3. Ports

The X5000 offers a complete array of ports ranging from modest analog outputs to high-quality digital audio and video ports that allow you to connect it to virtually any display or AV receiver.

A complete array of ports allow the X5000 to connect with many different types of displays.

Video out:

Composite Svideo Component

HDMI (HDMI can be converted easily to DVI with an inexpensive converter cable available in most electronics stores.)

Audio:

Standard analog 2 channel Composite RCA ports S/Pdif digital audio (both coaxial and optical support)

USB 2.0

There are also 2 USB 2.0 ports in the X5000. One is located in the rear and one is located on the right side of the device. The side location is an odd choice, given that many users either place AV components side by side or in a rack where side access isn't convenient. These USB 2.0 connections make the X5000 capable of hosting self-powered external hard drives and flash card readers.

The X5000 adds to this expandability with support for NTFS. Adding an external hard drive allows you to view content and display pictures easily without needing to be connected to a PC on the network. I tried connecting several different types of USB storage devices with varying results.

Device	Result
Unpowered USB 1.0 2.5" External HDD	There was clearly insufficient power from the USB to run an unpowered HDD.
USB 2.0 Hard Drive (Powered)	This self powered external drive produced a "device enumeration error" and could not be accessed.
USB 2.0 1 GB flash drive	Also produced a "device enumeration error" and could not be accessed.
USB 1.0 16 MB flash drive	The X5000 recognized it immediately and I was able to access it.
USB 2.0 Smart Media Card Reader	The X5000 recognized it immediately and I was able to access it.
USB 2.0 Self powered external 3.5" hard drive	The X5000 recognized it immediately and I was able to access it.