NeoDigits Helios X5000 HD Network Media Player

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Summary

  • Product Name: Helios X5000 DVD Player
  • Manufacturer: NeoDigits
  • Performance Rating: StarStar
  • Value Rating: Star
  • Review Date: November 27, 2006 19:00
  • MSRP: $ 579
Specifications

General Features:

  • Sigma Designs EM8620L Chipset

  • High Definition Upscaling up to 1080p (1920x1080) resolution

  • 12bit / 150MHZ Video DAC
  • LG DVD-ROM

Special Features:

  • Burr-Brown 2 Channel low-noise Op Amp
  • Wolfson 2 Channel 24bit/192khz Stereo DAC
  • Professional Audio Grade Capacitor
  • R-core linear power supply
  • Handcrafted fully-brushed aluminum front panel
  • Gold-plated RCA jacks

Connectivity:

  • Ethernet: 10/100 BaseT
  • WiFi: Built-in Wireless 802.11g
  • 2 * USB 2.0 port to support Mass Storage Devices (NTFS format supported)
  • HELIOS Media Portal
  • NeoLink Server software for Windows
  • Third party UPnP compatible server software
  • Built-in web browser (supports HTML, RSS feeds, Internet music and Internet video)
  • Firmware upgradeable
  • WEP / WPA Encryption for WiFi

Photo Formats: JPEG, PNG, BMP

Languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch

Video Resolutions: 1080p, 1080i (NTSC 60hz / PAL 50hz), 720p (NTSC 60hz / PAL 50hz), 480p /576p, 480i/576i

Video Outputs: HDMI, DVI with optional HDMI to DVI converter cable, Composite Video, Component Video, S-video

Video Formats: MPEG 1/2/4, DivX 3.11/4/5, DivX 6/HD, XviD HD, WMV 9/HD, VOB, TS

Audio System: Analog 2 Channel Stereo, Optical Audio, Coaxial Audio

Audio Formats: Audio CD, WMA / WMA Pro, MP3, MPEG / MPEG-2, FLAC, AAC, Ogg Vorbis

Disc Formats: DVD, DVD-R/DL/RW, DVD+R/DL/RW, DVD-RAM, VCD, SVCD, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3-CD

Accessories:

  • Wireless Antenna
  • 5 ft. HDMI cable
  • Video/audio cable
  • Backlit fully-functional remote control (with batteries)
  • Quick Start Guide

Power Supply: R-core Linear 110/220 manual switch

Software Requirements for NeoLink Server Software:

  • PC running Windows 2000 (SP3 and up) or WinXP(SP2 and up)
  • Minimum 128M RAM and 200M free hard disk space
  • Minimum 500mhz CPU



Pros

  • Upconverts all your DVDs to your display’s native format
  • Great image detail
  • Can share media with other Helios users over the Internet
  • Upgradeable over the Internet

Cons

  • Poor de-interlacing performance
  • Occasionally drops video
  • Setup is a pain
  • Media streaming is inconsistent
  • DVD menus sometimes unresponsive
  • Occasional freezes/crashes

Introduction

When I was asked if I was interested in reviewing the Helios X5000, I said ‘yes’ out of hand. You can’t be a reviewer and not be interested in reviewing nearly everything that comes across your desk. But honestly, I had no idea what it was. I knew it was a media player but it seemed to be more focused on the video side. They seemed to be pushing their upconverting capabilities and I could find no information on how the unit recorded and played back media. Very confusing. So, when the unit arrived, I hooked it up not really knowing what to expect.

 

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