2. In The Box

The HP Z566 arrived in a large and sturdy box (Figure 1). The shipping company had obviously not been very kind to it en route, but the z556 was snug and was not at all worse for the wear.

Figure 1: The HP z556 in its box (DVD for size reference).

The z556 looks about the same size as an average DVD player or VCR, measuring 17 in. wide / 4.4 in. high / 16.6 in. deep (43.1 cm x 11.1cm x 4 2.2cm). It's a bit heavier, though, weighing in just shy of 25 lbs. (11.1kg ). Although it's a bit deep from front to back, it will easily fit in with other audiovisual equipment.

Tables 1 and 2 respectively show the cables and accessories and guides and manuals that come with the z556. I'll note that the z556 came well equipped with every cable that you could possibly need, great manuals and a few LightScribe disks with which to get started (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Chock full o' stuff!

The z556 is a surprisingly nice looking HTPC. Its brushed aluminum finish and contrastingly shiny black control strip give the case a subtle, classy look, which is impressive without being obvious. It has a sturdy feel to it and its rounded edges and metal construction make it one of the best looking retail HTPCs that I have ever come across. Many of the early retail HTPCs were packaged in traditional tower PC cases and did not look right in the home theater.

The HP is the right shape, but unfortunately, far too much non-removable "graffiti" mars the front bezel. It has badges for Intel, Windows XP, HDTV, DVD, LightScribe and DVDR-RW. It also has the main HP logo, an HP Digital Entertainment Center logo and a label for the personal media drive bay. Admittedly, the eight badges and labels are well placed and manage to avoid looking overbearing, but the front bezel loses a bit of charm with the overabundance of branding and logos stamped on front.