A new $99 “digital media receiver” from Hauppauge that runs embedded Linux has been reviewed favorably by CNet. Hauppauge's MediaMVP is a low cost thin-client device that connects a home PC running Win XP Home, XP Pro, or W2K with home TV and A/V equipment.

Click for larger view of Media MVP

The MediaMVP can decode mp3s, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 videos, JPEGs, GIFs and other content for display on TV sets, TV monitors, plasma monitors, or home theater A/V systems, according to Hauppauge. It can be combined with a personal video recorder (PVR) solution such as a Hauppauge WinTV-PVR card for a complete PVR solution.

CNet praises the devices for its simplicity and ease of use, but wishes it supported wireless networking better.

The MediaMPV's 10/100 Ethernet port can networked to a hub or switch using Cat 5 cable up to 300 feet long, or attached to a single computer using a cross-over cable. Wireless networking is supported through an add-on “Linksys Wireless-B Game Adapter,” but only at the lowest resolution video format due to throughput limitations.

Once the device is connected with a running PC (only Windows XP Home, XP Pro, and W2K operating systems are supported), a menu appears that lets the user choose “Video,” “Music,” “Pictures,” or “Settings.” The first three options show files located in specified directories on the host PC or on networked PCs. The Settings menu can be used to set aspect ratio (4:3 and 16:9 are supported), as well as NTSC or PAL and flicker reduction. This menu can also be used to specify directories where media are stored.

According to Hauppauge, the MediaMVP performs just two basic functions: rendering the on-screen display commands onto the TV monitor, and taking digital media files and decoding them into an analog form. It also takes remote control clicks and sends them back to the server for processing.

Hauppauge says the device features a RISC processor running Linux, with hardware decoders for MPEG-2 Transport Streams, MPEG-2 [email protected], and MP3 Audio. Hauppage says the MediaMVP will decode full CCIR601 resolution NTSC and PAL encoded MPEG-2 bit streams in real time, up to and including 720×480 (NTSC) or 720×576 (PAL). It will upscale lower resolution video to full screen. For example, MediaMVP will take 320×240 VCD video and play it full screen. It also offers a tunable Anti-Flicker Filter.

Hauppauge says the MediaMVP's on-screen display rendering engine provides 24-bit Direct Color (YUV) with 8-bit alpha blending. It has a range of audio and video outputs which are available in different models. A/V options include S-Video, composite video, YPbPr, and RGB outputs, plus left and right channel audio, in either RCA jacks or a SCART connector. NTSC and PAL output support is available in all models, and is software switchable.

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