Conclusion : Neodigits' Helios X5000 HD Network Media Player

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Conclusion

By Michael Baggaley, published on November 30, 2006
Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: neodigits, helios, x5000, hd, network, media, player

Contents

8. Conclusion

In spite of a rocky start, I liked the X5000. Its quality construction, pleasant user interface, and upscaling capabilities managed to outshine the buggy internet functions and the initial DVD playback issues that I experienced. The Helios X5000 was not without its problems, but the primary functions (HD upscaling and multiple format media support with networking capabilities) performed well.

I've never been obsessive enough to be considered an audiophile, but even I can appreciate Neodigits' attention to detail in keeping the X5000 as quiet as possible along with the 24-bit DAC and goldplated audio connections. People who enjoy listening to CD quality FLAC (free lossless audio codec) files and those that are set up for home theater stereo sound will appreciate these quality touches. It should appeal to audiophiles and videophiles alike.

While it wasn't quite as peppy as my HTPC, I was not overly annoyed by the delays as I navigated through the UI. None of the menus took more than a few seconds to open and the player takes about 30 seconds to boot up initially. These are all acceptable wait times considering the trade off in functionality over a garden variety DVD player.

The main sore spot for me was the remote. The X5000 remote was lacking in style. The button scheme was poorly thought-out and it just didn't stand up to the X5000 player in terms of quality. A less expensive player might be able to get away with a sub standard remote, but Neodigits should have spent a little more time in developing this one. I also think that Neodigits may have bitten off more than they could chew by adding Internet functionality to the X5000, since, despite many attempts and help from Neodigits, I wasn't able to get any of the features to work.

If you're in the market for a high-end DVD and network media player, I'd put the X5000 on your short list - as long as you don't have your heart set on using any of its Internet access features.

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