Multimedia players capable of reproducing various file types have become more and more popular lately. If someone, by any chance, is asking himself why anyone would use multimedia player instead of PC for watching movies and listening of music, than, we must tell you – because of so many advantages. First of all, multimedia players are very easy to use, secondly, you can enjoy in picture on big screen (many people don’t hold PC beside TV) and one more thing that some of you find very important – you have a chance to keep family away from your computer for awhile.
What we observed right away on this device is that Verbatim once again played smart by using proven solution as base for this model, that is MG-350SHD from South Korean manufacturer A.L.Tech. The pedigree of this Verbatim’s player shouldn’t bother you, what’s even more A.L.Tech is company that has longer tradition in this area from Verbatim itself. So there is no wonder why Verbatim used this model for its new device. Verbatim MediaStation Pro player is based on Sigma Design EM8621 chip that is designed for reproduction of multimedia content. This chip is capable of reproducing numerous video formats (you can check specification for more details), and with update with newer firmware version that can introduce, let’s say, support for MKV (matroska, x264) files (popular DVD rips). Supported audio formats are: MP3, OGG, WAV and WMA while supported image formats are: JPG/JPEG, PNG, BMP, or could we say whole spectrum. During reproduction we didn’t have any objection on quality for 95% of material. Everything went smooth and without stuttering. Almost all popular types of subtitles are supported and the only condition is that they need to be in the same folder with video file. Subtitles are very readable and it’s possible to change font size, colour and position of subtitle on the screen.
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Rewinding can be done in several ways, but we liked the most direct: typing of wanted time for some scene in the movie. Listening and organizing of music is also very simple procedure and player itself supports all basic functions that one contemporary player should. Menus are well organized and usage is simplified up to maximum. Device has HDD with 500GB capacity and you can use USB 2.0 connection to transfer content on it. Operating system will see HDD as any other portable (external) HDD and won’t ask for additional drivers, so practically we already have “two in one” device. Besides that, it’s possible to connect to Verbatim MediaStation Pro two USB devices (one more external HDD and memory card reader, for example). Brilliant! We salute Verbatim for that! If you have wireless network in your apartment or you want to access to some wireless HDD, or something like that, there is 802.11 b/g wireless adapter integrated into this device that needs also antenna that you get in package. Configuration of WiFi adapter is really easy, basic knowledge in this area will be more than enough. Device has even WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) that will provide you security of data on your HDD. Beside wireless network, there is also LAN connector (10/100Mbps throughput).
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We tested MediaStation Pro in network configuration consisted of two Workgroups. Regardless on that, all mapped hard disks were recognized and we could access them. It’s even possible to set static IP address to device. Verbatim literally thought on every detail. We especially liked possibility of accessing through FTP. Good thing on this multimedia player is its portability and fast installation. If you have LCD or plasma TV with HDMI output, picture and sound will be transferred through this output, you only need to set appropriate resolution (480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p). Also, HD material is possible to transfer through composite connectors, popular Y-Pb-Pr in 480p, 720p and 1080i resolutions. If you have some CRT TV, connection can be established through Composite or S-Video connector. Audio connection is realized through STEREO LR connectors or by digital S/PDIF out (coaxial and optical). We can confirm that Dolby Digital and DTS surround standard worked well in cooperation with player. Besides everything mentioned, player also has “internet radio” function.
If we talk about package, it contains almost all cables except for optical, which you must purchase additionally. You can also buy elegant black leather case for this player.
| Verbatim MediaStation Pro Wireless Network Multimedia Hard Drive | |
| Connection | HDMI, Component Video, S Video, Composite Video, Stereo Audio, Digital Audio Optical, Digital Audio Coaxial, 2xUSB, LAN (10/100Mbps), Wireless LAN |
| Supported Video Formats |
MPEG 1,2,4, MP4, divx 3,4,5,6 (AVI) , HD-MPEG2 , SD-MPEG2 , XviD, WMV9 (WMV), TS,TP,TRP, ISO, IFO, VOB |
| Supported Audio Formats | MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG Vorbis, AAC |
| Supported Image Formats |
JPG, JPEG, PNG, BMP |
| USB Compatible | Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista; Mac OS 9.0 or higher; Linux 2.4 or higher |
| Dimensions | 48 x 150 x 210 mm |
| Weight (with HDD and antenna) |
1.3kg |
| Capacity | 500GB |
Conclusion
The final mark would be – almost excellent! Verbatim MediaStation Pro is complete multimedia player that has lot of possibilities and types of connection. If you rather watch movies and listen to music than play games on your PC, we think that MediaStation Pro is perfect for you. You’ll hardly find better comprehensive device unless you plan to purchase Xbox 360 that can be used for gaming also.
