Philips DVP5992 1080p HDMI Upscaling DVD Player with USB 2.0 and DivX Ultra Review

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(More customer reviews)Just bought 3 of these 5992/37. There is an easy hack found on the internet to upgrade to play all regions dvd's.
Philips DVP 5992
Region Free:
press Setup
select the Preference Tab
Press 1,3,8,9,3,1
Press up/down key to select "0"
and hit menu to exit.
Prior to this I had a 5982/37 which had 1.1 usb and I had some trouble with avi's at high bitrate through the USB 1.1 port but the 2.0 on the 5992 fixed that. Both players play divx (avi) files but the major upgrades to the 5992 are USB 2.0, plays wmv files, now has 14 characters for files on hard drive or memory stick, you can rip music from cd to hard drive in mp format, you can play vob through the usb. The remote is much improved over the 5982 as well. In summary this is a great deal if you need a player that does a good job upconverting to 1080p, supports divx (avi), wmv and has usb 2.0 for connecting a hard drive or memory stick (must be fat 32 - for drives over 32 gb there are several utilities for doing this such as awissknife or fat32.exe - I have a 1 TB WD connected to mine). Also, to sort the fat32 files alphabetically by name there is a freeware FolderSort.exe which you can download to keep your folders and files alphabetically when you play the HD through the USB. The DVD player reads the folders/files in order they were loaded so for convenience you can sort them yourself with FolderSort. Bought mine for $39.99.
There are additional firmware upghrades by a developer Vb6rocod which makes some great changes to the setup options and screens. For example itlets you see file characters much longer than the standard Philips release (at first it was 40 characters from a cd/dvd then upgraded furtherto the length of the bar on the scree; the files through the usb are limited to either 21 or 23 which is a nice improvement), adds font choices to subtitels, colors to subtitles and some other fixes. You can download through rapidshare. See links at http://ryan.com.br/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=1074;sa=showPosts OR http://www.forodvp5100.com.ar/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=1458&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=60 OR http://forum.videohelp.com/topic355675.html#1881495. Many users like these improvements. I tried the firmware upgrade and it is very nice.

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Be impressed with this Philips DVD player with HDMI digital video and audio connection. Step into another home entertainment arena as you immerse yourself with High Definition video (720p / 1080i/1080p). HDMI for simple AV connection: HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is a direct digital connection that can carry digital HD video as well as digital multichannel audio. By eliminating the conversion to analog signals it delivers perfect picture and sound quality, completely free from noise. HDMI is fully backward-compatible with (Digital Video Interface) DVI. DivX Ultra Certified: DivX Ultra combines DivX playback with great features like integrated subtitles, multiple audio languages, multiple tracks and menus into one convenient file format.

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Pioneer DV 600AV-S - DVD player - upscaling - silver Review

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(More customer reviews)Rly happy with this product, bought it few months back since I've read that the Panasonic has pb the best upscaling quality on the market and the DV-400 or DV-410 were not that available.
And I am impressed with it. It is basically an DVD player that is region free and does a damn good job at upscaling (tried some media centers and a laptop w/ HDMI output - the DV-600 is definitely better).
Also of the reasons for which I choose the DV-600 is tha optical output that was no longer available w/ the DV-410 model. I know that there should be no difference between digital coax and optical but I had problems w/ coax in the past.
Another extra feature that the 600 series have is sound virtualisation: it'll make even a simple stereo AVI sound more or less 5.1, while also providing some advanced settings for the speakers.
so, highly recommended, great value for the money.

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Play your complete movie and music collection with just one player. The Pioneer DV-600-AV-S DVD Player is ultra-slim and plays multi-formats including DVD Audio and SACD. You can play content from your USB memory stick, audio player, or enjoy other compressed movies and music formats that you have downloaded from the web. This player is also DivX Ultra certified so you can enjoy the highest quality possible from compressed files. The HDMI output with 1080p upscaling ensures that what you see is of the highest possible quality, regardless of the source. In addition, the 600AV has Virtual Surround Sound, which enables radio or TV programs that are broadcast in mono or stereo to be played back in full 5.1-channel surround sound.192 kHz/24-bit D/A Converter Built-in Dolby Digital Decoder (5.1 channel) Built-in DTS Decoder DSP Modes -Rock, Pop, Live, Dance, Techno, Classic, Soft, Off And Default Dynamic Range Control Virtual Surround Bass Management Delay Adjustment Total Harmonic Distortion -0.0023 % Frequency Response -4 - 44 Hz Signal-to-Noise Ratio -115 dB Dynamic Range -100 dB PureCinema Progressive Scan -PAL/NTSC Video Signal D/A Converter -108MHz/12-bitI/P Simultaneous Output Video Adjust Remote Control Unit Auto Power-Off Playback Formats -DVD-Video, DVD-R/-RW, DL-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, DL+R/+RW, SVCD, VCD, CD, CD-R/RW, DVD-Audio, SACD, MP3, WMA, MPEG4 AAC, JPEG Playback, JPEG + MP3/WMA simultaneous Play Input Terminals -1x USB host (front-in) Output Terminals -1x HDMI out, 1x USB host (front-in), 1x Euro-SCART, 1x Component out, 1x S-Video out, 1x Coaxial out, and 1x Optical outDimensions -Width 420mm x Height 49.5mm x Depth 215.5mm Weight -1.8 kg This version does not carry a Pioneer USA Warranty. It is not intended for use in the USA.

