow UI. (And damn I wish it had a straight DVI port.) |
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