Codec confusion
This browser interface ought to be platform independent but, almost inevitably, I did stumble across a few cross-platform file format problems when streaming files remotely off the MediaShare. My MacBook was unable to stream some AVI video files from the browser interface, even though the MacBook had the relevant Windows Media codecs installed.
Versatile, but needs refinement
Similarly, a PC laptop was unable to stream some AAC music files and QuickTime video files created on a Mac despite having the Windows version of QuickTime installed. When this happens you’re given the option to download the files onto your computer and play them directly off the hard drive, but that rather defeats the purpose of buying a fancy streaming-media device like the MediaShare in the first place.
Verdict
To be fair, these file format problems tend to plague other media-streaming products as well, and the MediaShare does have a better graphical interface than many of its rivals. The MediaShare is also competitively priced, even by the standards of more basic NAS drives. It’s just a shame that the installation problems and other rough edges we encountered mar what is otherwise an attractive and versatile media storage device. ®
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Verbatim MediaShare 1TB Nas
COMMENTS
Cheap NASs
I have bought and hated cheap NASs in the past.
How well does it stand up to sustained work? Some die while you are trying to copy multi-GB to them (uploading the contents of your digi-cam or cam-corder).
How fast (or slow) is it? I take it for granted that you can read files off it, but does it take all week?
What is this software you talk of? It doesn't work without it? It is a VERY long time since MS PCs needed extra software installed for file-serving. Are Verbatim living in the 80's?
These extra USB / eSATA ports for additional storage, how do they work? Do they all show up as separate drives? How does that work in their viewing software? How much slower are they?
Power consumption?
You should be bothered to plug all the always-on hardware you review into a cheap energy monitor. It's easy to do and it would be very useful to know.
Verbatim is best known for...
5.25" floppies. Mine's the parka with the JEDI patch sewn on
Price
How about if it was £150 for 1TB and £200 for 2TB? (As per the article)
So....
...What use is it if you don't have an internet connection?
Why oh why do manufacturers go down the route of setting things up via the internet? There are people I know that don't have internet - no phone lines unless large amounts of money handed over and then no guarantee that anything other than dial-up would work - that have an extensive home network. They got a netgear nas that required an internet connection to set up - didn't say that on the box - found it couldn't work in their situation so returned it. Now they have a D-Link DNS-343 that just works.
As far as I can see any box that will not work on a network with out an internet connection is not a NAS box but something else.