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Sony BDP-N460 Blu-ray Disc Player (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had this player for several days now. Blu-Ray playback appears to be good, although I don't really have anything to compare it to. But so far its other attributes leave a great deal to be desired.
Netflix playback is especially poor. I waited to buy this unit for its Netflix capability to kick in, and was using the Roku HD player in the meantime. Even with a wired connection, the Sony's Netflix HD content playback is noticeably sluggish and jerky, almost to the point of being unwatchable, compared to the Roku player connected wirelessly to the same router. I watched parts of the same video on each player and the difference is not subtle; it is pronounced.
Also, the upscaled DVD picture on this player is very, VERY soft, almost to the point of looking out of focus, even with the TV's Sharpness setting turned up to maximum. This is in comparison to the Sony DVP-NS700H upscaling DVD player I had been using previously, which appears to have a sharper, crisper image; again, the difference is noticeable.
I'm going to try a few more DVDs and see if Sony and/or Netflix tech support can address the streaming problem, before I give up and return the unit. I had hoped this player would be a nice addition to my BRAVIA setup (46" Z4100 LCD TV), but so far it's let me down.
UPDATE: I called Sony and went through three levels of support. They agreed with my description and assessment of the Netflix HD picture quality and told me there was nothing that could be done about it. I also called Netflix and they couldn't help either; none of their suggestions worked. If I can't resolve this myself I'm going to have to return the player.
UPDATE 2: Amazon on Demand HD video looks fine; very good, actually. Looks like this is a Netflix issue (probably the onboard software, not the stream, since Netflix still looks fine on the Roku) that will have to be fixed with a firmware update sometime in the future.
UPDATE 3: CNET has now reviewed this product. From their review of the player's Netflix performance: "We also noticed that the overall streaming video quality seemed to be slightly worse than we're used to seeing. We saw more "jerky" playback than we're used to seeing on other players".
UPDATE 4: The Sony firmware update issued on December 22 has had no effect on the Netflix HD streaming quality. It looks the same as it did before.
UPDATE 5: For reasons unrelated to this issue, I upgraded my cable internet service to Cablevision's "Optimum Boost," which among other things is supposed to more than double Internet speed. Indeed, I'm now seeing over 20 Mbps on [...]. Nevertheless, the problem remains; the Netflix HD video is still "jerky". Apparently the problem is not the network. I think it may be that the Sony does a poor job handling the Netflix stream compared to the Amazon stream, such as, e.g., upconverting from 720p to 1080p.
UPDATE 6: I did some more experimenting with the player, this time removing the HDMI connection and using component instead, setting the player's component output to 720p. This did not correct the jerky motion problem; it looked essentially the same.
UPDATE 7: The June 14 firmware update (version 146) has had no effect on resolving this problem. I think it's officially hopeless.
UPDATE 8: Well, after a year, there is finally a solution (and it's not the recent firmware update); great thanks to commenter Dean Ferreyra the review thread. Turning off the CineMotion feature on the Sony TV for the HDMI input where the BDP-N460 is connected appears, for the moment, to have solved the problem. Even sweeping camera shots appear smooth and fluid.
Thanks so much to Dean and everyone else who has tried to help resolve this over the past year. If the problem stays solved, I may come back and change my star review.
UPDATE 9: I'm pleased to report that the Netflix HD motion problem has not re-occurred since I turned off CineMotion. I'm very happy with this, and it's remarkable how much the intrinsic value of this machine has gone up as a result. But I'm keeping the 2-star rating for three reasons: (1) the fact that I had this unit for a year with one of its major features effectively disabled, greatly reducing its ultimate value; (2) Sony's utter failure to recognize this simple solution when I called their CSD about it last year, let alone correct it in a firmware update; (3) the fact that CineMotion is a Sony feature, so the problem itself and the failure to address it in advance, let alone solve it, were entirely Sony's fault.

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Experience Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p quality with stunning HD sound that supports enhanced audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio. You can also play and upscale your DVDs to near high definition. Connect to the internet and instantly stream thousands of movies, videos, music and more from Netflix, YouTube, Slacker and other leading content providers with the Sony BDP-N460 Network Blu-ray Disc player.

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Samsung BD-C8000 1080p Blu-ray Disc Player Review

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(More customer reviews)i compare this player to the fist generation Panasonic i bought when it came out and the Samsung wins by far. While Picture quality is great with both players, dont take the other reviewer serious about missing 1080P. a) you could never tell the difference on a 10 inch monitor and b) it of course plays 1080P over the HDMI output.
i prefer the Samsung for the following reasons over the panasonic:As stated it is a multimedia player. it simply plays anything you wanna play. i plug my 1TB portable harddrive with hunders of movies in it and it plays every file, from simple DIVX and MKV etc. i have yet to find a format it does not play. Also it plays all those files, burned to either DVD or BD-R, BD-RE. (Not sure about the 2nd gen Panasonic's , but their first player only played regular DIVX from DVD-R's only) Wifi is included and eventhough the Samsung apps have yet to grow, its nice to have Pandora and Netflix out of the box. The only thing i am missing is an AV-in, so the screen could be used as an alternative, like a monitor for Videogames etc.

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Discover Blu-ray taken to the extreme with the portable BD-C8000. The BD-C8000 has AllShare home network connectivity via DLNA. Further, wireless LAN connectivity teams up with Internet@TV and Samsung Apps to bring you access to online media and interactivity, including content from providers like Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, and Facebook.

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New Pioneer DV 420K - All Region Free Multi System / Multi Region 1080p DVD Player with HDMI Upconverting & USB Review

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(More customer reviews)When we moved to the USA, we had a shock. In the UK, multi-region DVD players are common, with cheap models retailing for the equivalent of $50 or less in every supermarket. Add to that the fact that 90% of TVs will play NTSC signals, as used in the USA and Asia, and playing discs from other countries is as easy as can be. Over here, most TVs will only display NTSC, and not the PAL signals used in Europe. Also, the vendors have severely locked down DVD players by region, so American consumers can't play foreign DVDs.
Well, I brought with me a collection of 150 DVDs from the UK, Europe, Hong Kong, China and Japan. I refuse to buy them again, since in many cases I picked the best version available. Even if I did plan to re-purchase them, many are simply not available in an American, Region 1 disc.
Although players are available on the cheap in the UK, I spent a little extra on a Pioneer player in 2003, which is still in use by a family member now. It had a great picture quality on our widescreen CRT TV, and played any disc I threw at it - even a badly authored disc which many other machines refused to touch. This made a Pioneer player the obvious choice now we needed a new unit.
But some things had changed: We needed a player suitable for a 42" 1080p HDTV, rather than a 28" widescreen CRT. The size and the nature of the display is much less forgiving when it comes to picture quality. It also needed to convert PAL colours to NTSC whilst upscaling the image (and not downscaling it first). This meant there was an element of the unknown when it came to picking our player.
I am happy to report that this player works perfectly. It is built as well as you would expect a $90 player to be built, so don't expect a 20lb chunk of metal. The remote is the same layout as my 7-year old player in the UK, and it has one of the most logical button layouts I've used. Even the on screen menus and displays match that old player. They may not look fancy, but they tell you everything you need to know.
The player is a Japanese version, designed for tourists. It will output PAL or NTSC, and it works on American and European voltages. Change the power cable and you can use this in the UK without a step converter. It's truly an international DVD player.
Using HDMI, Pioneer's Kuro link is available. European users will remember this from the SCART days -- when you power on the player it switches your TV input automatically to the just-activated unit. The manual claims it only works with Pioneer TVs, but my Philips TV has a similar function (as used by the Philips Blu-Ray player attached to it), and it works just the same on my TV. There are other connections on the back of the player, but I see no reason to use them over HDMI. One downside is that there's no HDMI cable included.
So... picture quality. I'm comparing this to the upscaling performed by my Philips Blu Ray player. Obviously I could only test US, Region 1, NTSC DVDs on that player, so the comparison is by no means complete. Regardless, upscaling from 480i to 1080p is of a very high quality, even if detail levels pale in comparison to HD. My Japanese version of Kill Bill Vol. 1 looks great, with the bright colours blaring out at us. Switching to The New World - Director's Cut shows that the upscaling features of this unit outstrip the $100 Philips Blu ray. That player exhibited quite a bit of Haloing and edge enhancement without adding details. Those effects are still present, but much less obvious.
The player will, however, show up low quality discs. My HK R3 edition of House Of Flying Daggers looks atrocious. Pretty much unwatchable. It's a low quality transfer of a visually difficult film, so this should come as no surprise.
On to PAL discs. Out of the box, the player outputs to 480p. Taking a DVD with a vertical resolution of 576 lines and downscaling it as such, the picture quality is nasty to say the least. If you are stuck with a SD NTSC TV, at least they will play. The good news is that with the HDMI set to output at 1080p, the player does not downscale to 480 before upscaling to 1080 - it takes the 576i signal and directly converts it to 1080p! This means that PAL discs look incredibly sharp. With 20% more vertical detail to work with, the upscaler can produce incredibly good images for your HDTV.
I tested the UK DVD of The Incredibles, which has as perfect a transfer as DVD is capable of, and it looked stunning. The chase sequence through the jungle looked as good as I have ever seen it. Compared to NTSC DVDs, this was a revelation. Following this, I tried an old edition of Father Ted on DVD. Produced for TV in a 4:3 ratio, I expected to see numerous interlacing/combing effects, but the show looked as good as one could expect of a 15-year-old TV show filmed on video tape, and no real problems were apparent. We followed this with an episode of Spaced and an episode of The IT Crowd, both produced in 16:9, and in the case of the latter, very recent. They looked great.
In fact, the only thing giving away the conversion process was a slight judder to the end credits of all three TV shows. While watching fast motion, this was not evident. Raiders Of The Lost Ark looked good, regardless of the action on screen.
One note regarding colours -- my TV is already set up to display Blu Ray and HDTV with pretty accurate, natural colours. This unit was rather dark out of the box. We set the HDMI colour to Component and made minor Brightness/Contrast adjustements using a THX Optimizer, but things still appeared a little dark on PAL discs. The solution? We adjusted the Gamma setting to -3 and it solved all our problems.
There is more to this player. It will record your CDs to a USB drive plugged in to the front of the unit. I haven't tried that one yet. Also, it will play DivX and AVI movies from USB, CD or DVD. AVI rips of some UK TV shows and the Berlin premier of the restored Metropolis both looked better that on a computer monitor, thanks to the upscaler's help. The playable formats are very limited, but it's a nice extra feature.
So, in conclusion: if you have many foreign DVDs, buy this player. Even if you don't, it's worth it as a dedicated DVD player, since it has better upscaling that the average supermarket Blu-Ray player. Well worth every penny, and it could only be improved by including an HDMI cable in the box.

