A MVP killer ?

[megardi]

Just checked UPS tracking, and the ADS unit has been delivered! I'll keep people posted once I have had a chance to try it.

I really like my MVP. I am currently running it in conjunction with Beyond TV and the BTV-MVP "skin" which provides a good deal of functionality. BTV recorded MPEG (2s) play flawlessly. Last version of the MVP code allows pretty good (but not perfect) FFWD and REW of MPEG (although skip ahead/back which worked well in earlier versions seems to be broken). Playing Divx/Xvid not too bad, but gets out of sync (audio/video) occasionally (fixed by stopping and resuming). Might happen once or twice for a 40 minute show. FFWD/REW for AVI files does not work at all. Annoying. So I am looking forward to elimination of transcoding and hopefully a better Divx/Xvid experience and better viewing control over all file types.

I have a second location that I want to setup with a Media Receiver which is why I am purchasing the ADS unit in the first place.

Mike

[megardi]

OK. I've been playing with the ADS unit for a couple of days now. I must say that I am impressed. As someone that has been in the trenches for this category of product (Prismiq, MVP, and now the ADS) I have to say this was the best out-of-the-box experience of the three. Have a look at the following review:

http://www.product-testing-labs.com/media-link.html

It's all true, and basically echos my experience so far. Especially take note of the tip to remove all JVMs from your system before installing the Media Link software . I had to do this before the ADS unit could find the server, even though the install was an apparent success. A few additional points:

- The unit does come with a Wireless-G card which works well I might add. I viewed a couple of shows recorded with Beyond TV at 4Mbits/sec and they played flawlessly over wireless.
- I sampled many of my downloaded AVI files and they all seemed to play just fine. I've viewed maybe 3 hours of AVI material with no glitches or sync issues.
- I'm mostly into video, but tried the Music, Picture, and Internet features. They worked well, but anyone with a large collection of music will find the playlist features lacking in this unit I'm sure.
- The interface is OK and very responsive compared to the MVP. Navigation features are much better than the MVP. The interface supports PIP which is nice.
- FFWD and REW in videos is not bad (1x to 4x) while flipping through still frames, but there is also a mode to let you advance or go back to a specific % into the file. Takes a bit of getting used to but I like it. Couple of MVP features that I miss though are using the number keys to skip 10%, 20%, etc. into the file and a resume feature which the ADS does not seem to have.
- The latest version of the software is from December of 2004. The review I've posted is from March 2005. Good news is that so far the software seems pretty solid, but this gives credence to the idea that this item might be discontinued, hence the great (IMHO) price.
- I've have the ADS connected to my Sony Grand Wega via S-video and the picture quality is quite good (better than the MVP). At some point I will try Component and see how it looks.
- Unit has "Fit to Screen", and "Full Screen" video settings which is another improvement over the MVP, especially when playing odd sized AVIs.
- As expected with no transcoding, CPU usage is very low (<5%).

So far I'm a happy camper. I had intended for the ADS unit to go in my rec room system, but after a couple of hours use I switch out the MVP on my home theater system.

Mike

[lingenfr]

So does this unit work with GB-PVR?

[sub]

So does this unit work with GB-PVR?

No, you dont get GB-PVR user interface. You can of course play files that GB-PVR recorded earlier, but nothing more than this primitive integration.

I had considered implementing a Roku client, but since rokulabs hasnt been producing or selling them for the last six months, I thought it was probabbly a waste of time. Everyone would want one, but very few people would be able to buy one.

[bryan]

Sub, just so you'll know. What I would like to see is the GBPVR UI on a media player that has the ability to play high definition shows through component video and digital audio(coax) outputs. Thanks.

[Dubya]

I'll add a HDMI request to that.

[swissueli]

I would love to see the support of streaming client which are based on the Sigma Designs chip EM 8550 or EM 8620. Currently available clients are e.g. Transgear DVX 500 E, Pinnacle Showcenter, Neuston, Elegato, etc.

Sub, any chance to support the Sigma Designs chip?

[bungle]

I had considered implementing a Roku client, but since rokulabs hasnt been producing or selling them for the last six months, I thought it was probabbly a waste of time. Everyone would want one, but very few people would be able to buy one.

That would be cool, since the PhotoBridge HD can playback HD TS files. Their site says they'll have more this summer.

[Lucas_24]

Yeah it would be nice to have an updated hardware client that doesn't suffer from the limits imposed on the MVP. But it would seem fifficult to select a player considering the various flavours in existence and the probable lack of consistency between their interface. I would think important factors in selecting a player would be it's availability and it's production lifespan. IT would really suck to put a lot of time into a player that only gets produced in limited quantities for a short period of time.

[sub]

I would love to see the support of streaming client which are based on the Sigma Designs chip EM 8550 or EM 8620. Currently available clients are e.g. Transgear DVX 500 E, Pinnacle Showcenter, Neuston, Elegato, etc.

Sub, any chance to support the Sigma Designs chip?

It basically comes down to how the manufactures have implemented their device. Hauppauge used this remote UI mechanism which proved to be pretty straight forward for me to hook into, and I'm sure this has directly lead to hardware sales for Hauppauge (positives for everyone).

All the devices I've seen with the Sigma Designs chipset have ended up using their own interface running on the device, with no prospects of using a remote UI. This could be worked around, but it would take a manufacturer that was prepared to work with me (provide technical info etc). Anyone have any contacts? To set expectations correctly...I suspect there is very little chance of us finding a company that is willing to do this.