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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Roku HD Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this in January, 2009 to add some additional value to my Netflix subscription. It has far surpassed my expectations, and has proven to be one of the best $100 I have spent in a long time. This is true especially in a down economy.
Here are the pluses, and the minuses, I have seen in the product after 2 months of daily use
Pluses:
1) Huge money saver: Having this box has allowed me to drop from 3 disks unlimited to 1 disk unlimited as well as drop cable entirely. The addition of Amazon on Demand is an even bigger value in that newly released movies will also be in abundant supply.
2) Ease of Set-up and use: I am a die hard apple fan because of their ease of use, and the set-up process was the easiest I have ever experienced. In less than 4 minutes I was watching a Netflix stream on my Sony HD TV. Also, the user interface is as straightforward as possible. A lot of thought went into it, and it shows. Bravo for one of the simplest interfaces I have ever utilized.
3) Clarity of picture: Unsrupassed and almost full HD. Often forget we are streaming over the internet.
4) It just works as advertised!
5) Customer Service: Video was skipping and contacted the customer service. You would never believe that a real live person answered the phone within 5 minutes on a Sunday night. Turns out it was a nework problem (see below). Amazing customer service!
Minuses:
1) The quality of your picture is tied to your internet speed. This has only been an issue once. My Charter Cable modem service averages above 4 meg downstream, but every once in a while the network performance drops. A call to charter fixed it. This is in no way an issue with the device, just something to be aware of. Check with your service provider on your speed before buying.
2) Direct Ethernet connection recommended for best picture: This is a limitation of my wireless network, but you may also have a similar set-up. My laptop has a G wireless card, and when it gets online the whole network slows down, and wireless video quality suffered. Solved it by using a direct ethernet connection, and recommend for everyone who is able to. Much more stable and very limited intereference.
That is my review to date. If you have Netflix and want to get Amazon on Demand there are few things that will be a pleasure to use and that will provide as much bang for your limited dollars. Thank you Roku, Netflix, and Amazon for such a wonderful product.

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With Wi-Fi and High Definition playback capability built-in, Roku HD Player is the easiest way to stream top-quality instant movies and shows directly to your TV - over 50,000 and counting, from Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, and more. The best-selling HD Player has everything you need to start enjoying endless entertainment from the comfort of your couch. No wonder it's Netflix members' top rated streaming player.

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