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VIDEO Dual-Layer/Single Layer DVD-R**/DVD/DVD-R/DVD-RW***/DVD+R/DVD+RW Compatible, SVCD/VCD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW Compatible, DVD PAL, DVD NTSC, DVD Region 0,1,2,3,4,5,6, HDMI Terminal for Digital Audio/Video Out HDMI Upscaling (to View on 1080i/1080p) WMV (Windows Media? Video) Compatible Official DivX? Certified Product Compatible with All Versions of DivX? Video (including DivX? 6) with Standard Playback of DivX? Media Files 108 MHz/12-bit Video DAC PureCinema 2:3 Progressive Scan I/P Simultaneous Output USB Input for Compressed Video (DivX/WMV) and JPEG HD JPEG Playback Video Adjust Function with Sharpness/Brightness/Contrast/ Gamma/Hue/Chroma Level Control Zoom Function AUDIO FEATURES 96 kHz/24-bit Audio DAC USB Input for Compressed Music Playback WMA (Windows Media? Audio)/MP3/MPEG-4 AAC**** Compressed Music Playback Compatible DTS? 2-Channel Decoding Dolby? Digital Output Dialogue Enhancer Virtual Surround Sound Equalizer (Rock/Pop/Live/Dance/Techno/Classic/Soft)

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Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my 3rd media device, and by far the most capable. I bought it solely based on the HDMI output and MKV playback abilities, and am pleased with the performance so far. Given the price to features ratio, this is the best such device on the market, in my opinion, and one of very few devices I know that can play the robust (and relatively obscure) MKV format as well as being able to output to HDMI. My other 2 devices play AVI's and so does my PS3, so AVI playback was not important to me.Major pluses:
1) HDMI output at 1080p
2) Unicode support is flawless (for subtitles and filename displays). for subtitles, simply name them the same as your movie file and put in the same directory. e.g. Batman.mkv; Batman_ENG.srt; Batman_ESP.srt, etc.
3) remembers where you left off in a movie so you don't have to start from beginning
4) BEAUTIFUL and easy to use interface that is similar to PS3's cross-media bar
5) solidly constructed remote control and overall superior build quality
6) wide selection of languages for the interface, not just the usual French, Spanish, and English.
Major problems:
1) inability to decode DTS audio
2) external hard drive does not power down when device is off
3) higher bitrate 1080p MKV files are unwatchable due to screen artifacting and other visual problems. i think it has a problem with 29fps @1080p.
Not so major problems, but still bothersome issues:
1) excessive spacing btwn lines of text in subtitles
2) inability to read muxed subtitles in files
3) no ability to go to a specific time code if you want to skip ahead
4) thumbnails don't work on any of my videos
5) shiny surface is nice, but fingerprints are easy to see on it
Overall, this is a great value if you're in the market for a versatile multi-format device. It even plays FLAC and OGG audio. If you're a movies guy though, the inability to decode DTS audio may be the deciding factor in your purchasing decision. Hopefully, WD can fix this via a firmware update.
If they release a Gen-2 version of this device that fixes the DTS problem and also has an Ethernet port and/or internal storage, I will gladly repurchase it at a higher price.
4.5/5 stars
UPDATE 12/26/08
WD released a firmware update a few days ago that addressed several of my complaints, including embedded subtitle playback, fast-forwarding and reversing by 10 minute increments, fixed subtitle spacing, subtitle font size select, and a long list of other improvements.
My 3 major problems mentioned above seems to remain. Hopefully, a future firmware release will address these, with the biggest priority for me being DTS decoding.
New Rating: 4.75/5. Highly recommended product.
---------------
UPDATE #3: May 21, 2009: I continue to be highly pleased with this product, after 6 months of ownership. WD has periodic updates that greatly improve the device and fixes small issuse, or introduces new features. The latest firmware shows the subtitle's language name (English, Spanish, etc), instead of just "Subtitle 1/3".
---------------
UPDATE #4: Nov 22, 2009: WD has quietly released a hardware update to the WD TV a few days ago, calling it the WD TV Gen 2 (not to be confused with the WD TV Live, a totally different model). This hardware revision adds DTS downmix and HDMI 1.3, making it very similar to the WD TV Live, except without networking. This is great news for users who don't need networking and want a cheaper second unit for the spare entertainment room because DTS downmix was one of the major features missing from the original product. I am not sure about other features, but make sure the SKU is Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player WDBABF0000NBK-NESN instead of WD00AVN.

