AC Ryan PLAYON! HD
Conclusion
Published: 5th October 2009 | Source: AC Ryan | Price: £143.74 |
Conclusion
Having tried similar devices in the past, I didn't have high hopes for the Playon. My fears then appeared to be coming true as I fired up the box, with the menus showing signs of lag and general slowness. Expecting to cripple the device, I loaded up the HD footage and was genuinely surprised when it handled it so well, a definite 'Well Done' to AC Ryan.
The appearance also comes into play when choosing a device that will live in your lounge, and the Playon comes up trumps there as well, with its simple yet elegant lines producing an aesthetically pleasing device. It also supports possibly the longest list of file types ever written, which should stop some users missing out.
If I were to be particularly picky, I would say the lack of external audio/video recording is a bit of a let down. Recording from a HD Tuner or converting old VHS's to hard drive would be a fantastic feature, but you can't have everything. The ability to copy files from USB, Memory card and Network files goes some way to making up for this, making almost all media sources accessible from the Playon.
So, what's the overall verdict? Well, If you have a large media library, whether it be photos, music or videos, I think the AC Ryan Playon! is an excellent bit of kit and would definitely recommend looking at it. Available for £143.74 from Scan.co.uk (plus the cost of a hard drive) it may not appear cheap, but when you compare it to the cost of building a media centre PC things start to look much more favourable.
The Good
+ Played HD content without stutter
+ Can handle a wide selection of media input
+ Massive range of supported file types
+ Good looks
+ HDMI output
+ SATA interface for hard drive
The Mediocre
* Takes a few seconds to load when browsing folders
* No facility to record from external equipment
The Bad
- Our unit came with a European plug
Overclock3d would like to thank AC Ryan for providing todays review sample. Discuss in our forums here.
Most Recent Comments
Nice review mate... Interesting product.
Quick question.. How long did it take the device to boot into a usable state?
Maybe a tiny little bit dear, but not by much. Still think I'd prefer to build my own HTPC as you can gear it up to exactly what you need.
Quick question.. How long did it take the device to boot into a usable state?
Maybe a tiny little bit dear, but not by much. Still think I'd prefer to build my own HTPC as you can gear it up to exactly what you need.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='Bungral'
Nice review mate... Interesting product.
Quick question.. How long did it take the device to boot into a usable state? Maybe a tiny little bit dear, but not by much. Still think I'd prefer to build my own HTPC as you can gear it up to exactly what you need. |
I totally agree, I'd also prefer to build my own HTPC, but even just the case could cost more than the Playon...
Was recently thinking of getting the Western Digital TV HD 1080P Media Player, tho this has now made me think twice.
Would i be right in assuming you can upgrade the HDD in the Playon to say 1/2TB and load movies onto it, so in effect have your entire media library on your Playon?
Have you used the WD TV HD, any thoughts?
Would i be right in assuming you can upgrade the HDD in the Playon to say 1/2TB and load movies onto it, so in effect have your entire media library on your Playon?
Have you used the WD TV HD, any thoughts?
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='Maverick1dj'
Was recently thinking of getting the Western Digital TV HD 1080P Media Player, tho this has now made me think twice.
Would i be right in assuming you can upgrade the HDD in the Playon to say 1/2TB and load movies onto it, so in effect have your entire media library on your Playon? Have you used the WD TV HD, any thoughts? |
You'll need to buy a hard drive to get the Playon! Working, but the size of that hard drive is upto you, so you could use a 1tb and put all your media on it no problems.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='Luigi'
so you could use a 1tb and put all your media on it no problems.
|
Media? :awhip:
Great review.
I think it's a great piece of kit for the price - not just for the sake of saying it, but if it has both the upgrading possiblilities, does stuff over a network.
A next revision of this could be very impressive.
I'd be picky and expect a slot loaded bluray to be in the top of it - but it certainly has alot more ticks than crosses that some similar boxes have had.
As far as it slowing down, I got Vista64 Media Center on a c2d 3ghz/4g/9400GT pc and it suffers the same fate when it's starting up. As soon as it knows where everything is, it's a bit quicker. 5000 albums and it struggles with the listings.
