The Wireless MediaMVP plays MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and DivX video files. It's compatible with MP3 and WMA audio files, but performance with WMAs was unacceptably sluggish: after we selected WMA files, the player took as long as 25 seconds to actually begin playback. M3U, PLS, B4S, and ASX playlists are supported, but Rhapsody compatibility and DRM-protected WMA audio files downloaded from Internet music stores (that is, PlaysForSure content) are a no-go. JPEG, BMP, and GIF image files all displayed successfully. The unit allows firing up a photo slide show with musical accompaniment.
The Wireless MediaMVP's wireless performance was below average in our testing environment, but as always, your mileage may vary. With the unit in the same room as our wireless router, playback was fine, but dropouts were more frequent when we placed the device one room away from the router in a building with plaster walls. Sometimes files wouldn't play at all. To help evaluate the Wireless MediaMVP's sonic wherewithal, we tested several tracks against Slim Devices' great-sounding Squeezebox. The Squeezebox was the hands-down winner, delivering clearer and more dynamic sound--but it costs twice as much, and it can't stream video. Nonetheless, the Wireless MediaMVP's overall sound quality can be characterized as average.
In the final analysis, the Hauppauge Wireless MediaMVP's shortcomings are numerous enough to considerably limit its appeal. The addition of wireless connectivity and a digital audio output would've been a big deal three years ago, but they're merely run of the mill now--and the lack of HD video, PlaysForSure audio, and Rhapsody compatibility are all the more glaring. Factor in the Wireless MediaMVP's spotty wireless performance, and you have a product that falls short of the competition--especially when the D-Link DSM-520 can be had for just $50 to $100 more.
What You'll Pay
- Set Price Alert
