LaCie LaCinema Black MAX

We also struggled a bit when trying to use the Twonky software to stream files to the Black MAX across our network. We’ve encountered Twonky and its cumbersome web-browser interface before, so we knew what to expect.

The remote control is rather too basic for the demands of most users

Still, this program really isn’t suitable for non-technical users with no previous experience of configuring a media server. While there is a newer version called TwonkyMedia Manager, which has a more modern graphical interface, it isn’t currently included with the Black MAX.

Verdict

LaCie does deserve credit for attempting to combine the features of a DVR and network media server into a single unit and, from a technical standpoint, the Black MAX is pretty successful. You can switch from streaming music or video across your network to pausing or recording live TV with the press of a button. Unfortunately, the Black MAX is let down by its ease of use, as its limited DVR features, sluggish menu system and the ungainly Twonky software mean that many simple tasks just take longer than they should. ®

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