For: Multiple media format support, optical out, MC card reader
Against: Poor build quality, hefty price tag
Though this tiny lunch-box-sized player has an unfinished look, the build quality is rugged, with a glossy paint and a brush-finished metal top plate. The unit has a straight-forward connectivity; a USB 2.0 port, HDMI, composite and optical AV out and an Ethernet port on the rear, while the two sides feature a USB 2.0 port and an MMC card reader respectively. The unit runs off an external power brick and has no room for any internal hard drive. The front features only the power switch and an IR sensor window. The HD Studio can play almost all media formats available, including MKV, DVD ISO, BD, TS, and SWF.
Hardware Specifications:
Dimensions (W X H X D): 185 x 76 x 145 mm
Weight: 491g
Interface: 2 x USB 2.0, MMC card reader, Ethernet, HDMI, Composite, Optical S/P-DIF
Maximum supported resolution: Full HD 1080p
External storage with FAT32 and NTFS formats is supported without any hassles. Complete operation is done using the fully functional slim remote controller. The user interface is pretty simple and very easy to operate. The HD studio also features media streaming to and from other UPnP capable devices on the network, while you can also enjoy Internet radio and surf your pictures on Flickr and Picassa using an Internet connection. On the performance front, there is nothing much to talk about as it is as competent as other HD playback devices available in the market. The HD studio is a good option for a media center in the living room hadn’t it been for its exorbitant price.
Final Rating: 80/100
