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The AC Ryan Playon! HD Essential is a very capable media player, based on the technology used in previous players we have tested. Almost every video type is supported. AVI/ MKV/ TS/ TP/ TRP/ M2TS/ MPG/ MP4/ MOV/ M4V/ VOB/ ISO/ DVD-ISO/ IFO/ DAT /WMV /ASF /RM / RMVB /FLV Resolution (up to 720p) /1080i/ 1080p/ BD-ISO.
Many people reading this will want a high level of support for HD files based around the MKV container. We are pleased to report that none we tested refused to play, even those with unusual audio codecs embedded. The image quality is fantastic, although if you move from AMD or nVidia graphics cards be prepared to have much lower levels of ‘fine tuning' capability.
For the ultimate test we ripped our BluRay of Terminator Salvation to a folder and the machine managed to play it without any quibbles. We did have an issue with the supplementary material which has director McG chatting about the development and creation of the movie. Getting out of this menu and into the actual movie was a little troublesome. Generally however the ISO and raw folder support for DVD's is excellent.
Folders of MP3's were easily found and all files played, from 128bit constant bit rate to 320kps. The sound quality is going to depend on your speaker system, but it seemed clear and free from false sound enhancements which often ruin the clarity of the audio.
All the major image files are supported, from Jpeg to BMP and this would be handy to show friends and family your holiday snaps in the comfort of your living room. The fact it can also read media cards directly is a useful addition.
The noise level is not intrusive at all, and even though the system incorporates a tiny 40mm fan, it is configured to spin slowly and to remain as quiet as possible, even in a warmish room when the hard drive is active.
We removed the internal drive and disconnected the 40mm fan and experienced no instability issues, reading from a diode, we noticed that ambient temperatures increased by a few degrees, but the internals do not generate much heat, even when playing 1080p material. We wouldn't suggest you disconnect the fan however if you are using the internal drive.
We also hooked up the Playon!HD Essential to a networked hard drive under the NTFS format and the product was able to read all the files on the external, networked drive. We found that the AC Ryan unit wasn't able to ‘live update' a drive which was constantly connected and receiving files across a network, but a simple restart would cause it to recache the folder structure and files within.
A pretty much needed idea from them to be honest. always wondered why they didnt make one without networking capabilities.
GOod review, covered all the bases. Shame about the interface speed, wonder if its a CPU issue ?
Wow I was waiting for one of theirs to have 1gb lan and now they remove it totally 🙁
seems really good, but I want a luxury high end model with everything. 2TB drive, gigabit lan, the works. and hopefully this interface. on the cards AC Ryan or not ?
Cant believe how small they have made it compared to the older ones. is this totally new hardware inside? I was wanted this interface on a new system. i almost bought the HD model, but am waiting for the next gen, as id like to use it as a NAS drive too. 100mbit isnt fast enough.
Very good, price cant be faulted. but I might look around for other options. I think I would want network capabilities and probably not slow wireless.
Very good, interesting read. When is it out?
Does it handle DVD folders on a drive?
Are they making a new one with networking and this new interface?
The delays are putting me off, where the other HD products like this or could it be a CPU issue?
Its out soon.
Yes it can play DVD folders.
I have no info on upcoming products.
The slow responses I would hope can be fixed with updates.
I think the OS issues are probably initial code which they will patch soon. im confident in their team, I bought the HD a few months ago after reading the review here, and the last update fixed issues for me. really good company with a keen eye on the community.
Really tempted to make a purchase of this media player after looked over the quite a few of late, could you tell me though does it play achvd with the menus from iso’s or do I have to strip them out so they are back to mts
Do not Buy This unit!!!
There are many bugs found which are not yet fix until now.
I’ve waited for 8 months for firmware update without any clue or hint when it will be released and which bugs are fixed.
Waste of money…
Bought the Veolo 4K but I was hugely disappointed with the JukeBox function that it could not scrub for poster art for my movies. Interface is difficult to use and the supplied remote is a farce. Support was a joke. Told me its not a good JukeBox player and asked me to use Kodi, what a terrible product for such a premium price. AC Ryan needs to focus on customer experience in product design, navigation, and support. Will not buy anything from this company. Lost my trust.