LaCie LaCinema Premier 301814 500 GB USB 2.0 Multimedia Hard Drive (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I received the LaCie 500Gb today and hooked it up to my Apple. The drive was recognized immediately and it functioned like a normal hard drive would. I moved my music and movies onto the hard drive and downloaded the firmware/software update from LaCie's website (There is no manual in the box. Lacie gives you a CD that you have to load on your computer). After loading my files, I hooked it up through my stereo and television. The first connection using component video cables and an optical audio cable had a delay with the video and audio sync on my screen. I switched to the digital coaxial audio and component video and they synced fine. Once installed, I was taken back by how generic the software program is. The main screen has screen buttons for Movie, Music, Photo, Browse and Settings, but if you click on Movie, Music, Photo or Browse they all take you to the same directory. What is the purpose of having four on screen option buttons if they all lead to the same place? The remote is the same way; four buttons with the same titles but again, they all lead to the same place. (Since we are on the remote, I have to admit, it is confusing. I am moderately tech savvy, but I have not figured out many of the buttons - and the manual was no help). The fifth onscreen button takes you to the settings. This feature allows you to change the audio and video settings (playback from 720P, 1081i etc, audio Digital, analog. The default video output is 480P, if you have an HD TV, you will need to set each time it is unplugged back to 720 or 1080 or else playback will look grainy). Once I changed my settings, I chose the music directory. I have 14,000 songs from a couple thousand artists. This part was frustrating. When clicking the music directory, it took nearly 5 minutes to load the directory. It is terribly slow when reading and loading directories. As mentioned earlier, the screens are generic. When it finally came up, it showed the artists name only in a basic blue screen. When you click a name - it goes to albums. You can only choose to play an album or a track not associated with an album. There is no option to play all songs by that artist, just by album. The songs when played display the running playtime and kbs size and unlike the Ipod or Archos DVR stations, it does not show ANY album art. When that artists is complete and you click back to the main directory (for all artists), it has to go through the whole process of loading the artist by name (again ... waiting, waiting). It is frustratingly slow when loading the file directories and when reading the files, the whole system locks up until complete. In all, I played AVI, MP4, MP3 and WMA files and they do play fine, just extremely slow in loading. It was slightly better on the movie side but I do not have the quantity of movies as I do music. The movie on-screen display is again very basic. I have an Archos 504 with the optional DVR to play on my television and the Archos has a nice feature of giving a mini display of a scene in the movie next to the each file name in the file directory. The LaCie on the other hand has nothing but the name of the file on a basic blue screen. I know this is a first year model with LaCie and I hope (and quickly) they come out with a more interactive software update with a feature that reads the files by update so that the directory does not have to reload every time. I purchased this LaCie because I needed the extra space. My Archos is only 160gb. It would be ideal to have the software capability of the Archos along with the hard drive capacity of this Lacie. As is, I will use my Archos to store music and only the movies I need when I travel. I will use the LaCie to hold only movies. If you are buying the LaCie to place large amount of music files or any large file directories to display on your television screen, I think you will be disappointed, at least until there is a software update. UPDATE: 10/2008 When I wrote this article, the LACIE 500GB was selling for $249.00 dollars. I received one the first week they came out. The current price around $180.00 would make me give it 3.75 stars. I have grown to like it. It does play movies well, but as stated, it is slow loading. I was able to figure out a delay setting on the remote control to fix the digital audio and video sync tracking problem. The only problem is, it doesn't seem to be even with all videos, meaning I have to reset it with each feature. It is not a problem, just an annoyance if you cannot get them in sync right away. I have both analog and digital connected. Since the analog audio does not need adjusting, I use it 80% of the time. Lastly, and probably not even worth mentioning, but the back to the remote comes off easy and has now misplaced itself. Minor problem. Overall, this is not bad for $180.00. If it goes down to $150.00 I might pick up another.


