The neuston VIRTUOSO MC-500

[Jack Tan]

Well I must say that although I have an XMS888 and Digitrex GK4000 I decided to get the Neuston MC500 about two weeks ago.

I can understand that everyone has their likes and dislikes but I have to admit that I use all three units.

The Neuston is connected to my wireless cable router and runs at 54Mbs unlike the card that can be used on the MC500 at 11Mbs. I have run avi and vobs directly to my home theatre system and the results are superb.The sound from mp3 is outstanding and all from a Mac.

The systems now allow me to decide which way to go - from my computer directly via the MC500, write to DVD or CD for the XMS888 or GK4000.

Yeah, thats a cool idea mate. I have both the neuston MC-500 and there DivX player, the DVX-1201 though to be honest, I dont use the DVX too much anymore! Purely because of two things. 1) Cant be buggered burning. 2) The MC-500 firmware updates seem quicker and better than DivX Player updates. (Think that ahs something to do with the fact that the hardware is more advanced than the players!)

But versatility is good! Dont ahve enough cash to buy lots of different Mpeg-4 playback devices! :-)

[Gumball]

Do you find that it plays the files that the XMS888 does not (new xvid version)? Been getting a little peeved with my 888 as of late and I am wanting an upgrade:)

This device sounds awesome but the cost is near triple a Z300 and I am unsure if its worth the extra money just to save some time burning a DVD (10 minutes).

[Jack Tan]

Do you find that it plays the files that the XMS888 does not (new xvid version)? Been getting a little peeved with my 888 as of late and I am wanting an upgrade:)

This device sounds awesome but the cost is near triple a Z300 and I am unsure if its worth the extra money just to save some time burning a DVD (10 minutes).

Hey Gumball,

To be honest, I can't really say as Ive never seen the XMS888 or used it. One one to find out properly is to figure out the hardware features and limitations of the chipset itself. From here, you can figure out the potential of the product, but not necessarily its features as its up to the manufacturer to write in the firmware what it can and cannot do!

All I can say is devices such as the Pinnacle ShowCentre and neuston MC-500 are convenient devices. I enjoy storing and categorizing on my hard drive. Its easier to access and because they are network capable, you can play multiple televisions from the same source.