Recommendation - Freecom Network Media Player

Mr E

Bought this on an impulse last week, and I have to say that its a great little gadget for lovers of AVI files.... (its much better playing these on a 32 inch TV than a 19 inch monitor!)

http://svp.co.uk/products-solo.php?pid=585 (Without HD) - £89.99
http://svp.co.uk/products-solo.php?pid=995 (With HD) - £139.99

I bought the one without a HD, stuck a spare hard drive in, and it worked first go.

It can be used as a media player, an external hard drive, a JPG viewer and a music jukebox. It has a great set of connections at the back (the only one missing is SCART). It has built in volume control, long filename support, network support, a time search function, multiple aspect ratios, music support (MP3,WMA,OGG,WAV), DivX/XviD/VOB file support, stereo/optical 5.1/digital sound support, and more.

Check out the links for more info, but its definitely a great buy (for £89.99 is brilliant if you have a spare HD lying around at home).

WetDaddy

Hmmm. Interesting. Would certainly save me the time and hassle of burning DivX movies to DVD.

Quick question: The link says it comes with an ethernet port, but is there any support for a wireless net connection? Even the likes of a USB port? Failing that, does anyone know if there's such thing as a wireless adaptor you can plug into an ethernet port?

It'd be nice to sit this downstairs by the TV and not have to trail cables to the router!

Mr E

The short answer is I don't know. I am moving into my new house next week, and one of the things I want to do is setup a wireless network. I won't know the answer until I try (or unless someone else can answer your question).

WetDaddy

Had a bit of a scour around Google and found this: http://www.hometoys.com/htinews/feb03/reviews/dlink/dwl810.htm

Eoin

There is also the Pinnacle ShowCenter, which plugs into your telly like a normal DVD source, and your PC streams videos, pictures and music to it wirelessly or through an ethernet connection. I got one around Christmas, and have found it very good to use, despite some teething problems.

It supports a very wide range of formats, and I think it is HD ready. The only downsides are that the catalogue program doesn't really work as you think it should for series, and that it needs a reboot often enough.

The downside is that it was around €300, but it seems a bit more forward compatible than some of the other devices out there.

techguy

Im sure you could stick in a linksys wireless AP into the Ethernet port and move files ov to the HD from your PC... I really want one!!