Combined AV Devices > Philips Combined AV Devices > Digital multimedia receiver

Advantages: Well made, fast wireless card (54Mbps), Supports UPNP Servers, supports lots of file formats.
Disadvantages: Bulky & arkward remote control

...Very good! The Philips SL300i is a neat little box which plugs into your TV using a SCART lead. Once plugged in it opens up a whole new world for your entertainment. You can store all your photos, music and videos on a computer located elsewhere in your house and view them on your TV via a wired or wireless connection. On the back is an Ethernet port, SCART connection and audio outputs so you can connect to a external sound system if you wish. ...
...more Internet feeds than the Philips software. You don't have to use any server software at all as it also connect directly to the internet were you can watch music videos, short films, play games and listen to radio channels of which there are loads (100's) Onto the device itself, it is well made with a metal case and stand and looks very nice on or off, especially on as there are 2 very nice blue led's on the front. The remote control is a let ... Read review

Advantages: Wirelessly transmit music from your P.C to your HI-FI
Disadvantages: Needs improvement

Philips Streamium SL50i Wireless player - Play your music wirelessly - Connect to your Philips PC - Plug into a Hi-fi for an Instant Jukebox - Internet upgradeable - automatic updates - Universal Plug and Play - Includes infra-red remote control - Wireless Range Up to 50m - Transfer Data Speeds Up to 54Mbps - 2 Year Manufacturers Warranty - And much more All straight from a tiny box plugged in your HI-fi system. By now you may be thinking why ...
...Like any other philips product it was well packaged but before i completely unwrapped it, i took out the plastic bag with all of the bits and bobs in it. the bag consisted of the remote control, 2 batteries, cables, an instruction book and the computer software. First of all i had a quick glnce of the instruction book, which was very thick, and noticed there was about 6 pages in english and the about 100 in other languages. Then i installed the ... Read review

Advantages: Easy to set up. Good quality pictures from weak signals.
Disadvantages: A little fiddly to use.

This DVD/Hard Disk recorder is built to a high standard. It is easy to install, just requiring a SCART cable to your TV (you could use HDMI or AV cables if you prefer and your TV supports these). Then plug the ariel cable into this box (included) and an ariel cable to your TV (included). Switch this on and it quickly scans for TV channels and begins to download the programme guide very quickly. Easy. Using the device isn't quite so simple. Most ...
...daily and weekly recording are listed in the manual - you will need to read this). Using the Direct Navigator (library of recorded programs) and the TV guide are both quite simple. But you cannot flick from one to the other without going back to the TV first. It is a single tuner and as such you cannot watch another program at the same time as recording and the box flicks to the recording channel a little while before the recording starts, so you ... Read review

Advantages: One can take one's favourite videos anywhere, easily.
Disadvantages: It is not the lightest device.

...and television episodes on my Archos 504 along with all my desired music. I also liked to fact that the screen is quite large and one can enjoy films on it, unlike some cheaper, smaller devices. There was also the added bonus of there being an inbuilt sound recorder, and one of good quality, and it can be quite useful when memos need to be recorded. For these reasons, the Archos 504 has been a most agreeable device to own. However, I would also highlight ...
...when watching films does not last a great deal of time- in the region of two hours, or thereabouts. Listening to music, it lasts longer- probably double, but I am not certain, as I constantly top up the battery. Unfortunately, and rather naughtily, the company did not include a mains charger with it, only a USB lead which allows charging. I use the DVR station to charge it. Also, when playing sound out loud, it is not extremely loud, but it is only ... Read review

Advantages: Everything that is not listed in the "Disadvantages" - read review
Disadvantages: doesn't support MP4, it comes formatted in FAT32 (but supports NTFS)

...decided to pick up this LaCie LaCinema Premier 500GB and this is my review of it: First of all, I would like to make clear that this product is EXCELLENT! It comes in a white little square box. Taking out the contents you will find the hard disk itself, CD with manuals (no drivers), USB 2.0 cable , A/V cable, remote with batteries (2AA), power adapter and a (very) Quick Install Guide. The hard disk looks professional and its weight is not too heavy ...
...with blue led lights on the front when turned on. It has some controls on the front (stop, play, four direction arrows and power button). On the back it presents a USB 2.0 port, 3 A/V plugs (Video+Audio Left & Right), S-Video and others similar to the composite plugs but dedicated to the HD video. Dimensions are: 68x170x125mm (2.68x6.69x4.92in.) Knowing that they released updates of its firmware I first plugged it into my computer and followed ... Read review