Conclusion:
While the Hauppauge MediaMVP is not a total replacement for a home theater computer, it is a worthy substitute. This would allow you to play your digital music or Internet radio, view pictures, and watch videos on a television without the need for a full computer. Anybody familiar with the connections on a DVD player or TV should be able to hook this up with ease. If you combine this with a Hauppauge TV tuner you can create a DVR without the expense of having a second computer.
If you are considering this device, you might want to be aware that there is a wireless version, because if your room is not wired for Ethernet, you will need to run a cable for it (or use a wireless access point).
The unit is a little slow to respond to the remote at times, so you have to be patient when trying to change something, otherwise you could find yourself on an undesired file due to extra clicking. The biggest issue I have with the unit is lack of other video CODECs. I tried to view video from several formats, and it would not play them. When I played DivX, MPEG-1 or MPEG-2, I couldn't ask for anything better. However there are other video CODECs that I would like to have supported such as Xvid, MP4, WMV. Likewise, I'd like to see a future version allow for some form of DRM support. With the popularity of Windows Media Center and iTunes, it would be nice if those files could be accessed by the MediaMVP.
There are some very nice third party enhancements, Hauppauge officially recognizes some third party add-ons, and even includes a links on their support site to SageTV client for the MediaMVP. This add-on allows you access to all of the SageTV functions, including programming guide, and live TV. Using some other add-ons, the convenience of the player is greatly expanded. Some of these add-ons include integration with other popular computer DVR software, such as Beyond TV and MythTV, and others include additional CODECs and enhanced menus.
A search of PriceGrabber shows a wide range of prices for the MediaMVP, from $81 to $182! Considering you could have the Hauppauge MediaMVP delivered for under $90, it is definitely attractively priced, and obviously a more economical solution to a basic HTPC.
There are only a few negatives to the MVP, which do not detract from it's usefulness. I initially did not think I would have a use for it since I have a full home theater computer, however I have found it useful for other rooms in the house. There is a great potential for this unit to become an incredible device if Hauppauge continues to develop it for the average consumer.
I award the Hauppauge MediaMVP a final rating of "Recommended". If I take into consideration some of the third party enhancements, this could easily receive a "Highly Recommended" rating.
Pros:
» Easy installation and configuration
» Menus are easy to navigate
» Good video/audio playback
» Great potential
Cons:
» Sometimes slow responding to remote
» As is it doesn't support many video CODECs
» No DRM
Special thanks to Hauppauge for providing the MediaMVP Networked Media Player to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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