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The WDTV HD Media Player is full HD 1080p video playback and is an ultra-compact, USB 2.0 device that attaches to an entertainment unit through a variety of audio/video interfaces and supports playback of major audio, video, and image file formats. It supports high-definition video playback of up to 1080p through an HDMI connection or standard definition for TVs with lower capabilities. It includes remote control, composit AV cable, AC adapter and quick install guide. (Brown Box, Product is Recertified)

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Sony DVP-SR500H 1080p Upscaling DVD Player Review

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(More customer reviews)We had a 3-yr old Sony DVD player but were not happpy with image quality on 42" LCD TV. Bought this newer sony and it is excellent. Much smaller, lighter, and a lot quicker to load/eject a disc. Image quality finally looks as good as all the display models in the stores. Compatible with all older Sony remotes, including a 15-year old one. Simply the best.

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Upgrade your DVDs to near HD quality via an HDMI connection with the Sony DVP-SR500H upscaling DVD player. A perfect complement to your home theater, this DVD player features Precision Cinema Progressive technology for sharper and more vibrant images as well as the Precision Drive 3 system which lets you play back some of your damaged or warped DVDs without a degradation of picture quality. In addition to watching movies, you can play CDs, MP3s and share your digital photos with friends and family.
The Sony DVP-SR500H upscales your standard DVD video to near HD quality via an HDMI connection.

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Advanced HD Port ready LCD Projector,1080i Resolution HDMI input,Playstation, Xbox, DVD, cable/satellite tv Review

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(More customer reviews)I never recieved the product after countless times emailing them, I got no response. After contacting Amazon, they gave me a # to call the seller directly and the # was disconnected.
Only buy from this account if you want to get ripped off.
And yes they charged my card even though they are not supposed to until the item ships.

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New HD Projector. Dreamland Digital Galaxy MODEL:DG-737 1.Support 1080i/720P/576P/480P/576i/480i signals, native resolution 800*600,compatible with 1024*768 2.Inputs jack: HDMI, Y/PB/PR,S-VIDEO,VIDEO, VGA,AUDIO,TV(analog),compatible with DVI 3.All in one projector! Can be used with TV, Sky,X-box, X-box 360, PS2, PS3, Wii, PC, Laptop, Statellite/Cable 4.With a function of up/down & left/right picture rotation (horizontal/vertical flip) which could achieve Front/Ceiling projection 5.Lamp life is 6000 hours on average 6.Keystone correction for proportional presentations 7."Green product", no radiation & pollution 8.Portable type, small size & light weight for various applications 9.Power cords for all over the world 10. One Free extra spare lamp. NOT Recommended for use in a large conference/church/class room with bright lights on or during daytime. It is not bright enough for business presentations. Technical Specifications: Projection System RGB LCD Projection System Projection Schemes Front/Suspension LCD Panel 5" TFT LCD Panel Resolution Support 1080i/720i/576P/576i/480i￡?800*600￡¨support 1024*768) Brightness(PeakValue) 2000Lumens Contrast ratio 800 : 1 Lamp 150W Colors 1.67 million Aspect Ratio 4:3 or 16:9 Optical Lens Manual focus Projection Distance 1.76 ¨C 5.51 meters Image Size 50 ¨C 150 inches (in Diagonal) Interface Video, Y/PB/PR, S-video, VGA, TV, HDMI Video System PAL /NTSC Audio Output 2 built-in speakers, RCA ?á2 TV Signal Input 75|? Radio Frequency Signal Input (RF Input) TV Signal System PAL /NTSC/SECAM Mechanical: Dimension(excluding lens and feet) 320mm(Length) ?á249mm(Width) ?á95mm(Height) Weight 4.3 kg projector color silver / black (normally is black, if you like silver, please inform me) Operating Temperature 5 ¨C 35 ?? Power Supply AC 100V-140V or 200V - 240V at 50 /60HZ Power Consumption 220W

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Philips DVP5990/F7 DVD Player with 1080p HDMI Upconversion and DivX Review

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(More customer reviews)you have to go to setup>preferences and press 138931 on your remote > press 'up' arrow to select '0' and hit setup again to exit and you can play any region dvd.


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The Philips DVP5990/F7 plays DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, VCD/SVCD, MP3, WMA, DivX, JPEG, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 formats. DivX playback integrates features such as subtitles, multiple audio languages, multiple tracks and menus into 1 convenient File format. A built-in HDMI Output allows connection to a compatible HDTV for 1080p Up-conversion for top imaging. The Philips DVP5990/F7 will give you excellent video and audio entertainment experience

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Magnasonic MAG-MDVHD360 Upconverting HD 1080p DVD Player with HDMI/Component Video, MP3/MPEG4/JPEG Playback & Karaoke Function Review

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(More customer reviews)First off let me say that I am not a tech geek so don't take this as if it came from the burning bush of audio-video worship. I do however have a basic understanding about HD images and what is needed to get one. If you are a tech geek and can find anything I did wrong in my setup, equipment or operation of the Magnasonic please jump in.
I bought this DVD player based on the 1080p HD upconverting feature. The manufactor says with it you'll be able to enjoy all of your DVD's in 1080p HD. I have a large collection of DVD's and I thought I'd hit the jackpot finding a machine that could show them in 1080p HD...just like the PS3 does with Blu Ray discs.
It comes with standard audio-video (yellow-white-red) jack cables...but not an HDMI cable. To support the Magnasonic upconverting DVD player I bought a Mediabridge Ultra Series High Speed HDMI Category 2 cable, that cost me another 16 bucks on top of the 44 I spent on the Magnasonic DVD player.
I connected the Magnasonic upconverting DVD player to my Sony Bravia XBR46 HD TV using the HDMI connections on both machines.
I played several different DVD's on a regular (non-upconverting) DVD player, scanning through the chapters and examining the scenes...then I played the same discs on the Magnasonic Upconverting DVD player. I made sure to press the HDMI button on the remote control... scanning through the different picture options until I got to 1080p, then I watched the very same chapters and scenes that I had watched on the regular DVD player.
To be candid I did not see any difference at all. You can tell when you get a 1080p image on the screen (bright eyes for one) and I didn't see one.
It's hard for me to be too mad or disapointed too much since the Magnasonic was so cheap to start with. I like that it does show my JPEG digital photos on the TV screen...that's much better than the old 35mm slide shows I grew up with in the 70's.
It also can support karaoke with the CD-G format which could be fun (you'll have to buy a microphone as there is not one included here) if you like to sing.
It's very small and light, it comes in a nice little cardboard box with a plastic handle on it. It would be easy to move around...like if you wanted to pack it up and bring it to your vacation rental or something.
I wish the 1080p had really worked, I don't think it did...but I am not bummed out enough with the product to return it over that. It has found a place in my home.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Magnasonic MAG-MDVHD360 Upconverting HD 1080p DVD Player with HDMI/Component Video, MP3/MPEG4/JPEG Playback & Karaoke Function

Experience HD quality when watching your DVD collection with the Upconverting 1080p DVD Player. This unit will display your DVDs in full 1080p resolution, allowing for superior picture quality when compared to regular DVD players.
Upconverting DVD Player with HDMI: The DVD player in this system is capable of upconverting your DVDs to near-HD quality. 1080p DVD upscaling offers the highest possible resolution your HDTV is capable of displaying with an HDMI connection.