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The LaCie LaCinema Premier 301814 500 GB USB 2.0 Multimedia Hard Drive lets you transform your home theater system into a virtual entertainment center, letting you enjoy your digital movies, photos and music from the comfort of your couch. With high-end optical output and 1080i upscaling capabilities, this drive lets you experience your digital media with HDTV-quality video and surround sound. Your Movies, Photos and Music on Your TV Are you tired of experiencing your digital media through the poor resolution and low-end sound system of your computer? The LaCinema Premier lets you play your digital media where you can enjoy it most--through your TV and home theater system. Simply connect the LaCinema Premier to your PC or Mac via USB to transfer your digital media files, then plug it into your TV for instant playback. This will save you time and hassle from having to constantly burn CDs and DVDs. Just plug it in and play it--the way it should be!With a 500 GB capacity, the LaCinema Premier can store up to 500,000 photos, 125,000 songs or 500 movies. Designed with HDTV screens in mind, it can adapt video content up to a 1080i resolution, and thanks to its optical output capability, it can also transform your audio into virtual surround sound. Best of all, you don't have to be a geek to get the full benefits of the LaCinema Premier. It was designed with the whole family in mind, with an easy-to-navigate on-screen menu and convenient remote control. If you know how to operate a television remote, you'll be taking full advantage of the LaCinema Premier in not time at all.Safe, Secure Storage and Back-Up When you're not using the LaCinema Premier to play back your photos, videos or music through your TV, you can use it as an external hard drive for additional data storage and as a back-up for your Windows, Mac or Linux computer. Since it comes with a USB port and cable, you can plug it into your desktop or laptop PC or Mac for an easy, quiet backup solution. The drive also includes LaCie's exclusive 1-Click Backup software for quick, easy backups.The drive is housed in an elegant, slim-profile black body and is designed to run silently without a noisy fan. It features a rotational speed of 7200 rpm and a cache of at least 8 MB. It measures 2.68 x 6.69 x 4.92 inches (WxHxD) and is backed by LaCie's 2-year limited warranty.About LaCie Established in France in 1989, LaCie is a leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for Windows, Apple and Linux users. With offices and plants in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie develops and manufactures external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology.What's in the Box LaCie LaCinema Premier, remote control, A/V cable (stereo audio and composite video), power adapter, USB 2.0 cable, CD-ROM with User Manual, and quick install guide.

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Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Home 1TB STAM1000100 Review

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(More customer reviews)I give this item a 3.5 stars. It looses some stars because it really is not "simple set up" as it states. It takes some time to get it up and your files to back up the first initial time. I was extremely excited to try this product with my home network since we have two Windows PCs (1 XP & 1 Windows 7), and one Mac computer.For each desktop computer, I have installed wired external backup drives. The idea of having ONE back up drive to backup all my files, photos and iTunes music seemed to be like a dream come true. Features a 1TB storage, which is equivalent to 1024GB.
Lets start with the installation. I am using the Windows 7 PC for initial setup. First and most important, you need a Home Network, a wireless router and of course an internet connection. Enclosed in the box is a very basic "Quick Start" guide, I recommend going to the manufacturer's website and downloading the 82 page manual which gives more information. I plugged in power and Ethernet cable to my wireless router. I powered up the drive and inserted the installation CD. I named and registered my drive and added additional user accounts , one for each computer. After that was complete I had to install the software on my other Windows PC and Mac. After I installed the CD on the other PCs, a screen pops up asking to insert the username and password. It's that simple. On my Mac the installation was a little different, but I was able to easily follow the instructions and get it connected using Time Machine with no hassles. One bit of advice for Mac users, if you plan on using Time Machine to back up your files instead of using the optional Memeo Instant Backup, you need to go to Seagate Share Preferences before installing the program on the Mac. Once you are in the preferences page, enable ComputersBackup. Create a password, this password will be used to configure the program when it is installed on your Mac. This information can only be found in the downloaded Users Manual online. Luckily I read the entire manual before attempting to install the Seagate GoFlex. It did take a long, long time to backup all files and folders from all three computers, but I had no bugs or issues. Depending on how many files and folders you are having backed up, it may take all day and night. The program will just run in the background and you do not have to do anything.
The drive will automatically created three folders for each PC account, a public, personal and backup folders. The Seagate Dashboard is the centralized location for all the computer files. This only works with Windows, this is the reason I used my Windows 7 PC as the main system. On the Mac it is Seagate Share and you must use the internet to access the files. You do have the option to use the internet storage base for Windows as well if you like.
There are a few options on how you want to backup your files, I went with the automatic backup. I clicked on instant backups on my menu and the computer shows you the amount of storage that will be included in the backup. If you only what to choose certain files, you can use the advanced settings and drag which files to backup. After clicking "Start Backup", my files started backing up. Whenever I add a new file to the folder or make and changes, the Seagate GoFlex will automatically back up the new file.
Every computer in my home already has a wireless printer, so I really have no use to for the share printer option. But if you do want to use a printer wireless throughout your home network, you must attach the printer via the printer's USB cable to the Seagate GoFlex Drive.
There are many other features and options that can be used, but my primary reason for using this device is to backup the iTunes and photo files on all the computers. When you have thousands of songs and spent several hundreds of dollars on iTunes purchases for every iTunes account on each system, you want to make sure you can access your file in case something terrible happens like the internal hard drive dies. Trust me, I have had this happen to me. I always burn my photos to a CD for added protection, but this way we can share our photos from any computer.
Overall, once you get the unit installed and your files and folders backed up it is extremely easy to use. I guess time will tell if the unit is reliable for retrieving backup files if your system crashes or dies. Hopefully I will not have to find that out! :-)
UPDATE: Sometimes I am not able to gain access to my account online. This is because I use Firefox with a 64-bit operating system and currently "Flash" is not not supported for this OS. I keep getting the "Flash Crash Error Report". However, I can sign in with no troubles using Internet Explorer. So if you have troubles signing into the account online, try a different browser.
If you notice that the drives are not showing under devices in your computer, best thing to do is to unplug it for 15 seconds and then plug it back in to reboot.

