Hasta La Gadget!

Look, we’re all for competition, but it’s about time for some of these guys to stop copying and start innovating. As if your noggin’ wasn’t already spinning enough as you attempt to whittle down your laundry list of HD media streamers, in flies PrimeDTV with yet another hopeful. The PHD-HM5 looks to be fairly standard in terms of features, with HDMI / component outputs, a lengthy list of supported formats, an Ethernet socket and a pair of USB 2.0 ports. You won’t find WiFi or any internal hard drive, and you’ll have to live with the fact that this thing is akin to some lackluster AV component from the early 90s. Oh, and then there’s the chore of actually finding one for sale (not to mention an MSRP), which should probably be just enough to push you towards Popcorn Hour.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

PrimeDTV further saturates HD media streamer segment with PHD-HM5 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

It’s been almost a full year since we heard a peep from the fine folks at Myka, but it looks like we could be talking about ’em a lot more often judging by the specs list on its latest contraption. The simply-titled ION is an Atom-based media PC that relies on NVIDIA’s Ion graphics set and a customized interface that brings Hulu, Boxee and pretty much any other web content you can stumble upon to your television. Within, you’ll find a 1.6GHz dual-core Atom 330 CPU, up to 4GB of RAM, ten USB 2.0 ports, VGA / DVI / HDMI outputs, an eSATA connector, Ethernet and plenty of audio outputs. The fanless design ensures that things remain quiet, and for those oozing cash, a Blu-ray drive, HDD and WiFi module can be implanted. It’s up for order right now starting at $379, but you’ll be stuck waiting four to six weeks for delivery.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Myka ION brings Hulu, Boxee and other web content to your TV originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Back in late July, we weren’t aware of when Onkyo’s fancy ND-S1 iPod dock would ship. Now, we’re not only certain that the £144 ($235) digital media transport is shipping across the pond, but we’ve stumbled upon a critique for those wondering if such an outlay is justified. After slamming their iPod touch into the device and connecting it to their reference speaker system, they came away duly impressed; in practically every scenario, using the external DAC in this box led to clearer, more precise audio compared to signals coming straight out of the iPod. In fact, reviewers went so far as to call this unit “peerless,” though they did mention that it’s really only good for those already satisfied with their existing speaker setuip. Of course, you could just opt for an audiophile-approved media player, but then you wouldn’t be able to experience the joy and elation that comes with relying on iTunes. Right?

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Onkyo’s iPod-lovin’ ND-S1 digital media transport gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Netgear’s EVA2000 Digital Entertainer Live came packin’ a lot of promise for just $150, but according to a critique over at TrustedReviews, those into a thing dubbed “high-definition” may want to keep on saving and pass over this one. You see, the only 720p content it’s capable of playing back is MPEG-2; other than that, you’re stuck watching SD material or upscaled-to-720p SD material. To the box’s credit, it did manage to play back content satisfactorily, and the built-in PlayOn software was indeed a boon to the device’s overall utility. In the world of media streamers, though, you’ve got oodles of options, and it seems as if one from WD or ASUS just might be a better overall value. Tap the read link to decide for yourself.

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Netgear’s EVA2000 Digital Entertainer Live gets reviewed: decent, but lacking originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Timely, no? Exactly a year to the day after the CEIVAlife and CEIVAshare went on sale, the creator of those has decided to out its first digiframe since, and we’ve got to say — the Pro 80 is a refreshing change of pace in the drab digital photo frame world. Aside from accepting images via the traditional means (USB, memory cards and telepathy), this one can also take in new pixels via a cameraphone or computer… wirelessly! The built-in WiFi module enables networked PCs to pass along slideshows, while PicturePlan customers ($6.95 per month) can send photos in from their mobiles. In case that’s not nearly enough to excite you, there’s also free CEIVA Channels (ABC News, ESPN, etc.) to keep you occupied. She’s all yours for $179.99, or $147.99 if you snag it this holiday season.

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Displays, Peripherals, Networking

CEIVA Pro 80 digiframe accepts new images from MMS, networked PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments