Hauppauge MediaMVP Digital Media Receiver (Model 1000) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)MediaMVP is a simple service that installs on your windows PC that streams video, audio, and pictures over your 100 mb ethernet lan to the MVP box which connects your TV/VCR/whatever. The PC acts as a file server, and the MVP box acts as a network MPG/MP3/etc decoder that produces excellent video and audio output.
You configure what directories to share on the PC, and using your MVP remote control select which movies or audio files to play from the onscreen menus. You sit in your living room and play movies from your PC upstairs.
Network usage is lite (2-3% on my 2.0 P4) and cpu usage is also lite (3-7%) with occaisional spikes on both.
Models differ by country (NTSC in the US/PAL in Europe). Firmware versions are D1, D2, D3, D3A, E1, E2). I understand the D3 is problematic while the D3A (mine) is just fine. If you get a D3 (you must open the box), then just return it.
Caveats
Its not wireless, use 100mb cat5/cat6 wiring.
Does not play DivX movies
Does not play PAL (25fps) mpegs on NTSC TV's
Menu loading can be slow
Remote is clunky and not straight forward.
Some problems with certain aspect ratios, overall
most are fine
Upright Stand could be better
That said, it does what it is suppose to. I'm impressed with the picture quality and sound. I listen to audiobooks downstairs as well as watch movies.
Be sure to get the latest software - in fact don't bother with the CD. There are mods and hacks for the box too.
I got tired of waiting for the LiteOn LVD-2010 to appear, so I got this. Problem solved.
*** Update 9/4/2004 ***
My enthusiasm for this unit has waned a bit and thought buyers should know. After extensive use I can say this:
Cons: 1) Problem playing some VCDs (mpeg 1), ie, artifacts and and occasional pauses - my computer and other DVD unit plays these same videos without a hitch. I attribute this to a poor mpg 1 decoder.
2) Some VCD's cause the MVP to lock up requiring a reboot - this is on the most stable firmware release. This does not happen with SVCD's.
3) Some mp3's are truncated (several seconds) at the very end - very annoying when listenting to an audiobook or audio lecture (the speakers main point get truncated).
4) No way to backup a little while listening to an MP3 from a lecture or audiobook.
5) Plays only NTSC mpeg 1 and 2 (US Models). No way to play PAL mpeg's which means if you want to watch a PAL on this unit you must convert PAL to NTSC (several hours on a good machine). A major inconvience since most internet videos are from Europe. Japan and Philippines are fortunately NTSC.
6) Does not play DVD's from your computer
Pros: 1) NTSC SVCDs play perfectly
2) Firmware updates continue to be rolled out (albiet at a snails pace). Updates (beta firmware) include DivX capability and Internet Radio. Howerver, the updates are usually unstable and its been a long time since the last stable release - maybe a 1 person development team.
Thats it - still using the unit, generally happy, just sometimes I must watch a movie (mpeg 1 vcd) on the computer/tv upstairs if this unit chokes on it. Cheers.


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The MediaMVP (short for Media decoder for Music Video and Pictures) is a Digital Media Receiver that bridges the home PC with TV sets and A/V equipment via home networks.

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