I think it's a great piece of kit for the price - not just for the sake of saying it, but if it has both the upgrading possiblilities, does stuff over a network.
A next revision of this could be very impressive.
I'd be picky and expect a slot loaded bluray to be in the top of it - but it certainly has alot more ticks than crosses that some similar boxes have had.
As far as it slowing down, I got Vista64 Media Center on a c2d 3ghz/4g/9400GT pc and it suffers the same fate when it's starting up. As soon as it knows where everything is, it's a bit quicker. 5000 albums and it struggles with the listings.
its a good little box - firmware updates coming soon include a lot of new toys as well.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='Luigi'
Not really used/looked at the WD TV HD, so Im afraid I can't really offer any advice there.
You'll need to buy a hard drive to get the Playon! Working, but the size of that hard drive is upto you, so you could use a 1tb and put all your media on it no problems. |
So let me get this straight, buy the AC Ryan Playon!, a 1TB HDD, add media to the HDD then install it into the Playon, all done and dusted, my entire media library on the AC Playon! ???
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='Maverick1dj'
Sorry been away for a week,
So let me get this straight, buy the AC Ryan Playon!, a 1TB HDD, add media to the HDD then install it into the Playon, all done and dusted, my entire media library on the AC Playon! ??? |
You'll need to put the hard drive in the Playon, then let it format the hard drive, then transfer all your media across (through USB or Network)..
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='Luigi'
Kind of..
You'll need to put the hard drive in the Playon, then let it format the hard drive, then transfer all your media across (through USB or Network).. |
First time i find/read article about POHD, i think this device is very cool
But after i buy and use this device, WOW this device is very SUCK
Its So many problem
First time (1-2 months)
- running well but some times HANG
- some times ask to reformated HDD (imagine if non IT guy select yes to reformat HDD)
3 months till now
- i also update latest firmware but only fix about ask to reformat HDD, but every time after period OFF/standby this device always HANG
The conclusion is 5 star for SUCKER DEVICE
But after i buy and use this device, WOW this device is very SUCK
Its So many problem
First time (1-2 months)
- running well but some times HANG
- some times ask to reformated HDD (imagine if non IT guy select yes to reformat HDD)
3 months till now
- i also update latest firmware but only fix about ask to reformat HDD, but every time after period OFF/standby this device always HANG
The conclusion is 5 star for SUCKER DEVICE
A few pointers
1) A WIFI USB stick OMG what a joke that should be on the PCB not a wifi stick
2) Its ugly and cheap looking
3) Its not worth the money there are devices out there cheaper and more features
4) The hi def playback of MKV files are blocky, FF / RW is realy badly jurky
5) Large hard drives with Fast spin rates cause the whole system to over heat and this causes the system to hang (due to heat) allso cause the systems to suggest a format ROTFLMAO
6) Badly designed The Slot load for the memory cards and USB slot should be in the front you you can easily access it
7) It needs more air vents in the side so it has better air flow (this is a major Flaw of the system)
Forget getting this is you relay what some thing decent look else ware
Stick to a media PC you can buy one or build one for £180 and have more features, better playback, more expansion options, a wide varty of free media software that is free to use ect ect ect.
1) A WIFI USB stick OMG what a joke that should be on the PCB not a wifi stick
2) Its ugly and cheap looking
3) Its not worth the money there are devices out there cheaper and more features
4) The hi def playback of MKV files are blocky, FF / RW is realy badly jurky
5) Large hard drives with Fast spin rates cause the whole system to over heat and this causes the system to hang (due to heat) allso cause the systems to suggest a format ROTFLMAO
6) Badly designed The Slot load for the memory cards and USB slot should be in the front you you can easily access it
7) It needs more air vents in the side so it has better air flow (this is a major Flaw of the system)
Forget getting this is you relay what some thing decent look else ware
Stick to a media PC you can buy one or build one for £180 and have more features, better playback, more expansion options, a wide varty of free media software that is free to use ect ect ect.
how would you transfer via USB
my hard disk is not getting detected in the playon. can anyone suggest an idea?
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