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The GoFlex Home network storage system connects to your WiFi router, allowing you to wirelessly store and access files and back up multiple computers in the home. The GoFlex Home network storage system includes software to automatically and continuously back up all the files and folders on up to 3 PC and Mac computers in the home. By storing files in a central location on your network, you can use one drive for all your storage and backup needs. When connected to your home WiFi router, the GoFlex Home network storage system enables you to wirelessly store and access files from any PC or Mac computer in the home. The GoFlex Home network storage system also allows you to stream media to game consoles and the GoFlex TV HD media player. Store all your photos, movies and music on the GoFlex Home network storage system and enjoy your media and favorite memories from any room in the house. Additionally, you can share a USB printer with every computer in the home by simply connecting to the USB port on the GoFlex Home network storage system or you can plug in a USB drive to the port to increase storage capacity. The built-in drive can also be upgraded by simply removing the drive from the base and replacing with a higher capacity GoFlex Desk drive. With a simple guided setup process and just two cable connections, the GoFlex Home network storage system installs in just minutes, allowing you to quickly begin protecting your files, enjoying your media and accessing your content wherever you are. Additional licenses available for purchase

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Philips DVDR3576H DVD Recorder with 160GB Hard Disc and Built-In Tuner Review

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(More customer reviews)This excellent unit is truly powerful and capable. It's a real bargain if its price does not climb (see paragraph 3). It combines 3 different functions in one slim package, any one of which alone would have cost more than its sub-$300 price not so long ago: a 160 GB hard disk recorder, an ATSC digital tuner (and an analog NTSC tuner too), and a DVD recorder. Additionally, it breaks the DVD +/- format war by its ability to record on both.
This unit is one of the surprisingly few hard disk-plus-DVD recorder devices available today that has a digital tuner. It eliminates the high cost of monthly charges for a TIVO. No monthly charges at all! It can do two things at once, allowing playback from either DVD or HDD while recording to HDD. It has a fan but it's quiet, and turns off about a minute after turning the unit off. And, of course, you can watch live TV via your TV's tuner as well.
NOTE ON PRICES: In 2009 the Philip's price has increased, sometimes substantially above what it was last year, although you may still find it at a good price. It may be in limited quantities and/or about to be deleted: I do not know. If you can only find it at an elevated price you should also consider other units. Gary S. reports recently that the newly-available Magnavox H2160MW9, now at Amazon too, is essentially identical to the Philips and is at a sub-$300 price, so investigate that. At higher prices, there are other units that, unlike this otherwise excellent Philips, can record in high definition instead of standard def (albeit on hard drive only): the Moxi MR 1500 (for cable only, cannot be used with an antenna; 500 GB hard drive); or the TiVo TCD658000 HD XL DVR (for both cable and antenna; 1000 GB hard drive). TiVo imposes service charges, unlike Moxi or Philips, so the HD XL effectively costs about $900 for the unit + "lifetime" service fee. However, unlike the Philips, both Moxi and TiVo need an adjunct DVD recorder in order to download keeper programs to a DVD (in SD not HD, at least until Blu-Ray recorders are available). Otherwise you lose your recordings if/when the hard disk crashes.
Recording TV programs
I use a roof antenna, and receive both analog and digital TV signals. Programming to record TV shows is very similar to programming a VCR manually. There is no automatic programming system, but it's really not that hard to do manually. It records HD signals as SD (standard definition).
The listing of programs ("Titles") that you have recorded are clearly shown and easy to navigate to. But it is best to put at least a rudimentary title on the TV programs right after you record them. Otherwise all you have is the date, time, and channel of the recording. You have to add titles by a clunky texting method, requiring multiple presses of numbers 1-9.
Playback
I use an HDMI cable between this unit and my TV. Playback from the hard disk is a joy. Access is immediate. The unit remembers where you left off watching last time on each program individually. You can manoever around the recordings with an (adjustable) 30-second skip forward/backward button, or with an adjustable-speed fast forward/rewind, or with a chapter-jump ("next") which uses the (optional) 10-minute auto-chapters that are inserted.
