Hauppauge 1340 MediaMVP-HD Digital Media Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For the price paid (less than $75), it's not half bad. I connected it to my LAN and HDTV, configured for DHCP, and was easily able to detect my Ubuntu Linux based Mediatomb server.
When I attempted playback of various media, I wasn't able to get sound over HDMI. I then tried component video (YPbPr) successfully. I went back to HDMI, lowered the bit rate for the sound, and had it up and running fine (including 720p .MKV playback).
From time-to-time the screen goes blank when you've been wandering around in the menus for too long and as of now, I have not been able to make use of the USB port (always reads folder empty no matter what's connected). I have a trouble ticket in with Hauppauge, will update with results.
Pros:
Low price
Played every video format I threw at it
1080p HDMI Output
Decent WAF (Wife Approval Factor)
Instinctive remote control (could be better)
Intuitive on-screen menus
Easy network setup
Automatic video setup built into the software
Cons:
Unit itself could look better
OSD needs polishing: speed, smoothness, fonts are big & blocky (can't really complain for the price)
Has to reboot after some setting changes
Screen goes blank every now and again while in the menu system
No automatic audio setupConclusion:
Setup could have gone more smoothly. For the problem I had with sound over HDMI, there was nothing in the manual, on the website, or in any of the forums that gave me any insight on this problem. I literally stumbled onto the fix. The problem was likely due to the limitations of my HDTV, but the average consumer might not catch that. Although it's not important to my intended application, I'm still waiting on an answer for my USB port issue. All-in-all, for what I purchased it for, (multi-format Upnp/DLNA player w/ HDMI output) it's not horrible when you take into consideration that other comparable consumer products cost anywhere from $30 to $125 more and a custom-built PC with an HDMI output could cost upwards of $400 to $500 at a minimum.Update (12/20/2010):
I've not heard anything beyond the initial response (addressing my already resolved audio over HDMI issue) from Hauppauge support. I've also discovered that the MediaMVP-HD cannot play OGM video. The format is summarily ignored by the media browser (as in doesn't even show up as unknown). Although it's not advertised as one of the supported formats, I'm still disappointed. As for .MKV playback, if you have an MKV video with multiple audio tracks, there's no way to switch betewwn the two tracks. I also contacted Hauppauge about this and have gotten no answer. Prehaps I'll have better luck after the holidays.

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The Hauppauge MediaMVP-HD makes it easy to enjoy your favorite digital videos, music, and photos, at up to 1080p resolution, on your HDTV. The MediaMVP-HD plays digital content from a Windows PC or a USB drive. When connected to a PC, the MediaMVP-HD uses your existing local area network (wired) connection to play videos, music, and display digital pictures on your HDTV.In both cases, you can enjoy digital video recordings, photo slideshows, plus your MP3 music collection--all through the high-definition picture and superior sound of your home television. And for the ultimate, customized home media system network,you can connect up to 12 MediaMVP-HDs, each to a separate TV set, giving you practically unlimited play and record options.
MediaMVP-HDDigital Media PlayerAt a Glance:

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TiVo TCD652160 HD Digital Video Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)First, I need to inform you that all of my home television programming comes from an antenna on my roof. No cable or satellite whatsoever.
When the Series 3 debuted earlier this year, I contacted TiVo about recording two HD channels at the same time from an antenna and was told that would not occur. That one would be in HD and the other in standard definition. That, along with the price made me pass on this unit.
When the TiVo HD came along, I contacted TiVo again and was told by one technician that it WOULD record two HD shows and by another that it would not. With the cheaper price, I decided to give it a try and am glad that I did so.
I am happy to report that this unit will definitely record two high definition programs at the same time from an antenna. No splitters, amplifiers or other hardware. Just plug it into the Antenna connector on back of the box.
Setup and activation was easy. The most difficult part was figuring out the maze of cables behind my TV and Stereo amplifier, but that is hardly TiVo's fault. I already had it set up when I called to activate the box. When I got off the phone and turned it on, it was ready to download the Guide. Very hassle free.
The remote, while nothing fancy, has a good layout of buttons and is programmable so that it will turn my TV on and allow me to change its inputs while the volume and mute buttons control my amplifier. About the only other thing I need for it to do is actually turn the stereo on. But getting up once to turn on the stereo is a small price to pay for being able to record HD programs and pause live TV.
On some forums users have been reporting macro-blocking and pixelation when using some cable cards. I have no experience with that, but can report that I have not seen this problem using an antenna. In fact, I see no difference at all in the quality of the broadcast than I did when the signal went directly to my television.
After a bit over a week's use I have no complaints at all with the product or service and would recommend it to others.

