Gadgetell Review: NeoDigits Helios X5000
Product: NeoDigits Helios X5000
Price: $579
Rating: 8.5/10
Pros: Multiple video and audio formats, NTSC/PAL, built-in WiFi, network streaming, 1080p upconverting
Cons: Small display, poor remote, lacking SACD/DVD-Audio,
Overall: If you are looking for a device that is compatible with most disc-based video and audio formats (except for high def disc and 5.1 audio) and interfaces via the internet with both your home theater and PC, then check out the Helios X5000. This is not your grandmother’s DVD player.
Features - 9.5/10 - The NeoDigits Helios X5000 is a fully functional network streaming, upconverting DVD player (to 720p, 1080i, and 1080p via HDMI). It offers many many playback formats including: DVD-Video, DVD+R/RW/-R/-RW, DVD-RAM, MPEG4, Divx/DivxHD, WMV9 HD, VCD/SVCD, CD/CDR/CDRW/CD-MP3 and CD-JPEG. For video, besides the upconverting HDMI output, there are progressive and interlaced Component outputs, S-video, and standard Composite video outputs, all switchable between NTSC and PAL.
For audio, the player has digital optical, digital coaxial, and two analog stereo outputs - supporting Dolby Digital and DTS. And when I say audio I mean high-end audio—there is a super-regulated R-core linear power supply, gold coated output sockets, BurrBrown OpAmps, Wolfson DAC, full metal case and more. For everything the unit has, it lacks slightly with audio formats. There is no SACD/DVD-Audio support, and less important but still worth noting are the missing 5.1 audio output options.
Networking comes via a 802.11g integrated connection or the rear ethernet port (did I mention that the player has a web browser as well, but this is not to be used as a PC replacement). There are two USB Ports (1 rear, 1 side) provided for flash drives or PC connections.
Ease of use - 7/10 - The player itself was not too hard for me to navigate but I am not a beginner. That being said, this player is not for the technophobic at heart so I guess it really isn’t an issue. The menu is extremely exhaustive and the features during use actually do require a read through the manual. Hooking the player up to my PC only required a download of the web based program, and connecting via USB (for my PC or flash drive) was a cinch. I was actually slightly disappointed with the remote. For such a fully functional player I would have liked the remote to directly access the function more easily. The front LCD display is also lacking, providing very little information once the unit eventually turns on.
Other - Additional components used in the review of the Helios DVD/Network player included a Westinghouse LVM-37w3 1080p LCD TV (via a HDMI cable) and Pioneer’s HTS-560DV 5.1 surround system (via a digital optical cable). Pre-recorded standard DVDs used included scenes from the following: MI3, The Matrix, Serenity, and Finding Nemo. Wired and Wireless Internet access functions of the X5000 were tested using an Belkin G router, paired with a Sony VGN-S150 VAIO PC running Windows XP.
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I bought this unit for $450 and REALLY wanted the networking part of it to work. Unfortunately it constantly froze and lost the network signal. I never even made it thru a single movie. The firmware upgrades are a joke as they create more problems. I think for the expensive price, it should have had all the bugs worked out. I sent it back and bought the Buffalo Linktheater with DVD for $100 buck. Turns out, it works flawlessly, and has the same picture and sound quality as the other Helios. AND, they run the same software with different skins!!
on November 17, 2007 at 07:00 AM - LINKConclusion: Helios is an overpriced hunk of crap!!