Plug and Play Installation with All the Connections You Need: This unit is easy to set up with simple plug and play connections. Outputs include HDMI, composite video, component video, RCA audio left/right and digital coaxial audio.

Remote Control Included: Fully control nearly all aspects of the DVD player with the included remote control.
Play Your CD and MP3 Collection: In addition to DVDs, you can enjoy your entire CD collection on this system. It is also compatible with recordable media, allowing you to play mixed CDs. Compatible audio media includes: CD, CD+-R/RW, MP3 CD.

Display Your Digital Photos on your TV Screen: This DVD player can read digital pictures from a compatible CD and display them on your TV. Compatible media includes: JPEG CD.

Karaoke Playback with Microphone Input: Simply connect a microphone (not included) to the front input of the DVD player, and pop in a CD-G karaoke disc to sing along to all your favorite songs.

Dolby Digital Sound: This DVD player can play Dolby Digital DVDs and CDs.

Multitude of DVD Playback Options/Settings: The dynamic range volume option will reduce large variations in volume for night-time listening. Downmix mode will convert the audio to make it sound more like a movie theater setting (on supported discs).
List of Contents: DVD Player, remote control, 2 AAA batteries for remote, A/V cable, manual, 1 year manufacturer's direct warranty

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Philips PET9402/37 9-Inch Dual-Screen Portable DVD Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)9" screens are big enough for comfortable viewing and the picture quality is good and goes up bright enough for daylight use. Setup is pretty easy. I suggest buying some wireloom or small tie wraps to secure up the cables and route them AWAY from kids feet. The power cables are very light-duty and will likely break at the monitor connector if kicked in the wrong way. The system is simple to use for basic functionality. It plays many different disc formats including DVD+/-R. And it plays them well (no sputters even on kid-used discs). Disc loading is a bit clumsy (a side load slot would have been better) and useful buttons such as the DVD Menu one, are on the top of the unit when installed. It makes it impossible for a kid to find without knowing where it is beforehand. Easy to remove and store (good for hiding the monitors on short notice). Lastly, you may want to buy a longer video/audio cable between the two monitors. Mine was barely long enough to route the wire safely away from the feet.

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Philips PET9402/37 9-Inch Dual-Screen Portable DVD Player (Black)

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Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P High Definition Camcorder (Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this not expecting much and not having seen any reviews on the Web or in print. The product is a couple of months old to market. There's some misinformation floating around out there -- here are a few clarifications and highlights of the product from my week's worth of testing. First, it does indeed shoot at a 16:9 aspect ratio even as the video resolution is 1440x1080p -- you just need to be sure and apply an "anamorphic" pixel ratio (i.e., not square/1:1). Also, it is a fixed focus camera: The benefit is that there's no noisy/slow auto-focusing mechanism, but the con (as with all fixed focus camcorders) is that low light performance suffers somewhat, while close-in subjects go out of focus (though there is a manual macro switch on this product). Big pluses include the fact that it's charged via a super-standard mini-USB connector, and accepts up to a 32gb SDHC card. There is a tripod mounting hole but no electronic or mechanical image stabilization, no optical zoom, and no external microphone/audio in port.
In short, this makes for a great "second-unit" camcorder in cases where you don't want to rough around with your primary HD camcorder, or where you want to strap this onto a skateboard and the like without worrying about lost investment. It's wise to take the native H.264 files that are wrapped in .mov format and convert them to .avi or MPEG-2 .mpg files for further processing/editing/burning, as most systems will stutter trying to decode the native video files at 1080p/30 fps on-the-fly (i.e., even high-end video cards do not necessarily include hardware acceleration for files in this specific format). Although users appear to be especially enamored of the product's 1440x720p/60 fps non-interlaced mode, I'm not convinced that their bias is based on the benefit of double the frames-per-second, instead of the mere shortcomings of their system's hardware playback at 1080p/30 fps.
UPDATE: The following wide-angle lens attachment works perfectly with this camcorder, and I'm tempted to use it full-time as it not only widens your field of view, but in the process mildly reduces the inherent shake of your footage by "pulling back" a little farther.
Sunpak CAM-2110 MagMount 0.5x Wide-Angle Conversion Lens (Large)

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With the new A-HD+ from Aiptek you get all the great features of the A-HD but now you also get 1080P recording! One-touch recording allows you to capture stunning 1080 P HD video at 30 frames per second with H.264 technology. You can also record 780P HD video at 60 frames per second. Connect to your TV/VCR/DVD player to record video clips, pictures, and audio recordings, and playback directly on the built-in 2.4" color LCD. Take still pictures up to 8MP. 4X Digital Zoom with Fixed Focus and Night Shot. LCD swivels 270 for unlimited video and photo taking. Conveniently charge your new A-HD+ via the USB cable when connected to your PC or use the AC Charger cable included with no need to remove the battery from camera. Connect to your HDTV Component inputs to display your high definition video clips and pictures. Use up to 32GB of SDHC card storage to record longer video before having to upload to your PC. Ships with: Camcorder, Lithium Ion Battery, AC Charger, USB Cable, Component and AV Cable, Lens Cap, Wrist Strap, and User's Guide.

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Panasonic DVD-S38 Progressive Scan DVD Player, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)purchased the panasonic dvd s-38 on 6/1/10 and it does everything stated..and it should. it has been running approximately 10 hours every 24 hours, so it is truly being tested. i have dvd's recorded on two samsungs purchased in 2007 and 2008 which are now in dvd heaven and a sony which is closely following them.
all the discs from the sanmsungs and some of the discs from the sony are recorded in the usual 2-6-8 hr. format which play quite well on the panasonic. here it comes...BUT.... the discs from the sony that are recorded in 1-1/2, 2-2/2, 3 and 5 hrs can't seem to "audio" very well. the picture is just dandy but the lips and sound just can't seem to get together. only the sony discs recorded with the unconventional hrs are affected. i use close caption 100 percent of the time so it doesn't really bother me, BUT it might annoy someone hearing the words and seeing closed lips.
so for all you sony users out there recording with the unusual hour format, take into consideration for your NEXT dvd player and/or recorder. i don't know if it makes a difference on all brands but it does come to light on the panasonic.
as i said, the panasonic s-8 is a great little machine. it can only give you what you put in and apparently off-hour recording(audio) (picture is okay) is not one.

