Avel Linkplayer DVD Multimedia Player Networkable DVD Player WMV & Usb 2.0
By: Ambico Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 1
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 On: 2006-08-16
I just love this product and am even considering buying a second unit!
I use this product in combination with a NAS (Network Attached Storage device - simply put: a harddrive with a very small computer and a network connector). Optionally this can also be a Windows computer or a PC running Linux. I just dont like to have a full size desktop running just for this.
On that NAS-drive I store whatever my DreamBox records (TS file format) and other recordings (MP3s, AVIs, MPGs, VOBs). On the NAS (A Kurobox running Debian Linux) I installed WizD. WizD is a freeware tool that can be used on many systems and generates a menu that can actually be navigated with the AVeL LinkPlayer. Looks even better than what LinkStation offers (oh, forgot to mention that its compatible with LinkStation NAS drives out of the box).
Downside: the unit doesnt handle SMB/CIFS shares. I have the impression that AVeL is not going to implement that in their future firmwares either (check out their forums). Would have been great to have that. Maybe someday they throw the OS (Linux variant) in Open Source ... for others to become creative :-)
Their firmware update "system" is very easy to use - updates are done over the Internet.
The buildin DVD player works great, also plays AVIs, MP3s, TS files, and MPGs. My Artec DVD Recorder does that too, but the AVeL Linkplayer runs them way smoother and supports HD equipment (HDMI connector). My Artec has hickups at times with DivX/XviD movies, which is not the case with the LinkPlayer - it just works.
The LinkPlayer has a great sound and picture quality, and plenty connectivity on the back.
Network can only be done by ethernet cable, but then again ... do you really want to use wireless networking to play movies?
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