Conceptronic informed us that the Media Server is “a basic UPnP server” that only supports ‘standard’ file formats. The company was somewhat vague about which specific formats, but did confirm that AAC isn’t among them. Also, we were told that it’s possible to use alternative UPnP server software if you want, or to use the Media Player’s built-in Samba server to set up file sharing without using UPnP at all.
Nice hardware, shame about the software
That might not be too difficult for technically knowledgeable Reg readers – and we know that many of you are fans of MythTV – but first-time users who aren’t familiar with media players or the intricacies of UPnP or setting up a Samba server will simply grind to a halt at this point. Conceptronic really needs to offer more user-friendly software straight out of the box.
To be fair, Conceptronic’s Media Server application is no worse than similar software included with many rival media players. However, some devices, such as the and Western Digital's WD TV Live, do show that it’s possible to provide more versatile browsing options and greater ease of use.
Verdict
At around £150, the FullHD Media Player is significantly more expensive than the WD TV Live, which also lacks an internal hard disk, while you can pick up a model such as Iomega’s ScreenPlay Director that has a 1TB hard disk for only £25 more. We like the rocket ship design, but the FullHD Media Player needs a price cut and more user-friendly software before this particular rocket is ready for take-off. ®
More Network Media Player Reviews...
Popcorn Hour C-200 |
LaCie LaCinema Black MAX |
Freecom MediaPlayer II |
Wyplay Wyplayer |
Conceptronic Grab'n'Go
COMMENTS
Portal
Anyone agree they ripped the design off one of those turrets from portal??
(Half-life 2 Orange Box for those who dont know about the best game of the decade).
Nothing Could Be Simpler..?
<<Nothing could possibly be simpler than setting up SMB (Samba) on a Windows pc.>>
Actually, *not* having to set up Samba would be much simpler - especially for the millions of ordinary people who have never heard of Samba or UPnP.
Cliff
Has anybody looked at the Asus O!Play?
This claims a huge format compatability list. El Reg?
SAMBA easier than UPNP
Nothing could possibly be simpler than setting up SMB (Samba) on a Windows pc.
1. Enable netBIOS over TCP/IP and allow it through your firewall.
2. Right-Click the drive(s) or folder(s) you want to share and choose simple file sharing to make those folders visible to others on the network.
3. Fire up your media player and browse/copy/stream any files you want from your pc, with no restrictions on file type/format etc.
Honestly it is that simple and SMB is always a better option than UPNP when it is supported. C'mon guys, are you really that technophobic or techno-illiterate?
Hmm
Bought a Sumvision Cyclone MKV 2 very good player also for half the the price.
Think bigpockets are flogging them