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Start watching your favorite movies with the Panasonic DVD-S38 disc player, which features progressive playback and a high quality picture with 108MHz/12bit Video DAC.Additionally, this disc player is Energy Star Qualified and has a compact design for energy efficiency.

What's in the Box Disc Player, remote control (with batteries), power cord, operating instructions


Disc/Media Compatibility

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Pioneer BDP-330 1080p Streaming Blu-ray Disc Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)UPDATE: Netflix was added via firmware on roughly 8/14
The news of Pioneer's departure from the plasma market shook the AV community a little over two years ago. Questions abound as to what the future would hold for Pioneer in a post Kuro world. Fans of their Blu-ray players - begun in earnest with the 51FD/05FD - wondered if a joint venture with Sharp would lead to a dilution of the high quality A/V performance at a very reasonable price point. The release of the budget-priced Pioneer BDP-120 was to some a harbinger of this venture manifesting itself in what appeared to an amateur eye as a largely re-badged Sharp player veiled beneath a Pioneer chassis. Its performance was nowhere near its 320 and 23FD brethren and its price point reflected such.
Emerging news of the 320's replacement came from European sources boasting Youtube streaming, which hinted the promise that US customers might get Netflix streaming or even some of the other instantly streamed video sources. The BDP-330 was largely unannounced until I found one in a Best Buy half-an-hour's drive from my house.
Upon lifting the all-white box, I noticed immediately that it was light, which caused me to prolong any disappointment until I got an opportunity to put it through its paces. I was a bit surprised the box made no mention of Youtube or any streaming services. Upon unboxing the player, I was a bit surprised at how small and shallow its profile really was. It makes the 320 look downright large. The biggest immediate disappointment was the rear output panel, which was identical to the European press photos completely devoid of multichannel analogue outputs. The Burr-Brown DAC-equipped MCH analogue outputs were one of the 320's strongest selling points. The player was made in April of 2010 in China; please note this is a departure from the Malaysian-built 320 and later 51s. The 120 was also made in Sharp and has a number of rear panel similarities including the power cord input's design. The player also shares the exact same model number remote as the 120 - VXX3351, which appears nearly identical to the 320, but including some strangely labeled buttons (page +/- and keylock) missing the video adjust button (this all but eliminated the hope that this might be a "real" Pioneer for me).
Upon firing up the player, I was greeted by the familiar Pioneer menu, but a very different setup menu that was very similar to the 120 best I can remember. Here's where the disappointment turns real: there is no Netflix; only Youtube and RSS. Gone is the slicky black background menu and appeared is the simple text and icon menu I remember from Sharp players. No choice for colorspace or high-speed HDMI...Just resolution. For folks who have been accustomed (spoiled) by the amount of tweaking possible with the 320/23/51/05, this is a huge disappointment.
All video adjustments options of the 320/23 are GONE. No Preset modes like Pioneer PDP or Projector. Once again, just resolution. This player is certainly not of the linneage of the current 320 or 51 with their extensive picture adjustment menus and presets. From this standpoint, the 330 is very disappointing.
In respects of load times, the quick start feature added very little discernable benefit to load times, that were very pokey. In fact, the current 320 was faster in actual load times in all the discs I tested than the 330. Other than the 2 second power off eject time, the Pioneer BDP-330's load times were embarrasingly so for a 2010 player whose peer group can load the same discs in a third of the time.
Player Eject Dark Knight Casino Royale POC I - Coin POC 1 -Disney Castle Total Speed
Pioneer BDP-320 18 36 36 39 62 191 5.5
Pioneer BDP-23FD 18 36 36 39 62 191 5.5
Pioneer BDP-51FD 33 45 44 39 73 234 4.5
Pioneer BDP-330* 2 39 34 47 63 185 5.5
* with quickstart engaged
In testing deinterlacing capabilities with synthetic test suites, the Pioneer BDP-330 did not establish itself as a stand-out by any means. Its performance was very similar tot he BDP-120 in failing to recognize most of the film cadences. In video-based tests, jaggies were prolific and the moire in S&M's speedometer test was the worst I have seen save the Sony BDP-N460, S470, S570, and S370.
Realworld testing was bit more kind to the player. While the upconverted image was not as sharp as the 320, it was compotent on most test material devoid of choppy edits. My biggest complaint is the utter lack of video adjustments for dvd. There are simply no adjustment menus or sub-menus, which is the antithesis of the elaborate and detailed adjustment options available in the current 320.
Deinterlacing Performance using S&M Test Disc:
Test 2:2 2:2:2:4 2:3:2:3 (PF-T) 2:3:2:3 2:3:3:2 3:2:3:2:2 5:5 6:4 8:7:8:7 24p - pass Time-adjusted
Pio 320 pass fail pass pass* marg fail marginal fail marginal pass fail
Pio 120 pass fail pass fail fail fail fail fail fail pass pass
Pio 330 pass fail pass fail fail fail fail fail fail pass fail
Value/Overall:
With sluggish load times, just above average dvd quality, a lack of built in wirless connectivity, youtube and rss streaming only, no multi-channel analogue outputs, no picture adjustments, and non-3D capable, it's hard to argue why this player should cost more than $100 in this market. Even then, it's hard to argue why someone would purchase this player at all unless they are hell-bent on a pioneer fascia and youtube. Firmware and time may bring Netflix and other streaming options, but there are many other players that offer so much more for so much more less. With an MSRP appears to be a very lofty $299, I would encourage folks to explore a combination of two players like an LG BD550 and a Pioneer BDP-320 for nearly the same price and would be a perfect marriage of excellent AV playback of optical media (320) and excellent streaming options (550). All in all, this player is a massive disappointment to followup on the great performance and value the 320 offered.


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Without question, the greatest success of all Pioneer's players is the ability to recreate film as the director intended. And as movies are the combined work of many people, from cinematographers and set designers to Foley and makeup artists, every detail is taken into consideration in order to help you get closer to the ultimate cinematic experience. In the past, film displayed on television required stretching 24 frames-per-second to match the 30 frames-per-second of television. More often than not, this would result in annoying motion judder and unnatural on-screen images. With True 24fps at up to 1080p resolution, you see only what the director intended as all film sources are displayed at their actual speed. The BDP-330 provides up to 1920 x 1080p resolution for unrivaled picture quality. And with True 24fps, you'll see your movies as the director intended.The BDP-330 offers simultaneous HDMI & Component Video Output: Enjoy High Definition Video from both the HDMI and Component Video connections. (Component Video limited to 1080i Resolution.)The BDP-330 also allows online Streaming Content: Enjoy online content from YouTube and read RSS Feeds when connected to the internet. Additional services available soon. This amazing Pioneer product allows for iPhone/iPod Touch Remote Control: Using our free iControlAV application (available for download from the Apple App StoreSM) users can control most major functions of the BDP-330 with their iPhone/iPod Touch.

