Review Now that playing digital files from USB keys, or streaming them over a network, is a feature built into many TVs and almost every new gadget that plugs into one, it’s inevitable that standalone players will become cheaper. The PopBox sits at the bottom of Syabas Technology’s Popcorn Hour range of media players.
PopBox 3D: a nondescript black slab of a box only 2001 fans would love
Launched in the US late last year – to a less than enthusiastic reception – it’s now available in the UK, but here revamped with firmware fixes and the addition of BBC iPlayer to the on-board apps.
The PopBox is a compact and rather nondescript black slab, about the size of a chunky paperback. While the remote control is friendly enough – and brightly backlit in case you’re using it in the dark – the box is a mixed affair when it comes to setting up. Read the rest of this entry »
Samsung’s BD-D6900 3D Blu-ray player is a curious hybrid. Not only does it play Blu-rays, DVDs and CDs but it also has a Freeview HD DVB-T2 tuner and connects to the company’s new Smart TV apps portal. It will even double up as a PVR if you tether it to an external hard drive. It’s not so much a disc spinner as an entertainment centre for mid-morning (rather than early) adopters.
Play it again…Samsung – the BD-D6900 ticks an awful lot of boxes
The BD-D6900 is slim. Just 33mm tall on tippy toes, the thing has barely enough fat to accommodate back-panel connections. Bear in mind that ‘slimness’ is not synonymous with ‘designer,’ even if that’s what Samsung would like you to think.
Indeed, the build quality of the BD-D6900 is best described as slight. The top of the unit is finished with what appears to be a recycled biscuit tin. Needless to say, it’s not comparable with some of Samsung’s higher-end products. Read the rest of this entry »
Review Despite its name, the Freecom MediaPlayer II is more than just media streamer – it’s a Nas box too. So, not only can you use it to play video files in your lounge, but it’s easy to get content on to it as well. Just hook it up to your network, and drag and drop what you want to watch.
Freecom’s MediaPlayer II: Nas and media playback box combined
As a device that will no doubt make its way into the living room, it’s not offensive to look at but it’s not the most stylish consumer electronics device ever made. The silver case and black front look decent, but it’s not going to win any design awards. On the plus side, the constant blue light that’s illuminated when it’s on isn’t so bright that it’s distracting if you’re trying to watch a video with the lights turned down.
Given its size, the MedialPlayer II is more likely to sit on top of existing AV kit, rather than in amongst it, as it doesn’t fit the standard wide, short form. It measures 203 x 160 x 50mm, although you’ll need to allow extra space around the back for cable clearance.
On the front, you’ll find just a single power switch and a status LED, and the sides are clear apart from air vents. Round the back, you’ll find an array of connectors to hook it up to a TV, plus ports that allows it to function as an external hard drive. Read the rest of this entry »
Review When we reviewed the diminutive philips GoGear Spark MP3 player back in March, we were quietly impressed. Now that philips has introduced the larger Opus, it’s time to see if the Spark was just a flash in the pan.
philips has clearly followed the old axiom of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ because the Opus has similar design traits to its previous PMPs. Still, if the Opus looks a little old fashioned, it remains smart and solid in its gloss black and brushed aluminium case. At 107x11x57mm and weighing 95g, it’s very similar to Samsung’s P3, although that has a 3in touch screen, while the Opus sports a non-touch 2.8in 320×240 affair. Read the rest of this entry »
