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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.

In case you missed the first contest we’ll repeat…

The Gadgetell redesign is live causing quite a buzz here at headquarters. On top of that we just celebrated our first birthday...on October 9th - yes we still will accept presents - so we have a lot to be happy about. Most importantly we are thankful that you, our loyal readers, keep coming back day after day, searching for something to scratch that tech itch. While we will celebrate a bit here, this giveaway is our way to celebrate with you.

The second prize is the NeoDigits HELIOS X5000 streaming media player. This Wi-Fi enabled, multi-media file playing, iTunes/Napster streaming, RSS reading, 1080p up-converting DVD player is listed for $579 on the non-Gadgetell market, but just a comment is required here.

To enter: All you have to do is leave a comment with a tip on the redesign (must be something more than just “it looks good to me"). We will be giving away at least one gadget away each week until we run out. This post will close next Monday the 13th, then we’ll pick the winner at random, assuming you don’t cheat.

The rules:

• You may only enter this contest one time


• You can only win once during the extent of the “v2 giveaway” contest, but can enter each one


• The winner will be sent a notice via email and has 72 hours to reply with their mailing address to claim their prize—make sure you use a valid email address
• You will be shipped your prize as soon as we get it into the mail, but don’t worry it’s coming

Good luck!

Helios is holding a contest on their website right now – the search for The Ultimate Couch Potato (a.k.a. the person with the most ingenious fantasy home theater setup where everything they could possibly need is within arms reach). The winner will get another high tech product to instigate more couch potato syndrome, a Helios X5000 player (first runner up gets an MP3 player). You have until August 31 at midnight to get your story in. Click on for an example entry and entry link.

X5000 Network Media Player connected to a 180 inch projector screen. Complete lighting system. THX AV receiver with 7.1 channel surround speakers. Completely soundproofed room so I can play my movies shamelessly loud. Wall-to-wall carpeting for sound to bounce off better. In the center of the room sits my king-sized lazyboy with a snazzy zebra print – massage chair that also responds to movie effects (I leave that to your imagination). Underneath is a bottomless beer dispenser (with foam, of course). To the right, a refrigerator fully-stocked with all my movie-munching necessities. To the left, my own popcorn machine. And a universal control panel that responds to only my voice commands and can control every aspect of my home theater – from sound and lighting system all the way down to my lazyboy’s massage options.

Enter the contest

[Thanks Denise]