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Western Digital WD TV HD 1080P Media Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased the WDTV Media Player (version 2) through Amazon two weeks ago. I have an extensive collection of movies and tv shows that I have ripped from my blurays and dvds over the past few years, plus downloads etc (over 2.8 gigs worth and counting). I built a HTPC 1.5 years ago and always hoped there would be a simple, inexpensive solution that would allow me to easily transfer my media to the TV without constantly playing with settings to the point where my wife is getting up from the couch out of boredom.
Along came the WDTV Media Player, the best solution for someone like me. I have tried as hard as I can to dig up a format (H.264, X.264, .mkv, .flac, .omg etc.) or problem to throw at this device to muck it up and I have yet to succeed. It has even been able to playback halfway decompressed files. I have it hooked up by HDMI through a Pioneer 819 AVR and set to bitstream audio codecs. I have had none of the audio syncing issues that were prevalent in the first generation machines. The user interface is attractive and intuitive. If you are use to using a HD set top box from your cable company and a PVR/DVR, this is basically the same functionality. Set up takes minutes and playback is beautiful. Unlike an previous reviewer, I have found that playback on standard definition content to be excellent. It upscales as well as any high quality dvd/bluray player. For HD playback, playback is just as good as bluray--without and time lag between pressing play and start time.
As with any device, it has its flaws-although they are minor in the scheme of things. First, it will not play menus from ripped DVD's and blurays (only the largest file in the rip, i.e. the movie). The WDTV does have its own menu that allows you to change audio tracks and subtitles on the fly. Unless the chapters are ripped and formatted correctly, you cannot skip to the next chapter. This sounds like a bigger problem than it is. This can be rectified by ripping with better quality software. If you downloaded your movie with bit torrent, you get what you pay for with your "free"/stolen content. Even using content without the ability to skip chapters, fast forward and reverse work quicker than on my panny bluray player and I am able to fast forward up 16x speed and the devise allows you to skip ahead in 30 second intervals (just enough to allow you to jump ahead of commercials from video capture off your cable box).
Other minor gripes: They are not able to bitstream lossless sound codecs (TrueHD and DTS-HD MA). Frankly, this is minor and most people will be happy with Dolby Digital and DTS (which the WDTV v2 and Live can send by bitstream over the HDMI capable--a feature lacking in the first gen WDTV). I have been told by people familiar with the Sigma 3365 processor that firmware may allow it to bitstream TrueHD, although probably not DTS-HDMA). We'll have to wait an see.
I have seen the Asus, Seagate and Popcorn C-110 and, they all have their pro's and con's. Dollar for dollar, the WDTV (v2) or WDTV Live (for an extra $20) are the best media players on the market. I give this three thumbs up and my strongest recommendation.
Update: 12/29/09 I picked up an WD HD Live at one of the big chain electric stores over the weekend to see if it was worth the extra few dollars. Pandora internet radio is a nice feature and I think the Live has a lot of "potential". There are some problems though. To test the machine, I tried to set up with a wireless dongle (g--i don't have a wireless n dogggle although I am not sure it would make much differenec). I also used a direct ethernet connection (obviously the best way to set it up).
First, HD streaming from a network harddrive was disappointing. Although 720P playback was usually not bad through ethernet. It did stutter and lose audio sync from time to time. If I paused playback to allow the WDTV LIve to rebuffer (or HDD drive--I am not entirely sure which devise had the issue), it seemed to fix the problem for a while. Using the dongle, playback about the same as with the ethernet. To be clear, some files played back without a hitch and others were far more problematic. The same files played perfectly on both the WD TV Live and WD TV (v2) when connected directly to a USB HDD.
With respect to 1080P playback, there were some significant hiccups. Using the network, playback stuttered badly on more than half of the files played. It appeared that the machine was dropping frames and lost audio sync. This was more prevalent when playing back large files (17 gig archived BD movies for example). Smaller 1080P files (8-12G) played about as well as 720P--some played perfectly and others with only minor issues. all files, however, played without issue using a direct usb harddrive. In my bedroom I am using an LG BD player that already has netflix, YouTube and pandora. The WD does not handle netflix, and the other services are redundant (Pandora is nice, but, frankly, YouTube is a pain to use with all of these systems).
In conclusion, the WDTV Live and WDTV (v2)have the same capabilities when used as stand alone devices connected to USB harddrives. Although I didn't mention this earlier, streaming SD content from a network was no problem with the Live. HD streaming capabilities were suspect, particularly with large files. As a caveat, other more sophisticated videophiles may have the time and computing power to convert larger HD files into smaller formats that will stream better. The thought of using handbrake to downsize my entire collection is not something I have any intention of doing. The WD TV LIve is a great first start. With some more firmware updates, it may be a better network streamer, but I think network streaming for 1080P is still a generation or two away from prime time.

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WD TV HD Media Player turns your My Passport, or similar USB drive, into an HD media player. Supports Full-HD 1080p video playback and navigation of a wide variety of file types. Simply plug in your drive to the HD media player. No need to delete movies to make room for more; simply add another USB drive to expand your collection.

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Samsung DVD-F1080 1080p Upconverting Compact DVD Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We have had this player for a couple of weeks now. We recently purchased a Full Hi Def television but not quite ready to plunge another $400+ into a Blu Ray player. This little machine is a gem. It works exactly the way it should. We have it connected to the TV via HDMI and the picture is fantastic -- our SD DVDs look incredible. Not sure what the previous reviewer is referring to. There is no set up, simply connect the cable and plug it in. Also, there is no problem with the power cable -- it's standard length. The machine is sleek and intuitive. All you have to do is insert the disc -- the machine will turn on the TV, change to the proper input and load directly to the main menu. We were completely amazed the first time we inserted a movie. Honestly, if this is a small sampling of Hi Def, a Blu Ray player might be in our future soon. I cannot get over the clarity.

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up to 1080p up-conversion SAMSUNG's F1080 DVD Player up-converts the resolution of ordinary DVDs to 1080p/1080i/720p High-definition which means you'll experience the video and audio quality you didn't think was possible from a DVD player.