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TiVo HD is a smart addition to any high-definition TV, combining the clarity of high definition with the smart, easy-to-use TiVo Service?. It works with any cable set-up. It connects to any home network, so you get access to the best of both broadcast and broadband content. It downloads the latest movies straight from the Internet to your living room. It can pause, rewind, and slow-motion your favorite moments with razor-sharp HD clarity. Plus, TiVo HD connects to virtually any cable service via CableCARDs1, so it replaces your existing cable box.
TiVo HD FeaturesSearch for HD movies and sports: With our intelligent search features, you can easily find a specific director, actor, player, or team among the world of both broadcast and broadband content. Prefer to see a movie in high definition? Do a WishListTM search and the TiVo service will automatically record the HD version and place it in your Now Playing List.
Record movies in HD: When recording with TiVo HD, you have the option of capturing shows in standard or high definition. Plus, when you play them back, you can easily pause or rewind HD instant replays without ever sacrificing their original razor-sharp HD resolution.
Download movies from the Internet: Don't see any great movies in your cable program guide? You can easily select a classic or new release from the world's largest movie library, order them with a click of your remote control, and have them downloaded directly to your TiVo box.
Access your music library with the remote: When you connect your TiVo DVR to your home network, your HDTV can connect right to millions of songs and playlists available over the Internet. You can now enjoy digital music on the best sound system in the house.
Schedule an HD premiere: With TiVo, you can do your TV scheduling from any computer when you are away from home. Log onto TiVo.com, click on a show, and you're done.

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ATSC NTSC Hybrid HDTV PCI TV Tuner /Digital Video Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)Hi, this package is great. I've used TV tuner cards for several years and seen them develop. This card is by far more mature than anything I've used. It's very easy to use, the interface is like a TIVO and the functions are fairly intuitive. Overall, I give it high marks and am satisfied with my purchase.

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X8000A uses the latest TV decoding chip from Silicon Valley. It supports both free-to-air HDTV and traditional NTSC TV signal decoding with the built-in dual tuners. You will enjoy crystal clear HDTV with resolution up to 1920 × 1080i. With its professional grade playing software TotalMedia by Arcsoft, your viewing experience is like a breeze. Combined with the card, TotalMedia also functions as a personal/digital video recorder (PVR/DVR), picture viewer, music and DVD player, and more. A fully functioning remote control is also supported. Detailed Feature List * Supports HDTV for ATSC (US/Canada/Mexico format), Analog TV for NTSC * Watch free Digital HDTV on PC * Supports up to 1920x1080i(HDTV) resolution * Very easy to use graphics interface * Supports Electronic Program Guide(EPG) * Fully functioning remote control * Schedule recording of your favorite show for later viewing * Time Shifting * Captures home and other videos and burning them into DVD/SVCD/VCD, supports TV, AV, and S video inputSpecifications*Interface: PCI *Digital TV Tuner: 75 Ohm (UHF/VHF) TV Antenna *Analog TV Tuner.75 Ohm (UHF/VHF) TV Antenna*Video: -S-Video Input: 4-pin Mini-Din -Composite input: RCA jack* TV system*Frequency: -55.25MHz-855.25MHz(NTSC)*69 terrestrial digital channels (ATSC)*IR: Infrared Remote ControlSystem Requirements *Intel P4, Celeron, AMD Atholon or compatible, operating at 2.4GHz or greater *256MB of system memory or above*Available PCI slot for GENIATECH HDTV Thriller X8000A card*Graphics card with 128MB or greater of frame buffer and with Microsoft DirectX 9.0 support*Installation software requires CD-ROM drive *Sound card and speakers. *Antenna (indoor type is sufficient in most cases) Package Contents *Geniatech X8000A PCI HDTV tuner card *Infrared Remote Control*Mini RF to F connector converter*Multifunction cable*Quick Installation Guide*Software CD Warranty:*One year standard manufacturer warranty.

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