 Primitive but effective |
| Review Date: January 4, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Ralph, San Diego |
I bought this to view high def (1080p) video from my desktop computer on my big screen TV in the living room.
I had tried a number of other media players and they either couldn't handle 1080p, or would not stay connected to the network.
I've had the eGreat for a week and its working very well.
Setup was not as smooth as I'd like. Documentation is pretty primitive, web site support from the manufacturer is pretty minimal. While plugging it in was a no brainer, what to do for the software to get the eGreat to connect to my desktop was not so obvious. One thing that had me stumped was that eGreat uses a guest login to the server, and I had disabled the guest account (because I run other services that are connected to the web). Finally I found support sites dedicated to the NMT (Networked Media Tank) software that the eGreat runs, and that got me on the right track. Turns out that I need to install MyiHome software on the server and that works fine, although its a not as full functioned as some of the standard DLNA servers. For example, one can only share files in one folder, rather than having multiple folders. When I did try enabling the guest account the eGreat would connect, but had trouble browsing multiple levels of folders.
Once I got connectivity straightened out, playing has been very smooth. Have played DVD files, 720p video, 1080p video in a variety of formats. One thing that I really like is the ability to skip forward and backward within the video - either with an absolute time, or with a multiple of 30 seconds skips. I don't think the other media players I was trying had this feature.
I was a tad disappointed that it seems to have trouble with photo's - I didn't spend of lot of time figuring this out, but all the photo's I have are in the 6MB size range, and the eGreat just said it could not display them.
Lastly, I don't know if I have the latest firmware or not. The online check gave some kind of error (an icon with an exclamation point), and the eGreat web site is not very helpful to figure it out.
But it works for what I want it to work for, unlike the other boxes I tried. Its certainly obvious that eGreat does not have the support infrastructure of a more mature brand, but the technology is very nice.
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GREAT MEDIA PLAYER
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| Review Date: September 16, 2009 |
| Reviewer: KinutS, Australia |
I was looking for a media player for sometime but was confused with all the options out there, eventually came across this one online.
This unit plays back all types of media that I have including .ISO files, though I dont have many different formats, mainly .AVI and MPEG. I've noticed reviews where people claim that it "Plays everything I throw at it" that statement has been overused and is actually not true. I have not been able to play .WMV files at all, fortunately I have very few files in that format. When converting your movie library, stay away from that format. It has issues playing .mp4 and .mov files as there is no sound unless you change the sound settings from DIGITAL to PCM which results in a reduced sound effect and defeats the purpose of having the set up, however this could be a result of my AV receiver but I'm currently convinced (in order to delay the inevitable purchase of a new receiver) its the eGreat.
It also has an annoyingly bright green light on the front panel, which i have covered with some stickers.
Other than the above minor issues, its definately great value, and is my current favourite gadget. It also plays all music formats possible including FLAC, OGG, AAC, MP3 etc.... when you install a hard drive using the sata connection you can also install apps that give you a movie jukebox and a music jukebox, though I struggled setting up the movie jukebox initially, the instructions are made for people who have been using the jukebox for years and assumes that all users will want it set up in one configuration. The Jukeboxes automatically download cover art for movies and music with synopsis, actors, awards, year etc and make it much easier to search for the title you're after, definately worth installing, just make sure your external hard drive enclosure has sata port because thats the only way it can install and run juke boxes. Also note that for this to work the hard disk will be formatted (by the unit) using the Linux format so you wont be able to browse it using a direct usb connection to windows pc or a mac. You can however browse and copy media using the network option, it just wont be as fast as USB. There is however software that can allow you to read and write to it.
The units here are a bit overpriced so shop around for better pricing, I got mine for $200 Australian including postage and an upgraded remote control.
Setting it up is a breeze, just plug it in attach usb hard discs or using the sata connection and you're good to go. I would however recommend that you use HDMI connections only for the best results and hassle free connection and set up. Also note that the user manual it ships with is completely useless, translated from chinese using MSWord or something similar, it doesn't make any sense at all, in fact its only good for recycling or lining your bird cage. There are however large communities and wiki's online that will provide you all the information you need, though they are sometimes confusing as there is too much information available.
The unit ships with everything you need, including a HDMI cable, if you're buying this unit then you better have plasma or LCD tv with at least one HDMI port, the best connection however is to connect it first to your AV receiver and run a HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV rather than a direct connection to the TV. Reason being that tv's dont decode DTS audio, DTS HD and other newer formats hence you would need to change settings to downmix the audio and lose out on sound quality. Which means that you should also have a good receiver that can actually play audio through HDMI.
Another great thing is the internet connection, plug in the compatible (not included) wireless N usb dongle and it works right away (after putting in your passwords etc) I however found it too slow for my purposes and I'm now using a wired connection, it has an ethernet connection in built. this means you can watch youtube clips, trailers, sports, news and a many other internet media including internet radio streaming. you can also stream movies and other media from your networked computers or storage, though if you use the wireless option it will struggle with HD content, hence the reason I now use a wired connection.
Another great thing about it is its size, its really small and unobtrusive so you wont have yet another large gadget cluttering your tv room/stand.
Overall, its a great buy, cheaper than most other media players with similar capabilities but able to do a lot more than most, at least from what I've read on the capabilities of other media players. |
Small Wonder
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| Review Date: September 8, 2009 |
| Reviewer: L. R. EVANS, Texas |
Got this thing in the mail from Jytech about three days after I ordered it. Hooked it up and did the set up in about 15 minutes. This thing does everything I was wanting it to do. I was mainly looking for an inexpensive link between my network and my TV. This was it.
I have an HP Windows Home Server, a Buffalo NAS, two desktop PC's and two laptop's on my network. One desktop, the server and the NAS are on a gigabit switch. The eGreat is on a 10/100 switch and the rest are wireless.
I was using an Xbox 360 through Media Center to play video and display photos on my TV. Media Center is too limited in the types and formats it will handle. This box handles everything I have thrown at it so far. Highly recommend this little box for the price and the functionality and highly recommend Jytech for a supplier. |
Egreat M34A better than Popcorn Hour
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| Review Date: June 29, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Chen, NYC |
Bought this item from Jytec Electronics on Amazon. Been looking for a media player that can play all my .avi, mpegs, dvd rips and especially high def MKV's (1080P). Before Egreat product came out, the real complete solution was with the popcorn product (PCH), Egreat as it turns out, runs the same firmware as PCH so it supports EVERYTHING that PCH is able to do at lot less price. My setup is simple, just need something to play movies stored on external USB storage and as well as media streaming (video, photos, music) over my home network (NAS and Samba Shares). This product handles that with no issues - rock solid.
DTS firmware finally came out beginning of June so finally I'm getting downmix native on the box. I still haven't thrown anything at this box that it doesn't play yet so extremely happy. What a great piece of hardware. |
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