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Roku HD1000 High-Definition Digital Media Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am now on my third week with the HD1000, I believe I now can give a fair review.
My first week was spent struggling with the networking of the unit. Normally, networking is not an issue with most users, but in my particular application some tech support would have been nice. I say "would have been nice" because there is very limited effort put forward by Roku on this. Their website even states that tech support is only available via email, although they are more than happy to talk to you live, if you are placing an order. The response time is a few days, and then they tell you to call back a long-distance # - not exactly what I had in mind. Problem was solved on my own. I would not count on tech support from these guys, you are better off getting help from other users at the Roku's forum (http://www.rokulabs.com/forums/)
Picture viewing was great. My 5 mega-pixel picts looked very nice at the 1080i setting. The mp3 playback was sufficient to playback, but seemed lacking as far as playlists, control, shuffle and format. Watching pictures and listening to music at the same time is not possible with the limitation in memory, although Roku says otherwise. In order it to work, you must use a CompactFlash card as a swap drive, otherwise the system will freeze up and you will have to reboot. This hack is a comprimise for its deficiency in the memory. Although the ATI chip does suggests high performance, the 64MB (half of which is reserved for video) does not, hence the CF hack. Using the swapfile does solve all freezing issues. Plan on using one if you ever buy into the HD1000. The HD1000 then feels much more robust. It is then the perfect tool for viewing your high res pictures and a decent mp3 player. The ATI chip, the component output to 1080i video and the digital output for audio are the right tools for the job.
I believe currently the biggest problem is that the firmware development is incomplete. The video playback is virtually non-existent, as well as the advertised visualizer. This lack of development of its firmware is what is really holding back this product. The lack of firmware development is an ongoing topic of discussion at the Roku Forums, although Roku itself, does not seem to be interested in participating. I can understand why there is a lack of Roku participation in the forums on this topic, it is because there has been a lack of development in the firmware. The last firmware update was nine months ago. That's pretty bad, when you consider the fact that the product still does not do what it is supposed to. I think Roku stopped advertising the fact that the HD1000 will play back mpeg2 streams, but page 15 of the user manual still claims this a viable feature. The only support for the video playback, is through third-party software, which is really at the beta stage. You can get some playback, but there are lip-synch and control problems that are inherient with the pending firmware update. Again, until the firmware is updated, this aspect of the HD1000 is incomplete and insufficient.
Although the limited memory issue does present some problems that would be difficult to workaround, I do think that the success of the HD1000 is close at hand, but is directly dependent on the development of the firmware. I consider myself a person who hopes that Roku will truly be succesful in their endeavours, being that they are the only ones that currently support HD, use an open platform, and do not require server-side software. I just hope they focus on developing their creation and foster it into greatness, rather than obsolescence.
I suggest before buying, the consumer check the progress of the firmware update (to be announced as v1.6) on the Roku Forums at http://www.rokulabs.com/forums/ and judge for themselves. I hope to soon retract all negative comments mentioned in this post if, and when, Roku resolves these problems.
(Dec. 11)- I would like to update that the anticipated v1.6 is to be released in Decemeber 2004, but it will be a beta release. Sounds as if it may be a patch for the various bugs, but perhaps it will also have some added functionality. We will have to wait and see. Roku's CEO did state on the Roku forums, that a software cycle for this type of product is normally around 12 ~ 18 months! I am hoping that this upgrade is more than a bug fix, being that it may be a long time for another update after this one and that are a some major outstanding issues! Current software functionality and how frequent a manufacturer updates its software are aspects the buyer should definetly consider before spending the money. The Roko CEO also stated that Roku recommends that the buyer purchases their product soley on what it does today, and not what it may be able to do in the future. If that is the case, it would seem that if you are looking for a media player with functional video playback, then the HD1000 is not for you, today.
(Jan 3, 2005) The HD1000, aka the PhotoBridge, is in the process of evolving! Roku has just released the beta of v2.0. Although it is hard to believe that the current functionality of the 2.0 beta is the result of nearly a years worth of work, it is a step towards where it should be. The beta so far does seem to be primarily a bug fix with the addition of video playback functionality, although still quite limited and buggy, nothing ground-breaking (yet) - but again, a work in progress. Hence, I will update this review and modify my rating when the work is complete. Hopefully progress will be made at an exponentially faster rate! See what the update addresses and what is to come upon the official release for yourself at...
http://www.rokulabs.com/support/HD10002.0Beta.php
The HD1000 also has been upgraded hardware-wise, to address the lack of RAM. Apparently, Roku has been shipping 128MB versions (version B, opposed to the original version A with 64MB) for the last 2 months, but did put forward any communications. Good for new customers, but it sounds as if early adopters and recent customers are S.O.L. I wonder if version A owners will find their units obsolete, once apps are created requiring the 128MB. I fear that Roku will have no options for us other than offering the old Swap Hack. Personally I have concerns regarding the longevity of my Compact Flash card (used as swap disk), being that flash media has a finite cycle life.

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Early Adopters Pick: October 2003. This is the world's first high-definition digital media player.
Whether you're already equipped with a high-definition TV or still using a standard CRT set, the HD1000 from Roku puts all manner of digital entertainment before your eyes and ears. Tap into a home computer network, hook the unit up to a stereo, or simply pop in a memory card--then sit back and enjoy your favorite photos, artworks, music, or LiveArt (full-motion images of beaches, waterfalls, etc.).

While it will work on nearly any monitor, the HD1000 was designed to make the most of a high-definition television's brilliant color and pristine clarity. The HD1000 makes viewing and sharing treasured digital photos easier and more exciting than ever. Photos displayed through the device will look crystal-clear on your high-definition or big-screen TV. No more crowding around a PC monitor in your cluttered den--the HD1000 lets you relax and view digital slideshows in a leisurely atmosphere.
Not watching a program on your wall-mounted plasma display? Now you can create stunning wall art with a click of your remote. Roku's Art Packs (not included) are a simple way to enhance your décor and make use out of an idle HDTV. Choose from a range of images--classic masterpieces, stunning nature scenes, or a lifelike aquarium--and bring them to life in your living room. Or, use LiveArt to change your surroundings without changing your location. Bring a rippling mountain lake, a leafy summer forest, or a white sand beach with soothing waves to turn your living room into a pool of peace and tranquility. The HD1000 supports looping HD MPEG2, standard JPEG images, and MPEG clips. (Art Packs come on CompactFlash memory cards; just pop in the card and choose your favorite scenery.)
Next, liberate your growing library of digital music files from your PC and listen to them through a home stereo. Roku lets you listen to files on any of various memory cards (CompactFlash, SD, MMC, Memory Stick, SmartMedia) or over a simple Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection, so you can enjoy your favorite music through the high-quality sound system in your living room. Its attractive onscreen display shows the current media source and displays its contents as well as the media file in play, with full ID3 data for music files.
The HD1000 offers built-in protection to reduce the risk of image burn-in on your TV screen, too. (The unit can't prevent all types of burn-in, of course--it's ultimately your responsibility to use your display's manual and common sense to prevent burn-in.) The HD1000's Screen Saver mode engages when the HD1000 is your primary video source, and it can even step in whenever one of your other video sources stops moving. When placed in a pass-through configuration--with the signal from a DVD player, say, passing through the HD1000 on its way to a screen--the HD1000 can detect when the video input source is still and will automatically generate a changing Screen Saver.

The HD1000 is based on the Roku OS, an open platform that includes Roku's advanced media APIs and the Linux Kernel, and for which other companies can design as-yet-undreamed-of accessories.
What's in the Box HD1000, user's manual, remote control, remote batteries (two AAA), a component-video cable, a stereo analog audio interconnect, and an AC power cable.

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