Playback from DVD is fine, but loading a DVD is slow (perhaps because it can handle so many different DVD formats).
Aspect Ratio (edited 12/08--thanks to Arnold E.)
This will require fiddling with from time to time to display the picture properly.
When recording DIGITAL programs you get 16:9 playback with very good SD definition on a widescreen TV with the following settings: Setup/General/Video/TV Aspect/16:9. AND set the "HDMI" toggle button to 1080p (or 1080i if your 16:9 set doesn't have p). The TV should then choose the correct aspect ratio setting automatically.
If you play back a 4:3 ANALOG program (until June 2009) with these settings, it will play back stretched sideways: reset "HDMI" to 480p to fix this.
AND if you are recording some digital programs which are not broadcast full-screen (e.g. BBC News) you may wish to press ZOOM on your TV to fill the screen.
User-friendliness
Most functions are well thought out and the software is good. But you will have to read the manual.
The remote control has the buttons needed, but several important ones are badly laid out. The STOP button is tiny.
Since it's a multifunctional device, you have to tell it what component you want to use. If you have been watching a TV show recorded on HDD, and then insert a DVD, if you just press "play", it will resume playback of the HDD unless you press "DVD" first. It's not smart enough to realize you want the DVD now.
The 122-page instruction book is detailed. It is fairly well written. Mine is very well-thumbed and dogeared. To get the most out of this complex unit, you will need to read it carefully.
Editing
For copying from old VHS tapes or home DVD's, I find it best to record first onto the HDD. Then use "deleting a scene" to remove unwanted sections. The software for this is pretty user-friendly. Then transfer the cleaned-up version to DVD. You can in theory record directly to DVD from VHS, and delete unwanted sections on the DVD directly, using "Hiding Chapters" but this is clunky (first you have to define the section as a chapter). Worse, these deletions, and added chapter headings, were ignored when played back on another unit.
Upsides
An excellent, low-cost, way to record digital and analog programs over the air or on cable.
No monthly fee.
Good quality SD 16:9 recordings.
Versatile: able to transfer recordings either way between DVD and HDD.
Downsides
It can't record HD programs in HD--it downgrades them to SD.
It's slow to load a DVD.
The remote buttons are poorly laid out.
Titling tracks is tedious.
DVD edits may be ignored in other DVD players.
Summary
This is a really fine and extremely versatile unit, at a good price. It is a leapfrog into the digital age. Finally here is a device with the versatility to fully supplant S-VHS VCR's.
The next step will be when this kind of device is upgraded to record HDTV on its hard disk AND to record Blu-Ray DVD's. Don't hold your breath.
(This review is based on the predecessor model, DVDR3575H, similar except for the tuner).

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Philips DVDR3576H DVD Recorder with 160GB Hard Disc and Built-In Tuner

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Western Digital My Passport AV 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Media Drive (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)This external hard drive is smaller than it looks in the pictures. It can even fit in most pockets! It works well as it's marketed: as an AV storage device connected to a device in your home entertainment system such as to a PS3 or Blu-Ray player (check the compatibility list). Naturally, it can be used as a normal external hard drive connected to your laptop or desktop computer as well.
One questions I had was whether or not this can work with a TiVo to add more storage, it unfortunately cannot since the TiVo requires an E-SATA interface and this drive uses USB 2.0.
One thing that's nice about this is that it requires no external power source, it gets power from the USB. It also runs very cool so there is no fear of it overheating or adding additional heat when inside of an entertainment cabinet.
The sleek design makes it nice for traveling as well. It also comes with a stand to hold the drive vertically if you want.
If you need more storage for your media center, and have a supported device that you want to connect this hard drive to, I can recommend this Western Digital.

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WD's My Passport AV allows you to easily transfer and store videos from your compatible camcorder to free up space for more recording. Connect it to a game console, Blu-ray Disc player or media player, like WD TV, to smoothly stream video to your big-screen TV. Optimized for AV devices, this handy little drive is the perfect solution for your video storage and playback needs.

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